Up until high school, I didn’t care how my hair looked – I would do the whole grow it out, then chop it off at the shoulders routine. Slowly, I got used to the idea of paying for a haircut, and getting it styled. Now as a grown-up (hah!) I have been won over to the side of paying $50 for a haircut. First, as a girl, that technically isn’t that much since I only get my hair cut 3 times a year. Second, it makes such a big difference. At these higher-end salons, the stylists not only know what they’re doing they know things such as how to frame your hair to suit your facial structure, and they give good advice on how to style and take care of your hair. Third, the way that the assistants massage my scalp when they wash my hair is worth the price difference 
I thought I had booked an appointment with James Joseph Studio, because I had called the number on their website. However, upon arriving there, it turns out I had booked an appointment with James Joseph Salon, which was about 3 blocks away. Thankfully I had arrived early, so I was able to walk really fast and make it to my appointment on time.
My stylist’s name was Mary. She asked me how I wanted my hair did, and I showed her pictures – choppy layers, something that would frame my face. She noted that I had split ends, which devastated me because I have never had anyone tell me that I had split ends before – everyone usually comments on how healthy my hair is. She also said that the hair in the front was thinner than in the back, due to me wearing my hair in a ponytail all the time, and told me that I should not wear my hair up so much.
Then the assistant washed my hair and massaged my scalp, and it felt so nice! Probably the best part of the entire session.
Then Mary cut and styled my hair. It was interesting watching her snip snip snip, and it was really cool seeing my hair transform into something pretty. She styled it using a hair dryer and a round brush, and kapow! My hair went from blah to wow! It was really awesome.
The best part of this haircut, aside from the scalp massage of course, is that it was only $40 (they’re normally $65-100+) and all proceeds went to the Children’s Hospital of Boston (which, I would like to mention, is one of the hospitals partnered with Child’s Play). It was part of a one-day promotion and salons up and down Newbury Street were participating.
After my haircut, it was a beautiful day so I thought I would walk home. I was kind of enabling myself to go shopping, since all of my favorite stores are on Newbury Street, and right next to James Joseph Salon, Banana Republic was having additional 30% off sale items. So, I ended up going on a small shopping spree and bought the following:
- Tank top ($15) (BR)
- Polo for my brother ($16) (BR)
- Juicy Couture skirt ($40) (Filene’s)
- Cute short sleeved plaid top ($20) (Filene’s)
- Marc Jacobs tote ($10) (Marc by Marc Jacobs)
I then walked through the Public Gardens to get home – I love living in Beacon Hill <3
I then went to church, which was bittersweet. The pastor for the evening services that I attend, Daniel Harrell, is moving to Minnesota to be senior pastor for a church there. He has been serving at Park Street for the past 23 years – almost for as long as I’ve been alive! It was cool hearing the many stories during his time here, and how many people lined up to hug him goodbye at the reception afterward. In the short time that I’ve been going to Park Street, I know I’ve been encouraged by his teachings and entertained by his sense of humor, and he will be greatly missed.
So a busy day full of exciting things! Now back to studying, although I do have ROFLcon to look forward to this Saturday <3
~Jen
