Louise became a client 25 years ago. The hairstyles we've tried have varied little; a bob, a layered bob, a bob with fringe, maybe once or twice, a shorter cut with no weight line. She colors her hair a bright bright orange, herself, and never seems to color it before she sees me. There are always white roots to greet me, with very faded color on the ends. Her hair is dry, yet not dry enough in her book since she insists on never conditioning her hair. And this is the way it goes, nothing changes and it's a slow death. A delightful slow death. We have a rapport that has developed over the years--I could distinguish her laugh in a dark theatre, I know certain stories, because I've heard them more than once, as I am sure I have repeated a few of my own. We have talked about life, and we have cried about love, and she is an unrealized songwriter.
She is loyal--I wonder why sometimes. I don't suggest change often, I haven't suggested she come in and let me color her hair, and she is certainly one of the few people I don't talk to about product, even though I firmly believe her hair would look and feel like a million bucks.
What prevents me from shaking things up with her? I suggest change 95% of the time with other clients, but with her I don't. Some of life's challenges have forced us to grow, so maybe it is enough to wear mediocre hair, and allow mediocre hair be worn. Besides, it is a relief to not always have to be on, and I see it as growth to just let her hair be simple. We have an unspoken agreement, for now.