Going to the salon used to be one of my indulgent escapes, but these days, keeping up with my grays has turned my once-fun salon visits into a chore. Sure, I adore the way my hair looks and feels afterward, but I long for the days when I went just for the joy of it, rather than out of necessity. But it’s not just the need-versus-want dilemma that has shifted between my salon outings back then and now.
Styling Decisions Are More Complex
Instead of simply pondering cuts and styles that suit my face shape, now I’m hit with the question of whether it’s age-appropriate. “Am I too old for this cut or color?” Spoiler alert: you’re never too old to rock whatever hairstyle makes you happy. Yet, the nagging doubt creeps in when I see models who look like they just graduated middle school.
Scheduling Is a Nightmare
Coordinating a salon appointment feels more like planning a military operation these days. Between my husband’s schedule, the babysitter’s availability, and my stylist’s booked calendar, it’s a challenge. Now that my son is old enough to sit still, I bring him along, iPhone in hand, because nothing will stand between me and taming my silver strands. I’m no Emmylou Harris, but a girl has to do what a girl has to do.
Costs Have Skyrocketed
My stylist is worth every penny, and I wish I could tip her more — though I try my best. But with the kids growing and expenses piling up, I simply can’t afford to visit the salon as often as I’d like. Sure, I can do some things at home, but nothing beats that fresh-from-the-salon feeling. It’s worth every cent, even if my bank account begs to differ.
Salon Chit-Chat Is More Annoying Than Ever
I used to thrive on salon gossip. A friend called the shampoo sink “the confession bowl” because people spill their secrets there. But now, I’ve turned into a homebody who finds such chatter grating. I want to engage, but I also want everyone to pipe down so we can get this over with. We all know color foils don’t work well with noise, right? No?
People Can Be Incredibly Rude
What was once my happy place has turned into a setting where people say the most outrageous things, both to and about others. Being stuck in a chair for hours while feeling like a troll is not my idea of a good time. Every time the chair spins around, I brace myself for the shock of my reflection — “Was I always this hideous?” Every. Single. Time.
Product Choices Are Overwhelming
It sounds trivial, but the sheer number of hair products available is dizzying. With hair that’s processed more times than I can count, I need salon-quality items, but the choices are endless. Back in the day, you had simple options: shampoo, conditioner, hairspray. Now there’s a million brands and formulas, and I can’t keep track. I feel dumb asking for help — just give me the essentials in crayon, please!
Naysayers Need to Chill
Yes, I’m lucky to be able to go to the salon, but it’s about more than luck; it’s my way of holding onto a piece of myself. If you feel like a monster without a shower every day, I feel like a swamp creature if my roots are out of control. Let me have my grooming habits without judgment, okay?
In summary, salon visits have transformed from enjoyable outings into complicated, expensive, and sometimes frustrating endeavors. With the added challenges of styling choices, scheduling, and the social dynamics of the salon, it can be overwhelming. But at the end of the day, taking care of ourselves is important, and it’s crucial to find joy in those moments, whether at home or at the salon.