I walked into L'Oréal salon, ten
minutes prior to my appointment and was greeted by my hair stylist with extra
sparkle in his broad smile, “long time Ma’m! Where have you been???! "
"Maybe, he is upbeat about tonight's New Year party", I thought.
We exchanged a few pleasantries
and once I was settled in the chair with the apron tied to my neck, it was time
for complete surrender to his expertise.
“Ma’m, let’s try something
different this time, what say?” he said, gently stroking my hair,
trying to gauge if it was right to use cool, warm or neutral tones for my
tresses. “Shall we do highlights? That will change your look.”
There was
something about his enthusiasm that alarmed me but before I could even reply, two
more hair experts were summoned. For next ten awkward minutes, I felt like a
helpless guinea pig!
Each expert took some
strands of my hair, matching with colour chart in the thick booklet containing
weird colour names like; Sunflower Blonde, Caramel, Hot-Toffee, Sparkling
Amber, Espresso, French Roast, Copper Shimmer, Crushed Garnet, Blowout
Burgundy, Chocolate Cherry, Light Auburn, Red Hot Cinnamon and Ruby
Fusion, adding to my confusion! (Why on earth do they keep names of colours that remind you of coffee/wine/chocolate? Sorry, I am digressing!)
Once their serious discussion
was concluded, the recommendations of tones in deep Purple, Red and Green
started coming my way making me almost jump from the chair, dismayed by their
audacity for suggesting such weirdly bold tones! I panicked and started visualizing strange reactions coming my way, being labelled "weirdo" and being disowned by friends and family.
“Hey guys, wait! That’s ridiculous!
I’m a simple woman. Give me something that suits my personae. You expect me to
go to a meeting in those hideous rainbow colours on my head? Are you out of your minds?“ I protested. “Give me my usual brown” I demanded.
“What’s
the point in doing the same colour again and again? Experiment a little, welcome the New Year with a bang, Ma’m. It will be fun, I promise”, said one of them. “Be bold, do
something different Ma’m!” said another, trying to cajole me. The argument continued for few minutes but I did not budge. Finally, at end of almost an hour, I was happy to see my crowning glory shining in Golden Mahogany Brown. The hairstylists made fun of me, mocking my expressions while reacting to their suggestions and we all giggled non-stop.
I
left with a generous tip and a parting gift received in form of encouragement to get out of my comfort zone ! Maybe, I will never wear Fuchsia, Lilac or Blue in my hair but I think it is time to experiment a little, explore possibilities and get rid of all the inhibitions. And that, is a great realization to usher into New Year with!
And I am not talking only about hair colour here!
