Hairdressers, and how to change them without hurting their feelings

Why are you worried about offending her? She’s clearly offending you and you’re effectively paying her to do so!

just go elsewhere, that's what I do

I scuttle past two hairdressers that I’ve abandoned! Both really sweet, but I grew out of them, sorry for pun. Latest one was good. But went mad on hair last time. Having a rant about something and my hair took it. I cut my own hair for years. Maybe I’ll go back to that?

Shizam it's amazing how many hairdressers take their mood out on one's hair! I have sat in the chair with gathering dread as a hairdresser rants on about something or other - or worse, chats to a colleague and doesn't look at my head whilst cutting!

I zig-zag along my high street dodging all the hairdressers I have ditched over the years . Then I invariably see them in the supermarket or the post office! It must happen often to hairdressers that people dodge them.

But I have a young niece who is a hairdresser and she is wonderful. Pity she doesn't live near me!

I have a friend who never goes to the same hairdresser twice. She advocates that, as a new customer, she will get first-class treatment plus a good hair cut - as they’ll want you to go back.

Yes I agree JulieMM.

Jellybeanjoan I can not bear anyone touching my hair, so when I find a hairdresser I can tolerate I'm stuck with her,,&I've had a few odd hair cuts in my life

I have mentioned many times before on GN that I hate going to the hairdresser. I hate looking at myself in the mirror and hate the "where are you going on holidays" banter when my answer is almost always "nowhere".

About a year ago I was desperate for a hair cut (my hair is poor anyway) and spotted what some might call an "old ladies salon" (the kind where people still go for shampoos and set on a Friday) in a quiet street in town. I decided to ring up and make an appointment (giving chapter and verse of why I hate the hairdressers). The "salon" is owned by 2 middle aged women (both called Susan) and I can honestly say it was the best thing I ever did. I walked in and for the first time in years I didn't feel out of place or intimidated. The 2 Susans made me laugh telling me funny stories about some of their very elderly clients (not in a nasty way) they gave me real tips on how to dry and style my fine hair and never once asked me where I was gong on my holidays ! Before I knew it I was done and dusted. no panic attack and no anxiety levels going through the roof. Best move I ever made. I still hate the hairdressers as they insist on having mirrors but at least its not the ordeal it used to be.

Oh dear! I'd buy a gift for her and thank her for the 3 years she's been doing your hair but explain that you've decided to go with a friend to an (unnamed) salon to get a fresh new look. Just like changing banks or shopping habits, you need not fully explain.

This can't be the real GabriellaG45 an imposter has taken over !!. Why on earth would the poster want to buy a gift for someone who has already been paid for their work and has offended her into the bargain.

When I left a salon because I wasn't happy with what they did, I just mentioned that DH and I were booking a holiday around the time of the next appointment, and that I would let them know a suitable date. I never did, and never went back.

If you are confident enough, tell the hairdresser that you are not happy with the work they have done on your hair. If you are a little cowardly, say you want to grow your hair a bit longer and maybe will be back in touch in six months. Otherwise, just go somewhere else. You are the customer.

I've been going to the same salon for year, but won't have some stylists again if I don't like what they did. They've started sending me a text after my visit to ask me to rate their performance. I just ignored it until one day the owner asked if I'd give them a rating and I told him the minute I'm not satisfied he'd know, because I wouldn't be back.

Actually there is one girl, who when they told me there was only her available on the day I wanted, I briefly panicked and said, Thinking about it, I need the colour doing, is M (my favourite stylist) in on Tuesday?' And went without a blow dry that day1 So yes, it is sometimes difficult to tell the truth.

Oh sodapop it was me.
I thought, if the OP was not confident enough to say she was unhappy with the stylist, that a small gift (chocs or wine) might make it easier to say goodbye...with thanks.
Not my modus operandi but I'd never be snarky.

Nor mine GabriellaG54 However I would have to say it how it was, some people don't realise how cutting they can be. ( good hairdressing analogy there !)

Indeed sodapop and quite funny too.

The price has risen so much at my hairdressers that I am changing my salon, I don't know how they expect people to pay what they charge now. I don't like not tipping but with the price they are charging in relation to my income it was becoming too much.

For heaven's sake! I am gobsmacked that so many people are in thrall to their hairdresser and have apparently spent months or years not being satisfied with the results but being too scared to change. What are they going to do to do if you don't go back? You don't need to make excuses, just don't make another appointment. End of.

I used to have a hairdresser come to my house but after she had cut my hair I always used to have to trim long bits she had missed. I stopped using her but we have remained friends and meet up quite often. However, neither of us ever mentions where I am getting my hair done now!