I work in a beauty salon and I sometimes get clients making suggestive remarks. Like, some guys who come in for a back, sack & crack wax seem to think it should include me giving them a handjob. Some people (of both sexes) getting a treatment where they have to be undressed suggest that I should strip off as well.
Usually I just refuse and get on with the beauty treatment in a businesslike way, but I’m not sure if that’s the best response. Should I say something funny or mocking and try to make a joke of it? Should I just ask them to leave?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
For the hand job guys, if you can do it with a straight face, tell them they have just solicited an undercover vice officer and they are under arrest. How they take it from there would determine my response…if they are indignant, tell them you are indignant as well for being called a prostitute. If they make a joke, you can be very funny in letting them know you don’t appreciate their sense of humor.
That would be the determining factor for me…are they uncomfortable and trying to make a joke, or are they just jerks?
And, on a side note, MY GOD. Do guys REALLY get all that…waxed? Geez, my husband freaks when I use the tweezers on his old man ear beard… Just can’t imagine…all that…
I think because they are required to be undressed, they are feeling a bit uncomfortable as well; therefore they are making jokes to ease the tension in the room.
I would inform them that you are a professional and you do not tolerate that kind of behavior and comments. And you just want to do your business.
If they do not stop, send them home untreated and do not work on them in the future.
If they are mature they will understand where you are coming from and stop with the jokes. And then when you treat them in the future they will know where you stand and may even be more at ease for regular, more mature conversations with you. Try talking about other topics, unrelated to what you are doing, to keep their minds at ease and make it more comfortable for them to be in the room with you.
Your handling of it in a businesslike way shows you are a professional. Any jokes, mockings etc that you might make instead, shows you are immature and that you don’t take the subject seriously.
If however, there comes a time where you are really offended and upset, tell your boss/manager and hopefully they’ll deal with it.
guess their embarressed there naked, well not all men have the same equipment!
Well you should speak with your supervisor about this. Maybe they can set those customers straight.
I didn’t know that even went on! Yikes! Have your manager draw up a short "Salon Etiquette" page with the bare (no pun intended) essentials spelled out, so that the client *and* the technician are made to feel comfortable – after all – it is a professional setting! This slip should be given to them when they come to their first appt. and thereafter, if there is a transgression.
I would politely but firmly tell them that you would appreciate if in future they would refrain from making such inappropriate remarks. If they get too personal or offensive warn them that these type of comments will not be tolerated & that they will be asked to leave if they do not stop. Good luck & btw I am horrified people would be so crass!