To ask what hairdressers think of 'quiet' customers

I haven't been to a hairdresser in about 18 years for this very reason, that and the fact that it is really hard to find one who will do what you ask for as opposed to what they think or usually would do. Its so much work to find a decent one then they leave or move and you are back to square one.

I wish they had an option at all haidressers to opt in or out of chatting when booking an appointment - I think there would be a lot of interest. Initial meet and greet fine and to discuss the hair but I don't want to chat about holidays, family etc. I want to switch off thanks.

@Intimacies when you are anxious in social situations you can’t just say that and end up going along with the conversation even though it makes you uncomfortable.

it’s available to everyone so nothing special about it.

But you can literally just say 'I'm going to read today' and not talk -- you don't need some kind of special dispensation!

My hairdresser allows you to book a no small talk appointment, it has saved me so much stress and allows for a much more comfortable time.

they like to have a break from chatting too.

That's plain strange.

Interesting thread, and it's brought to my attention the realisation that at a salon I generally bury my nose in my tablet after initial niceties - but with my mobile chap we talk about all sorts until the blow dry.

I think it's no mirrors to make me self conscious! And being on my own turf, probably.

I'm quiet too, I have nothing to say to someone I don't know except initial hair convo. I'll answer the questions (no holidays booked no) but i figure they prefer not having to 'entertain' me, I'm always relieved when the dryer comes out as I know talk is over.

Absolutely. But if this one was scored on sensitivity, she'd have got a minus.

Silly lass. it's paying for a service and good hairdressers are not only good hairdressers but have some sensitivity too. For instance someone going through a hard time or illness may need to look presentable but not really want to hear a near stranger wittering about their holidays, children and day to day life or talk about themselves beyond pleasantries.

There was an apprentice at a hairdresser I went to for years, who had the hide to say getting your hair done is a social occasion and you, the customer, are rude not to want to talk. What she didn't consider an expectation was turning up for work when she was supposed to. No surprise she got the boot.

I read a book

Sounds great!

If you get the feeling she’s irritated by you change hairdressers and make a point of saying when you book “I’m not very chatty so I’d prefer a stylist who is ok with that” I’m not chatty and I tend to just sit there quietly and read a magazine or look around the salon, if the stylist doesn’t like it that’s not my problem.

I don't like looking at my phone in public (we all have our own hangups, I guess). I take a book or newspaper.

really? The hairdresser, in this scenario, is someone with a skill you are utilizing, like a mechanic. If you could leave your hair and go off and do something else while it was cut or coloured, I'm sure we would. If you happen to personally gel with them or have kids in common or something that's great but honestly, most people I think (I know I do) see it as a slice of "me time" that I will use to read my book. Some might scroll or whatever but the point is its their time. Small talk is, by definition pretty pointless and at worst, draining. If doing it turns what should be a treat into a bit of an ordeal, it shouldn't be an issue to not.

Surely most hairdressers would welcome a quiet customer in their day. I can't imagine how exhausting it must be to make polite chit chat while trying to work for 8 hours a day.

I take a book. We have the initial consultation, a quick chit chat and then as soon as she start doing my hair I start reading my book. It's not awkward at all.

Mine does this too

I'm blind as a bat with no glasses on (which I don't wear during a cut as it's a short French bob, and they'd get in the way) so I don't have to stare at myself. 😂 I don't mind the chatter though. Often they're just being polite, other times they genuinely seem happy to chatter!

I quite like my current hairdresser as our kids are a similar age, and she loves reading so we have book talk. Other hairdressers have been a bit more awkward, but it's never world ending. You can always ask them questions so it's not you being asked things if they make you feel awkward.

I stayed for way too long with a hairdresser who gave me consistently disappointing haircuts just because I found her really easy to talk to. I usually find the smalltalk a bit exhausting. My favourite hairdresser ever was one who was upfront right away that he didn't really like to chat much. I loved that. I don't mind a chat at all but being hostage in a chair potentially for hours feels like a lot.

@Catza I was a massage therapist and reflexologist. Clients rarely talked ....they generally instantly fall asleep during reflexology and occasionally if a massage client had something on their mind they would talk once they'd turned over onto their back. Although when I had a reflexology treatment in my new area (Yorkshire) the therapist said that almost everyone chats most of the time!

I hate going to the hairdressers. I'm chatty in there but if I had the choice I'd rather be in silence and relax but I have this need to fill any awkward silences

Don't worry about that.
Worry about the result re your hair.
I'm very similar in these aspects to yourself.