Hair Color Mishap

“Ummm, I know it looks really dark now, but it will lighten up a lot as it dries,” Kaitlyn announced with a heavy dose of unwarranted optimism.
 

Kaitlyn fired up her hair dryer and we both stared into the large mirror, waiting for the color of my hair to magically transform from the very, very, very dark brown color that she had artificially created to the medium golden brown color that I was born with.
 

The transformation never came.
 

“Oh!” Kaitlyn lamented, her voice filled with remorse. “I am so sorry! But we can fix this, we can! Some highlights, some lowlights, a glossing treatment! Oh! I feel so bad!” She shook her head ruefully.
 

It’s my own fault really. Despite enduring numerous past hair mishaps, I continue to return to the hair sytlist school time and time again. 
 

The first time I made an appointment at the salon, I didn’t realize it was a school. Imagine my surprise when I noticed that more than half of the hair stylists were working with mannequin heads instead of real people. My stylist that day was noticeably nervous and took about two minutes on every snip. Did I mention I have an awful lot of hair? 
 

I finally clued in when the girl’s supervisor came rushing over, stopped her mid-cut and calling an emergency refresher session on the theories behind long layers. Four hours that haircut took. But I have to admit, the cut was great, and the grand total was only $20. Plus they gave me a coupon for half off a future service. 
 

Naturally, I returned. But that second time, being the veteran customer that I was, I blocked off a good part of my day, brought two magazines and a novel, and made sure I had plenty of change for parking.
 

I guess it’s the inexpensive prices that lure me back. I hate having to color my hair in the first place, but having to pay the going rate for the service at a real salon just adds insult to injury. Plus, there’s that little thrill of excitement and danger you get when you sit down in front of a young, unseasoned student wielding scissors and a smile. 
 

But now that I think about, there’s more to the appeal than just low prices and the intrigue of the unknown. I love being around the students. There are few people more enthusiastic about their jobs than those embarking on a new career. Fresh training and a little hands-on experience under their belts and they’re ready to conquer the beauty industry. A little nervous maybe, but optimistic, friendly and eager to please. Seriously, the customer service at a school salon can’t be beat.
 

So, what to do about the current hair situation. Kaitlyn looked worried as she and I studied my reflection in the mirror. I’m sure she wasn’t looking forward to the proverbial flogging she would get from her instructor if I threw a hissy fit. Not to mention the negative write-up in her skills analysis folder.
 

Hmmm. Really, if I ever wanted to go with a goth look, now would probably be the best time. I do own a lot of black clothing.
 

“I’m really, really sorry.” Kaitlyn was visibly upset.
 

“You know what Kaitlyn? It’s a little darker than we expected, but you covered the gray parts and the brassy highlights, which was the ultimate goal.” And pretty much any hint of my natural color, I thought, but did NOT say.
 

“With all the time I spend in the sun and in chlorinated water, I think the color will lighten up in no time. Plus, it’s just dark brown, it’s not like you turned it magenta or cobalt blue.” Kaitlyn let out her breath and looked relieved.
 

Her instructor came for final judgment and, after making sure I wasn’t going to sue anybody, proclaimed my new look to be just fabulous. I smiled to myself and wondered how many times she says that every day.
 

“Are you really sure it’s okay? Here, I’ll write down my name in case you decide you want me to, uhhh, change something. Oh, and here’s a half off coupon.”
 

I said of course I would come back if the color didn’t lighten up, but really, I won’t. At least not until the gray starts showing again. I’d rather live with a color that’s a little dark than spend another three hours having someone mess with my hair before I really have to. After all, it’s only hair. As long as the color, whatever it is, doesn’t make me look old, I’m good. You really can’t take it all too seriously if you’re going to put yourself at the mercy of students.
 

Plus, I have a lot of new legal work coming in, so maybe a dark, serious look is where I should be right now. Whatever. It’s all good.