As those of you who know me are aware, I can be super-frugal. I’m not cheap, mind you, as I feel that any money spent on bad merchandise/service/experience/anything is truly wasteful. I do want the very best in life. I just want it to be a bargain.
My frugality keeps me from getting my hair cut as often as I’d like. So I go every 12 weeks. 8 weeks would be nice, but I haven’t yet been able to convince myself on the spending front. So every 3 months it is. And when that appointment date rolls around on the calendar, I am one happy gal.
Yesterday was hair day for me, and so I made my way into Hollywood for my appointment. Because it’s a quarterly experience, I try to make a real outing of it. Beforehand, I treated myself to lunch at Chick-fil-A. Being a southerner by birth, I grew up on that chicken and it never fails to satisfy. I sat outside and ate my chicken sandwich, with extra pickles. I washed it all down with a super-large iced tea – half sweet, half un-sweet. Sitting on that busy corner of Sunset and Highland, I soaked up the sun and gobbled up the gobbler. It was a lovely lunch.
Then I hit the salon. I only see my colorist and stylist during these hair appointments, so I try to glean as much as possible about what’s going on in their lives. They’re world travelers. They’re food dorks. And they are both awesome human souls. I consider myself blessed to be their client. And really, I love getting my hair done. I love the human touch. I love the artistry of these professionals. I love that it’s my time. I get to be quiet if I want. I get to engage if I want. And when I leave, I always feel pretty. I haven’t felt that much lately, so yesterday’s appointment was welcomed. I needed it, and I wasn’t disappointed.
It was a typical salon visit, with no out-of-the-ordinary occurrences. But I did have a wonderfully L.A. moment. After getting my color done, I sat at the sink bay to get a wash. I was just passing the time, enjoying the moment, when a woman took the chair next to me. I was looking at her shoes, and they were truly magnificent. Without glancing up, I said, “Great shoes!” She thanked me, and we made eye contact. I was sitting next to none other than Ms. Jennifer Beals.
About a jillion thoughts raced through my head. I wanted to tell her how much I was influenced by her portrayal of “Alex Owens” in Flashdance. I wanted to tell her how, as a kid, that character inspired me to be myself. To dream. To try. I wanted to tell her, but I didn’t say a word. I just leaned back and enjoyed the scalp massage and wash. When my hair was squeaky clean, I went to my stylist’s chair and she cut each and every hair on my head. I loved what she did, and I’m glad. That cut will have to last until September.
When I left the salon, there was an extra bounce in my hair and in my step. I got my car out of the salon’s valet and drove home. I realize I passed up an opportunity to tell someone I was inspired by her work, but it seemed the right thing to do (or not do). Ms. Beals’ salon time may be as precious to her as mine is to me. She probably goes more often than I, but maybe she likes to sit there quietly when she does go. Maybe she likes to walk out after her appointment, feeling pretty. Doesn’t every gal want that?
For the record, Jennifer Beals was absolutely stunning. And her shoes… Man, those shoes!