68. Find a hairstylist I like (and stay with them!)

The last few years I have been all over in search of a hairstylist I like.

As I test out different places something never quite works. I have put countless hours into researching salons, reading reviews, profiling stylists, and waiting in anticipation until another "blah" haircut leaves me disappointed.

I know that there are many others out there on this same search. Here are a few factors that keep getting in the way of my personal search for salon monogamy.

1. I'm cheap.

Ok... actually I'm not even that cheap when it comes to salon prices but I happen to live in an area with outrageously inflated prices. I cannot afford to pay $100 only to walk out with nothing more than a glorified trim. Plus, if it's not budget friendly then I put off going and squeeze in more time than I should in between appointments. Thus creating hair that is more unhealthy and unsatisfying which is what started me on the search in the first place.

2. I'm quiet.

So I get a little shy when I first meet people especially if I'm on display. Therefore, I'm not the most entertaining person for a hairstylist to have sitting in their chair. I know this is completely ridiculous but I get so self conscious every time the customer next to me is laughing and yukking it up while I awkwardly sit and stare. I need a hair person who is relaxed and an atmosphere that is more comfortable than social.

3. I'm not that hip.

This kind of goes along with problem #2, but in my quest I have found a lot of really hip places. One salon had a flat panel fish tank separating each station and another offered free cocktails while you were waiting to be shampooed. Another salon doubled as an art gallery on off days and yet another had an adjoining tattoo parlor (I told you I had been everywhere!) While all of these places were amazing and I thought they were incredibly cool, they also seemed to size me up as soon as I walked in wearing my teacher clothes. I would originally choose the edgy places so I could get a more modern cut, but the tag of being "simple" usually resulted with a "simple" straight-across, boring, blah cut.

4. I'm not that low-key.

Even if I don't need high-class, I still want some sort of atmosphere. I definitely enjoy places that are more homey and welcoming than the Quickie Cuts around the corner. I really enjoyed going to the Aveda school but I had a new person every time. I'd like to find someone who I consistently see. I don't need them to be my best friend (read problem #2) but I would like them to be more than just a random stranger.

So the good news is I think I finally found a place that is going to work! I've only been twice but that already makes me a more frequent customer than anywhere else I've been in the last three years. It's a block from my apartment (score!), relatively affordable (score!), unpretentious (score!), yet cozy (score!). The stylist rents the apartment above the salon and he's very nice, relaxed, and maybe even a little awkward himself (this is a "score!" in my opinion, ha!) Both times I've left with that little pep you have when your fresh hair-do makes you feel happy.

The reviews also raved about how well the salon does coloring and that's what they're actually known for. So if I ever do decide to go back to dyeing, I'll be in good hands (potential score!)