How To Be A Hair Model

A few weeks back I had the express pleasure of being a hair model for my regular hair dresser (owner of Mira Salon). They had in a new line of organic hair color, and she was teaching a class for all of the hair dressers to test and become familiar with the product.

As excited as I was, boy was I nervous! I had never been asked to do anything like this before and wasn't exactly sure of proper etiquette.

The event itself was fantastic!
Think of it as a fun lady slumber party (only sans sleeping!). It was room filled with too many girls, all laughing and talking. There were juices and coffees, pastries and snacks, and the salon had never felt so alive and fun. My hair dresser was fantastic-- I gave her complete control over how she wanted to color my hair. She's one of the best stylists I've ever had, so I trusted her to give me a great color.

And boy did she!


Excuse that second pose: it's much cuter when someone like Tricia at bits & bobbins does it. These were the quick & cheap pictures post session.

She gave me an all over chocolate mocha color, as she knows how much I love having dark hair. But she kept three chunks in a color close to what I had before- a rich coppery auburn color. There was a chunk on each side of my head and a sprinkle through my bangs. What is so fantastic about the color is that it's very business and professional, but the fun pieces are easily peaking through. She designed it so that it'd be easy for me to upkeep (or change the pieces to other fun colors!). It has faded some, but is still in wonderful color.


Things To Know:

1. Don't be afraid to want details.
One thing I really didn't do was ask for details; "what does she have in mind, do you have any input on what they do, will there be any costs involved, how long do they anticipate it last" are all good questions to ask.

2. Don't be afraid to give your hair stylist complete control.
It's hard to remember, but if you're seeing a regular stylist, they don't want you to look bad. Their livelihood is at stake, and it's in their best interest to make sure you look good!

3. Tipping is not necessary; payment may not be either.
One of the best things about being a hair model-- if you're willing to experiment and be flexible, it most likely won't cost you a dime. Occasionally there are instances when a salon will ask that the model cover the cost of supplies (like hair color), but most likely you are getting the goods for free.

4. Hair Models are often hard to come by.
Surprising, but true! Many men and women have what they like and aren't willing to get stuck with something they hate. If you're adventurous and trust the reputation of the salon and stylist, I'm sure you'll come out with something that is great & you love.

5. Just Ask.
If you know a stylist, are on good terms with yours, or are just curious, it can't hurt to check with a salon to see if they offer such services and programs or to see how you can get involved!

The Ultimate New Year's Resolution

As dictated by the Manolo (he is full of the wisdom, you know).

And thus the Manolo only has one standing New Year’s Resolutions:

Make the world more super fantastic.

Be kinder to strangers you meet on the street. Tip waitresses generously. Smile at small children and dogs, even when they are naughty. Have the kind word for shop girls and cab drivers. Engage random strangers in pleasant conversations about growing flowers, and your last trip to the circus. Resist the urge to use your walking stick to pummel rude people who talk loudly on cell phones.

These are the sort of small things that make the world the better place, and contribute to social harmony and understanding. Even better, they are painless and pleasant, and make others happy.

Thank you, Une Femme for reminding me of this lovely resolution.

Niceties and Loyalties

My world has felt like a non-stop cluster of not always great things. It's not unusual for me to spend most of my days angry and upset, feeling disrespected and disappointed. The other day I sent a text to a boy friend saying, "It's Thursday! That means I'm full of hate! Rah Rah Rah!" to which he responded, "Isn't that every day?"

It was a sad, but true observation.

Anger, disappointment, disrespect-- these are not emotions that I enjoy feeling, particularly on a day-to-day basis. I tend to work my ass off regularly to accomplish my daily/weekly/monthly duties, and often find the results are people treating me in a patronizing and condescending manner. That's if I'm lucky and know the person-- people's interactions with one another on the street seem to depress me even further: cars speed up when I try and cross the street; I can be delivery things to an organization and no one can bother to open a door (while they watch me struggle to do it myself); people react rudely to a simple courteous request (please move back on the bus so more people can get on; please turn down your music, as it's 4 a.m. and the entire neighborhood can hear it).

Is it only Bloomington, or has there become a mass epidemic of lack of consideration for others and rudeness?

The other day I had the joy of watching a Fund Development officer for a major arts venue in town speak about the process. She commented on how "being nice" and "loyalty" are the two things that can really MATTER. They help, above all else, to develop those relationships with major donors and subsequently help the organization overall.

Why should niceness and loyalty be reserved only when asking people for money though?

In my everyday encounters, I find that the "little" man who I make the effort to interact with brings me more joy and pleasure than some of my regular interactions. And the kindness I try and show them is rewarded back to me with their kindness. There are days I damn growing up with a Southern sense of hospitality (as I find it can be taken advantage of), but I find that good manners and etiquette are really a better path to happiness.

So instead of scowling at people on the street, rushing through your transactions at the mini-mart, I propose (these are things I regularly do myself):

• Smile at strangers on the street
• Hold open the door for someone ahead of or behind us
• Wave to the driver who let you cross the street
• Ask a stranger you encounter how they are and listen
• Thank the sales associates, or bus driver, you encounter throughout the day and mean it