For wanting hairdresser to stop talking

[Vaws]

Feeling like a bit of a cow but spent 4 hours in the hairdressers this afternoon. I have two young kids, obviously they take a lot of time. So it’s one of the few chances I have to just sit and have a bit of peace.

I don’t mind a bit of chit chat at the start of the appointment but the whole four hours was just like a running commentary. What she was doing, why she was doing it, what did I normally do.

I did try to read my book but then she kept asking me what it was, was it any good, did I like reading, argghh.

AIBU to have just wanted to have quiet?

yes just talk to people for gods sake its sociable. Who reads a book in the hairdressers.

I can’t visit hairdressers because of this.

Last time was about ten years ago and she badgered and nagged and went on and on…

Was like I was being interviewed by the CIA.

I have no idea why they won’t just let you relax.

Tell them you've got a bit of a headache

Yanbu

It's like the old joke isn't it!
"How would you like your hair cut? "
"In complete silence please...."

I read a book in the hairdressers. had no idea it was uncommon. I'm also perfectly happy to attend my appointment and say something like "Ive had a horrendous morning, so much noise and stress with the kids. Would it be alright if I just closed my eyes and zoned out/ read my book quietly? Sorry to be rude but I'm feeling it today". In my experience, hairdressers are THRILLED to not have to make small talk with another customer!

I’ve never known one this talkative before @TheLightSideOfTheMoon

i mean yes you expect a bit of are you going on holiday but this was exhausting. Four hours is honestly not an exaggeration. She did not stop.

I've never been in a hairdressers more than an hour. What was she doing that took 4 hours?

Hi, I'm a hairdresser and would have no issue if someone said, "I don't want to be rude but I'm dying to read my book" or similar. It's your time and you're paying for it. Believe me, she might be relieved too! X

hairdressers are THRILLED to not have to make small talk with another customer

dont think so, its part of it having a natter at the hairdressers, why wouldnt you talk to another human being on this planet who was cutting your hair? Odd.

Years ago I booked into a new hairdressers and was placed with a deaf hairdresser, he was perfect for me as I like to relax when having my hair done - was gutted when he moved away!! I rarely get my haircut as I hate the salon chatter!

I've been cutting my own hair for years now to avoid this. I don't mind a quick chat every now and again but hours of it is torture. My mum was a beautician before she retired, and always took her cue from clients about whether they wanted to chat or not. As a paying customer, you are the one who should be deciding (and reading a magazine at the hair dressers is very common - so why not a book!)

I’m sure some are @Lavenderbythefrontdoor but not this one. Trust me.

As a hairdresser you would know that its not possible to read a book and look down while your having your haircut, you sometimes need to move your head for a start.

maybe its common if your waiting for your colour to take etc and having a 30 min break but not reading while your having your haircut. Not possible to keep looking down anyway.

You can lift books up, you know! It is possible

Besides, I was surrounded by people on their phones.

I think if I’d said I’d had a hard morning and wanted some peace she wouldn’t have got it - would have just been on no why what happened? Are you relaxed now? Is that chair comfortable?

Perhaps hairdressers should start asking whether you’d like them to converse with you or not although I know most Brits would be far too polite to say not… My hair typically only takes an hour because I just have a cut, blow dry and straighten but she does fill it with small talk. I always enjoy the hair drying bit because she stops talking .

Some people enjoy the mindless chit chat when getting their hair done and others prefer to sit and quietly contemplate life.

I think you were being unreasonable because all you had to do was say to her that you didn’t feel like chatting today. Presumably you had a consultation before she started doing anything to your hair and you could have said something at that point.

She may be giving you a lovely head massage when she shampoos your hair but she’s not reading your mind! 🤣

Besides, I was surrounded by people on their phones.

yes and thats exactly whats wrong with some people they would rather stare at their phones than talk to the person they are with. Says it all.

I don’t mind a polite 5 minute chat but I’m the same, I just want to zone out. I’m sure many hairdressers feel the same, just unlucky that you ended up with a more sociable one.

I never chat to the hairdresser...instead I read a book on my phone, or sometimes, I just close my eyes.

most normal people would find it odd that people have to ask whether or not to talk to you. Blimey there are some miserys around.

Hundreds of people, thars why they have magazines, people like to read when having theor hair done. I loathe the inane chatter!

I usually hate this but my new (ish) hairdresser is bloody lovely. It just feels like a catch up with a friend, and she cuts my curly hair perfectly

I think that we do sort of have that communication, don’t we?

I realise non NT people might struggle but most people are able to know when people are in a chatty mood and when they’d rather not talk.