The trouble with turning 30

I have watched friends’ and family member’s thirtieth birthdays come and go and witnessed each person going into a mini-crisis at the thought of leaving their youth behind. But I have remained totally serine about the whole thing.

Then it dawned on me; mine was not to fret about lost youth, wrinkles and a growing respect for Last of the Summer Wine. No, mine was to have a complete identity failure without even noticing it had happened.

Never the shrinking violet, I would wear the latest fashion trends, lashed on so much eyeliner even Amy Winehouse would call it OTT and sported haircuts in almost every imaginable style.

But somewhere in the back of my mind was a voice telling me this could not go on forever. One day I would have to grow up, because none of us can be 21 forever. And this is where I came unstuck. I had no idea how to do anything else.

The result? Drab clothes, no make-up and a rather unkempt ponytail.

This could go on no longer and I made the decision to take action in the last few months running up the big three-o. And I chose to start at the top – taming the tresses.

So, on a bright and breezy Sunday morning, I headed to TONI & GUY at Bluewater with a few vague ideas about what might look okay and a slight sense of pity for the hairdresser who would have to deal with me…

The consultation

I need not have worried, after a warm greeting at reception I was introduced to the equally cheery stylist Kevin Luchmun who, after explaining my dilemma to him, immediately put me at ease.

He understood my predicament and offered advice on being stylish whilst acting my age as well as considering what would suit me, not just what was this month’s hottest look.

We decided together on a classic bob-with-a-twist, longer at the front with clever layers to add volume to my often flat locks.

The wash

If you have never experience a TONI & GUY salon I would recommend you go even if it’s just to enjoy having your hair washed. This is no ordinary wash-rinse-towel. If you get nervous at the hairdressers, as many people do, the application of conditioner combined with an incredibly relaxing head massage will melt all of your worries away.

And so, in my new totally chilled frame of mind, I drifted back to my seat to let Kevin get to work.

The cut and blow-dry

I find watching the perfectionism of a great hairdresser at work fascinating and Kevin was no exception. The tiny adjustments to ensure every inch is exactly as it should be filled me with confidence and the fact he cut the fringe so I can wear it with a left, right or centre parting was perfect for someone as indecisive as me.

I’m also a bit useless at styling so getting each stage explained to me was a great help. The purpose of each Label M product was explained as we went along but wasn’t pushed upon you like lots of salons do in the hope of making an add-on sale at the end.

Kevin selected protein spray to add moisture and protection against heat and colour fade, perfect for anyone who blow-dries or straightens their hair often, and leave-in conditioner which has aloe vera and jojoba oil to lock in moisture.

To prevent weighing my hair down, the volume mousse for fine to medium hair types is applied like a spray giving a light even coverage instead of a great big blob that you slather all over the place giving brilliant root lift.

Finally, a spritz of shine mist left my hair looking really healthy and with a fabulous shine.

The result

I was thrilled watching my new cut taking shape and swished my way out of Bluewater with a spring in my step.

Since then I have been overjoyed with how easy it is to style at home. A quick blow-dry in the morning before work results in a stylish tousled look, as opposed to the you-really-need-to-buy-a-comb look I had been used to. And for a night out, a once over with the hair straighteners is all it takes to replicate what Kevin achieved at the salon.

I’ve received positive comments all round from friends and family, with remarks on what a great cut it is and even “you really should have done that sooner”, which I can’t help but agree with.

So with the first mission under my belt, I’m looking forward to sorting out the rest of my fashion faux pars and reaching my thirties in style…