Both of us have been looking pretty shaggy lately, so we decided to treat ourselves to haircuts at a fancy-schmancy salone in Termoli. I was able to schedule appointments for us via email, thankfully - so much easier that way, because I can use Google translate to communicate. Antonio Lamolle Hair Concept is a salone di parrucchiere, that is, they cut both women's and men's hair (a barbiere only cuts men's hair), so I was able to schedule us simultaneous appointments for yesterday morning.
When I made the appointments, I gave them the head's up that we do not speak Italian at all well. It wasn't a problem since it turned out that Antonio spoke some English - at least enough that we were able to communicate what we wanted in terms of cuts.
When we arrived at the appointed time, we were greeted by the very friendly receptionist, who checked our Green Passes*, then brought out a plastic bag into which I was to put my purse. She took our coats and the bag to the cloakroom, and we were whisked off to our respective chairs. I didn't notice any other customers in the salon while we were there (there may be limits on the number of people allowed inside at one time because of Covid), so we had everyone's attention.
I started off with a very luxurious shampoo experience - the chair was a massaging recliner. I would have been content to sit there all day, frankly. I wish I could have asked what products they were using to wash and condition my hair, because they smelled fantastic. And the shampoo boy took his time - I think by the time I was done at his station, not only was I completely relaxed, but Paolo's haircut was just about finished. Interestingly, he had his hair washed after it was cut. He tells me that usually, when he goes to his barber in the US, they don't wash it at all.
Next I was led over to the hairdresser's station and was offered a caffè, which I declined, probably to their surprise, since in Italy coffee goes with just about every activity. But I'd had several cups earlier, and didn't want to have to pee in the middle of my haircut. Antonio himself came over to discuss what kind of haircut I wanted. I explained that I usually get a bob, slightly angled so as to be a bit shorter in the back; I let him know that I prefer a cut that requires very little fuss to style (because I suck at that kind of thing). I also rather timidly suggested that I might like to try some bangs this time. He pulled out his phone and showed me some photos of bob haircuts, and I agreed that yes, that is what I wanted. He very firmly stated: "No fringe!" Well, he's the stylist, so I deferred to his professional opinion. Also, I am easily intimidated by stylists.
And with that, he whipped out the scissors, and snipsnipsnipsnipsnipboom, my hair was cut. Seriously, I have never had such a fast haircut in my life (I needn't have turned down that caffè after all). I think he was done in about a minute and a half, no joke. He then called over one of his assistants (all of whom had gorgeous hair, by the way) to do the blow-out. "Straight or waves?" he asked. I went with wavy; I think he found this acceptable. I'm sure he'd have said something if he hadn't. He explained to his assistant how to style it, and then...disappeared into thin air. Drying my hair seemed to take about four times as long as it did to cut it. Once she shut off the dryer, Antonio magically re-materialized to examine her work. It seems he approved, because he called for "Lacca! Lacca!" and I was hairsprayed vigorously.
In the end, we were both really pleased with our results - so much so that we left American-sized tips rather than Italian ones, much to the surprise of the receptionist (and hopefully to the delight of the shampoo boy and assistant). I'm half-sorry that I didn't schedule myself for a tinta (coloring) as well.
I'm terrible at taking selfies - this picture absolutely does not do justice to my haircut. You'll just have to trust that is it actually as cute as I think it is.
Isn't he handsome? ❤
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