FashBlog.com

Every fashion publication has one section that focuses on hair styles and hair care. Here on Fashion Blog last month, I wrote about our fascination with hair, and how it has power greater than anything involving self-image and how we feel on any particular day. When I see before and after pictures of ladies who receive stunning transformations from having a few inches snipped off and a little highlighter applied, I am again mesmerized by the talent and skill of hairdressers. No matter how technologically advanced our world becomes, this profession will be indispensable. Without them, we can wear a lovely and expensive new outfit but still not look our best. In the world of fashion, I think hairdressers are right up there next to a good fit-you don’t realize how vital either is until you don’t have it. And, both do wonders in making the most of what you have.

My hairdresser knows me better than many members of my extended family, and more (in some ways) than my immediate family. Now, the same type or degree of love isn’t equal, but I feel freedom to gripe about certain individuals, which isn’t an option with family members. There is a sense that I can tell a hairdresser almost anything, especially if there has been a long term connection. It’s a comfort, along with the sense of trust that my hairdresser is not going to do anything to make me feel worse about myself. Most women view having to find a new hairdresser as a major disruption in their lives, and pray they don’t face that situation any time soon. I have had longer relationships with the women who take care of my hair than I’ve had with many romances, and in my adult life, my hairdressers have numbered exactly two. I guess you could say I’m a “loyal” customer.

Cyndi was my rock during my working years, with me during moves, job changes, marriage and pregnancy. Around every 8 weeks, we updated each others’ lives, and, as infrequent as that sounds, over 10 years, it adds up. She finally quit and started to work from home, but lived quite a distance away. I made the trip a few times, but with a young child, I couldn’t justify spending an afternoon getting a trim. It’s embarrassing to admit that I drifted away from her. I have often wondered if hairdressers wonder about us in this vein, and if it’s one of their occupational hazards.

For 7 years I’ve been seeing Michelle, who left her family owned salon upon having kids and also opened her own studio out of her house. We’ve weathered many a hair dilemma together, from my daughter’s disappointing shag cut to a perm that didn’t take in certain areas, to my occasional self-messes. She has become an important person in my life. I see how some celebrities insist on their stylists traveling with them; it’s easy to become dependent on someone who knows how we wish to be “beautified”. Can we say the same for other members of our family?

If you go to salons where you see different stylists, you probably are lucky to get different professional opinions. But you have already realized that, when it comes to styles, opinions vary It’s great to find someone whose idea of style matches your own, while still having a relationship that’s honest. (You do want to be warned that your newest idea just won’t work with your type of hair or face shape, for example.) One good reason to stay with a hairdresser is that history gets built, and you both can refer to other incidents regarding what worked and what didn’t. Once you two are in synch, your hairdresser may even be able to convince you to try styles you never anticipated, since you probably reach a point where you start trusting his or her judgment. They are also usually good sources of “new” looks not only in hair, but nail care and cosmetics.

If you have yet to meet a hairdresser who rates a place high on the totem pole of your personal circle, keep looking. Here’s a tribute to hair dressers everywhere: Thank you for making our lives a little better, in more ways than one!