SubscribeFinding a new hairdresser
One of life’s tough transitions for women is finding a new hairdresser. Recently, my Mom had to deal with this change. It is one that both my teenage daughter and I also are about to confront.
Of course, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of having a hairdresser who has just the right touch: an understanding of your personal style, a confidential listening ear and the savvy to know when to stop talking. We hold onto those relationships for years and mourn when they end.
My mother had the same beautician for nearly 20 years. They are about the same age, had become good friends and the regular visits for a hairdo had turned into social events for both of them. But it became increasingly difficult for my Mom to walk down the stairs to the shop. The beautician even went to my Mom’s house a couple of times but without all the appropriate equipment the experience was a strain. “I hated to quit her,” my Mom said the other day. The two still talk often by phone.
My Mom now goes to the beautician who does the hair of her sister-in-law. So far, she’s had three visits and the two are getting comfortable with each other.
I have started the search for a hair stylist for my daughter and I. Over the past few weeks, I’ve scoured the Internet for shops that specialize in natural hair styles in our new hometown and stopped a few women at a literary festival to get the names of their stylists. I’ve made an appointment for myself. I’ll know after the first visit if it is the right choice.
My daughter is in no rush to have someone else style her hair.
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I am a member of the Sandwich Generation, a Baby Boomer raising a teenage daughter and dealing with the needs of an aging mother. I am a veteran journalist, having worked for more than three decades as a reporter and editor. Mostly recently, I was an editor with the Metro section of The Washington Post.
