Publications
Partners
- Finding a good hairstylist is like winning the hair lotto; once we find one, we tend to stay loyal. Unless, of course, we find someone we think is better.
- After salon hopping for years, I finally found "The One". She did everything right. She didn't expect me to chat continuously.
- Despite this, I recently found someone else, and I feel guilty about it even though it's a transactional relationship, and I know we're not friends.
Finding a good hairstylist is like winning the hair lotto, and once we find a good one, we tend to stay loyal. Unless, of course, we find someone we think is better.
After salon hopping for years, I finally found "The One". She did everything right. She didn't expect me to chat continuously. I would come in and sit down; she did her thing. Money would exchange hands, and I would leave satisfied.
And yet still, I strayed.
There's a specific colour she does for me all the time. It took years to get the colour I wanted, so she was happy when we finally achieved it. And she told me not to do my hair on my own as it would mess it up.
I did not listen. I coloured my hair at home with box dye - something she has told me many times not to do. And the thing is, I like my current colour, even though it was cheap box dye. I thought it would look ratchet, but God was on my side, so miraculously, it turned out well.
READ MORE | From eggs to beans - 10 foods you should be eating for healthier hair
A few days after the two-timing, I realised I needed to return to her salon as that's where I also get my eyebrows threaded. I spent a day trying to figure out how to schedule my visit so I wouldn't bump into her. But, as a backup, I tied my hair in a messy bun so she wouldn't notice. Hide the evidence, smile widely, and avoid unnecessary conversation.As luck would have it, she was there on the day of my appointment, but thankfully she was busy with another client, so I said a quick hello and scurried past her. If she did notice a change, she said nothing.
READ MORE | Does hair grow back thicker after shaving? 6 shaving myths debunked
So, why did I cheat? She's a great hairdresser, I'll admit, but I wanted to try something different, and I love the result. And yet I'm nervous about her seeing what I've done. My plan is to let the evidence grow out, and I'll go back in a few months.
So, what are the rules when it comes to changing hairstylists? Are there any? I mean, we change doctors, dentists, and lawyers, so why does it feel like such a betrayal when we change hairstylists? They're not exactly our friends, even though we may engage in casual banter. At the end of the day, it's a transactional relationship, right?
READ MORE | 9 reasons to get naked and examine yourself today
For me, the worst would be if I went to a new hairstylist and they messed up my hair, and I would have to go back to my old stylist to get it fixed. How would I explain?
I know I'm not alone in this. A friend recently told me she also wants to try a new hairdresser but is afraid of hurting her current hairdresser's feelings.A few women shared their hilarious and sometimes awkward experiences:
I kept having to introduce myself to my hairdresser, even though I had been to her before
I ditched my last hairdresser because I kept having to introduce myself to her, even though I had been to her before. My new hairstylist makes an effort to know me and ask me questions. And I know about her life too.
My mom switched hairstylists at the same salon
My mom used to go to a particular hairstylist. One day she went back to the salon, and everyone assumed she would stick to her usual person, but she decided she wanted another stylist. Awkward.
READ MORE | Vitamins and supplements: what you need to know before taking them
I made my bed so I will lie in it
I will not switch stylists at the same salon even if I wanted to. It's too awkward. I have made my bed, and I must lie in it.
I bumped into my hairdresser just as I stepped out of another salon
I once decided to try the hairdresser my sister uses. She did a great job, and as I walked out admiring my tresses, I bumped into my current hairdresser. There was nowhere to run - and I couldn't hide that fresh blow wave. She paused for a second, then said, "nice hair." I could see the judgement in her eyes.
It is important to recognise this is primarily a professional relationship, even though it may feel emotional. As a client, you need to be happy with what you're paying for.
