To change hairdressers?

[HairyDilemma1]

I've name changed for this and I'm going to try to make the details vague because I would hate for the person concerned to read this and realise I was talking about her...

I've been going to the same hairdresser for a number of years. A couple of days before my last appointment, the salon owner phoned me and told me that my regular hairdresser had been let go, but that somebody else was available to do my hair, and did I want to keep the appointment? I said yes, because I didn't really have time to make other arrangements.

I really liked my regular stylist, we got on well and I could talk to her. I valued that because I'm not really a sociable person and usually find that sort of chat awkward. So I got in touch with her to say I was sorry she'd been let go, and asked her to let me know when she got sorted out with a job elsewhere so I could keep coming to her. She replied to say she would be in touch when she found something.

Anyway... then I kept the appointment as planned, and the replacement stylist did a really, really good job. Noticeably better, in fact, than my regular one used to do. This was to the extent that a colleague who I rarely see commented on how polished I was looking!

My dilemma, as you'll have guessed, is, now that I've told the one who got made redundant that I would follow her to her new job, I can't really not do it, can I? I do actually think she was treated really shabbily and I want to show her my support, but at the same time, it's nice to have a haircut that people notice for the right reasons! She hasn't been back to me to let me know where she's working, so I suppose until she does, I don't have to think about it. But if or when she does - what would you all do?

I'd go to the one that did the better job tbh

I wouldn’t worry too much about it - hairdressers are definitely something you can let drift. If she does get in touch again just be vague about appointments. It’s unlikely she will press you but if she does just say that you’re finding it really convenient to stick with your old salon but you will pass business her way if possible.

Clearly you stick with the new and better hairdresser. You don't owe the other hairdresser anything. Plans change. If she gets in touch just don't make an appointment or say its no longer suitable for you.

Interesting! I was genuinely expecting the opposite consensus. I won't worry about it while she hasn't been back in touch, anyway. Thanks for your responses.

It's a business transaction, she cuts your hair, you pay her. You can go to whoever you like.

I'd go to the better one. Good hairdressers are rare. Most can't even make a parting right in the middle or do the back of the head (cropped bob) well.

You might find the old one doesn't get in contact. Unless she's making a commission/self employed she's got no reason to really chase you to book. If she does just say the new salon is further away than your prepared to travel, but you wish her every luck etc.

Keep with the new one.

Stick with your new, favoured hairdresser. If original one gets in touch with her new salon or says she's going freelance, just say something like, 'thanks for letting me know. I'm all set right now, but good luck' and just leave it like that. You gave her your trade for a long time, but things change.