I dumped my guy

These roots were made for walking.
by Tammy Robacker
Mar 13, 2008

I have a guy in Puyallup. Been seeing him for about five years. But our once-fabulous relationship is on the fritz. Or should I say frizz? What used to sizzle between us has fizzled out. Faded like an overdue dye job. He never has time for me anymore. He never returns my calls. So, enough is enough. I’m breaking up with my hair stylist.

Our relationship has been full of highlights and lowlights, but I don’t need to read Greg Behrendt’s latest book to figure out this lack of attention means he’s just not that into me. As for me and my mousy brown root grow-out, well, we’re over it. I’ve reached the hair breaking point.

How exactly do you break it off with a hairdresser? For me, silence is golden. As with all my breakups, my plan was to disappear into the night. Without a word. With never a look back through my shaggy bangs.

With my newfound follicle freedom, I couldn’t just curl up and dye myself in the solitude. I had to get back to the roots of what it was that I wanted in a stylist. I reflected philosophically on my hair needs. I wanted it all. The salon experience. Of course, I wanted to look great, But I wanted to feel special inside too. I needed to be loved. Could somebody do all that for less than 100 bucks?

So I did what any 30-something woman would do in such a hairy position. I took my curls and my cause to Craigslist. I felt hopeful and somewhat brazen as I typed out my list of cosmetologist criteria and posted an ad looking for a new hair stylist in Tacoma.

The ad started getting hits immediately after posting. Apparently, I had won 1.2 million in the Nigerian lottery. Delete. A retired beautician with a private salon run out of her basement in Yelm offered her services. Delete. Then the ad that stole my heart: Heather, a stylist at Embellish Multispace Salon in downtown Tacoma, wrote to let me know she does wonders with color and cuts. Her specialty was naturally curly hair. We were practically soul mates as far as I was concerned. I called Embellish immediately to book an appointment.

Heather is the first to say she’s not just a stylist. She’s a Day Maker. During my first visit, she patiently explained how designers at Embellish are referred to as such because they are trained to literally make their guests’ day. The salon business mission is offering clients technical expertise, craft knowledge and superior customer service. To me, that sounded like the salon experience I craved. And that’s exactly what I received — a decadent afternoon of creative coloring, scissor savvy, warm towels, pampering potions, a friendly face, a listening ear. Tender loving care for the hair and the spirit.

My first date with Heather included an all-over color job, a haircut and an eyebrow tint. Total cost: $118. In addition, I received a few perks to include an organic yogurt deep conditioning scalp massage at the shampoo bowl and lots of hair product samples. All-in-all, my hunt for hair happiness brought me to Embellish. Although they say that breaking up is hard to do, I know I did the right thing by pulling out of my Puyallup flop. Now, I’ll be hanging out with Heather —growing my roots in Tacoma.

[Embellish Multispace Salon, 1121 Court D, Tacoma, 253.752.8144]

User comments

submitted 10:18 on Mar 13, 2008 by Sag-ner

Sounds like a perfect place! I could use a clean break from my gal!!

submitted 10:45 on Mar 13, 2008 by Tiffany

Remember what I said- no good can come from anything that occurs in a basement. Good pass on the retired stylist.

submitted 01:17 on Mar 13, 2008 by Sandra Albert

Wonderful a pure and simple delight.I also am on a quest for a wonderful hair experience....I am so glad someone found happiness.

submitted 02:20 on Mar 13, 2008 by kalai

a fun, witty read... thanks!

submitted 02:53 on Mar 13, 2008 by Lisa

You are so funny...and talented. Thanks for the story.

submitted 03:23 on Mar 13, 2008 by Sheri

This is one of the most creative pieces I've read in a while! I can remember a few times sitting in a stylist's chair in tears over what was just perpetrated on my head! Very insightful!

submitted 03:50 on Mar 13, 2008 by Colleen Adams

I realy enjoyed reading your article. Very fresh, witty, real-life. What a talent. Write more for us!!

submitted 04:45 on Mar 13, 2008 by twizell

you crack my $%^# up!

submitted 06:32 on Mar 13, 2008 by Heinous Campbellini

So effin' hilarious, shuggy. Write more, write more!!!

submitted 07:52 on Mar 13, 2008 by Tammy R

Your article makes me want to hop in my car and travel across the country to Embellish

submitted 08:46 on Mar 14, 2008 by Dawn Phillips

I don't think I have enjoyed an article more!!! Thanks Tammy "you made my day"!

submitted 09:25 on Mar 14, 2008 by Mari

This is a great article....can't wait to read more!

submitted 10:20 on Mar 14, 2008 by lulu

Tamshug, you just keep being cleva'! I want a spa day with you and Heather...getting in my car right now!

submitted 03:36 on Mar 23, 2008 by Angela

Reading this makes me want to rush up there! Great piece!

submitted 07:06 on Mar 26, 2008 by Cindy McKinnon

Tammy, Great story that I think most women can relate to. You are so lucky to have Heather (I know this because my hair and I hair are missing her in Texas). The women of Tacoma are lucky to have both Embellish and Heather.

submitted 11:18 on Mar 27, 2008 by Sleek & shiny

Heather does wonders with bone straight hair too!!!

submitted 09:49 on Mar 28, 2008 by Lori Ritchie

Hey Tammy - I enjoyed reading this. You're right about dumping your hairdresser. I've been going to the same gal for about 15 years. How the hell would I dump her...I think for me it would be very hard. Anyway, keep up the good work Tweety. When are we gonna have that drink?

submitted 11:13 on May 14, 2008 by Lonna

Tammy thank you for the valuable information. As we know our hair is our image....It's every woman's nightmare when it comes to our hair whether it's a bad hair cut, a bad hair color, or just a bad hair stylist. We've all lived it!! By the way, your's looks marvelous! Lonna

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