I didn’t think it was possible. Someone actually gave me a great haircut. Her name was Daniela. You see, my hair is extremely straight. It is extremely soft and fine. It is extremely unmanageable. Whether it’s sticking up or flopping in my face—I hate it.
I have been known, on occasion, to get so frustrated with it that I shave it all off. I was tempted to take a razor to it this summer, but instead I just let it grow for four months.
There was this one salon chain mentioned on an episode of QEFTSG some time ago. I haven’t watched Queer Eye much since the first season because I started to get sick of makeover shows, but I had remembered Panico Salons, and even de.licio.us linked their website. (I felt kind of silly when Daniela asked me how I had heard about them, and I sheepishly replied “Queer Eye.”)
I’ve never really considered myself “worthy” of a haircut that cost more than twenty bucks. Shoot, when I lived in Fort Bragg, we went to this barbershop run by two Korean brothers every other week. A haircut and shoulder massage cost $4 and a $1 tip was customary.
Daniela used a cutting technique that I’m sure most of you are familiar with, but it was new to me. Normally, when a stylist would cut my hair, he or she would just gather the wet, straight follicles between the fingers of one hand and cut straight across with the other. She, instead, cut the line of hair in half-inch, 45-degree angled chunks.
I asked her about this, and she said it was so that the scissor marks would be hidden, and the hair would lay more evenly. Hmm, I guess that why she gets the “master stylist” big bucks. Cool.
All I know is that I drove home with both car windows down, and normally this leaves me looking like Yahoo Serious from Young Einstein (how’s that for obscure references). Instead, every hair just fell neatly back into place. And it still looked good after a washing. Whodathunkit.
Okay, I’m hooked. I think I may request her again. Good thing I tipped well.
Although, it’s one more expense to add to my budget. Looks like I’ll have to take on some more contract web work. So much for sleep.
Personally, I’ve found that paying extra (within reason, of course, no $500 cuts for me!) is usually worth it.
What is it about having your hair cut properly that makes you feel so much better about yourself elipsis although, maybe that just shows my vanity! And $10 is only about £5, right? That makes me feel like I’m paying over the odds at about twice that, even if it’s cheaper than the other place in town :s
I guess what makes it worth it is that the salons that charge a bit more actively encourage their stylists to take classes and learn new techniques, etc.
For this salon, interns start at $18, while their Senior Directors are $70-$150 for a haircut. A Master Stylist is right in the middle, so I figured that was safe. I couldn’t imagine spending $500 for a cut (or even $100) even if I could afford it. Although, my mom was shocked when I told her I spent a tenth of that.
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Phill, I agree that getting a good haircut made me feel great. Better than I thought it would.
I guess sometimes a little extravagant self-pampering is good for the soul, esp. when one has denied oneself any appearance-related pampering for so long. I can see where vanity could get out of hand, but if it can help boost a negative self-image or keep a healthy self-image healthy, so much the better.