Situation: #hairproblems

Upon moving to New York City, I realized just how overly excited I was about living in one of the greatest cities in the world.  From New York bagels to Bleecker Street shopping to avant-garde fashion to Baked by Melissa cupcakes.  All the while pretending that I'm still a Boston University student "just in the city for the summer" and trying to get student discounts on anything I can.  Why?  Because I am and will always be a Recessionista.

One part of NYC-living I totally forgot about until I looked in the mirror and saw how badly I needed a hair cut and color (holy hell it's bad) is the Bumble and bumble. University Model Project my sister used to participate in when she went to NYU for undergrad.  When you hear something like this program at a reputable salon and phrases like "FREE HAIRCUT" and "FREE COLOR" are thrown around like it's nothing, you become a bit skeptical.  Nothing's actually FREE free, right?  So wrong.  So very, very wrong.

This is accurate.  Usually worse, though.

The Bumble and bumble. University program is a two-day class in which professional hairdressers from across the country come and learn new cut and color techniques and sharpen their hairstylist skills under supervision of Bumble and bumble.'s most experienced stylists and educators.  But, of course, in order to learn something new, practice makes perfect.  They need real hair to practice on, and who better than desperate college students or poor young adults looking for a new look?!  Literally the most perfect opportunity for hairdresser and desperate girl.  AKA, me.

I applied online and went in for a hair consultation last Monday.  Totally easy.  They assess basically how easy your hair is to work with and what it looks like you could benefit from.  (Bb professional to me: "You could definitely benefit from some darker colors to give your hair more depth, and maybe you should go back to that Razor Bob you say you used to have." Me to Bb professional in small, pathetic voice: "Fix me, please.")

After the consultation, you make your appointments for cut, color, or style (or two out of the three, or all three, whatever), which could range from the next day until October.  I lucked out with a color appointment the NEXT DAY and a haircut next Tuesday.

Oh haiiii.

My color "class" yesterday was simple.  You go in, get looked at by a ton of hairdressers who determine what color, technique, etc. would look the best on you with your eyes, complexion, etc. and then the stylists get to work with the approval of the educators.  My hairdresser was this little cutie-patootie from Kansas City who threw around terms like "feathering" and "hair depth" and did something amazing to my sun-streaked mousey-brown hair that hasn't seen a professional dye job in years.  They actually discourage tipping because it is a classroom setting, so literally all you're paying for is your transportation to and from the salon.  So like, $5 on the subway for an amazing color and blowout.

I am SO excited for my haircut next week, and then I'll be back in a few months to do it all over again as soon as I'm allowed.  For cheap girls looking for an exciting new look, THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU.  You also get a say in what you want, although if it's something that the stylists know is stupid or outdated, they'll pretty much let you know and make you change your mind.  After all, they have more experience with hair trends than you do.

What do you think about the program?  New Yorkers, would you be willing to give up your rights and let a hairdresser go to town on your locks?  Comment away!