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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Leaving a long-term hairdresser

15 replies

hairdresserbreakup · 12/04/2023 12:05

I've had the same hairdresser for 30 years!! I can't quite believe it when I type it out but it's true. She's great and I've followed her around over the years but she's recently moved to a place much further away - over an hour drive and nightmare parking when you get there.

As she's now very senior it's about £200 for a cut and highlights (I appreciate this is probably going rate) but I need my colour done much more regularly as I've got a lot of grey around my hairline now. I can't really afford to spend not only the money but the time - at least 5 hours really - getting my hair done every couple of months, so I want to find someone more local.

The main problem I've got though is that my whole family (my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews) all get their hair done with her so if I stop going, it's going to be very obvious, she's almost like part of the family - she even came to my sister's wedding. Help - how do I navigate this without causing offence to someone I do really like.

OP posts:

Facem81 · 12/04/2023 12:08

You meet for a coffee andYou say what you’ve said here

. I can't really afford to spend not only the money but the time - at least 5 hours really - getting my hair done every couple of months, so I want to find someone more local.

Facem81 · 12/04/2023 12:09

She has spent thirty years at the same salon?

Facem81 · 12/04/2023 12:10

Ah sorry you followed her

Facem81 · 12/04/2023 12:10

She moved an hour away

She didn’t factor you in to that

so don’t feel guilty

Original poster

hairdresserbreakup · 12/04/2023 12:12

Yeah she's moved salons over the years, and spent a while working at her home/as a mobile hairdresser.

OP posts:

Amantissima · 12/04/2023 12:14

I think you simply say what you said here and say thanks for the good times. It's a perfectly reasonable decision, and not one based on any dissatisfaction with her service, and you've clearly been very loyal down the years.

BonnieGlasses · 12/04/2023 12:17

Get your family to tell her you've died. It's the only way.

Original poster

hairdresserbreakup · 12/04/2023 12:21

BonnieGlasses · 12/04/2023 12:17

Get your family to tell her you've died. It's the only way.

😁Genius!

OP posts:

potatowhale · 12/04/2023 12:27

I'd just be honest and say you're really glad she's done so well but you can no longer afford to see her regularly so will find someone else for maintenance and perhaps if you have a special occasion you'll be in touch

Blossomandbee · 12/04/2023 12:27

Just say you're sorry but with the price of fuel you really can't afford to travel to her anymore, but to keep in touch and let you know if she's in the area to do mobile or moves closer again. Its perfectly reasonable especially with the cost of living at the moment and if she's a real friend she'll understand.

LordEmsworth · 12/04/2023 12:57

Over an hour and nightmare parking?! That's on her, not you... Just say it was so horrible parking today, I don't think I can do this any more, it's too stressful to have a long drive then battle for a space...

PennyForearm · 12/04/2023 13:42

I'm self employed (not a hairdresser) and when I moved 45 minutes away I factored in losing a chunk of my clientele, it was only to be expected.

Just text her exactly what you said in your OP, "now that I have to factor in travel time and the cost of fuel I'm afraid I'm going to need to find a more local hairdresser. I've loved having you do my hair over the years and I hope you understand".

Flockameanie · 12/04/2023 13:47

I get it! My hairdresser has been cutting my hair for over 20 years - half my life in fact!
When I moved away I actually changed my hair style to one that needed less frequent cutting so that I could keep going to him. That’s how much I can’t imagine anyone else cutting my hair! I now go about every 3-4 months and it’s a full day outing (I combine it with shopping or seeing a friend)

So in your position I’d ditch the colour, embrace the grey (which I prefer anyway!) so that you dont need to go so often.

DiabolicalDee · 12/04/2023 13:56

I agree with PP, either fake your own death or just explain!

MsFogi · 12/04/2023 17:02

OP, in those 30 years has she ever given you a free cut/colour or reduced the price she charged you by a big percentage? In those 30 years has she ever done you a massive favour (eg doing your hair just before your sister's wedding)? In those 30 years have you felt that you have such a solid relationship that if you cancelled 5 mins before your appointment she would be okay (obviously just as a one off for a really good reason)? If not, then I simply don't think you need to worry - she is running a business and you have been a client for a long time but you are no more than that and are overthinking this.

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