When a Hair Appointment Feels Like a Marathon

 

For most people, a hair appointment is a slice of self-care, a chance to relax, unwind, and maybe even leave with a fresh new style. But for those of us living with chronic illness and fatigue, it’s an entirely different experience. It’s not just a trip to the salon, it’s a battle against exhaustion, a mental calculation of how much energy we can afford to spend.

Before I even step foot in the salon, the ordeal begins. Just getting ready to go can feel like its own challenge. The thought of washing and finding something comfortable to wear, making sure I’m prepared to hold a conversation, it all takes effort. Some days, I sit on the edge of my bed, debating whether I can go through with it at all. The appointment is booked, my hairdresser is expecting me, but the fatigue is suffocating, and the idea of pushing myself through it feels impossible. More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve considered canceling at the last minute, simply because I don’t have the energy to get there.

This week, I made the trip. I know my hairdresser well; we’ve shared countless conversations and she understands that sometimes, I don’t have it in me to engage much. But no matter how familiar the space, how welcoming the people, the process itself remains draining.

I arrived already feeling worn out, getting myself there was enough of an effort. Sitting in the chair, I could feel the usual waves of exhaustion creeping in as she worked. The heat of the dryer, the weight of my own head as I struggled to keep it upright for the entire appointment, it all added up.

Normally, a full styling session would be part of the routine. But more often than not, I find myself saying, Just blow it dry, that’s enough for today. It’s a quiet surrender to fatigue, an acknowledgment that I simply don’t have the energy to sit there any longer. I long for the indulgence of sleek curls or a perfect finish, but in that moment, the idea of enduring even ten more minutes under bright lights, surrounded by chatter and activity, feels impossible.

The irony is that a hair appointment should be restorative. It should be about walking out feeling refreshed, polished, like I’ve taken time for myself. Instead, I leave feeling drained, my energy depleted, knowing the recovery time ahead will be longer than most would imagine.

Why This Matters

We talk about self-care as if it’s universally beneficial, but for those of us navigating chronic illness and fatigue, even acts meant to replenish us can come with hidden costs. It’s frustrating to want something simple, a fresh haircut, a new colour, a moment of normalcy, only to find that the process itself takes more than it gives.

So if you, too, find yourself sitting on the edge of your bed, questioning whether you can even get there, know that you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever walked out of the salon not feeling revived, but simply relieved that it’s over, I see you.