If you have been a long term reader of mine, you will have seen the ever changing kaleidoscope of hairstyles I have sported, both in terms of colours and cuts.

When I started this blog nearly 8 years ago, I had dyed black hair.

Then I added a couple of red ‘flashes’ to for variety but my hair really struggles with keeping red in it and it washed out repeatedly.

Black and Red

Moving through the years I have had blonde, brown, grey, peroxide, burgundy and even rainbow colours.

However, personal circumstances and COVID really did a number on me and until recently it had been about two years since I had been for a haircut.

Curly Girl

Factors including a change in job responsibilities meaning my hours were not so flexible and left me working until after most salons close.

Couple that with family changes, I just couldn’t seem to get to a salon when they had availability or when I felt like going and getting it done.

Vintage VIbes

Fast forward to the beginning of November and I was busy working in the main office, when a member of the public came up to the counter.

They had some leaflets with them and asked if they could be displayed in the staffroom.

Blonde and Bouncy

The leaflets were for a new hairdressers opening opposite the building I was working from.

In fact, we had all been watching the renovations happening across the road and had wondered what was going to be opening within the large space.

Well, now we had our answer.

Dark and Straggly

A classy, new salon plus beauty rooms that offered treatments such as waxing, threading, lashes and permanent makeup.

The best part was not only did it open until late every evening, it also opened on Saturday AND Sunday. Surely this meant I would be able to find a gap to fit an appointment even for just a trim.

Flirty yet Blurry

That particular day was the end end of a very, very bad week. I really had taken a lot of nonsense over the previous five days and I was feeling a little fed up.

On the spur of the moment, I decided to pop across during my lunchbreak and see if there was any space to fit me in.

A Bit Kinky

Not only did they have space, I was welcomed in and given what I can only describe as the “Royal Treatment”.

Ella Fitzgerald was playing over the salon speakers and I took this to be a good omen.

Slowly Getting There

I was seated at the washbowls and when my legs were electronically raised, I had no idea that I was going to be treated to a body massage from the chair whilst my hair was washed.

Now, like a lot of people I LOVE having my hair washed and my scalp massaged.

Swiss Miss

A good, deep rubbing of my entire head and it can literally send me to sleep. When Cristina performed a whole Reiki style massage of my head, I felt I was in heaven.

After about 20 minutes of sheer pampering, I was taken over to the chair and this was when Jello, the stylist came and took over.

Stage 1

At the time of walking into the salon, my full intention was to have a small trim.

My hair, by this point had grown past my shoulders and was touching my chest. That didn’t mean it was in good condition though.

Stage 1 Complete

A combination of age, menopause and lack of care meant the ends were dry, dead and very thin. When I pulled it into a ponytail, the base was thick and lush, but the ends were a thin, little rats tail of hair.

Talking to Jello I explained that I usually roller and style my hair in a 1940’s fashion and whilst I didn’t want to go short, it was badly damaged and needed a good chunk taken off.

Swirly Girl

I decided to throw complete caution to the wind and told him to do something that gave me better condition hair and stopped me looking so frumpy.

He literally took me at my word and started snipping away merrily.

Happy Girl

There was a moment of utter panic as I saw my hair landing on the salon floor, but it was too late to turn back!

Jello snipped and checked, snipped a bit more and then it was time to dry what was left. If the worst happened, I could always just start growing it again but at least all the dead ends would be gone.

I could see my hair was a lot shorter but I didn’t know what the eventual style would be.

Commencing Stage 2

After drying, Jello started styling my hair using two round brushes. The first one was placed into a section of my hair, brushing it through, twisting and adding volume.

Once satisfied, he then beckoned over an extra pair of hands, in the guise of his sister, the beautician. She held one round brush in place whilst my hair cooled down, whilst Jello took the second brush and repeated the same steps.

Snowy Maiden

Swapping back and forth between the brushes, I was fascinated, watching the whole process.

Jello then spritzed and sprayed the final style before showing me the finished look.

Christmas Class

I was absolutely blown away by the transformation.

A sexy, stylish bob with a saucy kick that had me completely speechless and a little in shock.

Grey Goddess

I was that lost for words, I squeaked out a thank you, paid the bill and left the salon.

When I got over the shock, I was able to appreciate how amazing the hair cut was. Although a good few inches had been cut off, my hair looked thicker and in amazing condition.

Silver Lady

Working from the same office the following day, I made sure to pop into the salon to express just how perfect I thought my hair was.

Since then I have returned and had two blonde sections put in at the front of my bob.

A Little Swoop

The intention is to get them to a silvery grey colour, but bleaching black hair needs to be done carefully to minimise damage and reduce stressing the hair.

For the past five weeks I have loved my blonde sections.

The Finished Look

However I am writing this blog whilst in the stylists chair, with sections full of bleach as we attempt to get the grey I so desire.

It may take one more attempt to try and get there but I genuinely don’t mind as I love the style and don’t want to ruin it by rushing things.

Smooth and Silvery

The compliments I have received over the last 2 months about my hair have been numerous. It’s like I have been “transformed” in people’s eyes and they are not shy in telling me so.

To be honest thought, I do completely love it and can see me keeping this style for some time to come.

Head On

Well, unless fancy strikes me!

Till next time,

SPSG xxx