Until recently, I had never had my hair coloured.
I was scared to bleach it and I thought that was the only way to try something new.
But I have been proven wrong.
On Wednesday, June 19, I was treated to a hair appointment by St Mary of the Angels Nathalia Year 11 student Steph Von Soest.
I was nervous — I hadn’t been to a hair salon in over three years, my hair was dead and dry at the end, and what on earth was I going to look like when I next looked in the mirror?
But I wanted to do it anyway. I always want to support apprentices, students and trainees as much as possible.
When I walked in, I was genuinely calmed by Steph. She was warm and kind and had a beautiful smile and I knew that no matter what, I was going to have a good time.
Steph is undertaking Certificate II in Salon Assistant, and from what I gather, she enjoys it.
I was ready to begin my appointment. I sat down, the cape was put on. I. Was. Ready.
What was the plan? I was getting a new hair colour, a reddy brown, which was promised to add shine and depth.
What people don’t tell you is that the colour paste they put on your hair is cold as!
And to make it worse, it was cold outside as well. But that was the worst part.
I got my colour on, waited 20 minutes and then got to the best part of every hair appointment: the hair washing and shampooing.
If you’ve never experienced this, you haven’t experienced a good time.
My head was given the massage of a lifetime. I was so calm, I could have fallen asleep.
After a good blow dry I was ready to see my new look. My nerves dissipated as I saw Steph had done an impressive job.
My hair looked shiny and healthy, and had a cool red undertone.
In between all the actual hairdressing, Steph and I had a good yap.
She listened to all the garbage that comes out of my mouth and she made me feel comfortable while I was in the chair.
What I’m trying to say is thank you, Steph. I look great, I feel great and I’ve never received so many compliments.
And you, reading this right now. If you get the opportunity to be a client for a student, take it.
You get to meet a cool, interesting, lovely young person and experience something fun.
All students deserve the chance to grow and I am incredibly grateful that I could be there for Steph.
Oh, and Steph, if you ever need anyone to practise on again, I shotgun the first appointment.