Final Cut
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 7:22PM I think I have to break up with my hair stylist. It might sound superficial to a lot of you, but for some women this is a great source of anxiety.
I've been with my guy for seven years, and have been wrestling with the decision to leave him for a few months. He hasn't wronged me in any way. I trust him completely with my secrets and my locks. Looking back, he's played a role in some big life changes. He's been there for breakups, graduations, new jobs and first dates. Each cut has given me a needed boost of self confidence.
So why leave him?
Prices have gone up over the years - approximately a $100 increase for cut/highlight. Also, my entire life is lived in Shawnee and Lawrence - tell me you want to fight Westport traffic after driving 40 miles home from work, and I'll tell you that you're a big, fat liar. And making a Saturday appointment is out of the question during football/basketball season (most salons aren't open Sunday and Monday). Finally, I have the opportunity for a very qualified someone to cut and color me for free. FREE. I could save nearly $1,000/year.
For a lot of women, their hair stylist is a trusted confidant. What's said in that chair is the equivalent of a therapy session in emotional vomit and price - except you leave with happy hair and don't have the awkward waiting room experience.
Why is it so hard to leave? It seems like a simple decision, but it's NOT. I can't just walk away - and neither can others. I've asked a few women about the same thing, and I got answers like "Oh God, I'd probably sob uncontrollably if I had to leave my stylist" and "I want to leave my stylist, but I can't because she has cancer."
Have you ever had to "break up" with your hair guy/gal? How did you do it?
And if you're a stylist - what is the proper way to break up with you? What's offensive and what isn't?
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Reader Comments (3)
I recently went through this with my favorite greasy spoon. It's a diner called The Corner Restaurant which incidentally is also located in Westport. I like the place so much that I actually did the Christmas tipping thing where I made sure each server received $10(takes time if you're being subtle)
I spent 3 months trying to explain to them that the new waitress sucked ass(even though she was old). Then I tried to tell them to get a good waitress to wait on me instead of her. That worked for a bit. But eventually I was stuck with horrible service, horrible food, and no option but to leave. So I cut it off entirely.
I wouldn't be afraid of telling them why you're changing, but for something as important as your hair I WOULD NOT go back like I did. If you want to be nice, tell them how and why you're changing, then make your change, and then move on. It's hard, but you have a right to look good and feel good for a fair price. If they don't understand that they don't deserve to be in the business of caring for people.
I am struggling with the same thing right now! Even though I haven't been wronged, I haven't *loved* my hair in quite some time. Over 10 years with the same stylist.
I don't know why it's so hard to make the break- I've been contemplating it for over a year. As dumbwhore said- as well as many of my friends- we have a right to look and feel good for a fair price.
I have an appointment set up with someone new, and I'm scared to death.
SAVE your $1000... you can always back if you need to. They'll understand... and they'll always take you back. : )