For me, going to the hairdressers has become a bit like going to the dentist. I dread it and I believe the hairdressers themselves are to blame. Ladies, you might know where I am going with this.

I know we are told to get a trim every six weeks, but I don’t. I prefer to wait as long as possible between hair appointments, basically until someone in my family tells me I need a haircut. Last time it was my Dad. Now if your father, who likes motorbikes and has an uncanny resemblance to Will Ferrell, is saying you need a trim, you can be sure you’re not looking too good.

So, with the ends of my hair splitting in many different directions I took myself off to the salon on the weekend. I knew what I was in for, so I warned the hairdresser before she even took my hair out of its pony tail that I was more than a little overdue.

Looks of horror and disgust ensued and then came the inevitable question, “Are you putting a treatment through your hair once a week?” No, I told her, I’m not good with things like that and I’m probably not going to change because I DON’T CARE ENOUGH.

I was hoping that blunt admission would stop her in her tracks so she could start the head massage part of the session, but it wasn’t to be. I was lectured on how, if I’m going to keep my hair long, I need to treat it once a week, come in for regular trims and “for heaven’s sake” not let my well meaning (but unqualified) friend put highlights in my hair.

Now, apart from the split ends, I can honestly say my hair is not that bad. On a hair health scale of one to ten, I’d give myself a seven. Therefore, why does a hair appointment end up sounding like a session with the doctor? As far as I know, dry hair is not going to kill me. A blow wave on the other hand could, according to this article anyway. Take that, hairdresser!

I brought this up with the girls at work and it turns out they all have beefs with their hair stylists. One workmate was told her hair had in fact ceased to be hair. I was unsure what that could possible mean until I found this picture, but I assure you, my work mate’s hair is still, well... hair.

Another thing I have a problem with is the product-pushing. I get that hair stylists are just trying to earn a buck, but I’m already paying a fair bit to get my hair done in the first place. Do I really need to be forced to sit through a live infomercial too? Or why not just ask me if I’m interested in hearing about products, rather than giving me unsolicited advice? I hate having to pretend like I don’t know that I’m being sold to.

It costs a small fortune for women to get their hair done. For a cut, colour and blow wave you’re out of pocket 200 dollars at the very least. Some of my friends spend 300 dollars and beyond. Being a tad frugal in the beauty department, it’s a major treat for me and I’m not about to spend money on extras. I find it uncomfortable to have to say no to things that I didn’t ask for in the first place. I can imagine that feeling is exacerbated for a struggling Mum with three kids and a mortgage.

For the above reasons, I rarely go to the same hairdresser. I’m yet to find someone who’ll simply style my hair the way I like it while having a little chat about the royal wedding or how under the thumb poor Guy Ritchie was when he was married to Madonna. Ouch.

So, until I find a hairdresser who can cut the crap and simply give me what I’ve paid for without trying to sell me the salon, I’ll continue to avoid the experience like I avoid a tooth filling.

Follow Jasmine on Twitter at @jasmineheale

The opinions expressed in The 7PM Side Project blog do not necessarily reflect those of The 7PM Project or the Ten Network.