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Those of you who know me well know that I am always up for a good bargain.  I've been eyeing people's hair these days and noticing this trend of shiny-silky-straight hair, of which my thick, coarse, wavy hair has never been.  My hair stylist said "You would be a good candidate for a keratin treatment (a temporary treatment that makes your hair silky-shiny-straight), but I'm not doing them right now."  Plus, they cost something like 200-300 dollars (what?!).  One day I was talking to my friend, Julie, and she said "I could do it for you!  I'll use my sister's tax id and get the products and we'll do it at my house!"  I was thrilled.  I trust Julie.  And it was only going to cost me $35.00!!  Woo hoo!!

So a week ago Friday I headed over to Julie's for my exotic 3-hour treatment.  First we used a clarifying shampoo.  As we did so I said "I hope this doesn't strip my color (I had heard that it could)."  You see I have a LOT of grey right at the top of my head that I cover up with brown and a few blonde highlights, to prevent looking like I'm 65.  We carried on.  Then she used a tint brush and applied the treatment all over my hair (like thick conditioner).  Then she blow dryed it and flat ironed it five times for each area.  What a champ she is!  The rule is – don't wash it for 24-48 hours (despite feeling like you're wearing a helmet of product).  And DON'T wear any clips, rubberbands, or hats for risk of creasing that super straight hair.  I didn't suspect anything was wrong until I got out into the sunlight of my car.

I looked in the rearview mirror and instantly grew concerned.  "Jacob!" I said, "Does my hair look orange to you?"  He was being very kind "Well, now that you mention it…it does look a little different."  I got home and went in to Derek – "Did you change the color?" he asked.  "NO!". 

And then over the next 2 hours it slowly got worse – until I looked like a copper penny with a streak of grey right down the middle.  I told my family I could be a Celina cheerleader (orange and grey colors).  I called my hair girl – "I'd love to get you in, but I have family in town for the weekend".  Of course you do.

That night, there was a fun event at the church – the YW were hosting a spaghetti dinner and dessert auction.  We, of course, were expected to be there.  And truthfully I think this event is really fun.  But I was NOT going ANY where with my orange hair.  I expected an argument to ensue…but when I gently told Derek, "I don't think I can go tonight," he replied "I understand."  That's when I knew it was really bad.  I've never in my life had an actual hair crisis, but this would qualify.  I did not look like myself!  I'm more of a all-natural hair color sort of girl.

Thankfully the next day my former hair stylist had a cancellation and was able to see me at 12:30.  After 4 hours and $200 spent in her chair I was restored to my somewhat normal hair color and had 2 inches taken off the bottom. 

I got more compliments that next day at church than I've ever had – my silky, straight, colored and cut hair was a hit!  And I still love my straight locks (even if they only last for a few months).   Thanks Jules (she's been so sweet about the whole thing – it truly wasn't her fault – just a lesson learned about product!)

BEFORE (hard to see in pictures):

DURING:

AFTER:

p.s. I did realize through this process how prevalent vanity is!  I hadn't really thought of myself as vain until I refused to be seen if I didn't feel good about how I looked.  I realize there are more major problems in the world than my hair…but it's a funny story that I thought was worth recording.