As kid, my mother decided I should be a "dutch boy". So I had my hair summarily cut short with stubby little bangs. Then, as I grew she decided I should have curly hair and so my sister and I went to the "beauty school" to be test clients for new hair dressers. Our coiffed hair smelling like rotten eggs. Then Curlers to bed. Then a "fall" (basically fake long hair). Then long hair with bangs that couldn't possibly have a space in them. Off to college and I went through, short, long, brunette, frosted, permed, straight and on and on.
By the time the kids were in school, I had settled on long auburn hair. When the Dr. told me I had Cancer, I worried more about the possibility that I would lose my eyebrows and lashes during chemo, than the hair on my head. There were many acts of kindness when I had Cancer, and two of them involved hair.
After surgery the Doctor told me I couldn't take a shower. My hair was getting worse and worse by the mintue. My dear friend came and washed my hair for me. We laughed and laughed and I have to say, I had never felt so "taken care" of before.
Once I did start chemo, I was frighten to see my hair begin to fall out. So I pre-emptively asked my hairdresser to cut my hair short. His face fell. I was being pragmatic, but he looked like he was participating in an execution. So when the time came that I awoke to a clump of hair on my pillow, I asked my friend Judy to shave my head. She came to my house and not only took care of my hair, but she brought some oil to rub on my head. It was a gesture of love.
I bought a wig, but it was way too hot and itchy for me. So I took to wearing nothing at all. No hat, no scarf, unless it was a "formal" occassion or if I was down at the school. If you ever want to get some interesting reactions, be a woman and be bald. One Mill Valley lady saw me in the market and said "Good for you! Isn't it freeing when you shave your head!" She thought I had done this for religious reasons. "Oh yes, I said, its very enlightening."
Another day I was in Macy's and my hair had just started to grown back in. It was no longer than 1/16th of an inch if that. The woman said "Who did your hair! Its so hard to find someone who can cut hair than evenly!" I answered, "oh they are specialists in this, but you have no idea how expensive they are!" I finally admitted it was my Oncologist and thank goodness she laughed.
There are times now that I remember those days. With hundreds of dollars for dye and cuts and such, it sure would make a lot of sense to shave our heads. Its a good economic plan! But then again... I'd miss how my hair feels when a gentle breeze rushes along. That's a pretty darn good feeling. I'd miss the time in the chair too, that chatty oh so girly adventure at the salon. And is there anything that feels better than when someone you love, runs their fingers through your hair. Yup, all in all, I prefer to have hair. So donate if you haven't to my walk. Consider it an act to preserve woman's hair!
HERE are some pictures of before during and after my visit today. Thanks Janet at A-line for your time and expertise. The pictures may not show it... but there is a BIG difference!
No comments:
Post a Comment