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The original was posted on /r/talesfromretail by /u/Frosty-Resort-4163 on 2025-07-28 19:47:49+00:00.

I work at a high-end salon and this happened a few years ago when I was assisting a master colorist and slowly building my own clientele. One of the stylists I assisted had a regular client who was beyond high maintenance. We’re talking three shampoos in ice-cold water, plus a custom scalp treatment every single time because she swore it was the only thing that soothed her scalp after color. Micromanaging the product I use and how I performed the blow dry- even though it was clear I was juggling multiple other people as an assistant. She always put me behind schedule, but I put up with it because… professionalism.

Despite her demands, I treated her kindly and she actually warmed up to me. I’d do her blowouts on the days I took my own clients, and she even gave me a wedding gift when I got married. So I thought, cool, maybe we have mutual respect here.

Well. One day I was out on vacation and she needed a blowout, so I referred her to a very sweet and talented coworker for just that ONE day (who honestly does better blowouts than I do, and I say that as someone who prides myself on my work!). The client agreed to see her, and after the appointment she texted me venting about it.

She went on and on about how the stylist didn’t listen, her hair was flat, she could’ve done better herself, etc. She also asked me not to say anything to the stylist, which I wouldn’t have anyway, but the sneakiness? 🙃

Even though I apologized for her less than ideal experience and told her I’d love to see her again soon … poof. Never booked with me again. After seeing me regularly for blowouts, sometimes almost weekly. After me staying late and accommodating every weird request. After the wedding gift. I guess recommending a coworker while I was on vacation was the ultimate betrayal?

Still bugs me to this day. Was she that upset her hair wasn’t perfect one time, or was she embarrassed she trashed my coworker behind her back and just ghosted to avoid awkwardness? Either way… yikes.