As one writer put it "If my hair were a guy, we'd have broken up a long time ago."   I relate.  I cling to the memories of our relationship when a prominant local stylist suggested I participate in a hair show.  I never did, but the fantasy remains.   Was that really 23 years ago?   In those days, the relationship was easy -- wash, sleep, brush --- and it shone and curled and bounced joyfully.   But now, it sort of sits there, frazzled and dull.   And my attempts at new products or styles are met with a lazy thud.  The relationship is, indeed, frayed.

I guess I realize I'm not the dream client.  I have been to the salon, on average, three or four times a year and usually blow my hair dry while brushing my teeth.   So, if the relationship is suffering, I accept that I have a role in its demise. 

Given all of that, I truly admire Leslie for taking this dysfunctional relationship on.   The proprietor for In His Image salon, she understands that I'm sort of a beauty-without-maintenance client.    I looked at her skeptically when she suggested the new Brazilian Keratin Treatment and, mostly out of appreciation for her willingness to deal with me and my hair, agreed to the "mini" version of the treatment, which she offered for $25. 

Amazing.   Even my skeptical scalp had to agree that the difference was obvious.  Who cares how it looks, I thought, I just love how it feels.  But it looked pretty good too -- glimmers of smooth shine I hadn't seen for 23 years...And, suddenly, there was hope for the hair relationship.  

Since then, I've learned three things:  1) this is a pretty famous treatment at this point (some of us have just been under rocks), 2) the full treatment is way better and lasts much longer and 3) Leslie at In His Image offers it at a price that should have people driving from Nashville and Knoxville to Cookeville for the privilege.  

First -- if you're like me and never pay attention to such things, this will be news.  If you're a diligent hair keeper, skip to the last paragraph.   But for the uninitiated, Brazilian Keratin Treatment (also called escova progressiva, Keratin cure, keratin straightening or BKT) is a method of temporarily straightening hair by sealing the hair with a liquid keratin in an all natural process with a flat iron, producing a silky, smooth texture that lasts for several weeks.

Pioneered in Brazil, the Brazilian Keratin Treatment is to be able to be performed on all types of chemically treated hair (bleached, hi-lights, coloured, permed, relaxed or previously straightened).   It is used on frizzy, damaged, unhealthy, dull and mistreated hair (I could just insert my picture, but I'll use some other people's here).

The full treatment eliminates frizz, unruly curls and waves without making it too flat like some other treatments. 

Knoxville, Nashville and Chattanooga salons offer the treatment for $300-$450.  Now, I would never pay that... my hair and I don't have that kind of relationship.   But a lot of women would.  A lot of women are paying that.  Those women would be wise to join me at In His Image salon in Cookeville where the treatment is $75.   You can Google it, call around or check it out for yourself -- this is a really good deal.   And it is a wonderful service to provide major beauty services at prices even dysfunctional hair people can afford.  

Leslie Reeder is a real person and I'm a real client and In His Image is located on Spring Street in Cookeville.  If you'd like to reach her, call 931-528-7376 or see more Cookeville photos at Leslie's Facebook page.