A Haircut and then some... seriously...

I am almost 100% positive that I have mentioned having my hair cut here in Paris before by the one and only Crazy Japanese Hair Lady - Fukiko... and let me tell you what, I don't think I'll ever be able to stop sharing my hair adventures because they just keep getting better.  

I was introduced to Chez Fukiko a little more than a year ago by the one and only PIC and I am not sure that I have ever been happier about anything (ok, maybe that is a slight exaggeration but seriously every time I go in there it is such an adventure I laugh for days every time I brush my hair after seeing her...) This last visit (yesterday) did not disappoint.  It was time for a trim and a bit of a refreshed look and so going to see Fukiko was the only rational solution. It may not look like the most exquisite salon and I am sure there are plenty of designer places where I could have my hair cut with golden scissors and be served champagne and macaroons, but nothing beats the fresh tea and coconut cookie you get while waiting to be beautified ( I think I may have just invented that word)!! Yesterday as the PIC, the two nuggets and myself entered the salon we were greeted with hugs, kisses and laughs - as she kindly reminded me it had been much too long since I had been in to visit.  After being washed and conditioned I made my way over to the cutting chair, where next to me a sweet family was also being beautified ( I am really liking this word). The family started talking to us as if they had known us for years, they became especially active in the conversation when Fukiko decided she needed to play match maker for me. **Sidenote, every time you have your hair done at the salon, Fukiko insists on taking a photo to hang up on the walls to help decorate. She insisted that PIC and I search through her boxes of photos, looking for pictures of ourselves and some young American gentleman that she thinks is my future husband. Now searching through photos for a person you have never met before if nothing but interesting and well impossible!!** With my Franglish in full force we traded stories about what had been going on since I had last been in there and she tried to sell her other young American client to me. Luckily for my hair this conversation took place while I was getting my hand massage (another fine service that you don't find everywhere) because I was laughing so hard, I am sure that if she was cutting while this was happening my blond locks would be a tad bit crooked!! Once we finally got back on topic (my hair), I really ventured out on a limb and described what my expectations were for my new cut (in French) hoping that all of hours of lessons I have had paid off ... Luckily for me (and my French teacher) I think things turned out ok and it may have been two of the most hysterical hours I have had in awhile. You see not only does Fukiko cut hair and entertain with singing, matchmaking, and photo browsing she also gives up one hell of a massage once you are finished ... she starts this massage off by aiming two hairdryers at your back to relax you with the warm current of air and proceeds to take over. This massage comes complete with a head massage, temple rubbing, spine straightening and breathing exercises (these look slightly inappropriate - see exhibit below)! She then completes the experience with a photo and carefully selected fruit bon bons as you exit. I don't care who you are or where you come from, this is one of the most eccentric hair experiences you will ever have and if I do say so myself - the haircut came out quite nice as well :)

Check out her fantastic hair rollers, I wish I had a photo of her hair Au Natural - It is UNREAL!!

The breathing exercises I mentioned earlier, I swear I could not stop laughing!!

Showing off the new do with my <3 Nova:

A few inches shorter, some bangs to play with and I think we are good to go...
Just the update/change I was craving!!

Snip. Snip.

Yesterday I experienced my first French haircut. If I wasn't typing this on the metro I would look up the French word for hairdresser but I'm working with limited resources. I have been complaining about how long my bangs are for a week so finally my girlfriend told me we are solving the problem. We took the line 1 train all the way to the end and went to her hairdresser in a cute little town called Vincennes. Before we entered the salon she looked right at me and said, "Don't worry this will seem a little crazy but just trust me!" Thinking it couldn't really that bad I didn't think much of the comment until we walked in and I saw the salon. It was cute and simple and honestly could have used some updating but hey who am I to judge?? We were greeted by a receptionist who was sweet and went right back to get the owner. When she walked out I knew exactly why I was warned. Here comes this little old Japaneese woman who is probably in her late fifties, wearing rollers in her purple streaked hair, a gray sweater with holes all throughout the back of it, flowered pants and slippers. I tried to hold back my WTF face and just stood in shock as my friend translated for me. After a quick wash in the bright yellow sink I was lead to the cutting chair and handed a cup of homemade Ginger tea - which was delicious. Before my friend even finished explaining what I wanted done the scissors were flying!! I just sort of sat and tried to keep a straight face at this point. As she cut she started asking questions half in English and half in French -but only after she complimented me on my looks, which was incredibly kind until she asked if I had had any work done. Ha ha. I responded to her not yet ; ) the conversation continued on and at this point I was so enthralled with the conversation I was able to not pay attention to he razor she was taking to my bangs. By the time I looked up again she was working on drying my hair which was still combed over my eyes. Once she finished drying and I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I have to be honest it was the best hair cut I have ever had. Sculpted perfectly around my face with some fringe like bangs over my eyes!! But wait we weren't done yet. She took two hair dryers in one hand and started blowing them directly on my back - thought she was blowing the hair off but it turns out after she chops your hair she gives you a fantastic massage to finish out the experience. No complaint there!! I'll take a massage any day of the week. I walked over to put my jacket on and pay but she stoped me and posed me to take a picture. So now, as all of her other clients are , I am posted up on the wall of the salon for all to see!! As interesting as this was I will most definitely be returning!!