Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To hate this!

114 replies

Lulola · 09/08/2021 09:26

My friend owns a salon and we were just chatting about it and I mentioned hating the hair washing part. She argued that everyone loves it and I was unusual to not, she then said they have added in a 10 minute head massage to every hair wash and she can tell everyone appreciates it.

I went on to say I would sit and have it because I would feel rude asking them not to, but I would be hating it and wanting it over because it’s uncomfortable at the sink.

So I would like to know, aibu in thinking it’s awful and actually other people genuinely really enjoy it?

Yanbu - it’s awful and uncomfortable
Yabu - it’s great and the best part

OP posts:
Dilbertian · 09/08/2021 10:02

It depends so much in the basin, the chair, and the skill of the person washing your hair.

One salon I used to go to had padded neck rests in the basins, and adjustable massage chairs that laid you almost flat. Oh my. I actually fell asleep during one hair wash - though I did have a non-sleeping, early-walking 1yo at the time!

SwanShaped · 09/08/2021 10:05

Not keen at all. The worst is when the hairdresser has long nails and the massage bit is scratchy. Ugh gross. It’s silly of your friend to assume everyone likes it. I just find it awkward and can’t wait for it to be over.

lawofdistraction · 09/08/2021 10:05

Hate the washing. When I was young I wasn't confident enough to say no to the massage, in case I hurt their feelings. In more recent times I decline and just say my neck is uncomfortable. Still not confident enough to tell them I actually hate it!

afaloren · 09/08/2021 10:06

I hate it. The water is too hot and goes in your ear and they always have long scratchy nails. I hate the hairdresser in general actually and prefer to keep my hair long enough to do a simple trim myself at home. Probably why I always look a mess Grin

Frazzledmummy123 · 09/08/2021 10:11

I think your friend is wrong to say that it is unusual that you don't like something, everyone is different. Customers in her salon should be asked if they would like a massage when they get their hair washed.

Personally, I love it and think it is the best part. Nobody is wrong or unusual to not like it though.

OldTinHat · 09/08/2021 10:12

YABU - that's the best bit!!

MeanderingGently · 09/08/2021 10:18

Hate the hair washing, it's dreadful and hurts my neck. No-one ever washes their hair backwards unless at the hairdressers or in a hospital/nursing home!!!
Head massage could be OK but hairdressers are not usually as good at massage as a spa specialist and I'd rather have my massage on a spa day, not at the hairdressers.

When I used to go to hairdressers I started asking if I could wash my hair at home and come in with it wet....which my local lady was fine with.

These days I cut my own hair at home. Solves a whole heap of problems!

MarianneUnfaithful · 09/08/2021 10:19

Oh, I hate hate hate the head massage. So cringey.

They should ask.

Lulu1919 · 09/08/2021 10:23

I love it,my adult daughter hates it and always asks for a dry cut !!!

Tombero · 09/08/2021 10:34

When I’ve been offered it they’ve always asked.

Judging by this voting split, it looks like that’s the way forward for your friend.

busybanana · 09/08/2021 10:35

I really hate it. I don't know if it's because I'm tall, but I find it so uncomfortable to lean back at that angle.

Newhorizon21 · 09/08/2021 11:28

It is personal preference. I hate it & ask for a hair wash & no massage.

Sparklfairy · 09/08/2021 11:41

@GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER ha! Reminds me of the time I jokingly said to the stylist, 'My hair is dead straight, it simply won't hold curls' and she laughed and said, 'Oh, I'm sure I can manage to curl it," and proceeded to start curling it, without asking me! By the time she'd got from one side of my head to the other, the first curls had dropped out. She muttered a bit and then had to straighten it all again... Grin

I hate getting my hair done. It takes hours as it's very thick. Every single time I warn them that it'll take longer than they think and they just breezily say, 'It'll be fine!' then get arsey that it's taken much longer than they think... and the constant clearing up of hair as the mountain on the floor gets bigger but the hair on my head looks exactly the same Grin

Original poster
Lulola · 09/08/2021 15:03

I saw a picture of some hairdresser chairs that could be moved, sort of like dentist chairs. I think that wouldBe more comfortable if you can select your own position rather than getting neck ache….. but I still don’t want my head unnecessarily rubbed for 10 minutes!

I might secretly start going somewhere else. I’ve mentioned things in the past I’ve not been happy about and she doesn’t take it on board - asking for my hair to be curled at the end but the hairdresser straightening it and insisting that’s what I asked for, I definitely didn’t because I showed her a picture.

OP posts:
Noshowwithoutpunch · 09/08/2021 15:15

@CallMeRisley

I hate it. My scalp must be sensitive as I always feel like the staff lather up my hair way too hard and it hurts!
I love the massage but hate the washing as I too feel like they are very rough. Same when combing through wet hair.
cobblers123 · 09/08/2021 15:20

I hate it and always refuse but I hate going to the hair salon anyway, that's why I now have a mobile hairdresser, no fannying about, just does what I ask and leaves.

FenceSplinters · 09/08/2021 15:22

I would not go to a hairdresser where they were offering a head massage as part of the package.

thenightsky · 09/08/2021 15:31

I hate the whole sink part. I've got a painful neck anyway, but the hairdresser gives me bloody agony for at least 2 days afterwards. Its the pressure - it makes me see stars and lose feeling in my scalp. It must trap a nerve or something. I haven't been to the hairdresser for 4 years now because of this. I wish I could just wash it at home, wrap in a shower cap and drive over there for them to cut it.

Mydogisagentleman · 09/08/2021 15:43

YANBU.
I loathe being fanned around with, I tend to go to the hairdresser with wet hair and leave once it’s cut. No drying or curling

Soubriquet · 09/08/2021 15:47

I love it but we get asked every time

We also get offered a back massage before the hair cut which I happily accept too

MoonlightWanderer · 09/08/2021 15:49

I think it’s better for them to ask if the customer wants it or not. I usually decline.

Musmerian · 09/08/2021 15:50

I always refuse the complimentary head massage as I hate it! Also not mad on hair washing- I just want to get my hair cut and get out. But then I’m not keen on the whole pampering/massage/spa thing at all - I actually find it quite stressful.

RuthW · 09/08/2021 15:54

A good shampooist and it would be fabulous. My current one is dreadful as she has false nails and they just pull the hair.

I'm an ex hairdresser

Anniissa · 09/08/2021 16:03

For me a trip to the hairdresser should be indulgent - I love having my hair washed and getting the head massage. My hairdressers has massage chairs so you can have a back massage at the same time which is nicely destressing. I like taking the time out to switch off and enjoy the massages and a glass or two of wine and generally feeling pampered. Totally appreciate not everyone feels like that which is why my salon asks what you’d prefer.

Blueuggboots · 09/08/2021 16:16

YANBU
my hair dresser tells the hair washer not to bother with all the massage crap because I HATE it. I cannot tell you HOW MUCH I HATE IT!!!! 😎😎