It's always awkward, I agree. I think if you do have contact with your former stylist, you can say that the current stylist is a better fit for you, that's all. Stylists are used to losing customers and it's not like you had been going to her for 20 years.

I would say "hi".

I wouldn't give it a second thought. Especially if it has been less than a year. I think she can surmise, if she is even paying attention.

I did that once. I'd been going to someone for a couple of years and felt she was just going through the motions with my hair. I liked what another person in the shop was doing and jumped ship. It did feel awkward to me for a couple of visits and then it passed.

This happened to me, but with a colorist. I had two different people at this salon, one for cut and one for color.

The third time the colorist did my hair, it came out awful. Mind you this is a very upscale salon. I called the next day and had to see someone else as mine was on vacation.

I was satisfied with the result and spoke to her about switching. She told me that they were all professionals and understand that these things happen.

The next time I was in, the original colorist made it a point to come over and say hello.

The stylist will realize what has happened. Other than saying hello, you don't owe her an explanation.

If you feel uncomfortable, make your next few appointments at the time that you just did since she doesn't work that time.

I wouldn't offer any kind of explanation either. My sisters been doing hair for many years and says its just part of the territory.

I was a hairdresser in my former life and it does go with the territory. I always did my best to try to make the customer comfortable about the switch, like remaining friendly and saying something like: "I really like the 'do' or 'cut' that Susie gives you."

For you, I'd just say, "Hi, nice to see you." or if you know anything personal about her, ask about her dog or her kid.

I agree with Mtn and Lukkirish, I wouldn't give an explanation, I'd just say hello and leave it at that. I find that when I try to explain myself in times like this it just becomes more awkward and draws attention to the situation. It's so hard to find someone who does your hair the way you like it. I still pine for my hairdresser from twenty years ago who is the only guy who cut my hair right. He is now in NYC and I couldn't afford to go to him if I wanted.

Hey, you're the paying client, and this happens!

Ok - I like the idea of just saying Hi and leaving it at that. Thanks for the advice.

Beagles, you made me snort! I agree with others about no explanation needed. Especially after less than a year. Be cordial, and if she asks at all, just use the 'better fit' line which is true.

That would admittedly be a bit awkward, but I agree with Fun and Beagles ideas. A hairdresser that isn't a good fit means time to move on in my book.

I had a similar experience. Started going to a new salon specifically because I had heard about this stylist who was great with short hair. Went to her, liked the cut a lot, but after two appts., she went on maternity leave. So I went to another stylist in the salon and I liked her a lot too, and ended up deciding to grow out my hair. By the time stylist #1 came back to work, I had seen stylist #2 several times (more times than I'd seen #1), and she was doing a great job getting me thru the awkward growing-out stages, so I wasn't about to go back to #1. I did feel kind of awkward the first day I saw her, but she just smiled, said hi, and I did the same, and that was it. My situation was obviously easier because I hadn't been seeing the first stylist for very long, but I still felt weird about it at first.

Been there. I was seeing a stylist who did just "ok" with my cut, but had to see her sister (in next chair) once when she wasn't available and really loved the cut. I just started booking with the second one and just said "hi" and visited back and forth with both of them. I think an explanation would be awkward and unnecessary.