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"Merawala Brown, please!




I walked into L'OrĂ©al 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!

Raghurajpur, an emblem of heritage arts and crafts of Odisha!!!

About fifteen km from the revered city of Lord Jagannath, Puri, there is a tiny little hamlet Raghurajpur, nestled on the southern bank of r...