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

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Well... there's no way of doing it so that Ed can't be upset. Anyone can feel a bit of rejection if they're thrown off for another. But, if you can honestly say that you just like the way Neal cuts your hair better, then that should be enough. It's not like you're swapping one boyfriend for another among brothers/roommates; you're a paying customer who prefers the services of the other hairdresser.

(But the best way to break the news might be while delivering a generous Christmas tip to Ed, so he can be sure there's no hard feelings involved. Assuming you give Christmas tips to your hairdresser, and all.)