Haircut anxiety help

[Paperdove87]

Hi
I have huge anxiety around cutting my hair and going to the hairdressers. The longest I've ever gone without a cut is four years, when I finally managed to buck up the courage and drag myself in.

I am just starting to get lots of streaks of grey through my hair and I hate it. I've been obsessively combing through my hair and plucking them out but I know this has to stop. It's to avoid going to the hairdressers.

So what I'd like your help with-I don't know what to ask for when I go to the hairdressers/how long it will take etc etc.

I have frizzy/curly dark brown hair which is quite long at the moment but I would like it just below shoulder length, and I would like all of the greys covered and also some subtle highlights.

My questions are: how can I explain this to the hairdresser, how long will it take and around how much will it cost? (I'm in a smallish city nowhere near London) How can I find a good salon and how can I calm myself down before the appointment?

Thank you for reading this ridiculous essay. I realise I am probably massively overthinking but my stomach is in knots just thinking about it...

Would it make you feel more at ease if a stylist came to you? I can totally relate to not being keen on the idea of going in to a new salon; it took me years to find one I was comfortable in. Can any of your friends/colleagues/local FB sales and swaps group recommend a good mobile hairdresser?

Also, your explanation of what you'd like doing is spot on and exact what you should say to the hairdresser. If it helps time-wise, when I go to the salon for a cut and blow dry, it takes an hour.

Which area are you OP? I'm sure someone will know of a good hairdresser who will fit the bill for you.

Thank you for your replies. I think I'd prefer to go out to a salon but the Facebook group suggestion is a really good one.

If I did pick a salon, do I have to have a pre-appointment discussion, or do I just say what I want on the day? And about how far in advance would I have to book an appt?

I'm in Plymouth by the way.

I'd go in for a pre-appointment chat armed with pictures of exactly what you're after. That way, nothing is left open to interpretation! How far in advance varies from stylist to stylist/salon to salon and how flexible you are.

Hi OP do you know anyone who regularly has their hair done, and it always looks good? Ask them where they go - a personal recommendation is very useful.

Hi OP do you know anyone who regularly has their hair done, and it always looks good? Ask them where they go - a personal recommendation is very useful.

At my salon you ring up and usually they can fit you in that week, might be longer if it's a busy time of year. Normally you would just go there on the day and the stylist comes over and chats to you about what you want. FYI I think your description of what you want is perfectly clear, and probably something they do regularly for lots of people.

I normally get highlights and a cut and that generally takes 1 1/2 hours to 2 1/2 hours depending on whether I am getting a half head or a full head. It might take longer if you are also getting your greys done, but I don't know. You can ask on the phone when you ring up.

Oh also, not sure if you have had your hair dyed before but in case you haven't, most places will want you to go for a patch test before your appointment, so they know you aren't allergic to the dye. That is also something you can ask about when you ring.