Dear Elders, How do you switch hairdressers tactfully within the same salon???
Signed,
Shannon
Bill Twibill
Dear Wash and Dry,
Stop giving the current stylist any tips, and very soon he/she will not even want you in the salon, but be sure to tell the new cutter your plan.
If this does not work for you, begin to make comments like, “this is not what I wanted” or “Whew, I look terrible.”
Your message will get through. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, go to a new shop or give yourself a home treatment, as in all those commercials that show the beauties flowing in beautiful flower fields and their long locks following them with such a sheen you almost need sunglasses.
Roioli Schweiker
Dear Shannon,
Presumably, there is a particular other operator whom you wish to switch to. Otherwise you could just go to a different salon.
If the hairdressers work at different times, perhaps changing your schedule would work.
Is there a technical and reasonable reason you would want to change that another person would understand, like the other has a special technique you want to use? If so, you may have to bite the bullet and explain your problem.
Steve Leavenworth
Dear Shannon,
With women at a salon, I hear it's not easy. Feelings are hurt, it may get uncomfortable, etc.
You might try finding out the day your unchosen one is off and come in on that day. Do that a few times and you're set with the new one.
However, I have never had a problem at a barbershop. Many times I have selected a barber I like better than the others.
When one of the others looks at me and says “next,” I just say, “I'll wait for Joe,” and he picks another customer. No bad feelings, no grudges, etc. I've never had a problem at a barbershop choosing one over the others.
Jan Stickler
Dear Shannon,
Maybe I'm a coward, but I'd rather switch salons. Visions of orange or spiked hair dance in my head.
However, if you are set on that approach, I would thank your present stylist for her service and state that you would like to get a different perspective on your hairstyle and are going to try so and so for awhile. You are the customer and have the right to choose.
Just make sure she doesn't have her scissor or razor in hand when you break the news.
Casper Kranenburg
Dear Shannon:
This is a tricky situation but should be handled before your next appointment.
Call the owner of the salon and explain that when you got home from the last appointment your dog did not recognize you, bit your leg and you needed 12 stitches not to bleed to death on the kitchen floor.
Then tell her that your lawyers advised you to change hairdressers, so you are willing to give her salon a second chance but only if you change to the nice lady near the window.
See her reaction, and while you're at it, ask for at least two free permanents!
