Salon Stress???

Well, the holidays are over, and I have to say that I now have more than I wanted, or at least more than I realized I wanted. Don't get me wrong, I love exchanging gifts with my family. As commercialized as this holiday has become, I feel like we do a good job of it all.

First off, in my immediate family, everyone is very thoughtful with their gifts. We don't wind up with a bunch of cash or generic gift cards. We buy each other things that we know will really be liked and appreciated. Lots of thought goes into each gift. Whether I'm giving or receiving, I know that love and care went into a choice that was made.

And with my larger family, we have a lovely tradition now of a Gift Exchange Game… You know the one, everyone gets a small gift and a gift card, and you draw numbers to see who can go first. We always have so much fun with this game, and it certainly helps that we all no longer have to shop for 30+ more people!

The problem I'm having right now is, I did receive a gift card. It's to this lovely spa and salon right near my home that I'd love to try. The gift card would easily cover a wash, cut and style, an hour's massage, or a manicure/pedicure. I would love any of those.

OK, so that isn't the problem… The problem IS that I would never spend this money on myself. If you've seen my hair, you know that the only thing more interesting than the fact that it is still baby-fine, to the point that hairbands and barrettes just slide right on out of it -- is its ability to bunch itself up in frizzy little knots at the slightest hint of weather. You can practically whisper the words wind, humidity, or even sunshine, and my hair will defy any attempt at styling.

Needless to say, a ponytail is my best friend.

Because of this, I have tended to stay away from salons in general. I figure that my hair is fairly well hopeless, and apart from someone transplanting Taylor Swift's hair onto my head, there really isn't anything that can be done to make this mop behave.

I spent many years cutting my own hair (GASP!) at home with the scissors we use in the kitchen. I figured that the waves I have would camouflage any irregularities. I color my own greys, and I pretty much don't even own a brush… They tend to just turn my mop into a larger, fuzzier-looking mop. It's been many, many a year since I could handle a blow-dryer or curling iron with any success.

So, how does a woman in her 40's walk into a salon and have any idea what she needs or wants?

I tried the short hairstyle many years ago… But I realized rather quickly that the style needed maintenance. NOT a good choice for someone who goes to the salon grudgingly about once every three years! I have heard there are really great treatments out there to correct frizz and tame unruly locks, but I am afraid to spend so much on my hair. It's just HAIR!

I also know that as we get older, this all-one-length do that I have, with no bangs, is probably not the most flattering style. But I'm scared silly to have someone try to put long layers in my hair. What if it didn't all fit into my ponytail???

So, the chef here is asking for your input. Do I indulge in a nice massage, and keep the frizzy mop? Do I live it up with a manicure/pedicure, even though no one will see my toes for several more months (and quite frankly, my fingernails are in quite good shape)? Or do I bite the bullet and actually let someone mess with the mess that is my hair?

If I DO have my hair done, do I try a new cut and style? Do I go with bangs and long layers, as everyone and their mother seems to think is the best choice for us stylish 40-somethings? Or do I try to get rid of the frizz and keep my longer tresses for just a little while longer?

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!