I went to the hairdressers again today…. I once promised myself that I would never know when I went grey or how badly, so this is not a luxury, but an essential. I have always said that hairdressers will always have work, as it’s the last thing most women would give up when money gets short as it is so tied into our sense of self and wellbeing.
What am I going to do when we are away for 4 whole months?? Good question. B has yet to find out (though he soon will when he reads this) that following a final appointment the day before we leave, I will be despatched with a supply of suitable colourant and instructions for him to assist me with touching up the emerging routes, sorry roots , en route.
As it happens, my hairdresser also marks her half-century this year, a few months later than me, and has opted for a fabulous trip to New York and the Caribbean. Great style! So we chat about this as she coaxes my hair into a Wild West Saloon Girl style for the party I am attending later today. Actually, given the circumstances, I am more inclined to market myself as the Madam rather than one of the girls. It is, after all, a 30th Birthday party we are attending, which means many Saloon Girls young enough to be my daughters so it’s hard to put myself in the same category. I think I can do Madam pretty well though…..!
I still love to dress up. I adored the dressing-up box. Any item from there could immediately transform me into someone else and I created a whole life for that person, ideally with friends in accompanying roles as we set up homes in the garden. I even acted in school plays – my best moment was as a pickpocket in Oliver Twist when I stole a pocket watch from Fagin. Then at 9 years old I changed schools and “grew up”.
And now, myself and the hairdresser represent 100 years of life. Wow! Wow? OW!!