I don't even know where to begin with this review, but it's going to be a bit long and rather…read moreemotional. I've been a bit reluctant to tell the underlying situation and how this began, but I decided to, simply because this can happen to anyone. This began when I lost my beautiful Mother, which was also my best friend. The depression, despair, grief, sadness, and loneliness was so much more than I could handle. The day I lost her, I gave up on everything, including myself.
I had completely let myself go for over a year. I became a prisoner of my own mind, therfore, I struggled to even leave my home. I had a lot of embarrassment about my situation, because of letting myself go. Because of this, it took me even longer to address my very neglected matted hair. I felt very helpless and hopeless and figured my hair would need to be shaved off.
My hair is thick, naturally curly and was a lot longer than I had realizes. I kept it put up, but could feel the weight and bulk increasing. I felt humiliation, but it was due to being inside of my own head. I had zero self confidence and no self esteem. Something had to give!
This was very unhealthy for a few reasons, but I had to do something, even if it meant that I had to have my head shaved. Continuing to not address the situation was also a constant reminder of how this began, which was horrendous grief and depression from the loss of my Mother.
I had heard that Michael is a great stylist, so I scheduled a consultation with him. I was very nervous because I don't make it a habit to even go to a salon, other than for a regular haircut. (The last cut has been over 3 years ago.) Michael was so sweet and willing to try to help me, but of course, there was no promises of how this would turn out. We went into this journey blindly together, but the fact that he didn't turn me away gave me a tiny bit of hope to hold on to. To say that I put him and his skills to the test, is an understatement!
Because of the emotional whirlwind I've been stuck in, I really didn't want to be sitting in the middle of a salon with people watching or judging. In my mind, I felt like I'd be on display, which was the last thing I needed or wanted! Low and behold, Michael was able to put up a portable makeshift "wall" in the shampoo room, which was such a blessing, and such a relief!
My first appointment, it was a consultation and a bit of going through my hair. Michael managed to make it through a small section, then put it up for the next appointment. He was as gentle as he could be, but also often asked me if I was okay.
My second appointment was a full day. I never in my life would've thought I'd need to sit in a hair chair for several hours straight, but... there I was! Micheal attempted to work his way through my hair very diligently, but... it wasn't working out. This was very time consuming. I finally asked him to just cut the mattes out. Michael had freed my hair from my head, which was such an amazing feeling! What a relief! I could feel through my hair, all the way to my scalp!
I had showed Michael a picture of the inspiration for my cut, which he seemed confident in. Whether he was or not, I don't know, but his confidence in his abilities helped me tremendously. He shampooed and conditioned my hair, and went to town with the final touches.
Michael had shaped my hair just as I had shown in the picture. He put the products in my hair and began to diffuse it. My hair felt so soft and silky, more than it had ever been before. I sat through the entire appointment without a mirror, which is exactly the way I wanted it. I didn't want to see the process. I just had to trust him.
After drying my hair, I felt it for the first time in over a year. I went to the bathroom to look, and all I could think is "Oh my gosh, I still have plenty of hair, but my curls are back!" I can't even put how I really felt into words. I was elated, but there were also plenty of tears throughout the process, but the tears that I cried towards the end were for the help and kindness he had shown me. I walked out of the bathroom holding my head up, which was the first time in over a year. Yes, Michael done that! A little bit of kindness and non judgment goes a long ways.
This experience has given me hope for myself, but I also no longer look in the mirror and see the hell that I've endured for over a year. The grief is something I'll have for a very long time, but Michael helping me was more than he realizes! I did not know him beforehand, but he's now stuck with me. He's been such a blessing to me! I gave him such a big hug. He truly helped me in many ways throughout this experience!
I know my mother would've been so hurt to know that I've let myself go after she left, so this was for both of us! If anyone reading this is in a similar situation, please don't give up on yourself. Know that there are people in this world than can relate to what you're going through, but also know that you're worth it!
