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

[elissaann.livejournal.com]

You could start by talking with Neal about it. There might even be a third solution: for Neal to teach Ed the new style.

[tdanaher.livejournal.com]

Do you have a picture of yourself with the new hairstyle, detailed all around so a person could see exactly what parts are what length and all that? Maybe you could say that you lovelovelove this new hairstyle to Ed, and give him a chance to recreate it?

[redbird23.livejournal.com]

I would also talk to Neal. Perhaps you could schedule your haircuts on the days that Ed has off?

[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. :-)

[kuangning]

This would be my course of action. But then, I'm notorious for avoiding conflict at almost any cost.

[the0lady.livejournal.com]

To be honest I'm not sure that you owe anyone an explanation here; from now on when you telephone to arrange your appointments, just ask for the new guy.

If you feel obligated to have a discussion with the old hairdresser about it, why not tell him that you fancied a change, but since he's done such a great job over the years you felt a lot of loyalty/attachment to the salon and so that's how come you're still going there?

[lyrical1.livejournal.com]

I LOVE Neal. Love, Love, Love the man. He's been doing my hair since I moved here 4 years ago. Sometimes he does more singing and talking then cutting, but I am always pleased when I leave.

I would just ask for Neal next time you book, or ask to talk to Neal directly when you call in and explain the sitation. He might even be willing to negotiate the shift for you if he thinks it will be an issue with Ed. Neal has said to me in the past that they all work together and want what is the best match for their clients, I'm sure he can help make it a smooth transition.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Ask mrspetersen. She works in a salon.

K.

[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.)

[epi-lj.livejournal.com]

This was also my thought.

[mjlayman.livejournal.com]

And where is the picture of this new hairstyle?

[clstal.livejournal.com]

A brilliant question and some GREAT answers.

[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. :)