Hairdresser Bullies

Have you ever had one of these? The hairdresser that does what SHE thinks will look good. The hairdresser that takes off 5cm when you ask for a trim. The hairdresser that pushes you into buying products even when you can't afford it.


Well today I had that hairdresser. My usual hairdresser has moved, and it's really hard for me to get to her. I could take my daughter with me, but expecting her to sit in her pram for an hour isn't fair on her. And since she now is walking, its not safe for her to be investigating a place that has scissors and chemicals. So I went somewhere local while my parents (who are here on holiday) minded her.


She was nice enough, but by the time I left the salon I was feeling pretty sh!tty about myself. 


I told her I only wanted to get a cm off since I was growing my hair. She said I needed to get more cut off due to the damage. She pointed up to my ears where she said I needed it cut! Now my hair isn't amazing like Blake Lively's, but it isn't so bad I need to shave my hair. Bleaching and styling damages your hair, but I work hard to keep it in good condition by limiting heat damage and using deep conditioning.


She said I needed to get it cut every 8 weeks. While its true, unless she is offering to babysit its not going to happen. The last time I got my hair cut was Christmas Eve. I would love to get it cut more regularly, but time wise it's so difficult when your a parent or work insane hours.


She also said I need to use protein....Actually I do every week thankyouverymuch!! 


She also said I need to not use supermarket brands like Pantene (she actually said Pantene in horror). Ummmm....I'm using O&M and Tricovedic, which are both salon brands. And so what if I did!!! Not everyone can afford to spend $100 on a shampoo and conditioner. I've found some supermarket brands are more effective than products they sell in salons. A previous boss of mine had the most amazingly healthy and gorgeous long hair and only used Garnier products! 


She said my products have silicone in them and I should be using Sulphate free hair products...both of these brands are free of sulphates. If you're going to trash something, make sure you know about it first! And just because you hate something, you don't need to be rude to people that do like it.


Then she tried to pressure me into buying a range of products. If I had been using supermarket brands, what makes her think I would spend over $100 on hair products!?! 


It really frustrates me when you are bullied into purchasing items. It may work with some, but most customers don't like it and won't return. I don't know why she would think insulting me and my appearance would make me want to buy things from her. If I told a customer that her clothes made her look fat, but the ones from my store made her look skinny, I doubt they would buy from me.


I left feeling very flat, and disappointed. I didn't need a lecture when it was the only time I had to myself. I didn't need to be put down or treated like an idiot. She could have explained why sulphate free is better for your hair, instead of trashing what she thought I was using. I don't mind an explanation why, but treating me like an idiot wasn't needed.


It's really important to never assume something about a customer. The customer that comes in with roots showing and dried ends may be a single mum that scrapped together $40 over 4 months to get her hair cut. Or it could be a business woman that spends 24 days of the month travelling and would prefer to spend the other 6 days she has free relaxing with family rather than in a salon chair. 


Am I overreacting, or would you feel terrible if you had this happen?
Have you been bullied by a hairdresser. 
XO