Developing parlor Habits

As with all middle income groups, my life has been parlor-free- I was one of the few in my class who wouldn't have a beauty crisis or quick-fix tips because I don't splurge each weekend at the hair dressers. But for my friends it was like a social clubhouse. Each Monday the topic of decision would inevitably revolve around whose beautician did what, followed by a detailing of the various scrubs, treatments, masks, facials and a host of other services offered at their sacred place of self-actualization.

Each week they'd discuss the merits of their favorite haunts, compare manicures and pedicures, trade the names of their favorites- all of which was Greek to me. I never understood what was soooo great about getting a haircut- to me my face was my face- a mouthful of crooked, off-white teeth, incurably wavy hair that curls in the oddest directions, a prominently Sharp nose, the bane of the gene pool, round face dotted with pimples and the likes. There was no hope- I mean c'mon how do make someone like me remotely look (dare I say it) pretty!!!

Grinding pearls and chandan together and basking in its lurid mixture didn't quite ring right, nor did it offer any hope to me albeit the proddings of my well-meaning friends. AS far as hair cuts were concerned, for me it was simple- no experimentation- a trim once every six months was my only pilgrimage to their shrine. I was more at home using a soap :) I mean so what if i had no clue as to what a mud mask was, I was still me.. I was convinced, after years of following my mother's "natural" therapies that nothing could make me look good. And besides it did afford me the attitude and swagger of the "i-don't-care-how-i-look" group who's only member was me (i was a little careless about my appearance, my friend used to remark on how fair i'd become after washing my face :P)

My MBA (my beautician appointment) materialized in Mumbai... on a whim i decided to let the saloonist decide how to cut my hair- that was last year.. she gave me something called a step cut, pulled my hair into groovy curves that screamed chicness. Up until then, i was used to the stylist talking about stupid stuff like what i do and how thin my hair was, how likely the chances of my going bald were- but this one was different.. She spoke to me about hair density, and how wavy hair tends to thin out because of curling in different directions- she made my hairdo a treatise on sound scientific principles. It was then that the academician in me got intrigued. the result was well flabbergasting. There i was the normal looking gal suddenly transformed into someone totally different-seven of my classmates asked me where i got my haircut and three of them got their hair styled the same way. Overnight i had become a icon for modern hair. Me - one who never fails to apply yucky coconut oil as part of an compulsive disorder ingrained from childhood. My hairdo was the flavor of the week!!!

This time i thought i'd seen it all. I mean surely that female was unique and gifted with the sight to see how beautiful people can become under her nimble fingers with the aid of her scissors and blow dryer. I returned to an outlet of the same saloon in Chennai and the result was disastrous- my hair looked as limp and lame as before. Even my mom acceded that the One before was a once in a lifetime miracle.

I realized now that even if I went to the same place, I had no clue as to who had done my hair the last time round.. I guess this is what separates me from my friends- they make a mental note of everything, who, what, how, when - thats where genius kicks in.. they have evolved through equally painful experiences to imbibe the facts of a facial in order to ensure exact duplication of results. I had to face it: I was a Klutz.

I entered the saloon for the second time dreading what would happen. I told my stylist that I wanted a trim for summer. She asked me what I do and figured that I should have enough hair to tie a pony or wear a clip for formal occasions. She began trimming and doused my hair in a dense spray of moisture. I was frowning and my gut feeling told me this was going to be a BAD hair day.. my hair was coiled in all possible ways and she was cutting it in a very random manner. I didn't even bother to ask her what she was doing. Then she told me she was going to straight dry my hair.. Straight and my hair was an oxymoron.. I wanted to tell her to stop.. but by then I had resigned myself to the fact that this was anyways a gone case and couldn't be redeemed. Let things take their own course. She struggled initially to straighten my hair- the primary reason for dousing it i am now led to believe.. I closed y eyes as the hot air blew close and fast on my ears n forehead. After what seemed an eternity- 45 minutes actually she said i may look now..

Gosh!!! even i couldn't recognize myself, the hair was sleek, smooth and unbelievably Straight!!!! I was called back to the world by her voice asking how i partitioned my hair. I looked and gaped and couldn't answer, she laughed, actually laughed- at my end i could barely tell right from left.. she asked me to run my hands thru my hair, see how it settles and then work on it.. my fingers touched my heir- it was pure magic... i love stuffed toys, especially those with soft finishes- but my hair, the clump on me head was tooooo silky for words... my mouth hung open.. She laughed again and told me that straight hair suited me.. duh!!!! i looked so posh.. wow, i was on top of the world!!!

The arcane bliss of the beauty parlor was finally unveiled- this is what people come here for time and again- to rediscover their eyes, their face and feel good about themselves. Sure it guzzles your pocket contents but hey at least u'll look good for a day. Well from my side, the straight look has worn off and my hair is beginning to curl at the ends.. But those moments wherein i saw myself in the magic mirror will remain with me for life. I never got a chance to say thank you to her, as I had stepped out of the saloon feeling numb and didn't realize i should've till i got back to my room.

She's advised me to straighten my hair.. And i am actually considering petitioning my mom for that..


This section is dedicated to the charming Ms Noorie who "managed" my hair yesterday.. and to all attendants at the lakme saloon in Bandra.. God bless ye all!!!