How To End Things With Your Hair Stylist And Find Someone New

The relationship between a hairstylist and their client isn't always strictly professional. If you've been seeing them for a few years for regular trims or frequent styling, you're likely to develop an especially strong bond with your stylist and they can easily become one of the most important people in your life. And while a deeper level of trust can be a good thing, it can also make things tricky if you ever want to find someone new to do your hair.

Sometimes, even formerly great stylists can end up providing inadequate service. For example, if your stylist doesn't respect your time and is always late or canceling on you at the last minute, it might be time to move on (via My Hair Fix). You might also benefit from new blood if the sole reason you see your current stylist is that you love their personality rather than their skills, or if they never update their products, technology, and techniques. Overbooking clients that cause your appointments to run late can be another sign that it's time to say goodbye (via Confessions of a Cosmetologist).

Whatever the reason, it's never easy ending things with your stylist and finding a new one. But there are a few strategies you can employ to make things a little less awkward. 

Approach leaving your hairstylist in the same way that you would approach breaking up with a romantic partner. The context may be very different, but the same general principles apply: be kind, be clear, and be honest. L'ange recommends always keeping the tone polite and positive in case you'd like to return in the future. If you feel comfortable enough, gently tell them that you love their work but you'd like to go in a different direction with your hair. And if all else fails, a white lie — like telling them that you're looking for a salon closer to your house — can make things easier. Always keep the explanation brief and simple.

If you don't feel comfortable ending things in person or via a phone call, you can email your stylist (via Hair Romance). You don't have to go into too much detail, but if you do give them some insight into why you're moving on, it can help them to improve. Of course, you can also just simply stop making appointments, but this can make things awkward — especially if you've been seeing them for a while. Whatever you do, Bangstyle advises not to lead the stylist on. In other words, don't tell them you've been sick but will book an appointment soon if you don't plan on returning. 

There are a lot of good hairstylists out there, but finding them requires a little effort on your part. Doing your research is a crucial step in finding someone new to trust with your hair (via Matrix). Use Google to come up with a list of salons and stylists near you and then read a significant portion of their reviews. Carefully compare their services and prices and, if you can, find photo examples of their work. It's a good idea to book a simple shampoo or blow dry first before you get a cut or color with someone new (via Hair by Phd). That way, if you really don't like their work, the effects aren't permanent.

Another great way to find a new stylist is to check in with your friends and family (via LKC Studios). If you know someone with amazing hair, ask them where they get it done. You're less likely to find a quality stylist if you just take stabs in the dark, so combining word-of-mouth recommendations with online research is a good plan of action.

Sometimes, the process of finding someone new involves trial and error. But hair can be a vital part of your identity and overall look, so it's worth taking time and care to find the best stylist for you.