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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To bring my kids to my hairdresser appointment

122 replies

cadburyegg · 22/09/2024 16:35

I really need my hair cut, but the only spot my hairdresser had was a cancellation on a Saturday in a couple of weeks time. Usually I schedule appointments for when my kids are at their dad's, but this appointment falls on my weekend. My mum would usually babysit but can't on this occasion.

I'd be in there for about an hour for a wash, cut and blow dry. Do you think it's acceptable to bring my kids - age 9 and 6 - along? They would bring either tablets (with headphones) and books etc to keep them occupied, no noisy toys. They are perfectly capable of sitting still for that long and wouldn't be running around.

OP posts:
AGirlInACountrySong · 22/09/2024 16:36

Is there the room for them to be taking up space... in this case 2 chairs?

pinkyredrose · 22/09/2024 16:37

Is there somewhere for them to sit? I'd check with the hairdresser

CagneyAndLazy · 22/09/2024 16:37

I'd say it depends on whether there's anywhere for them to sit and wait without leaving customers who are waiting for their appointment with nowhere to sit.

MichaelandKirk · 22/09/2024 16:37

Where will they sit whilst waiting? On a Saturday most hairdressers are busy and I often sit in the small waiting room until I am called so little space there

2dogsandabudgie · 22/09/2024 16:37

I think it depends on how large the hairdressers is. Is there a big reception area with chairs where they could sit and wait or will they have to stand.

MichaelandKirk · 22/09/2024 16:38

Personally I wouldn’t. I have seen a few times children just getting in the way or as others said taking up chairs that are for other clients.

BabyR · 22/09/2024 16:41

Ask your hairdresser? They are old enough to sit quietly so if there is space I’m not sure they would mind.

Tbskejue · 22/09/2024 16:41

No to be honest; I don’t think you can guarantee that they won’t start messing about and get in people’s way. If we all did that then hair dressers would be over run.
Also other people go for a relaxing cut which isn’t fair on others if your kids get bored.
I do know what it’s like; I’ve had to book annual leave for hair cuts before

DillDanding · 22/09/2024 16:43

No. For one thing, most women go the the hairdressers to get a break from kids. For another, it’s not a place for your kids to take up the reception seating area, no matter how well-behaved or quiet they are.

mushpush · 22/09/2024 16:46

Can you leave them in the car if it's in sight of your chair? Or is there any babysitter you can grab for an hour or so?

I mean double check with the hairdresser as PP have said, but imo unless a child is getting their hair done a hairdressers isn't really a great place for them to be hanging out - it's a "luxury" time for most people.

Honestly I just had similar - was in for a hair appointment and the lady next to me had her two kids, they were taking up so much space on chairs - I came back from having my hair washed and one was playing with my actual handbag and the mum was just smiling along - she wasn't impressed when I told the kid off 😂

LaineyCee · 22/09/2024 16:47

I really don’t think it’s ok. Imagine all the other women in the salon who have gone to the trouble of paying for childcare or delaying their appointment until a convenient time… those hoping to have a relaxing Saturday…. The staff finding themselves acting as unpaid childcare….

If it were me, I would wait.

AGirlInACountrySong · 22/09/2024 16:48

Actually no it isn't really fair on other customers.

It will be busy

Kids tend to need the loo...a drink...etc

Chocolateorange22 · 22/09/2024 16:49

Wouldn't bother me but I can see why it would for others. I hate having my hair cut and I hate having shite small talk with the hairdresser. Much rather talk to a child about the latest playstation games or whatever they are into nowadays at that age. However a lot of women use the time for self care and child free time. I'd talk to the hairdressers personally and see what they say.

LoserWinner · 22/09/2024 16:50

No, it’s not ok. You’ll just have to make an appointment for another time.

lemonyellows · 22/09/2024 16:53

I would ask your hairdresser. Would be fine at our hairdressers.

Aligirlbear · 22/09/2024 16:56

Sorry no. Most people go to the hairdressers for a relaxing experience , not to have kids there. You can’t guarantee they will sit quietly , they might get bored and then if they do misbehave / get in the way how will you manage this.

Saturdays are usually the hairdressers busiest day and not sure how the client or hairdresser would feel if customers couldn’t have a seat while waiting for an appointment because there were kids taking the chairs - most salons don’t have large waiting areas.

I think you probably know the answer because you normally have your appointment when you don’t have your kids 🙂

StormingNorman · 22/09/2024 17:01

Not cool. You’ll be disturbing other customers and it’s not fair to ask the receptionists to babysit (drinks, making sure they don’t go out the door, maybe having to ask them to be quiet, show them to the loo etc).

I think you need to re-book for a child free day.

Vettrianofan · 22/09/2024 17:02

I go there for peace and quiet to get a break from my own DC as they drive me demented and round the bend sometimes 🤪 so I prefer children not to be there unless they have specific hair appointments themselves.

Words · 22/09/2024 17:04

No! There are some mobile hairdressers who might be able to help.

Branster · 22/09/2024 17:05

A 6 and 9 year olds should be absolutely fine. Take them but mention it to the salon before you go.
I used to tag along with my mother to all sorts of hair and skincare appointments since I was very young. I loved it and there were no tablets in those days. It is a good experience for children to learn to be well behaved and stay out of the way. Everyone was really nice to me and I enjoyed those times.
Only difference, it was in a different country where children are accepted and welcome everywhere.
I took my own children to hair appointments when they were this young, sometimes they'd also have a haircut to break up the time a bit. Never had any problems and nobody seemed to mind.

theeyeofdoe · 22/09/2024 17:07

I'd just call and ask if there's room.
I go to a couple of places, one would have plenty of room, the other wouldn't.

bakewellbride · 22/09/2024 17:07

I did this once with toddler and 5 year old. Had zero childcare and it really needed doing. Asked in advance and they said it was ok. Eldest sat still on a chair and my friend who also happened to be there gave him her phone and was happy to chat to him. Youngest on my lap happy looking in the mirror. It was a very quick appointment- I arrived with wet hair and it was literally just a trim, took under ten mins. No way would I bring them for anything more and I try to avoid it altogether tbh but as a one off it worked well

BruFord · 22/09/2024 17:10

I agree with PP’s, call and ask whether there’d be room.

BeMintBee · 22/09/2024 17:13

Depends entirely on the salon. Wouldn’t be appropriate where I go as nowhere for them to sit and most people are probably there for a relaxing experience not potentially bored kids with screens. If your salon is ok with out please make sure you take headphones I have no tolerance for screen/phone noise in public even on low!

LochKatrine · 22/09/2024 17:13

Can you go to another hairdresser? It's best not to take them.