Enough about Hair....

Okay I did it. I nervously entered after scoping the place out and checking out a few clients leaving with fresh haircuts. (They were all either children or semi-bald men, which made it difficult to judge). I had a coupon but wasn't sure if I should present it before or after the cut. I always wonder if you get a "coupon special" unless you hold it until the service is rendered or meal consumed.

It wasn't the warm fuzzy experience that I've been used to. I wasn't greeted with a hug, I didn't get a head massage and I wasn't offered the beverage of my choice, but who really needs those things?

I was greeted unenthusiastically by a young lady named Frannie. She pointed to her chair where I plunked myself. Then she soaked my head with a spray bottle, while staring off into space.

I received no compliments and did not answer any questions like, "...do you have children...?" or "...what are you doing this summer...any trips planned...?"
...because in fact she is not paid to pretend to care about my children or whether or not I'm planning any trips..." She cuts hair. She goes home.

She asked me 2 questions.
1)"How much are we taking off today?" (I'm never sure how to answer this but I tried my best). "Uh...well...however much we think would be necessary to make me look identical to the girl on the cover of Hairdo magazine..." **my stab at humour got no response whatsoever from Frannie.

2) "Where did you get your last hair cut?" (I'm pretty sure this question is meant to intimidate so I never know if I should answer boldly with confidence, or with a sheepish apology). "At a place where they treat me like royalty and feed me appetizers in exchange for a large sum of money..." **trying to make this girl smile is impossible so this is where I gave up.

While gazing out the window and snipping indifferently, Frannie finished my haircut in 10 minutes.

Although Frannie did not comment on my cut or encourage me to come back in 6 weeks, I left the establishment with an above average haircut. I don't need to be treated special. I don't need to be listened to by the bartender of the haircut world; but I would like to know that I wasn't an inconvenience or a thorn in someone's day.

I started to be obsessed with wondering if Frannie was like this with all customers or if it was just me. Two days later (after receiving some compliments on my hair cut...) I disguised myself as a gypsy woman (wearing a bandana and sunglasses) and returned to the same salon to wait for my husband who was having his hair cut by a friendly girl named Wanda. I observed Frannie cutting another person's hair and was relieved to note that she was doing her job with the very same attitude. Hmmm. It wasn't just me then. She must be one of those moody "artistes" who wear their hearts on their sleeves.

So I've come to the conclusion that I should not take things personally - especially when it involves saving money......I think I'll go back in about 6 weeks and I'll try again to make Frannie laugh.....and that's enough about hair.