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

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).

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.

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

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.

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 👌

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

What about this then! …. My hairdresser has dumped me apparently because of family stuff which is nothing whatsoever to do with except that they are relatives who I don’t talk about🤷‍♀️ I was dumbfounded!

Exactly

If you feel you want to tell them ( and I understand that) simply tell them that since you moved you find the driving too much. Thank them for the last 15 years ! and good luck in finding a new salon.

Don’t tell them - just make an appointment elsewhere.

You are a customer and no longer local and can choose to go wherever you like.

My hairdresser of 50 years has just retired from a national chain of salons - I took her a card and fizz. She has recommended another stylist, but I’m considering a change, as it’s a 50 mile round trip.

I’d be honest to a point and say you now find the 10 mile too much and will find somewhere local and wish her well.

15 years is a long time so unlike others, I'd want to acknowledge that but still go elsewhere. I'd probably thank her, mention distance and availability of appointments for not rebooking, leave a tip and wave goodbye with a smile. My hairdresser feels like a friend but the salon is on a steep hill and parking is not close so we've already laughed about me getting too decepit to get to her and one day having to find another hairdresser. However I don't have a problem in giving feedback on her work, she's expensive so customer input is part of the deal!

You don’t have to tell them. You just don’t make another appointment and go somewhere else. She isn’t a friend, you are a customer buying a service.

Grandmadinosaur

I have a similar problem to you happilyretired .

Your first 2 points apply to me. My hairdresser crams her hours into 4 days but like you they are not always convenient for me. Some of the days I can manage but she is always running late which is very annoying as she is such a chatterbox. She never apologises or acknowledges me until she’s ready for my appointment.

I would like to change to one of the other 4 stylists in the salon but how do I do this?

When I wanted to do this I took the easy way of booking with one of the others on the day my regular stylist didn't work, saying that was the only day I could make. After two or three times they expect you to stay with the new one.

They have had your custom for 15 years and they are running the business down. You could just drop them a line thanking them for the good service you have enjoyed for so many years. Now however you are looking for another hairdresser closer to home but you wish them a good retirement and all good wishes. End of matter.