This column is supposed to be about Blacksburg. In a way, it is. How we feel about services are one part of how we feel about living here. And one service hitting really close to home is a style salon.

Ever had a bad hair day? I’ve had one most of my life. My thin, often lifeless hair defies many a stylist’s effort to tame it. And rather than my best ally, hair salons have long been my demise. It’s not that they have all that much to work with. But it’s a lot easier than most stylists realize to provide service that satisfies. However, previously, I’ve had stylists just shake their heads, saying, somewhat tactlessly, “it’s not so bad.” I’ve had plenty of wrong-cut and wrong-color blues. Some years ago, in another state, my hair was singed by a perm.

And then there’s the stylist-not-listening phenomenon. I began to cringe every time I watched those ahead of me emerge with the same, teased look. You know what I’m talking about, that out-of-date bouffant 60s look. Yuk! I’d often leave a shop in tears. I’d go straight home and redo the style myself.

Some previous stylists tried to prod and poke the psyche, or even proselytize their faith. But I have my own and I don’t go to a salon for that. There ought to be one place that is our sanctuary against such intrusions, one place where you can go, try to look and feel your best, emerge showing your best self and not feel worse for it. There ought to be a place you WANT to go, rather than dread. But there is…

I finally found an oasis among Salons, Meredith’s on Arbor St. in Christiansburg, near Once Upon a Child. Meredith’s namesake, stylist, Kevin Meredith moved from a Blacksburg salon to his own, new shop. It’s Blacksburg’s loss, but Christiansburg’s gain. At first, I wished he’d chosen a Blacksburg location. Realistically, though, who isn’t in Christiansburg at least once a week anyway? To the rest of the world, five or so miles isn’t a big deal. And so I drive to C’burg–once in a while.

When you drive into the parking lot, you may not think that gorgeous surrounds await. But there they are: The warm and rich decor, beautiful furniture, gorgeous marble tile, gilded mirrors, and stylish appointments. As you enter, you are greeted especially warmly by the staff. The atmosphere is the right balance of friendly and professional. An extensive menu of services awaits. You feel pampered. But surprisingly, the price is right. Last month I emerged from my appointment, with not only with a great cut, but also a fabulous recipe for chocolate cake! I’ll make it for the hubby this Valentine’s Day.

I’m sure there are other capable stylists as yet undiscovered by me. But I’m sticking with Meredith’s. If you want advice about your hairstyle, or other services offered, it’s there for the asking. If not, you get someone who listens to what you want. You feel respected. You’ll leave in a better mood than when you entered. And isn’t that what going to a salon is about?

Kathryn Welch is a free-lance writer and retired industrial-organizational psychologist from Blacksburg.