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More than half of women admit they reveal intimate secrets to their hairdresser - that they wouldn’t dare share with anyone else, it has emerged.
Research revealed many females are more than happy to spill the beans in the stylist’s chair, including everything from sensitive issues such as money worries to 'coming out'.
Of the 2,000 women polled in the survey one in 20 admitted they had discussed cheating on a husband, boyfriend or partner.
A further 15 per cent have used their time in the hairdresser’s chair to have a good moan about work colleagues.
Jackie Lang, managing director at Regis, the national hair salon chain and colour expert which commissioned the study, said: “It’s a wonderful and quite powerful relationship – the bond between a person and their hair stylist.
"By visiting a hair salon you are already trusting them with your hair, which is a big step for many people.
“But it’s surprising to see how many Brits are happy to give away their deepest secrets to someone they may only communicate with for a few hours at a time.
“This highlights how important this bond is and the trust associated between the client and the stylist.''
The research also showed 68 per cent of women occasionally feel guilty for being an ‘over-sharer’ and revealing more about themselves than they should.
It also emerged 15 per cent have made a big life decision based on a conversation with their hairdresser.
Of these, one in five have changed jobs and the same amount have moved house, and a tenth were even encouraged to come out of the closet, according to the research conducted through OnePoll.
However, nearly a tenth of women have regretted spilling a secret to the person taming their locks.
But the relationship between crimper and customer is not all one way traffic.
One in 10 women have been given career advice from the person working on their tresses.
In fact, a third of women would describe their regular hairdresser as a genuine friend, not just someone who cuts their hair.
One in 10 believe their hairdresser knows more about them than some of their friends do – and is just as good as a therapist.
And 45 per cent ‘always’ see the same hairdresser, with half looking forward to their hair appointments so they can have a natter.
The average hairdressing session lasts for an hour and 20 minutes, but many spend far longer in the chair leaving plenty of time for secrets to be shared.
Jackie Lang added: “People usually imagine we only share our innermost secrets with our best friends.
''But by and large, it seems the women of Britain are happy to put their trust in the same person they trust to give them a great hairstyle or new colour.
''As we launch our new colour menu this month we know it will help our stylists when they consult with their clients when it comes to having a change in their hair colour – if not the rest of their life.
“For many the simple act of sharing a secret or a problem can be a real weight off the shoulders and another great reason to visit the salon.”
* Regis commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new colour menu in salons nationwide.
For more information about the launch of the new colour menu or to find your nearest salon visit www.regissalons.co.uk
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