To hate head massages at the hairdressers?

[TheLostNights]

Yesterday the hairdresser washed my hair and then gave me a long head and even the front of my head an intense massage. It felt weirdly intimate and inappropriate even though I know others love it. Aibu to dislike this and wish they would stick to cutting hair ?

Absolutely love them. They send me into a blissful trance.

I'd let randoms at the bus stop give me a head massage.

I’m too ticklish!

It depends who’s doing it! I once had a teenage boy doing my hair wash and it was such an uncomfortable experience. I just don’t want children touching me so intimately! I felt completely weirded out by it. When else would a young boy barely older than my son touch me like that???

Head massages are part of the reason that I stopped going to hair salons. I also hated the backwash sinks because they hurt my neck. I’m so much happier having a mobile hairdresser who either does dry cuts or just dampens my hair with a water spray bottle.

Just say no thanks. Why are people on MN incapable of saying yes or no? Net time, if she starts to massage you, just say I don't like that thanks, but could I just get a hair cut - or specify that when you book. Over the phone - more impersonal. The girl will be able to fit an extra client in at the end of the day with the time she'll save if a couple of folk were like you. PS. I don't like being touched either. I'd just say no thanks. It's surprising how little people are offended!

Least favourite thing about a haircut. Hate it. Though I hate massages in general.

I hate having my hair cut but love the head massage - definitely the best bit and my hairdresser does it well.
If she asks someone else at the salon to wash my hair if she's busy inside I'm thinking "Awwwww!"

mine normally ask if you want a massage before I sit down, which makes it easy to say no thanks.

it is trickier when they don't ask but just start on rubbing when your head is upsidedown and you can't hear properly. I can't immediately tell if they are in 'rub in conditioner mode' or 'head massage mode' and it seems so rude to say Stop that. But that is what I want to say.

Love them! But 90% of the time they ask. Just ask them not to next time.

It's the only part of getting my hair done that I miss. I agree it feels quite intimate though and i used to just pretend to be normal about it, whatever that seemed to be! Just say you don't want it.

I like them and it seems like my salon have upped their game with them as the last two I've had have been wonderful and lasted a decent amount of time.

But they always ask first. I have only once said no, when I was in a hurry!

My bigger bugbear is that I so often feel they've not rinsed my hair properly. I know they can see what they are doing, but even so.

Do you believe in the saying no response is a response?

Do you have any situations you currently aren't responding too or texts you are leaving unanswered?

What does no response mean to you. Do you always have to say something or argue?

I think it's a great response sometimes and definitely can say alot.

I only found out recently that there is actually a reason for them doing it, not just to try and relax you! I had to Google it as I'd forgotten the reasoning but...

Not only a great stress reliever it stimulates circulation of blood to the hair follicles, providing nutrition and thereby strengthening the hair shaft and roots, resulting in healthier hair

I think they do it to give your scalp a through wash before starting. I love it.

OP, I absolutely hate the rubbish shiatsu head massage. I tolerated it a couple of times, but now I just tell them I don’t want a head massage and they just skip over it. Having someone fondle my head like that is just plain horrible.

Why are people on MN incapable of saying yes or no?

I don't get this either. How many mumsnetters suffer in silence for want of saying "no head massage thanks"? It isn't difficult.

Time to put the big pants on at the next hairdresser visit.

I wish my hairdresser would do head massage.

I usually hate it, so I ask them not to. Only once did I find a head massage actually relaxing, that was by a male hairdresser with enormous hands so I felt my head was cradled rather than jabbed. I have never had a hairdresser take offence.

It's usually a bit scratchy to be honest. I just put up with it though, as it's mercifully short. It's not that long since there was a thread about this so def.not alone!

For those asking why can't people say "no", there isn't an option, it just happens, I'd have to say stop please.

"I don't want a head massage thank you". So easy.

I just say to wash my hair and no massages at all. I’ve no issues with my current hairdresser, but I tend to book the top ppl as I’m wanting a fantastic cut. And I go every year or so!

I hate it too. Makes me feel so uncomfortable and gives me the ick!

I ask mine not to which is fine by her.

I had one once. She had sharp nails and scratched my head. I always said no after that

Nbu. Not in the slightest.

I freaking love a good head massage - but I've never had a good head massage at the hairdressers. I don't know if they train them all the same way, but they are always fast and rough and it's about as relaxing as cleaning the bathroom because your mother in law has just told you she's popping by in five minutes.

I ditched the local hairdresser for insisting they 'had' to wash my hair and wouldn't do the basic dry trim dh has no problems sourcing at the barbers 'cos Covid .

Just tell 'em no or find another.