Thursday, September 2, 2010

I Bet You Think I'm Kidding, I Promise You It's True

This is how I feel about my haircut.

blargh

Notice it looks pretty much the same. No bangs. (Forgive the frizz it has blessedly been raining for several hours here.)

Would you like to hear a story? It has a pretty negative overall tone to it and I’m a little whiney in it. So if you are not in the mood for that, that’s cool. You can come back on another day and I’ll be chipper again, I promise. No hard feelings…









So now that those kids are gone (SO RUDE how they don’t care about my problems, am I right?**) I’ll tell you. ..

Monday I go online and look up the schedule and it indicates that Ashley (my stylist) is working on Wednesday. So I make plans to do that. I still don’t have a car. So I can’t really just decide these things last minute, I have to plan. So I do. And then I call Wednesday around 6* and let them know I am on my way to see her. But wait. She’s not in. She’s out. ALL WEEK. Well. That is just no good. Because not only have I planned, I have spent the past 3 days really talking myself into it. Because going to get a haircut is ALMOST as traumatic as going to the Doctor for me, and that’s saying something. I am terrified of haircuts. And this one? It has not helped. Let me tell you all about my experience. It was not good. Now, to be fair, it was not BAD, like the time that guys shaved my head (2 months before my wedding, I kid you not), or the time that lady made me look like a boy (right before the formal dance) or the time that OTHER lady cut off 6 more inches than I asked (seriously, she did that). But it was not good.

So I went ahead and decided to see someone else. How bad could it be? My hair is SO SIMPLE, it’s hard to mess up. So I went in, and waited and a stylist whose name I genuinely do not remember came and got me. I had asked for a cut and blow dry. As soon as I sat down she asked if she could cut my hair dry. Well, OK. I assumed she meant she would cut it, THEN wash and dry it, since that is after all, what I asked for. The only good thing about a haircut is not having to wash and blow dry my own hair. But no. She cut it dry and then didn’t wash it. But that’s not all! She ALSO argued with me the ENTIRE time I was in the chair begging to put layers in. I Do. Not. Want. Layers. Layers require much more dedication to hair styling than I have now or will ever have. I do not want them and I should only have to tell you this once. Right? No. I had to tell her this no less than 6 times. I was actually scared she might just start adding layers regardless of what I said she was so pushy about it. And on top of that? She refused to cut bangs the way I asked her to (right above the eyebrow, straight across, not wispy, but not heavy). Just refused. She told me we could do side swept. I said that “No, I have tried that before, it does not do well with the texture of my hair”. She said we could so wispy. I said “No, I have tried that before, it does not do well with the texture of my hair”. Then she said she did not think I should do that. It was “boring” and besides, I “Have kind of a small forehead. And glasses.” I kid you not, she said that.

When she was done cutting and not doing what I asked and pushing layers on me, not ONLY did she NOT wash and dry my hair, she ADDED PRODUCT and made it even dirtier. And that was bad because Wednesday is date night. Our night to be together and just enjoy each other’s company. But now, I had to spend an hour of that night washing and drying my hair. I was unhappy. Angry even. BUT I DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING. Which is ANOTHER reason I hate getting haircuts. Because I should have said “I asked for a blowout” and demanded that she do it. But I didn’t. I am always so shaky and traumatized and nervous and I never have my head on straight and I always smile and say thank you and pay (and tip!) and leave. So. That is the story of why I don’t have bangs.

The End.

*They do not have appointments at Floyd’s 99, but you can call and let them know you are on your way and they will tell your stylists and also tell you what kind of a wait you might have.

**Totally kidding, you guys. These are not real problems. I totally know that! :D

32 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh wow, that's really awful! I totally understand how stressful it can be, and when I get a bad haircut I just want to get out of there as fast as possible, instead of doing the right thing and complaining.

Now that there's been a little time, maybe you could call up the salon and explain how unhappy you are and see if you can get a different stylist to do you bangs for free?

A said...

I am really not okay with that and I just feel so sad that you had such an awful experience, but I guess the only not-so-terrible part is that it doesn't look much different (not that paying for a haircut that doesn't look different is okay...). :( Just UGH.

I'm so sorry!

Secondhand Smash said...

I'm assuming you were at the Floyd's on Greenville [which I've been to and enjoyed!]; I've never had an experience like that there. I have problems with my girl at Aveda never doing what I ask her to! Sheesh, what a *insert bad word here that I really want to say*. I've been in there 2 - 3 times, shown a photo of what I wanted, and they did it. No questions asked. :( Boo!!!

Sara said...

What the hell?! How do you have such bad haircut luck? If it wasn't crazy to walk out mid-haircut, I'd have wanted to walk out!! But really, you should find somewhere new to go. haha

Unknown said...

Oh, PLEASE complain to your salon! This kind of behavior is ridiculous and it's not like she's going to stop doing it. They may even refund your service, if you explain how much of a trouble it was.

I am so sorry to hear this. :( I have had bad haircuts, but I've never had to deal with such a jerk of a stylist!

Jez In Dallas said...

Wow, that's really awful! (the experience, not the hair! Hair looks great as always.) I totally understand where you're coming from though. I'm pretty relaxed and timid when it comes to telling STRANGERS what to do, even if I'm paying for them, so I probably would have done the same thing.

Actually, I probably would have kowtowed to the wispy bangs suggestion because I'm a wimp like that! I second the suggestion that you contact the salon to let them know how unhappy you are with the experience. Even if it's writing a letter or email. I hate using the phone myself!

My roommate goes to a salon that she really likes in Uptown if you ever need a new place. I can't for the life of me remember the name but they also have a location on Mockingbird. Pompeo I think?

Collette Osuna said...

Im so sorry you had such a bad experience......:( Id call as well, and definitely tell them how unhappy you are...

Sheila said...

Seriously, you need to go somewhere else and find a stylist who will listen to you. Go for a consultation beforehand (no cut, not blowout, nothing but a chat) - book it. Then lay it all on the line, and tell them that any deviation from this will result in your never, ever coming back.

I finally have a hairdresser who listens to me, and whom I trust - it is worth it! Stay strong, Erin! And remember...it's just hair. :)

Sara said...

I totally understand the haircuts are traumatic feelings. Once I find a stylist I like, I latch onto them and refuse to see anyone else. PERIOD. I've been with my stylist for almost 5 years now, and have followed her to two salons, lol.

I'm so sorry you had a negative experience. That's just awful. I have to say, I probably would have done the same thing in your situation. I get so nervous, I also smile, and pay, and tip. I do agree with those who suggested you contact the salon and complain about the service. 110%.

WendyB said...

Not all doctors are the same, not all bloggers are the same, not all stylists are the same. There are really BAD people out there. Don't ever assume stylists are interchangeable. People DO fuck up the simplest things. I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way. If someone disappoints you, don't go back! Find good people and stick with 'em. Ask people with great hair who they go to.

I've been with my stylist for 15 years. It took me years to find someone like him and I'm not letting go.

GFS said...

First of all, the fact that I have actually met you in real life only makes me giggle even more. I TOTALLY can see you saying every word in this post and I even picture your hand gestures!

I'm sorry that it was so horrible! I hate pushy hairdressers! THEY NEVER PHOCKING listen!!! EVER! I also feel trapped when I'm there, it's like I'm all ballsy and full of threats anywhere on the planet but the hairdresser! I don't know what that's called!?!?

I remember one time this chick did my hair and I KID YOU NOT...I could feel that she was doing it wrong even by the direction of the stroke of her comb! It was insane...yet I sat there hoping that maybe I was just too neurotic and expected a miracle when they swiveled my chair in the direction of the mirror.

Nope...epic fail. I feel your pain girl, I feel it!

michelle said...

erin! so frustrating! Im the same way with my hair, and I continued to see the same person that couldnt get my hair right. why?! because I felt bad and weird to see somebody else in the same saloon! Hair doesnt have to be this difficult, right?! Call and get your bangs with YOUR person, and tell her what the other lady did/said!

cwhf said...

Ugh. I hate when stylists argue with me over what is best for my hair, the hair I have lived with and known for over 30 years. I finally gave up and do all my own hair care myself including trims at home. I have supercurly hair and one bad haircut can set me back years. So traumatic.

Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

I would have gone home and cried. Then gone back the next day and bitched... because I am REALLY crazy about hair cuts. Just like you said, it's really freaking scary to get your hair cut, especially after several traumatizing previous experiences. Ughh. I'm so sorry. :( I guess you'll call in and find out when Ashley is available next?

Unknown said...

I hate haircuts too! It's only now, at 27, I have found a hairdresser who I like and trust and feel I could go "uh, NO, you fix it" with. I won't let anyone else touch my hair though.

Also my hairdresser is hot.

Askew To You said...

I would call or email the shop and let them know that you are not satisfied. I used to be a hairdresser. Hairdressers and salon owners want clients to be satisfied. You are not satisfied and they should fix the problem (the no-bangs, the no-blow out) asap. Getting your hair done should be fun. It sucks that you've had so many bad experiences.

Raquelita said...

I echo Sheila's sentiments entirely. This is not acceptable and having a stylist who listens to you and does what you request is really important. I would let the salon know that this stylist was rude, did not provide the service requested, and that you are very unhappy.

Chelsea said...

OMG. Do you yelp? You should write a review of that lady because she sounds horrible! I've had some awful haircuts from stylists who ignored what I said... it's traumatizing! That's why I scoured yelp for someone awesome and will stick with her FOREVER.

I say you go back, complain, and demand a free cut to get your bangs and blowout!

Yes, much more easily said than done and I"d likely not have the cojones to follow my own advice... but if you do you totally should!

Hooked on Shoes said...

I so know what you mean, I hate getting my hear cut! Not wanting to cry when I come home = a success. Luckily, last week was such a joyous occasion.

But this one sounds particularly rude! You did not get your bangs (I had a similar conversation with my hair stylist, but I did insist on my bangs) AND she didn't wash or blow it?! And she added product??? (= death sin with my hair) I soooo wouldn't have left it at that.

Hope you'll get your regular stylist next time!

Kelly said...

Oh no Erin!! I'm so sorry. Bad haircuts are the pits - even when it's not like the haircut is *ugly* it still sucks to walk in with high hopes and walk out pissed off. I can't believe she did that to you. But I'm so bad at confrontation (especially when it comes to people I barely know) that I probably would have done the same thing.

I hope your regular stylist can work some magic for you!

myedit said...

Hmmm... slightly rude. At least her scissors didn't slip and add layers anyways.
I'm with you on not complaining to the lady... as much as I know what I want, I always feel bad if something is wrong so I say nothing too.

Rebecca said...

Hairstylists who won't listen to you are no good. I love my current stylist, but it took me a long time to find her.

At least the cut isn't bad, your hair still looks cute.

Anonymous said...

I so feel your pain! I've had too many bad hair experiences to count, most recently, a hair stylist who chopped my bangs before I could tell her I've been growing them out. :( I get all nervous at the salon and always end up leaving a big tip even when I leave feeling angry and violated. What's up with that?

Honestly, why on earth would anyone working for tips think it was a good idea to tell you she thinks how you want your hair is boring?!

ardenkatherine said...

I once had a stylist cut off nearly 5 inches of hair when I had asked for a trim. I'm more forward I guess. I threw a fit, got an apology, and a free cut. I stormed out of there. Never went back. It was a reputable salon too. Goes to show that, like all of us have discovered, if you find a stylist who does a good job, KEEP THEM AT ALL COST.

I agree though, the cut isn't bad, you're hair is still cute. It's just the experience this time I guess?

Lovers, Saints & Sailors said...

I'm going to get my hair cut next week. It's been 9 months since my last one because it was messed up and now I'm all afraid and stuff. I'm sorry you had such a crappy experience and I sure as hell hope you tell your regular stylist when she is back.

Berry said...

I'm sorry you had such a crappy experience. :( I completely agree with Askew To You, you need to call/email the manager and let them know you are honestly unhappy. The whole thing was not what you asked for and uh talk about unneeded comments. Salon managers need clients to be happy to stay in business and will usually try to go above and beyond to make sure you're happy. I'm a pretty shy person too, but after working at two salons I know that if you just speak up the salon will do anything possible to make you happy.

Jodie said...

Oh no. This sounds awful, what beauty school taught her to explain what suits you in terms of what she thinks is not right with your face? And I so understand about the need to be polite and leave after a hair cut - because it is worse having to find a new salon because you said you didn't like how someone did your hair than to just wait until your own stylist gets back.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like such a mess, the worse haircut I've ever had was when the stylist decided I needed layers too, and proceeded to chop of eight inches, layer it up to the max and load it with product all the while complaning that I had bad hair. I think layers are a cop out for stylists that have very little skills in terms of knowing what a good haircut is.
I get my hair undercut, because I do not like layers, so we undercut the sections so that they fall nicely and not in one solid chunk, and they still have movement, but are not wispy and are not super layered up which can look very sloppy and unkept when not done right.
Not all haircuts are bad, it's the bad stylists that ruin it for the future appointments. At least she didn't manage to ruin your hair by cutting it super short and layering it up at the same time.

Monica

Stephanie said...

What a horrible stylist! I would file a complaint as well. She should cut your hair to how you want it, not how she wanted it.

My worst hair experience was when I was 18. The stylist was cutting my hair had to leave and help another stylist. I waited for about 10 minutes and when she finally came back, she missed cutting a good inch on my right side. So it was lopsided. Of course I didn't say anything and tried to fix it myself. Big mistake.

bexkee said...

I totally know where you are coming from.
I have thick dark wavy/curly hair. EVERY time I go a salon the hairdresser wants to straighten it. I say "No, I don't suit straight hair I suit curly hair,thanks anyway"
Then they say let's just do it for fun, for kicks for a lark.
And I end up feeling awkward and an annoying client and say "Oh OK then" followed by a weak smile.
I loathe every moment of being in a salon.

Kelly said...

Rebecca - FWIW I've heard that Deva salons are like the holy grail for curly gals. I think it's a chain specifically for curls and waves.

Unknown said...

I totally and 100% empathize with you... Totally and completely!

I feel mad just reading this. Mad as a hornet!