Well, technically, it was more like a blind date for my hair. Yup, I was giving another stylist a try. I've been very happy with R over the last few years but sometimes you just need a change. Plus lately I've been finding parking almost impossible, not to mention the logistical challenges of getting downtown with the bridge closed. And the final straw - she changed her online scheduling software and I just couldn't muster up the will to set up an account and work with the new one. Thus I found myself looking at options closer to home and reading online reviews. I decided to give a salon on Central a go.
Even though at the end of the day it's just hair, it's still hair that's on my head. So I was more than little nervous. Finding a hairdresser you click with is a minor miracle. And goodness knows - there have been a few disasters along the way. I have a vivid memory of trying a new stylist back in high school. I must have been about 16 at the time. My hair was short so there wasn't too much that could go wrong there. But the way she styled it was...not good. I mean, it would have been great if I was about 30 years older. But for a teenager it was more...uh...matronly than what I was wanting. And this wasn't just my imagination. At the end of the appointment she proudly declared, 'You look just like Felicia Gallant from Another World!" (See photo above.) Now I'm sure Felicia Gallant's look was glamorous and all that but seriously - a bit sophisticated for doing my algebra homework!
Needless to say, there was some trepidation as I walked into the salon. My confidence was not boosted by the fact that B looked very young. (Then again, everyone is starting to look 12 to me these days.) I asked her how long she had worked at the salon and she said since January. As she didn't reference any previous employers, I'm going to guess that's when she graduated from school. Well...leap of faith.
As it turns out, she did a great job. We didn't do anything drastic since we're just getting to know each other. She gave me a trim (which felt awesome, as I was way overdue) and then curled my hair (which I never do, but it looked cute). She was quite fun, with the fresh energy that only the whippersnappers seem to have. All in all a good reminder that trying something new doesn't have to end in a vale of tears! Sometimes it's actually just what you need.