Hair stylist etiquette advice

[2BigKIdz]

I have been going to the same hair stylist for approx. 7 years. For many months now (well, 2 years) I have not been happy with my hair cuts, no matter how I want it cut it always looks exactly the same. I have taken pictures and even asked for a hairstyle like an employee in the shop but end up with the same old style. Also, for these 7 years I have inquired numerous times about highlights but I always get brushed off, I think she just does not like to do color. It is never as short as I want either, within a few days it is hard to tell that I ever had my hair cut (I am a generous tipper but do not like to think this is why it is never cut short enough). My question is, do I go to my stylist and explain to her that I am unhappy? I really like her and would not like to hurt her feelings.

Another ?
I have made an appt at another salon about an hour away to get a full hair style consult, cut and color for my vacation, I just really want a change. I will also be getting eyebrows waxed. The appt. will take approx. 2 hrs, the same person will be doing all of the above. How much do I tip?

Thanks for your help.

 

[goofy4tink]

I think that sometimes our stylists get stale after many years. If you have tried to get something different for awhile and are not happy, I would have no problem changing. I'm assuming this isn't someone that you socialize with, because that would make it hard. But, if you run into her after trying this new salon, then you could just say that a relative gave you a gift cert. at the new spot. If you like what the new person gives you, then terrific.

I usually tip 20% if I'm happy. Otherwise, it's around 15%. The same person does all the same stuff for me also...color, cut, brows.

 

[Pop Daddy]

I tip 100% but the grils that do my hair are sexy

 

[stinkerbelle]

I am not loyal to any one hairdresser...one guy cut/colored my hair for 2 years...gave me a horrid cut/color once...never went back. (too short/too dark) I have no qualms with it.

New girl I go to takes FOREVER...but she does a great job on my hair...she's hard to get in to see (she only works on sundays) so when I go I get trimmed/colored at the same time. If she gets to be even harder to get into/gives me a bad cut or color on sunday (when I'm going next) I just won't go to her...I don't worry about feelings...it's my hair for crying out loud.

I'm a decent tipper I think...usually 20%...but if I'm not happy with it..10-15%

 

[bananiem]

Originally posted by 2BigKIdz
(I am a generous tipper but do not like to think this is why it is never cut short enough).

If you gave me a big tip I'd think you were content with what I'd done. Try giving her half what you usually do.
Or just come right out and say "I need a change!" Tell it to her straight and if she still doesn't do it then find somebody new.
I had a similar situation and a friend said "What's more important to you: Looking like you want and feeling good, or looking boring but not hurting her feelings?" I'd choose looking how I want and liking how I look.
Edited to add: If you decided you were tired of boring white walls (like me!) and hired someone to come and paint them funky colors and they just re-painted them white- Would you pay them full price and have them come back to do it again? You are paying for a service and if they don't do it to your satisfaction then they don't deserve your money.

 

[Jeanny]

Originally posted by 2BigKIdz
I have taken pictures and even asked for a hairstyle like an employee in the shop but end up with the same old style. Also, for these 7 years I have inquired numerous times about highlights but I always get brushed off, I think she just does not like to do color.

maybe your stylist thinks your hair "won't come out" like the picture or the other person's hair, but she should at least try. Every person's hair is different, but she should get the hint from the picture as to how you'd like to at least TRY to style your hair. Highlights aren't good on everyone... I have too much gray to do hightlights, I call the grays my highlights!!! They seem to take to the blonde color better!!

 

[GoofItUp]

My hair stylist usually asks at the end if everything looks ok. You know, hands me the mirror, turns me around, and so on. If it's not quite what I want I tell her and she trims it up, combs it differently, whatever is needed. If your hairstylist is cutting your hair and it's not what you want, say so right then. If it's still not what you want, find a different place.

 

[jana]

As a stylist I'm gonna say your stylist is not only in a rut but may be lacking in some skills ( or feel she is). If she is not jumping on giving you highlights she probably isn't comfortable doing them so I wouldn't have her do them ( it may not turn out well).
Normally I'd say tell her she is not giving you what you want that it may be a misunderstanding but I feel this is more a case she is unable to or afraid she is unable to give you what you want. So I would find another stylist. Don't feel it's anything against her. We all have our areas that are our specialty and ones we are weak in. I work in a salon of 30 stylist and I go to 3 different ones ( 1 for eyebrows, 1 for color, and 1 for cut). Granted I'm overly picky which is why I go to 3 different ones. You should be able to find one that takes care of all you needs and make you happy.

 

[Colleen P]

I was in exactly your position. I am a loyal client, and went to the same stylist for years. I really wanted something a bit different, and really really wanted highlights. They told me I had too much grey and they would only turn out orange so they would not do them, and would cut my hair the same (and not well to boot).

I finally was driving by a new salon that looked great. Went in, made an appointment, and when it happened I felt like I was on A Makeover Story. They had great ideas of what would be a better cut and totally recommended highlights as it would better conceal my grey for longer. I agreed to all their suggestions, and I have never had more compliments in my life.

Biggest lesson- don't settle.

 

[cynsaun]

I would try a new stylist. Good luck.

 

[onecoolmama]

Good luck with the new stlyist and I always tip 20%.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I usually get Highlights, cut, and wax all at one time. I tip 20%. I really like my stylist. She encourages me to try new things which is now why I have bright red and blonde highlights in my hair.