Mermaid Lady

 

I have a client who I absolutely adore. I call her the Mermaid Lady. I won't even bother you with her name; becuase that is truly what I call her.

The first time she went in to see me, she had left her boyfriend. She is about 45 years old, looks like she probably has lived a hard life. She walked in, wearing a white spaghetti strap shirt, and daisy dukes.

She told me she needed a change. She was so tired of being controlled for years. She has two sons. One just graduated highschool, the other is just getting into highschool. Her last boyfriend was always picky about the way she did her hair, and would always tell her she could only get highlights.

I sat her in my chair, and draped her with a cape, put my hands on her shoulders, and asked her what she wanted. She proceeded to tell me she needed something fun. Something to really represent her independence.

To her, this was blue.

We decided to add a chunky streak of blue right at her part on the top of her head. we then foiled a few blue streaks near her bangs, and on the sides of her face. She loved it. She told me she felt free- like a bird. So pleased to have done something she wanted for a change. It wasn't about the crazy hair color, it was about her new life... alone!

During our visit, she told me that she can't work due to a car accident she had 10 years ago. It really has messed up her back, so she can't sit or stand for too long. We talked the whole time she was in my chair. She told me about concerts she went to when she was younger, how she was ready to party now that she was single again.

She didn't get her nickname on this occasion though.

A few days later I saw her name on my books again. She came in, and told me she was ready for a SECOND color in her hair. "A second?!" I asked her. "yes, everyone is loving my new haircolor, I am ready to keep going with it"

so then we added hot pink streaks as well. Since we were going that crazy, we decided to go even crazier and I added some turquoise streaks. We talked, and talked... I was getting a high from this new woman in my chair. She was so excited... so full of life. Not a care in the world- the feeling was contagious.

before she left I told her she was my Mermaid. I thanked her for the fun opportunities she gave me with doing her hair. Its not every day I can get artsy and do whatever I want.

A week later she came in with her friend, Jess. Apparently Mermaid Lady had rubbed off on her... She had left her lying, cheating, no good husband and was currently crashing at Mermaid Lady's shell.

They told me the night before they were just at home, listening to the music that was popular when they were in highschool; they danced on the couches while they sipped on margaritas, and wine coolers. They had their own little sleepover. The both were in the highest most carefree spirit. Jess wanted pink highlights. Not hot pink, but a pink that would blend real nicely with her light brown hair.

while her hair was processing, we laughed, and talked... it was like I knew these women for years.

I composed a plan. Both women had lots of tattoos. I told them they needed to get another- a mermaid - and not tell a single soul what the mermaid stood for.

They loved the idea.

Mermaid lady has came to me very often now. She still wants her tattoo, but has gotten very sick. She told me the doctor has diagnosed her with Hepatitis C. :(

I did however find some temporary tattoos of mermaids. I have one in my station waiting for her- the next time she comes and sees me.