To dread getting a haircut

[Quacksalver]

To the point where having an anal wart frozen a few weeks ago was easier/preferable?

No complaints about service - hairdresser was pleasant, and I'm more than pleased with the cut. I think it must be the eye-contact in the mirror, it makes me panic a bit. Not massively keen on being touched either, but don't find it as uncomfortable as the former.

Anyone else feel this way? How do you cope?

I hate the way the hairdresser listens to what you want then does what THEY want. Latest appointment: taking less off than I asked so I’d have to go back sooner. Only I haven’t been back at all.

I really would like a different style, but never feel I can articulate what I want.

Could you take in an image of what you want? Easier than trying to explain. You at least need the motivation of getting a cut you're happy with at the end of it. I bet you like it more in a couple of weeks, when it's settled/grown in a bit.

I'm a trained hairdresser but do something else now. I taught dh to do the back and I do the rest. Not that I hate going just saves time and money. He's very quick too.
Maybe I should do it again as a sideline at home. No small talk stylist 🤣

Put your phone or tablet in a ziploc bag, bring duct tape, ask if you can tape it to the mirror in front of you so that you can watch a show / movie without having to look downwards, and so it covers up your face in the mirror so you don’t have to stare at yourself. I’ve seen this loads of times done at my hairdresser, both with kids, and with adults having very long intricate services so as to pass the time. Most stylists want you to be comfortable, just explain you hate the process and they aren’t going to find it weird.

I have found a salon that does "mirror less" haircuts. The mirror is covered right up till the end. It's so much more comfortable for me, as I am a major mirror avoider.

Maybe see if you have a local salon that offers this?

I hate it too. Mostly because I hate staring at myself in the mirror for an extended time.

But my hairdresser is lovely and I get on really well with her, which makes it bearable. I am always glad when it's over though!

I have short hair and cut my own hair during Covid (no choice). I used clippers and thinning shears. The results were okay but it was a lockdown only experience, I wouldn't do it forever.

"do you mind if we don't chat? I've got a bit of a sore throat/hard of hearing/ similar"
Easy.

To the point where having an anal wart frozen a few weeks ago was easier/preferable?

I used to but I've found a salon I love. Everyone chats or I can wear headphones, he asks if you want to face the mirror or turn away and face into the room. Feel comfortable there and there's a dog!

I used to hate it until I found a really nice hairdresser who has an autistic son ( so is quite understanding of my quirks), works in a small salon with one other person so always fairly quiet, and knows what I want ( helps I've had the same hairstyle for 10 years).

Would you feel happier with a mobile hairdresser that came to your house?

I hate it too. I'm glad I'm not the only one. I find it easier to have a dry cut only but can't find anywhere at present that will do this. I hate having it washed, which takes far too long and all the head massage makes me want to get up and run away. Some of them have very bright lights which are awful when you have migraine and can't put your dark glasses on.
I can cope with the chat, but overall now I panic at the thought of going to a hairdresser so have been doing my own.