Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday in plain English, is the last-hurrah of those who participate in the Catholic tradition of refraining from excess for the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday, known as Lent. In modern times, even for those of us who don’t partake in Lent, Mardi Gras is a day dedicated to good food, drinking, and excess in every sense of the word. This is especially true in New Orleans, the apex of Mardi Gras traditions in the United States.

“The typical hairstyles that have been requested over the years preluding to Mardi Gras Day are elegant

updos with the versatility to take down and wrap up for Mardi Gras Day.” Dana Johnson, a New Orleans hairstylist, told Allure Magazine in an interview before last year’s celebration.

“This sounds familiar,” I thought to myself, recalling the elaborate “Festival” styles that have been created here at J. Bauman Salon, which had as much glitter and as many bright colors as any Mardi Gras Parade. This got me thinking; with as many Mardi Gras events as there are in Orlando; including Fat Tuesday Block Party at Wall Street Plaza on Mardi Gras itself (March 5th), and the ongoing Mardi Gras festivities at Universal Studios (which don’t end until April 4th), why aren’t we Orlandoans jumping on the opportunity to start festival season early?!

Think about it; nothing screams excess like wild braids in bright colors, glitter, and gaudy hair accessories. Festival hair and Mardi Gras go together like gumbo and beignets… or, you get the idea.

So, if you’re thinking about getting into the true spirit of Fat Tuesday this year, be sure to book with us, and prepare to be the target of A LOT of beads!