Etiquette question.

[rivka]

Is there any plausible way to switch hairdressers within the same establishment?

Ed has been cutting my hair for years, and he does a fine job. But the last time I went to the shop in desperate need, hoping they could squeeze me in, Ed wasn't there and Neal, the owner of the shop, cut my hair. And he gave me an entirely new hairstyle which I love.

Now I want Neal to cut my hair from now on. But, you know, I can't really imagine coming in and sitting down in Neal's chair in front of Ed. Is there any graceful, friendly, polite, nonconfrontational way to handle this? Assume that brutal honesty is a non-starter.

Comments

[shandra.livejournal.com]

I wrote an article on this (which is sadly no longer available), and I asked 5 stylists about it. The consensus was that stylists would rather know than not, but diplomatically.

I'd suggest that you go in when both people are there and just tell Ed that he's done a great job, truly. Then you let him know that you do, however, think it's time to shake up your hair routine a bit and that Neal cut your hair last time and you'd like to go with him for a while. Then thank him, and give him his holiday/thank you bonus.

After that the reaction is kind of up to Ed. Professionals know that this happens. It doesn't mean they like it or that everyone is professional, but the stylists I interviewed said that it goes both ways and they accept it as a reality of the business.

Alternatively you can ask Neal when he works that Ed doesn't and sneak around in fear. :-)