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.

Just say your quite busy and haven't looked in your diary. Or just say I prefer the cut and price of the mobile you recommended me.

YANBU to have your hair cut by who you want to cut it.

My usual hairdresser is a family member but she did an awful job last time so I've been growing it out for as long as I can cope with and am going to a salon whilst she's on holiday. I feel awful about it so I do understand why you feel awkward. I just keep reminding myself that I'm the one who has to walk around with it on my head.

Thanks for the replies.

I mentioned mobile in my OP regarding the temporary hairdresser, and she is mobile, but I go to her premises to have my hair done, as I do with my original hairdresser, so I can't really play on the mobile element.

It's hard isn't it when you strike up a bond which spans three years..And the fact that temporary hairdresser does my original hairdresser's hair herself, makes it even more awkward!

I want to leave but no idea how to do it without hurting her feelings...

I just do not see the dilemma.

You're paying. Go to the hairdresser who does the best job. Simples.

I couldn't give a flying crap about loyalty or etiquette in this case

I would have a chat with your original hairdresser about the way the new one cut your hair (anything u like better) just say it in the way of your hair seemed to be easier for u to style when it was done such and such way and ask if she can do the same. As for the colour get her to ask the new hairdresser wich colours she used.brands ect. If its still not the same the next time just nicely explain that u really likws the way the new hairdresser did it and u dont want things to be akward between u as u would love for her to keep doing your nails but u will be going to the other lady for your hair...im a hairdresser and although it would probably hurt my feelings a little i would totally appreciate that u were honest and cared about how i would feel and i would soon get over it. We all have our own techniques of cutting and naturally what works well for some hair doesn't for all. Also not for me,but i know when someone has been doing someone's hair for so long they get a bit complacent and dont put as much effort in as before and u are always happy and Rebook. Give her a nudge that u are looking elsewhere xx