A Big Gay Haircut

Tonight, I indulged in a simple but long-overdue luxury enjoyed by most, a haircut. Not unlike many women I know, I love getting my hair cut! I love the experience of going to a posh salon where someone other than my big sisters or gay husband (who, as I recall, has asked to braid my hair a time or two) spends an hour of their life focused on my appearance. I also love that such a minor "quick fix," a new "do," actually makes you feel renewed.

Part of the reason why I love getting my hair cut is that I allow my mostly-frugal self the treat of an expensive cut at a fancy salon/spa. I'm not ashamed to say that usually I shop the sale rack (even at Target,) buy generic EVERYTHING from Tylenol to toilet paper, and have been known to buy the $3 bottle of wine at Walgreens in bulk (once a week, but anyway...) But, I will, every six to eight weeks, spend good money (that could be spent on better wine, like the $5 bottle at Rite Aid) on one hour-long trip to the salon. And it's worth every penny!

It occurred to me tonight, as I was relaxing into my pampering shampoo, cut and style, that Christopher, my fabulous hair stylist, is a unique part of my life. I have been loyal to him and his "mane magic" for nearly seven years. He has seen me through four job changes, a bad break-up, lots of funny dating stories, and every hair length from pixie to Rapunzel. An excellent stylist and a true professional, Christopher actually makes the experience for me, and I think of him as a true "girlfriend." Like lots of women at the "beauty shop" (as my Grandma calls it,) Christopher and I share dating stories, gossip about other customers, daydream about the perfect "up-do" for a night out on the town, and we laugh and laugh during our time together. However, he provides something unique in my life and my circle of acquaintances. See, I'm the proud customer (friend and supporter) of Christopher, a straight male (GASP!) hair dresser.

For those of you who don't believe me (and I know there will be many,) I have to say that I, too, refused to acknowledge this truth (that Christopher is straight) for the first six months of our relationship. Afterall, my life is filled with mostly gay people (my gay "husband," most of my male friends, many co-workers, dozens of neighbors, a couple of dates, my therapist and even my cat.) The homo lifestyle, although not my own, is what I know best. Imagine how it felt learning that the one I trust most with my luscious locks as well as the most juicy rumors, turns out to be someone completely different from the person I knew and made my "girlfriend."

As I have my gay son, Harold (not my child but my cat, see previous posts,) I have come to accept Christopher for who he is, a proud straight man. It has been a long process of learning to appreciate him as a person and trust that this straight boy will give me (I hate to say) the hair advice of a gay man. Afterall, my respect and support goes out to all that are disenfranchised or the victim of prejudice, including my Christopher, the straight man hair dresser. And next time, let's try those hot pink hair extensions (a la Katie Perry) that you recommended...