Why is it so hard to treat your hair stylist like any other service provider? I haven’t been happy with the results of my regular haircuts for 8 months. But I kept making my next appointment before leaving and coming back. Even though I was unsatisfied.
Until last week.
What finally motivated me to make the change was a daily deal website where that day’s deal was for a competing local salon. For $39 the certificate included two facials, one haircut, one spray tan and 20% off waxing services. The salon had good online reviews and was close to work. I jumped on the deal and it arrived a week or so later.
At the haircut appointment when I was explaining to the owner/stylist what I wanted it became crystal clear why it was time to change. My previous stylist wasn’t listening to me and had gotten herself in a rut at my expense.
The new cut is a big improvement and I feel like my hair vision was heard. After getting compliments at work I shared my big fear of cancelling my regular appointment.
Some understood while others felt it was just business.
Just Business Or Not
It is just business in the sense that as a paying customer I should expect full satisfaction and if not provided take my business (and money) elsewhere.
It is not just business from the viewpoint that a lot of sharing goes on when getting your hair washed, cut and styled. It’s a different experience from most service purchases. You develop a more personal relationship with this person than your dentist or lawn service. After three years I felt loyal to this person.
How to Make The Change
Most articles will tell you to just be honest and tell the stylist you haven’t been happy with the cuts and are ready for a change. I wish I could say I did that. I left a voice mail message cancelling my appointment. I didn’t tell the whole truth but I didn’t have to tell the lie I had planned (a conflict and I’d call back later).
Have you ever left a hair stylist because of dissatisfaction? How did you handle it?
To be sure not to miss any Bucksome Boomer updates subscribe via RSS reader or by Email.
Content © Bucksomeboomer 2009-2010. All Rights Reserved.
{ 16 comments }
This is so true! It’s hard to break a relationship with a hairdresser. I even drove an hour from school to my overpriced hairdresser during the first half of my freshmen year. I couldn’t bear to “abandon” him. The final straw for me was when he left out a chunk of my dark brown hair while highlighting (so I looked like a skunk!) and then proceeded to butcher my eyebrows! I made one last appointment to have my hair dyed its natural color and then started looking for a stylist in my area. It sounds like you did the right thing and got an awesome deal out of it to boot! Good for you! 🙂
Red, did you ever have to see or talk to the first hairdresser again? I was laughing reading your description of the skunk style!
My stylist moved away over a year ago. I still haven’t found someone I love. It’s so frustrating.
I’m stopping by from SITS to say hello.
Hi Hotpants (love that handle)! It is so hard to find a good stylist which may be why we are all loathe to change at all.
I think I’m in the same predicament — going this Saturday for another haircut, and we’ll see what happens. I’ve found it helps immensely to bring a picture of the cut you’d like for reference!
I’ve taken pictures and it didn’t help but that’s a great idea (and should normally work). Let us know how it goes on Saturday.
I’ve never had that problem before. Most likely because I usually only cut my hair once a year. HaHaHa… so I don’t have a specific person who takes care of my hair.
Plus, I cut my husband’s and kids’ hair.
Jersey Mom, you probably have long beautiful hair! My hair wouldn’t look good without regular cuts and it REALLY wouldn’t look good if I did it!
i like that you speak to this. getting a hair cut can make or break your day. when i leave the barber and i like how my hair looks i am all smiles. when i leave and don’t like the cut, i typically look at myself in the mirror and am upset for at least a day or 2..
A day or two isn’t too bad. I usually like it for a day or two and then disliked it the rest of the time, unfortunately.
I had to leave my stylist! My hair was worse with her! She was not cutting my ends properly causing hair fall. However, her prices were continuing to rise and then she would brag about how she got new hardwood floors and plasma TV. I was this is enough!!
My hair is now healthier and stronger and no hair fall.
Cam, that’s a clear cut reason. How did you handle the switch?
As you know, I recently cut my hair, but before that it had literally been YEARS since I saw a hair dresser. The one that I have been using now is just O-K but shopping around is so stressful. Why are hairdressing relationships so much more difficult than others?
Sandy, if I knew that I would bottle it and sell it! I hope you find the right stylist.
It’s hard to find a good stylist, especially if you wear your hair short. I finally abandoned my guy, who was practically an artist, when he raised his fee out of my range. He got so mad when I told him that because I was losing my job I couldn’t afford to keep coming back, he butchered my hair. Never tell a hairstylist you’re leaving until after the person has done your hair. 😉
Funny, I will remember your advice and will not tell someone I’m not coming back until AFTER they perform whatever service. I’m shuddering thinking about what would happen if the person that provides waxing services gets mad….
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 6 trackbacks }