No one in Colorado has big hair.
I'm visiting my husband while he is on the job in Colorado. It is beautiful here -- the weather is nice, there is a lot to do, and the people are laid back. People here are different. First of all people here don't have big hair. As a person with wavy, crazy hair that is stuck in the 80's no matter how hard my stylist tries- I've got big hair. People in Colorado don't. The women have ponytails, medium hair that falls on their shoulders, or short modern cuts. I envy them. They wear casual clothes that include a lot of biking and hiking outfits and their hair is smooth, not ironed, just smooth, and free of humidity causing poofiness. But I'm in this climate too and my hair is still...big.
We went to an old friend's house for a get-together. I was excited to see another woman with big hair, but I found out she was visiting from out-of-state, so my delight and comfort was short-lived. I almost brought it up to her, to see if she felt the same way - but I refrained from sharing my feeling of anguish - why bring her down?
I first noticed the lack of big hair when I was window shopping in the mall. I was sipping on my second-try coffee. I call it second-try because I ordered a venti latte with an extra shot. I was handed an iced coffee. On the second try, I got one that was hot -- as all coffee should be. Looking through a store window filled with khaki pants, cotton tanks, and a tent -I saw them -- people browsing , touching the fruits of the forest and all that belongs in it -- people with smooth, shiny hair. Every single person. This must be an anomaly - so I strolled into one of the big department stores. Yes, again, every person, smooth, tame hair. I asked a clerk -- "Hey, I'm visiting -- and I notice everyone here has smooth hair. How do you all do that?" The clerk, looked at me quizzically with a hint of fear, "I'm not sure what you mean. Where are you from?" A person loomed in closely, probably due to some secret "help me" nut alert vibe the clerk was sending and I said, "...umm not here." For Missouri's sake, I didn't tell.
I have gone to two salons trying to get product to smooth my hair, thinking people are using something that isn't available in SE MO. You should see the excitement and fascination as the people try to help me! Touching my hair, walking around me to get a view of the extended height from all angles, calling for others to come see it. So far I've purchased two shampoos, a conditioner, a shampoo and conditioner combined, and an after rinse leave-in paste. No deflation -- still waiting.
On a side note, I have made additional efforts to fit in here. First, I have decided not to shave my legs, I'm wearing khaki pants and mountain climbing sandals. I'm ready to hike at any moment. The doctor I'm seeing every other day due to an accident doesn't seem to notice my hairy legs. My calves, which he examines daily, are now noticeably similar to loosely-crocheted, wool knee socks. What he does stare at is my poofy hair. He has not offered a remedy. Secondly, I'm eating gluten free foods and fish tacos.
I'll be leaving Colorado soon to return to the safety of the Cape. The safety of big hair, fluffy hair, humid induced -- several inches high hair - and hair that is ironed when people want the flat look that we know isn't natural but want to look different. Miss you Mo -- see you soon.
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