MetaChat - In which I totally overthink a haircut. Help a socially awkward mechazen out.

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12 July 2010

In which I totally overthink a haircut. Help a socially awkward mechazen out. →[More:]
So I just moved here this spring, and when I needed to get my hair cut I picked a salon at random. While I'm getting my hair cut, I realize that one of the other stylists is my downstairs neighbor. I had no idea she was a stylist, let alone worked in this particular salon. I was a little like "I hope she doesn't think I picked this place on purpose because that would be creepy."

Anyway, it's time for another haircut. Do I schedule one with the person I saw before (not the best I've had, but I liked her)? Is it awkward NOT to schedule an appointment with my neighbor now that I know she works there? What if I did and didn't like the haircut? We are friendly but not BFFs; I've babysat her kids and we've had them over for dinner.

post by: desjardins at: 15:59 | 14 comments

Threshold question: did you say hi to her at the salon?

posted by amro 12 July | 16:11

Fwiw, I kind of can't see why you wouldn't go back? Is it because you're concerned she might think it's odd that SHE'S not cutting your hair?

posted by richat 12 July | 16:26

amro: Yes, but this increased the awkwardness on my part. Gah.
richat: Yes.

posted by desjardins 12 July | 16:29

P.S. The babysitting/dinner occurred AFTER I saw her in the salon, so apparently she doesn't feel awkwardly towards me. My husband thinks I'm being a crazyperson over this.

posted by desjardins 12 July | 16:31

I don't wanna call anyone a crazyperson, but I'm leaning toward thinking it's not a big deal at all to continue your relationship with the first hairdresser. Of course, I am a boy, so might be missing something, but I can get a little weird about who cuts my hair, so...

posted by richat 12 July | 16:33

I would continue to go back to the hairdresser you like, but next time I saw the neighbor I would say, "Hey, I didn't realize you worked at my salon! I liked that haircut so-and-so gave me, I just made another appointment with her." Just so it's out there and you don't feel weird.

posted by amro 12 July | 16:40

I think it'd be weird if you scheduled your second haircut WITH her. You had a professional relationship with someone she works with, there's no reason to sever that tie just because you happen to be neighbours.

(I am a girl, but one who gets haircuts around once a year or less, and one who has never had a hairdresser that I would consider "mine".)

posted by Phire 12 July | 16:43

Many people like to stick with the same hairdresser or barber. I don't think she expects you to book appointments with her.

posted by halonine 12 July | 16:56

It's more "normal" to see the same person every time you get a haircut, especially if you liked said haircut.

Just say "Hi" to your neighbor if you see her in the salon. You're totally not a crazyperson, and hey, if she thinks you are - she's just your neighbor, she's not Queen of the World.

(Unless, of course, she is. In which case - give her my greetings as well and wishes for a successful reign.)

posted by grapefruitmoon 12 July | 17:09

Unless she is a crazyperson (in which case, you really don't want her cutting your hair), she will be perfectly cool with you sticking to a hairdresser you like - it's absolutely normal for someone to do this. If she had a problem with it, she probably would have chatted to you during your dinner or some other time about how she'd like to do your hair.

Plate of beans etc

posted by dg 12 July | 17:53

Seconding amro here.

Alternately, find a stylist elsewhere you really, really love.

posted by bearwife 12 July | 17:59

As far as having difficulty recognizing people, I had the ultimate such experience when I didn't recognize someone I'd once been married to.

posted by Obscure Reference 12 July | 18:13

I habitually don't recognize my brothers when I run into them around town. There's a very long moment of "hey, that guy...he looks familiar. Oh! Sibling!"

I think it'd be weird to schedule the appointment with her, but going back to the same stylist you had before makes sense. And what Amro said may help to alleviate the crazypersonishness you're feeling.

posted by punchtothehead 13 July | 07:45

Obscure Reference, you take the cake. I thought I was bad when I didn't recognize a guy I'd slept with. as opposed to dated... *coughs*

posted by desjardins 13 July | 08:01

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