Salon Stories

Because it is too hot this summer, I had been thinking about cutting my hair short. When I finally did, I felt quite sad. Not that I hated what the hairdresser came up with [I’m the type who sits there and tells the stylist "You do what you think will look good; Bahala ka na (more on this later)]. I guess women will understand what I mean by having that panicky-almost-regretting-it feeling when you see clumps and clumps of your hair falling to the floor. I usually only ask for a trim because I like keeping it shoulder-length or longer.  Long hair is a lot more versatile. But then again, Huh?! Did I just say that? As if I style my hair everyday.

Now on to my "more on this…" Since an officemate referred me to her hairdresser in Jesi Mendez salon in Park Square, Makati, I never let anyone else touch my hair. That was for almost three years until she went to work abroad. Upon the suggestion of another friend, I then went to try Mary Pauline salon at the Mall of Asia. If there’s one thing I can say about these relatively pricey salons, it is that, from my experience, they’re giving value for your money. In Jesi Mendez, they even serve free iced tea or coffee; haircut from a senior stylist is about PhP400 . Mary Pauline didn’t have free refreshments, though. Haircut costs about PhP450. I said earlier that I let the stylist do what she or he think will look good without giving my own preferences. That’s one reason why I don’t hesitate about shelling out more than I probably should for a haircut. With their asking price, I somehow feel that they have to give an excellent and quality service. They have to know what they are doing. That may sound shallow, but I haven’t been disappointed, so that works for me…. 

Which gets me to ask, how much really is the "standard" tip to give? Do you give tips to both the stylist and the assistant? I actually am not fond of giving tips, not because of being cheap but because I feel awkward handing money like that.  I even had a faux pas moment once because  of tip-giving but let’s not go there. I personally like the style of that salon at Greenbelt 3 (I forgot the name; it shares the space with a drugstore) where they have a box for tips near the counter. You’ll just have to staple the name of the person who did you. Opps, no pun intended.

So, today, I was too lazy to go Mall of Asia; but since I can’t wait another weekend to get a haircut, I just went to the mall nearest my place and entered David’s Salon with a bit of apprehension. I don’t particularly like that branch but I figured since it’s been years since I last went there, they probably have better stylists now. I first asked for eyebrow threading to allow me time to decide if I’ll get the haircut. I eventually did, which is probably foolish given what I said earlier about the importance of having confidence with your hairdresser, because this time I’m not getting just a trim - I lost about four inches in length. As Randy and Simon would say, "I’m not jumping up and down" with the result, but it’s fine. And I only paid P275 including the threading. I really can’t write about styles and techniques but I don’t like that shearing thing they use to give the layered look. It sounds like some sort of scissors with blades. I fear they do more damage to your hair. I still prefer those who just use the plain ’ol scissors.

Well, all’s well tonight. Let’s see after I wake up and the blow-dry effect is gone.