The makeover

I was placed, like a doll, in front of a large mirror. Six round bulbs lithe the top of its frame. In this image I could see every flaw, every imperfection, ever massive pore. I could only see the ugly side of myself. Jessa and Jamal discussed the best "look" for me as the went over every inch of my face and hair. While looking at myself under heavy lighting, I thought I had no chance to take the kind of photos had in mind. My face was too round with freckles dotting my nose and cheeks. I've always disliked my sun speckles. One particularly obvious one sat on the right side of my chin. Deep shadows covered my under eyes from the rim of my glasses. I had never tried contacts. I had yet to have the opportunity. My ears were dwarfed compared to my chubby face. It gave me a childlike appearance. One not fitting for adult life. I looked down at my small frame. Skinny isn't always beautiful. I always thought thirty more pounds in the right places could make me desirable. I hated the mirror and the image it portrayed. Was it really me?

"I think we could do a whole new hair color and cut as well. What do you think? Jessa asked. I was in such deep self consuming, self loathing, I hadn't heard a word.

"Kayla?" Jamal asked intently. He always sensed emotions of those around. I'm sure he could read the look on my face.

"What ever you think. I could use a change." I answered though I wasn't sure I meant it. I've lived with the same look for three years. I box dye my hair every few months. Usually I wait until my roots are too noticeable to ignore. My natural hair color was a flat brown color but then Tony brought home a bright orange box dye after a fight over my hair. I just wanted the fight to end. From then on I've been dying my hair orange. I don't think it's a flattering color for my pale physique yet I'm too afraid to change it. Now that Tony is gone I should get rid of this reminder of my life with him.

Jessa is not a certified beautician but she did have a close friend working nearby who is. With one quick call I was in a car down the road. I think Jamal and Jessa just wanted to get out of the office. They seemed ecstatic while we arrived to our destination. It was a flat gray building with large paned windows. A sign at the top read "beyoutiful". Fitting since I didn't have control of my own choices for three years of my life. I wonder what IS me. Am I the orange haired girlfriend I thought I wanted to be? No... So what now? I gloomed as we entered.

The smell of chemicals and straighteners filled my nose. There were several other women receiving hair services in the white lined salon. It was luxury top to bottom. Jessa's friend waved vigorously as she walked past three sets of white leather chairs that waited in front of large mirrors. They called to those who passed. They called to me because I desired change. I began to feel a thread of excitement weave inside. Maybe this is a good thing even though I didn't want this makeover.

"Hi there I'm Ann," she reached her tattooed hand out, I took it, staring at the little dragon entwined around her fingers, "I hear are looking to have a hair over haul. Anything you like or don't like?" She was cheery in tone. I liked listening to her speak.

"Can we stay away from orange?" I asked. She ushered me to her chair and began to look thoroughly at my scalp and hair texture.

"No orange, I don't think it suits you. I think you would make a nice brunette. I can see that's your natural hair color. I also want to stay away from bleaching your roots." She adjusted my hair in her hand measuring the length if she were to cut it to my shoulders. My hair is long, reaching down to just above my waist line and thick.

"Girl, you'd be cute with pixied hair. You have the perfect face for it." Jessa always tries to get people in the office to go short.

"I definitely need shorter hair but I don't want my hair that short." Jessa poured and Jamal gently put his arm around her.

"We better get the supplies we need. Meet you back here in a couple hours." He tugged Jessa with him. Anna began preparing to dye my hair by getting the supplies she needed. When she began, I was faced away from all the mirrors. I closed my eyes choosing to let the surprise take me. I felt invigorated while she cared for me. Every so often I heard the crinkle of foil and felt the tugging of hair. The moments ticked by quickly. Anna was quite fast. I got one look after she finished putting foils in at my alien spaceship hair. Foil poked out in even rows on nearly every inch of hair. I took a photo of myself in case I wanted it for the blog.

She washed my hair like she washed away sins and sorrows. Then she added toner to take out the orange. Again I was placed in her chair while she cut my hair. We decided the collarbone was the best length. Then she dried and styled my hair. All the while I held my eyes closed.

"Are you ready to see your hair?" Anna asked as she spun me around in the chair. My eyes opened once I settled. My hair was golden honey brown. I wasn't a true brunette like my natural hair though the roots were close in color. Golden highlights dropped to the ends of my hair were it appeared saturated with honey. I gasped in admiration. I didn't expect to love it so much. Jessa and Jamal has come to finish me off with clothes and makeup. They reacted similarly to my new hair and seemed excited to finish the look.

After returning to the office I was placed once again in front of that well lit mirror. This time I didn't see all the same faults as before. The cut and slimmed my face slightly and hidden those too small ears. Though shadowy from my glasses my face didn't seem to suck in the darkness. Jessa did a natural looking make up with light eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick. She had me put on white hoop earrings and I summer dress. The dress was covered with golden sun flowers. It felt breezes through the large open triangle at the back. She paired it with a pair of wedges and a summer hat. I didn't quite feel comfortable in this kind of thing but they assured me it looked good. I felt somewhat confident with my new hair so I didn't fight them.