Other Grooming Differences

I never get my hair done in France due to a bad experience.  The downside of this is that I can get pretty scraggly looking between trips across the Atlantic.

The differences in my grooming habits are deeper than this.  Almost every aspect of my grooming routine is different in the US than it is in Paris. 

Part of the problem with grooming in Paris is the traveling to get to and from an appointment.  If it's snowing and I've just gotten a pedicure, I can't slide into my boots to make the trip home.  Hypothermia aside, it would look a bit suspicious to be on the metro in flip-flops. I don't have a car.

This brings up the first of many cultural differences in the area of grooming -- nail polish is optional (and costs extra) after a pedicure.  In my opinion, why would anyone want a pedicure and not get their toe nails polished.  That's the cute part.

I seem to have a busier schedule in France.  Mornings are reserved for exercise, a shower and maybe a trip to the grocery store.  Several afternoons are blocked with on-going obligations.   Then there's the myriad of exhibitions, museums and movies to see.  Friends to visit.  It's hard to find a second for grooming. 

In the US, maybe it's because I have a car that grooming just seems easier.  It's warm most of the time, so flip-flops aren't weird.   No one even sees them if I'm coming home from a pedicure.  No one sees my red, no makeup face on the return trip from the facialist.

And I have more time in the US.  Cultural events aren't nagging me to attend before they disappear.

Another biggie:   I can speak English.  It is really hard to tell someone in a foreign language that my skin is sensitive, and I don't want a chemical exfoliation that will make me look years younger after the blotchy red skin goes away. 

It seems to me that the only safe grooming activity in France is waxing.  They don't break the skin and it can grow back.  Unless it's the eyebrows, if it's a bad job, no one will notice.  And, it's fairly inexpensive, compared with the US.

I've never had a massage in France, maybe I'll try it sometime.  All the grooming activities also carry the fear that I will meet my neighbors either in the street or in the building when I'm coming in the door from a grooming appointment.  Flip flops when it's snowing, no makeup, hair in a mess, the rumors will fly.