While statistics vary only slightly, it is reported that approximately 75% of us color our hair.  In the 1950’s the figure hovered around 7%.  Thankfully, the progression of science has allowed us the freedom to become more attractive while avoiding the chemical hair-fry and unintentional color disasters of the past.

I am not only thankful for the progression of science but am thankful that I was born with fabulous hair.  The good Lord blessed me with light, honey colored locks;  shiny, bouncy, thick and straight.  I am not boasting.  The good Lord also gave me legs with a 26 1/2″ inseam and a rack so large the girls can only be lifted with $150.00 bras.  One day I will understand His logic.  And His sense of humor.

While I was not a child of the 50’s, I was a child of the 60’s and 70’s.  It was not until the mid 90’s that I actively sought professional color assistance.  A few well placed highlights was all that was needed to ensure my confidence and locks maintained my high standard of excellence.  By 2006, more aggressive color therapy was required.  While I still do not need to disguise any pesky gray strands, a bit more sophisticated shading is needed to mimic my youth and assure my plucky poise.    This is of course, accomplished with taste and without any illusions that I will look (or should look) as I did in my early thirties.

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Now for your Faux Pas lesson…

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Which of the following would be a polite and proper utterance while in the company of a group or to anyone other than possibly your BFF or mother?  Please keep in mind that this applies to anyone who MAY have had “work done” but none-the-less looks splendid.

  1.  “What great color work!  That must of cost a fortune!”
  2.  “You look wonderful!”
  3.  “Did you have your eyes AND lips done?”
  4.  “Have you employed a personal trainer?  Your thighs are half their former size!”

ANSWER:  Option #2 is correct, appropriate and a lovely comment to make to anyone who looks improved (or at least better than the last time you saw them). Any other response is rude and will needlessly embarrass the recipient of your comment.

RULE: 

All personal acknowledgements should ALWAYS lift a person; NEVER deflate them.  If the self-improvement attempt did not actually improve their original state, then for heavens’ sake…keep your mouth closed.

You guessed it; this week’s lesson is once again born from experience.  I’m fairly certain that my culprit was not ignorant; just passively and aggressively rude on purpose.  Who can blame her?  I have gorgeous hair!

K. Martini