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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To consider challenging paying this?

108 replies

Tatty3 · 03/09/2022 00:24

Long term customer of a local Hairdressers. Been going since it opened, for last 10 years.

My hairdresser is the owner and mentioned a few months ago that they were thinking about bringing in a deposit for every appt as people were cancelling last minute.

I booked again a month or so for this weekend. No mention of paying a deposit.

I've had an accident this morning and have had to get stitches in the top of my head which i cant get wet. I've messaged today to cancel, really apologetic with a proposed alternative time in a few weeks.

The hairdresser is asking me to pay because I didn't give 48 hours notice.

Would you pay? I want to support my hairdresser but if I pay now and don't get the service, I'm going to have to save up for a few months before I can afford to go again and I am in need of a cut. Also, this is a one off extreme situation. Then again that doesn't help her financial situation?

OP posts:
RockItLikeRocketFuel · 03/09/2022 02:02

Nope.

If you weren't explicitly asked for a deposit or told that they need 48 hours cancellation notice when making the booking then I don't see how they can impose arbitrary conditions on you now, especially if nothing is in writing. It's not like you just flaked on them.

Are they the only decent hairdressers in town?

DonnaBanana · 03/09/2022 02:11

They can ask but you don’t have to pay. However if you don’t, don’t expect to be going there again. You might need to find a new salon.

HirplesWithHaggis · 03/09/2022 02:18

No, you do not pay her, and you never use her service again. You've been a regular customer for a decade, and that's how much she values you?

DinosaurDuvet · 03/09/2022 02:20

I work in a service industry, I think considering your a regular customer and it’s extreme circumstances I think it’s quite mean to charge you a fee ….unless you cancel regularly?

they might not let you book in again unless you pay the fee though. Could you compromise and buy aftercare products from them to that value?

EmmaH2022 · 03/09/2022 02:38

You weren't told about the deposit

but even if you were, surely it doesn't include things like this and she can use her discretion for someone she's known so long!

EmmaH2022 · 03/09/2022 02:39

Hope you feel better asap!

Original poster
Tatty3 · 03/09/2022 08:38

Thanks everyone!

I've been trying to work it out. I know I have moved appts before over the last 10 years but not very many. I always tip and I'm always on time.

Just struggling because I don't want to lose an almost friend (plus someone who knows my hair!) and do recognise its not her fault I had the accident. If she'd asked me at the time of booking, I'd have paid the deposit and by the sounds of things, lost it. But she didn't mention it at all?

OP posts:
Darkness22 · 03/09/2022 08:43

You haven't paid a deposit and you didn't agree to. Plus, they don't have to be applied indiscriminately! You've clearly had a nasty accident and you would expect her to exercise some discretion in this instance. Bloody hell!

littlepeas · 03/09/2022 08:48

I understand why some places have introduced these kinds of measures, but they still need to use their discretion! Your situation is exceptional and therefore they should make an exception. YANBU.

Quitelikeacatslife · 03/09/2022 08:49

Maybe try to appeal to her very nicely that you understand she is bringing in a new policy for people who don't show up. But you were not informed this was in place when you booked and this is quite an extreme case, out of your hands on medical advice and you are a regular long standing customer. If she waives it then all good, if she still doesn't then you don't have to pay but you will need to find another hairdresser (ask people you know with hair of your type that you think is well cut where they go) , at least I think that will clear the air.

Original poster
Tatty3 · 03/09/2022 08:49

Going back through my phone, I have cancelled two appts in the last 18 months, one with short notice (2 days before) but both because of positive covid tests.

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 03/09/2022 08:49

I'd expect discretion for a loyal customer but it depends whether you're willing to lose your hairdresser.

carefullycourageous · 03/09/2022 08:53

If she'd asked me at the time of booking, I'd have paid the deposit and by the sounds of things, lost it. But she didn't mention it at all?

I would possibly pay then. How much is the deposit?

Original poster
Tatty3 · 03/09/2022 08:57

carefullycourageous · 03/09/2022 08:53

If she'd asked me at the time of booking, I'd have paid the deposit and by the sounds of things, lost it. But she didn't mention it at all?

I would possibly pay then. How much is the deposit?

This is the bit I'm struggling with. Deposit is 50% apparently.

The thing is, if I pay it now, I'm not going to be able to get my hair done again for another 3 months (my usual timescale) and my hair will be insane by then.

I suppose if I just pay the 50%, it's only 50% extra I've got to find but that will still delay my next appt.

OP posts:
Darkness22 · 03/09/2022 08:59

There is nothing that would make me hand over that money. Even if it was a fiver. You had not agreed to any such policy.

O11 · 03/09/2022 08:59

Tatty3 · 03/09/2022 08:49

Going back through my phone, I have cancelled two appts in the last 18 months, one with short notice (2 days before) but both because of positive covid tests.

Third cancellation in 18 months then. They're fed up with you I'm afraid.

Darkness22 · 03/09/2022 09:00

I don't agree. Covid was covid.

SoupDragon · 03/09/2022 09:02

Can you have your hair cut dry (and carefully!) instead?

carefullycourageous · 03/09/2022 09:02

Tatty3 · 03/09/2022 08:57

This is the bit I'm struggling with. Deposit is 50% apparently.

The thing is, if I pay it now, I'm not going to be able to get my hair done again for another 3 months (my usual timescale) and my hair will be insane by then.

I suppose if I just pay the 50%, it's only 50% extra I've got to find but that will still delay my next appt.

Show quote history

Don't over think it. If you can't afford it, respond to say 'I'm sorry but if I pay 50% deposit I won't be able to rebook as I can't afford that plus a hair cut. I understand your general policy but I was in A&E, it was unavoidable and I want to rebook not cancel.'

If that doesn't fly just find another hairdresser as the relationship is fucked now anyway.

carefullycourageous · 03/09/2022 09:03

Third cancellation in 18 months then. They're fed up with you I'm afraid. I think this too.

LaurieFairyCake · 03/09/2022 09:05

Why can't you get your hair done in next 3 months?

C0rnflake · 03/09/2022 09:07

I'd find a new hairdresser either way. If you persuade her to let you off feels a bit awkward. If you don't pay then you can't go back. If you pay you'll have to wait to get your hair done and feel resentful.

MsSquiz · 03/09/2022 09:08

Unless the cancellation policy was explicitly in place when you booked, you don't need to pay and she's trying her luck.

I do also think there should be discretion in place for regular customers. When I was pregnant I was very unwell and luckily the lovely beauty therapist I go to always told me not to worry if I needed to cancel last minute, she wouldn't charge the cancellation fee as I am such a loyal customer. It works both ways

Porcupineintherough · 03/09/2022 09:08

Do you think they'd have preferred the OP to come in w COVID then @O11 ?

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 03/09/2022 09:08

Consider a dry cut, but don’t pay a cancellation fee.

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