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Whoops! I Did it Again!

How did, 'I'd like some copper lowlights, please,' turn into, 'Give me dramatic blood red. And a bitch streak.'?

Two lessons from this story:
1) Do not go to the hairdressers on Children In Need day when everyone's in fancy dress and very excited.
2) Don't try anything new before a special event. When will I learn my lesson? Sigh.

Comments

Now Chris - I bet you look just gorgeous. The lights are always very bright in hairdressers' salons and mirrors cleverly designed to pick up every last detail and amplify it to ten thousand decibels. What does Tom say?

Anyway, a slightly stronger hue than usual will simply ensure you look the cool, confident force to be reckoned with you really are for that all-important SE.
I do recall that your mother knitted you a very fetching hat.
Chris Stovell said…
LBD, what a pal you are. Tom says it's great... but years of training have taught him that a negative response can result in a near death experience for him. Hmm, I hope you're right about the SE!
Chris Stovell said…
Don't even joke about it, Elizabeth - I have been wondering whether I should go for the eccentric Welsh Boho look!
pinkfairygran said…
Is there a photo, can we see? This is yet another cautionary tale about hairdressers, serving only to prove I am right in never going!The last time I went was about fifteen years ago, and since then I have taken care of it myself. I have never been comfortable in hairdressers anyway, it's a loss of control thing mixed with hating being served, waited on etc.
Chris Stovell said…
I don't think I need to post a photo, Pfg... I think you can probably see the crimson glow in Norfolk!
mountainear said…
I'll be sympathetic - been there and done that. Must have been asleep when the suggestion of a little lilac (lilac???) slice in my blonde hair would be exciting. So exciting it kept me awake wondering how to get rid of it.

Rather than go back and complain I went to Boots and bought something to strip that colour out. It was so good and easy that I wondered whether to avoid hairdressers in the future. Decided on balance they were a necessary evil.
Chris Stovell said…
Oh, Mountainear, 'exciting' sound so enticing! Such a shame when it loses something in translation - I've gone down the 'wash it as much as possible with the opposite of colour care shampoo' route. Still glowing though.
her at home said…
Oh go on let us see!!! I am sure it is lovely dear and at least Tom noticed it!!Mine never does!
Maggie Christie said…
Well it makes a change to be able to see you over the hills for once. I was wondering what that red glow in the north was...

(I bet it looks as effortlessly chic and as lovely as ever though!)
Annieye said…
If you think that's too much, you want to see my youngest son's electric blue tips to his spiky, black hair.
Chris Stovell said…
Hah, waving to you in Brittany... has the sky lit up?

Mags, well, it's been so grey it's the only way I can signal to you across the hills (and thank you - too kind m'dear).

Annie, mental note to self not even to think the word 'blue' when I'm at the hairdressers - bet it looks great on your son 'though.
I used to be more terrified of the hairdressers than going to the dentist or doctors. I've had a few grim experiences, so can fully appreciate how you feel.

Let's have a pic.
Pondside said…
Big sympathy, Chris. I live in fear of the hairdresser - would rather go to the dentist. I think longingly of the days when I was young and had long straight hair and would ask my husband to just even off the ends. These days it's once a month to keep a professional look, but sometimes I just want to go about with a bag over my head. I've had terrible cuts when my hairdresser has had a headache, was worried about her niece, had her computer break down....I almost want to ask her 'how is your day going?' before I get into the chair.
Chris Stovell said…
Debs, no pics! You might think you've regained your view of the lighthouse!

Pondside, good plan to ask how the hairdresser is first before deciding whether or not to proceed. Will never book an appointment on Children in Need day again!
Frances said…
Chris, I just wish that you could have the pleasure of meeting my stylist and the others at the salon. They always listen carefully, and would be saddened if a client were unhappy.

Of course, we don't have that Children in Need fundraising day over here.

Bet that your hair is not as shocking as it seems to you.

xo
Chris Stovell said…
Frances, your hair always looks fabulous. I think the outcome of my trip was in part due to me not making myself clear in the all the excitment going on around me... a lesson for the future!
Calico Kate said…
You could always say it was for Charidee and carry a collecting tin with you where ever you go until it washes down a few tones.
Haven't ever had my hair coloured 'properly' I always did it myself and haven't done so for years now, but cuts AGGGGGHHHH!!
Would rather go to the dentist!
CKx
Helen Ginger said…
I don't think I even want to know what a bitch streak is. I envision you having bright red hair with a streak of white down one side. All you need to do for this upcoming event is put on a smile and your most comfy dress. Own the hair, girl!

Helen
Straight From Hel
two days before Heart of The Country TV prog being filmed here and using our book - I went to hairdresser - copper low lights looked like orange shred marmalade! I still cringe when I see the video! Just enjoy the SE and forget the hair!
Chris Stovell said…
Kate - why didn't I think of that?

Helen, no, we won't go into the bitch streak, but I think my only option is, indeed, to own that hair!

SBS, eeek! Didn't think of marmalade shreds, that could have been me too!
Lane Mathias said…
But red is so 'on trend'. You're cutting edge, so you are.

Anyway, if Tom says, it looks great, I believe him:-)
sheepish said…
Sorry but I laughed at this. Bet it looks fine.
Fennie said…
Now Chris, we need a photo to judge.
But if it is as you say you will need a whole new wardrobe.

Still I sympathise - I have always found that hairdressers are really just an expensive version of trick or treating and its usually the former.
Liane Spicer said…
Argghh! A friend of mine asked for a few highlights and left with pink hair. Caught sight of herself in a shop window and marched right back to the salon.

I cut and colour my own hair these days. It's a lot cheaper to mess it up myself.
Chris Stovell said…
Lane, so on-trend I need that N-Dubz hat fast!

Sheepish, well it's fine... in the dark.

Fennie, it is that element of surprise that makes it so exciting.

Liane, trouble is I'd hate to hurt their feelings by marching back - too much of a coward too. I'll just keep washing it!
I wondered where there that crimson glow was coming from!! I jest!!!
Chris, I've had some disasters I can tell you and haven't been to a hairdressing 'salon' for about three years since I found a very talented and restrained (thank goodness) lady who comes to the house and gives me a trim every six weeks and that's it. Like others before I would rather go to the dentist!
I'm sure its not as bright as you think and may even look quite good really ...

Jeanne x
Kitty said…
Oh no, it happens sometimes, hope it's calmed down a bit now - washed out a bit or something. Well, at least it wasn't lilac (Mountainear what WERE you thinking?!)!
Chris Stovell said…
Oh Jeanne, I hope you're right!

Kitty... have now washed it six times and I think, only think, mind you, that it may have calmed down a tad.
BT said…
Ha ha, I bet it looks wonderful. I want to see it!! where's the photo???
Milla said…
nice new avatar and, come on, I know we now know it's good news, but we crave details.
so very many congrats again, young Chris.
Helen Ginger said…
It's been over a week...I'm still waiting for a picture.

;-O

Helen
Straight From Hel
Chris Stovell said…
Sorry I haven't been around - will catch up soon.

Pat and BT... it's beginning to fade at last!

Milla, promise to tell asap.

Helen, I think it's safe for all of you now - kept a low profile for fear of blinding everyone with the red glow.
Unknown said…
Maybe you could go back and have the light bits made much darker. Black for example - actually no, scrap that, Halloween has been and gone. I'm sure they look fine! Dpn't panic, only strings of protein or keratin or whatever hair is made of. I came to visit because I like the picture of your office and wish mine looked like that. No. I wish I had an office instead of a gap between lego and dolls on the sofa... I will be visiting you again! kerrycharacters.wordpress.com
Tamsyn Murray said…
Many congrats on your exciting news! I reckon the hair definitely helped :-)
Annieye said…
It's so exciting to hear about someone getting a publishing deal. Well done, Chris.
Chris Stovell said…
Welcome, Kerry - and don't worry, I had years of writing between the lego and sylvanian families!

Tam, stunned them into submission,eh?! Thanks for the congrats.

Annie, thanks - but it's very encouraging that the NRs are still showing that there's hope out there. Here's to many more!
Chris Stovell said…
Kitty, I'd like to say now that you were right - hair has toned down nicely, even looks quite good.

And I should also make it clear that my hairdresser is the best I've ever had and is brilliant at cutting. The very few times when I've come away a bit stunned, have been when, like now, I've tried something 'a bit different'! Note, stick with what you know!
Maria said…
I'm late coming to comment - I hope you see this - a nice little piece of wisdome I picked up along the way: Q: What's the difference between a good hair cut and a bad haircut? A: Two weeks.

I presume it works for colouring too.

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