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Original poster

'Head massages' at hairdressers....why?

72 replies

jaffacakesallround · 28/03/2014 15:06

Had a good hair cut recently but the shampooist- why oh why do they do it? When they apply conditioner they try to give you a head massage- usually inexpertly- feels a bit like being kissed by a spotty teenager who doesn't know what to do- and makes me cringe.
Does anyone else find it annoying, uncomfortable and just want to tell them to get on with the washing and leave your head alone?

OP posts:

Icouldstillbejoseph · 28/03/2014 15:08

Ooooh I love love love it! I never want it to stop

RosinaCopper · 28/03/2014 15:10

I'm with you on this one, jaffacakes, I HATE it, so much so that I now request that it ISN'T done when I go to any hairdresser that washes my hair, before they get strated!

Selks · 28/03/2014 15:15

Yes it's hideous and not in any way enjoyable, especially if they dig their long nails into my scalp in an inexpert fashion. Plus I have an area of scalp excema which does not enjoy being raked! I always try to fore-stall this by saying I have a sensitive scalp and can they please do minimal hairwashing.

They should really ask first if it's ok to massage your head but they never do.

Original poster

jaffacakesallround · 28/03/2014 15:21

For me, it is the complete antithesis of 'stress relief'. I hate it because a head massage is supposed to be sensual and done expertly....not when you have your head pinned back against the hard edge of the basin, and then have someone waggling your head all over...

think I will tell them not to do it.

OP posts:

dexter73 · 28/03/2014 15:22

I love it - the best bit of getting my hair cut.

cardamomginger · 28/03/2014 15:22

They always ask where I go.

I know what you mean - I used to be a massage therapist and did Indian head massage. I sit/recline there thinking, 'well I wouldn't have done that! you're supposed to move the scalp, not the hair!' etc etc. Usually they are benignly incompetent, but I have had a few shockers.

mrscumberbatch · 28/03/2014 15:23

I've had one amazing head massage when getting my hair washed ... It was loooovely.

Unfortunately I have had umpteen where my hair has been pulled, I've been scratched, it's been too rough...

I am still waiting for next elusive good headrub!

Original poster

jaffacakesallround · 28/03/2014 15:23

Clearly depends on the skill of the person doing it then..hmm....

OP posts:

Nosleeptillbedtime · 28/03/2014 15:23

I agree. I hate it too. It's totally cringe inducing. Why would I want a head massage done by a bored teenager whilst crap dance music is being blared loudly at me?

MrsCampbellBlack · 28/03/2014 15:26

Funny, just back from hairdresser and had hideous head massage - well it was more of a hair massage as she kept tugging on my wet hair and it hurt.

But when I get my eyebrows threaded at blink, they do a wonderful indian head massage.

So for me, its either do it properly or just don't bother.

ExcuseTypos · 28/03/2014 15:27

I love it but its taken me 3 years to begin to get to that point.

I but decided to relax and enjoy. As soon as I did that it began to feel nice.

I've also gone on another step which you would hate OP.

They have massaging chairs too with basically vibrate as you're having your hair washed. I've always declined but last time decided to go for it. It was rather strange at first but can't wait for the next time now.

Try to relax and enjoy!

shggg245 · 28/03/2014 15:29

I really hate the head massage, for me it's actually very uncomfortable and hurts my neck - so much so that I now demand only one shampoo and ask that they get a move on with the conditioner!

And they still try to do it, it's like they can't help themselves.

AmberLeaf · 28/03/2014 15:30

I had the most amazing head massage after having my hair washed at the hair dresser.

It made my eyes water and my toes curl.

Original poster

jaffacakesallround · 28/03/2014 15:37

Are you sure it was your head that they massaged Amber? :)

I cannot relax- I've had a head massage elsewhere at a spa and that was relaxing- lying down flat, oils used, nice music, low lights.....

but having a 16 year old dig her fingers into your scalp and wiggle them about a bit when she is clearly bored stiff- hmmm...not at all enjoyable.

OP posts:

AmberLeaf · 28/03/2014 15:40

I am obviously a very sensual person!

It was almost sexual.

LlamateurDramatics · 28/03/2014 15:46

I've gone from hating them to loving them and right back to hating again. I used to request one particular person to wash my hair where I used to live as she did amazing head massages, and for someone who has always hated massage that was a big thing for me! I've not had many hair cuts since having my children but went a few weeks ago and had a horrendous 'massage' that really hurt and seemed to go on forever. I was far too polite to ask her to stop as she looked like she was trying so hard to do a good job.

bookcave · 28/03/2014 15:47

I always ask them not to do any massage. I like massage but not the hair-pulling that passes for it at most hairdressers. I have no qualms about politely telling them I don't want it. I doubt they mind, it saves them a few minutes.

Elsiequadrille · 28/03/2014 15:54

During the shampoo. Lovely!

MooMinCow · 28/03/2014 15:58

Hate it. Though my hairdresser always asks 'soft or firm massage?' And I always whimper 'soft please'. I'm such a wuss Next time I'll grow a pair and say 'no massage please!'

I too have a sensitive scalp and its that feeling of someone's fingers wrapped around your roots tugging at your scalp and that scratchy amplified scraping noise that makes horribly uncomfortable.

I once had the misfortune of having a scalp massage during a facial (and no she didn't ask, and I had a face mask on so couldn't tell her to stop either). Longest 10 minutes of my life (I complained after and yes got a voucher towards another facial )

ggirl · 28/03/2014 16:18

I ask them not to massage my head .

I must have a v sensitive scalp I find having it washed painful..well some are gentle but when my actual hairdresser washes ..she's so rough it makes my toes curl ...in agony.

She's great at cutting but I dread when the junior is too busy to wash.

ggirl · 28/03/2014 16:20

And i find it bizarre the way they wash my hair and sort of rub all the hair together creating a huge tangle that then has to be scraped and tugged to untangle.

Original poster

jaffacakesallround · 28/03/2014 16:26

They always wash too vigorously too. My hair doesn't need 2 washes - ever. I think I will tell them that in future too. Sometimes I want to tell they are washing hair- not scrubbing the kitchen floor. They border on violent at times- as if more effort makes for a better wash. No- it doesn't.

OP posts:

StickEmUpSideWays · 28/03/2014 16:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PoemGirl · 28/03/2014 16:54

I love it, it's my favourite bit! Love having my hair washed too, last time I actually fell asleep. It's usually my (very good) hairdresser who does it, not a 16 year old, though. Not a v expensive place, just an independent city-centre salon.

tallulah · 28/03/2014 17:07

I hate it as well. It seems to go on for ever.

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