Catching the California Wave

My first order of business after arriving was to find a place to get my hair done. After asking a Facebook group of locals, I was given the name of a salon nearby. My first visit was uneventful, so I schedule a follow-up five weeks later.

About two hours before my appointment, the owner texted me to let me know my hair guy was no longer employed at the salon, but she’d be willing to fit me in.

She greeted me upon arriving and immediately sat me in her chair.

“I’m just recovering from surgery,” she said, her hair in a messy bun piled on top of her head. She wore loose shorts and a sweatshirt.

“Oh, I hope you’re feeling better,” I casually answered.

“Well, it was elective,” she said, “It was a good thing.”

I asked her if she minded if I asked what she had done. I figured that since we’d known each other a full minute, it was safe to ask.

“I had my thighs and stomach done,” she beamed.

“Actually, can I just show you?”

Sure.

I wasn’t sure to expect her to lift her shirt or pull down her pants. These things happen here.

She stopped inspecting my roots and picked up her phone.

She showed me a full frontal nude picture.

“This was before.”

I wasn’t quite sure what to say to one’s “before” nude after multiple children.

“Yeah, OK.” I said encouragingly.

“And….this….is AFTER.”

Another full frontal, followed by new backside pics.

“Wow, you look great!” said, trying to find a tone that mixed encouragement with a casual air.

She threw in a free deep conditioning, worth $45. I’m not sure if it was due to the encouragement or the appointment time mix-up.

She went on to give me the “scoop” in the area: the designer place that doesn’t advertise, but you can get designer brands for $15, and the best place for facials.

“Give them my name and they will give you a huge discount.”

She asked me to be a “mole” for a neighboring salon and find out how she can be competitive. I agreed.

Hell, why not? I may even get another free deep condition.

EDITED: Upon further reflection, I can see how she was just so excited about her new body. I get it. She had said she’d been overweight her entire life and after multiple children, was ready to get into shape. I’ve been there and felt that same excitement. I’m ready to feel it again. I do hope I’m not so excited that I show strangers my naked body. However, as I’ve said many times, in California, anything is possible.