We all have bad hair days. They’re inevitable. But when you’re having bad hair weeks that’s when you know it’s time for a trip to the hair salon.

Most people tend to fall into two categories: those who have their hair stylist on speed dial and those who awkwardly waddle into the salon with a bird’s nest on their head. I fall into the latter.

But it’s OK because I relish a good trip to the nail/hair salon. It’s almost as good as a therapy session.

#1 Heartfelt Conversations With The Nail Artist

The nail artist sees everything, from your overgrown cuticles to your bitten nails, and the great part is they don’t judge you for it. Instead, they ask you questions about your dating life, ask you why you get shitfaced every Friday evening and offer a solution to your steamy office romance. They’re so wise.

#2 Real-Time Feedback From The Hair Stylist

I don’t know about you but sitting in that chair makes me feel like a specimen beneath a microscope. I’d like to say I take great care of my hair but some mornings I just rock up with crazy bed hair that makes me look like I got some the night before (when in actuality I’m just a really fitful sleeper).

Once you get past the part where they delicately try to untangle your life, you realise that since a lot of the hair stylists have no filter they’ll answer your questions the only way they know how to: like a straight shot of vodka without a chaser. It will be messy and a slap in the face but they’ll will give you the harsh advice you needed to accept but didn’t want to hear.

#3 The Woman In The Seat Next To You

Every salon has one. The high maintenance soccer mom who taps away at her husband’s Amex and only drinks sparkling water with a hint of fresh lime.

They talk to the hairdresser about their neighbourhood dramas, which mums on the PTA aren’t pulling their weight and why they refuse to pay Woolworths 15 cents for a plastic bag. They’re extra and they don’t even know it. Of course, you love listening to their (miniscule) life problems.

#4 The Intern

The rookie is my favorite because when you look at them, you see a bit of yourself. The way you used to tread on eggshells around your coworkers when you first started your job and how you matured into someone who ends up training the newbie in the team. The intern is the best kind of mirror because they force you to reflect on how much you’ve grown.

Ah, the salon. Such a beautiful place.

(Lead image: Legally Blonde/Type A Films)