Should I Switch to Another Stylist?

Well, what you can do without the embarrasement of going there and finding out the "new prices", call when the shop opens and ask the prices over the phone.
I don't know where you live, but I go to an awesome hair salon in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Coco Late is the name of the salon and the owner Toni I have known for many years. She is affordable and never does anything she doesn't think you need. She loves what she does and has an awesome staff. It is a very comfortable setting and coffee and goodies are always available. To give you a price idea, a hair cut is $40. I absolutely love my hair cut, color and all. I actually have a 6pm appt tonight for my trim. Good luck. In case you want the phone ####-###-####,
C. Y.

First of all I think it is great that you made such a good friend. I think going and doing what your husband said is a great idea. If it is to expensive, why not see if you can get another shop similar to it, there has to be one. Also go and visit your old hairdresser (if that is what he becomes) and let him give you a dye for old times sake. I am sure he will understand if you have to make the change, just see what happens!!

S. -

I agree with your husband. Give it a try and maybe bring your stylist a small holiday gift - chocolate, fresh ground coffee - and check it out. You may not see the Lexus and even if you do you may end up liking the owner. Don't be prejudiced. After the visit go with your feelings. If you want to move on maybe discuss privately with your stylist and explain the situation. Maybe he'll recommend someone or help with the transition and discuss your hair with whomever you go to next. You'll never know unless you ask.

Good luck!

FD

I can't say I know what you mean because I have never had "one" stylist, nor have I had "one" salon that I went to. However, I agree with your husband, and try not to pre-judge, your stylist has catered to you all these years, maybe others that he has catered to are a lot like you and will follow him too. Certain people are drawn to certain people, look at it as that one thing you all have in common is this one stylist, right there is something, so you can't all have bad taste right? Not sure if I am making sense.. lol
Give it a try, it can't be that bad, if you don't like it, see what else is out there. Good luck!

I think your husband is a very sensible man. That is exactly what I was going to suggest you do.

Go once more and check out the prices and the atmosphere. If you're hesitant about being embarrased by having to walk out of the store if the price is too high you could call your stylist before you go and see what it would cost for your regular hair styling needs. As far as the atmosphere - unfortunately things change. If you don't feel a sense of community at the new salon ask him if he has a recommendation of someone in the area that you could go to. And/or have him tell you the basics of what he does to achieve such a great look for your hair. That way whoever you go see next will have a good starting point without feeling like you have taken away their personal touch.

I know that hair stylists are like magicians, they never want to give their secrets away, but 15 years and a move has to count for something.

Good Luck

Yes.
I must say though you have good talent for writing.

Well being the hairstylist I am.. I understand you and i would understand your hairstylist.. but you've been with him for a while.. the least he can do is keep you on the price that you have been paying him!! A Customer is a customer.. 15 yrs. is a long time to be with a hairstylist!! i think u should take your husbands advice and just get the feel of the place and see for yourself how much he charges u and if u can afford it.. and if not then maybe you should ask friends about other beauticians..

My hairdresser of some years moved once to a more exclusive and expensive place, and I went with her. Then the new more expensive place moved to a nicer facility. I figured the prices would go up, but I went to my next visit. I found out what the prices were....and paid it that time. Then I decided to write a letter to my hairdresser and explain that while I loved what she had done for my hair all these years, I could not afford the increase in prices. I now go to a more ordinary neighborhood hairdresser. It was tough at first, because the new hairdresser knew I had been going to a much nicer salon. But we got past that after the first few cuts and colors and now we are great together. I spend less money at this place than with the old prices at my old place. Sometimes you have to draw the line. Give this guy a chance and see what you think. I bet there are other women who will be in a similar position. He is clearly interested in doing an upscale business and I am sure he must realize that some clients will no longer be able to make use of his services.

See what his prices are before making any decision. If they are out of your price range simply tell him the truth: you love evrything about him and the way he does your hair (blah, blah, blah) but you simply can't afford it anymore. See what his response is -- maybe he'll say he can work within your budget. If it does work out that you can continue going to him, don't even worry about not feeling that you don't "fit in." I bet others will be envious of your great relationship with him! Hope it works out. By the way, I live in NJ and still go to Long Island to get my hair done -- completely inconvenient but I love my stylist!

I have the same history with my stylist. I followed him to different shops and kept quiet through all the price increases. I have to agree with your husband on this one. Try it out if your not comfortable with the new surroundings then think of going somewhere else. It's very difficult to find someone that you are so comfortable with and if you have that place to escape, that place where you leave work, the kids and hubby outside the front door for a few hours and can truly relax maybe it's worth the extra money. I know for me that time is priceless.

Good Luck,
I'm sure you will figure this out.

I feel for you.
I like your husbands suggestion. I would also try to talk to my stylist about special lower rates for his long time loyal customers as a loyalty bonus. This is what I do with my personal trainer when she left the gym and opened her own - she has special prices for the clients who moved with her, and this is why I (and presumably many others) stayed. She has also new clients whom she charges more.
Hopefully he will be elegant enough to do that. Good luck.

while it sounds like you're most likely going to want to go to another stylist, i would have to agree with your husband on this one. what will it hurt to go back just one more time...a few extra $'s and KNOWING exactly what things are like. maybe you'll get lucky and he'll give you the discount that you joked about...after all, a 15 yr customer who has moved from place to place just to have HIS services...that SHOULD mean something to him. if not, and the whole place makes you uncomfortable, i personally would find someone else (unless you're hair is THAT unmanagable, and only he seems to do wonders with it...then i would suffer with being uncomfortable, to have my hair look nice) but you really have to decide which is more important to you. i personally don't care much about my hair, i will do just about anything to it when the mood strikes, i KNOW that it will all just grow back. but i know how come obsess over hair, and some may not obsess over hair, but over WHO touches their hair. try and see how it goes, THEN decide from there! good luck.

Hey S.! I agree with Troy! Give it a shot. See if he gives you a break, see how you feel going there. It may not be as bad as you think. He may honor your previous rates considering you are a long time customer. If you don't feel comfortable going, at least you gave it a chance.
By the way, if you do decide to make a change, I highly recommend my hair dresser. And he is right in town. Anyone I recommend to him, loves him and continues to use him.
Good luck!!

Hi S. WOW.....sure sounds like you are stressing over all of this. It is understandable when you've been a loyal customer for all these years and face it, finding someone who does miracles with your hair is not an easy treck. I think what your husband suggested sounds like a good idea. You never know until you try it. You may love it more. Maybe if his prices are a lot more then you can handle...you could ask him quietly, since you are a long time client, if he would charge you what he's been charging you. If he can't ask him
if there's someone he can suggest. (This may make him think about losing you as a client) As far as your car goes in the parking lot...don't fret it. Snobs are snobs no mater what you have or don't. Let it be their problem. Don't make excuses for who you are or what you have. Good luck, D. PS you can walk in and act like a snob too!!! LOL!

I would have to agree with your husband (in the least). A woman's relationship with her hairstylist is one that cannot be duplicated. If there are not a lot of other ways you "pamper" yourself, would it be so bad to spend a little more $$ if it makes you happy? I have found I am always willing to spend the money on a good hairstyle rather than save a little and not be completely happy. If it isn't so much about your hair and more about the atmosphere - then I would say follow your husband's advice and go one more time. If you don't like the fit - you don't have to go back.

I would do exactly what your husband suggested. Go to the new place at least once and feel it out. If the price has jumped a ridiculous amount or if you feel uncomfortable then don't go back. I think your stylist should make a huge effort to be accomadating to his longtime clientelle. The people who's business aloowed him to open this great new salon.

Two things I never recovered from after having moved here 6 years go were #1 finding the perfect dentist and #2 finding the perfect stylist.

I still have yet to find the perfect dentist, but I have JUST found the perfect stylist. It took me 6 years and many lousy haircuts/highlights to find someone that I could consider the perfect stylist. Since I found her I haven't thought about the one I left 6 years ago at home.

My point is, finding someone that can do your hair just the way you like it as well as maintain a certain rapport with, in my experience, is rare.

My minivan is amongst the luxury vehicles and sticks out like a sore thumb but I am a mother of 3 and that is the way it has to be for now. It's ok.

I would never leave this stylist. I would follow her wherever and pay whatever. She is that good. But most importantly, I deserve it. It is a struggle sometimes, but the way I feel now because of this person is worth every sacrifice.

I wish you the best. It is a very difficult & emotional situation.

A.

I'd likely give it one more time, just like your husband suggested. Worst case scenario, it's more expensive, but it will only be the one time and then you can start your search for a new stylist. Best of luck!

Sorry to hear your problem. Your husband is wise to tell you to follow him. At that point you will realize the commute, financial increase is not making you happy and lookfor another stylist you are comfortable with. I have a recommendation a stylist who has worked for 15 years owned her own salon, and worked in prestigious salons in in NYC. Presently she is attending college and servicing clients. She does great work. Give her a call Lynne located in Nutley & Maywood ###-###-#### or ###-###-####. Lots of luck Linda

I think your husband has the right idea. You have been with him for so long give him the benefit of the doubt go back for one more appointment and if you are uncomfortable with the amotsphere and their prices you will have your answer on whether or not you should find a new salon.

Hey. I can totally feel you on this one. I have had the same stylist for at least 10 years. She is great. She knows my hair inside and out. She colors mine and cuts it and "tames" it without a problem. I went to someone else when she was gone for a vacation and they totally jacked my hair up. It was a pretty well knonw salon that many of friends went to and they swore up and down by them. Well, they did a nice job BUT my hair was NOT like it usually is and cut a little different. it didnt BEHAVE like it normally did. Anyways when my hair dresser came back I called her to see if she could "fix it" adn she just laughed. She did though. She didn't bad mouth them she just said "they don't know your hair".
She does alot to my hair. Cut wash base color adn about three different highlights. If I went to the salon it would cost my at least 170.00. (and my hair is shoulder length) What I do is go to her house. I pay her ALOT less adn she pockets the whole thing. I buy my colors at Sallys beauty supply and bring them with me and she "hooks it up". You should ask if he does color adn cuts form his home. A lot of people do. If you guys are friends or at least if you feel you have a rapport you should ask. Maybe just be honest adn tell him you don't want to switch but it's getting too pricey. See if he has any suggestions. If all else fails you'll have to find someone else. It will take time to accustom yourself to them but eventually you will. Try to write down all that he has ever said about your hair, since he speaks stylist lingo the new stylist may just understand it.
Good luck.

I was actually going to suggest exactly what your husband said. I think it's worth at least one try. Good luck with everything!

As a hairstylist myself , I can tell you that no one wants to lose their clients. ANd as a good business person your stylist should offer you some type of discount and/ or honor your exsisting price for at least the first 6months to a year of opening. We count on our following to keep us a float, so if that means taking a little hit in the begining so be it. I too work in Edgewater on the waterfront and can tell you that my salon in not the stuffy place you may think. yes we do have some,but every salon does. But on the hold we cater to every client as if they were family, and that is why I am there. I worked in a "trendy " salon in Hoboken and hated it after awhile. It just wasn't me.. I think it is truely the staff who makes the salon...listen to me going on and on....anyway I just thought I would let you know from my point of view. Also if you have a great relationship with your sylist like you metioned, have a talk with him, it can't hurt. My final advice is give it a try you never know!
Any other questions feel free to ask away.....

I also agree with your husband that you should go back to the man at least one more time. If he tries to charge you more ask him firmly, not jokingly, if your loyalty all these years means anything. You have followed him to new shops, and have undoubtly recommended him to others. He should in turn offer you a discount that at least comes close to the prices you have been paying in recent years. Most business people will see that a loyal customer is worth losing a few dollars. And I'm sure that you won't be the only one driving a minivan in the area. :)

I haven't read the other responses, but I would do just what your husband said. Give it 1 chance. If it doesn't meet your expectations, maybe it's time to try another stylist. My stylist is actually a relative and I've been going to her since I was a kid. But once in a while, it's not convenient to go (the shop isn't open on weekends and sometimes I just can't wait ;) )so I get a change of pace somewhere else. Sometimes its nice to get another's perspective. Who knows? You may discover something better that you never would have known otherwise.