Crying and walking out of hairdresser

[Calmondeck]

I don’t usually place much importance on haircuts but today’s was a big one. My first haircut post brain surgery. I was partially shaved for the operation so have rocked a very misshapen head for the past 8 months. Now I have multiple bolts holding my skull together, and I guess the psychological significance of getting to cut off all of this old hair that remains and starting afresh 8 months on felt big. I researched top hairdressers in my city and booked aiming to make it a special afternoon. I explained to them in advance the scaring and bolts issue. I arranged childcare.

After 4 hours, an hour of which was spent waiting for the hairdresser, and an hour waiting with wet hair while they forgot about me at the sinks… i just got quietly teary, realised I had to leave in order to cross the city and make it home to breastfeed my baby before bed…

now walking through the city with wet hair so disappointed. First world problems I know.

was I ABU for leaving?

You poor love. 100% you were not unreasonable. That salon needs to make you a huge apology, and I would totally understand if you didn't want to set foot in there again.

I have a neurological condition that can affect my speech. Especially if cold, or upset. So I really feel for you there as well and can totally relate.

Hope you get a lovely new 'do soon- and spoilt like the queen you are. And FWIW, I used to be a hairdresser and have dealt with quite a few clients who've had brain surgery- good to make the salon aware, if it may affect your comfort, but I can assure you that they will have seen all sorts of scalps with all manner of protrusions, cysts, misshapen skulls etc. When you feel up to going to have it done, I'm sure you will have a lovely positive experience. Sending all good wishes to you!

Oh my god op this is an utter disgrace. I am so sorry to read this. If it was me when feeling stronger I would do an absolutely devastating google review and submit a formal complaint to the hairdressing professional body. Outrageous. Name and shame?

@Calmondeck
I’m so sorry they treated you so badly.
I am a hairdresser and I have a client in a similar situation, unfortunately she never regained her speech apart from a few words, before her first appointment with me her SIL explained the situation so I booked her in with no other clients for her first appointment, she had saved photos on her phone and we have established a great way of communicating, I never have more than one other client there while she is there and I always make sure it’s not someone who will try to ask her questions or engage her in conversation because I know she’s not comfortable with that.

I work for myself, by myself. I think you would get much better treatment from
someone who does the same. I care more than the bigger, busier salons. I want people to be happy and comfortable and want to come back. I hope you hear from them but I wouldn’t return. Find a small
place. They will appreciate you more and treat you better.

I am wondering if this comes under the 'Sale of Goods and Services Act' in UK, though perhaps that is only if you pay up front, or give your card for a deposit.

You could seek help from Citizens Advice, who filter for the Trading Standards.

So, what happened during the remaining two hours you were there? Did you actually get your hair cut? I'm assuming you did. Was there an apology for keeping you waiting for so long?

Absolutely appalling, what a horribly traumatic thing to happen..I agree you should ask them to refund your babysitting costs and if you have the strength I'd approach your local newspaper with the story if they don't offer you a free haircut (at least!)youre no way being unreasonable, good luck with everything and especially your recovery.

That salon needs to offer you free hair treatment for a year as an apology!! If it was me, I couldn't go back there though. Congratulations on your recovery and on your baby. I really hope you get the well deserved hairstyle, you brave lady! ❤

NAME AND SHAME!!! ⭐

Pretty shocking. Hope you get some correspondence from them. Please let us know!

It’s 7 months later and I can’t hold off getting a haircut any longer. I’m hoping the next experience in a new salon will be a lot more positive. Any recommendations of a kind hairdresser in London, who can do natural-looking foils?

I concur

@Calmondeck I remember your thread, though I didn't post on it at the time. I hope you are doing ok 🙂

It's not an independent/family sort of salon but Aveda in Covent Garden is wonderful. I've been going for years & every staff member without exception has been delightful. Plus you know you're experiencing the best in haircare & therefore feel suitably special & pampered.

I hope you really enjoy your next appointment 🙂

Try open barbers - primarily LBGT, but open to all - very caring and sensitive.
I've been using them for several years, they're excellent, and a social enterprise.
Some of their work has been with people who have AIDS/HIV.
Open Barbers

Also, there's a charity called My New Hair
My New Hair
Aimed at training hairdressers to work with people that have cancer - but presumably if their recommended salons have people that have done that training, they will work sensitively with clients that have other health conditions/experiences.

Good Luck
A friend of mine had brain surgery in the summer, I'm not sure if she's got to 'first haircut' yet, she was v concerned about it initially, but they managed not to shave very much. Although she was very self conscious, the patches really weren't too obvious

Just had a look at My New Hair - in addition to styling wigs, they do reccommend salons for advice on regrowth of hair.
their map of salons doesn't seem to be working - but there must be a facility to call or email.

not another salon is my favourite place to have my hair done in London- i’ve seen both Melissa and Debs and they’re both fabulous- the salon is super cosy and quirky and the experience is just really pleasant. I hope wherever you choose they make you feel like a queen.

I know a lady but not sure what part of London she works in. I'll pm you her details. She did my cut and colour for years. I had rainbow hair.

Which part of London are you looking in?

@Calmondeck Did you ever get an apology from the first salon? Disgraceful!

Another vote for Not Another Salon. It's a while since I've been, but this is right up their street 👍

I'm so sorry that you went through this, their treatment of you was fucking disgusting, totally unacceptable especially seeing as they already knew what you have been through!!

I hope someone reads these bastards the riot act.

And obviously it's totally up to you, but personally I would name and shame them.

I wish you all the best with your recovery ❤️

Hi, I don't know what part of London you live in, but I can highly recommend Salon HQ, they are based in Manor Close in Thanesmead, south east London.

They are very friendly and accommodating, and their prices are very reasonable too.

Here's their details if you are interested: Salon H Q Hairdressing
020 8311 6677

g.co/kgs/xbNL75Z

I have no recommendations, OP, but I remember your thread and wondered if they ever had the basic human decency to contact you and offer up a grovelling apology.

Wow I’ve only just seen your original post and I’m so sorry this happened.
On the off-chance you live in my neck of the woods, I really recommend Elisa at Buzz Salon on Newington Green. It’s her salon, she’s lovely and really kind. I moved here in May and have only been twice but read loads of great reviews.
Just wanted to add what shone through from your post (once you got home from the non-haircut) is the love of your family and I hope you’re doing well.

Where did you go before your surgery op? I'd go to someone I knew or failing that if they've closed ask family and friends for local recommendations.

Maybe Google any mobile hairdresser? Getting it done at home would be far less stressful that going to a salon if you're still having any treatment. Sorry for your previous experience. I've endured similar post major op, there are a lot of thick people out there sadly .

I'm so sorry you went through that OP. I don't know what part of London you are in / near, but on the off chance it's SW London, Peterpenny's Hair and Beauty Salon on Putney Bridge Road is excellent - small independent salon, extremely good at cutting, extremely kind and lovely. If you really wanted to treat yourself their beauty therapist Rebecca is honestly one of absolute the best masseuse I've ever come across.