Visiting the Salon

Every month or two, I try to pack up the boys and visit our neighborhood salon.  Marwa, one of the owners, is laid back and always happy to see us.  Salons play a special role in that they are inexpensive and not fancy, so women can go frequently.  Though poverty and war are issues in our area, women still really value looking nice.  At the salon, a thick curtain and tinted door insures that no passersby can see into this women-only spot.  Women remove their head coverings, relax and eat candy or smoke, and enjoy some self care.  I almost always find it fun to interact in this setting.  The local beauty ideal tends toward smooth, fair skin and the length and silkiness of women’s hair here can take your breath away (my friends use olive oil to soften it).  Since the make-up and hairstyles can be intense, I just ask Marwa shape my eyebrows.  She uses tweezers and also threads them.  If takes a few moments and costs about three dollars.  I almost always leave having done some laughing and having learned something new.  I thought I would take you along on a visit to a local salon by taking some photos…