Do you prep before a beauty appointment?
Why is it when it comes time for a trip to our dentist/nail salon/hair stylist/waxer we suddenly become embarrassed for neglecting ourselves? According to a recent New York Times article, spa employees say clients constantly apologize during treatments for their corns, blisters, ingrown toenails, cracked heels, hairy toes and chipped polish. Upon reading this, I immediately remembered feeling embarrassed and apologizing on a recent trip to my bikini waxer--I had gone a little longer than usual and when sitting up on the doctor-style bench under bright lights I felt extra self-conscious. "Well that's why you're here," the polite waxing lady said with a smile. But I still shunned myself.
I somehow always manage to go out the night before a haircut and come home horrified at how dirty my hair looks or pick up a faint odor of second-hand smoke. Even though I know my stylist will shampoo before cutting, I'll wash my hair, blow it out and flat-iron to the best of my ability, just for the hopes of getting a "wow, you've been taking such nice care of your hair" comment from the hairdresser. Why do I seek their approval? I'm not quite sure, but I think the few times previous stylists have uttered something about split ends or dullness have instilled fear.
Likewise, what is the first thing I do after making a dentists appointment? Reach for the floss. Every time I go to the dentist they complain about tarter build up, so the last time I had to go in for my regular cleaning I started flossing twice a day for a week in advance. When the dentist complimented my healthy gums, I gave myself a proverbial pat on the back. Yes, I tricked him!
This silly behavior of mine goes so far as to take the time to remove my own chipping nail polish before getting a manicure. Polish removal is included in the manicure fee, but I can't have the technicians laughing at my shoddy tips! No way!
Do you ever prep before an appointment, or am I the only one worried about looking flawed in front of these people?
