DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been going to a new hairdresser that is a lot more affordable than where I used to go. The people at this new place are so nice, but they don't do hair nearly as well as my old salon. I changed because my husband asked me to cut back on our expenses. This seemed like a natural place to cut. But when it comes to cutting -- no pun intended -- they really miss the mark. I have curly hair, and my last haircut ended up being seriously uneven when I washed it at home and blew it out straight. I don't know what to do. Like my mother used to say, you get what you pay for. But I really need a better cut. This is awkward. What should I do? -- Bad Hair Salon, Jackson, Mississippi
DEAR BAD HAIR SALON: Start by contacting your salon and complaining about your haircut. Schedule an appointment for a free consultation where you show them your uneven cut, and ask for them to fix it. Based on the redo, you can decide if this salon has the ability to do an adequate job or if you have to move on. Be clear with them where you find their services challenging for you so that you give them clear guidelines on how to improve.
Know that there is more than one affordable salon in your town that should be able to service you. Get recommendations from people who have similar hair texture, and get a consultation at several prospective salons before you make a final choice.