Attractions makes this writer happy

by Laura Arenschield
Culture Editor

Walking into Attractions, 19 N. Court St., on any given afternoon is a bustling experience. The business stays busy from morning to night because of all the services this salon offers.

It deals in anything from haircuts to body waxing and — probably most important during these last few weeks before spring break — tanning.

But just because they service many customers doesn’t mean they don’t take the time to get personal with each one.

I was a little intimidated because I’d never been there. I’m actually what you might call a hair stylist’s nightmare — I rarely go to the same place, much less the same hairdresser, twice.

When I walked in to get my hair done, the receptionist introduced me to my hairdresser, who immediately made me feel comfortable and at home.

She first asked what I wanted done to my hair. Then she explained everything she was going to do, did it, and actually accomplished what few stylists have been able to — she made my hair look exactly how I wanted it to.

I felt comfortable with my hair in her control. She knew what she was doing (a definite plus for a hairdresser), and she did it well. And when she was done, my hair looked good.

I had asked for a highlight and a cut. I was nervous because I wanted to look natural, not streaky, and I didn’t know if that was possible. But I explained my concerns to her, and she made it work. When she turned the chair around I felt like a new woman.

I was cute, cool and confident — at least until I tripped on my shoelaces while walking out the door and made a group of guys laugh. But still, my hair looked great, even if I didn’t.

Attractions can do more than cut hair. It offers manicures, waxing, facials and tanning, in addition to the standard hair services such as coloring, perms and relaxing.

It also offers special pricing for children’s haircuts and can updo locks for a formal occasion. It offers conditioning treatments for damaged hair and can relax perms, natural curls or ethnic hair types.

And the hairdresser I went to made me comfortable with my cut. She did what I’d asked and didn’t overstyle my hair at the end. I hate it when stylists do that. More impressively, I kept the business card when I left, and I plan to go back. No one has accomplished that before.