Is this a bad haircut?

[Edwardscissorhandys]

When it’s tied up especially, you can see each of the ‘cuts’ if that makes sense. It’s worse a day after washing too. This was only cut last week and at an expensive salon by the most senior staff member.

is this normal or a bad job??

Hard to say. It's not necessarily a bad cut. Having your hair up will change how the layers are sitting. It does look a bit blunt though. It could just need a bit of weight taken out. If it's sitting well when dried and styled the cut itself is probably fine. Did you tell the hairdresser that you wear your hair up often?

Yes I made this very clear as I had highlights so needed the placement of these to take this into account

If you're unhappy ask for a consultation to have it checked. They will usually redo it free of charge. Most stylists and salons are more than happy to tweak or correct work that isn't quite right. It happens.

I've had another look at the pictures and I think, it would be unfair to say its a bad hair cut. You are pulling your hair around in angles that the cut wouldn't account for. Cuts can take up to two weeks to settle down especially if its not been cut in awhile and/or dependent on the amount you had off. Your hair would have never been cut to be pulled to the side like you're showing. It completely changes the natural fall that your hair would have been tailored to. This doesn't mean it can't be softened by the way, but it could affect the over style and result. Cuts are all about geometry and making them suit/fit head and face shapes not mention your natural texture.

If you're still unsure and want to post some pics with it dried and styled, I can do my best to let you know.