The Cut x
It’s that time again when a visit to the hairdresser can be put off no longer. Not quite the same as a trip to the dentist on drill noise alone – or the of humiliation of an eye test: ‘Read what?’ – Thank God for lazering is all I can say hashtag BEST money EVER spent, hashtag why did it take me so long? (even if you do smell your eyeballs burn..)
But the hairdressers?..it’s meant to rank as a pampering treat, except every time I go the mirror clouds up with a thick layer of emotion. The first thing they do is release my hair from whatever grips and slides are currently holding it in place slash up. Then they brush, talk, wash, cut, snip, roll and bouffant. And by the end, I do my best to grin it up..but I’m always waiting for those elusive, unicorn words..
‘Would you like me to – or would you like to put your hair grips back in/hair up again?’
Any combination of the above would be great..but in all my years of trips to salons, large and small..not one person has said it..instead I scrabble around to find the shrapnel of my previous existence and wait till I’m out the door..is it weird to want just a trim and leave as me rather than a full blown transformation each visit?
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
Love the illustration! I really need to upgrade my drawing tools from whatever pencil I can find to some nice pens – this picture looks great. Can totally relate to the humiliation of eye tests too…still working up the nerve to get laser!
Genevieve x
Can really recommend rotring radiograph pens – this one was a 0.35..as for the paints, ahem, I think I need an upgrade myself..not sure for how long the kids finger paints are going to hack it! xxx
Fabulous, thanks for the tip! xx
Oooh, haircuts. I’m like a 2 year old. I just don’t want a haircut! No. Hair. Cuts. NO! Then I love them when they’re done. Now, I have minimal hair, vestigial eyelashes and my eyebrows are HUGE. Yes. Bushy eyebrows. What’s up with that?! Unfair…but soon. Soon I will need a haircut! Can you believe it? I’ll do a before and after. But a haircut? Wow, so happy!
I know – you were secretly loving that Cara-celine look – admit it!! CANNOT WAIT to see the pics..a very special moment..has it come back any different?? xxxxx
I hate getting my hair cut but hate what happens if I don’t more. And I have to come directly home and re-wash and re-dry it every time since I only like it when I do it. Good luck!
Yes products – what’s that all about? I never ever use products..so why start then??! xxx
It’s not weird, it’s human !! I stopped going to the hairdresser because I stick to my style (braids) and I hated the chemical smells (not very good when you suffer from multiple allergies !). The illustration is gorgeous ! xxx
Oh lady of mystery..now I am desperate to see a photo! I think it’s that feeling that they want to change you..but what was wrong with the you that walked in apart from a few split ends? xxxxx
“Lady of mystery” … this should be my epitath ! xxxxx
La Scarletta Pimpernelle! xxx
Haha! It’s funny bc I was just saying to someone else that I don’t find getting my haircut very relaxing. It’s more like a chore. On the other hand, I tend to get lazy with my hair frequently and need my stylist to bring back some semblance of style to it…!
Is it that element of handing control of something so vital to someone else? And the longer we wait, the more grateful we’ll be no matter what they do!! xxx
My mother wanted me to have a long braid during my childhood. I hated it. One summer day, back in1971 , I was 11years old, we were on our summer holidays;I pretended being sick & didn’t join the rest of the family to the beach. I headed to the city center , to a hairdresser & told him to cut off my braid as it was . He did it. Then he evened the cut & I had my short Bob as you can see in my pictures, varried all the years ever since by centemeters. My mother had a shock as I gave her the braid & told her that I will never again have my hair grown long. I still have the braid, it is in an excellent condition in a box.xx
How brave were you? If you could pin point a transition from child to adult I am sure that would it..such an act of independence should be treasured! xxx
I am not sure whether I saw it at that time as an indepedence act, but the fact is it made an impact.
As I told before , I do treasure the braid as well.!xxx
I’m petrified of having my hair done in my new country! What if they screw up my color? What if they cut it sideways? What is, what if, what if. It scares me so much that I haven’t had my hair touched in 8 months and actually called a month and a half ago and made an appointment with my trusted hair stylist in the states for New Year’s Eve! What is it about crazy irrational fears and hair?! 🙂 Totally relateable. XOXO – K
I have been known to run after people in the street and ask them who their hair dresser is!! xxx
Ha! Can’t say I haven’t contemplated that one. 🙂
I love the illustration. You have inspired me to resurrect my set of rotring pens. I wish I can afford a new set.
My neighbour recommended me a hairdresser that serves alcohol when I was in London, to numb the pain ;p
Thank you..they do draw so smoothly and cleanly – they are expensive, but worth it I think. Alcohol? THAT could be the solution I’m after..before or after the cut??! x
They offer the drink to you before the cut and you can take it with you! I know the rotring is expensive that’s why I want to clean my old set up and buy the cartridge. used to use them at uni, that’s a long time ago ;p
Just tell me the hairdressers don’t drink?! xxx
hmmm good point. I hope not!
Ha! I had the same experience last week–and every hairdresser visit. I hand over $200 for that “just stepped out of the salon” look which I hate. Then I wait a few days, wash it and do my usual old thing and only then am I happy. I want to yell “Go on, girl! Put a bit of welly into it!” when they’re styling it but they’re so delicate. My barnet needs taken in hand, mastery! 🙂
Having a daughter with curly hair – which I know she hates – but I am so jealous because it always looks fabulous no matter what!! xxx
I love your drawing! You are so talented (^-^)
About visiting a hairdresser, I am always envious of those girls with long hair, having a tiny trim! Once upon a time, I used to have a long hair. Then one day out of blue, I cut it really short. It was a mad decision I regret ever since. (T-T)
I can’t believe you had long hair! I think short hair is perfect on you..I have had short hair and I did hate the upkeep though.. xxxx
I used to be able to sit on my hair when I was a teenager, so was completely paranoid about having even an inch cut off… then I became a house model for Toni & Guy as an undergrad (free cut and colour worth about £300? Yes please!) and they decided to dye it violet one year, copper and strawberry blonde the next, and so on. Hairdressers completely freak out now when I say ‘keep the length, but otherwise just do whatever you think will work’. Too much trust I think! Jx
So so brave! x
I love this topic! I’ve been scanning magazines trying to think of something I might want for myself. I’m up in the air if I want color. I want a different look but layers are frustrating if you don’t feel like blow drying hair. I was reading what you said about wishing they would ask to put your hair up again. I appreciate that because I remember when my salon used to style with hot tools for free. Now, any hot tool styling or (what you’re looking for) updo is an extra charge. The do a really nice job. I may just visit their Instagram page, talk to my stylist, and read magazines…that won’t make my mind swirl 🙂
It’s amazing the way we always say ‘oh yes I love it’ and then we go home, re-wash and do it the way we want it. Or is that just me?