With that kind of instabilty, they really should not be charging those prices. Certainly some of what you mentioned is unforeseen and unfortunate but they really should bend over backwards for a long time customer. IMO.
Wow. Yes, you deserve much better for those prices!
I have salon-phobia - I hate going and have spent various decades doing my own trims and coloring, but I do understand the concept of finding someone who understands your hair and what works best… But these folks have abused that relationship.
So, I’m curious… several people here have mentioned for ‘those prices’ she should be getting better service.
If you were at a lesser-costing salon and they pulled the same stuff, would you more easily forgive them? I guess I don’t have a lot of forgiveness for people in service industries when it comes to scheduling. I think scheduling professionally should be a given, and the extra money can be spent on atmosphere and experience of stylist.
That’s just bad management, no matter what you’re paying for the haircut, and I’d have no tolerance whether I’m paying $15 or $150.
I think it’s that thing where at a higher price point you expect a higher level of service. Like if you pay $50 for your hotel room in Manhattan, you almost expect to find mice because there has to be a catch. If you’ve paid $1000 for that hotel room, everything better be perfect and mice would be a really big deal.
I’d be interested to know what the women here pay for a good cut and color. I pay around $130-$160 in my small city, but I know there are less expensive places that do a good job, too. It’s just that when you find something that, it’s hard to make the change.
But scheduling is a basic… you can’t run a service-oriented business without adequate and professional scheduling practices, no matter how basic or upscale the service is you’re offering.
Another vote for walking. I had the same guy cut my hair for many years. When I had kids, I would pay a babysitter, just to have to wait for my hair guy. Then he would take phone calls while he was cutting my hair (often, not just once, and sometimes multiple during one cut). It felt kind of like a divorce, and it took me several tries to find someone else I like, but I had to walk. The woman I’ve had do my hair for many years now has only been very late (because of a terrible traffic accident) once, and even when she was out for cancer related issues, she told us who would be best to use while she was out. She’s like family now. I keep thinking I should find someone new, because I drive 40 minutes to get my hair cut, but I keep going.
My hunch is that you’ve been outwardly gracious, polite and understanding when the appointments have been changed, which has led your disorganized stylist to believe she could get away with such abysmal behavior with you. I’d suggest being up front with the new stylist as to why you’ve left the old place, and state up front that a pattern of scheduling issues is a deal breaker. That way, the new stylist won’t be tempted to try and move YOUR appointment when some squeaky-wheel client demands to be accommodated at the last minute. You can be nice about it.
I am really particular about my hair – and I have a style and color at the moment I am really happy with. Of course, the stylist that created it is gone – and her replacement has only cut it once. The stylist I really liked is working out of her house which is not convenient, but I imagine she’d fit me in if she has some time, even on the weekend. Or, I could probably go to the hot salon in town, spend even more money but most people who go there are really happy.
I’m a Great Clips person (cheap & convenient) but my H is more picky. He followed the guy who cuts his hair from a Hair Cuttery to his own little shop (converted garage).
Cnp55, maybe you can try working something out with the stylist who works from her home.
I’ve read this thread with interest. Changing hair stylists has been on my mind for a LONG time. I’ve gone to the same place, same hairdresser for probably 25 years. I’ve been not satisfied for the last few years. But I haven’t had the guts to make a change. She is a “friend” now and I don’t know how to walk away. I sometimes sense that she also gets annoyed with me too - maybe she’d be happy if I made a change?
My hairdresser is the owner of this small salon. Her and 4 other stylists. No matter what I ask her to do, I end up looking the same when I leave and wanting to go home and redo it. All that money (and I spend NO WHERE near what the OP spends) and I don’t like it - this is ridiculous!!! I think I have decent hair. It’s short, thick, curly. I like it sporty, young, a little edgy and I like to take advantage of the curl - yet with no fail, she poofs it, combs and brushes it (I NEVER use a comb or brush - ruins the curl!) and everytime I feel like I leave looking like what she thinks every 55 year old woman should look like . Ugh.
I told myself I’d make an appointment somewhere else this week. Give me the strength!!!
I’m rooting for you @abasket.
abasket, may the force be with you! 
@momsquad and @abasket - I give you permission to leave your stylists and find someone new. No, I insist on it! 
You both deserve better. No one likes to feel like they are paying good money and being taken advantage of.
This drives me crazy! My old hair stylist was pretty good, but he wouldn’t listen very well when I would say I wanted it longer for a change. Yes, I wanted it a bit longer and no, I don’t color the gray. Would the world come to an end?
I was at a meeting once and looked around at all the women - 50’s and 60’s - and it seemed like everyone had very similar hair. Now I don’t expect Heidi braids at my age but let’s mix it up a bit if that is what the client wants!
Just (hair) Do It!
We have a Great Clips a mile from home. I’ve used the same stylist Nancy there for more than 5 years (cuts and perms). On Saturday I walked in, and the stylist at the desk started to say Nancy could not take anybody. I suspect she was headed to lunch. But she saw me and said “it’s fine”. So I feel like I have the best of all world… close location, regular skilled stylist, accommodating attitude. DH used to take other stylists if Nancy is busy, but last time he was not happy.
I assume that OP does coloring. That would limit options. I don’t think our Great Clips does coloring.
Dang. You are all so encouraging - unfortunately I can’t pick up the phone at 10 pm and make an appt now! I’ll re-read all your support in the morning and see if I can pick up the phone and make a move for change!
My gem of a hairstylist has been very responsive to my needs. I needed a longer do so I could gather it into a ponytail for marathon training, and she cut my hair in such a way that it still looked good as it slowly grew longer. I asked her if I would look good with a pixie cut and save on hairbands, but she did not recommend it.
Perhaps one of your criteria for a new place is one that allows you to schedule online! I have that ability, but I always schedule my next appt. when I’m leaving the current one. But many places are now allowing online scheduling.