Day 3: Hair Cut

I have decided I want to make progress every day on my transgendered adventure.

This is day three.

So I book myself an appointment at Edris to get my hair cut. Androgynous when tied in a ponytail, more feminine when worn long.

I proudly declare that I am transgendered (here me roar!) when making the appointment. By email.

The fear returns, admittedly mixed with excitement, as I arrive for my evening appointment. LaTasha (with whom I had emailed) warmly welcomes me in, putting me at ease. Mostly.

I then meet Todd who will be cutting my hair this evening. I admit that I’m still a little nervous. Okay, a LOT nervous, but before I know it, I’m telling him all about my hair (frizzy), my transgendered life (scary), how I want to wear it (swept over).

After a calming shampoo and rinse, Todd starts on my hair. And I have the most pleasant conversation about being transgendered. Ever.

He then asks if I want my hair blow dried. Sure, why not?

Maybe it’s because this is my first time getting a woman’s hair cut, but I am guessing this is code for, make my hair as straight as humanly possible. And my hair does not do straight.

Except that under HIS blow dryer and hair iron, my hair is STRAIGHT. Jennifer Aniston straight. And it’s combed over in a feminine style. I’m a little freaked out, but I can’t help but grin. This is pretty awesome.

I then ask about the gray streaks in my hair and what I should do about them. And I get back the best news of the night. With the color of my hair (brunette), the gray hair acts as a natural highlight. So there’s that.

It is at this point that Todd notices my long nails. “Do you manicure your own nails?” I sheepishly nod my assent. “They look great!” He then calls over LaTasha and I have the most wonderful conversation about my nails. Nails that I have hidden during meetings. Nails that I have hidden at bars. Nails that I have been ashamed of. And for the first time in my life, I feel happy about them. We talk about my style in clothing, boots, makeup and I don’t want the evening to end.

Best line of the night, “I love your cheekbones.” Score!

But it has been two hours so I ask if my hair will tie up in a ponytail for my walk back to the hotel.

“It should.”

AAAGGGGGHHHH! Are you freakin’ kiddin’ me?

But tie up it does, and I share my heartfelt gratitude for a magical evening before heading out.

I finally arrive back at my hotel room and play with my straight hair in the mirror.

Jennifer Aniston, eat your heart out.