hairdresser - help!

I hate visiting the hairdresser. Any hairdresser. I just can't bear sitting there staring at myself in the mirror.

I would love to have thick, straight hair Granny23

If you must take a photo, take one of yourself when your hair was just as you like it. Strangely enough if it was me, it would be my passport photograph. I make a point of having my hair done before I have my passport photograph taken, which makes it slightly less grotesquie.

Yes that is true nina .
No I don't let the hairdresser decide, I say what I would like and they tell me whether it is possible and make suggestions.
It depends on whether you want the same every time. I like to change.

I would never, ever, leave it to the hairdresser to decide.

Pittcity if toffecrisp took a pic of herself with recently cut hair the surely the hairdresser can see it's possible and suitable for her hair type.

Granny23 - does your barber ask if you 'want anything for the weekend?'

When I last lost my regular hairdresser I started going to a cheap and cheerful place where you sit and wait for the next available stylist. I have had several different people do my hair, all in slightly different ways and have not had a bad experience yet.
I don't think that taking in a photo is a good idea as you will never look like the model. I much prefer to ask for the stylist's opinion as to what will suit and what is possible!!
You will just have to take the plunge toffeecrisp and if you have a bad experience go elsewhere next time.

I also have 'difficult' (i.e. very thick, very straight) hair. I really can't afford expensive hairdo's and now also have the problem of being unable to leave DH 'Home alone'. Problem solved by having both our hair cuts every 6 weeks at the local barber. My mother, herself a trained hairdresser and barber, always said that barbers were best at cutting as that was their primary skill whereas hairdressers were more stylists who could create the latest style for special occasions but not necessarily good at cutting to suit the clients particular hair.

Anyway, since putting my mop in the hands of my barber it has been much admired. (see above) Now that all the thinning (insisted on by previous hairdressers as my hair was too thick) has grown out it is basically wash and go. My only complaint is that my DH gets a Pensioner's Cut for £5 whereas I am charged £8 because I am (allegedly) a LADY.

PS: The 'banter' in the Barbers is hilarious.

That is the stuff of nightmares, Toffeecrisp but good advice here as well!

I was going to say the same JackyB
If you happen to spot a pic in a mag of a style you like cut it out and take it with you. Or do you have a pic of yourself with your hair recently done by your favourite hairdresser take that and tell new hairdresser "Make me look like that"

Perhaps your hairdresser (if she hasn't moved already) can suggest a successor?

Thank you - sage advice. I'm very nervous after a succession of disasters until I found her but I will have to find someone to cut it or I will look like a yeti

Hi toffeecrisp, if you can, look at local people around you whose hair you admire and ask where they get it done as a starting point. I know we can sometimes not have to ask for or explain what we want done when we get established with the right one for us, but a good new hairdresser should takes pains to listen to your preferences. The salon will also have magazines that you can look at for some inspiration. I didn't want to change hairdressers when /I moved town last year, but I have found someone new who 'gets me' and does new things that I really like - and I am someone who doesn't like going to the hairdressers! Could be a very positive change for you. Good luck .