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Original poster

Hair wash at the hairdressers - too long, too rough?

17 replies

MakemineanAmericana · 07/02/2025 09:41

I'm curious. I've gone to the same hairdresser for years and love my stylist. But the juniors who wash hair are so 'violent'! Is this a thing that they're taught when training?

They wash my hair far longer than I ever do (and I don't turn up with dirty hair.) They scrub away at my scalp for ages - on and on and on- then rinse and repeat! I find it quite uncomfortable.

I've chin-length hair and it's very fine, so it doesn't need much lather or scrubbing.

OP posts:
Original poster
MakemineanAmericana · 07/02/2025 09:49

The reason for asking is what can I say to tell them they're too rough without being rude?

OP posts:
IThoughtHeWasWithYou · 07/02/2025 09:52

Maybe when you sit down say “I’ve developed quite a sensitive scalp recently, I’d really appreciate it if you could be quite gentle with the wash today, thank you”. Makes it less about them?

EarlierDistraction · 07/02/2025 09:55

I don’t like it either, I do sometimes say would you mind just washing it and not doing the scalp massage as I find it uncomfortable. I think they are just doing a really thorough job and I guess some people like it.

Original poster
MakemineanAmericana · 07/02/2025 09:56

Good idea.

When I wash my own hair I give it 1 lather and take about 30 seconds to wash it- then rinse, obviously, a lot.

Be interested to hear from any hairdressers here who can explain why they pummel away for so long!

OP posts:
Original poster
MakemineanAmericana · 07/02/2025 09:56

EarlierDistraction · 07/02/2025 09:55

I don’t like it either, I do sometimes say would you mind just washing it and not doing the scalp massage as I find it uncomfortable. I think they are just doing a really thorough job and I guess some people like it.

The scalp massage is separate where I go- they ask and I say no thank you.

OP posts:
JC03745 · 07/02/2025 10:28

I'd also suggest what someone upthread said about having a sensitive scalp. If they start scrubbing away, just ask them to stop/only 1 rinse please etc.

I had a junior once who was the complete opposite. She'd barely touched the scalp and after the 2nd 'wash' I felt my hair and the entire underneath was still bone dry! I got the hose and showed her that she should be washing my entire head- not just the top. I would have assumed this is something taught in their training though, so don't know what went wrong.

caramac04 · 07/02/2025 10:31

I love the scalp massage and my preference is for a vigorous one. However, I do know that some clients ask for a gentle shampoo and condition. The girls always comply.
The vigorous massage is to stimulate the hair follicles I believe.

ChangingHistory · 07/02/2025 10:40

I've never had an overly rough one but have had plenty where I felt they didn't do a thorough job.

PP nails it, just tell them you're a sensitive flower and need them to go gentle on you (not saying you are!).

Grapefruitspoon · 07/02/2025 10:55

I once left a hairdresser I liked because they used a mint shampoo that hurt my scalp! (I am a sensitive flower). I asked them to stop, but they acted as if I was totally unreasonable and mentioned it every time I went.

I started going to higher-end hairdressers where the haircut and colour were the same, but the trappings were so much more relaxing. A lot of the difference between high-end and low-end salons is the behaviour of the juniors. I will pay more for a quiet and pleasant hair wash.

PermanentTemporary · 07/02/2025 10:57

I love a scalp massage and a hefty wash but I know plenty hate it, and they really should ask. Amazing that they don't.

Flopsythebunny · 07/02/2025 11:05

Just tell them that they are being too rough and it's hurting you

iamnotalemon · 07/02/2025 11:13

Just say can you use less pressure.

hideawayforever · 07/02/2025 11:16

Yes, its a bit hit and miss where i go, i sometimes feel like they're trying to pull my hair out, and I haven't got much hair anyway, but the next time they do it, it feels fine, so I don't say anything either. maybe it depends what mood they're in. but I do love the head massage.

Original poster
MakemineanAmericana · 10/02/2025 16:23

TBH it wasn't just the pressure- that wasn't too bad- it was the amount of time she took and the pressure of the basin on the back of my neck.

She went on and on and on...the lather must have been almost up to the ceiling! I know she's a junior - as described on the website- but my hair didn't need that amount of washing.

And of course, it was then 'rinse and repeat' aaaaargh!

OP posts:
hideawayforever · 10/02/2025 17:08

I wonder if they're trying to delay you until the stylist is ready for you.
oh yes I know what you mean about the basin digging in your neck, also your head and neck being in that one position for ages, it's so painful.

LilyRose88 · 10/02/2025 18:05

I hate having my hair washed at the hairdressers as the back of the basin always hurts my neck, and the hair washing always seems rather vigorous. I have started asking for the scalp massage to be gentle, blaming a sensitive scalp, as I really can't cope with the heavy pressure. My hairdresser wears those blue gloves when she does it too, and they really pull at my hair. I dread the hair washing but as I have my hair coloured I can't avoid it.

Theeyeballsinthesky · 10/02/2025 18:10

i hate having my hair washed at the hairdressers. It’s my least favourite bit. She’s got really long nails and it’s bloody painful 😬

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