My hair stylist sucks!

Hey everyone,  I need some advise, Please!!  I want to fire my hair stylist!!  I have been going to her for about 5 years.  I live in a small town and she is very convenient.  I can call her anytime and she will fit me in.  She is as nice as they come but she is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  My hair has been falling out it is long but very thin.  She has been giving me these treatments that cost an extra $10 every 2 weeks and my hair seems to be getting worse.  In the same shop is an excellent hair stylist (the owner of the shop) I would like so much for her do start doing my hair.  The two of them have a close friendship as well as work relationship.  

Question :should I try to approach the owner to do my hair? and if I do should I tell my old stylist before or after I approach the owner.  Or should I just go to a brand new salon. I work in a larger city with tons of salons so I would just have to go after work or travel there on my days off.  The owner of the shop does awesome work.  Her cuts and styles are amazing and most of her clients have healthy looking hair.

I am tired of wearing ponytails!  Help!!

I say go with the stylist that makes you most comfortable.  It is YOUR hair and if you're not happy with the person who is currently doing it for you, then switch stylists!!

It might hurt her feelings at first, but you have to do what makes YOU happy... not HER.  If it was me in that situation, I would just go to the owner and start having my hair done by her.  I wouldn't say a word to the other lady unless she asked me what was up.  In that case, I would be honest with her and tell her that I wasn't happy with her and/or the treatments that she'd been giving to me. 

Then I would explain to her, that it seems as though the owner's clients' hair seems/looks healthier while yours is only getting worse, so THAT is the reason for trying out the 'new' stylist.

You have to do what makes YOU happy.  It is YOUR hair.  I know you're probably feeling a little guilty by switching hair stylists, especially because you've been seeing her for 5+ years AND she squeezes you in when you need to be seen.... but the truth of the matter is... of course she'll squeeze you in, you're guaranteed money to her.

If you're not happy with the job she is doing, then I say.... take your hair and money elsewhere!  know what I mean?  I hope you figure out what you're gonna do... but please don't feel guilty if you choose to switch hair stylists... it really doesn't seem like SHE feels too guilty that your hair is getting WORSE... not better.

Good luck and let us know what you end up deciding in the long run  :)

(sorry for the long post)

I guess I am most worried about hurting her feelings.   You are right I do need to do what is best for me.  It is my money and I deserve to get the best service possible!!  I am going to call the owner Monday and make an appointment. I think since my hair is in such bad shape I will probably need a shorter hair cut. And I know with the new stylist she will give me a style that will look great while my hair recuperates! 

Thanks moodymomma for the advise! I think my old stylist has lost other clients, and that's why it was so easy to get an appointment with her!

My thinking when it comes to hair stylists is you get what you pay for. I'd take my business elsewhere if I was in your position. 

Try doing your own hair for a while, use a baby shampoo and a good conditioner that's not agressive to the scalp, and leave out any procedure that involves excessive heat, dry the hair naturally without a blowdrier . Something might be wrong with the products they use in the salon. I have long healthy hair  and I never go to salons, I die the roots blond every month on my own and I've never had any problems.

Maybe the reason she fits you in so easily is that you seem satisfied with work of poorer quality than other customers? Being too nice about such services can only guarantee no improvements, unfortunately. Been there.

If your hair is falling out, perhaps you should consult your doctor?  It may not be something that a hairdresser can do anything about...

Good luck.

Original Post by ily51:

Maybe the reason she fits you in so easily is that you seem satisfied with work of poorer quality than other customers?

 Yes, you are right!  I probably have her believing I am satisfied with her work! I have even tipped her!  I suck too!

As far as doing my own hair, I am not comfortable with the relaxer chemicals!  I can wash and set, and everything else.  I also have semi-permanent color.  So I feel I need a professional. 

I am sure of one thing she will no longer do my hair.  I will call the owner Monday and speak with her.  I won't say anything bad about the one stylist unless asked.  I will be positive and honest.  I do soo want the owner to do my hair. I just don't want to go to an uneasy environment!  The salon should be a relaxing experience!

Thanks everyone!

You don't know that the stylist has anything to do with the fact that you are losing your hair.  There could be a lot of reasons for that, diet, approaching menopause, various illnesses.  If the owner asks, you could say that you are losing your hair and the other stylist hasn't been able to help, but that is really all you know.