I began going to a local salon recently refurbished and taken over by new people. I had two different stylists at that salon prior to lockdown. In between lockdowns I got an appointment in with my usual girl who told me she would be on maternity leave for most of 2021.
The salon phoned me to book an appointment when it reopened in April and the other two girls I asked for in place of my usual one had both left but they said they had another couple of stylists starting and would I be happy with one of those which I said I would.
Lisa cut and coloured my hair and I was very happy with the result. When paying they asked if I wanted to rebook and I asked for an appointment a month later just for root regrowth. He said he would book me with Linda who was more than capable of doing my hair. I said that I had been hoping that Lisa could do my hair again. He said of course and open the book on the page and said what time I did want so I then booked an appointment with Lisa. On the day of the appointment I was approached by another girl who said it was her first day but not to worry as she was really experienced. She did my hair and I was very pleased with it. I assumed that perhaps Lisa had left but during my appointment she came over and spoke to me.
I booked again for last week and they asked who I would like and I said Lisa and they said they would get Charlotte to colour my hair and Lisa would cut it and would that be okay? I was a bit taken aback but agreed to this.
As I no longer use cash have found it difficult to get a £5 to tip my stylist so usually ask at the till when paying by card if they can split a £10 note for me to give a £5 tip. They do this but instead of handing both £5 notes to me they put one under the counter for the stylist and hand one back. I am unable to see whether it is one tip jar or one for each stylist.
On last week's appointment I did the same with the tip and held my hand out for £5 change but he then proceeded to say one for Lisa one for Charlotte and put the money under the counter.
It just feels strange as with all previous salons I have always handed the tip straight to the stylist even when having asked them to change down a larger note. They have always handed all the money back to me.
Another point is that the salon is owned by a husband and wife team. He has never been a hairdresser and just hangs around the salon, his wife was a hairdresser but works elsewhere not hairdressing. They also employ a receptionist who again is not a hairdresser though she was not in on my last visit but even when she is there the owner seems to take over when it comes to me asking for a large note to be changed down.
I don't want to be unreasonable but it all seems a bit controlling to me and would love to know what others think, particularly hairdressers.