You may have attempted to break up with your hairdresser at some point and failed, leading you to stop loving your locks as much. Complacency has a way of making us believe that things will get better in the end. However, you shouldn’t let the possibility of having poor hair force you into an unhealthy relationship with your stylist. Discover how to regain control and sever ties without getting physical below.
Why Did You Split From Your Hairstylist?
Your Last Haircut Was Horrible
Even the most resilient among us occasionally get traumatizing bad haircuts. Call your hairstylist and discuss how to save the cut before you immediately fire them. Your hairstyle may need to be changed, or you may want to add more layers to the cut. Give your stylist another chance, whatever the situation. You’ll be asked to return by the majority of them, frequently without charge.
It might be time to part ways if they don’t react well, overcharge you, or you still detest your hair. Simply let them know that you aren’t feeling the cut and would like to try a different hairstylist to see if that helps. Truthfulness doesn’t usually offend stylists.
Your Hairstylist Is Always Behind Schedule
It can be aggravating when a hair stylist consistently misses their deadlines. It’s worse if they appear to be rushing through your services to keep up. Don’t be resentful; express your feelings to them in a polite manner. They might even come to the realization that their schedule needs to be adjusted.
Simply communicate if you want to keep your stylist. Ask them which day of the week is the least busy before making an appointment, or mention that you have another engagement immediately following your hair appointment, if you want to avoid conflict.
Do you and your stylist get along well? If so, you might even feel at ease enough to tell them outright that you’ve noticed they’re constantly rushing and running behind schedule. Without your voice, the situation won’t improve.
Their Prices Have Gone Up Too Much
Hairstylists ought to get paid more as their skill level improves and demand rises. For you, though, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s not the best option. What is your strategy for dealing with this widespread problem? Above all, tell your stylist the truth. Inform them that while you’re incredibly happy for their success, you’re no longer able to support them.
As for coupons, discounts, or specials, enquire about them if you plan to remain at the same salon. Better still, if they have a referral program. Your stylist would gain more clients as a result, and you would receive credit for each referral. Another solution? It’s a win-win. Try visiting a less expensive hairstylist for trims and touch-ups, and stick with your go-to stylist for riskier services like dramatic color or cut changes.
How To Break Up With Your Hairstylist
According to Speyer, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone has bad days occasionally and that your hairdresser wants you to leave their chair satisfied. Allow them to resolve the issue because doing so will prepare you to fire them later. Any or all problems should be resolved by the time you return to the salon.
Cutting your hairdresser loose is definitely appropriate if they regularly miss appointments, don’t style your hair as requested, ignore your concerns, or even text and talk on the phone while doing your hair.
More than anything, make an effort to respectfully and clearly explain why you want to switch stylists. One route you could take is to say that, from an artistic standpoint, you’d like a little bit of a change. Each hairstylist has their own distinct style because they are all artists. A route that might be understood by your stylist but still carries a risk of hurt feelings is to emphasize that you are interested in trying out a different look and seeing what someone else would do with your hair.
I would advise performing a mental run-through of this conversation while imagining that you are the one being spoken to. Make sure to convey your point while remaining polite and clear-headed.
You might be in a similar situation if you like your stylist but are dissatisfied with the way your hair turned out. Your best chance for improvement in those situations is to discuss your desire for a different outcome with the person in question. The more you can communicate, the better because hairdressers cannot read minds. Count on your stylist to know what will work best for your hair’s texture, styling routine, product usage, etc. so they are able to set you up for hair success!
Even though it’s more difficult than ghosting someone, in general I always lean toward being open and honest when having a difficult conversation. If I were in a position where a client requested a change, I would much rather hear it directly from her than wonder if I did something to personally offend her.
Keep it Brief
Keep these exchanges brief and to the point if you want to diffuse them. If you’re feeling anxious, which is normal, let it pass.), it can help to prepare a script, jot down some notes or discuss what you’re going to say with a friend ahead of time.
Nightingale suggests starting the conversation off by expressing gratitude. This advice can be used in one-on-one interactions as well as social gatherings like a monthly book club: Start with a short note of appreciation for the time you’ve spent together, then let them know you’re moving on and you wish them the best. You don’t need to launch into a long-winded, apologetic explanation as to why you’re ending the relationship.
