Steamed Puddings

When I was in my early 20s, I used to laugh at the conventional wisdom that you didn’t really know yourself until your 30s. Preposterous! I spent the whole of my early 20s getting in touch with myself and putting pieces of my life into place.  How could I not know myself?

It’s only been in the last year or two (my late 20s) that I have felt really comfortable in my own skin, with my own hair, etc. Makeup finally “works”. Clothes fit (well enough, anyway). And I recently got a great haircut - see blog entries and photo. It’s amazing how much self-confidence is gained from feeling in-tune with your appearance.

Conversely, a bad appearance can really put a damper on your mood. I found this out yesterday when I went back to the salon and asked for a slightly shorter version of my existing cut. I figured this was what successful people with great hair did - go to the salon regularly to prevent that look of “it’s grown out a bit too long”. Gotta keep the cut looking optimal!

Here’s some of the conversation I had with the hairdresser yesterday, a woman who did such a stellar job on my last cut that I was willing to enter a monogamous long-term relationship with the salon:

What I said: “I originally just wanted a fringe [bang] trim, because my fringe is way too long.”
What I thought: “Remember when you told me during the last cut that I should grow my fringe out? It’s getting in my eyes now.”
What she heard: “Please cut my fringe so it’s only 1 cm long. I want to look like a Vulcan.”

What I said: “I really love the cut I have right now!”
What I thought: “Mess this up and die - the last cut made me feel confident and professional - dare I say sexy, even?”
What she heard: “Please cut my hair in a totally different style.”

What I said: “I like being able to curl up the ends to look a little funky.”
What I thought: “I do this sometimes, but it’s not the only style in my arsenal.”
What she heard: “I want to look funky, ultra-modern, and flipped-up every day, like I’ve stuck my finger in a light socket.”

What I said: “I’m willing to experiment with the length.”
What I thought: “A little shorter wouldn’t hurt, but not too short!”
What she heard: “Please cut most of my layers at ear length, not chin length, so they’ll go really well with the very Vulcan fringe.”

Me: “This cut looks great! Thank you so much for fitting me in today.”
What I thought: “She’s f&$%ed up my fringe!”
What she heard: “I’m a totally satisfied customer, though I got a bit quiet after you cut my fringe.”

Now I know the wisdom about recovering from a bad haircut dictates that communication is essential, and that if you’re dissatisfied enough you should return to the salon and ask them to fix your hair. I want to take a hands-off approach to this one as I think any more cutting would only be more disappointing. I’ve put the word out to the hairdresser’s other client friend (who has an appointment next week) that I’m not at my happiest and I expect that time will help me get over the short length. Really, nothing else can! The fringe will be better in a week or two, and the rest will get tousled as best as possible to keep it presentable. If I’m feeling brave, I’ll post a picture next week after I’ve had a few more chances to see what goo will do.

I did notice after the chop that I felt much more like hiding my head in the sand.  I had another errand to do at the mall which I nearly postponed from fear of walking through the mall looking like that.  I avoided the cafeteria at afternoon teatime today to prevent anyone noticing the new hair.  I’m going to a barbecue this evening to catch up with friends who have been in England for a year, and if it hadn’t been for Aselle and Davanea’s attempts with the office GHD styler, I would have seriously considered not attending.  The GHD has done wonders (don’t they always?) and I think I can show my face to people tonight, though they may wonder why I’m not speaking Vulcan.

Easter is coming! We’re off to the beach this weekend. It’s my first visit to Bowentown since well before I started writing my thesis more than a year ago. Hopefully I’ll get in some tennis and jogging while I’m down there.