I’ve been going to the same hair stylist since I was six years old. She knows my hair. She knows to talk me out of things. She knows me. And then a few months ago, she had the nerve to move to another state. My hair, it was despondent. It didn’t wash itself for weeks. It got ragged, split, and choppy. It really let itself go.
I knew I had to intervene.
After getting lots of suggestions, I picked a new salon not too far from my place. It’s also a block from the beach:
sorry, everyone who has winter!
I sat in the chair, and told my new stylist my hair was depressed and needed a change.
before
We looked at color charts and samples, and then she got to work. She rubbed a concoction that looked like tomato soup in my hair. Every now and then she’d ask me if I wanted a magazine, and I finally said, “no, I’m just enjoying not being climbed on.”
The salon is a straight-up vacation for a tired mama.
during
After the tomato soup was thoroughly rubbed into my head, I sat in the chair for a while and chilled. I read a couple gossip magazines, and then I had a brainstorm. Salons really need day beds. I could have had a nap while that goop did its job to my hair. I would pay good money for that.
You know what else I love about the hair salon? Getting my hair washed. Oh man. My stylist gave me a head massage and I almost fell asleep during it. So then I obviously had the brainstorm that the hair washing station should have day beds.
I really need to get more sleep.
My stylist worked her magic, and cut off all my icky split ends. When she was done, I’d shed four-five inches of hair still long enough for me to do fun things with, but short enough that all the unhealthy hair is gone.
Outside, I did a self-portrait shoot to capture my new look. Except it was kind of breezy.
I tried about 87 more times and finally got these semi-decent pictures:
I have released my inner redhead, and she is sassy and a little mouthy. She also came home and took a nap, so she’s a little lazy. And apparently talks about herself in the third person.
Besides the fact that I beautied myself up a bit, I really needed a few hours to be pampered. I am so bad about scheduling Me Time. But now my pocketbook is empty, so I need cheap me time/pampering ideas. Also, keep in mind that I’m now a sassy redhead, so all ideas must relate accordingly.
{ 86 comments… read them below or add one }
wow, i haven’t seen many successful red dye jobs, but yours looks spectacular!
peach´s last [type] ..Keep On The Sunny Side
Totally gorgeous! I love the colour
My me-time ideas: a long walk by myself; an hour in the sun with a book – pref in a park or by a beach; a movie with my best friend. (Hmm, not very sociable really, am I?!)
Have lots of fun!
Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last [type] ..School
So strange. I was JUST watching your Hair Do vids on YouTube, as I have long hair like yours, but I don’t know what to do with it (or how, actually). Then I come to your blog and bam, this update.
I love the color and the cut. It looks great! I’ve been a red head since late last summer, debating on going back to blonde. But seeing your hair makes me want to just keep it red.
Again, love it!
Alison´s last [type] ..The Truth About Surrogacy – Your Questions Answered!
Wow, what a great shade of red!
I’m 36 and never once been to a hair salon.
Sad huh?
It’s great that you had some time to yourself to take care of YOU!
I have palm trees where I live. They’re currently covered in ice. Um, WTF Mother Nature?!
You’re freaking red-hot as a red head! Yes, that was lane but that’s how I roll. Really though, you look beautiful. And happy! You possess that rare kind of beauty that comes right out of your heart and you can’t hide it.
Keep smiling, you’re pretty effin awesome (and hot!).
Welcome to the fiery red head club! Who says blonds have more fun eh? That colour really suits you!
Welcome to the Sassy Side, Spunky. It looks wonderful … I bet it feels great too, lighter and easier.
Cheap pampering ideas:
1) Sneak into the movies.
2) Go for a walk near your house by yourself … down a street you’ve never been before. With your camera.
3) Ask someone to mind Annie for one hour and sit in a cafe with a pad of paper, sunglasses, and a pencil.
4) Lock yourself in the toilet and skim gossip websites on your iPhone.
And when you’re all cashed up …. COME TO AUSTRALIA AGAIN. And come up and stay with me. I *promise* no scary bugs/spiders/nature things will get you.
XOXOX
edenland´s last [type] ..Digital Natives why its ok to write a blog
I second ‘come to Australia’ comment!! Afterall, if its good enough for Oprah, it might be good enough for Annie
promise you guys will have a great time 
Thats the same colour I dye my hair… and strangely I am a little mouthy, sassy and lazy too. Also rebellious and according to my husband very sexy when red!
It’s not true what they say about blondes having more fun, red heads do!
I LOVE it! Like….LOVVVEEEEEE
Gorgeous, simply and utterly stunning! Helps that you have gorgeous hair to begin with, sigh… Next up, a manicure and pedicure, and soon to be followed by a facial. You deserve it mama!
Christine Hendricks´s last [type] ..The Australian Welcoming Committee and Part of My Heart Gets on a Plane Today
I love it … you look great.
GOR-GEOUS! Love it, Heather!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last [type] ..He makes me clean while he laughs at me
You look beautiful as a redhead, Heather!!!!!! I think that a wonderful pampering moment would be to go buy yourself a new Coach handbag to go along with that sassy hairdo. Oh,,,excuse me,,,,,,,you said “cheap” pampering ideas!! LOL You need to teach Annie how to massage mommy’s head!!! LOL
I love this. I love it so hard. You know what they say, “Red in the head, fire in the bed.”
as a bio redhead… I welcome you to the fun side
Heather´s last [type] ..stairs
Your hair looks great! I always go for a dark red when I need a change. The only color I have never dyed my hair is blond, I make an awful blond.
Gorgeous! I love the color it looks so natural on you. My favorite pampering thing to do is go buy a scented bubble bath and light some candles put on some good music and soak in a warm tub. You’re so lucky you live near the beach I have had 20+ inches of snow outside my door since Christmas and while it is beautiful to look at I am so done with snow. I can’t wait for a nice day to take a ride to the beach and walk along the water. Although yesterday was a ice/snow day for me , and I just vegged and watched TV in my pj’s all day – it was heaven.
You look GREAT as a redhead!!! I would know, I am one
Glad you had a good day!
You look great Heather!
Well, at first I was bitter because I saw the beach shot and live in VERY SNOWY Massachusetts, but THEN I was just bowled away by your new look! You look FABULOUS. Way to go!! Now, go get some more sleep!!
Your hair looks great, that color really suits you!
Candy´s last [type] ..My dog is taking lessons from the ghost
Oooh La La — you look beautiful
katrina´s last [type] ..Shes Eighteen Today
Fabulous hair, just fabulous! For my mom’s time out, I lace up my sneakers and head to the mall where I walk laps for a bit and then settle in at Barnes and Noble with a cup of coffee and some books or magazines. It’s quite nice, actually – exercise followed by indulgence. But you’re far younger than I am so maybe you can think of something more daring. Maybe an art museum or a gallery and then a cafe or a bar for a drink. Or pretend you’re a tourist and head out to take some photos and then hole up in a coffee bar with a notebook. Or buy some fancy bath products at Marshalls or someplace where you can get a deal and have an hour soak with a magazine while Mike takes Annie for a long walk.
Fabulous hair, just fabulous! For my mom’s time out, I lace up my sneakers and head to the mall where I walk laps for a bit and then settle in at Barnes and Noble with a cup of coffee and some books or magazines. It’s quite nice, actually – exercise followed by indulgence. But you’re far younger than I am so maybe you can think of something more daring. Maybe an art museum or a gallery and then a cafe or a bar for a drink. Or pretend you’re a tourist and head out to take some photos and then hole up in a coffee bar with a notebook. Or buy some fancy bath products at Marshalls or someplace where you can get a deal and have an hour soak with a magazine while Mike takes Annie for a long walk.
Fabulous hair!! LOVE it!
You look absolutely fantastic.
God, I need a spa day.
I LOVE your red hair! Beautiful!
Seriously sexy ‘do. Healthy too.
I’ve been releasing my inner redhead for the past five years or so. It’s such a liberating color and it looks FABOO on you!
Deborah´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday- Moving Is Fun!
I LOVE IT!!!! You look hot has a fiery red head.
I’m horrible at scheduling me time. But, if I were to actually do something that didn’t cost much or any money I would either take a really good book and a blanket and go to a park and lay down under a tree and read for a while (and maybe even fall asleep) (of course I need to either move next door to you or wait for warmer weather for this me time) OR I would make my husband take Maya out for the evening and I would run a really hot bubble bath and have my own mini spa day in my bathroom with no interruptions.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Very Long Flights and Children
LOVE!!! Great color for you!!!! Aren’t those head massages AMAZING!!!!????
As a redhead from birth I’d like to welcome you to our club. Not many people can hack it but I know you’ll do just fine!
Btw, you look amazing!
love Love LOVE it!!! I’ve been trying to become a redhead for at least 2 years, but my stylists aren’t doing it with me.
It looks so great on you!! I’m sure sassy redhead Me Time ideas will come out the woodwork now!
XOXO from GA,
Nikki
Me loves it! I totally love the salon too!!!! If only someone could wash my hair every day!
Oooooh! Your sexy new hair cut and color look amazing! However, how dare you ask for relaxation advice after showing that warm, sunny beach photo. It was one degree (ONE!) in Albuquerque when I woke up yesterday and I haven’t had the nerve to check what it is this morning. Take that fabulous baby of yours and go show off your new hairstyle on one of those California walking paths
Lamb´s last [type] ..Popovers Why Did I Only Make 12
You look maaaaaaahvelous!
My favorite cheapo depot ideas:
Trashy novel from a second hand book store or better yet, borrowed.
Browse some trashy celebrity websites or magazines.
Walk with your camera and take some pictures.
Make your honey something for Valentine’s Day.
Organize pictures (ok, not completely relaxing, but from a fellow mom with a 13 month old who STILL hasn’t backed up the gazillion pictures? Must do.)
Enjoy your sexy new hair, mama!!!!
loving the hair!!!! make sure you use shampoo for color treated hair or that red will go right down the drain, oh noooooo!!!
pampering ideas:
well, the tub is one…which has already be suggested, but is really a great idea IF you can actually keep annie OUT of the bathroom. i know, right?
give yourself a quick mani or pedi at home. cheap and you do end up with a clean look for less than you’d pay for. you don’t have to have color on your fingernails. use a buffer and you’ll get a nice shine.
have mike give you a back or foot rub! w/lotion or oil! (with no expectations. ha!)
google some home made facials. you might find some funky stuff to do right in your own kitchen. who knows? if it’s a fail you can always eat it, right?
peace out!
Heather! Who is your red headed friend??! She is on FIYAH!
You look SO great! So, did you share this daybed thing w/salon managament? Cause I would pay some good moolah for that too!
On cheap pampering ideas or rather ‘free’ and red-head friendly? I’m looking to your reader’s comments on that one my friend…but I’m not red headed so I guess I can’t do them all. Darn. Maybe I should go get tomato soup goop in my hair stat.
What did Mike think of his new red headed lady??
As a redhead, I can truly say that redheads have more fun! Love your new ‘do!
Molly´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday 3
You pull the red off nicely! Love the new do, live it up!!!
Your hair looks great!
LOVE the new hair!! I also love that the sassy redhead speaks in the third person. Cause why not? And that she is a little lazy because honestly what shade isn’t just a smidge lazy? Show me one that says not me I’ll say they are a bold face LIAR!!
Kristin (MamaKK922)´s last [type] ..Daddy Mommy For Real
I like the new color/cut. So glad that your hair is no longer depressed. Yoga is my suggestion (although it is not always free but I know there are some TV stations that have yoga shows).
amourningmom´s last [type] ..Sawyer’s Story part 9- The ER
Very cute, very sassy new do! I suck at Me Time, so I may peek back at the suggestions.
Kelly´s last [type] ..Conversations with Mea
WOW! You look amazing!! That red looks so natural on you…you must already be a fun sassy girl!
As for scheduling YOU time, I agree it’s so important! Do you like reading? Cus you could ask Mike to watch Annie for a little while and you could go somewhere quiet and read. It could be a sassy romance or something to match your new red hair! Or, you could go to Costco and eat free lunch with all the samples and look at all the cool things. And sometimes they have furniture you can take naps in. Or, you could go sit on a beach. That’s free and you could take a nap there.
Love the new do!
Oh Heather. You are such a hot momma! And I agree getting my hair washed at the salon is divine! Day beds are a great idea too.
Rebecca´s last [type] ..Ice Ice Baby
Look at you Sassy Mama!!! I love it!!!!! I am searching for someone to do my hair here. I hate moving for that very reason. Oh and the whole packing/unpacking business too.
PRETTY!!!!!!!!!!!
It looks EXCELLENT! Good reward for your bravery – I too follow my good hair stylist and colorist around wherever they relocate!
you look SO pretty as a redhead!
You look like Amy Adams! (Who I think is gorgeous)! I absolutely love it!! And I totally agree about not needing a magazine….just a couple hours with no babies crawling on you is relaxing enough
Enjoy your new hair!
Looks awesome! I need a cut so badly.
mel´s last [type] ..Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do
I seriously love your hair! I went red several years ago and loved it. What I do for some me time that’s quick and doesn’t require me to go anywhere is once my hubby is home, I toss him my toddler. Then I’ll go into the bedroom, lock the door, and read gossip mags or one of the many books I’ve been reading. Or I’ll watch television.
If I’m feeling sassy, I’ll listen to my iPod and dance around the bedroom like I’m the most awesome dancer EVAH. I’m sure I look like a chicken who’s missing a leg but that’s the beauty of pretending like I can actually dance.
Elle´s last [type] ..The fake accent
Your hair looks gorgeous – love the red! Also, I think I need to stop reading the blogs of Californians, because I would kill for palm trees outside my window instead of snow!
Love love love the new color!!! Also, I’m going to send you about 3 ft of snow b/c that beach pic was SO not fair! lol
I love your hair…it’s looks beautiful !
My hubby and son leave a week from Saturday for a boy’s trip to California. You appear to be the only state without a snow store occurring right now. I would love to keep it that way.
Michelle´s last [type] ..A few other good eats
Hot mama!!! Red totally suits you, it looks awesome!
Krystal´s last [type] ..krisy0987- RT @Preeclampsia- Such an unspeakable tragedy- our hearts and support go out to the entire Coker family Share this article with http
Love it! and I’m totally envious of your hair.
AND I clearly need more sleep, b/c after seeing your first two pics, I was trying to figure out who was taking them while you tweeted *sigh*
Neeroc´s last [type] ..Not sleet nor snow…
Love it! Your hair looks so shiny and healthy. How does Mike like it?
I love it! I’ve always found redheads very attractive, and Heather certainly looks beautiful as one!
Pampering for me is a long bath where I put on a face mask, scrub my feets and elbows, take off my nail polish while in the bath, maybe add some conditioner to my hair and let it sit for a while. After relaxing, I get up and do a quick luke warm rinse with the shower (locks moisture into skin and hair!). Wrap up in a towel or robe, bask in the warmth of the bathroom, and paint your nails prior to leaving the quietness of the room! While they are drying, meditate a bit! I always feel refreshed and awesome after!
I love it!!! I became a redhead in March and I love it. I think I’ll have a hard time going back to brown (if I ever do!)
Wow, it looks absolutely stunning. I love it!
It’s about TIME you went red!!!! Of all the colors I’ve been, RED is the BEST!
LOVE the color!!! Redheads have more fun
You look beautiful! Super sassy!
amanda´s last [type] ..ice- ice baby
Love the new do! You look great
Kelley
kelley´s last [type] ..2-2-2011 – Cold weather and new hats
Your hair looks amazing!
Love the new look =) You look wonderful Heather!
I LOVE the red on you! Such a fun change!
Your hair looks amazing.
One way that I take “me time” is I go out for a girls night, but it’s quarterly – like, 4 times a year.
the other thing I love to do is trade massages with my hubby. One night him, next night me. That way, you get to feel all pampered, and not feel as though you have to pop right up and give one. So great, and he has actually helped get rid of some tension and pinched nerves. Plus it’s non- sex (but sensual), touching time, which for me, is totally theraputic. If he wants his massage to turn “non-theraputic” that up to him, but mine is just for whatever I happen to want. So great!
Megan@TrueDaughter´s last [type] ..A Countdown Begins40 Days to 40
OMG! Heather! I love it!!!
Very sassy. Love it! I’m going to the salon tonight myself and am definitely looking forward to that head massage. You’re right: so relaxing. Enjoy the new you!
Meg´s last [type] ..Pistachio chocolate cake — pretty- green and delectable
I would never have guessed you WEREN’T a redhead, its so natural looking.
And I’d hardly call you lazy, especially with as little sleep as you’ve had with that nasty cough. Hope that is clearing up for you.
CA-UTE!!!!!
Hot, hot, hot mama….
catherine lucas´s last [type] ..And here I am… on the plane!
You rock the color red!
OMG, your hair looks aaahhhhh-mazing!!!!! Makes me want to go red too
Good for you…..every mommy deserves me time!
Your hair looks so wonderful! I have a question that you don’t have to answer if it is too personal. Since your new stylist doesn’t know you, I’m assuming that she asked some questions to make small talk and whatnot. So my question is, how do you respond to the question of how many kids you have? Do you tell the truth and risk tears? Or do you just talk about Annie and keep it light? Do you tell different people different things? I always appreciate your insight. Much love <3
Heather, it’s super cute! I love it and the cut is super sassy!
Did Mike love it? Did Annie look at you weird?
I love it!
Heather! I love it!!!!! I so need to dye my hair now.
Indigo´s last [type] ..Today I was snowed in
Loving the new hair color!!! You SASSY woman!! =D
Redheads unite! It looks really cute!
LOVE the new color!! O.M.G. I love getting my hair washed…it’s the best part!! And now I want a hair cut!
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday – Laughing…
I had to comment and tell you your hair looks GREAT!
You deserve it!