As it happened, Kimiko had an opening the following weekend, and Kagome found herself in the salon shortly after opening. She was greeted by a dark-haired man with intricate twists up one side of his head, purple eyes narrowed as he looked at the appointment book. "I'm sorry, who are you here to see?" he asked.
"Kimiko," Kagome stated for the third time. That was the only name Taisho had given her, and she now wished she'd gotten a last name as well.
"I'm sorry," the man said. "Kimiko doesn't take walk-ins. And certainly no one with your—"
A fan smacked the top of his head. "Be nice, Byakuya. Our guest is here at Sesshoumaru's behest." The man bowed, uttering a quick apology before offering to get her chair ready.
Kagome stared, speechless at the abrupt change in demeanour, raising her eyebrows at Kimiko in question.
The woman flared out her fan, an air of royalty surrounding her as she chuckled behind it. "Forgive him; he also doubles as security of sorts, weeding out those who do not take haircare seriously." She encircled Kagome, humming softly as she inspected her hair.
Kagome had washed it that morning but hadn't bothered with her usual routine, leaving it to air dry in a haphazard ponytail. The daiyoukai tugged the elastic free, it landing in the nearest trashcan. "Do not use these, they only break the strands. You should be using something softer, especially for your hair type."
"I don't wear my hair up that often—"
Kimiko waved her off. "I will go over styles that you can replicate at home. Sesshoumaru mentioned you are the principal at the school he is teaching at?" Kagome nodded as she followed her into a back room, a collection of teas set up on the counter as she sat down. "Simple will be best, then. Though do not be afraid to pin it to one side. Your bone structure should be showcased as well."
Kagome flushed, allowing her to comb through her hair before recommending specific shampoos and conditioners, all the while encouraging her to embrace her natural beauty.
Was this a salon or a therapy session?