Why do I want you to use salon quality products?

I was always told that I shouldn’t buy my shampoo where I buy my bread.  But I still get clients who will ask me my professional opinion on what the BEST grocery store shampoo is after they have just spent over a hundred dollars in my salon.  There is no best grocery store brand to use after I spent more than two hours of my time and talent transforming the hair that made you sigh, “ugh!” in the mirror this morning into the rich, chestnut-colored, glossy, silken fabric which you toss around with pride as you smile at yourself in my mirror.

But let’s cut the flowery language and really talk motivation.  Knowing that store bought shampoo is much harsher on my hair and then coats it with film forming agents to hide the fact that it is harsh, I won’t use it.  I won’t even use commercial baby shampoo on my kids.  It washes color out faster than a shampoo I would recommend to you.  So I would never recommend non-salon products. 

Now why do I sell salon products?  Well, for your convenience.  Oh yes, I do sell stuff for a small profit, I’m a small business owner.  But since I would not recommend something that will undo progress I make on your hair, I really have to have something available to help you keep your hair the way I make it look when you leave.  The price is more than the store brands, I agree.  But in this case you get exactly what you pay for.  My motivations are pretty unthreatening and I don’t push products on people as I will still care for your hair in your chair exactly as I always do.  However I do recommend TiGi Catwalk products and American Crew products because I am confident in their suitability and performance for my clients’ hair needs and are no less than what I use on my own hair.  Why buy shampoo from me?  Of course the choice is yours, the grocery store didn’t just put their heart and soul into making you feel beautiful, and they don’t care about how often you have to refresh your color.  They’re also not investing any of your money towards the value of the service you receive in my chair.      

What I'm not giving up for Lent

Honestly, I think this is good advice for today.  Just remember, stumbling along the way doesn't mean a failure.  You only fail if you stop trying.  We're human, we make mistakes.  Our friends will forgive us.  The ones who will roast you at your weakest point are not really your friends, as they secretly use you build themselves up this way.  But step number one is to not let something in the way be the end of your progress.

Your job today is to close your eyes, and remember someone who loves you unfailingly.  Even if you can only think of your pets at this point, use it.  Now place yourself in their shoes and "see" yourself with their eyes.  Feel your value in their lives.  Love the person they see in you as they would.  Now take that feeling with you  as you go through the next couple of days.  Let your purpose in that other person's life guide you towards doing things that are good for you.

Hit the ground running!

I've tried not to be irritated by the curious eyes and questions that break into my time in the mirror of the YMCA bathroom that follows my morning work outs.  I take my time, with music blasting in my ears, to do my skin care regimen, apply make up and do my hair.  That is my zone.  That is my time to feel my aching muscles, to feel alive and to make myself pretty.  To me, taking care of these things is a luxury that I wish I had more time to dedicate to.  This thing that people consider a bother, I consider a joy.  

But invariably, people watch with fascination and because I'm generally happy while doing this, I will watch lips start moving, in conversation that I can't hear due to noise cancelling headphones.  I always stop and answer questions.  My hairstyle is unusual, and people are charmed by the fact that I take time to style, and curl my hair.  "I wish I knew how to do my hair as well as you do."  

I have to wonder about that.  They're not surprised that I am a hairdresser when I tell them.  But what strikes me about this type of conversation, as well as others I have with people who wish they could do more to take care of themselves is wondering what is holding them back. 

When did we forget that we hold the keys to a successful life in our own hands?  What is it within us that makes  us build walls between ourselves and what we want to be?  Why are people so fascinated that I take time to do my hair, it's honestly 10 minutes worth of work.  What are you willing to do for yourself in order to live life on your own terms?  

Life was recently pretty difficult for me.  In fact, I've determined that life is going to have tough times regardless of whether or not I do anything to change my circumstances.  At least now I know that when life trips me up I'm going to hit the ground running.