Would you "cheat" on your hairdresser?

[guestofclanmackenzie]

I have been going to my hairdresser for over three years and generally been very happy with her. I have highlights and a cut once a month and have started going to her for shellac nails too. She runs her business from home and although is very professional and treats me like a client, we have in the past done the odd thing as friends although not recently.

She has recently had a baby and just before she went on maternity leave she gave me the phone number of another mobile hairdresser who she uses herself and recommended her. She told me when she planned on coming back to work, and I told her that I will definitely be coming back to her when she does.

So I started using the other mobile hairdresser.. And I found that she did an amazing job of my hair...she cuts it beautifully and the colours were amazing...better than my original hairdresser. She was slightly cheaper too. I told her that I would be be returning to original hairdresser when she is back working, as I have been using her for so long and she understood.

So last month, I received a text from my original hairdresser to say she was slowly starting to take appointments from her list of loyal regulars and asked me if I wanted to book in with her. I booked an appointment and have had my hair done, but I can't help feeling a bit disappointed as somehow its not as good a job as "temporary" hairdresser. After doing my hair for so long, my original hairdresser knows exactly how I like my colours and cut. So it's not as if I have been chopping and changing my mind and she is not understanding me, IYSWIM. And I have no idea how I would put in words my unhappiness without offending her?

So what do I do? Stay loyal to original hairdresser or leave? It's so awkward as I normally book all my appointments well in advance as I have appointments once every three to four weeks and then she does my nails as well.

I think given the length of break it's acceptable to make the permanent switch.

However people who flit back and forth to different hairdressers aren't regarded highly. It's quite rude I think. You either trust a professional to look after your cut/colour/style or you don't. Quite insulting

It's a business arrangement. If you prefer the other hairdresser, go to the other one. If you usually book appointments in advance just say you're not sure when you're going to be free or haven't got your diary and avoid it. Your hairdresser is running a business and should know that clients will come and go. You're under no obligation whatsoever.

Pay whoever you want for the service you want. You don't have to tell her why.

Tough call. I think if you are loads happier with the new one - you kind of should go. Do you bump into your old hairdresser socially ? Could you explain to the old hairdresser what you want / cut and colour wise. I change hairdressers a lot as I have never found one that does my hair exactly how I want it. But I don't have great hair

I think the courteous thing would be to give the old one a call and let her know. Not a text - a call is much better manners in this situation.

I think I would amplify how much you've enjoyed the mobile element of the hairdresser coming to your home, and you want to continue with that arrangement with the new hairdresser as its so convenient with you for how often you get your hair done.

Say you'll use old hairdresser for your nails.

Go to the person you happy with. You paying

It's a business, not a relationship. You pay her for a service - it's not a favour. I doubt she would go out of her way to continue to cut your hair if you moved and she found it inconvenient, or if the only time that was available for you would be an inconvenience to her. She'd drop you without hesitation and find a new customer.

You found a bette hairdresser but feel too guilty to do what's best for you?!

People who flit back and forth to different hairdressers aren't regarded highly what a load of shit 😂

Op either go with the new girl or tell the old one you liked the change of colours and cut and give her the chance to change her style, she is still doing it the old way as she thinks that is what you want

What about if you kept on getting your nails done by the original hairdresser but switch to the "temporary" mobile hairdresser for your hair? And you could give the original hairdresser some choccies and flowers as a thank you present 🤔 But then again I am a people pleaser You might want to let the original hairdresser know that you're switching since she will find out eventually anyway since she uses the mobile hairdresser for her hair. Hopefully she will be fine with it as it's just a business transaction and so it's nothing personal.

Whilst I fully understand people saying it's a business arrangement & to switch it can be so awkward & I feel your pain.

I've just managed to break the cycle with the lady that does my eyebrows. 5 years of £30 every 4 weeks for HD brows & honestly they weren't anything flash but every time I was leaving & she said 'shall I book you back in?' I found myself making another appointment. Luckily she moved premises out of town so really she broke the cycle for me or I'd still be going

aren't regarded highly by who?!

Op, just go with the one that does a better job. You're a paying customer so get the best service you can for your money.

My hairdressers my best friend. I went to another hairdresser for a trim for her wedding she bloody noticed a month later when I saw her next

Quite insulting 😂😂😂

I am a proper hairdresser slut. I can only imagine what they must say about me...

Oh dear! I had to do this and was VERY awkward because the new hairdresser was just 3 shops away. Anyway, last time I went to new hairdresser she was having a full on public fight with the hairdresser further up for knocking her client. The police were called. OMG!

I just never knew that when you start visiting a hairdresser you are bound to them, it's unspoken but the expectation is there,that you will never go elsewhere and if you do, well..you're despicable

Not in knocking, "nicking'

I flit back and forth with different hairdressers depending on what I want, my mood, money, convenience, time, all sorts of reasons.

What on earth is wrong with that? It's business not a relationship. I pay, I tip, I can go to who I want!

OP... please go with the hairdresser you are happiest with, you'd be bonkers to stick with one that you're less happy with

I wouldn't just cheat on her. I'd dump her completely.

In a nice way.

last time I went to new hairdresser she was having a full on public fight with the hairdresser further up for knocking her client. The police were called. OMG!

Brilliant 😆😆

Much better entertainment than the usual old copy of OK magazine.

I'd be honest and just say that although you think she's bloody brilliant the change has brought to light a new style / colours and your really happy with how it is at the mo, plus I agree play on mobile element. She won't mind: I'm a business owner who deals with other patients / clients. Leave on good terms you might need her again soon but she won't mind, clients come and go x

I flit back and forth between hairdressers. I use a couple of salons depending on convenience and appointment availability.
I dont really care if they think I'm rude/dont regard me highly. They're cutting my hair, I'm paying them. It's no different to buying clothes, I go to more than one shop.

You wear your hair every day. Go to the person who does it best.

Im not really ready to be in an exclusive relationship with my hairdresser yet....

Your not her friend, but her client, the relationship you have is purely business. I woukd have no qualms in changing hairdressers, if another one was cheaper and did an amazing job, you woukd be a fool to stick to a mediocre one. Go for it. AnywY she brought you in contact with her!