EXPERIANCE: Haircut Confessions

If you met me three years ago, you would remember me by my hair. It was big, bushy, and brassy: a curly auburn mane that fell just below my shoulder blades. My hair earned compliments followed by caresses of my tresses, but I felt that I needed a hair change. Rather than go for a cute, angled shoulder cut, I decided to cut it all off. I envisioned a pixie cut similar to that of Michelle Williams or Audrey Hepburn.
While my decision remained firm, my hairdresser took some convincing. She called it “drastic” and pleaded with me to keep my mane. She almost swayed me, but I knew I needed a change. While I loved my hair, I felt it was all people saw when they looked at me. I also had sparkling hazel eyes, a milky complexion and oh yeah, a great personality. My hairdresser, Ji, pulled herself together and delivered a spectacular coif.

It felt odd to run my hand through my hair in one quick stroke. But it also felt liberating. My cut shouted: “I am still beautiful even without all my long locks.” It gave me confidence, made me more adventurous with my fashion and beauty, and prompted a domino of other changes. Blush became my new best friend because a shelf of hair no longer covered my cheeks. I indulged in frilly lace dress, a fashion statement that seemed like overkill with my former fairytale Rapunzel hair. Many girlfriends commented on how bold I was to cut off my hair, and some were so inspired they shed their hair too.
For anyone considering a new ‘do for this holiday season, I say go for it. Remember: Life is short, and hair grows. So why not try something new: A short pixie cut, an asymmetrical Rhianna bob, or even just a new hue. You’ll be surprised at what you find when you step out of your comfort zone.

HOW TO: Find a Brand-New Scissor Sister

“I’m sorry,” Michael DeSalvo says into the phone, “I’m booked for the night.” He looks up from the call and winks at me. Me likey, but Candy Bushnell’s advice echoes in my head: wait until you’re back home before you visit the salon. How do you think cornrows happen?














But I couldn’t wait any longer. I’d moved to Syracuse and was beginning to resemble a Pomeranian, so I had to go about finding a new stylist, which brought me to Hairanoia at 101 Green Street and Hawley Avenue.

I’d heard about the salon’s owner, “the wheel of Hawley Green,” but when I called to book my appointment, he answered the phone himself. I scheduled, then inquired if the owner could cut my hair. “I am the owner,” he replied unassumingly

At the handsome, double-height salon, DeSalvo offers hot cider and gets to work on an amazing tea tree shampoo and head massage. Someone who obviously didn’t get the “booked for the night” memo prattles on. If her talking means the magic fingers don’t stop, she can babble all night.

Soon I’m in the cutting chair and he asks me what we're doing. I look him dead in the eye and say, “Do whatever you want with me, Michael.” It’s the leap of faith one needs to take when finding a new salon, but DeSalvo, who insists it’s all about chemistry, has some more tips for finding a new man in your life:

Hang out: sit around and read some magazines in the salon you’re thinking about using. And if the magazines are more than five years old, press.

Cruise: is your hairdresser hot? Would you sleep with him? Don’t play the old stylist or ex-con game. If your hairdresser has tattoos, that’s a good thing.

Cheat: Don’t be afraid to step out on your man. DeSalvo encourages his clients to try someone new. They appreciate him more when they come back.

And not to get all Terminator, but I’ll be back.

CRUSH: Magic Wand

Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother transformed her from a lowly maid into the picture-perfect princess with the help of mice, pumpkins, and a little magic. Everything from the gossamer ball gown to the flowing ringlets and delicate glass slippers became classic fairytale style. Unfortunately, this day and age seems a little short on Fairy Godmothers and pixie dust. While ball gowns and glass slippers fell out of fashion, Cinderella’s romantic ringlet curls still possess stylish charm.

Without a Fairy Godmother’s help, however, we need our own magic wand: Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron, the number one selling brand of styling tools in the professional industry according to the company’s website is the secret weapon behind many celebrity hair styles such as Sienna Miller’s tousled waves. The iron ($35) packs 85 watts of power and offers 10 different heat settings. The 24K gold plated barrel’s patented pulse technology heats the iron up in 60 seconds, and it maintains an even heat. Four times more powerful than a standard curling iron, this tool reaches 428 degrees Fahrenheit and ranges in barrel sizes from 3/8 inch to 2 inches.

Now if only finding a prince were this easy.