Russian Vs. Finnish Hairdressers

One cultural experience which I wanted to share already for a long time – hairdressers.

Living in Russia, I got used to the particular way. I always had long hair, and I always wanted to keep them long. I hated the visit to the hairdresser because my goal was to cut off 1-2 centimetres of old damage hair. Instead, they usually cut of 6-7 centimetres, which is pretty noticeable. I was angry!!! Hairdressers always found the explanation – your hair is damaged 6-7 centimetres, so I took it away.

Seriously!? If a client asks for 1-2 centimetres off, then you should do it. Yes, you can give your professional advice, but the final decision is the one of the client, not yours!

I tried many hairdressers, but the results was the same. Overtime, I got used to it and I was aware that I will loose 6-7 centimetres. It became a norm. Moreover, colouring was also an issue. I always needed to go through the fight to get the color I wanted. Hairdressers told me that my hair will be damaged by colouring, or this colour doesn’t suit me, or there is another colour I should try.

When I moved to Finland, I needed to adjust to the local way of handling customers. On my first visit to the hairdresser, I wanted to cut off 6-7 centimetres. So, I said to the hairdresser to take out 1-2 centimetres. The lady said, yes, sure. Can you imagine how cheated I felt when she cut off only 1-2 centimetres? Such a disappointment! It took me awhile to learn that Finnish hairdressers do what you ask them to do.