In 2021, a 79-year-old man, now 82, from Alberta, Canada, showed the world what it is like to feel what David Viscott said: “To love and to be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” The man, who requested to remain anonymous, walked into a beauty school and said he wanted to learn hairstyling to help his “beautiful” wife — whose vision was failing.
An elderly man learns hairdressing to do his wife’s makeup
Britney shared this wholesome story on a Facebook page, Hair Design by Britney, because this gentleman’s love and dedication touched everyone at her hairstyling school. He mainly wanted the beauticians at Delmar College of Hair & Aesthetics Red Deer to teach him how to use a curling wand.
The gentleman said his wife kept burning herself with the curling iron, so he wanted to help her. After struggling to do his wife’s hair, he decided he needed help, so he came in.
“Her appearance has always been something she has taken pride in, and it’s important to her, so therefore important to him,” shared Carrie Hanah, the school’s director.
Love shared for 50 years
He was lucky because Hanah paired him with another student and a mannequin. Within an hour, he had learned how to do volumes on short hair and how to prevent burns. Besides styling his wife’s hair, he also asked to be taught how to apply her mascara.
As he continued his lessons, Hanah says he shared lovingly about his wife of 50 years.
“He lovingly pulled pictures from his wallet, showing everyone his wife and boasting about how beautiful she has always been and how talented she was with typing over 100 words a minute when she was working,” Hanah said.
The senior gentleman must have been a good student. He later came with his wife to express their gratitude, and she looked dapper.
“They are both impressed with his new professional skills, and her hair looks great!” Hannah said.
A lesson in love
Hanah also feels this story is an essential lesson for younger people.
She said it’s easy in the social media era to lose ourselves in the flashy and flamboyant lifestyles posted everywhere, but true love lies in authentic gestures. Like doing something for your spouse because, if it’s important to them, it’s important to you.
Many people who saw the post were awed by these love birds. One commented:
“I think this is the single most amazing, important, and loving post I have read in over a year,” wrote one commenter. “The love this man has for his wife to learn and do this for her. Your willingness to take time to teach him is such a beautiful thing as well.”
Another praised the stylists for giving him an opportunity:
“The stylist is awesome; thank you for taking the time to teach him. You are an extraordinary and loving person.”
