May 9, 2008

Salon Treatment

May 6

In preparing to leave the U.S. I wanted to keep my hair hassle free i.e. limit the amount of styling and coloring needed. So in anticipation of leaving, I grew out all of my highlights so I wouldn't have to worry about the up keep. At my Aveda salon, I asked for an easy cut that will look good as it grows out and loses its shape!

However, usually I get a haircut/style change every couple of months or so and the lack of change has been driving me crazy.

In England, it was way to expensive and didn't really see any good places, so I kept growing it.

Then in Copenhagen, I planned to get a haircut for my birthday and thought it would be a good salon experience as with their great English, I could explain exactly what I wanted and have some salon chit chat. However, I think I had the only stylist in CPH who didn't speak English. So I ended up with a half way cute cut, but with straw thin hair. She had thinned it way too much.

Now in Berlin, Florian had went to a place that he thought I would like. So I decided to give a try, because the summer is coming up and I miss my shorter, hassle free style. When he made the appointment he was sure to convey that I don't speak much German and that I would need someone who spoke English. However, when I got there and into the chair of my stylist, the first thing she says is that sorry, her English isn't that great. At that moment, I had a sinking feeling and knew that a nice salon experience this time was out of the question. Through the experience I was quite tense, unsure of how the cut was going to turn out given our limited ability to understand each other. So again, like in CPH, I tried to explain what I wanted/didn't want through the assistance of many to my stylist. Words like layers, blended and bangs didn't seem to easily translate and I didn't know them in German. But I think my stylist did a very nice job!

Hence, I think in these experiences I learned that you sure can convey a lot of information without understanding and usage of actual words! But I will say that it is irritating when businesses say they can accommodate an English speaker and in reality they cannot!!

Photos:
1 - Before: long, lifeless, all black (too stark I think, especially for the summer) and grown out bangs
2 - 3 - After: sassy hair is back!! I think this is the most bangage that I have had since I was a teen!





4 comments:

Unknown said...

I like your new 'do. Your before picture is pretty too. You just naturally have good hair.

Anonymous said...

We think you look a lot older and more mature. Love you.

Jam and Jim

Anonymous said...

With longer hair, you looked more like your mom....shorter hair, you resemble Jam more.... Of course, you look beautiful with any style of hair, but this cut is really flattering on you. Can't wait to see it in person. Love Jerry and Pat

soo-zah-nah said...

Maina... long hair, short hair - you're still a doll! I love it! I have really enjoyed living vicariously through you these last months. I have to admit...that I always look at the job postings in THE ECONOMIST and wonder who ARE the cool people who will take these jobs...and now I know one...YOU! I am excited about your next steps. Life in Chicago is the same...finally a wonderful spring day and I wallowed away the morning on my deck enjoying sun, coffee, plants and the latest SMITHSONIAN! How's that for a taste of America?

sms