I started grooming my boys myself after going to pick up Ranger last year and watching how mean one of the bathers was to a petrified Shih Tzu... It really isn't too hard, and I agree, if it's gonna be a bad cut better it by me!!
To the OP- I want to see a picture. I am *positive* it isn't as bad as your think it is.
I know you said you liked Ranger's new haircut, here is a picture of him from last year I took to the groomer to show her how I wanted him. The problem with telling a groomer you want a "puppy cut" is that there is no standard definition for a puppy cut. So, basically, if you tell 10 groomers you want a puppy cut, you will get ten different cuts
I want to see pics and I guarantee Bailee still looks darling!!