Q. How do I break up with my hairdresser?
A. This is always a conundrum, so my response..., "it depends". If your relationship has stayed on the stylist-client level you can choose to let them know you are making a change (you do not have to give a reason), or not. However, if like most of us you are racked with guilt over the prospect of being unfaithful to your stylist because you have developed a (sort-of) friendship, my suggestion is to be honest that you are making a change - the bandaid approach is best. If it is cost related it may be good for your stylist to understand the impact price changes make with existing clientele. If you are unhappy with the results and it's a style preference, that's easy enough to say, you have different style needs. If quality has decreased, you may want to see what else is going on (they have become a friend after all) but let them know you need to make a change for now. Doing something other than just disappearing without a word after years of appointments may make the unexpected encounter slightly less awkward (...slightly). Having said all this, you are under no obligation to explain how you will spend your money. Remember, this is their profession so unless this is a long time friend, clients coming and going are part of the deal.