Chop, Chop!

For some time, I have been trying to decide what I want to do with Esther’s hair.  It has always been fine and not as thick as either mine or her sister’s hair.  It used to be so frowsy that I despaired of ever getting it to lay straight instead of sticking out all over her poor little head!  In recent years, she has aspired to have hair “as long as Abigail’s.”  It really began to grow, and although it is beautiful and silky, it is still rather thin and prone to tangles-especially when she drags it through her plate at mealtime.  Sigh.  Tangles=tears, you know.

She has been after me for a while to cut her hair “so it won’t get food in it.”  I hesitated to cut it though, because I was afraid she would recant her decision and there would be more tears.  Hair takes a long time to grow!  I wanted to cut it though, because I know how cute she looks with short hair.  It is also so much easier to care for it. 

I finally bit the bullet and decided that I would cut it while I had the opportunity.  I had to give Paul a haircut, so why not cut hers as well?  I was really nervous, since I am not really a professional stylist.  I have cut lots of hair in the past, but these have been people who know how to sit still!  :)

Here are the results of my chop job.

Before:

Getting it wet first really helps.

The first chop is the scariest!

I tried to layer the edges a bit so it wasn’t just a blunt cut straight across.  The edging gives it a little more shape and body.  I’m not very good at this part, so my perfectionistic self was freaking out while I chipped and chopped.  She held pretty still for the most part, but kept asking if we were done yet!  No pressure!

So out of this process we got:

1.  A little more hair-cutting experience

2.  A donation for Locks of Love (we just barely made the 10 inch minimum)

3.  Most importantly, we have one very pleased little girl.

Does anyone else cut their family member’s hair?  Any good tips?  I tried looking online, but really didn’t find what I needed, so I flew by the seat of my proverbial pants.  I ended up pretty satisfied with the overall results, but next time, I want it to do it better!  Always upward, you know! :)

Going Gray

It’s official.  Other people are starting to notice the silver threads beginning at my temples.  I was talking with someone at church the other day, and overheard several older ladies close by discussing how naturally my gray hairs blended into the rest of my hair.  I didn’t know whether I should be flattered or offended.  They all admittedly color their hair, not being able to cope with being all gray, but still! 

You may be thinking, “So why not color your hair?”  I just can’t do it!  I have seen ladies of all ages color their hair, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.  There are several reasons for this.
1.  The cost.  It would take $8-12 per month for the rest of my life.  I plan on living a long time, so that is a lot of money!  That is not considering the cost of inflation on the hair color kits, either…
2.  The look.  I know a lot of people color their hair, but it changes the way your hair looks, especially if you don’t get the exact shade.  It also takes away the natural shine and highlights by covering the hair with dye.  Constant coloring of the hair also affects the texture of the hair, making it coarser. 
3.  The time.  I’m sure it doesn’t take long to color your hair, but it only lasts for three weeks or so before the roots start showing.  Very unattractive, in my opinion.
4.  The result.  Coloring the hair is an endless cycle of maintenance that most people don’t know how to end.  Be honest—how many 70-year-old ladies do you know with black, brown, or red hair?  Do you let it grow out and endure the awful “skunk” look until it is long enough to cut off the colored part?  Or do you color until you die? Once you start, there is no easy way out.

So now that I have offended half of my readers by stating my rather blunt opinion of hair coloring, I will say that if you want to do it, go ahead—it’s not a sin.  It’s just not for me.  I choose to grow old and gray as gracefully as I can.  Those of you that color—take the challenge and quit now, while there is still hope! :)  It really isn’t that bad to go a little gray!