Arghh I'm scared! I have just booked an appointment at a fancy hair salon in town...

[Thequeensfool]

...and I hate going to the hairdressers anyway - it is akin to dentists to me!

I have been sporting the Mnet haircut but have decided I want a drastcish change. I'm seeing a senior stylist.

He will laugh at me and my unkept bush won't he???

Help!!!

No, he will be thrilled to have a client wanting a big change in style 'cos he'll get the chance to be creative rather than dishing out another boring trim. Have you a specific idea of what you want?

Just watch out for all the 'extras'. Last time I went the cost was almmost triple the basic once they did the extra conditioner, protein doo-dah and sold me the shampoo, conditioner, etc.

Well I'm quite fancing a fringe and I want to go shorter (currently longish shoulder length).

wahwahwah - don't say that it's going to cost enough as it is!

I just feel so uncool when I go into these places, and have to resist the urge to say "Please don't give me a 'trendy' do - can you not tell by my crocs what sort of person I am?"

fancying

Wah! Wah! Danger zone. Trend Alert.

Yer do know that fringes are the height of cool right now, don't you? You could end up dangerously close to fashionable .

Don't start off by feeling unnerved, be prepared! I find it's best to be as specific as possible in asking for what you want. Arm yourself with pictures, harder to misinterpret actual photos.
Discuss thoroughly before they get to work. Speak up if you don't like it.

Finding a good hairdresser you trust & have established an understanding with is vital if you're to have any hope of enjoying the process. Here's to Mr Top Stylist being the man for the job.

Thanks 19fran

I so wish I could get to the stage of finding a good one, the problem is I avoid 'em like the bloody plague!!

Yep, finding one (& enduring the disappointing to bad haircuts along the way) is a drag. Last time I moved cities I picked a fairly expensive well known chain with an image I liked & went a couple of steps up the hairdressing chain (e.g. senior stylist) in the hope of finding a little talent & experience to boot. Looks like you're going for a similar approach. You've done all that you can, the rest is often luck. May the force be with you!

P.S. Is it soon? Come back & tell all about being thrilled or bitch desperately about the results

Two weeks away. I shall report back!

See you in a fortnight