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SOUTHERN OREGON JOURNAL Southern Oregon Journal: Shear psychology, one head at a time Comment By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News “I tell you that a clever, thoughtful, ambitious hairdresser wields a power beyond the comprehension of most people.” — John Steinbeck As the years press forward like a bullet train, I’m considering the individuals in my life’s puzzle who occupy vital space. I need them, love them, yet take them for granted. Take my hairdresser, Suzanne Anderson, for example. Currently working at Structures Hair Co. on North Bartlett in Medford, Suzanne has colored, snipped and styled my locks for over 10 years. I’ve followed her when she’s moved a couple times, because she’s an expert at her craft, and also because she’s part of my saga. Should the need for a different hairdresser arise, we would have a ponderous backlog of material to wade through. As with any relationship, there’s something to be said for familiarity. The times I appreciate her most are when I try to color my own hair. My vinyl bathroom floor lays permanently dotted, Pollock-like, with evidence of my ineptitude. Plus, my ear tips and forehead don’t need color but are difficult to avoid. I’m darned if I do or don’t, where my glasses are concerned. If they’re worn, I can see, which helps, but they don’t need color either, and trying to find the right third to look through as they slide down my nose, is tricky. With specs off, so are all bets, resulting in a mélange of hit and miss, like a checkerboard. The last time I attempted the feat, I fastened an old towel around my shoulders to protect my shirt. But my arms couldn’t move, so I pulled them out and promptly defeated my purpose. I sprayed the shirt with stain remover and remained in denial until wash day. I recently switched to an all-natural henna product. You might recall, henna rinse is what Lucy Ricardo used on the "I Love Lucy" show, as in, red. Suzanne understands the matrix of color and what occurs with color on color. So, when my bangs began competing with the local raspberry crop in vibrancy, she suggested without laughing a different shade exclusively for that section of hair. The makeover that happens in her chair over the span of a couple or three hours is nothing short of miraculous. Suzanne has stood (and stood) the test of listening to my tedious thrills and woes — an economical psychoanalyst. She lets me talk and knows instinctively which questions to ask and what to avoid when it comes to my writing escapades. Even though my visits are now few and far between, she remembers where we left off. How she keeps everyone’s drama in play is beyond me. Suzanne could write a book, but she is by now painfully aware that choosing a path through the traditional publishing world is little better than self-flagellation, and so understands not to expect too much. Besides, she’d rather ride a snowmobile with her time off. She shares her ups and downs with me, too. I generally leave feeling more like a (much) older sister, but not a mother, than a client. Suzanne knows the magic of making individuals of her parading public — like children not subjected to favoritism. Suzanne, along with an army of other dedicated hair professionals, spend hours on their feet each day making others look good and feel better about themselves, at least temporarily. Of course, they get paid, but it’s not money alone that fills the tank. Supplying a valued service and, if especially favored, enjoying what they do, are important parts of the benefit package. Mr. Steinbeck knew a thing or two about the human condition — the everyman of American labor and dedicated work ethic, the unsung heroes. He understood the power in the shears and trust within the salon confessional. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer living in Eagle Point. Reach her at [email protected]. By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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