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Advice please on how to tell my hairdresser of 15 years I want a change

(41 Posts)
Happilyretired123 Sun 10-Nov-24 19:54:03

Please can any of you advise on how to tell my hairdresser of 15 plus years that I no longer want them to do my hair!
Over the years my hairdresser who runs a small village salon has done a great job. However things have changed in the last 6 months. First,they have dropped down to part time hours (I think running up to retirement) making it difficult to find an appointment that works for me too.
Secondly I feel they are so used to doing my hair, they take it for granted I want the same style and colour even though I have actually said I would look some different options as my greying hair is very dry and wiry, and the colour I used to have no longer looks good in my opinion.
Third I have moved about 10 miles away. Not far I know but have to drive along dark country roads if the appointment can only be later in the day to suit them, and in winter I don’t like doing this.
I don’t want to upset them as we have always been on friendly terms, but now I just want to find a salon open most days that will treat me as a proper customer and give advice about my ageing hair to look the best it can.
Any advice on how to do this tactfully much appreciated thank you

Patsy70 Mon 11-Nov-24 14:09:44

As others have said, just find a salon that is closer to home and can offer appointments to suit you.

grandtanteJE65 Mon 11-Nov-24 14:19:15

Why do you feel you need or want to explain?

I would just stop going there, if I were you.

If you feel an explanation is due to her, tell her what you have written here. It is both clear, reasonable and polite.

cc Mon 11-Nov-24 14:43:16

Galaxy

Just go somewhere else. You don't need to explain.

Yes, this is what I would do. Your old hairdresser has just made it too difficult for you to go there at a time to suit you. And keeping the same style and colour is sheer laziness on her part.

BlueSapphire Mon 11-Nov-24 15:15:48

I had got a bit fed up with my usual hairdresser, and decided I wanted a change. As it happened, I was going on holiday, so had my hair done, then when she asked if I wanted another appointment, I said I'd wait till I got back from the holiday. Never went back.. And of course after my holiday I found a different salon, which I am so far satisfied with.

Wyllow3 Mon 11-Nov-24 15:22:46

As others have said, your moving is both the truth, and a great excuse. I like the bringing flowers to appointment idea and saying straight up its the last time, I cant cope with the drive like I used to, thank you so much etc etc.

Grandmadinosaur Mon 11-Nov-24 15:53:27

Thank you Rosie that thought had crossed my mind. I think that’s what I will do.

Cambsnan Tue 12-Nov-24 07:49:15

The flowers and a thank you suggestion is a good idea but I suggest to try somewhere else first as you might struggle to find someone you like.

Newatthis Tue 12-Nov-24 16:19:18

Do you need to tell them? If so you have a very valid reason - 10 miles is a long way to go. Your hair, your choice. Are you afraid of her/him?

Happilyretired123 Tue 12-Nov-24 16:57:16

Thank you all for sharing your advice and experiences. Much appreciated. I have just tried a new local hairdresser who has restyled my hair, and it looks so much better 🙂 so happier to make a change now.

Primrose53 Tue 12-Nov-24 19:21:22

A friend of mine had been using the same hairdresser for about 15 years. When she first went for a complete new look she was thrilled with her new geometric haircut. It really suited her. All those years she went and stuck to the same haircut with just a new colour now and then.

When she decided to try somewhere else which had been recommended the hairdresser was very off with her and if she sees her out, avoids her completely.

I would just be honest and thank her and move on.

Mt61 Tue 12-Nov-24 20:36:15

mabon1

Tell her that you prefer not to drive there now. When you go there take a bunch of flowers and a card to thank her for all she has done for you over the years.

Perfect 👌

Sasta Tue 12-Nov-24 20:40:38

crazyH

Do what JaneJudge did - just go elsewhere. Your old Hairdresser does not need to know . Good luck

Personally I would prefer to tell her I’m moving. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s because you aren’t giving me enough advice/attention to detail or whatever, just that you no longer fancy the round trip, plus you need more flexibility appointment wise. That way you can say thank you and goodbye.

Happilyretired123 Tue 12-Nov-24 20:52:26

Thank you. I will make a graceful exit to leave on good terms flowers

Autumncolours Tue 12-Nov-24 20:57:55

After 15 years your hairdresser can become a friend. I have shared all sorts of personal things with mine and she has done my hair for big life moments such as graduations and weddings and we’ve shared photos of such events. She gave me a kind gift and card when my father died and I gave her gifts and cards for special times in her life too. Recently she moved salons and works just 3 days a week now so I have moved to a new hairdresser. I thanked her with a card and said I was sorry but her hours were no longer convenient. I hope you can do the same OP. It can feel like a very personal relationship and rather awkward to leave but as others have said, ultimately you are paying for a service.

Retread Tue 12-Nov-24 21:30:44

That’s the trouble with a small place, I have to dodge at least 4 hairdressers that I’ve dropped - three strikes rule applies! -when I see them on the high street.

You’ve explained your reasons very nicely on here, I’d tell her without the bit about the style and colour.

(Autumncolours has the right approach).