Salon Talk

(This one's for you, Lucy!)

Are you an independent salon girl, a Toni & Guy or Visible Changes gal, a Supercuts girl, or somewhere in between?

I've been all of the above, but I prefer the independent salons. There is a locally owned salon here called Menchaca's. They have four or five locations, but they are not a nationwide chain. The owner does my hair, and he's fabulous. It can be rather pricey, though. I've learned the hard way that it's worth every penny!

My step-daughter has had a really awful haircut at Supercuts. My 12 year old son has had a bad haircut at TGF Haircutters. And I had the worst experience recently at Fantastic Sam's. Now, I realize not all of the stylists at these places are bad. In fact, most of them are fine. But just before we went on vacation last month, I decided I needed a hair cut. I didn't have an appointment at Menchaca's, I wanted to save money, and I needed my hair cut NOW. Next time, I will simply either wait or plan ahead better.

I wanted a really small section of bangs (I don't think I look good without bangs). I have a huge chunk of bangs now, and I am still having to cut them to even them up. They are so completely jagged! The stylist asked if I wanted the sides tapered to the front. I told her no. I wanted a blunt cut. Guess what? She tapered the front! I am old enough to know how I want my hair styled! I have thin, baby fine hair, and I know what works and what doesn't.

I will give some freedom to my regular stylist, but when I go somewhere new or unknown, I don't want that person to experiment on my hair. In a few weeks, I plan to go to my regular stylist and beg his forgiveness for letting someone else touch my hair. I know he'll be able to make things right. I found out the hard way that it is worth it to be patient and to spend the extra money to get a decent cut. It's true that you get what you pay for!