Why do hairdressers offer you tea or coffee

[SpottyDoll]

I remember my mother tksing me to a hairdresser when I was small and my mother was offered tea. The offering of tea/coffee/refreshments happemed a few times since then.

There was a time when I stopped going to hairdressers and so I forgot about it. But I and an appointment last week and I was offered tea/coffee. I declinced because I was only there for a short time (wash and cut and blow-dry and also I had my bottle of water there with me).

I could understand the offering of tea or coffee for a long service if one will be there for a few hours but for a short service like a wash and blow-dry or for a cut, wash and blow - it's only really about 50 minutes.

It's just something I was pondering about.

I find it weird that you find it weird.

It’s a nice idea but I too am worried about when I can drink it and whether there might be any hair in the cup! I do have a glass of water when I’m there and I manage a few sips. Once my mum came to meet me after I’d had my hair cut so we could go shopping, she was early so came into the salon and was delighted to be able to sit down with a magazine and a free coffee while she waited for me! (I’m 43 by the way not 12).

It's just nice hospitality. You don't have to drink it. Mine offers coffee/tea/herbal tea, Prosecco and a slice of homemade biscuit cake. I'm going after work on Monday and looking forward to the treat!

Mine offers fizz... 🍾😁

Are you British, OP?

Offering a guest or someone providing a service a cup of tea or coffee is a big part of our culture.

if someone comes to fix the boiler, fix a flat battery on the car - "would you like a tea or a coffee?"

I like hairdressers treating you like a guest. It's nice.

It’s being kind, friendly and welcoming. You can just say “no thank you”.

I used to go a salon that had a bar in the middle of it with a fancy coffee machine. You could sit on one of the stools and read posh magazines drinking lovely coffee while waiting for your colour to do its magic.

For some people, going to the hairdresser is a bit of a treat, and some ‘me time’. And it’s general hospitality isn’t it?
No-one crosses my threshold without being offered a brew!

I will never lose sleep over this question

I was at the hairdressers this morning. My appointment only took 30 minutes but I had a lovely coffee in that time. If I'm very thirsty I can get water. It's really nice to have the option available.

Tea, coffee or water offered with a Tunnocks Teacake on the side!!

I agree with your last sentence but off point a bit, I think it's a dying culture. An increasing number of people (not hairdressers) offer nothing these days (UK), whilst blatantly knocking back their own beverage. Rude IMO.

I've just realised that covid seems to have killed this at the place I go to lol. Nobody has asked if I would like a drink since then. The spekulaas biscuits in the little packets were good to put in your handbag for later. I will ask next time I go.

there is something a bit odd about being offered Prosecco at 11.15am so I usually go for the coffee.
it gets a bit awkward trying to find a good moment to take a sip without interrupting the hairdresser doing your cut. I usually manage to pick it up, find it’s too hot, then can’t find another moment to put it down so end up holding it. When I finally find the moment to drink it, it’s usually gone cold and or has bits of hair floating in it. But because I am an awkward British person, I drink it anyway and thank the hairdresser for the lovely coffee. Can pretty much guarantee I’ll take up the offer next time as well.

Mine does fancy coffee, Prosecco and wine and just has started doing a different cocktail each week! I’m usually there at 9am for the first appointment though so although it looks amazing, I think an early morning cocktail is the start of a slippery slope 😂

Interesting @timewasterfun .

@WotNoLoobrush

Such a shame.

Let's campaign to stop it dying out!

Wouldn't normally expect one for a trim and blow dry but it's nice if you are there for a longer treatment; however I wouldn't expect anything fancy in the place I go to - just regular instant coffee and tea.

It always seems to be a job delegated to the apprentice. Better now that the hairdresser has a nespresso machine. Previously if you said 'yes please' you would be presented with the weakest coffee known to man (diluted water) clearly made by someone who didn't drink coffee themselves.

My hairdresser has a coffee/tea/wine menu!
She brings a little tray with it , a small water carafe, two artisan chocolates in a tiny dish and an affirmation card (which I always study solemnly!)
I thought it was a bit OTT when I first went.
But now i find it a sweet little ritual. She's such a lovely, welcoming person.

@Weatherwax13 what us an affirmation card please?

Mine offers tea, coffee, hot choc or prosecco. I think it is lovely. They charge enough so why not?!

I love sitting with a coffee in the hairdressers. It my little bit of me time to have a gossip with the stylist and enjoy a hot drink.

I love it. They usually offer me several 🤣 the only problem is when you try to reach for it but they need you to stay still. I used to have a hairdresser who would offer me loads of wine. Lol

I'm surprised alcohol is being offered to some. Very generous!

Previously if you said 'yes please' you would be presented with the weakest coffee known to man (diluted water) clearly made by someone who didn't drink coffee themselves.

@GnomeDePlume , IME weak instant coffee is offered by tightwads. But it's better than nothing! 😀