11th Shampoo and Set

Friday morning, I was excited about my fourth shampoo and set in four weeks. Before leaving for work, I folded Jenny’s scarf and put it in my coat pocket. Pick you up at the salon afterwards she called as I left for the bus.

That evening, sitting in the salon while perm rods were wrapped in my hair was bliss. Sharon asked when are we going to perm you. It was certainly feeling more normal to do this every week. However, I knew I couldn’t hide away if I had a perm.

Perhaps reading my thoughts Sharon said, it may take some of your friends time to adjust to your new hairstyle. Eventually, they will, but you have to start sometime.

The big step is of course the perm. The loose wavey style I gave you that first time really suited you. A less dramatic change and easier to maintain. I suspect some of your friends may not even notice. If you feel like something different for a special evening you can still book in for a set.

If you choose the smaller defined curls, the commitment to maintenance might be too much. Though you seem comfortable with weekly appointments now.

Yes, I do feel more relaxed having my hair washed and set every Friday. I look forward to it after a dull week at work.

Do you still have the rain hood I gave last year? Yes, I keep it in my jacket pocket most of the time.

Once under the dryer, I continued mulling this over and thought I’ll see how things go with my parents first.

The dryer switched off, my hair net was untied and she removed the rods. Soon after, I was sitting near the front door with my lovely small curls and headscarf.

It’s nice that you protect your hairstyle, said Sharon. No hairdresser wants to see their hard work undone by the weather.
I’m sure Jenny will appreciate any perm style you choose.

Your booked in for 4.45pm next Friday is that ok? Without thinking about what we might be doing next weekend I said perfect, thank you.

15 minutes later, Jen arrives, gives me a big smile and tells me I look wonderful. Are you booked in for next week? Yes, I replied.
Thankfully a short walk to the car, back to our flat and a quiet evening.

Saturday morning after breakfast we went for our walk and morning tea stop. Each time I was out like this I was becoming more relaxed and less conscious of my feminine hairstyle.

I’m sure a few women, if they were close, would realise that my hair had been set or permed. No one ever said anything though.

Saturday afternoon and only a couple of hours before we were expected at my parents. I did not want to show my mother this feminine hairdo. However, I knew Jen could be very persuasive.

Probably sensing my anxiety, she said, your mother often says you should change your hairstyle. When she says “change” she means cut shorter, I offered.

Jen responded, she has perms and weekly sets, she can’t complain about you doing the same. I knew Jen would just ignore my comment that it’s normal for woman.

If you want to wash out your set now, that’s fine. Though I really think it’s time you showed your parents. If you do show them your curls I have a special treat for you later this evening.

What are you offering? I asked. You will have to wait and see, she said, but I know you will enjoy it.

Jenny’s mother Karen, Dawn and David had been quite relaxed about my odd appearance. If I really wanted to get a perm, I would have to show my parents at some point. If my mother didn’t like it, she would definitely say so. Ok, I’ll go as I am.

5 o’clock and we were in the hallway putting on our coats. I picked up mums present as Jenny gave a small cough. Aren’t we forgetting something hun? It might be a bit windy out there.
In her hand was her beige scarf which now permanently resides with my coat on the hook. Come here I’ll tie it on for you. You can remove it when we get to your parents.

I was, as always, nervous walking along the street to the car. Thankfully it was almost dark. We walked up the path to my parents’ house. At the front door, Jenny reached over and untied my scarf and gave my hair a little push here and there.

I was now extremely nervous about what reaction I might get. The door opened and there was my father. I thought I saw you two walking up the path he said. We both realised he had not looked at me properly. Jen was slightly in front so perhaps he was looking more at her.

We walked into the bright lights of the lounge. Jen turned to me and said, could you put this in your coat pocket and gave me a cheeky nod.

My Dad then noticed me. Hello, that’s’ a bit of a change. Jenny said, I sent him to my hairdresser to get a more modern style. What do you think?

It’s different was all my dad could manage. Let’s get everyone a drink, he said.

My mother came in from the kitchen and we chimed happy birthday. I walked over, gave her a kiss on the cheek and handed her the gift. Jenny followed behind but my mum barely noticed her. She was staring at my hair. Jenny repeated her explanation and asked if she approved.

I’m not sure, have you had it permed? Jen replied, it’s just a set. My stylist Sharon said his face shape would look nice with a few curls.

Jennifer, that’s more than just a few curls, retorted my mother. Did you pressure him into this she asked.

Realising I had better say something. Mum, I was tired of boring “no style” hair. Jen’s hairdresser suggested a perm but I was not sure. She put some rollers in, dried then styled it.

Mum gave a long sigh and then said, I’ll serve dinner, please sit at the table.

Nothing was said about my hairdo during dinner. As we sat in the lounge afterwards the chat was a bit stilted. No one wanted bring up the subject.

Just as we were about to leave my mother said. I’m pleased you are taking some interest in your appearance now. Perhaps some curls might look nice on you but I don’t like that style, it’s a bit ummmm…… Both Jen and I knew she meant “feminine” but could not say it.

He has lots of options said Jen, so we will wait and see. Of course, you know the commitment to maintaining a nice style. My Mum realised Jen was referring to weekly sets. She gave me a quizzical look but said nothing.

We moved to the door, put on our coats and said our goodbyes. Jen winked at me and said do you have the scarf. I went a bit red but my parents didn’t notice and dad shut the door.

I took out the scarf folded it and tied it over my hair. Wondering if my mother might glance out the window as we walked away.

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