The transformational work of helping a thinning hair client regain self-esteem is something that makes stylists grateful to come to work, every day. This story comes from one such hair hero:

"I have a client, Audrey Morgan, who is 90 years young that I see every Thursday. The first time I met Audrey, she shared with me that her hair was “horrible.” Audrey also told me she wanted me to set her hair and make it as big and voluminous as possible. Audrey has very fine, very frail hair that was just slightly past her shoulders. After consulting with Audrey I suggested cutting a couple inches off and adding some layers so I could build more volume into her style. Audrey was quick to respond with a hard ‘no’. She explained to me that while growing up, her mother always put her down and told her how horrible and ugly her hair was. Her mother didn’t know what to do with Audrey’s thin, fine hair so she cut it super short. Audrey then proceeded to tell me that since her mother had passed and now that she’s 90, she’s going to keep her hair long.

"After hearing Audrey’s experience and painful memories of being put down by her mother, I decided I’d never offer a haircut again and I would just do everything possible to make Audrey feel confident and beautiful. Audrey and I developed a wonderful relationship as we had a standing appointment every Thursday at 9:45 am.

"A few months after meeting Audrey, I got certified in four different types of hair extensions. I immediately thought of Audrey and during her next appointment I suggested a solution to an issue she’s struggled with for the past 90 years. When I offered Audrey extensions, she was intrigued, however, she told me I needed to talk to her daughter because she is the one who financially takes care of her expenses. I called Audrey’s daughter and shared with her my idea and she gently turned me down stating that her mother is retired and living in a retirement home and it wasn’t in their budget. I offered to install the extensions only for the cost of the hair and she kindly denied stating that caring for her elderly mother was already a financial struggle.

"I went home that night and couldn’t stop thinking about Audrey and how she’s spent the past 90 years hating her hair and being put down for something she had no control over. I decided that I had to make this woman’s dreams a reality and I knew exactly how to do that.

"I have been licensed since 8/21/2018, less than a year. I have student loans that I’m behind on and certainly I am in no financial position myself to be spending money I don’t have, but I felt that doing this for Audrey would be more satisfying for me than any paycheck. I work full time at Dolce Vita Salon and I also work one night a week at an amazing restaurant in Santa Rosa called Bistro 29. I decided to pick up an extra shift at the restaurant in honor of my client Audrey. All the money I made that night I put towards Audrey’s new hair.

"I felt that it was important to communicate and ask Audrey’s daughter for permission to gift Audrey with new hair. I didn’t want to overstep any boundaries, especially since she already told me no. I needed to do this for Audrey because I knew I could give her something she’s always wanted. Audrey’s daughter couldn’t say no.

"A week later, Audrey came in for her weekly appointment and I told her that I was going to give her the hair she’s always wanted. I was going to give her the hair she’s always dreamed of. The hair she’s been waiting for 90 years for. I told her that she finally is going to have beautiful hair and she’ll have it for the rest of her life and I’ll take care of it every Thursday. Audrey got quiet and looked me in the eye and asked me why? I told Audrey that I wanted to do this for her because I wanted her to finally feel confident with the crown she wears every day. Audrey accepted my gift and I changed her world forever.

"Every Thursday Audrey asks me if her new hair is really hers and I always reply that it’s all hers and then I joke that it’s getting so long she may need a cut. We laugh and we cry tears of joy.

"I look forward to my Thursdays with Audrey. She and I have a special bond and I’m so grateful that she trusted and allowed me to help her feel confident and beautiful.This experience has confirmed that this industry is right for me. I am where I need to be and I am doing what I was destined to do. Helping people feel beautiful and confident is so powerful and so rewarding for all parties involved. I changed Audrey’s life and she changed mine."

--Natalie R. Comora

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