There is something relaxing and refreshing about having someone else do your hair. While I would love to spend the time and money to have my hair done everyday, just for the refreshing feeling, I know it is absolutely time for a mini hair makeover when I find myself wearing my hair up in a bun for 2 weeks straight. That time had come!
Now, what is not so relaxing is trying to find a hairdresser that you can trust in a country where you don't speak enough of the language to really tell them what you want. However, I am really okay with just about anything when it comes to my hair, so I wasn't too worried. I just tried to pick the nicest looking place in a smaller part of town. And I picked just the right one!
As I walked up to "Coiffeur for Women" (actually an English business name), I was greeted by two older men drinking çay and talking. When I walked into the salon Lady Gaga's new single, Alejandro was playing and I was greeted by a 20-something very nice looking guy. Seriously, even I would have asked for his number. I immediately felt at ease about giving this guy (who didn't speak English) complete control of my new look.
First of all, I would like to point out that I have never had my hair done by a guy. I didn't realize this until today. Women have always dominated the salons I have gone to. As a side note, after getting my hair done I took a bus to another part of town. Along the way there are many salons. When I looked in each, men were waiting for their next client. I found this very interesting!
My favorite part about getting my hair done is when they shampoo and condition my hair. There were no differences between Turkish and American hairdressers, I just wanted to mention it was my favorite part. After having my hair washed, I headed to my seat to have the cut. Somehow, the stylist and I were able to communicate that I wanted just a cut and layered...although I wasn't entirely sure the layered part was fully understood. He put the standard cutting gown around me. Then he put what looked like floor mats for a car over my shoulders and on my back. Really. It was a thick floor mat type plastic that was pretty heavy. I don't know exactly what it was for, but my only guess would be to avoid being cut accidentally by the scissors (through the thin gown). I don't know. He then began to cut my hair.
I am not sure what he used to cut my hair, but they weren't scissors. It was more of a razor. He just shaved off my hair, section at a time. I thought maybe he would begin with this and then switch to scissors, but he used that razor thing for my entire head. At times, it would really pull my hair. I dealt with the pain as I drank my çay (a standard complimentary drink, no matter where you go...including the hairdresser or souvenir shops) It wasn't until the very end that he brought out the scissors for some last touches on the ends. When the cut was finished and I didn't see a straightening iron in sight, he brought out the hair dryer and round brush and blew out my hair.
Total Time for Relaxation/Rejuvenation: About 1 hour.
Total cost for: Shampoo/Conditioning, Cut, Style, and Çay: 25TL or $17. WHAT A DEAL!!
(P.S. The extremely cute stylist pointed out my only grey hair. Bummer, but I had to laugh!)
