text: When my favorite stylist, Genevieve, decided to take a sabbatical I was nearly in tears. See, I'm kind of a perfectionist when it comes to my locks so I have serious trust issues. But after a bit of research, I decided I'd see Deanne, a stylist I'd met at personal gatherings and who always seemed amazing. Now it took a bit to get in because she was just returning from maternity leave AND she's awesome, but boy was it worth the wait! \n\nFirst, I have crazy long hair after birthing two baby boys in two years. And by crazy long I mean to-my-booty long. So there's that. Next, I color it purple, but not too purple, but still noticeably purple. I'm totally a stylist's dream come true (ha!). Most just try and rush to get me done (even though I always mention my long hair during scheduling), and I rarely get the special perks (like a relaxing shampoo). But Deanne says the heck with that! \n\nDeanne did everything TOP NOTCH. She took the time to check out my pictures and discuss my color. She took the time to apply my color incredibly thoroughly and never once made me feel bad about how long my hair is. Then came *the shampoo*. I got the royal treatment ... literally. She not only shampooed/conditioned me up, but I saw her apply a special serum during my DIVINE SCALP MASSAGE. Then came my hand massage, which was the best I've ever received at an Aveda salon (and I've hit up a few in Phoenix). \n\nWhen we got down to the cutting business, she cut off just enough (for me, it was a solid 4-5 inches). She didn't take the liberty of knowing what's best for me, as some stylist do. I hate that! Then, she gave me a REAL blow-out (not any of this pansy stuff) and proceeded to dry cut my hair. This was the missing link all along! I didn't even know it. See, I'm a big hair kinda gal, but I have semi-fine hair, so with the layers I love, I sometimes lose volume. BUT DEANNE FREAKIN' NAILED IT. I've seriously never loved my haircut this much. So if you like that feeling, go see her!