Soft curl
Heading to work Friday morning and looking forward to the end of the day. My fifth set in 5 weeks.
Walking into the salon, I was, as usual, a bit early. Sharon was still winding in rollers on another woman. I hung my coat then took the scarf from my pocket and added it to the hook. Slipped on a salon gown and moved to the adjacent chair.
The other client looked across at me and said, hello again. She seemed familiar but I couldn’t place her.
We were both here one Saturday morning about a year ago, she said. I remember you because you were having a roller set. Is it a perm or a set today? Just a set, I replied.
Realising I was not joking, she said, oh, good for you. Is it a regular thing now? I smiled and nodded. You must enjoy it, I can’t imagine many men would go to the hairdressers every week.
Can I ask, once your hair has been set, how long do the curls last? About 4 days I replied. How do you protect your hair after your set, was her next question.
In the mornings I wear a shower cap. Sharon added, I’ve given him a plastic rain hood in case of wet weather.
Feeling more relaxed I asked about her weekly salon visits?
It’s just a part of my routine she replied. I like to look nice.
I feel much the same after my sets. In the mirror I watched as her face drifted into a confused look.
Sharon opened out a net, tied it over her rollers and pulled the dryer down. A nod to me and said let’s get you washed.
Back in the chair with my wet hair wrapped in a towel. Sharon was standing behind me and said how about that perm? I’m happy to work late tonight if you want it done now.
I was becoming ever more relaxed having a set in the salon with other clients. However, I was still not confident enough to go to work with a perm or show my friends.
Sorry I’m still not sure. Could you just do my usual on medium rollers. She smiled and said that’s perfectly ok. The setting lotion was combed through and she began winding.
After I was netted I sat for a few minutes until the dryer switched off. Sharon lifted it up and away from the other client. She turned in her chair and said, so you like having a woman’s hair style?
A little defensively, I said, I like the styles that Sharon gives me.
I think he looks rather handsome with curls. It’s nice that my clients want to look their best. Pulling the dryer over me ended the conversation.
Sharon began removing the other clients pins and rollers. After the comb out and spray, she was at the counter paying.
Later my timer switched off and Sharon removed the net, pins and rollers. Carefully positioning each curl into that feminine style I loved.
At the counter I paid and then put on my jacket and scarf. Sharon smiled and said, Mrs Davis noticed the scarf over your coat. She asked me if you wear it when you leave the salon. I hope you don’t mind but I said yes.
What was her response I asked. Sharon laughed and tried to mimic Mrs Davis accent. It’s the 80s I suppose and everyone’s different.
Same time next week? Yes, that would be perfect, I replied.
Jen walked in about 5 minutes later. You always look so cute sitting there.
Sharon walked out from the back of the Salon. Jenny asked for a cut and blow dry next Friday at 5pm.
With a big smile Sharon replied, I’m sorry I’ve got one of my regulars for a set at 4.45. How about 4pm, and Jen said great, thank you.
Sweetie, would you swap appointments. By the time I get through the traffic, I won’t be here until after 4:30. I was happy to, as it was easy for me to leave work early.
Our evening at home was lovely as usual. I didn’t sleep much, thinking about our special Saturday shopping trip.
In the morning, there was the usual apprehension in case I bumped into someone I knew. How would I reply to the question about my hairstyle.
After breakfast, Jen said, let’s get the bus into town now. Hopefully avoid the worst of the crowds. How about a bit of mascara? I was getting more adept at applying it now.
Are you wearing your scarf today. I poked my tongue out and said, of course not. Put it in your coat pocket anyway, was her slightly firmer response.
We walked into a department store, up the escalator to the lingerie department. Jenny quickly scanned through two racks of nightwear. Took 4 different nighties off the racks and headed for the changing room.
I was nervously hanging back. Come on silly you have to try these on, she said. I glanced around, hoping no one heard.
Once in the cubicle I fumbled taking off my jacket, shirt and trousers. A combination of nervousness and excitement.
The first was a little tight but the other three fitted perfectly.
Ok which do you like best. I think I like the soft pastel blue one with the embroidered edges and a small slit up the left side.
That wasn’t too hard she said with a smile.
From outside the cubicle came the voice of a shop assistant, is everything alright Miss?
We emerge and received a stern look of disapproval from her. We do not encourage men into the lady’s changing area.
Sorry, that was my fault Jenny said, we will take this one please.
This one comes with matching briefs they are on the same rack at the back. I’ll bring a pair over to the counter for you.
As Jen paid, the assistant said, it might be a size too big for you? Jen smiled and said it’s a gift and I had to look away as I blushed.
The assistant wrapped it then handed it to me without a word. I was feeling even more embarrassed.
As we left, all I could think of was getting home and wearing it for the rest of the day.
Just before the bus pulled up at our stop Jenny took out a scarf from her hand bag and said it looks rather windy. Folded it, draped it over her hair and knotted it under her chin. Gave me a wink and asked, how do I look? Gorgeous, I replied.
After getting off the bus she said, you could wear yours too. Don’t want to ruin your lovely set. There are too many people around and besides it’s not windy, I replied.
Once home, Jen gave me that look, I know what you want to do.
In the bedroom I took my clothes off and slipped on the briefs and nightie. It felt wonderful, standing in front of the mirror enjoying this image of myself.
Jen came in, smiled and said, who’s happy today? Why don’t you save this for after dinner. We can both wear our nighties then. A little reluctantly I agreed and put my clothes back on.
Let’s shape your eyebrows a bit more she suggested. After some painful plucking I said thank you and went to the mirror. Gulp, this was quite a change, thinner and more arched. I loved how I looked but wondered if others would notice.
Saturday evening after dinner was wonderful. Both in our nighties, on the sofa, watching TV. As usual I loved to delicately touch my curls, feel how the fragrant spray held them in place.
Sunday, I wore my nightie around the flat until late morning. After my shower, we did our usual walk and tea stop.
Monday morning at work with straight hair. Nothing was said in the office about my shaped eyebrows. I imagined, those that noticed were quietly wondering about this latest change.
Mid-morning Tuesday I was alone in the office. Maureen, the woman that often compliments my haircuts returned with her tea. Your eyebrows look nice, did you shape them? I went a bit red in the face and mumbled that Jenny had done them.
A couple of us have noticed your nice haircuts this year. It’s not a cut at the Barbers? Where do you go?
I go to Jenny’s Stylist and gave the general location.
I think I know of it, she said. Didn’t realise they had male clients as well. Adding, I would feel a bit shy having my hair done if there was a male client in the salon.
I admitted I was nervous the first time at Sharons salon. Though I have become more relaxed recently.
I never thought about it from your point of view. Walking into a women’s salon, all things feminine. You must be very brave.
I explained that Jenny booked a double appointment. She was encouraging me to change my style, improve my appearance.
Given how easy the conversation was flowing I thought I would steer it towards her hair. I think your hairstyle looks lovely. It really suits you. Is it a perm?
Thank you and yes, it is. You are the first male who has ever asked me that.
My mother has regular perms and Jenny had a perm last year. I guess I know a bit more than some guys. Do you have it set?
Well, you are up with the jargon. Yes, it’s my little habit every Friday evening. I look nice for the weekend and have a chance to relax after work.
It’s a larger salon but close to home. I’ve never seen any male clients though.
The stylist who does my hair says that in the future, salons will be mixed, men and woman. What about that? Will it be men having colours and perms, or woman with short back and sides. More money in colours and perms so I guess the men will adapt.
I was really enjoying our warm friendly chat. You are right, we males will change. At least those who don’t like short back and sides.
How did you decide on a style last year, she asked?
I didn’t really, Sharon just began cutting. I assumed Jenny had suggested something and left it to Sharon to decide.
It shows a lot of trust, I like that. How did you feel when she showed you the end result.
Her question triggered memories of that wonderful evening. Rollers, net, dryer, the comb out and seeing myself with beautiful curls.
She put her hand on my arm and said, the look on your face says it all. Clearly you were very happy with the result. I went a bit red in the face.
Please don’t feel self-conscious, I think it’s great that some men want to look nice. Having a good hairstyle is part of that.
I wondered about telling her why it was a special evening. If I do have a perm she will know then.
It was an unusual Friday evening I said cautiously. She sensed I was about to tell her something quite personal.
A few weeks before the cut Jenny and I were chatting about my hair. She thought a curly style might look nice. I had been wondering the same thing.
While Sharon was cutting my hair, she mentioned this. An hour later we were leaving the salon, me with loose wavy curls.
Maureen smiled and said, you must have felt very self-conscious with ahead full of rollers sitting under the dryer. A womans’ domain so to speak.
Yes, I was very nervous sitting there, more so when we left the salon. At home, I relaxed and enjoyed having this new style for the weekend. Monday morning, I washed out my curls.
That’s a shame, I would have liked to see you with this new look. Have you had any roller sets since then.
Yes, about a dozen times, I admitted a little hesitantly. Good for you, she said. No reason why curly styles should be women only.
What have your family and friends said about your new look. Most seem neutral or at least they don’t say anything negative.
That’s nice to know. Though I think some people here might make a few jokes. Don’t let them put you off from trying something different.
I sensed she had real empathy, like Jenny, she seemed to understand me. I’ve been thinking about a perm, I said. Watching her face for a change in expression. Nothing, just the same warm smile.
That will be quite a change. Have you decided on a style?
Sharon has set my hair in various patterns and then given me different comb out styles. I like all of them but if I had to choose, I think I prefer the medium defined curls. Sort of like yours and Stephanie’s style.
I’ll take that as a compliment she smiled. As you know it requires a weekly set to keep it like this.
I again blushed a little but was feeling more trust with her. I’ve had a shampoo and set every Friday for the last 5 weeks. It feels nice to do it and Jenny always appreciates it.
I agree 100% on that one, I look forward to my weekly set. If you do have a perm, it will be a bit of a surprise for everyone here.
Yes, that has been a block for me, concerned by the reactions. I’m sure some here will not approve and others will tease me.
That’s their problem, she countered. If you really want it, then do it. What about the men that have naturally curly hair, especially if it’s a bit longer. Do people call them strange?
Let me tell you from personal experience, many will not even notice. My husband barely notices when I have a new perm or different comb out style.
We were both enjoying this new connection which was sadly interrupted. The Office Manager walked back in from the Tea Room and we returned to our desks. As the others filed back in Maureen give a smile and said let’s chat some more soon.
