There are many important people in our lives, and our hairstylist is near the top. Especially if you, like me, have troublesome hair. Let’s face it, for some of us, how our hair turns out in the morning can set the tone for the day.
I have fine, thin, natural-curly hair. For years, I fought the curls and blew my hair dry, and it didn’t have much volume. A few years ago, on a trip with my daughter, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law, my B&B room did not have a hair dryer. By the time I got one, my hair was dry—and curly. They thought it looked cute. From then on, I let the natural curl happen.
The important thing is the cut. When I find a hairstylist who knows what to do with curly hair, she’s like gold. So, I always go to her, and we develop a relationship, as everyone does with their hairstylist. But after a while, we need a change.
I found a treasure in Tricia once. She loved to read!! We had great conversations! And I loved how she did my hair. But she changed salons, and the distance was too far, especially in Michigan winters.
Breaking up with Tricia was HARD!! She understood, but I felt so bad.
Or, I’ve had stylists that do okay, but there’s no conversation. And what about just wanting to try a different hairstylist?
Recently, I had someone (let’s call her Sally) fill in for my regular stylist (let’s call her Jane and she’s very sweet) and Sally gave me a great cut. And she was fun to talk to. When she finished and I booked my next appointment, Sally waited right there beside me. The Dilemma: do I book with her or go back to Jane, my regular stylist?
Okay, let me stop right here. You may think I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. But I really get my shorts in a knot over this. I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings. Like I might have when I didn’t book with Sally while she was standing right there…
While Sally stood next to me, I booked with my regular stylist, Jane, but I’ve been thinking of booking with Sally for the next time. What would it be like to be sitting in Sally’s chair when Jane walks by? Would Jane be hurt? I don’t know.
Here are my options:
- Stay with Jane even though I’d like to try Sally or someone else in the shop.
- Book with Jane one more time and explain that I’m going to try Sally next time.
- Book with Sally and hope Jane isn’t hurt.
- Go to a different salon. (This is what I did last time I wanted a change because I chose #3 and the hairstylist I had been going to got huffy.)
What do you think? What would you do?
This has been weighing on my mind for so long, I could pull my hair out. Which, of course, would solve all my problems.
Hello. I have moved 43 times in my 65 years, SO this is the story of my life. And an explanation of why my hair is gray and just hanging there at this moment! Come on, it’s January in New York! I’ll get there. But, I sent your post to my daughter, the always-on-top-of-things social worker, here are her words. **** I mean I think if you have the opportunity to book with the one you are curious about and she is standing right there, you book with her. If the other one gets huffy that’s on them to sort out, not you. Otherwise, you leave, call back to schedule an appointment with whoever you want, and wait and see what happens lol. ***There is official approval from the professional community! Our hair wins!
LOL Thanks for the official seal of approval from your daughter, Deb. Last week, I actually did exactly what she said.
I’ve been in that position a few times over the years. I tend, like Diane, to avoid the issue and put up with “just okay” cuts. No way could I go to someone in the same salon.
A few years ago I talked my husband into going to see my stylist, too. Because she was better than Sport Cuts. But he wasn’t 100% satisfied and stopped seeing her. We could say it was his busy schedule. but it was awkward for me.
Keep us posted.
Ooooh, that would be awkward, Anne! Yes, going to a different stylist at the same salon would be difficult. I’m still deciding what to do 🙂
I did this at a salon once. I just brazened through it. I showed up for Sally and smiled and said hello to Jane, asked her about something in her life. It disarms people because they have no fuel to get angry — especially the you’re acting not guilty.
And Jane is aware that she missed the appointment and you went to Sally. She’s going to have to chalk it up to the way the cookie crumbles in life and hustle up another client. Someday she’ll fill in for Sally and do the same thing.
Julie, you make a good point. My daughter would agree. As she said, “You paid Jane for her services and don’t owe her anything.” And yet, here I am without an appointment yet 🙂
Been there, Betty. It is a dilemma. Another option: make/change the appointment on the phone (or online, if that’s an option). If you know Jane’s day off, book your appointment with Sally on that day. Can you tell I’m into avoidance??? I don’t like hurting anyone’s feelings, either. But it’s your hair, your money. Do what’s best for you.
Nice to know I’m not alone, Diane 🙂 Thanks for offering another option.