Settling into my styling chair for the first time, Emily Haxton wasn’t the least bit interested in the current edition of Veranda or a petit four, because she was wearing that oh-too-familiar frown of a woman not in love with her hair. It was time to lift Emily’s spirits and turn that frown upside down.
I gave her three options: long with glorious layers, a bob brushing the shoulders, or a modern, chic coif that left the past on the floor. Obviously, she bravely chose option three, and with each slice of the shears, every spin of the razor, Emily sat up a bit taller, more confident, as the woman she wanted to be emerged.
A woman’s hair is like that friend she has had since childhood. It carried her through the elementary years, perhaps braces for the teeth or an awkward phase, boosted her self-esteem in high school and even into the milestones of a life well lived — college, down the aisle, first Mother’s Day, grandchildren.
So it deserves to be nothing short of amazing. Emily has defied her age and is smiling from ear-to-ear, catching glimpses of her revived hairstyle fresh cut with bold golden highlights that illuminate her grin. Her face is shining brighter with the use of a shimmer for the eyes, cheeks and lips. Have you heard the “rule”: women of a certain age must never wear shimmer? Well, I say Emily has broken that rule with panache and flair. Shimmer, when done correctly, rewinds time with a glowing, youthful radiance that cannot be ignored. Go ahead and stare!
My new friend didn’t just walk out of the salon feeling like a million bucks with her brand new makeover. She skipped. Next time, tell your stylist you want hair and makeup that spark a spring in your step and a look from your friends that’s half adoration and half envy.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.