"The Kindest Cut of All"

Did you guess right? (See yesterday's post, below.)

I got a haircut yesterday. But, not just any haircut. The folks at Pantene call it "The Kindest Cut of All."

Way back when, three or four years ago, CJ was inspired to give away her hair after seeing the pictures of girls in the local paper who participated in the "Locks of Love" program. This not-for-profit organization provides hairpieces to children who lose their hair due to a long-term medical condition and are facing financial hardships. Although a wonderful program, the group requires a commitment of 10 inches of hair.

CJ has learned great patience in growing her hair out, but 10 inches is still too long a goal when you don't eat much protein.

Then, we read about another hair donation program in the paper. An entire family gave their hair to "Beautiful Lengths" sponsored by Pantene, a division of Procter and Gamble. Pantene works with a wig manufacturer to create wigs for cancer patients. Their hair requirements weren't as stringent--only eight inches needed!

So, CJ continued on in her quest for eight inches, and I decided to join her. We measured regularly. We trimmed little bits. We measured again. We decided that this June, her birthday month, would be our target cut-off date. She is nervous now, because she hasn't seen short hair in a long time. I couldn't wait, even though I have enjoyed some of the longest hair I've ever had.

Having the more flexible schedule at the moment, I went first. The length was not an issue. If you put ruler to length in the picture above, the longest strands are 10 inches. (Woo!)

For me, the bigger issue was if I would have enough hair to cover over my still-healing scar and stitches from my head surgery. My stylist, Kathy, couldn't have been more supportive or instructive. As much as I would like to sport a short layered do, with the recovery-in-progress, it made more sense to leave as much hair as possible, but tapered. So smart!

The results?

Ta-da!

I really like it! And all my new scarves and hats are going to look awesome with this cut, too.

I never got sad over the loss of the pony. (Doesn't it look like the surgeon just removed it for transplantation into another person!) It will take five others to donate similar ponies for a wig to be created.

CJ and I have talked about how cool it would be if they could blend our ponies together for someone's wig. It could happen. (The wig manufacturer dyes the hair so everything matches.) At this point, though, we're just hoping to survive the appointment at the hair salon.

After 10 years of going to "Mama's Salon," it's hard to break in a new stylist!

Pictures to come....later!