A kind Edinburgh hairdresser stepped in to save a mum's disaster hair cut.
Emma McCafferty, 37, from the Grange, was hoping a new hair style would give her a spring in her step and a renewed sense of confidence, as it had been three years since she last had it cut.
While looking after five young children, Emma rarely gets time to her self and was excited for the treat so she visited a salon on Friday October 14 in preparation for a party the next day.
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The mum-of-five was expecting the experience to be relaxing and enjoyable but it left her feeling deflated with less confidence than she had in the first place with her hair ruined.
She asked for subtle highlights with lighter tones and a cut to suit her thick hair, But instead she got a blunt unflattering chop with bold unblended highlights and a bad blow dry leaving her hair frizzy.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live the mum said: "I wanted my hair done for a party I was going to. I've not been to a hairdresser in three years because time is scarce having five kids under 10.
"I was hoping a new hairdo would help boost the confidence I'd lost thanks to having kids and not having time for me. I asked for a few inches off my hair, rounded at the back, shaped at the front and a side fringe.
"Colour wise I just said I wanted lighter tones through it but was specific in saying I did not want blonde lines on the top of my head!
"I've not been to the hairdresser in years so when she said they'd put foils in, I trusted she knew what she was doing and I was assured she completely understood what I wanted."
The first warning sign was when the hairdresser asked Emma to pass her the foils instead of taking them herself. She explained: "As soon as she started I was doubtful but I figured, I'd wait and see. Foils were put in, which she asked me to pass to her rather than take them herself from the trolley.
"I didn't mind doing it, but it didn't exactly give me the relaxing salon experience I was in need of! I was asked to sit to let it develop. I was asked if wanted tea or coffee. I said tea.
"She brought coffee. It's so trivial, but it made me question if she had been taking in anything I'd been saying. I sat, for what felt like ages, maybe she was timing it, I don't know, but it felt too long."
The biggest red flag was the stylist attempting to cut her thick hair after drying and straightening it.
Emma said: "Anyway, I got it washed out and then she told me she was going to blow dry my hair and straighten it BEFORE cutting it! I thought that was very odd, but again, she's the expert. I didn't want to question her.
"She literally blasted my hair dry and straightened it a little. At this point, I realised the colour was exactly what I didn't want, very blonde streaks everywhere! At that point I was just really disappointed and tried to tell myself it might be ok if she cut it well. So I let her cut it.
"My hair is wavy and super thick so when she blasted it she gave it massive volume and I did think at this point, I do a better job myself. Anyway, once my hair was dry, she took about 10 mins to cut it, asking me to stand the entire time."
The experience was anything but enjoyable the mum explained: "Again, not exactly the relaxing pamper session I thought it would be!
"When she finished and showed me the cut in the mirror I was quite confused. It was cut straight when I'd asked for rounded, the shaping round the face was there but very minimally and she hadn't even attempted to cut a fringe in.
"At this point I was quite deflated and really just wanted out of there. So I paid and left. I came out with even less confidence than when I went in, now thinking I'd probably not go to the party the next day and fed up because the time I rarely get to myself was wasted and the experience overall a huge let down!
"And obviously it was money wasted too!"
The mum was gutted and this is when a kind local stepped in and the experience was completely different leaving the mum lost for words - in a good way.
She said: "I went home and thought I'd try posting on a local group to see if there was anyone available to help me fix the disaster!
"Gemma at Luvely Hair in Dalkeith got tagged a few times and she said one of her stylists had a cancellation the next day. I jumped at the opportunity.
"I sent Gemma some photos and she said they could fix it! I knew I was going to be running around daft that day organising things for my daughter's 5th birthday the next day so Gemma got me in really early on the Saturday morning!
"I could tell from the outset that Gemma knows her trade. She put my mind at ease as soon as I walked in the door. She chatted with me about what had gone wrong - realising it was worse than my untrained eye could see.
"Then took some photos and discussed her plan of action to help me get the look I wanted. She offered me a tea right away and actually brought me a tea and a biscuit."
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The mum continued: "It was at this point I learned that Gemma has just won Scotland's colourist of the year! Gemma worked her magic.
"She checked on with me every step of the way. It was very clear she wanted the experience in her salon to be the relaxing pamper session I had originally hoped for.
"Overall, the two experiences and outcomes were completely opposite ends of the scale!
"I felt fully confident in the team at Luvely Hair and not only did they fix my hair disaster, they gave me a lovely relaxing morning, free samples to take home and try, a discount voucher for my next visit and 20% off this visit too, given I'd just paid the other hairdresser the day before!
"I left so relieved, confidence restored, ready for the party that night!"
The mum did not wish to share the name of the hairdressers that she had a negative experience at but was extremely grateful to Gemma for saving the day.
You can find out more about the award winning stylist here.
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