hairspray

This weekend has been a fantastic journey, especially for my hair! I was invited to my first Khmer wedding (actually the reception), of the brother of a co-worker. I joined a crew of girls from work at the market where we all had our hair done together. $3 for an up-do and enough hairspray that my swoop bangs stayed in place without any bobby pins, solid as a rock. with a faux white rose in the back to boot.

(Note: You may be wondering...why an up-do for the wedding of perfect stranger? Let me explain a Khmer wedding in two words: adult prom. Every guest in movie-star gowns, sequins, mega make-up, sparkly jewelry, and big hair. I dressed up as much as I did for my little sister's wedding last summer as the maid of honor, and was STILL underdressed, due to the absence of sequins on my simple silk wrap dress. There were at least 5 courses of food, a live band, party fog blowing on stage, dancing, a 3'x4' cake, and at least 2,000 guests!) 

This morning, after a long sleep, a bowl of cornflakes, and a skype date with my dearest N back home...I hauled my crunchy-haired self to the little salon on the corner across from my house. I have been wanting to get to know these gals, and thought this would be a perfect time to get a hair-washing. yep, a hair-washing. which basically means $1.25 for a 45 minute head massage. It was amazing, and saved me from scrubbing and brushing the teased nest on my head myself. I was even pleasantly surprised with the "stunning black shine" shampoo that has turned my medium brown to a darker shade of chocolate. Didn't see that one coming, but this is a weekend of new looks! :) I fumbled my way through conversation in Khmer, and this lovely neighbor even pulled out her 4 year old daughter's Khmer letters book and taught me a few vowels and consonants! 

My hair has facilitated a lot of fun this weekend. Yeah for hairspray!