To accept the massage?

[Ragevibration]

I've just started going to a new (fancyish!) Hairdresser.

After the initial consultation they ask if I would like a complimentary head neck and shoulder aromatherapy massage

Hell yes I do. It feels amazing, and I usually go after work so feels like a proper relaxing luxurious treat.

However, when the hairdresser asks... you can tell she's praying I say no. Like when you ask if somebody wants a coffee at work and think "say no say no say no say no"... exactly like that.

So AIBU to accept the massage

Lighthearted obviously sort of because I've started feeling horribly awkward about the whole thing

Definitely say yes! She needs to go and work at a salon where this isn't provided if she doesn't want to do it!

I always say yes

It’s why I pay for the luxury of going there

I could go to a cheaper salon and not have the massage

When you ask someone if they want coffee and they say yes, you make it happen. It's a job.
When asked for a complimentary massage at the hair salon, say yes. It a offered, take it. It's her job.

Say yes and show your appreciation, how lovely it was etc - I bet she probably has people quite blunt or feel "entitled" to it even though it is a bit of a bonus, so probably makes it feel like begrudging work, but if you're genuinely thankful and complimentary, she'll feel good about herself and you'll feel less awkward about the whole thing

:)