I had an interesting experience at the hairdresser recently.

If you've seen me in person or in photos you know that my hair is always quite long. I have a slight phobia about getting it cut. Sometimes it gets to the tush-rubbing stage before I get up enough nerve to do something about it.

A few days ago I was having a particularly bothersome hair day. My bangs were continuosly slapping my eyes. Out of frustration I bolstered myself with courage and decided to audition a salon that I pass almost every day. It is very close to where I live. The sign in their front window says, “Walk-ins welcome!”

I was hyperventilating as I approached the counter and asked if they could fit me in for a bang trim. The lady behind the counter was the shop owner. She's Italian,and her English was sketchy at best, (as is my writing). She couldn't have been nicer, gently put me at ease, motioned me to a chair, and in three minutes I had the best bang trim of my life! I was anxiety free!

I tried to pay her but she wouldn't accept. Wouldn't accept a tip either. I was so grateful I decided to book a full blown haircut with her.
My phobia seemed to wane because of her kindness. I was relaxed and ready for my hair to be any length. Maybe I had finally jumped over the hair hurdle!

Yesterday at noon I pulled up to the back entrance of the salon and noticed a couple of black and white police cars blocking the driveway. My new stylist friend was there, told me to find parking on the street, she'd be with me in a minute. I parked a couple of blocks away and when I returned I didn't see her anywhere.

On closer inspection I found her in the back seat of one of the cop cars in handcuffs! She was being arrested!
She had been involved in a dispute with the shopkeeper next door.
Has anyone out there ever gone to the hairdresser and witnessed their stylist taken away in handcuffs by the police?
Is it just me?
I guess I just wasn't meant to get my hair cut.

Jennifer Leitham
March 15, 2007