A haircut is so much more than just that...

I am particular about my hair. It's not that I go to amazing lengths to make it look fabulous (trust me, I don't) but I do get really freaked out at the thought of losing control over it, or having someone at the salon royally screw up and I end up with a mohawk. I like dramatic, but that's a bit much. I wear my hair long and straight pretty much. I have a round face - I can't go super short (though when I can, I fully intend on copying my stylists cut because I LOVE it).  So you would think today - when I looked down and saw all my hair on the floor - I would freak. And by 'all my hair' I mean just a trim and some layers - but it's such a great feeling to leave the salon feeling good.

I don't think enough women really take the time out of their day, and money out of their budget to indulge in a great salon experience for their hair.  Yes - I could go to some little retail place and pay $20 - I've been there, done that and hated it.  I'm not saying your hair cut has to cost $70 to enjoy it, mine certainly does NOT - but you need to treat yourself to someone who might be more than Best Cuts, so that you can have the full experience.


What is the full experience?   I'm glad you asked.

It's everything from walking in and having a glass of wine or your favorite beverage placed in your hand while they take your coat.  And it's the receptionist knowing who you are and being friendly - while your stylist waves to you from her client because she actually knows you and is happy to see you. You enjoy sitting and waiting because someone's kid with a runny nose isn't climbing over you and dropping their sucker on your pant leg. You aren't sitting there listening to the stylists bitch and moan to their customers, they're chatting like long-time friends. Then you are ushered over to the shampoo bowl where they don't charge to do it, it's part of the service, and it feels amazing.  They aren't too hard or too soft, and they aren't scalding your scalp with boiling water.  From there you head over to your station where your stylist remembers what you do and talks to you about your day, your kids, your family, your last vacation.  He/She then makes some suggestions in case you want to do something a little different, but if not - you don't have to say a word - they just know what you want, always.  And then when you ask for a quick wax, because you just looked at your brows and he/she smiles and has no problem sliding you in for that. Then the receptionist offers to grab your coat and when they're scheduling you - they know that you prefer afternoons.

That is the salon experience.  Where you could walk in blindfolded and leave without every saying a word and know that you look AWESOME because you trust your stylist.

Can I get my hair cut for $10-$15 less? Yes.  Would I? No.  Because today - after a long day of just feeling beat up and torn down after work, I was able to walk out of the salon refreshed and relaxed. I  suddenly realized that I did manage to put a cute outfit together this morning when I was half-awake and that compliment I got this morning was very possibly genuine, unlike the way I shrugged it off.

A great salon experience can do that to you if you give it a shot. And frankly ladies, as much damage as we do to our hair, the least we can do is show it some love!