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Hair question

shiny

Veteran

What would you do in this situation:

My favorite hairdresser disappeared leaving no forwarding information. Months ago, I went back the the same salon anyway, and a different hairdresser cut my hair. She did an okay job - the cut looked great and was workable and grew out gracefully. My only beef was that she did some razoring, which on my fine hair is really stupid. So I had to wrestle more frequently with a flat iron. But it was workable.

Then we had a family emergency and I just couldn't get back in for 4 long months.... my hair grew and grew...

Finally I went back in two weeks ago. The second hairdresser had also left, leaving no forwarding information (see a trend here?? High turnover at this salon!!). So they gave me a new one.

I liked her, she was nice to chat with and everything, but.... I don't think she took enough length off my hair. I did tell her that it had been 4 months. I even had photos to show her the style and the length I wanted. But basically she gave me a "trim" only, as if it had only been 4-6 weeks since my last cut.

I kept telling her "shorter please" throughout the cut. But she didn't listen. "Oh trust me, I know what I'm doing - you'll like this" etc. Once it was all blown dry, she asked what I thought, and I said, "It's fine but I really wanted it shorter." Unfortunately, I had run out of time and had to get back for a meeting.

She did say if I was unhappy I could call and come back in and she'd fix it.

Well, I keep looking in the mirror and thinking, "I just had my hair cut and I feel like I'm already overdo for another cut." Argh. If you haven't noticed, I have been just pulling it back in a headband.... which is what I do when it's gotten too long!

DH thinks I'm just stressing out over this, because I'm stressed out about our upcoming trip and everything we need to get done, so I am focusing on this as a way to procrastinate on the rest.

Anyway, what would you do in this situation:

A) Call the salon back, ask the same hairdresser to cut it again. For free.

B) Forget it completely and just worry about it when we get back from Paris. Afterall, who cares what I look like in the photos? (sigh)

C) Go check out that salon that is closer to home.... walk in today, explain the situation, ask if they can re-do the haircut for me. And choke it up and pay for it. But, at least then I will have a new hairdresser closer to home.... hopefully someone who will listen to me and have the same vision for my hair that I do!!

Cast your votes now...

General

25 replies

Latest reply was from Nicole

Dani

Veteran

I'd call the salon and tell them that the hairdresser you went to yesterday wouldn't listen to you and you're not happy with the cut. If it's worth your gas money, then I would go back in for another try with the same stylist (or a different one if they're willing for the the cut to be free). If it's too much of a hassle to get to the other salon, I'd try the closer to home location and choke up for a cut. I'd grill the person answering the phone about your hair type and experience of the person they're recommending before setting an appointment.

You won't want to have to worry about your hair while you're out of the country and you'd feel better if you had a good cut before leaving. Just my 2 cents.

shiny

Veteran

Thanks Dani - especially for the validation!

I worry because I would really NOT like to have to bring my flat iron, and attempt using it with a converter, running the risk of blowing it up. I want a style that is easy to work with and I don't need to spend an hour wrestling with it and applying so much product just to get it to lay right! Grrrr.

Usually when it's the right length, I need very little styling product. It's only as it grows out that I start needing mousse or gel and other stuff. I would prefer not to have to lug all that extra crap along with me.

christie

I wouldn't go back to the same hairdresser. That's like sending back food at the restaurant. You're just asking for the cook to spit in it.

Why not go get your hair done in Paris? I think that would be a great opportunity to try something different.

Anonymous

I completely agree with Dani. Your hair is important! Especially before such a great trip to Paris! Get it cut the way you want so you can feel confident and have lighter luggage on your trip. You will feel SO much better if you get your hair done the way you planned!

Anonymous

Christie was a bit faster to reply then me ! But now I love the idea of getting your hair cut in Paris! What do you think, Shiny?

Nicole

Veteran

I wouldn't go to Paris with a haircut I wasn't happy with. You'll be stressing out enough. But, personally, I would not go back to the same place. I would be annoyed that their stylists keep leaving w/no forwarding info, and that she disregarded you requests for a shorter cut.

I am a big fan of doing things locally anyway. If I had to drive 30 minutes to get a hair cut, I would look at that as HUGE inconvenience. I'd stop in the local place, ask them to assess your hair and tell them how you like it cut (short with scissors) and what you don't like (razors, thinning scissors, and hairdressers who pooh pooh your requests). Then see if they can fit you in before you leave for Paris.

Hopefully you will find a hairdresser that you like and is closer to home. If not, at least you go to Paris with a shorter haircut, and you can start your search for a new hairdresser when you return.

I've had favorite hairdressers leave me high and dry in the past. I finally have a hairdresser that I love (just walked in from a touchup color and cut actually). She's crazy busy and a lot of people wouldn't like the way she overbooks herself. You don't get a lot of undivided attention from her. BUT--she works best under pressure apparently. Today she had 5 people getting haircuts/perms/color treatments all at the same time. One was her mom, and she was helping with the shampooing (with her hair in perm rollers!). Never a dull moment at her shop. Like I said, not everyone's cup of tea--but I'm willing to put up with it cuz I love the way she does my hair.

shiny

Veteran

Problems with getting it done in Paris:

1) Wouldn't know where to go
2) DH would be bored
3) DD15 would insist on having her hair done too (she went with me to the other salon and got her tips dyed pink... and the pink washed out in just three shampoos)
4) Exchange rates: would rather save the $ for clothing
5) Really need to find a NEW salon back here in the states, for going forward

I'm researching online, a few salons that are closer to my house and look promising....

Sihaya

Veteran

I would go back to the salon and ask them to redo for free. Either with the same or a different person but only a different person if you know them. Then I'd switch salons and go to the place closer to home when you're due for your next cut. Once I find a good hairdresser, one of the first things I do, is get their cell number so I can call them when they move since some salons intentionally won't give you their forwarding info. It takes me time to find someone I like and I usually stay with them for years - as long as they're in the business or in the same state. I'm sorry you're having to go through so much churn.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What a nuisance. I wouldn’t go back to the same place either. I’d find a new hairdresser asap and go have it cut before you’re off. Having your hair cut in Paris is tricky if you can’t speak French. But if you can speak French, have your haircut there.

Take your flat iron and use a converting plug. The one from Radio Shack works really well. I have done this forever and nothing has blow up yet!

Rosie

Veteran

This is such a common issue! I went through the same thing, but the lady had seriously botched my hair. I think there are times when you complain and go back so that you get what you wanted and get your money's worth, but I personally don't do that with my hair. It is just too frightening!

Do you know anyone who has gone to the local salon? Perhaps you could look on Yelp or something to see if there are any reviews.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

This happened to me the first time I went to see my current hair dresser, Bobby. The difference was that I had long hair, and was chopping a good bit of it off. He gave me a very conservative haircut that I wasn't really happy with. The difference is that I've been to many hairstylists and since my hair is naturally curly and very fussy, I can tell when someone knows what they are doing, and he did. The cut itself wasn't bad, it was actually a great haircut, just "not me." I did sort of feel like he didn't listen to me, but I think I was not very clear in what I wanted either, and he just erred on the side of caution. I called him back, and got my cut adjusted for free (he said he felt terrible), but I decided to stick with him because I thought he probably just needed to get to know my hair, and I was right. He's fantastic and I only go see him.

Sorry for such a long story, I guess the moral is that if you were very clear in what you wanted, and stylist just ignored what you said totally, then drop her. Even if it's free to go back and get it adjusted, it might not be worth it because you already don't have confidence in her and what she has done to your hair. It's a gamble to go another place, too. But like I said, if you can be very clear in what you want, a competent stylist should be able to translate that into your hair, or at least give you good reasons why it would be difficult, not just, "Oh, you'll love this, trust me."

I would at least try to get it sorted before you go to Paris if you have time, or you might be worried about it the whole time you're there (even if it's just a little niggle). You don't want to ruin your fun!

Although I have to say, I think you'll look fab no matter what!

shiny

Veteran

Thanks Ana, you're sweet!

It's not a horrible haircut - don't get me wrong. It just looks to me like it does after it's grown out 6 weeks, and I'm ready to get it cut again!

To be charitable to the hairdresser, I had gone *4 months* between cuts, so she may have been playing it safe. But to be uncharitable, I had *photos* showing how short I wanted it, and I kept saying, "Please, shorter."

Grrrr.

Okay, at one point she did say something about the previous razoring making it difficult to cut it shorter... something about "that part needs to grow out first"... which makes no sense to me. But what do I know.

Another strike against her: she was terribly, horribly slow.

Nah, I'm going to check out closer salons.

Inge

(website)

Ah I hate when that happens Shiny! I agree with what has been said: do get it cut again before you leave, you'll feel so much better and you won't have to worry every time a picture is being taken.

Angie took the words right out of my mouth: having your hair cut in Paris could be a wonderful experience, but I would only do that if you can speak French.

I hope you find a new hairdresser closer by that will make you feel fabulous again!

christie

I suppose I'm just not that attached to my hair, but I would see getting my hair cut in France to be an adventure, especially if I didn't speak French. Just take in your old photo and say "Je voudrais quelque chose comme ca, mais vous etes l'expert, madame. Je suis juste une americaine simplette. Qu'est-ce que sais je?"

frump

I'd go with option C. Maybe it's fate and you'll find a great hairdesser!

shiny

Veteran

I just got back from my salon scouting trip. There are numerous salons near my house. I hit three of them, the ones that looked the most promising based on internet reviews.

Salon #1: spent the most time talking to me (the receptionists, that is). They were very busy. They have won a "best of" award in the last few years. They had a young, trendy clientele. The hairdressers looked young and trendy. They were reasonably priced. BUT they only had one appt time, which would be difficult for me to do. And they'd have one person color and another cut. Last time I did that, it was a nightmare.

Salon #2: also had an award (a very recent one). But the place was completely empty. And the receptionist was downright rude. At one point, she went running after an employee who was leaving, saying "just a sec" but after 5 minutes, I gave up and left.

Salon #3: was most expensive. Sheesh, $55 just for a consultation!!! Very busy. Receptionist was quite nice and spent time talking to me. They have an opening tomorrow morning with their top stylist, who was pointed out to me, and looks older than the stylist recommended at the first place (experience counts, right??). Only thing that gave me pause was their clientele all looked 20 years older than me... BUT trendy.

So I booked an appt with #3 for tomorrow morning and I figure I can back out last minute if I don't feel perfectly comfortable!

Becky

Veteran

Let us know how it turns out!

Dani

Veteran

Good luck! Hopefully it will turn out well and you can get back to getting ready for your trip!

shiny

Veteran

Success!

The new guy did an excellent job. He knew exactly what was wrong with the cut, and what I wanted. I was a little intimidated at first, because he seemed overbooked, managing somehow to whip through three different clients (including me) at once! It was kind of a dizzying experience, but I was impressed - he never let any of us feel neglected.

He threw in just 8 foil highlights to give it more oomph - which makes a world of difference - and did a really great cut. Apparently it is sort of a classic vidal sasson cut, sort of a graduated bob but "not quite - with more of an edge." What I like about this cut is that there's so much I can do with it. I can let it air-dry and go curly; flat iron it and pull it forward; blow it dry and tuck it behind my ears; add some goop and make it funky and piecey and "bed-headish" in the back; and on and on.

As a plus, he was FAST too!!

So I now have a new stylist who's closer to home and not going anywhere (he owns the salon and is just opening up a second one downtown). The price ultimately turned out to be comparable to what I was paying before, too. (And I didn't have to tip, because he's the owner).

I'm soooo glad I did this, even if it seems silly spending for a haircut twice in two weeks. With a great cut, I can *almost* feel like... well, who cares what clothes I wear to Paris.

Tanya

Veteran

Yay, I am so glad this turned out great for you Shiny! Now you can conquer Paris!

Becky

Veteran

Wonderful, Shiny! Now you not only have a great cut, but a new (and reliable) stylist!

amy29

I'm glad you had it recut! You should get the cut you like, and it seemed too risky to go back to the same stylist who didn't listen once. A good stylist is hard to find!

Sihaya

Veteran

Congratulations - makes me want to go to this guy though I'm quite happy with my current person thankfully. Wonder if the previous salon will refund you your money or credit towards merchandise if you have the time/energy to pursue. Can't wait to see pictures of your new cut Shiny!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fantastic!

Nicole

Veteran

Yay! His busy schedule sounds like my hairdresser. I think some people thrive on chaos.