How do I dump my hairdresser?

[HeboreoMaltian]

I've been going to my hairdresser for about five years.
She's self-employed in a one-person unit so haircuts are just the two of us basically in a cupboard.

I have an appointment booked for next weekend.

But I want to change. I've booked an appointment with another salon. I need to cancel my original hairdresser.

How? What do I say? It's so awkward. And now its quite last-minute. I was thinking of just saying something's come up, will reschedule and then just never texting again 😩Seems like a cowards way out though.

I just happened to be having a conversation with my hairdresser about this today as she’s about to go on maternity leave. They expect to lose clients, it happens a lot. She did say what really frustrates her is people cancelling appointments with no notice (she’d had 2 same day cancellations today) as she can’t fill the slots. If you’re going to cancel do it tomorrow so she’s got a week to fill the appointment.

Dude 😂

Just cancel. I’m always switching between salons, but then I never rebook when paying anymore unless it’s around Christmas or I know I have something coming up - I don’t mind waiting beyond the 8 weeks and it’s saved me money.

"Hello hairdresser, I'd like to cancel my appointment please."

It's as simple as that.

I cancelled yesterday. She sent me a list an alternative options 😶

Just reply saying "gotta watch the pennies, will be holding off for a while enjoy your weekend x"

So familiar.

Like you were, I was starting to absolutely dread hair appointments with this woman. DH would say "It's better than being at work for [insert worst part of my job] isn't it?".

And the answer had actually started to be "no" 😮

Just ignore i run a similar business honestly i totally expect to lose some clients its fine.

Ignore, ignore and ignore!

That's pretty standard, just leave it - she'll give up eventually!

Just ignore.

Ah well in that case you must continue going to her forever.

You cant ignore a text. You'll be arrested.

Confirmed all my fears 😂

I'd echo what others have said, just "Oh, really sorry, something urgent has come up. I'll text you when I'm free to reschedule! So sorry!" Then forget about it and don't text again.

Like with all these sorts of non-essential professions (no one is dying from lack of a haircut), people dip in and out constantly. Situations change, people's finances change, they've moved house, died, anything! It would never occur to anyone to inform their hairdresser of any of these reasons. Clients just drop off the radar. I don't think they take it personally.

😆 hehe! This made me chuckle

It’s up to you how you spend your money and where you get your hair done.
You don’t need to explain or give a reason but it is reasonable to give her enough time to refill the slot, especially as it is not an emergency situation you’re in.

Just say that you need to cancel your appointment. That’s all. If she asks if you want to rebook it, say that you won’t right now.

I think I'd be more likely to divorce my husband than leave my hairdresser and I really love my husband.

COVID taught me who's REALLY an essential worker 😉

If you don't love your hairdresser, you have to switch. Bad hair is just so depressing.

Reply and say "thanks. I will be in touch" and then block her.

I feel your pain. I’ve been going to my nail girl for about 14 years and I’ve struggled to leave because I’ve been going so so long🙈

I usually make my appointment when I’m in with her so I’m always committed but last time I didn’t know my shifts so I said I would get in touch with her but I haven’t and went elsewhere in sat. I’m waiting on her texting me

I’m glad you were brave and cancelled 😄

I have changed hairdresser twice recently. The first one kept cutting my hair wonky. I gave her numerous chances and it kept happening (she refused to section my hair and said “you don’t section hair for a blunt cut”). I just messaged her to cancel my appointment with an excuse and then never contacted her again.

The most recent one was a bit more awkward. She’s the owner of her salon. She cut my fringe too short/wonky on two occasions. There is another hairdresser who works for her who had done my hair a couple of times when the owner wasn’t available. I decided just to book in with the other hairdresser online. I did debate messaging her to explain, but decided against it. I turned up on Saturday to have my hair done and she was there….She just said hello and I said hello back. It wasn’t that awkward….😬

Just an update - I went to a new hairdressers yesterday. It was bloody wonderful. I'm so glad I went for it. I've felt really, genuinely happier since yesterday because I feel like a big part of my life has improved.

I quit my hairdresser because she kept cutting my fringe way too short despite me telling / showing her the length I wanted . I only went to her because she was local and convenient and saved me a trip to town. It was only after someone said my fringe looked like a pudding bowl cut and it was horrible that I decided to quit . I now have a hairdresser who listens to what I say and cuts my fringe how I like it . I have to pay bus fare on top of my cut but it’s worth it .

It's s service you pay for.
All you do is send a test or call and say you no longer need her services.
You don't owe her anything.
Im never going back to my last hairdresser. She has no idea what a balyge is and did a terrible job.
I don't owe her an explanation.

Well done! I did the same recently. Previous hairdressers just kept putting up the price and £85 for a cut and blow dry in a damp noisy room was just too much. New one has much better coffee too.

Well done.

My new hairdresser was £35 cheaper than my old one. Bonus!

Why don't you get me to phone and cancel OP?

That's what my MIL gets me to do (many, many times!)