A Good Hair (and Care) Day with Lucille

Beauty is as beauty does. And, yes, we all want a good hair day. Sometimes today it takes the better part of a day at a chic beauty salon or spa. Many women will contend that not only is their visit ‘beautifying’ in the true sense of the word, but also therapeutic and nurturing. If you were lucky growing up, you received it all in our dear Aunt Lucille Barron’s kitchen.

Imagine, living with her husband Tom, her sons Rich, Tommy and Dave and having a quasi beauty parlor right there in her kitchen with all of her guys coming and going all afternoon! Mind you, in the 50’s and 60’s one way to ‘glamour’ was the ‘permanent wave.’ This was no short nor fragrant process. Lucille sectioned your hair with row upon row of pink, blue and purple curlers followed with a solution that rivaled ammonia. Your head was then wrapped in a plastic cap for an hour, and rinsed with a second solution. At the end, the curlers came out to allow the recipient a flock of curls that made you the envy of your friends. You could set your hair in rollers and have waves, or use bobby pins and see tight locks. Yes, for about 6 months you sported your look until 4 or 5 haircuts sent your curls walking. Then, of course, you came back for your next beauty treatment.

Certainly in-style hair was great. However, longer lasting was the therapeutic element of having your hair done at Lucille’s. Throughout the process, you spent the day together. You shared news, exchanged ideas, and discussed fashion with Lucille, the iconic fashion role model. We talked about the state of the state, vented, and chuckled during this bonding process.

I always watched how Lucille did hair. I was fascinated with it all. As the years passed, I stepped in with some of our relatives, including my mother Betty, doing many cuts and perms. I have an especially fond memory of a night I spent with our dear Aunt Virginia Jackson, giving her a cut and curl, following a great dinner she cooked. I’ll never forget how pleased she was when she looked in the mirror and said, “Is that me?” After all these years, I still remember her pleasure.

As I moved on with my life in New Jersey, I continued to give cuts and perms. I bonded with friends and their daughters. To this day, I have great relationships, based upon our quality ‘hair time together.’

I had a great teacher. Thank you, Lucille, for your beauty shop at home, and the inspiration you so generously gave to all of us. Believe me, it lives on. What greater tribute can I give you, beautiful hair designs and forever bonding! Thank you, again, our dear Aunt Lucille.


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Blogged by Lucy