BRAND NEW
Hair & Concept by Nadia Vassell
Story by Tracee Loran Scott
It was the first of the month, which meant it was time for Bianca Morgan to visit the neighborhood newsstand and purchase the latest issues of her favorite magazines. For nearly 7 years, this had been the high-powered attorney’s treasured routine. Little did Bianca know that her beloved custom was about to be interrupted. Before she could palm the newest Essence, Ebony or O, she ogled a vision of beauty plastered on the cover of Hype Hair – THE PERFECT ‘DO! Bianca had grown weary of her Black Girl Bob and really wanted something fresh. Well, the real truth is she was tired of her friends calling her Boring Bianca; they claimed she never changed anything. Her life, they alleged, was as predictable as Tuesday following Monday. Publically Bianca detested the charges, but secretly she knew her friends were right and she was going to transform! The first thing to morph would be her hair. But after months of searching, she didn’t find a style that struck her, until now. Bianca had to have it. She hastily threw money at the vendor, grabbed the magazine and sprinted home faster than Usain Bolt. Left in the dust was January’s Essence, Ebony and O. “It doesn’t matter,” she admitted to herself. “It’s the same old “How to please your man and lose ten pounds” non-sense.
Bianca ran through her apartment door dropping everything except Hype Hair and called her stylist Nadia Vassell. Though everyone had abandoned their landlines for so-called Smart Phones, Bianca was old school and still had a house phone. She picked up the corded receiver and feverishly dialed Nadia’s number. It seemed like the phone rang for an eternity. Finally, Nadia answered. “Hi, The Nadia Vas-.“ Before the chic stylist could utter her full greeting, Bianca butt in, “Nadia, please tell me you have an opening right now! I just saw a FAN-TABULOUS ‘DO and I must have it TODAY!!!!” Amused and bewildered by the urgency, Nadia agreed to take one more client.
Bianca rushed to the salon with furious determination. She just couldn’t wait to see her new self. Nadia took one look at the pixie cut, brazenly red, Rihanna-esque style and questioned Bianca’s decision. “It’s RockStar hot, but are you sure you want to do something so drastically different?” Despite Nadia’s professional wisdom and doubt Bianca would not be deterred; “drastic” and “different” was definitely what she wanted. Nadia acquiesced, “Alright, let’s do it.” After three hours of cutting, perming, coloring and styling, Bianca arose from the chair looking like new money! She gawked at the girl in the mirror with amazement as if it was someone else; the hairstyle was everything she imagined then some! “Bye, Bye Boring Bianca, hello Brand New Bianca!”
Brand New Bianca left the salon that day viewing the world through rose-colored glasses. Everything looked, smelled and sounded differently. She heard theme music playing in her head as she strutted down the New York City streets like Naomi Campbell attacked the runway in her hay day. In fact, she could have sworn she saw her picture on a billboard!
Brand New Bianca wasted no time sharing her new ‘do. She called up her estranged boyfriend, Reginald, and made a date for the night. Reginald was shocked because after the last blow-up a month earlier he was sure he’d never see her again. On the way home from the salon, Brand New Bianca stopped by Haute Couture Boutique and bought a super sexy form-fitting knit shirt-dress that dipped lower than the economy during the recession. To complete the magazine look she grabbed some black laced leggings and funky knee-high boots with “just right” heels. “Reg is not gon’ be ready for all this,” she thought sheepishly.
Reginald arrived on time…for once. (His egregious tardiness, among many things, had been a point of contention for the couple). The sight of Brand New Bianca nearly gave the brotha a heart-attack. “Damn, Baby, you look good! I’m feeling the fresh ‘do; it’s hot.” After ten giggles, twenty eye-lash bats and fifty “you think so’s” Reginald and Brand New Bianca finally hit the town.
Bianca insisted on going to her fav restaurant, Morimoto. This was no McDonald’s and Reginald typically complained about parting with so much cash, but he knew he was on thin ice so he humbly remained quiet. (Reginald’s ridiculous frugality was contention point number 2!)
Bianca’s new ‘do gave her the confidence of 100 Victoria’s Secret models. All night long she coyly flirted with Reginald. She clung to his every word, rubbed up against his chiseled arms and rock-hard thighs every chance she got and engaged in a serious game of footsy. It was so steamy, at one point Reginald was seriously considering taking Bianca on a trip to the “Little Boy’s Room” for some spontaneous lovin’. But he wanted to save “it” for later so he could really get busy.
The waitress visited the table and inquired about the couple’s half-eaten meal. “Was everything ok?” Without taking his eyes off of Bianca Reginald quickly replied, “Everything was delicious. We’ll take the check.” Happy that they were satisfied with the food, the waitress pressed the issue. “Can I interest you in some dessert?” “Just the check, please. We’re gonna have dessert at home.” His suggestive response made the waitress smile.
Back at her cozy condo, Brand New Bianca barely got the key in the door before Reginald showered her with a long passionate kiss. An intense wave of heat shot through Bianca’s body as she squirmed and wiggled. “Oooh,” she cooed. “You like that, huh?,” Reginald asked excitedly. “There’s more…”
It turned out that Reginald had his own Brand Newness; he’d been reading all about the wonders of tantric sex and was anxious to apply his “education.” Reginald methodically traced Bianca’s face with his tongue leaving her lips for last, this time holding absolutely nothing back. The calendar may have read December, but the apartment was a burning inferno! Suddenly Bianca pulled away as if she was back in high school and was about to be busted by her parents. “Reg I can’t do this.” Deflated and confused Reginald pleaded, “What? Huh? Why? PLEASE!!!!” “Sorry Reg. I can’t.” Bianca peered into Reginald’s wistful eyes; she felt conflicted. He looked so good and she was like a cat in heat! She thought for a moment, then leaned in closely pressing her mouth to his ears and seductively whispered, “I just got my hair done.”
I’m sure we can all relate to Bianca’s plight. A Black woman’s hair is sacred! Please share stories of how your hair has either improved or hampered your sex life. If you’d like to remain anonymous, just send me a private message and I’ll print your story without using your name.
Nadia
