Embracing Self Care with Citrus Hair Salon

The Summer Sweat Series was designed to help you function optimally in your daily movements. However, as we strengthen our body, we should also take time to practice other forms of self care. Last Friday, I got treated to a blowout at Citrus Hair Salon* in Yaletown. I have never been a spa girl (I absolutely hate massages!). I feel like taking a couple hours where I am not productive is a waste of time. So on my drive this morning, I consciously told myself to take this time to enjoy the peacefulness and actually unwind.

Weird fact: I often wash my hair before I get my haircut appointment to avoid the head massage and to cut down on time.

When I arrived, I was greeted with a smile and led to their gorgeous waiting area. As I looked at the cold, concrete wall up against the bright, happy colours of the products, it made me feel a little bit emotional. I was so happy to be there. I felt incredibly grateful to be able to have the morning off to experience this.

Then my stylist, Raana, took some photos and led me to the sink. I sat back as she washed and massaged my head. The entire time, I kept telling my brain to turn off but instead, it was listing off the tasks I needed to get done after the appointment.

When we got back to the chair, I was presented with a breakfast plate. It was perfect because during the morning rush, there’s rarely any time for this mama to have breakfast. They offered me tea, coffee or water to drink – I’m a water girl so I was doubly ecstatic when they came back with a large glass with lemon. Those details. As she blewdry my hair, I took the opportunity to read and respond to some emails and messages. I was working fast. So fast that Raana had to remind me about breakfast. Oops.

I blasted off one last email, put my phone face down and made an effort to be present.

The next 45 minutes were monumental for me.

By putting my phone away, I was actually able to enjoy being pampered. There were no kids so I had to savour each whine-cry-scream-free moment. The appointment lasted about an hour but it felt like such a productive hour. Not because I was getting tasks done, but because, something felt different. Leaving the salon, I felt refreshed, beautiful and lifted – feelings I don’t normally have after a salon visit.

It also gave me a chance to chat with another adult! (If you’re a stay at home mom or a work at home mom, you get this.) Raana is extremely talented and she shared tips on how to take care of my hair (she advises once a week hair washes). She has been doing hair for several years and her love for it definitely showed.

BEFORE

AFTER

• they recycle colour tubes, hair foils, light bulbs,  paper, plastic, tin, metals, electronics, batteries, and more! They also safely dispose of chemical waste so that it doesn’t go down the drain.
• We use energy-efficient lighting, Energy-Star rated washer and dryer.
• Stylists’ chairs and tables and other furnishings–styling chairs, mirrors, front desk, filing cabinets, counters– have been bought second hand and refurbished.
• And more! Learn more about their green initiatives here.