I have no recollection of my first gray hair (or of the introduction of the hundreds that followed). I can’t even remember who first told me I was “going grey” – but thank you to the many so bold (and occasionally, tactful) who have pointed it out. It was these courteous folks who delivered me to the crossroad: color it or keep it?PublishBefore shot - may or may not be author.
A friend of mine pushed me over the edge with this comment: "Dude, you drive a minivan, you're planning a vacation to Orlando, and you have a chiropractor on speed dial...what have you got left?"
Before I go any further, I should disclose the fact that I had previously colored my hair. This was long before any grey hair (or better judgment) and was a do-it-yourself-from-a-box-you- bought-at-the-grocery-store job. Let me be clear that this is not an approach I’m recommending (especially for people with jobs, responsibilities, etc). Trust me, you will look weird and people will point. Despite whatever it may say on the box, you really can’t be sure what color you will end up with. Plus, it’s messy and it burns your scalp.
Armed with that wisdom, I decided to take my greys to a professional - specifically, Jeanine Brast at The Salon at Parisian. First, a quick word about the salon…yes, there is a salon at Parisian (at least the one in Brookwood). And it’s an upscale, full-service establishment (to see some photos and a service menu click here).
Jeanine Brast, stylist, The Salon at Parisian
Okay, that being said, back to the appointment…Jeanine greeted me within just a few minutes of arriving and took me back to a very nice dressing room where I could put on an apron (yes, I put it on backwards…apparently, only hospital gowns are meant to open in the back…now we know). Once properly attired, Jeanine and I discussed my color expectations. Of course, I really didn’t know what I wanted…no more grey would be nice…something subtle so that most would still believe it to be my natural color…then again, something rich and bold would be fun. Basically, just read my mind and make it perfect. What’s with all the questions?Jeanine decided on a natural brown from Wella’s Koleston Perfect® line. Sounds impressive, but it just looks like brown paste to me. The whole process of carefully brushing the color into my hair (literally with a small paintbrush-looking thing) took about 20 minutes. And unlike my previous do-it-yourself experience, no stinging scalp or eye pain (just a slight tingle). Once the color was finished, I spent about 15 minutes with my head under a steamer (to speed up the color-bonding process). Sure, it’s a little weird with a large punch-bowl on your head, but it takes a lot longer for the color to set without it (and how many times can you read People magazine in one day?). After my head was adequately “cooked”, it was off to the shampoo bowl for some hair therapy and an unanticipated (but unfortunately desperately needed) brow wax. No ever thinks they have a uni-brow, yet they still exist – thank you, Jeanine, for caring.
Dramatic action shot
After the color process, we discussed my hair style (which now had more to consider than my typical preference). For example, my penchant for short-clipped sides would mean new greys in no time. Accordingly, she recommended keeping a little more length and we abandoned using the clippers altogether. And, oh man, Jeanine is a careful cutter. I can honestly say that I have never had that much attention paid to my hair before. From what little I know, I understand that a good stylist is shaping your hair over a period of cuts. That means you really shouldn’t be expecting a show-stopper until a few visits down the road (note to those “hair hoppers” who bounce from stylist to stylist claiming no one can cut them properly). Jeanine really gave the impression of long-term strategy for my hair and I really appreciated her expertise. And, for a nice bonus, it turns out that I really did like the first cut. And this was a cut right before the holidays, people – so we’re talking about big pressure.A completely different guy - younger, more handsome, right?
Wrong! It's me...after Jeanine annihilated my greys!
Overall, the visit took about two hours. For those really stingy with their time, it could have gone quicker, but I tend to ask a lot of questions (basically, I don’t have much else going on). And I am definitely happy that I colored. Jeanine did an expert job of finding a color that blended naturally, but had enough rich tone to make me feel re-energized.Jeanine Brast is a fully-licensed, junior stylist at the Salon at Parisian (where she apprenticed for 2½ years). She is a very talented (and patient) professional who currently cites a preference for coloring. For access to some great promotions at the Salon at Parisian (some of which feature Jeanine’s services), visit salonfly.com.
- Jason O
