So um, like I went to this like, um, real hair salon a couple weeks ago and got like this real haircut. Those who've ever seen me know I don't exactly do the short hair thing (to be honest , the last time I did it, I got far too many "oh, your hair looks cute!" comments and at 56 years old, i really don't wanna look cute. But during December this local salon was collecting for Toys for Tots (I wrote back then about the real problems they were having in collecting toys) and these folks were collecting. AND offering $20 off. I didn't have a clue if that was a good deal. But three months later, i swallowed hard and went in to talk with a stylist. i explained that a) i don't do "product" b) I don't and cannot "style" my hair as i can't hold my arms up long enough and c) i wasn't about to get a cut that required maintenance trims every 4 to 6 weeks. Can't afford it. Sorry.

I haven't even gone into a "Cheap Cuts" salon for years. Some time back I actually did do the "Locks of Love" cut and donated 10 inches of hair (the minimum length you can donate for wigs - they provide real hair wigs for kids going through chemo as well as people with alopecia areata. (http://www.locksoflove.org/) I talked myself into it because it was a good cause, which is often how you can get me to buy r pay for something. From the second it was done, i was secretly thinking "grow, dammit, grow" as it was too short and i hated it. And I tugged at it to pull it out of my skull thinking all the while"Tressy doll".

The woman, Andrea, was terrific, got it, spent an hour with me "consulting" for free, suggested stuff and we booked an actual appointment and two days later I went in and said"Oh yeah and by the way, since no one really sees the hair in back, we might cut that too if we think it's smart." She treated me as she'd treat her favorite client, and I got a $50 shampoo, cut, style thingy. Which by the way, is why over on my Facebook page, for the first time in years, I've posted a picture of myself that doesn't make me squirm. Much. I am hugely self-conscious about photos, tend to avoid them.

Andrea offered a two week window where i could come in for "adjustment" (except for um well the obvious) and I went to call today, hoping I could talk to her about it tomorrow. The salon said she's not available on Friday. She's at South by Southwest, the major music festival in Austin. She's in a band. I don't even know her last name, dammit. Major disappointment? She's not in my favorite band EVER (never heard them but the band's named "Natalie Portman's Shaved Head". How can you not swoon over that, huh?) But i just think that is the coolest excuse for not being able to make a hair appointment I've ever heard.

Oh yeah, and Andrea suggested i try the "beauty school" for follow-ups and color should i decide to try it and gave me tips on how to be sure i don't regret it. What a cool woman. I hope she rocks the house in Austin.