by Bridgid Bender

First, let me explain that, to me, getting a haircut is like seeing the doctor. I’m not particularly vain about my hair, most of the time I just wash it and let it go. Which is exactly why I liken seeing a hairstylist to seeing a doctor——similar to my knowledge of medicine, I also know NOTHING about hair. Don’t ask me how I want it cut, I don’t know. Don’t ask me how I style it, I don’t. Please just cut my hair so I don’t look ridiculous. Sitting in a chair before a mirror with a person with a pair of scissors coming at me is a particularly vulnerable position for me to be in.

I’ve had any number of experiences with hair salons from the big box mall versions where you’re more or less a cog in an assembly line——to the don’t bother me because I’m too sexy salon——to the bouffant, big hair, I’m pretty sure they wanted to wet set and blue rinse me in order to feel the complete experience. This is why I feel compelled to tell you about Orange Salon (2004 S Congress Ave, http://orangesalon.net). Not to sound cheesy, but this is a “Cheers, everybody knows your name“ kind of place. The very first time I went in for a haircut, my husband was going to drop me off then head to Supercuts for his haircut. It occurred to me that we were indeed at a hair-cutting establishment, so I asked if there was any way to squeeze him in. They not only were accommodating, but Heather, the salon owner, was the one who cut his hair. Honestly, the best haircut he’s had in the 16 years we’ve been married.

Orange boasts some unique services. For instance, they have a reputation for being THE place to go to for curly hair. In fact, it seems they can coax curls out of hair that didn’t know it was curly. Also, some of the stylists are trained as barbers, which means they offer the straight razor, hot-lather shave (good that they’re on Congress Ave. and not Fleet Street). But most importantly, they offer a relaxed, friendly, and welcoming environment that makes you want to visit their cozy shop.

But now let’s talk about John. It was truly a where-have-you-been-all-my-life moment the first time he cut my hair. He of course asked me all the questions, but he was not in the least rankled by my non-committal answers. He said, OK——how about this and proceeded to do just what he said he’d do. And has done so each haircut since. The key here though is that when my hair gets to that point where it looks abandoned, I actually get a little giddy to go for a haircut! And I don’t feel like a zombie because I have to utter phrases like: no, I don’t flat iron my hair——yes, sometimes I just wash and go, and——huh, what is product?

So if you’re like me and never knew that a great haircut in a friendly place existed, abandon your skepticism and give Orange Salon a go. Oh, and if you’re so inclined, ask for John and tell them Bridgid sent you.