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

[librarygrrl]

My love is a stylist, so I asked her. She said that it's a reality of the business, and professionals should be able to handle it. She said if you hear anything like "Ed is pissed because...", then he's not being professional. And, that since Ed wasn't available when you went in, and you like the way Neal cut your hair, that's a perfectly valid reason for the change, no further explanation really needed. However, she and I did approve of the other Shandra's (and how weird is that??) idea above - the Christmas gift/bonus/tip to smooth the way sounds very diplomatic. :)