How Do You Justify an Expensive Haircut?
You don’t. At first. And then, it’s as natural as one coat of amber colored mascara. My story begins here.
I moved to a new city nine months ago. While this type of transition can be difficult, nothing is as excruciating as replacing the perfect hair stylist. Don’t ask me why, but I’ve always had a thing for owners. Completely by default. It was always just a natural hook up. A friend of a friend’s recommendation and then, poof, he’s mine! So you can imagine how hard it was for me to leave Chris. After a seven year relationship, the only advantage of moving is the ability to play the field. I am sure you agree, this sort of thing is analogous to dating.
So, I’ve been “dating” stylists (only two) here in my new city for months. First there was Amy. She was great, in the beginning. And while she can cut hair like nobody’s business, she lacks the listening skill, which is ever so important when discussing one’s hair. The first date involved just a trim - easy feat. Second, cut and highlights. I asked for no stripes, just a beautiful blend of natural-looking color. But l left with stripes. The third visit, I was tinkering with the thought of bangs. And against my better judgment, she convinced me that bangs cut straight across my forehead would be sexy (yikers!). So not sexy on me. Let me assure you, that was living hell. And still is, quite frankly. I also expressed my concern about the stripes from the last highlight. But guess what? I left with stripes yet again.
Then there was Edward. I admit, I cheated on Amy in between cuts (clearly, though, two visits did not constitute a relationship). Thanks to Laney, my first visit to Ed was shortly after he opened and involved a simple cut. He has this fabulous salon located in a chic community that offers so much more than haircutting services … which has me thinking I could spend an entire day here if warranted (think SPA!). I was treated to a lovely scalp massage while being shampooed (I might have dozed off for a minute but I am pretty sure we were having a great conversation, too). He cut and blow dried my hair in 45 minutes … and I had one of those moments where I thought to myself, hmmm - where can I go today to show off my hair? Ed picked out some shampoo and conditioner (best stuff ever!) for me and a young lady checked me out - or rung me up, whatever. She told me the total and I about fell over. Chris spoiled me for seven years with ridiculously low rates. How was I ever to adjust, I thought. But I happily paid and made my way home. My first thought was, wow, that was a lot. But my second thought (and overpowering, of course) was that Ed made me feel like a woman! And you can’t really put a price on that. Besides, he said all the right things. Like how he would color my hair and how to style long, layered bangs (which I had at that time - and he certainly forewarned me against the cut-straight-across-the-forehead type of bangs). On my second visit and after he saw the big bang mistake, he worked his magic and I walked out of there convinced that Ed is the one for me!
Hair is seriously a big deal for women. My friend, Suzie, and I were just talking about this tonight over our pink drink. She pays the same amount. And you know what? It’s worth it. So there’s your justification.
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Stumble it!
I have been in Germany for almost 3 years now. With the language barrier, I now have shoulder length hair. I have finally found someone who does my highlights, but you can see where they start at the scalp. Can’t wait to get back to the States.
What is your opinion on long hair for women over 40?
Hi Thorngren,
It must be hard getting exactly what you want with the language barrier - you’d almost have to bring a picture with you all the time! I think hair and age shouldn’t necessarily be put into buckets. Take the women on “Desperate Housewives” (which, ironically enough I do not watch). Most of them are over 40 and have long hair. Yes, they are celebrities - but the bottom line is, if your face looks good with a certain hair style your age shouldn’t dictate the length. However, I do believe there comes an age where long hair may not be so appropriate. I have seen women in their 70s with really long hair and it kind of freaks me out a bit.
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi, what a fun article. I love when you tell your stories. I so understand about hair. The right hairstylist is essential! I made a change a couple of years ago; I go to a great hair cuttist now. My last person was a great colorist, which I needed then. Now I need a great cutter. Not such a great stylist, however, I can get that from my girls. Good job!
Thank you for my wonderful laugh tonight!! And Happy New Year to you! There is NOTHING as important as HAIR…and our hair stylist. You hit the nail right on the head. I travel so much that I am constantly having different stylist, alas…you know the end. Sometimes straight bangs and sometimes a FAB look! What can we say?
Here are some things to consider when getting a ‘big ticket’ hair service:
1. Expertise of the stylist: If you’re seeing the owner, the price will probably be higher. After all, the owner sets the tone for their establishment. Hopefully, it’s not off-key! If the owner’s price doesn’t agree with you, ask about the salon’s range of rates, levels of experience, etc. Also, hair is an art and a craft that is taken very seriously by it’s practitioners. If you’re going to a big name place, the training regimen is most likely thorough and strict. At this point, you’re paying for not only technique, but also expertise, knowledge and guidance, as opposed to “just a little off the ends, please.”
2. The neighborhood/part of town you’re visiting: Let’s be honest; if you’re in an upscale area, the rent is going to be high, and businesses need to cover their costs. They also need to remain competitive with other establishments otherwise, it wouldn’t be “the good part of town.” For example, I can’t understand why people seem so bemused by the prices of hair services in Midtown Manhattan. Where do they think they are?
3. Great customer service in the salon. This is practically tied for first with quality of hair service. Are you greeted nicely by the well-dressed receptionist or coat-check person? Are you offered and brought a beverage? Are you physically being shown to the dressing room? Does your technician take your opinion into consideration, as well as offering their own? Is the salon clean? Does salon staff call you by your first name, instead of “uh, excuse me?” In brief: are you made to feel comfortable and welcome in every way possible?
Take all three of these points into consideration when going to a higher priced salon. When you’re paying good money to get your hair cut or colored, all three of my points should factor in, all at the same time, otherwise you’re paying for someone’s ego trip, and not what you truly deserve as a consumer.
Carrie Butterworth, Senior Stylist, Patrick Melville Salon
I can totally relate to your hair stylist post! Believe it or not, I have recently started falling out of love with your former stylist here in your former city (you know the one). The final straw was right before Thanksgiving when he attempted “asymmetrical bangs”. When I complained that they felt too unbalanced for me, he started trying to fix them and it got to the point where they were too short in places. I didn’t really know how much I disliked the cut until I tried to style and things got even worse as it grew out. Alas, I finally decided to cancel my next appointment and start anew with a different stylist. This morning, I when in for my first appointment and so far so good. He spent a good amount of time obsessing over every detail of the cut and analyzing how it moves. I even started fresh with all new products since my old products were building up and failing me as well. Well, my husband and I love the new look, but my kids are not so sure. When my youngest declared “I don’t like it at all. I don’t like change.”, I replied “Well, that’s just too bad. You know, I’m not **just** your mom.”
There is something so liberating about starting from scratch! That’s where my head is about a lot of things with the start of a new year. I’m looking forward to lots of “renewal”. Next stop, at-home peels and microdermabrasion…
Nice to meet you, Carrie! Thanks so much for your valuable input. So glad you made it to our community. Hope you stay and contribute often!
Melissa - good for you, starting fresh. Sounds like it really lifted your spirits, too. Contact me about at home peels and microderm. That’s what I am here for.
I have a big question–How do you “break up” with your stylist–do they want to know why you’re leaving? Do you just stop going / not make the next appointment? My girl goes above and beyond in service, her color is GREAT on me, BUT her cuts just don’t cut it! She’s so sweet, that I’ve been walking around Charlotte with a bad cut (well, it’s good for about 2 weeks, then downhill) just because I don’t want to break up with her…I even have somebody in mind to “cheat” with! Why is it that stylist are either good in color or good in cuts, but not both. This is the second time I’m about to leave somebody who does great color, but not so good cut. I keep justifying that color is more important but by mid-month, I’m over it!
Tammy,
Good gravy. This is such a difficult thing for us all. You can do one of two things. You can let your hair stylist know that you met someone who is dying to try out a new cut on you (and continue to go to her for color … or not … if you decide you are happy with the new stylist). Or, you can just stop making appointments all together (the whimpy way out). However, that can be awkward if there is ever the potential to run into her. My recommendation, be honest. Your hair stylist would want you to be.
Thanks,
Catherine