A few days ago Bridget came into the computer room, where I was sitting, carrying her curling iron in one hand and her white step stool in the other. She told me she was going to do my hair. Smiling at her independence and motivation, and knowing that this was an idea all her own – I went ahead and let her curl my hair. Of course, the curling iron wasn’t plugged in – and in her experience as a two-year-old she’s yet to learn how to actually curl hair. So, it consisted of a series of “clamp, tug, count, tug, release. repeat” actions. It hurt a little, sure, but she was so pleased with herself.

After my hair was sufficiently ‘curled’ she turned to me and said, “I be right back, okay. You stay right there your chair, don’t go anywhere. Okay.” She came back carrying a handful of random hair clips from her bathroom.

20 minutes later, I looked like this:

Beautiful, aren’t I? I think I might wear my hair like this more often. Or maybe not.

When Dave came home from work that day, I suggested to Bridget that she also do daddy’s hair.

She did.

Anyway, the whole thing reminded me of this thing my little sister’s used to do to boys we (Livia and I) would bring home. They called it the “Hair Chair,” and anyone of the male gender (particularly boyfriends) that entered our home between the summer of 1999 and the summer of 2002 ran the risk of being subjected to the “Hair Chair.” It was considered a form of initiation or right of passage. Here are some examples.

Tom, circa 1999:

John, circa 2000:

Justin, circa 2001:

Dustin, circa 2002:

As you can see, my sisters didn’t limit themselves to hair accessories only. They got a little crazy sometimes. The more willing their ‘victim,’ the more inventive they became.

Sometime toward the end of 2002 my sisters began to outgrow the need for the Hair Chair ritual. Despite that, I think that both Dave and Barry (Livia’s husband) had the privilege of enduring said glorious ritual – though I have been unable to find pictures to prove it. Should any come available, I’ll be sure to post them here. (Note to Dad, the search for pictures isn’t over yet, but thanks again for your help so far.)

Oh, and did I mention that this wasn’t my first “Hair Chair” experience? This was in college, long story. Just know that whether you are two or twenty-two you can find joy in doing someone’s hair in a weird and wacky fashion.

Hair Chair hairdos are totally “in” right now. They are so popular I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw them in Vogue next month. Seriously, Hair Chair hairdos are the next beehive. If you haven’t received one you are missing out.

If anyone is in need of such a hairdo, I know a certain 2 year-old that would be glad to assist. She takes payment in PEZ. 🙂