OT--Hair stylist dilemma

[Selkie]

OK, let me preface this by admitting that hair is NOT that important to me. I've very low maintenance and have wavy/curly hair that I simply wash, scrunch and go. Because of the grey, I have it colored and have done so for years (prematurely grey, unfortunately). For the past year or so, I've been having my hair cut/colored by a stylist---let's call her Anne. Anyway, she's done an decent job but she is kind of bossy. For example, I was thinking about getting highlights and she said, "no, your hair is vibrant enough." She does a nice enough job but she doesn't understand why I don't like to mess around, drying my hair after I wash it. It doesn't really bother me that much, as I'm 43 years old and have learned to laugh at this kind of stuff. She's a girly girl -- I'm a natural kind of gal (no make up, no fuss, etc). Anyway, she got pregnant and is out on maternity leave. The stylist to whom she referred me while she is out on leave--let's call her Ellen--is super---cut my hair better than Anne, willing to do what I want, I feel more comfortable w/her, etc. I'd like to switch to Ellen but I don't want to cause any hard feelings. Luckily, Anne will still be out with her baby when I'm next due for a cut/color, so I made an appt w/Ellen. I'm thinking about telling Ellen I'd like to see her from now on, but I don't want to hurt Anne. What is the proper way to handle this? I don't want to cause hard feelings--it's not personal, it's a business thing, but you guys know the potential "stuff" that can result from this kind of thing. I like Ellen and don't want Anne to think she's poaching clients either. Suggestions?

[Veronica]

Go see Ellen on Anne's day off?

V.

[WrensMom]

Or grow your hair out long and avoid both of them LOL

[bcipam]

Honestly it is a hard call but I had this happen as well. I reasoned haircutting is a business - no different from two bike stores competing with each other. If I always bought at Shop A but Shop B was willing to offer better product at lower prices I would give Shop B a try. If your hairdresser takes the change personally then she's in the wrong business. You have the right to a good cut for the right price and nothing is more personal than good hair!

[tulip]

Anne probably knows that she'll lose some customers to Ellen and others. But really, who cares? It's your hair.

Now if you want to just disappear from the whole scene, I can give you Kevin's number. He's in Old Town Alexandria and I think he's great.

[pooks]

Tell Ellen you like her better and intend to keep coming to her. Ask her if there's a tactful way to handle it. (Going on Anne's day off may actually be it, good suggestion.)

[kelownagirl]

I like Pook's suggestions about letting your new girl know. I switched stylists when mine was on maternity leave and never did go back to her.

[KSH]

Tell Ellen you like her better and intend to keep coming to her. Ask her if there's a tactful way to handle it. (Going on Anne's day off may actually be it, good suggestion.)

This is a great suggestion! Use it!

[Dianyla]

Or grow your hair out long and avoid both of them LOL

Hehe, that's what I do. I've had my hair trimmed in a salon once in my life, otherwise I just neaten up the ends myself with sharp scissors.

/calflength