How to get the most out of your hairdresser

Fed up with hairdressers who leave your hair lopsided or try to impose the latest style on you? "This is why I let my hair grow - and grow!" cries Luckygirl. You're not alone.

If you're not fortunate enough to have a decent hairdresser you've been visiting for the past 30 years, it may be a struggle to find one that's affordable and meets your needs.

Luckily, gransnetters have discussed how to get the most out of your hairdresser. Read the full thread here. 

Quality cheap cuts

How much is too much for a haircut? Although you might like to stick to reputable hairdressers with a big name, gransnetters have explored alternative options out there for a cheaper quality cut:

"I have had my best hair experiences in the cheap drop in and wait for whoever's free next type places. There are several in our town and they are always busy. Half the price of my previous hairdresser too." Pittcity

"The best cut I have had over the past few years has been at a hairdressing college. They take longer with the process but they are so good and watched every step of the way by experienced staff." glammanana

How often do you really need to go? 

They say the key to having healthy, strong hair is to have it cut regularly - but do you bother? Some think the optimium time is every six to eight weeks, while others trim their tresses just twice a year.

The truth is, there isn't really an answer. If you're happy with your locks and taking care of them, a few times a year should be fine. Some gransnetters avoid going to the salon altogether and take matters into their own hands with a few snips at home. But you might want to make the most of the pampering: "Hairdresser comes to the house every week - it's my luxury." stansgran

Paying a deposit

To NotTooOld's dismay, "My hairdresser has started asking for a 25% deposit when making an appointment because she has so many 'no shows'."

Many gransnetters have sympathised and pointed out that it is business; they do need to make sure they're not going to make a loss because of missed appointments. If you're not likely to be one of those 'no shows', it may be worth biting the bullet and paying the deposit to ensure you have your trusty hairdresser.  

Small talk

Going anywhere on holiday this year? Oh it is cold outside, I hear the weather will be nice this weekend, blah, blah, blah... How do you avoid mundane small talk with your hairdresser? Or do you love a chinwag?

Luckily for suzied, her hairdresser "is a very interesting guy, so the hairdresser chat is a bit more than 'where did you go on your holidays'. He will chat about books, films, politics, whatever."

If you're not keen on trawling through the array if celeb magazines (Kim K...who?) or having a good gossip with your hairdresser, it's OK to keep schtum and bury your head in a book. If you really can't bear it, you can catch some Z's like GoldenGran. 

Do you tip?

What are the unspoken rules for tipping? £5, 10% - or should it be more? It's a bit of a minefield when it comes to tipping for services.

Gransnetters are split when it comes to tipping - some have a standard amount they tip, others only tip the shampoo-ist as they're on a low wage or if they know the tip goes directly to the individual (rather than the general till). NotTooOld says, "at the prices they charge I don't tip at all!" 

If from the chit chat you discover, like soontobe, your hairdresser is going on better holidays than you, you may not feel inclined to give a tip.

Whilst dorsetpennt gave an alternative tip to this junior: "At tip time I approached him and said here is your tip: Be polite and helpful to ALL your clients whatever age, then you can be called a decent hair stylist!" 

Complaining 

You may walk through the salon doors with high aspirations of a "good cut that's in a funky style with a bit of zing" (Aglassofroseplease), but your hopes are quickly dashed when you leave with a 'do that bears an uncanny resemblance Dot Cotton. 

Annobel always makes sure she gives strict instructions: "I always very firmly tell a new hairdresser that I do NOT want to emerge looking (hair-wise at any rate) like Maggie Thatcher or the Queen."

If you find that you've been passed onto another hair stylist within the salon, but she's just not making the cut <ahem> you're within your rights to ask for your original stylist. As Ana says, "I don't think it's a case of being too soft, just not wanting to hurt someone's feelings, but I expect they just accept it as being part of the job."

Remember, at the end of the day you want to come out of the salon like Greyduster: "I had a beautiful cut yesterday and felt like a million dollars!"

Other things you might like:

Hairstyles for thinning hair	How to go grey

Images: Shutterstock