Breaking Up is Hard To Do: Part I

It was when I looked in the mirror and saw Carol Brady staring back at me that I knew…  

It’s time for a change.

I’d been with the same hair stylist for several years and I’ve loved her, truly I have. I’ve been delighted with her work – but sometimes it’s just time to move on.  

Understand, now, that I have a love-hate relationship with my hair. It is extremely thick, somewhat coarse, and very ornery. I have carefully, selectively chosen the styles I wear, the products I use, and the individual whom I allow to shear it. Ok, prune it. I never know exactly what I’m going to end up with every day – it continues to evolve even after I’ve left the house, and usually around 10 a.m. or so, I visit the ladies' just to see what we’ve ended up with.

Today, it was Carol Brady.

Not good. So, so, not good. 

I’ve had her number in my bag for weeks but calling a new stylist is a lot like cheating on a boyfriend. I felt guilty, like I was betraying my current salon.

Iris immediately put me at ease.

"Come on in," she told me, "we’ll just talk. No stress, let’s just get to know each other."

I can do that.

Getting ready for my consultation, I felt like I was preparing for a first date. I was twitchy, nervous, and sweaty. I dressed carefully – wanting to ensure that I looked like me – the me I want to be. The outfit, the shoes, the baubles all meant to convey the image I’m looking for. Except for the hair of course. Not trying to go for 1970’s housewife. Not at all. I'm trying NOT to look like a mom. 

Iris Torrez is a stylist at La Bamba in Downtown Campbell.

Even just entering the salon, I relaxed. This feels right. She met me at her station and pulled up a stool, getting down on my level and we just talked. She asked me a few questions, and then she grabbed a comb and started checking out my hair.

She said everything right. She was relaxed. She was downright chill. 

 "Let's see how it goes. We can do this once and if it doesn't work for you, no big deal."

and

"I don't believe in women becoming a slave to their color. Color when you feel like it - but don't go for something that ties you down to a touch up every six weeks."

and

"If I see you on Sundays, and you didn't style your hair, please don't hide from me, ok? On Sundays, I'm just a mom." (Note: Iris attends the same church I do, so running into her in the hallways was definitely something I had already considered.)

and finally:

"You know, nobody can stay with the same stylist forever. Sometimes you just have to move on. Sure, I'm sad when I see clients go, but that's just life, you know?"

She couldn't have put me more at ease. I scheduled an appointment for the following week (she had a cancellation - SCORE!). Now I have to Make the Call to my current salon. I'll let you know how it goes...

Tell me YOUR stories! 

How do you break up with a stylist? Are you stealthy or up front? Do you feel guilty when you switch, or do you even see the same stylist on a regular basis? What is your favorite Campbell salon?

Photo courtesy of The Internet. I tried to find a source. I really tried. This has been duplicated everywhere.

See more of my obsession with hair - check out my Pinterest page. 

My Blog: www.AdelleGabrielson.com

Twitter: @readygogetset