Anyone else feel beholden to Hairdresser?

[prettyrainbows]

I've been going to the same hairdresser for years, since in my twenties - I am now in my forties. She is almost like a friend. Sent me a card when I got married and flowers etc etc. I'm not really all that happy these days with my hair but I feel I cant change now
A couple of years ago I went to a different hairdresser a couple of times, but I was shocked when my old hairdresser text me asking where I was and if I was ok. I felt really awkward and ended going back to her. I'd love to try a new hair salon but it's sooo awkward! Anyone else in a similar situation or any advice? She also lives local to me and so I do bump into her, making things worse!

I have changed hairdressers many, many, times over the years, and not once have they contacted me about it. I am happy with my current one, but have gone elsewhere on occasion, and it never seems to bother him. If you aren't happy then go to someone else - it's your hair, you need to be happy with what is done to it.

I've been with my hairdresser for 20+ years. I still get compliments about it, so I'll stick with him.

Prior to finding him, I'd been going to a large/trendy salon. I was booking appts. with their 'Creative Director' and people were stopping me in the street to ask about my hair.

Over time, I'd rock up for my appt., to find I'd been palmed-off to a Senior Stylist, but still charged Creative Director rates.

On the final visit to that salon my hair was cut by a young lad. I take my hair looking nice as a given - my family has been blessed with the 'great hair gene' and not a lot else!! After The Lad cut it, the number of people commenting postively on my hair, at least, trebled. The cut was stunning and, somehow, made the absolute best of my not-too-great features.

I called to book my next appointment with The Lad to be told he'd moved on, but the Creative Director was free when I wanted the appointment. I declined and I moved on too.

I never did find out to where The Lad had moved ..... 😒

The same guy has been doing my hair for 10 years. Best cutter I've ever had and great colourist too. Plus he's round the corner.

It is not that friendly an arrangement. I mean if you said you were a bit skint that month or tried to pay her less, she would be pretty direct. You don’t owe her custom.

Chances are she will not mention it.

I had the same thing. Some charge through the nose even if they don’t have a salon or are working from your/their home or expect you to wash it out over a bath. My last hairdresser charged as though he was back in his trendy salon and went out for a cig while I washed my hair.

If they are not embarrassed charging, then I am not embarrassed to opt out.

Just tell her your friend has opened a salon and is now cutting it for free so you need to save money with cost of living etc etc.

I’ve just changed mine. Been going for years yet she never wanted to cut it or change anything . So last week went and got a new style with a new hairdresser it’s amazing . Going back next week for the new colour. If she asks where I am I’ll just say I can’t get there anymore as I’m busy on a Saturday. Sometimes change is a good thing

I just read the whole thread hoping a hairdresser would come on to comment and tell us all to stop being daft.
This has all really made me chuckle because I'm just the same. I changed stylists within a salon because another person was cheaper, and better, but now I only book to go in when I know the first one is having a day off.
Also... as an adult in my fifties, why do I always get so scared of being "told off". I've been growing out my fringe but got fed up so cut it back in again. Ok, it's not the neatest of jobs, but it's my hair, right? Now I'm worried my stylist will be cross.🤣

I got dumped by my hairdresser. I didn't know whether to be offended or relieved!

It was awkward for a while as she still cut my mum and sisters hair. But she's now done the same to them too!

I'm much happier with my new one though.

I used to be so eager to please my hairdressers, I always said whatever I thought the 'right' answer was when they asked me something.
"You don't go swimming without a cap, do you?!". Er, no of course not!
"Have you been cutting this yourself?" No, it's just been breaking off!
Worst one by far though was when I was much younger and had some unexplained hair loss. Mentioned it to my hairdresser, who asked if I'd just had a baby. I said yes!! I hadn't. I just blurted it out in a people pleasing panic. I then got into a toe curling chat about name of baby, etc.
I never went back to that salon again. 🤪

I get it! Its hard isn't it. I am gobsmacked she charges you £130 when she works from home though, it's £30 -£60 here for home hairdressers but then we're not in a city.

Plus I've known her for so long. Both of our kids went to School together and she does do my colour nice. But it's such a stress going. And it's my only time I get to myself away from the kids. So I think I will be leaving her soon. I'll just have to go off the face of the earth 😂. I don't live in the city either. She was top colourist in the salon she worked and says it would cost be £50 more if I went there. Think I'd rather pay the extra!

I think I may go down the route of "my friends daughter is training in hair, so I've agreed to let her do mine for a minimal fee a few times for experience". I may even just text and tell her this (as I know she will text me and ask if I'm OK otherwise 😬)
Hopefully after a few months, she'll get the message.
It's just all so awkward we pay for a service, it's completely upto us if we change salons. Why do we all turn into quivering wrecks around our hairdressers???