How Do You Find Someone New to Cut Your Hair?

It's like Ray Stevens says, "when you get a haircut, be sure to go back home.... when you get a haircut, get a barber you have known, since you were a little bitty boy sitting in a booster chair, or you may look like Larry, Moe, or Curly if a stranger cuts your hair." I've been going to the same haircut lady for 24 years, she's now on vacation, and my head is a mess. Do I wait for a few more weeks for her to get back, or do I risk going to someone new?

Cutting my hair is no doubt a hair stylists nightmare. I'm balding on top, have cowlicks on every corner of my head, and am holding steadfast to the idea I'm still 28 and not 43. I want my little boy haircut. You know, the one where combing is optional. My concern revolves around whether or not this concept can be communicated to a new stylist in a valid way. For that matter, do I dare go to someone new? Will they mess up my head beyond repair? Is it possible I'm making something out of nothing, and cutting my hair is ultimately very simple? To be blunt.... I'm scared.

Here's another question to ponder: will my usual haircut lady be mad at me next month when she's back and I go to her with my head all chopped up by a competitor's handy work? Will that break our 24-year partnership? Is it possible she wouldn't even care? There has to be some established etiquette regarding this matter. What is the sensible thing to do?