A woman’s relationship with her hair stylist is both professional and intimate. Maybe that’s why it is so darn hard to say goodbye.  Another reason it’s hard to say goodbye? It’s just so awkward! Should she say something to the stylist? What should she say and when? Is it an option to disappear and not explain why?

I asked Suzin Moon to help us navigate this sticky situation. Suzin is the CEO and lead stylist at LolaJane’s Beauty Lounge in St Petersburg, Florida. Suzin has been in the beauty business for 15 years and in this short interview tells me the right way and wrong way to leave your hair stylist:

 Heather Boggini: Suzin, what are the top 3 reasons why someone might leave their hair stylist?

Suzin Moon: In my experience, Heather, it comes down to three basic reasons:

First, lack of communication. The stylist doesn’t ask about the hair history of the client or what has been done prior. And the stylist does not ask about the wants and desires of the client for their hair.

Second, poor customer service. The stylist is always running late or it’s too difficult to get in with them, which is disrespectful of the client’s time.  The stylist should introduce them to a person in the salon who can help in case they are too busy.  Good customer service means offering options to your clients.

Third, unrealistic expectations. The style was too hard to replicate at home and take home care was not explained to make it easier to style. This is very frustrating for the client.

Heather Boggini: What is the right way to end this relationship?  

Suzin Moon: I recommend ending this relationship with honesty about why you are leaving. It may be hard for the stylist to hear and hard for the client to express, however I think it makes each of them happier to clear the air.

Honest feedback helps the stylist learn from their mistakes if they can really see what a value it is that someone actually told them.  And for the client, it clears the air and gets them ready for their new stylist and communicating with them. 

Heather Boggini: What is the wrong way to end that relationship?

Suzin Moon: Pretending you have scheduling conflicts or making an appointment and canceling at a later date.  Life is too short to waste your time with burdens you do not need. Again, approach this situation with honesty and both you and the hair stylist are better for it.

The anxiety from anticipating this awkward goodbye conversation is so great that it prevents many women from having the conversations suggested by Suzin. Be confident in knowing you are doing the right thing and offer honest feedback to your stylist. I bet he or she will greatly appreciate your sincerity.

Want to read more? If you are in the difficult situation of letting an employee go, read Let Her Down Easy: the right way to let an employee go. Once again, honesty and a little compassion are the right approach.