Just read this thread. I've been in a similar situation. I have had my hair cut by the same man for 20 years. I consider him a friend. I taught his children, seen him through divorce, eventually into a new loving relationship and through lung cancer, giving up smoking and alcohol and so on. He has cut all my family's hair and taken a caring interest in my sons ups and downs when he was younger. So it has been very difficult when he started not to be paying attention. He seemed to be away the fairies and not hearing what I wanted. For me the end was when he decimated my fringe.
I have since tried a new hairdresser (my daughters, so known quantity) and was very pleased. My DH still goes to the old hairdresser. Not much he can do to spoil his luxurious curly locks ( wasted on a man!). His looks great whatever is done to it. I asked DH if he feels awkward, but he grinned and said it was fine. He'll tell him he was a rubbish hairdresser! He will too, as they are good friends and rude to each other! Apparently, he has decided to retire. I suspect, since being so ill, his heart isn't in it now. Sad for me though, as I feel I have deserted him, but at the same time, it's my hair. Ps I didn't get mates rates or expect it. The new hairdressers charges less, which is a bonus.