A typical Life

Yesterday I had my hair cut in Japan for the first time since our last time living here over ten years ago.  It was the best haircut ever, well, not the hair cut exactly but the whole experience.

My appointment was at 11AM and I was scheduled for a cut and color.  The staff spoke a little bit of English and it turns out that my stylist, Sanae, and her husband own the salon I went to in addition to another one nearby.  I arrived a bit early and was greeted by the receptionist.  So far just like at home right? 

The next thing the receptionist did was take may coat and ask me to remove my earrings.  She provided a cute little ceramic dish for me to place them in and a mini zip-lock bag to store them in - how cute!  She then hung up my coat and took my backpack and earrings so that she could put them in a locker for me.  She then escorted me to the stylist’s chair where an assistant stylist covered my lap and neck with a towel and then wrapped a cape around my neck.  I still haven’t seen Sanae yet.

Sane arrives and I tell her that I basically want a trim and we agree on the color that my new do will be.  Now is when you would get your hair washed at home but not in Japan.  In Japan they spritz your hair and cut it first.  Sanae was very precise and took a lot of care in making sure the cut was just right.

When she was done another assistant approached to prepare my hair for the color.  She put a protective lotion on my scalp and around the edge of my face and put these cute little bags over my ears.  They were sort of like mini saran wrap bowl covers with elastic around the edge.  Sanae then returned to apply the color and, again, was very precise, and quick!  When the dye was applied I expected Sanae to leave me to wait for the allotted time but she stayed and combed the dye through my hair for another five minutes or so before telling me that it would take another five minutes.  Yet another assistant came back and combed through the dye again before Sanae came back and agreed that the process was complete.  They then switched out my cape and shipped me off to get my hair washed.

The room where they wash your hair is softly lit and you sit in a very comfortable recliner while they wash your hair.  They covered my eyes with a tissue and proceed to wash my hair three times but the best part is that it isn’t just any normal hair washing.  While they are washing your hair they are giving you the best head and neck massage that you have ever had!  I almost fell asleep I was so relaxed and regretted when she was finished, but she wasn’t finished yet….

Back I went to Sanae’s chair where the gal who washed my hair and gave me the head and neck massage began to work on my shoulders and down around my shoulder blades on my back.  I thought I was in heaven!  When she finished she dried and styled my hair and Sanae returned to check to make sure everything looked good.  She made some final adjustments to the cut and I was done.

I was walked back to the receptionist who was ready to help me put my coat on and hand me my bag.  I paid my bill and made hubby an appointment for his next off day. He said that he would rather go to a barber and I told him that the massage alone would be worth every penny more than what he would spend at the barber shop! 

Sanae walked me to the door which was being held by yet another assistant and after thanking them I slowly strolled down the street toward home feeling oh so relaxed and confident with my new do!

I can hardly wait for my next hair cut…