Yes, I agree that loyalty is to keep you sweet (unless, of course you are good friends, socialise together etc.). In which case, I understand that it’s difficult.
My previous hairdresser was good and I liked the result. I had been going to her for a couple of years and she then opened her own salon. It wasn’t as near, but perfectly doable. I stayed with her for about 10 years, and she then announced she was selling up the business and becoming self-employed at another salon. I decided to follow her there, and although the distance wasn’t too far away, traffic and parking was a problem. In the end, I used the parking excuse (main road, near a school) as the reason to leave and found a salon at the top of my road. I called in on the off-chance to book a consultation and the lady who met me was free at the time (as her client was waiting for her colour to develop). There wasn’t any pressure on me to book, but she seemed to know what I wanted, so I booked for the following week. The result was amazing - far better than before! So, I haven’t looked back.
I was about the same age as my previous hairdresser’s mum, so we didn’t really have much in common, which became apparent when a much younger person had their cut/colour whilst mine was developing and their conversation used to grate on me a bit!
My new hairdresser is a bit older and we just chat about general things. She’s quick and does exactly what I want. What’s even better is that I can walk to the top of the road to the salon in about 15 minutes - fantastic if the weather is bad! She’s a bit more expensive (I managed to get a consultation with the “Creative Director”! )
Sounds a lot grander than is it, as it’s a small salon in the suburbs of a fairly large town!