Did I do Wrong at the Salon?

Looking in the mirror today, I realized that my hair is a mess. (It's
been 3 or 4 months, and the last cut was strictly mediocre in any
event.) As I have two parties to attend this weekend, I decided to try
to get a cut. I decided to chance a walk-in chain that's not
particularly cheap (about $35 including blow dry) as it would be
difficult to make it to my usual place. The stylist washed and combed
my hair, then pulled out clippers. I told her that I preferred
scissors. After a bit of back and forth, she admitted that the salon
did not use scissors. Period. I was not aware of that when I came in.
As I did not want a clippers cut, I dug into my wallet, gave her all
the ones I had as an apology for taking up her time, and left.

Now I'm wondering if I was wrong. Of course I wasn't obligated to get
a cut that I didn't want, but was I obligated to pay her for the cut?
I spent less than 10 minutes with her in total.

Barbara...

ahmward...

Have no guilt. You did the right thing and were wise to walk out. You
walked in on impulse, and that is just not a good thing when it comes to
your hair. Barbara, it's better to have bad hair for another week or two

KC...

I applaud you. I did the walk-in thing once and I could tell from the
beginning that the guy they assigned to me wasn't going to give me a
decent cut, but I went along with it. I didn't know how bad the cut

ahmward...

Thanks to all who responded, and am glad I didn't commit a faux pas.
Basically, I didn't want the stylist to be on the line for any money
because I walked out. I never knew about clippers and wet hair,
though, so this was quite educational.

I bit the bullet and went to the rather expensive salon across the
street from my office today, and received an excellent cut -- good
enough that I might actually bite the bullet and go there again next
time I need a trim.

Barbara

Barbara, consider the price difference between the expensive salon and
the one you left. It may truly be worth it for you to continue to go to
the expensive salon or at least look for a stylist you really like. I
think your hair makes or breaks how you feel about yourself. Other than
a face full of zits there is nothing worse than bad hair. Makeup and
clothing can easily be fixed but it can take a long time to fix a bad
cut.

EMiriamD...

Second that emotion. I was well into my adult years before I slowly
became able to tell the difference between a good and a bad haircut.
And even then I felt like I didn't want to pay what felt like a huge
amount of money for a cut. But...I have seen the light! Hallelujah!
And now I willingly fork over an INSANE amount of money for both cut
and highlights. And am always happy when I leave the salon.

Moral of the story: Sometimes you *do* get what you pay for.

actually was until the next day, because the way he styled my hair was
so bad that I walked to the mall restroom, wet my hands and ran them
through my hair until I had a slicked back style, then walked out of
the mall that way. That's bad. I wish I had had the guts to do what
you did.

I think that since it is unheard of for a salon to ONLY to clipper
cuts, they should have told you that at the counter.

than to have a hair disaster.