Seeking Straight Answers

How hard can it be to cut a straight fringe?

Am I asking for something so completely revolutionary that no one has ever had the opportunity to practice it, thus producing obscenely rudimentary results?

I think not.

Now you might be forgiven for thinking "Grace, you had your hair cut in Malaysia and you have European hair - what did you expect?" But the truth of the matter is that a crooked fringe is something I get every single time I go to a hairdresser. EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Despite constantly coaching the cutter to "be brave, it's okay to go short, it's only hair, it'll grow back, I've done this a dozen times, it's cool - go for it, I love my fringe short, go on, cut it straight across to the edges, straight across, no don't curve it, go straight, straight to the sides, straight... straight... straight..." I reach a point where I give up and say to myself "I'll fix it up when I get home."

I never ask for a discount for substandard results, I find it difficult to say what I really feel (it sucks, how can you let me go out like this?) and I walk out feeling bad... like I've been a 'difficult' customer.

The time has come for me to seek some straight answers and am asking you to look at the evidence above labelled 'Before' and tell me - do I have the right to be somewhat dissatisfied with the results? Am I being a little too picky in wanting a straight fringe? Should I obediently settle for the lopsided wavy look? Am I being pedantic?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

20 MINUTES LATER...

I could not wait for your answer. JUST COULD NOT. I ended up borrowing Joyce's very professional and sharp scissors to carry out the task and did what I always do after each hairdressing appointment - straighten my fringe.

Ah, that's better. I was going stir crazy. Now I'll upload the 'after' photo so you can judge for yourself.

Until tomorrow, don't always wait for answers when you know what's right for you.

Grace xx

ps. Don't you just love the background fish in the top photo? Looks like they're also evaluating my wavy fringe (click photo to enlarge) .

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Fringe benefits

Not sure if you know, but I'm studying French at the moment. I'm off to France in July to host a tour of non-riding New Zealanders at the one and only Le Tour de France - I'm so excited!

I've been watching French films, practising French phrases and researching French properties for sale. I'm hooked.

This brings me to my hairstyle.

I love bobs (hairstyles, not breasts - read it again). My mum was a hairdresser and I had a keen eye for stylish do's and in her era of beehives and French rolls, the bob really did rock.

I've had bobs at various stages throughout my life and I have to say, I'm always happier when I'm donning one. They're short enough to be practical and long enough to feel feminine. Perfectly me.

I went one step further with my latest 'do and had a very short fringe cut (well, actually, I cut my own fringe... then had the hairdresser tidy it up). People have commented saying it takes courage, it was a gutsy move, they wish they could do that to their hair and so on. But truly, what's the big deal? It's only hair - it'll grow back!

Then it got me thinking...

Maybe I am a lot braver than I think I am. My decision to have a bob with a short fringe was primarily a practical one; less hair equals less products, reduced washing and drying time and no-frills maintenance. Too easy. But yet for some, the benefits do not outweigh the risks.

If you (or your partner) have been held back by fear when it comes to your ideal hairdo - take it from me, the risks are worth taking. If it all goes pear-shaped, so what? It will grow back (BTW when I lived in London, mine went mushroom-shaped and I became known as Champignon, which I think is kind of cute... and French). Worse case scenario - get a wig!

By being 'brave', I've got a practical, easy to manage hairdo that I love... and the fact that it looks très chic is a bonus... one might say, is a fringe benefit. I know, I know.... I know.

Until tomorrow,

Grace :-)

ps. I want to acknowledge two amazing and SUPER-brave women who did The World's Greatest Shave this year - Marilyn who dyed her hair green and Nikki who did a 'Sinead O'Connor' and lopped off all her dreads to go completely bald - you girls are amazing!