That makeover question just stopped being hypothetical

[neadods]

I'm moving between departments at work, from the techies (where you can wear anything because you never see any clients except engineers who are also in polo shirts and jeans) to where you talk to The People With The Money.

That hair/hands/feet/wardrobe makeover question just stopped being hypothetical. I am soliciting names of favored hairdressers in the Laurel/College Park/Greenbelt or Annapolis areas (tchwrtr, I've still got yours). I am soliciting names for manicurists and stories of what life is like with fake nails (because my real ones are crap and always will be - grow 'em out more than 2/8" and they tear).

While I'm soliciting stories, does anyone have any stories of what it's like to have laser hair removal or electrolosis? I'll wax if I have to, but I'd rather whack it completely.

The wardrobe post will be another round of neepery once I know the ground rules there. I'm just praying that hose and heels will only be mandatory for meetings. I haven't done h&h on a daily basis at work since 1990...

Comments

[lagilman]

I strongly advise against fake nails. Far better to keep them neatly, if closely trimmed, and natural. It looks better, it wears better, and you'll feel more comfortable.

[kefiraahava.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on the department move!

No clue on specific recommendations in that area, alas, sorry. But do you really need fake nails, so long as you stick with a clear polish and keep your real nails well-manicured?

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I don't know. But I'm really not kidding about the 2/8 - in fact, it's closer to 1/8, and I'm not sure that the Polished Professional look includes nails that are shorter than your fingers.

[redstarrobot.livejournal.com]

Don't do fake nails. You can look just as (or even more) professional with short-trimmed nails that are shaped well with a nail file, and coated in clear or subtle polish if that's your bent. Plus they're far more practical and maintanable than fake nails - it you have trouble keeping your own nails long, odds are your lifestyle will make it tough to keep fake nails in good shape.

I avoid heels and hose with pantsuits. They tend to be just as acceptable, and look tidier. One or two dark, well-fitting suits can go pretty far. I don't use my skirt-suit much, but the black suit I wear to just about everything.

[jennetj.livejournal.com]

My understanding is that laser treatments do not permanently banish the hair. You'll need to get it done again. And it's expensive. Not sure about electrolysis, but with your sensitive skin, you may not be a good candidate for either. You'd need to do more research--maybe talk to a salon that performs one or the other of them. Waxing isn't pleasant, but at least it's quick.

Nice trouser suits are generally considered acceptable workplace attire for all but the most conservative places (big lawfirms, etc.), which completely eliminates the hose issue, though good shoes are mandatory.

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

I concur that short, neat natural nails are much better and more professional-looking than long fake ones. If long nails are a requirement, ask them exactly WHAT profession they're expecting you to undertake?

Ditto heels; I spent most of my corporate career in flat-heeled pumps. Every bit as professional-looking, and much easier on the feet and knees. I recommend Naturalizers -- they're a bit on the pricey side, but extremely comfortable, and you can often buy the same shoe in several colors, which helps a lot.

You can cheat on the hose issue by wearing calf-length skirts, which hide knee-highs very nicely. If they're going to require you to wear minis, again I suggest asking WHAT profession they're talking about? Also, I strongly second (third? fourth?) the suggestion of pantsuits for everyday office wear -- save skirts of any kind for Major Occasions.

[tchwrtr.livejournal.com]

When you are ready for the clothing issue, if you EVER want to do a bit of shopping at lunch, let me know. I've had to do that "upper business casual" before, and can give you a judicial eye.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

You're SO on!

I'm just hoping that the full wardrobe makeover can wait until I lose about 20 pounds I get a makeover the killing heat passes for a month or two.

[sapphirerose61.livejournal.com]

I have the fake nails and really enjoy them. Yes, they are high maintenance, in that you need to get them redone about every 2 weeks. I also don't have them as "claws", they are about 1/8 inch long from my fingertips. I do a lot of keyboarding during the day, so the long "claw" look would be ridiculous. Given some of the statements I've read in your posts, you might be happier with the above recommendations. I don't live in your area, so I'm sorry to say I can't make any recommendations of nail places.

As for the wardrobe, I really liked the pantsuit idea that was posted. Comfortable, professional and lots of choices. You can always wear a dress or suit just as something else to wear.

[zinelady.livejournal.com]

I've been doing electrolysis since I was in my 20s. It's not an one time fix it thing. I go around once a month or so, now. Back when I was 30, it was like once every 2-3 months. The area between my brows are pretty well finished...nothing grows there anymore. Why I go now, is to get all those pesky chin hairs or upper lip hairs and an occasional white or silver brow hair. The electrologist says it's because of hormones. Fortunately most of my body hair is blond so it doesn't show up as bad. Once I had this boss who had some hairs growing out of a mole on her face. I wanted to give her the name of my electrologist so bad, but I never got the courage.

From what I understand, laser treatment although more expensive only takes a few treatments (4 or less) and the hair is gone... but that doesn't stop new hairs from showing up somewhere else on the face. And hairs grow at different speeds, that's why more than one laser treatment is needed. The slower growth won't show up until after the treatment. I really hate it when a new hair shows up a couple days after my last electrolysis treatment.

I pay $15 for 15-20 minutes. I'm not sure how much it costs in a big city, but you could check various places. The person that does mine is also my hairdresser and I think she's cheaper than someone who just does electrolysis.

As far as fair skin goes, your skin may be red for several hours after the treatment. Mandy who has the most senstitive skin in the family would come home from electrolysis with bright red skin for a while. Funny thing is, electrolysis has work better for her than Crystal and I. I think it's because I took her before she started plucking. They say if you get treatments when you are a teenager before you pluck or wax, it's easiest to kill the root.

[fandance.livejournal.com]

I have fake nails; started wearing them about two years ago. I also had nails that would chip/break whenever I breathed. I love my fakes, which was a shocker since I didn't think I would. They do take getting used to. Two week maintanence schedule, and I keep mine fairly short. Nea, I can recommend a place here in Greenbelt - Nail Spa next to Safeway. My guy there is Mike, who is better than any of the other technicians there.

As for hair salons, Cole Stevens in Belle in Greenbelt is a great place to go. I see Diane (the owner) but she's not taking any new clients. But her staff is good and the atmosphere is to-die-for (so relaxing)

I've been thinking of checking out some laser hair removal places - want to go check them out with me? I know they aren't a cure all, but it's like mowing the lawn - if you can just get the weeds and the underbrush under control, then the weekly maint is SO much easier.