Paying a deposit at the hairdressers?

What next? I used to go to a beauty salon to have my eyebrows done. I made a couple of appointments that I couldn't attend due to family problems. The beautician said 'I have a naughty book and I am going to put you in there if you cancel or change an appointment again'. She was serious. Needless to say I never went back.

I think more and more 'service providers' are doing this on the advice of their banks and accountants. My Zumba class is paid for in advance so if you don't show without making your excuses you lose it- she has to pay for the hall whether we turn up or not. In your case as a regular at your hairdresser I think she should wave it for valued, regular customers. my hairdresser gives you a stamp on a loyalty card (like coffee shops) and you get a hairdo for every 9th attendance - came to £50 in my case in the summer so well worth doing. DH's barber does the same but every 6th cut - only takes her 5 minutes to do his baby fine locks.

Indinana - I'm not sure if you do lose your deposit or not, if you give reasonable notice. I'm going tomorrow, so that's something I will ask. No, I have only missed an appointment once in seven years and that was when I was ill and I got DH to phone and explain.

If you're never one of the 'no shows', then I don't see the problem. You know you're either going to turn up or give them reasonable notice if you want to change the appointment, so the deposit will not be lost.
If, on the other hand, you are guilty of not turning up for appointments, then you will understand why they're doing it

Alea - I'm inclined to agree but it's taken me years to get them trained into what I want them to do - and not what they would like to do - to my hair!

I'd kick them into touch!
See, getting into World Cup mode!!