My "First" haircut

Friday I had my first haircut in Taiwan. It was an experience. I asked Derek to show me a place to get my haircut and he took me to a small convenient store to buy scissors or hairties. He definetely misunderstood me. So I was showing him the action of cutting hair, when a random lady asked me if I wanted to get my haircut or just washed. I said cut. So she told Derek (in Chinese) where to take me. We took a few side streets and came to two salons, one across the street from the other. Derek said to take my pick. Of course, I chose the most classy looking. I told him he didn't have to wait for me, and he left while I walked in. Immediately, everyone turned to look at the white girl walking in. I smiled and asked if they spoke English. I got not reply, so I guess that was my answer. I once again showed the action of getting a haircut and I said "yi dien dien" meaning, just a little. I just wanted a trim. So, I am led to a chair where a beastly Taiwan girl that looked like she wanted to kill me, started to rub icy hot on my neck. She started going at it like she was beating a rug. I had to tell her to chill out a little. It felt good in a way, but it was too hard. After the massage, she brought over some shampoo and a small squirt bottle. She shampooed my hair right there without a sink or anything. It took about ten minutes to work it all in and give me a scalp massage. Felt so good with her man hands. Lol. Then she led me to the sink where I sat in a massage chair while she rinsed me hair, then shamppoed it a second time (lather rinse repeat) and then put conditioner it in. It's always relaxing to have someone else wash your hair. From there, she led me back to my chair where I would wait about ten minutes for the expert cutter to start her work. She had two apprentices that she was helping cut other ladies' hair. There aren't salon schools like Douglas J here, you just learn by doing. When it was finally my turn, she came over and began her work. There were about 3 occasions when she had to stop and help the apprentices with the other women. I just sat there patiently and watched. When they were done, then asked if I wanted it scrunched or straight...since they were the experts, I felt like having it straightened. So, back to the sink where they would get my hair wet once again...and then for the next 45 minutes I had up to 3 women at the same time fondling my locks with blow driers and straighteners and creams. It was something else! The salon was supposed to close at 9pm, but at 10:30 they were just finishing. I was so greatful that they stayed so long to work on my hair. It definetely was their pleasure. While they were straightening, the owners little girl came over with her 1st grade English book and showed me what she knew. I talked to her a little and told her that her teacher's name is "Bette" then I told her my name. We went through the book, page by page, what she already knew. She was so proud to show me...so adorable! I felt that I should help her out a little since I was keeping her mom after work for so long. So, my hair was straight, felt like silk, and it was time to go. She asked only 600 NT for the entire thing...which is about 18 US dollars. WOW! This would've ATLEAST cost 60 bucks in America...at a cheap place! The cut was no Jill Taylor cut (cheap plus for Jill Taylor, stylist at Bella Salon in Owosso...the best) but it was still cute. A very close second to Jill.
I definetely want to get my haircut everyday now after being pampered and fussed over for two hours and only spending 18 bucks! They have a service here, though, that they will wash your hair for like 9 dollars or something....I think they style and massage, too. NICE!
Gotta love Taiwan!