Dear Diary,
I need to make a confession. Recently, I was unfaithful. Yes, I cheated. I feel terrible. Things were not going as I wanted and I was at a awkward point in my life. I needed some kind of change and I wasn't willing to wait for it. I just needed to feel alive again. So I had an affair. Yes, I had quick and memorable affair with another hair stylist.
My stylist for the past year and a half, Melissa (from a different salon), was too busy for me. I had an important business trip approaching and she couldn't make any time for me since she was busy with a wedding commitment. I felt betrayed and started to harbor resentment for her. All of the time we had spent together. All of the laughs we had. The way she would touch my hair, play with her toys, work her magic, and make feel amazing once she was done with me.
But she was off making other people feel better about themselves at a stupid wedding. She was in another city; listening to others, making them laugh, and running her magical hands through strange strands of hair. Was my hair no longer important to her? Why would she do that to me?
I pictured her touching another person's hair and it was agonizing. It made me sick to my stomach. I couldn't eat. I couldn't sleep. I grew depressed, bitter, and jealous. I fought back tears of anger and I made some calls. Someone in my social circle recommended Penny at Innovators in Campbell.
I felt nervous about making an appointment. I knew it was wrong of me to even consider someone else to do my hair as I was already in a committed (stylist) relationship. But I picked up the phone, nervously entered the digits, and made an appointment with Penny. The following day, I drove over to see her during my lunch hour. If I was ready and willing, this was going to be a quickie of afternoon delight.
The girl at the front desk was helpful. She walked me walked me through the labyrinth of a salon that also features mani/pedi stations, as well as private waxing and massage rooms. Not sure what exactly goes in the massage rooms, but a saw a super old man walk in with a smile and leave the massage room with an even bigger smile. Maybe he was up to no good like I was?
The salon itself was huge. It was extremely spacious with lots of private little workstations. The overall décor of the place was awesome, which featured a Halloween theme (at the time). Each work station, which look like cubicles with cement partitions, are individually decorated by the stylist that occupies that space. It's a cute touch that differs greatly from other salons where chairs are placed side by side like an assembly line. At Innovators, it's just you and your stylist.
Eventually, it was just me and Penny. I admitted to her that I was nervous about someone else touching my hair and I hadn't let anyone else touch me in that area in a long time. But she made me feel comfortable by offering me some fresh brewed coffee or candy, but I knew it would give me the jitters. So I opted for some complimentary bottled water. I took a sip and then sat down.
I felt very anxious as Penny personally washed my long, slightly damaged hair. But the warm water on my scalp helped relax me. Her hands slowly massaged my head and I melted. But part of me was still slightly nervous of what was coming next.
I told her what I wanted and I showed her pictures of how I wanted it done. My heart started to beat rapidly. I trembled a little as she grabbed a few strands of my hair and got started. I knew it was too late to back out now. She took her time. She made me feel special. And by the time she was done, I felt like a new man.
Clearly, Penny is a great stylist with a very relaxed and friendly personality. Penny did an amazing job with my hair. She gave me a professional cut that featured my signature side swept bangs. And as my hair grew out, it maintained its shape, look, and style. Approximately six weeks later, my hair still looks amazing. Men lie. Women lie. But pictures don't, right?
I am not sure what I should do now. Clearly, Melissa knows my hair best. She knows its strengths. But she also knows its weakness. She knows how to handle it best. But Penny did a remarkable job. It was different. But nice. I am tempted to see her again. But if I do, Melissa will know of my infidelity. She'll realize it has been a long time since she has touched me and will most likely notice that something is very different about me. I am scared to step inside her salon again.
In the end, I will return to Melissa. It's hard to leave someone who have so much history with. But my hair will never forget that amazing afternoon I had with Penny.
I wonder if she thinks of my hair too? read more