I no longer obsess over my nails (they had to be perfect at all times, back in the day) but I do care about "the hair."  Most women do; this is why we get that panic-stricken look if our hairdresser tells us he or she is moving to another state. It's also daunting to go to a new salon, no matter how renowned. Particularly since - let's face it - so many of the "high-end" ones act like they're doing you a favor by taking ( a LOT of) your money.   I've been to several throughout the years that - while some of them actually did a great job - I didn't go back, due to their 'tude.  If I'm spending that kind of money, I shouldn't be made to feel like Eliza Doolittle pre-makeover.

This past week I decided I simply must do something with the hair, so I called Salon Helena, which got top honors in a recent Albuquerque The Magazine "Best of" reader survey.  The shop was also in Elle's  "top 100 salons" which caused me some trepidation (see above re "high end.") However, I was very pleasantly surprised. Helena comes from a long line of hairstylists and understands the customer salon experience is as much about feeling as looks.

1. I didn't have to wait.  I showed up a little early, but they were ready for me.  No cooling my heels and reading water-stained magazines as I waited for a Mr. Alberto to finish with a more important client.

2. The salon was cheerfully decorated, in warm colors.  It was obvious they put some care and thought into the ambiance.  No sharp modernist edges...or junky-looking signs of anorexic models, with heroin addict haircuts.  It felt stylish yet comfortable.

3.  The salon was CLEAN.  How many times have you been to a supposedly top salon where hair floats through the air and piles around the chair? 

4.  The restrooms were CLEAN and nicely decorated, stocked with clean cloth hand towels. No sinks full of hair coloring bowls or dusty faux flowers. (which I've faced in even the most expensive salons...or maybe they sent me to the "Eliza" section...;-)

5.  No hard sale. They've got products available and Helena used a couple, but I didn't feel like I was a loser if I didn't buy them. 

They also asked me several times if I wanted something to drink (pay attention to the customer, don't want for them to ask)...and I could (and did) help myself to a fresh-brewed cup of java while I waited for the color to set.

And the cherry on top?  It's in my neighborhood - I can even walk there if I choose.  And, I will, in about six weeks for a trim....maybe a pedicure...and...(customers will sell themselves if they feel good about the experience.  Duh.)