I sort of cheated on my hairdresser while she was on vacation and I just know she’s going to find out. I’m a bit ashamed, but my hair looks great and I just know she’s going to think I’ve BEEN UNFAITHFUL. Between the color and the styling, she’ll never believe I did it myself.

Who can really blame me though? She was away, my roots were showing and the budget was a little tight this month, so I decided to color my own hair. Tara and I have been together for so many years, I can’t even remember the last time I did it myself – it has to be at least six years. Back then, because it was my first time, my sister fixed me up with Garnier Fructis and helped me through it. Garnier is her brand of choice because Sex in the City’s Sarah Jessica Parker is the spokeswoman and the products work for her. For me, she picked a handsome Light Ash Brown (No. 61/Mochaccino).

I was probably with Garnier for a year or so before I got serious with my hairdresser. Ever since, she and I have had exclusive dates every 5 weeks or so, and naturally, we’ve grown very close. I even let her color my eyebrows once or twice.

But now and then change can be good, right? To add a little excitement? A little mystery to a relationship? We aren’t exactly in a rut, but she was away and I had needs. Those boxes of color on the drugstore shelves were very attractive and promised it would be quick and satisfying. They just made it so easy. Honestly, the hardest part was choosing which one. I went with the L’Oreal Superior Preference 6 Light Brown Natural. Part of the reason was to see if the weekly conditioner it includes, as well as the other hair products I’m currently using, extend the vibrancy of the color beyond the month or so I’m used to.

I feel a little guilty, although I told my hairdresser this day might come. We’ve talked about it. And I’m hardly the only one. In a National Cosmetology Association survey in late 2008, about 70 percent of salons reported business was down. Additionally, in the first three months of 2009, Global Cosmetics Industry Magazine said home hair coloring sales were up, although overall sales in hair care products had slowed.

It will probably take a couple of “dates” before I stop missing Tara. I’m not sure I made the right decision — it’s a shade too dark. I don’t have the same golden highlights that come out when she does my color. The tough part will be convincing her that I still want to see her, that I still need her. There are some things she does that no one else can. After all, she’s my stylist. I still need the styling part. And the waxing now and then. I just hope she understands. We may need a therapist.