Necessary, but Trivial Expenses

Here’s where expenses are adding up that I hadn’t really accounted for.  For example: hair.  There’s no getting around my hair. It’s gotta be up.  It’s gotta be done by a professional because I sure as hell cannot do it myself.  I’ve never had hair this long in my life.  I cannot teach myself to do my own updo.  None of my friends are qualified to do it.

This calls for a gay.  Gays always seem to know exactly what to do when it comes to style and I completely trust their opinion.  I’ve been gathering names of hairstylists in the Palm Springs area via referral and online research. When Jose called me back in his brash, queen voice, I knew I’d had my man…or woman, rather.  I met with Jose this morning at the Parker Palm Springs which, in my opinion, is the swankiest hotel in the Palm Desert area.  If I were a rich girl, my invitations would be going out with the Parker as the wedding location address.

Jose exudes confidence.  His clients exude confidence.  The Jennifer Jason Leigh lookalike whose hair he was dyeing commented, “Jose does at least six updos for me a year–film festivals, galas, benefits.  He’s the best.  Jose, isn’t your dad a hairstylist, too?”

“My papa, my mama, you know it, girlfriend.  I come from a whole line of stylists.”  He turned toward me and winked.  “I’m really good at what I do.”

Wasn’t that an understatement.  He proceeded to try out two different updos on my hair, right then and there, on the spot in ten minutes flat.  No trial period.  Nada.  Just did it completely natural in the same amount of time it would have taken any other stylist to book and confirm an appointment.  I was wowed.  Then he took my hair down, tousled my hair with his hands, and voila…I looked ready to do a photoshoot on the beach with my long wavy hair.

I booked him for my wedding date even though I winced at the price: $250.  I rationalized I could find someone cheaper and then cancel.  But really?  Everyone else charges $100 for a trial and $150 for the real deal.  Am I really going to save that much more with someone else.  Besides, anyone else wouldn’t be as good.  Shit, that’s $250 I hadn’t expected.  FUCK.