Dylan was so much more than a stylist—he was a friend. During the many hours I spent in his chair, we shared laughter, secrets, and even tears. But all of that is over now. I just wish I had had the chance to say some unsaid things before he passed. If I could have just one more minute with him, I know exactly what I would say: This asymmetrical ombré lob looks absolutely terrible.
But I can’t, because he’s dead now.
In life, we meet people who impact us more than they could never imagine. Maybe it’s that teacher who never gave up on you, or your no-nonsense grandma. For me, it was Dylan. He touched me in so many ways, like how he always massaged my scalp with tea tree moisturizing shampoo. Which is why I don’t really get why he thought it was a good idea to switch to a seaweed hair mask. Was he trying to dry out my roots? Maybe he was tired.
Sometimes we don’t say what we mean, and then it’s too late. Maybe it’s because we’re too proud, or too timid, or can’t believe anyone would think that an autumn copper semi-gloss is a good look for someone with olive undertones. I mean, I’m not blind, right? This looks really brassy.
Death is difficult to face. One day your friend is vibrant and full of life, and the next they’re nothing but a memory. Kind of like how all I have to remind me of my usual sleek boho layers are my last 600 Instagram posts. Is it just me, or does shoulder length mean shoulder length and not chin length? These are questions I wish I could’ve discussed with Dylan before his passing. Questions that will go forever unanswered.
Life throws us curveballs. People enter our lives fleetingly, before being taken away again. A lot like how summer comes and goes, so a no-fuss beachy wave is the perfect style to try out. Only, why would you add blunt bangs to an asymmetrical cut? I didn’t go to cosmetology school, but that one feels like a no brainer. It’s not like I was expecting to look like Jennifer Lawrence, but I was hoping to have a cut that didn’t add ten pounds to my jawline. Now I’ll never get the chance to tell him.
Here’s my advice: Don’t wait to tell that special someone how much they mean to you. Tell them what’s on your mind and if you think they’re making a mistake, particularly a mistake with your hair. You never know when they’ll be crushed to death by a wall of John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss.
I hope you rest in peace, Dylan. I’ll never have the luxury.
