Insulted by my hairdresser......:(
By lumenmom
@lumenmom (1986)
United States
March 28, 2013 8:23am CST
The other day I finally decided to go and get my hair done at a salon. It was actually at a beauty school where the stylists are students and the prices are cheaper. I had been taking my daughter there and have been impressed with their professionalism because most schools I have been to in the past have been much less than professional. It was hard for me to decide to go, because I truly have let my hair go but I have been struggling with so many things, that my hair just took a backseat, especially since I could hide it with a couple of nice hats.
Anyway, the young stylist approached me and I warned her up front that my hair had not been taken care of. This is not the first time for me, and most stylists in the past have been very encouraging. This one started out that way, then a some point she blurted out, " If you come back in here with your hair like this again and expect me to do it, I will tell you NO." I was a bit surprised by the statement, since I think it was rude and with me being an older lady compared to her. People don't always know what is going on with a person and why they are in the shape they are in. I kinda overlooked that statement but then later she went to get some plastic wrap to put on my hair to give it more moisture and the piece was not big enough. She then said, "I did not realize your head was that big."
Even though she said it sort of jokingly, at that point I was insulted. I think she was trying to make small talk like most stylists do, but she was young enough to think she was talking with her girlfriends instead of a PAYING client. When she was done, she asked if I wanted to make another appointment. I told her I would call if I wanted to come back.
In those schools there are many stylists so I don't have to go back to her. Yet part of me was thinking maybe I should have confronted her about her comments so that she does not start her career thinking she can talk to clients any way and expect them to stay with her. I'd like some feedback on this. Thank you.
4 people like this
16 responses
@silverfox09 (4708)
• United States
18 Apr 13
I think you should have let her know whats on your mind , she is not professional . A lot of people are like this and they choose the wrong career and think they should talk to client/customer any way .
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Apr 13
Disgraceful! That young woman needed you to put her in her place. That is no way to speak to a customer. You, the customer, and your hair, are the reason she is there. She is learning and that one needs to learn to be respectful, courteous and friendly.
I have had a similar experience when I went to a salon. I was having my very long, very thick hair cut short and the stylist made several comments about my hair, like "it's so thick", but with a sneer on her face that made me feel very uncomfortable. Trust me, I know just how you felt. I've not been back there and I've since found a really good stylist.
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
28 Mar 13
It was so awful that your hair dresser insulted you. She shouldn't have spoken to you in that nasty and rude way. She has no idea of your situation. Some hair is full of body and wild like. Such a lady can struggle to get a comb through her hair. My optician has got frizzy like hair. I think her hair looks lovely.
A hair dressers should cope well with any hair with a smile. Most hair dressers talk about happy things like weekends with happy events and vacations to a lovely places. I don't think many people will return to her for a hair cut. Good luck next time finding a polite hair dresser.
@IntrovertShy (2780)
• Marikina, Philippines
30 Mar 13
Oh my gosh. That is so rude. I think she is insecure because she feels as if she did not do it right with your hair if ever she saw your hair again. She should not be rude to her client and it is because there is a possiblity that she would not get any client at all if she would act that way again.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
29 Mar 13
I think you could have told her or whoever was managing the shop that she was less than professional. I went to one once. I'd never go again. I got hurt in the shop and fell off their stage area. Sprained both my ankles. Was out of work for over 3 weeks. I had to sign papers releasing them of all responsibility before the cut and style. Who knew I would almost get killed going to pay?!
@alpha9180 (301)
• Malaysia
28 Mar 13
I am sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the rude student hairstylist. Even if she intended to joke she needs to put it in a nice way and not uttered rudely. I guess she lacks in PR with the customers.[em]thumbdown[/.em].
I have been to a beauty school salon here as I could select the student hairstylist which is cheaper.
So far I have noticed they are being professional and polite when dealing with all customers. I have never been offended by any students there. And I am glad they do provide a good service[em]thumbup[/.em].
@buddha3 (1026)
• India
28 Mar 13
Since I wasn't there in your position and I don't know in what tone she said she wouldn't do your hair again if you come back like that next time, I can't really say if she was serious or just trying to have a friendly chat.
If she was having a chit chat with you to keep you engaged, I think she just said it jokingly. But if she was serious then it's really unprofessional of her.
Again, I understand what you said. Even if she was joking, I don't think anybody can do it with everyone without knowing the person and without giving due respect to their age.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
28 Mar 13
She was so very out of line and yes..you should of spoken to her tutor..someone higher up. I went years without getting my hair cut. My hair was down to my waist. The lady that cut it was nervous and mainly because she knew that it was a difficult choice for me as well. She never reprimanded me or anything. I Would have told that wanna-be hairdresser not to worry...I would make sure that I did not come back to her under any circumstances.
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
28 Mar 13
You should have spoken to one of the instructors. However, even though you didn't, it sounds like one of her next clients most likely did--or gave the girl herself an earful.
@marguicha (215148)
• Chile
28 Mar 13
Where I live, we tip hairdressers, but it is not mandatory. It`s just a small token of our gratitude. If I had encountered such a person here, I would have shown my disgust by not leaving a tip for her. She was certainly rude, specially with her first remark.
@Cutie18f (9551)
• Philippines
28 Mar 13
The hairdresser who handled you sounded arrogant, you should have pointed out this fact to her that it was not a good way to start her career behaving like she knows everything. She expects to sound like a pro but you know better. She still has to learn a lot in the world of customer service.
@doroffee (4222)
• Hungary
28 Mar 13
I think I would have told her my mind if I were in your shoes. She's really arrogant and conceited. Also, believe me, a hood hair stylist can make a good hairdo from the most horribly grown hair as well... those who start to bash you because of your hair and its condition are those who are not that talented. Also, a good hairdresser starts with subtle small talk to see what kind of small talk the client likes. I hate it when they wanna act as a friend on my first occasion there... some are especially nosy and gossipy, and wanna know on the first date whether I have a boyfriend or not...
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
28 Mar 13
Sorry to hear about that. I would even go back to a place like that.
@TLilly12 (1229)
• United States
28 Mar 13
You should have spoken your mind, to this young girl she would not, have gotten away with that with any other customer, and if she think people are going to put up, with her insulting them like that, she is going to lost alot of business, and she won't get paid and the word could get out, about how rude she is to customers, and when women go there, they wouldn't want her doing thier hair.
@ctryhnny (3460)
• United States
28 Mar 13
I've never been to a beauty school to have my hair done but I've been thinking about it since my hair is soooo long. I would have told the instructor what the girl said whether she meant it or not. That's not a good way to start out her career in hair care. one of the things they teach them is to be polite no matter what the circumstance is.
@Ghajini (776)
• Philippines
28 Mar 13
Cheer up. Even though I am guy, I have experienced similar situations but not on a salon or barber shop because fortunately most of the hairstylists in our country are very friendly. I think there is possibility that young stylist was innocently being rude, I mean probably she has that personality like enjoying making jokes etc. however, since she's providing services to clients/customers in a business establishment, I think she needs to be reminded of what are the do's and don'ts with regards to handling a customer. It would been good perhaps, if you informed her in a nice manner that you didn't appreciate her comments even though they may seem as humorous ones.
