Over 50s’ hair … most stylists don’t really care?

[Foxypaws70]

Just realised this morning that it’s a long time since I’ve been really happy with my hair cut. I’m always pleased with the colour, but when it comes to the cut and finish it’s all a bit ‘meh’, and whatever we agree I end up feeling like the cut and finish is rushed and regardless of what I’ve asked for it’s just a tidy up of what’s there already. Just looked in the mirror and thought, well, it’s cos you’re middle aged and invisible: who cares, no one’s looking at you anyway, hand over the £100+ and begone old hag!

I think the answer might be that I need to change my salon?! Stop going to chains because they’re convenient?! Any recommendations in South London?!

Oh dear. Your post made me laugh mostly because its the way i have been feeling about myself recently. Yes, 'Invisible' just about sums it up. Approaching 48 very soon....please tell me something there is to look forward to on approach to 50?????

You're probably right. My hairdresser (mobile) is in her 20s and keeps up with trends, and we sometimes flick through a few style websites before going for the chop.

I think you need to find someone you are comfortable with and build a relationship.

I feel like this, and am mid 40s

I know a great salon in London (very £££) and have spent 2 years going to local ones (tried about 4 by now!) my last one was rubbish.

The young trendy girl's contempt for me was palpable.
"So what are we doing today then?"
"My hair needs a cut, I am not really sure what to do with it?" (Hoping for suggestion)
"Shall I just cut it all off at chin length?"
"Ehm, not sure I want to go that short"
"So you DO know what you want." Rolls eyes "just an inch then ?"
"I guess, what abou...." But she had wandered off.

When I sat down again with wet hair, she lopped off about 4-5 inches in about 2 minutes, forgot to do my fringe and charged me £60 for a cut and finish

I think what I say and my hairdresser actually hears are two very different things. Can't change my hairdresser as she is a family friend so I put up and shut up

That's shocking, well sadly it probably isn't shocking but it stinks. And it shows how little business sense they have as our age group must spend way more on our hair than young people.

I've not noticed it myself, possibly because I've been going to the same hairdresser for around 25 years so we're kind of growing old together but at the same time, it's quite a modern salon so he keeps up with trends and techniques.

I think if I had to start again, I'd look for a salon where both the stylists and the customers were a diverse range of ages although I bet that's pretty hard to find.

Can't change my hairdresser as she is a family friend so I put up and shut up ...

Are they blackmailing you?

Like the hairdressing maffia

Just change hairdresser. You fancy something new... is that so hard? Mind, be prepared to go somewhere ££. My hairdresser reckons most customers are 40+ these days and says young girls are not prepared to spend money and look rubbish as a result of DIY or friend's efforts!

I'm older than 50 and don't feel that way at all! I've had two hairdressers in the last three years and they've both been good. Change your hairdresser.

I am nearer 60 than 50 these days, but delighted with my hair. Have been with hairdresser over 20 years (with a few breaks when I was working away). Was there on Wednesday morning for highlights and a cut and it looks fantastic and not "done" at all.
If you are not happy with your hairdresser try other places? Also you need to make sure that what you are asking actually suits you and your hair type.

There's a nice new place in Forest Hill which isn't cheap but isn't eye-watering either - they did me a very nice cut.

I've got great local hairdresser who has given me some of the best cuts ever, and only charges £35. I'm 49, and have recently gone very short, and I absolutely love it. I feel a lot less invisible, and get loads of compliments. It also somehow detracts attention from the jowls.

I say try a new hairdresser, and a shorter cut!

I really can't change hairdressers. She is a good friend but just goes a little "off course" when it comes to my hair. But thanks for all the advice !

Can't you have it done somewhere else, say you were on holiday and just felt like experimenting, and then she can follow the guidelines of the new do? Or some such subterfuge?

I am in SE London and have been going to a newish local hairdresser for over a year now and the stylist who cuts my very thick hair is fab and not too expensive PM me if you want details!

Thank you all as it's Friday

If you're prepared to go into central London and pay £££, can recommend my stylist at Daniel Galvin. I'm older than you but he certainly listens and takes trouble to give me a great cut.

Thanks Polyhymnia but I'm not in England. But I really appreciate everyone's kindness and I apologise to O P for hijacking her thread

I 'm over 50 and I'm probably one of my hairdresser's younger clients .