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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Hairdresser appointment. Was I being precious?

289 replies

LadyLindaT · 19/07/2020 14:20

My hairdresser is lovely, and I have been a client for over 30 years.
She offered me an appointment when they opened again on 4th July.
I wasn't in any rush, so I waited until this last week.
I asked in advance if there were any special instructions, e.g., whether I should wear a mask.
I knew that there would be no refreshments, magazines, etc., and I was not going to bring a coat or a handbag.
48 hours before, I got a generic email, which didn't sit right with me.
I was told that I couldn't bring my own bottle of water, and would not be allowed to use the toilet.
I am talking about an appointment which would take over 3 hours.
I cancelled, in good time, on the basis that I didn't feel comfortable with that.
I have been made to feel as if I were being awkward and difficult.
I can understand that a quick cut and blow dry might work this way, but, if you know that the work is going to take hours, shouldn't you factor in that people might want to use a loo?

OP posts:
GiftedFish · 20/07/2020 19:01

I'm with you in this one. How can you be expected to not drink and not use the loo in what could take 3 hours.. that is ridiculous! I would have cancelled too.

Joeblack066 · 20/07/2020 19:19

I did the risk assessments for a Hair Salon reopening- we included clients using the toilet! YANBU.

Boujee · 20/07/2020 19:22

Wow, spare a thought for us hairdressers, we are doing the best we can, it's a horrible situation for everyone, l am allowing clients to use my toilet and bring a drink, but l am in a small salon, we have been told to keep client contact on surfaces to a minimum which is probably why they would rather you didn't use the toilet as someone has to then go in and clean it after you. I have worked 16 days 12 hour days straight wearing a visor to keep you safe, l have not asked my clients to wear a face mask to keep me safe because l want you to enjoy your visit and get everyone looking lovely again. All we ask is that you help us where you can. 😔

Pr1mr0se · 20/07/2020 19:23

Unless you have a long drive to the hairdressers I think you are being unreasonable in your response to their communications. However 3 hours for some people is a long time to go without a trip to the loo - but you wouldn't have your normal drinks offered so maybe you wouldn't need to use it anyway.

FelicisNox · 20/07/2020 19:27

It's very dependent on the the person.

I could happily not use a loo for 3hrs but I couldn't go without a drink as I'm on meds that make me thirsty.

On that basis YANBU.

Touchmybum · 20/07/2020 19:30

I got my hair done as soon as salons opened. I don't actually know whether the loo was available or not, and as I suffer from IBS I might well have needed it!

As for SuperBladder posting above, well enjoy it while it lasts because once upon a time I could have lasted from one end of the day to the next, but no more!

I went in the afternoon as that's usually when my IBS is least troublesome and the hairdresser provided cooled bottled water. I was absolutely desperate to go though as I hadn't had my hair cut or coloured for 7 months (I wasn't able to go to my appt right at the start of lockdown!) My appt takes 1.5-2 hours because my hair is quite short.

I think everyone has to do whatever they're most comfortable with.

FabulouslyFab · 20/07/2020 19:31

I didn’t check the loos when I was at the hairdressers for a half hour dry trim this morning but given I was charged an extra £3.50 PPE surcharge I would hope I would’ve been able to use them if needed!!

Fudgemonkeys · 20/07/2020 19:48

I was encouraged to bring my own drink, mask and offered the facilities as I'd been there nearly 3 hours and had a 30 minute drive home. All sterilised before the next appointment

cavalier · 20/07/2020 19:57

I took my own water and went to loo
Seems inhuman to not allow to basic human needs

Shirls22 · 20/07/2020 19:59

I was at the hairdresser last week. I had to wear a mask, which was fine, the toilet was open, I was allowed to take my own towel, drink and kindle to read. All worked fine. To expect someone to have nothing to drink and not be able to use the loo for 3 hours seems to me to be totally unreasonable and a complete misinterpretation of the advice

stclair · 20/07/2020 20:00

Why are hairdressers expected to clean the loos between each client? I’ve been to John Lewis, National trust, and zoo and there was nobody doing any cleaning between the hoards of people using them!

Takeyourfaceoff · 20/07/2020 20:31

My hair takes 4-5 hours usually. Full head of highlights, I have lots of hair, and a cut and blow dry. I have nerve damage affecting my bladder and I can easily manage without using the toilet at the salon. However, the availability of the toilet wasn’t restricted before. I think, for some people, knowing the facility isn’t available will make you need it more.

If your salon is no longer suitable for your needs you have the ability to go to a different one that does. Vote with your feet, and purse.

Atthebottomofthegarden · 20/07/2020 20:49

No way could I last 3 hours without using the loo.

Maybe this is why some salons aren’t doing colours at the moment?

Vinomummyinlockdown · 20/07/2020 20:57

It’s ridiculous. I let builders use my cloakroom. I have gloves, dettol and wipes etc and a seperate towel for them. I clean up after them. Why can’t others do this? People need a loo ffs

EinsteinaGogo · 20/07/2020 20:59

@Boujee

Wow, spare a thought for us hairdressers, we are doing the best we can, it's a horrible situation for everyone, l am allowing clients to use my toilet and bring a drink, but l am in a small salon, we have been told to keep client contact on surfaces to a minimum which is probably why they would rather you didn't use the toilet as someone has to then go in and clean it after you. I have worked 16 days 12 hour days straight wearing a visor to keep you safe, l have not asked my clients to wear a face mask to keep me safe because l want you to enjoy your visit and get everyone looking lovely again. All we ask is that you help us where you can. 😔
That's really good of you, but you have been funded by the government for the last XXX months (if you've been established for a while) to stay at home.

A business is a business. Providing the basic facilities is part and parcel.

Commonwasher · 20/07/2020 22:06

The salon you go to isn’t trying to offend you, they are just trying to find a workable solution to the gvmt advice and regulations, in a situation they have no previous experience of.

Funguy · 20/07/2020 22:07

What on earth takes 3 hours in a hairdresser? This is why I cut my own hair. Yeah, it's wonky but I can wee any time I like.

Nicknacky · 20/07/2020 22:08

3 hours is easily done. I’m 2.5 hours for cut and colour.

Nicknacky · 20/07/2020 22:08

And I don’t want a “wonky” cut.

NaughtyLittleElf · 20/07/2020 22:20

Who wants wonky hair ?

Blacksheepcat · 20/07/2020 22:24

Can’t see any reason why they would want to prevent you from bringing your own bottle of water??? That’s exactly what you should be doing, so they don’t have to provide you with a glass, which they have to touch and wash up etc.... My daughter had a medical condition which means she always has to have water with her as she needs to constantly keep hydrated (also snacks). There’s no way they could stop someone drinking from their own bottle of water? And why would they need to?

Pet8 · 20/07/2020 23:56

I had to go for a wee twice within 15 minutes reading this thread.Blush

I had to stop using my regular hairdressers a few years ago. The only toilet was outside in a backyard. It was only accessible by exiting the salon. Walking to the end of the block and down a side street to the alley way. You needed to unlock an alley gate first, walk down the smelly alley to the back door and unlock that. Fumbling with two lots of keys (and terrified of being watched or attacked) when you’re desperate to go proved too much in the end. I had to find a new salon!

keffie12 · 21/07/2020 00:23

The only thing i can say about that is at least she gave you forewarning.

I have a stomach and bowel condition which is s fragile subject I am not going to go into. Suffice to say I need to know where toilets are wherever I go.

I find it a bit surprising. There business so they can do what they want. You cancelled which was your perogative.

My hairdressers had toilet access allowed. No drinks though. She did explain why. Can't remember what she said now

We did have a process when we used the toilet which was on a note on the door when we went in and was understandable

woodhill · 21/07/2020 09:04

You are meant to keep hydrated so if the virus does get in your system etc

maxdash · 21/07/2020 09:38

My last appointment was 5 hours - balayage, toner, conditioning treatment, cut, blow dry.