Chapter 17 - Sudden Curls For Sudden Dates

Last-minute dates, and all the frantic beauty preparations that precede them, are at least as old as the pyramids at Gizeh.

But, somehow, you're convinced that even if you were to live to be as old as the Parthenon, such romantic meetings would always find you with your hair down and out —of curl. The only really sound defense against the last-minute hairdo frenzy is a good offense. Have your hair reshaped at least once a month. Shampoo it daily, if neces-sary, to make sure it is constantly shining clean and "please-touch-me" gleaming. Stock duplicates of all your hair beauty aids in your office locker. And keep in snarl-fighting trim with regular hair drills. Practice at least six different ways of creating date-able coiffures from practically nothing. This way you won't be all thumbs when your heart is fluttering in expectation.

Sparkling, clean, well-shaped hair can be brushed into a flattering facial frame in almost no time at all, especially today when styles are more line than curl.

You couldn't say "No." And you have just fifteen minutes to meet him at your favorite restaurant rendezvous. Don't start anything you can't finish. Don't dampen your hair unless you have three-quarters of an hour and a hair dryer. These are the times when you begin to appreciate the wisdom of a wig. But if you can't afford this sizable investment—and your hair is impossible:

1. Hide your head under a glamorous evening hat, one that reveals only an easily set dip at the forehead and perhaps a kiss curl at one cheek to make this subterfuge look like a pretty plan and not a dire necessity. Wear a felt or straw headhugger for less formal occasions.

2. Or solve your dilemma by simply brushing all your hair to the top of your head, and topping it with a flattering chignon, top knot, or fringe bangs. But whether you have five minutes or all day, and no matter what you plan to do, first brush your hair well.

If you haven't a hat or a hairpiece and your hair is sadly in need of shampooing, terry-towel your scalp and hair as you would after a wet shampoo to remove excess oil and dirt. Or tie a clean piece of lint-free cloth over your hairbrush and go to work with vigor. Either attack should put your locks into a more cooperative mood.

Next, try an old curling iron in a new way. Put your hair up in pin curls   at strategic points. As you remove pins, one by one, place curl between double folds of tissue paper (home perm paper would be ideal). Now, holding a curl with your left hand move iron slowly up and down paper. Let curl cool. Brush hair enthusiastically. Comb and finger into place. Mist, gently, with, spray.

One half-hour more, just thirty minutes more . . .

And your hair is all out of shape. Again, don't be overly ambitious. Cling to the familiar. Brush energetically. Then, using big pin curls, set ends most direly in need with a quick-drying lotion. This expedient, however, should not be for daily use because it tends to dry hair. Concentrate on forehead, the area around the ears and the back of the head. Wait until the last minute to brush and comb out. If you own a dryer, sit under it while you are applying make-up. Mist with spray.

Just the other clay you had a bouffant hairdo, but now all its bouffance is gone and you're left with a pancake? Faithfully following your hairdresser's pattern, set crown hair in big rollers and set nape hair in pin curls. Spray lightly with cologne mixed with water. Use an atomizer if you have one. When hair is dry, brush vigorously. Don't worry about losing your set. To restore original architectonics, dig deep into hair with brush. Pull out and up. Tease when necessary. Comb into place starting at tips and working toward roots. Spray.

Ninety whole minutes ...

You can shampoo, set and dry your hair—providing you have one of the new portable dryers which permits you to go about all your other pre-date beautifying preparations at the same time.

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