Hairstylist Etiquette Question

My hair needs to be trimmed every 4 weeks in order to keep its shape. Although my hair is straight, it's very thick and if not trimmed regularly, I get what I call "my mighty hump" - the hair on the top and back of my head just gets so thick it starts to resemble a camel's hump.

Here's my dilemma - my stylist is away on an extended European vacation and when I paid for my last cut (which was September 18th), I went to book my next appointment as I always do and because of timing and my stylist's vacation, I can't get in until November 20th. That's 8 weeks people!!! I'm going to look like something that's escaped from the zoo by then. It's already looking like it needs a trim.

Is it bad manners to call and see if I can get in with a different stylist in the salon in the interim knowing my stylist will realize someone else cut my hair when I see her in November, or do I just ride it out, buy an assortment of hats and wait until November 20th? I'm also not sure if anyone in the salon will cut my hair the way Lorri does and so I may not be happy with it...

Advice?

9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Go in! My stylist actually tells me who to see in her salon if I she's away during my moments of desperation.

AviaMariah

I would totally find someone else to do it. She knows you need it cut that often and has to expect that her clients will use someone else while she's on an extended vacation. In fact, I almost think she should have recommended someone for you to see.

Alassë

I agree - go ahead and get it cut. If you feel you need to, you can always explain apologetically when she gets back.

Diana

I'd go ahead and get the trim. Can you ask your regular stylist who she would recommend? Then it'll all be above board.

Suz

(website)

Absolutely get it done by somebody else -- if you can find a somebody you trust. My stylist would tell me to do it for sure. LOL about the mighty hump. Viva and Lisa and I have commiserated about the massive "puff" -- my head starts looking like a puff ball at around week 5, and I have to use that flat iron every time I move, it seems, to get things looking halfway decent.....my stylist will take one look at me when I come in and shake her head. "Oh, we're back to big hair, are we?" she will deadpan.

Anonymous

Oh yeah, by all means see someone else! You are not beholden to a stylist - ever. Remember - you're the one paying for this She will not even question you for seeing someone else for a quick trim! I just had my big solid hat (my version of your hump) cut today too - quite a bit shorter than usual, but what the heck -I think I actually like it! DD and DH have not said a word yet, and both have seen me. They know better

DonnaF

I totally agree with the others. Having someone else cut is totally scary, but waiting eight (8) EIGHT!!!! weeks would only happen if I am on my deathbed as I think our hair grows at about the same speed.

retailgirl

Get it cut by someone else! Ask your stylist for a recommendation. My hair is short and thick and curly, and needs to be cut every 6 weeks at the most. My hairdresser quite often gets assignments that take her out of town for weeks at a time, ( another job), and I have had my hair cut by someone else, no hurt feelings at all! I have ben going to my hairdresser for over 30 years!

Sharon

I would think that they would be happy that you are continuing to give the salon your business. I have had my hair cut by a different stylist on several occasions when the one who usually cut is for me is away.

Thistle

Absolutely get it cut. If you honestly think your stylist would mind, ask a friend for the name of their salon. Otherwise, I would just go to another stylist at your current one.

Elly

I think the best way to handle this is (next time) to ask who she recommends for a cut while she is away, esp. since it sounds like she works in a salon which would have other stylists. Most salon owners encourage stylists to do that. She is the best person to know who else is good with your cut and hair type and will know the other stylists talents on a professional level.
Alternatively, the receptionist should know if you ask --- but by all means, please get your hair cut! She shouldn't mind one bit.

Caro in Oz

I'll see your "mighty hump" & raise you a helmet (at about seven weeks).
My only concern would be the same as Suz - is there another stylist you can trust?

K. Period.

I agree! If you can, ask who would be her choice for you to go to for the in-between cut. If not, then pick someone and go. If you stay within the salon family, it should all be just fine. She'd have to be crazy to not understand. After all, you are returning to her as soon as she's back.

Michelle

It's still unanimous, Shannon - by all means have someone pinch hit for your stylist while she's away! There's no breach of etiquette in the case - a girl's gotta tend to her hair! And who knows, a new person may introduce some sort of innovation, or even a new drying/styling technique, that resonates with you during this new season. I know you're feeling somewhat at sea with your style lately and perhaps you want to keep your hair as one stable element, and that's totally fine too. Either way, go ahead and book that appointment.
Your reply

viva

DO NOT SUFFER THE MIGHTY PUFF.

Seriously, you don't owe that to your stylist, or to anyone! Just get the best person you can get to stand in for her while she is away.

Echo

Absolutely do not wait. Call the salon and be frank about the situation and ask if there is anyone they would recommend during your stylist's absence. Your stylist will understand; indeed, she will likely expect you to have a trim while she is gone.

I have a stylist who I sometimes don't manage to see for months (long hair doesn't need trimming as much), and he always, ALWAYS welcomes me back with open arms (sometimes literally!). They are there for you, not vice versa.

Tanya

Another vote for no waiting, why would you? I would ask your syliy for a recommendation, this way she/he will know what is going on and you will not feel strange once they are back.

Angie_T

Active Member

One of my closest friends is my stylist and he would be appalled if I had to go 8 weeks without an appointment. He would definitely say book with someone else. But he would also want to make sure I was coming back to him!

Neel

Lol! You are too funny! You have to see another stylist. I have done it too. I was too desperate for a haircut and got myself booked with the next best stylist in the salon. And I loved her more

Alexandra

Not bad manners at all! Your hair doesn't slow down just because your stylist is off on vacation. I'd get in with someone else and return to the regular stylist when she comes back. If it were a matter of a few days, I might be inclined to wait. But walking around with a mighty hump (I love that, hehe, and I know exactly what you're talking about) for more than a few days is out of the question.

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