How to politely leave my nail tech?

[lasciviousoldram]

I'm new to having a bit of self-care so unsure what the etiquette is.
Basically, for the past six months I've been having my nails done at a salon in the next town over. I go here because I saw my nail techs work on Facebook and thought it was great. She is excellent but has very few spare appointments as she is so booked up all the time. As a result, in order to keep up the maintenance I've had to start booking the odd bit of time off just so I can get an appointment which is not sustainable.
I have noticed that there is a salon close to my work in the city that I could nip to on my lunch hour which would be miles easier.
My next appointment is in August (that's when she could next fit me in due to holidays etc) . How do I nicely say that I want to cancel and go to a different salon without causing offence? I'm probably overthinking this but I hate cancelling pre-booked appointments. It's just a pain not being able to get the upkeep done. I'm going to have to soak off my existing set and hope they aren't too damaged as they would be like claws by August.

The grown up thing is to say exactly that - this isn't working for me, love your work but can't keep taking time off.

Most people would say - sorry but something's come up and I need to rearrange, can I cancel and will be InTouch about rearranging (then just... Not ...)

You phone the salon and say "oh hello, lasciviousoldram here, I've an appointment with Super Name Sal on [insert: day, date, time]. I'm so sorry but I can't make it". If they ask if you want to make another, just say you'll phone back later.

Thank you. I definitely don't want to do the latter as she is a lovely person and we have a mutual friend so there is every chance I may bump into her. I will put my big girl pants on and just be honest. I just felt bad but the logistics just aren't working!

I see the problem...it's having a mutual friend. Don't worry about though. If she is so busy, it won't affect her and she should understand.

I was in similar situation a few months ago and didn’t want to burn my bridges as we have a few people in common. I just messaged her a reasonable time (about a week) before the upcoming appointment and said I’d decided to take a break from getting my nails done and she was fine with that.

My advice from working the industry is to be honest.

Tell her you can’t get your maintenance appointments fitted in as she’s so busy and you want to. Ask if she can free up a slot or that you are thinking about stopping having nails.

There is such a demand for nail technicians (all beauty services), one client leaving because it’s more convenient for them won’t effect their business, and a good businesswoman wouldn’t take it personally. Someone will fill your appointment as you are giving her more than enoughs notice.

All you have to do is either call or send a text, say you have something on on the date, & won’t be able to make it and leave it at that. If she asks if you would like reschedule (which a good businesswoman would) say you’re unsure of your schedule so far in advance but appreciate the offer.

A job’s a job. I don’t take it personally when a client goes to someone else instead of me, and most people won’t. Don’t feel bad at all!

Keeeeeep striving & thriving with fab nails

Thanks for the advice. I definitely want to be honest with her. I'm definitely an overthinker- she is so busy that I doubt she will miss my slot. Still want to giver her plenty of notice - I think two months is pretty good!

This is exactly what happened to me, the lovely lady I went to was just too busy, and I was busy too, I go to a walk in salon now, never book, hardly ever have to wait more than ten minutes

Just cancel your appointment and don't make another one. If she's. That busy then will probably not notice or care!

I'm not seeing what the issue is here, just ring up and say 'hi, I've got a nail appoint on x day with x, can I cancel this please' if they say 'do you want to rebook' reply with, not at the moment, I'll give you a call when I'm next available'

just be honest , if they are struggling to book you in she Is obviously very busy so can easily fill your place . My nail technician is the same I always book in a couple appointments ahead so it fits in with me as can only really do Saturdays.
just say I can’t book time off work in the long term for my nails so found one close to work no big deal . But my advice book appointments ahead as a lot are booked in as most want weekends or evenings and with nails taking 1 hour plus only so many nails they can do in a day .