What grade stylist do you book your haircut with?

[xela21]

I don't like being given these many options. I understand price goes up with experience but theres too many options?! Of course you want them to do a decent job but does grade necessarily correlate with quality? It's just a haircut/trim I am after (thick and long hair though) but don't want to have to pay top rates out of fear a junior won't do a good job.

Wise world of mumsnet, which option would you/ do you choose?

"Graduate Stylist Salon Stylist Senior Stylist Master Stylist Artistic Director Salon Principal"

I just have Stacey, because I like her.grin

If it’s just a basic cut you’re after, then I’d probably go for one of the more junior ones. They should all be more than capable of a trim! If you wanted a re-style or something more complex, then I do find a more senior stylist can be worth the money. Although you do have to watch out for the ones that are “artistic director” but only because they’ve been there years and haven’t kept up with the latest trends, etc!

I spent a few years training at a hair salon many years ago and noticed that the more experienced staff would do your hair how they wanted not how the customer asked for it to be. I'd avoid the lowest price band as sometimes they're still training or only have level 2. Basically stick to the mid range, experienced but still happy to do what you ask for and offer advise rather than overrule you.

From that list I'd choose senior stylist or master stylist.

I've just gone back to my cheap-ass granny-esq salon because they a damsite better job for a third of the price of the fancy pants one I was using. They don't have levels of stylist, but they're a family run business and all the hairdresser's have been there 10+ years.

Cheapest , I have a very easy hair style - basically a trim & then I tie it in a pony tail ..... I had an expensive experience once when I booked the Junior but when I paid the bill it was more than expected and was told she had now 'graduated' to the higher level ... there's something about hairdresser receptionists that always makes me feel inferior, they are so glossy and high maintenance that it is embarrassing to quibble over a bill (& I think they know that).

I need to book a post lockdown haircut but am dreading it, I used to be happy with a local college where the students gave £5 haircuts but my last one was beyond awful, even by my standards, and I won't be going back. (No care or overseeing by the tutor).

My all time favourite hairdresser was the lowest rank in the salon but she was bloody brilliant for a wash and a nice trim. If I wanted something more complex or a total new look, I’d maybe go one or two from the bottom.

What even do all these words mean?! At what point does hair go from short to long.. for goodness sake

Ladies Short Hair Long Hair
Salon Director
Art Director
Artistic Stylist
Creative Stylist

I just booked my hair appointment today - there are six categories of stylist - I asked for the cheapest . I honestly can't imagine the standard is going to be six times better if you book the most expensive one?? Nearly twice the cost as well.

I go for a junior one because I'm not after anything complicated - just a wash, trim and blow dry.

I'd go for a more experienced stylist if I wanted colour though.

Mine rather annoyingly keeps getting promoted. I'm pleased for her......but....

I go to a local salon. There are two co owners, one part time stylist and another full time stylist with a few years experience. He’s the one I go to and he listens, suggests and I’m happy with him. About £35 for a cut and finish.

I actually had my haircut today for free, I had it done by a trainee for free - because she was training the senior stylist ended up cutting lots of my hair because it was the first time the trainee had done the style. It’s genuinely one of the best cuts I’ve ever had.

Ugh and I should proofread sorry.

My mate does mine at home 😊 honestly didn't realise there was a whole world of hairdressing rank out there

Lol the cheapest but my hair is very, very long and wavy, so they'd be really hard pressed to totally fuck it up

For a simple trim of long hair I'd go for salon stylist or possibly even the junior as there's a good chance they'll have a senior watching them anyway.

I refuse to go to salons that operate with that ridiculous system!

I don't have this issue, my stylist is the owner and the only person in the salon. Don't have to worry about the grades Vs prices.

I'm with Gladimnotcampinginthisweather and Respectivehomelands - I just text the mobile hairdresser I've used for donkeys years.

As Flugbusters says though, particularly with long hair, surely it's not a tricky job to just trim hair for any hairdresser ? Why would you want to pay extra for someone with a fancy name ?

My other half was cutting my long straight hair in lockdown. He did an ok job!
I'd go with the cheapest.
I'm getting a dry cut next week for £16! Will wash and straighten it before I go in. Fed up of ridiculous prices.
If it's bad you could complain and get a higher stylist to sort it out.

I’ve never understood salons that charge more for long hair...
I mean it’s the same number of hairs right? And surely there’s more room for error on long hair? Why is it deemed harder?

It's a choice of Bev or Lou at our salon. I go for Bev cos she's always done an epic good job on it.

Junior stylist in a salon, or trainee at a college. I'm not so fussy about my hair, it will grow back! And I like the idea that somebody else is learning and progressing their lives. I've also had it trimmed at the barbers

I don’t even understand the question.

I go to my local college where it’s £3. Though I’ve cut it myself since Feb 2020.