Remember how I said recently that I had chemically fried my hair? Well, last Saturday, I was finally fed up with the lot of it and kept trying to get an appointment at a salon here in Cebu, but they were fully booked the whole day. So, that evening, while lying in bed watching a movie – in the dark – I took a pair of scissors to my hair and chopped off about four inches.

Nicolas looked at me the next morning and pleaded that I, at least, tie back my hair. I refused. I swanned about town, my hair an uneven jagged mess.

Today, I finally went to see a friend of a friend. An Italian woman who cuts hair at home. She did an awesome job considering the state it was in.

First, she colored it. She used henna, which is all-natural and ammonia-free and great for someone like me who doesn’t need any more chemicals ruining any more follicles.

Then she cut it. I wasn’t expecting a fringe, nor was I expecting it to be so short but, in the end, I think it turned out looking great. And Nicolas totally approves. (Of course, I don’t know if I can make it look as good on my own, especially since I don’t own a hair dryer. Or a brush.)

It’s a bit short but all the frazzled ends are gone.

Then she put this protein treatment on my hair and steamed it – to help restore it to health and, now, it feels thick, soft, and beautiful.

In between trading life stories and laughing, she also gave me important advice on how to take care of my hair. (Coconut oil on the ends whenever I go into the pool. Which, by the way, I am happy to report, is no longer green, but blue. The pool, not my hair.)

I’m so glad I finally have friends in Cebu – and with great insider tips too!