Just had my hair cut

Our hairdresser (new local one after lockdown) doesn’t keep chatting, she cuts really well and takes a pride in her work. She is fabulous. The salon is a bit bling but that’s the fashion now, it doesn’t bother me. Very different from our previous one (part of a large chain) - her cutting was very dependent on her mood! Lockdown gave us the push to change.

I love it. I almost go into a zen like state.
I wish my hair grew quicker then I could have it cut more often.

I thought I was alone in hating going to the hairdresser and not looking at all like I (like to think) I do in photos. I have long hair so don’t need to have it cut often but do have some highlights while letting it go grey which I hope will eventually mean going even less often. Hate the mirrors, the lighting, feeling I have to make small talk, the way it feels and looks afterwards loaded down with all the conditioner on the roots not just ends, the way it looks so obviously ‘done’ - but I’d still rather go to the hairdresser than the dentist!

The lady sprays on stuff before blow drying and then more afterwards. I usually end up looking like I'm wearing some sort of artificial fibre wig! I must just stop going.

I can cope with having my hair done as I have it done in a friend's house so tilt the only mirror down so can't see myself. Just have a quick glance at the end.........but I hate having my photo taken. We all have an image of how we look and at nearly
73 my image is not at all realistic but I am happy to fool myself.(I kid myself I am really young for my age etc) THEN I see a photo of myself and I am always HORRIFIED to see how I really look It takes me ages to get back to 'seeing' myself as I want to see myself. Then out comes someone's phone - they show me the result - and, Oh Dear I am back to square one!!

Wàsh out what sticky chemicals Aveline?

For those who asked why, it’s easy. I have a low, low self esteem which bullies at school created. I have examined this trait and have overcome it to some extent.

And yes, the dentist is just as bad. I am going on Friday, so think of me!

Thank you for your sympathetic replies.

I've done my own hair for as long as I can remember, I hate the thought of not only having to make small talk to someone I have nothing in common with, I'm not about to hand over that much control over my appearance to someone else.

Even walking passed a hairdressers makes me feel sick with the smell of all those unnecessary chemicals.

That's too bad SallyW, why don't you really think about what it is that traumatizes you and see if you can somehow rectify it? If you don't like approving it in the mirror afterwards, then don't!
Just tell him to cut it, perhaps find a photo of yourself with a good look for him to copy. Put some nice music on rather loudly so you don't feel the need to chat, and let him get on with it.

I love getting my hair done, always have. If I won the lottery I would have a hair dresser come to wash and dry every day!

I know what you mean Sallywally. I almost prefer the dentist..but not quite.
I used to make an excuse so that I didn't have to chat but my hairdresser is fine with that, she said she has to talk eight hours a day so is glad of a break.
I hate the mirror and looking at the back. Am I ever going to say, No it's not ok.
It's rarely perfect but having coped during the pandemic I don't worry any longer. I know it will grow again. And its much better than I could do. But no, its not pleasant.

Deedaa

I have my hair cut by the man who used to cut DH's. It struck me one day that my hair was as short as DH's so why not? At the age of 75 I finally have someone who cuts my hair the way I want it and we talk about interesting things while he does it.

i started going to a local barber when i didn't want to get on a bus last year to go to my usual place.
he is a sole trader, and very careful about hygiene etc.
at last i have the best cut ever and only a little talk on philosophical subjects. he is persian.

I loathe going to the haidresser's and haven't found one yet who isn't scissor-happy.

My first appointment after 17 months was last week; I was hoping for a short bob but can hardly blow dry it as it's so short. At least I needn't go again for 6 months.

I hate it too. The noise, the feeling that you need to chat etc. I hate looking at my fat old face in the mirror and having to pretend I love the end result but looking forward to washing out all the sticky chemicals. Why do I go? I managed to trim it OK myself during lockdown. Must rethink!

Rather enjoy the experience myself. To be made to look better by simply sitting and relaxing in a chair does it for me every time.

I am with you Sallywally1.
I hate it. I hate the mirrors hate looking at the back of it mirrors everywhere I just want yo slip off the chair and run.
Going tomorrow and sat here dreading it. Actually wondering if i should text her and see if she wanted to watch the England game but didn't like to cancel me. I have horrible thin hair always have had.

I love it. My hairdresser is great to talk to., and I always look better when he’s cut my hair

I love going to the hairdresser always have done, real treat

My friend does mine in our garden, so we just have a good old chat with a cup of tea.

This is why I have long hair!

I would almost prefer going to the dentist than a hair salon!
I’ve grown it long during lockdown which for me is easier than a high maintenance short style. No more monthly salon visits , just a quick trim at the walk in barbers every few months.

I have my hair cut by the man who used to cut DH's. It struck me one day that my hair was as short as DH's so why not? At the age of 75 I finally have someone who cuts my hair the way I want it and we talk about interesting things while he does it.

Have you always been like this? It’s meant to be a pleasant experience.

I loathe going to the hairdresser's - as you say, the lights, the mirrors (hate looking at my fat face), but the inane chatter gets on my nerves. I've not yet found a hairdresser who cuts my hair to suit my face (fat), age (62), and type of hair (wavy, tends to frizz).