My hairdresser complains about everything

Going to the hairdressers is as much about the experience as the end result. I enjoy the pampering and the chat. I can't bear moany, negative people. I wouldn't go back.

The hairdresser I had a few weeks ago had had someone crash into her car and her flat flooded with a burst water tank the day before my cut! But she was still lovely and I was grateful she hadn't cancelled 😆

This would drive me nuts too. I switched nail shop for this reason - I don't want small talk!

And another final thought: two salons in my area offer a quiet chair in a different part of the salon and with a stylist who is happy to talk to you about nothing except your hair and to offer you coffee and tea. Both are Aveda salons. You might like to look for a local Aveda salon and ask if they have a quiet chair option.

I had the opposite.

A few years ago after years of loving how my hair was done I was “promoted” to having my hair done by the salon owner, a man of status and some celebrity - I think I was supposed to be flattered

i managed two appointments with him before I had to quit. He was awful! Talked about himself incessantly, how fabulous he was, how fabulous his children were, how fabulous his life was.

I’m not a chatter in the salon but I don’t think he paused for breath or asked me a single question. I decided I wasn’t prepared to pay £300 to be talked at for two hours.

Just ask for a silent appointment, it’s a thing in hairdressing circles.

i do find hairdressers super gossipy in general. I used to have a guy who literally showed me his exes onlyfans account, so you can imagine the level of inappropriateness

One final thought: can you arrive looking stressed, say you have a terrible migraine but you didn't want to cancel on her, and ask her to be as quiet as possible, otherwise you're likely to throw up?

I completely understand what your saying op. I had my nails done by a woman for years it was constant barage about her and her life talking at you. She then had some challenging times including a separation and divorce and it became like a therapy session for her to tell me the nitty gritty details. We had mutual friends and she would also spend the time bemoaning their perceived lack of support to her situatuons and I became so uncomfortable about it all eventually I had to give up and tell her I was having a break from getting my nails done.
I told a hairdresser friend about my above experience to get her advice and she said they with so many people coming in and out sometimes you feel like you need to make conversation and I stated that's fine but it didn't need to always be about the service giver!

Reminds me of my late father in-law, when asked by the barber "How would you like your hair cut" would say "in silence". (allegedly!)

Take loads of photos/ a video of your hair just after you've have your haircut, then in a few weeks when you need a trim go to another hairdresser and ask them to do it like that. Be really clear: you want to leave looking just like that. Not longer, not shorter, not styled differently. If they can do it, and if they're pleasant to be around, you can work with them in future.

I speak as a client who's recently just left my hairdresser of 12 years. He started as a one-man business and had a reputation for being calm and quiet. Friendly, but not a lot of chat. He's done well, recruited a couple of other stylists of a similarly calm nature but recently expanded his salon and attracts loads of young women there who want loud music and yell at each other in a friendly fashion all the time.

I felt deafened and stressed after my last visit there and asked him if there was a quiet time I could book. He said he couldn't guarantee it, and he was really sorry about it. He knows it's an issue with clients who prefer a quiet, calm environment but noisy, lively and loads of bantz brings the young crowd in.

Next time, can you arrive with earphones in and say, 'Hope you don't mind, but I am using this time to catch up on a podcast.' Then you don't have to talk to her.

My hairdressers have signs up saying if you don't feel "chatty" just say so, and they'll respect that (phrased more gently). Having said that, my hairdresser is resolutely cheerful, engaging & easy to chat to, so it's fine.

Can't you just say that you'd really appreciate some peace and quiet?
Or as others have said, find a new hairdresser.
post anonymously on google reviews (if your planning to stay with her)

I used to go to a nail technician who was like that. I actually would walk away more stressed out than I was when I went in. She was excellent technician but I gave up. I know go to another business where the technicians are lovely but the most personal things we talk about is about plans for the weekend.

Can't you say ... only positive conversations today please, I've had my belly full of x moaning

If she doesn't keep quiet after asking her, I suggest noise cancelling ear buds and music.

Just get a book out and read. I was there three hours yesterday and I read a lot of my book.

I used to tell my (extremely chatty) hairdresser that I was using my time there to rest and relax from my hectic day. I'd sometimes go even further and say I just need to sit there in silence. Sometimes I'd have a snooze on the chair. After a few visits she got the gist of it.

Take some ear buds in with you and say you are sorry to be rude, but you have to listen to this really important presentation. Sigh a bit and roll your eyes for dramatic effect.

Be grateful it's just a haircut. My Mum talks like that all the time.

I just don't think she likes anyone!

What was wrong with the first 4 hairdressers, or are you the fussy type?