To think I can do all of this in one day? (In London)

[chatenoire]

I land in Gatwick at 845, then take the train to London bridge station and drop my bag there and then continue my way to trinity square to have a haircut at 10. At 12 I have a meeting at Southwark bridge. Meeting ends at 2 and then there's another meeting at the Shard at 2:30. Then leave just before 5 and catch the train back to Gatwick to take my flight back, which departs at 6:45.

I can stay overnight (as I think catching that flight back might be a bit too risky). I wouldn't have anything with me beyond my handbag with my laptop.

Don't they have hairdressers where you live?

They're not very good IME (and have no real experience with ethnic hair) .

If you're doing a 7 figure deal you can probably afford to come up this weekend specifically for the cut.

Or if you message the hairdresser specifically saying that you've seen how great her work is, you are planning to come specifically from another city, can she fit you in late the night before (I know she's not advertised as working, but human beings can be flexible).

Or is she personally can't do it, can she recommend someone either close to where you live or in London on a more convenient day/time.

And what if you hate the cut?

Do you want to go into an important meeting in that headspace?

Or a little hair goes down your collar, leaving you a little itchy all day until you can change?

Or what if when your hair is being washed water goes all down your back by mistake? Do you want to do your meetings like that?

Important meeting + squeezed in haircut is never a good idea.

Even if you have special requirements, in 2023 there are a lot of people who are specialists in different kinds of hair. You can find one who can work with you at a time that's not the morning of a big meeting.

I've said specifically quite a lot there, lol.

Even with an 8:20 touchdown, it'll be 15 mins at least by the time you've taxied to a bay, and probably close to 845 before you even get your feet off the plane.

The chances of you getting to a 10am haircut are very close to zero.

Your return to Gatwick for a 645 flight is also very optimistic!

Personally, I'd say forget the haircut, concentrate on the business you're coming to do, and keep it simple.

I actually did think about asking her for more flexibility. She knows I'm not local, and I'm fitting her in.

The rest I'm happy to risk it, it's kind of one of those risks in life.

You could get a later train after the Shard meeting, stay in a hotel on the Gatwick complex and get a flight the next morning. Then you don't need a taxi (which will be a nightmare on a train strike day).

That's also a possibility but I'm going to go "party" with some friends

Also the sleeper train is £170! WTH!

I'm starting to think that none of this is an actual plan.

Believe it or not I now have a plan.

Fly in the morning, not book the haircut, and hope they'll fit me as a walk in. Stay overnight and fly the next morning.

There's friends I haven't for ages, so I'll go out with them Thursday night.

If your journey goes to plan, you could phone the salon when you're (say) half an hour away and check/book.

Exactly! Or message the stylist directly. I'll message her to explain my change of plans, and she should understand.

Well all Friday flights have been cancelled! As I don't want to be stranded in London with only one train (and if I miss it I'll be super stranded for two days), I'll have no choice but to drive :(

I know your flights have been cancelled now but just wanted to share that I am at Gatwick now, landed 40 minutes ago and we are still not off the plane. Earliest we will get off is another 15 minutes according to the pilot because there are no gates available. I know this is an extreme example but shows that it’s a possibility

The examples you’ve given of her work are not of ethnic hair - how odd 🤔

Yes, but she's the same ethnicity as me... There's that SE lady (which would be considered ethnic hair too) . Like I said she doesn't have that many non editorial examples.

Hair cut was totally worth it!

If this is on a strike day, then no chance. If anyone day, then according to Google Maps it would be do-able if your flight is not late and can you can get to the Thamelink for 8:56.

I can't see you making your return flight if you leave the shard around 5. It'd take you 45 mins minimum to get to the airport. Your gate will usually close 30 mins before departure, leaving you with only around 30 mins to get through security and reach your gate.

Pic! If you can anonymously of course. Did you drive in the end then?

Oh, are we live now? Hope meetings are going well.

Ooh, hoping for a pic of the haircut!

Voilà

That’s lovely! Really like the texture she’s given it. Soft but with a bit of an edge. Fabulous!

Yes it's great!! Love it!! All meetings done to now relaxing with a pint

I was biting my tongue about the terribly uneven fringe - then realised it was the panda's ears.