My clients and members of our forum often seek advice on three slightly uncomfortable hair salon situations: First, how do you tell your current hair stylist, with whom you have developed a relationship, that you want to have your hair done by someone else. Second, what do you do after a hair cut or colour when you aren’t satisfied with the results. And third, what is considered an appropriate tip. 

It’s Not You, It’s Me

The first situation is tricky when you feel a sense of loyalty towards the hair stylist who has been doing your hair for years. Leaving them to go somewhere else would probably hurt their feelings and make you feel bad.  But unfortunately they don’t do the best job on your hair, and you want a change.

Well, in my book, you have two choices here. You either politely and diplomatically level with your stylist, or just move on without explaining why you won’t be visiting their salon in future. Your hair is your crown and it deserves the very best style. You shouldn’t feel bad or disloyal about trying to find a better hair stylist because it’s your right to be completely satisfied with a service. Hair appointments are also expensive so you must get value for your money. 

Fortunately so far, I’ve been spared of this particular scenario. I’ve had extremely bad haircuts, but they were  by hair stylists who had not gained my trust and loyalty. I’d seen them once or twice and just moved on no questions asked. Now, I have a brilliant hair stylist who has been doing my hair for 8 years. We get on really well and I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else unless we left Seattle.

Unsatisfied Customer 

Onto situation number two, which I think we’ve all experienced at some point. My hair stylist, Teresa, as incredible as she is, sometimes misses an area that needs a little more texturizing. I only notice this is the case when I’ve done my hair myself a few times after the cut. Once, we also tried a new colour and I was unhappy with the result.

Theresa always wants to know when we need to tweak her work. We arrange a follow up appointment as soon as possible and she fixes the problem to my satisfaction, free of charge. I don’t know if all hair stylists offer this level of service, but I’m spoiled by Teresa’s professional and customer-centric approach. 

If you’re unhappy with the result directly after a hair appointment, I think you should be able to go back to the stylist and have them fix their mistake free of charge. Of course, things get harder when you’ve lost confidence in your stylist’s ability to repair the job. In that case you probably have to live with a not-so-fab hairdo while you find a new stylist. 

The Tip

Tipping customs will differ across countries and cultures. In the US, customers usually tip hair stylists between 10% and 20%. I tend to tip closer to 10% and that works for me. I don’t think that you should feel obliged to leave a huge tip if you’re uncomfortable doing so. After all, a tip is an act of goodwill, a pat on the back and a little extra for a job well done. It is not mandatory. 

This is my take on how to handle these situations, but I’d love to know your thoughts too. How do you leave a hair stylist who you like, but isn’t giving you the best results? How do you cope with unsatisfactory results directly after an appointment? And what is an appropriate hair salon tip?

You are on Team Make-Up if you like to browse through make-up counters and generally prefer make-up to accessories. You are on Team Accessory if you like to browse through accessory counters and generally prefer accessories to make-up.

For me, this an easy poll. You won’t catch me at a make-up counter unless I need to replenish my stock or take one of my clients shopping for a new make-up routine. VERY occasionally, I look into a new lipstick colour, but other than that, make-up counters do not hold my interest. I’ve never worn a smokey eye, and I’ve only sported eye shadow once (a garish blue and pink to a high school dance in 1987). However, I do wear a little make-up daily because I bat for Team Polished. 

You are much more likely to find me at the accessory counter. More specifically, the handbag counter. I am a bag lady. I LOVE handbags. I never tire of looking at them, and they totally complete my style. Although I have stripped my style of most accessories these days, I still love them. Without a doubt I am Team Accessory. 

Over to you. Are you Team Make-Up or Team Accessory? Tell us why and no batting for both Teams. 

Several of my clients bought into the coloured jeans trend this year because it provides an excellent casual alternative to basic denim. Red, cobalt, and emerald green jeans have been favourites, and I purchased a coral pair in Spring. 

Although my clients were excited about the idea of fun bright jeans, they were also a little unsure about how to style them. As a result, I have spent many client hours creating outfits with bright jeans, combining both classic and edgy wardrobe components. The combination below was particularly popular because it’s easy, casual and comfortable.

The components:

Bright Jeans: Choose any colour and silhouette. From bright red to deep burgundy, and from blush pink to teal. Skinny, straight leg, and bootcut shapes are fab. 

Grey and White striped Top: A grey stripe compliments coloured jeans because it’s softer and less contrasting than a black and white stripe. I prefer to pair my coral jeans with grey and white layers because to my eye, this looks crisper and less harsh than black and white combinations. Of course, a bold black and white stripe can also look fab in some ensembles, especially ones with cobalt and red jeans. 

Striped tops are not your only option here. A grey (or black) and white argyle, polka dot or geometric patterned top can also work.

Casual grey topper: Again, I’m keeping the toppers grey because of the softening effect. A wool sweater coat hides dirt and lint, and is uber cozy. For a little more structure, a knitted fleece blazer or simple cardigan does the trick. Feel free to wear a woven topper if knitted versions are not your thing.

Short Slate Boots or Booties: Grey boots are ideal because they bookend the grey in the top part of the outfit, AND they can create a longer leg line. Black boots create a higher contrast against most bright jeans, which in turn shortens the line of the leg. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t wear black boots with coloured jeans. But if you do feel short-legged wearing black boots with bright jeans, try a lighter colour of footwear.

Casual Bag: I chose a cream satchel because white outfit additions amplify the clean and modern integrity of an ensemble. But by all means throw in any handbag colour that tickles your fancy. 

As with all outfit formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to personalize the formula and make it about YOUR style. For example, if you like to mix patterns, add a scarf. White pearls will pick up the white of the bag and stripe. Stick to earrings and a wrist watch for a more minimal look. Wear bangles. Wear a hat. Above all, have fun making this look your own.

Sometimes I daydream about strolling into a vintage clothing boutique and stumbling upon an entire row of perfectly fitting long-sleeved designer midi dresses. No going through endless racks first. They’re just there, waiting to come home with me. I daren’t even imagine what the sight of an authentic Chanel jacket in mint condition — very reasonably priced, of course — would do to me. Oh la la! I’d probably faint on the spot!.

In reality my second-hand shopping track record is nothing to write home about. Not for lack of trying, but I usually leave empty-handed. That’s why it always impresses me no end how the many savvy thrift and vintage shoppers on the YLF forum manage to snap up the most gorgeous pieces. I’ve often wondered how to go about it. Do you need a system? A good dose of luck? Or just tons and tons of patience? Do tell ladies, what is your number-one tip?

For all of us hoping to improve the chances of finding our very own treasure, I’ve added two shopping guides to the bookstore’s new Shopping Category. First we can brush up on our vintage clothing knowledge with Melody Fortier’s The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping. Many thanks to forum member Rosee, an accomplished “vintage fashion hound”, for pointing me in the direction of this charming little volume. Then we could hit the stores armed with The Fashionista’s Shopping Guide to the Galaxy of Discount New York Fashion, written by Sharyne Wolfe.

I’m also curious to hear what you like to do after a successful day of shopping, once you’ve modelled and put away your new goodies. Put up those tired feet and watch a movie perhaps? Well, with The Runaways, this week’s biopic about the 1970’s all-girl rock band formed around Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, you can linger in the past just a while longer.