You Ask for an inch....they Take More....

My sister cuts hair professionally and she has taught me to brush my hair a lot from the scalp with a good hair brush. It stimulates the scalp and helps the hair grow faster. I used to cry after every haircut (until my sister started doing it and she knows me and really listens to me). This trick helps me feel like I can do something, sooner rather than later my hair does look better and it helps me feel better.

I would be pissed. But I have learned to show them "when dry, I want it to fall here." she should refund you. There is a difference between 1 and 4 inches.

Hairdressers NEVER listen to me!!! EVER! I've gotten to where I won't get a haircut within 2 months of a special event because I know they'll give me a bad cut. I wear my hair longer in front and shorter in the back.....or TRY to...and they ALWAYS take off the front too much and even it up no matter how CLEARLY I tell them to leave the front longer. I'm like, "SEE, how it is right now, LEAVE IT LIKE THAT and take an inch or so, and THEN TAKE EVEN MORE off the back for a bit more DIFFERENCE. And no. The front and back are the same every time. And I've lost like 6 months worth of growth off the front. I have to go home and chop the back myself and start letting it grow out again. This has happened to me over decades in beauty salons all over the world.

Right before a trip to meet Metallica (long story and definitely once in a lifetime) in Tokyo (cool hair capital of the world), did I get to have asymmetrical, shaggy, short-in-back-long-in-front hair like I asked for? Like in the PHOTO I brought of the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo in the third film??!!! That I printed out LARGE at Staples and BROUGHT WITH ME!!!! ??

NO. I had an even, rounded house wife bob. Pretty much exactly what I asked NOT to have. gggrrrrrrr. No edge, and no length in front. What IS it with hairdressers! They NEVER LISTEN! It's like the more specific you are, photos and all, the less they want to do what you say.

My stylist ALWAYS confirms how much to cut off by asking me, "2 inches, right?" and shows me the distance with her thumb and forefinger "like this?" and then looks in the mirror with me to demonstrate with her hand where the bottom of my hair is going to end up. She checks and double checks and now I know why!

What?! I'm a hairstylist and I would never do that. Did she not consult you? She just trimmed without checking exactly how much you wanted and knowing how it was to be when finished. 4 inches and 1 inch is a big deal for most people. When I do haircuts, I hold up the hair and ask exactly where the want it cut, then physically show them how long their hair is going to fall for another confirmation. If the hair is extremely damaged and they only want a trim, I will usually educate them that if they take off another inch or so, their hair will look fuller, longer and healthier. But, I would never do that without approval.

When my oldest dd had her first haircut she had the most adorable perfect round ringlettes in back, but it was a mullet! haha. So we took her for her first cut and asked only for a trim and just to help shape it so she didnt look like she had a mullet. Well I bent down to pick up something on the ground and as I was standing up I saw her curls fall to the ground! I about sh$% myself - I was livid mad and crying. The hair lady cut off all of her curls and made her look like a boy. I was so upset. I complained to the manger and I didn't have to pay and they tried giving me vouchers to come back but I refused to take them. It took us sooo long just for her to grow that hair and then to cut it like a boy :( and my dd was wearing all pink that day so it wasn't an issue of not knowing a gender. My dd has only had 3 hair cuts now and she is. It scarred me that bad!

I think I would call and complain and then find a new hair dresser. Sorry they took so much :(

I second the last response. There really isn't much that you can do. She cannot fix her mistake. It sounds like you let her know that you weren't happy....don't go back.

If you've been happy with her for three years, why stop going just because of one bad cut? She made good on it, as much as she could. I assume you didn't tip her (as well you shouldn't have). But to never go to her again, why? Out of spite?

Those of us in the service industry have bad days, too. We don't expect to get tips if we give mediocre service, and usually we try to give you a break on the price if you are unhappy with our service. It sounds like she did the best she could to "make it right" and I think you should give her another chance before you decide to switch hairdressers altogether.

I would try to get part of my money back as she did not do as she was asked to. I don't go to hair salons anymore for this very reason. They don't pay attention to you when you give them instructions on what you want done, and they end up doing what 'they' want to. So frustrating. I cut my own hair. Especially if it's just a trim. I know, I'm brave. lol

I noticed you are from Virginia. Did you get hit with all that flooding? I hope not. Hope everyone over there is safe. :-)

Have a great weekend!

The one I went to for years started getting really razor happy. I have thick hair and she would try to thin it out way to much. In the end I had a couple of times when I just had chunks missing. I really like her but I just don't like her hair cuts. I started going to a cheap little place that has all these, fresh out of school, hair dressers. They aren't bad. I am about sick of my hair right now and need to find a new hair cut but I can't find anything I like.

I wouldn't go back to this stylist. In the meantime try to enjoy the change.

First, whenever you go for a trim or a cut, make sure you take a picture of the cut you want. I get my hair cut all the time. I've had just about every cut under the sun--from a crew cut to long layered locks. It works best to bring in a picture. Google hairstyles and get some pics, then take the one you want in even if it's just a trim. A pictures seems to speak a thousand words to many hairstylists.

Second, do not go back to her. Sometimes you need to change stylists, now is the time.

If you are really upset with your cut, you have a few options. You could go to a beauty supply store and see if they have hair pieces or extensions. My SIL had a bad cut once, bought a hair piece at the dollar store (yes, the dollar store), and her hair looked absolutely beautiful, better than it did before. It made her hair look fuller and gave it highlights. Your other option is to find another hair style that compliments you. I know there are programs out there where you submit your picture and you can see yourself with different hairstyles. Maybe even change your hair color for a different look. It's worth a shot if you are that upset. Lastly, if all else fails, you could wear a pretty scarf, hat or baseball cap. It's not uncommon to see women with head wear nowadays.

Hope this helps:)

I really have left hairdressers for that. I have only had it happen with first times mind you.

Was she new because most hair dressers will triple confirm before taking off four inches. Not many people want that much off, ever. I had two taken off and I think she asked are you sure about ten times.

I got a haircut today too I'm sorry yours didn't come out as you wanted I used to have a long bob think nicki minaj and a week ago iit was so hot I cut it all even myself think Mulan lol and today since I got money I went to get it cut straight straight and thinned out and she cut off so much I had it to my shoulders now it's at chin level :( it will grow out hopefully fast :)

Step 1, rant. Step 2, rave. Step 3, find another hair dresser if you continue being mad and distrustful. It's amazing how half an inch or an inch ever sounds like four or six.

THe last time I lived here I never found one I liked. I went to a new one for every hair cut. I have a great gal in NC, but I can't justify driving 5 hours for a haircut.
This time I have found one that is OK. She hasn't ruined anything yet.

I would go somewhere else.

Oh no! Having a bad (or not what you wanted) hair cut is the worst!! I tend to agree with Denise though...if this his her first time messing up, I'd probably still go back to her next time. But if you feel like you're ready to move on then hopefully you can find someone you like. It took me years! At least you only paid half price, right?! I'm sure it looks good, you're just shocked!

OMG! I'd be livid. Did you say anything as she started cutting it off? I don't know how it could be fixed even at that point. Geeesh.

Does she work in a salon where she is an employee? If so, call and speak to a manager. Ask for a refund.

If she rents her space, call her and tell her that you are still shocked and upset over the extreme cut. See if she offers anything (you'd be willing to accept), including an apology. If you don't ever plan to use her again, let her know. "So you know, I will not be returning. Please double ask your clients how many inches they want off before cutting. It will take me months to grow my hair back out to my desired length and this is not to be taken lightly."

So sorry for a screwed-up do! Hope you can make the best of it! Ugh!

Can we trade? I always ask for at least 2-3 off and then sometimes closer to 4. We then go over it 3 or 4 times because they want to make sure they heard me right. Then when they're all said and done--I generally ask for her to take another inch or so off-- or I tend to make more obvious like "Yes I want it at chin level".

Hopefully your hair grows back quickly if not that totally stinks. All the dressers I've been to (apparently) tend to err on the side of caution when cutting/trimming. I'm so surprised she chopped 4 off w/o asking or double verifying with you--Wowzers!

Lots of times I'll tell the hairdresser an inch, but no more than 2. Then she will ask me to show her how much. I know this doesn't help at this point, but next time give her a visual.

OM....G!
Okay 1 inch does not even sound like "4 inches" at all, when said verbally.

She was just making an excuse.
Is this the person who always cuts your hair? Or someone else you usually don't go to?

I have done that to my daughter's hair while I am cutting it... mainly because I am cutting crooked... so then I have to keep cutting to get it more even.
Maybe, whoever cut your hair, had that same... problem.

Well yes, it will grow back.
But that's not the point.
You just wanted a trim.

Can't do anything about it. Now.
The hair is cut.
Don't go back to her.

But egad, 4" is a lot!

Not much you can do, really.
Find someone else, I get.
But misunderstanding you once in 3 years isn't all that bad. Really. When you think about it.

that happened when I took my daughter. She only wanted a trim, and they cut off around 3-4 inches. She was very upset and even told the lady who did it that she didn't like it because she cut too much off. All she got was a loli pop out of it. I need to get mine done and I have no idea where I'm going to go

Find another hairdresser and let it grow out. Not much you can do, really. Sometimes they offer a discount.

Do you have a huge wedding coming up where you will see an old boyfriend who broke your heart and you really want to look extra good for? If not, at least you have that going for you! I went in to my fairly regular guy and said I wanted to keep it longer than usual bc of this wedding with this ex and lots of college friends etc. All of a sudden I see a really long lock fall to the floor and I touch the back of my head and my hair is as short as some men's! I was FURIOUS. And later I cried... He didn't know what he was doing - just spaced or something. I certainly didn't pay! If you'll keep going to her bc this was a one-time goof and otherwise you like her, then let it go. If not, I wouldn't pay. Not much else you can do though. 4 and 1 are not words that sound alike. Trim and 4 inches also don't sound alike. I agree too that there's usually a bit of a discussion if someone wants to go THAT much shorter.

It happened to me too and guess what, it was so horrible and unmanageable, I had to go (somewhere else) to cut it short! Imagine going from J-Lo lenght to Victoria beckam's lenght...I mean, a totally different look you know?? And I look NOTHING like mrs beckham. It's been so upsetting, while i let it grow again I had to trim it every once in awhile because it would lose its shape and look terrible, so in the end it took 2 years to go back to the original lenght. GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is why I do not like hair dressers ... I went in one time with hair about 4inches past my bra strap in the back asked for it to be level with the bottom of my strap (pleanty of room to cutt of the dead/dying ends) and I walked out with my hair to the middle of my shoulder blades!!!! I said NO MORE than 3inches and I lost 6 SIX INCHES!!!!!

I would complain and ask for my money back. My mother was a hairdresser for 40 + years, and I know the "ins and outs" of the business. If you aren't happy, you shouldn't pay for it. "One" and "four" do not even remotely sound the same.

find someone else to cut your hair if the person cant figure there is big difference between 1 and 4 inches
K. h.

I have naturally curly hair down to the middle of my back. I have resorted to cutting it myself for this exact reason. They see me coming with all my hair and they can't WAIT to get their hands on it and then poof, its gone. I have gone in to get a "trim" and its ended up shoulder length, no joke! So you are not alone and I don't get it either. But yes, it does grow back! =)

That is quite a chunk. I would be irritated. How does it look? Can you put a picture on your profile so we can see?
Once you get over being aggravated with her, do you think you might like the new style possibilities? Or maybe you could go ahead and commit to it and have it shaped into something cute that you can play around with.

I would complain to the management if she's not the owner. Stylists, just like any other public service workers, should do as customers want. You're asking for one thing but getting another so it's still bad customer service. Complain to the management. Tell them that if it happens again, you're going somewhere else. Good luck!

Would not go back...and I would ask for at least a Partial refund...That is bogus...and why I never go get my hair cut....

I did not to long ago...and now I look like I have a awkward mullet if I try and blow dry it and leave it down...I cant wait for it all to grow back so I can look my normal again.