Not that I wish it on you, but....

I gave a guy a terrible haircut yesterday. Just awful. This hasn't happened to me in a long time and I was embarrassed and feel awful. How do I shake this and get over the fear that this one bad haircut is going to ruin my reputation?

Has anyone else out there given someone a haircut they didn't like?

I just love that, and that's why this cut wigged me out, I really thought I had invesitigated his whirls and cowlicks, but they kicked my rear end.

You know, it's just heartbreaking to love what you do so much and not give a client a great haircut and experience. This has really shaken my confidence, and since I'm in a new salon, the confidence of my co-workers in me. There was even talk yesterday of sending me to cutting classes so I could "step it up a notch", which I welcome, but still felt ego crushing. I just want to grow, learn and move forward and I keep seeing this haircut I hate...it's haunting me!

As I mentioned, this is a new salon for me, upscale, full books, great repeat clients. I've only been doing hair 1 year and so I know I have lots to learn, I just didn't think I was doing bad work. Now, after one bad cut, I feel I'm in danger of being moved to apprentice level and going backwards instead of forwards! It's really shaken me and now I feel all eyes are on me when I cut, style, anything. I hope I can overcome their doubts, I want to succeed!

Salon Owner: Asian places are all over, they do a good job at a reasonable fee, no need to out source nail salons to asian countries. Competetition is a good thing. And far as I'm concerned there are more than enough heads and hands (and toes) to go around for all of us. If her prices are in line and she is a decent nail tech I'm sure she'll build. But good for you for looking at the economy, etc. It does all have an impact on our services and our bottom line and should all be taken into consideration.

Smashing: OMG!!! Only one bad haircut !!!??? And what do you call a bad haircut....uneven, nicked, etc., or just didn't look good on this guy.  There's a difference. A bad haircut...no excuse, give him his money back, apologize and offer a freebie. Fess up, don't try and pursuade him it looks ok. If on the other hand it was a new style and just didn't work...he'll get over it as will you. Lighten up on yourself. If it was a bad haircut...learn. If you lose the guy another will come...but you can only go through so many before the word gets out. Most of us feel it when we aren't happy with the results of our styles...so we all feel your pain, believe me.

Billinaz