Hearing the words ‘live on air’, Florrie’s stomach began to churn. She took some deep breaths and hoped her face hadn’t turned the same colour as the walls in the Green Room, because she was beginning to feel nauseous with nerves.
The hair and make-up room was just how she imagined it – white, bright and full of make-up, brushes and hair products. Florrie sat down and faced the mirror. Meg stood behind her.
‘How would you like your hair styled today?’ she asked, gently grabbing a handful of Florrie’s long hair in both hands then letting it fall down her back.
For the first time in ages Florrie had to admit that her hair style didn’t excite her anymore. Every day she twisted it up in a bun. She couldn’t remember the last time it was cut or styled. ‘I’ve always been useless at styling and looking in the mirror it appears my hair has lost the will to live.’
Meg smiled. ‘We can trim it, or give it a good cut, it’s up to you.’
‘Could you?’
‘Of course. Just a tidy-up or…’
Florrie looked at Meg’s chic wavy bob.
‘Maybe it’s time for a change. I feel like this is the old me and it’s at odds with who I am now.’
‘What are you thinking?’
Florrie felt an intense desire to move on, and a sudden need for a different and new look. A dramatic change of hair was a great way to shed the past.
‘I’m thinking I want something a little more classy, timeless, effortless. Like your hair.’
‘We can do that, but are you sure?’
Florrie looked at her reflection in the mirror. ‘Yes, let’s go for it,’ she said with utter conviction before she could change her mind.
Meg began to comb through Florrie’s hair and then took hold of the long locks with her left hand and held the scissors up with her right.
‘Are you definitely sure? Last chance to change your mind,’ she said.
‘I’m definitely sure.’
‘All right then.’ And without further ado, Meg made a cut straight across, just below Florrie’s shoulder.
‘Oh my…’ Florrie exclaimed, looking at the mass of hair in Meg’s hand before shaking her head from side to side. ‘It already feels so light.’
‘I think you’ve made the right choice. Now let’s get it washed, trimmed, blow dried and maybe a few waves if you like, then we can apply your make-up.’
Once her hair was dry and styled, Florrie couldn’t stop smiling. Her hair was so soft, wavy and free. It framed her face beautifully; Meg had done an amazing job.
‘What a transformation!’ exclaimed Florrie. ‘I feel like a brand-new woman. I can’t thank you enough. My hair looks vibrant and glossier.’
‘It really suits you. You’re going to light up that screen,’ declared Meg, untying the cape from around Florrie’s shoulders and brushing the loose strands of hair from her knees with a soft brush. ‘Your make-up we’ll keep minimal and natural.’
Florrie watched Meg set to work with a number of lotions and potions that smelled divine. A light tinted moisturiser was applied and set with a translucent powder that gave her a natural glow. After shaping and tinting Florrie’s eyebrows, and a few light brushes of colour across her cheeks, Meg applied mascara and lipgloss, then stood back to let Florrie take a look at her reflection.
‘Is that actually me?’ she asked in wonder.
‘It is. What do you think?’
‘I look like a movie star.’ Florrie edged forward on her chair to take a closer look. ‘I can’t believe that’s actually me. I look… I’m actually lost for words.’
‘Stunning,’ replied Meg.
‘I really like it, thank you.’
‘You’re very welcome.’
