I (26F) have a usual waxing salon I go to. While I was out, I saw the waxing salon had another location. I had some free time and decided to go in for a leg waxing. The lady asked me if I wanted hot or cold wax. Which I understand is an option in other salons, but I was never asked this in my usual location. The lady said it’s less painful and only costs a bit more. So I agreed.
I get in the room and get ready and all, and she shows me her handheld wax rolling machine. She said it heats up the wax for her to roll on, then she gets a strip to pull the wax off. I’d never seen one before. She told me she got it from a client or something in this high-end salon she used to work for where rich people go to. I asked if this machine is available in their other branch, and she said no, it was her personal property. Which was strange to me, like is this salon not standardized? Something about it also didn’t seem sanitary to me, like this wax is just heating up in this machine and rolled onto the skin. But I gave her the benefit of the doubt.
She asked me if I wanted my underarms and brows done too, but I explained that I recently got them done, and I know is a normal question.
But after she finished waxing me, she asked again if I wanted my underarms done, I said no and explained again. She told me to show her my armpits so she can check if it’s grown enough to have it waxed and was very insistent. I gave in and showed her and she said it’s long enough to be waxed. I said no.
You know how after a waxer finishes, they leave the room for you to put your clothes back on and fix yourself up before going out? Well, she just stayed in the room. She said her phone was charging in the room and she needed to check her notifications. I waited for a minute or two and she was just there on her phone. So I awkwardly and uncomfortably put my pants back on and left the room. I paid and left the salon.
When I got home, I noticed short hairs left on my legs. Like they weren’t properly waxed off. And week after, I had considerably more ingrown hairs than normal.
This all happened a couple months ago. But I went to another waxing salon today and got reminded. I decided to post this experience in the Reddit sub of my city to ask if anyone has had a similar experience. I initially didn’t mention the name or location of the salon, but someone asked and I answered.
The thing is, someone commented that they know the owner and showed them the post. She said the employee has been removed from waxing. Idk if she means she was fired or removed from just the waxing services of their salon. And I don’t even know if she meant she was removed prior to my post or because of my post. But if it was because of my post, AITA?
NTA, it sounds like she did a substandard job. If she got fired, it’s her own fault.
NTA. At this point you shouldn’t even blame yourself purely because you can’t even tell if your post is the reason why! And if it is, I’m going to guess you aren’t the first person to complain. The salon owner felt it was necessary to stop the employee from waxing, possibly working there as well, for a reason. If anything, you are helping save others for a negative experience as well.
NTA The owner was literally losing business because of this employee. The business being you. Nothing changes if we don’t communicate. She behaved unprofessionally and that cost her her job. Frankly you could have better reported your reasons for leaving at the business itself, but you seem rather conflict avoidant so I get that you didn’t.
They aren’t going to fire an otherwise good employee over one bad review. If that person was fired or demoted, there were definitely other problems.
NTA if they were fired or reprimanded it sounds like the owner wasn’t aware they were using their own device
NTA
Wax should never be “double dipped” and you can’t avoid that if the applicator is the machine itself. It was unsanitary to use on clients.
She was way too pushy about wanting to do more spots. No means no.
The only part I don’t understand is them leaving for you to get dressed. That’s the second time I’ve read a post where someone expected that. The waxing place I go to does not leave the room which is better to me because opening the door means exposing me to others. They’re already face up in my cooch, it doesn’t bother me to get dressed/undressed in front of them and it’s not like a gyno where I have a sheet to cover myself.
I have the machine shes on about at home. One cartridge does one person’s legs or half legs depending on length and width. My waxer uses it for legs also. Its mostly only ever used for big areas. The cartridge should get swapped out between each client.
The machine is commonly used and is sanitary
NTA. First of all, she did many things during your appointment that is not professional and not standard practice. Second of all, you wrote a post about your experience on a public forum, you didn’t go to the manager and demand she be fired. In this case, it sounds like the person was removed due to cause and whether your post had anything to do with it or not (and lets be honest it most likely did) that is her own fault.
Edit to add: thank you for reminding me I meant to look up laser hair removal 😂
NTA! It doesn’t sound like she was following protocol of the salon.
That’s like going to McDonald’s and then going to one a mile away that tells you they can make you an In-N-Out burger for a few dollars extra, because they have a special grill that’s not found in any other location.
Next time if something doesn’t feel right, it’s not right. Don’t feel forced to go through with anything that doesn’t feel right. It’s your body. Don’t take chances. You could have ended up with something worse than ingrown hairs.
NTA – and I highly doubt you were the only complaint. It sounds like this was the last straw for the employer.
NTA. The fact that you likely did not even mention the name of the employee, but the salon owner STILL knew exactly who to fire, means that there was likely prior issues leading up to this firing.
If your waxing with her personal equipment had led to a medical emergency, the business would be somewhat liable. Even though it’s her personal equipment, they apparently don’t have the ability to ensure she doesn’t bring it to work and use it on clients.
She also didn’t leave you alone when you both denied a service AND wanted to put your clothes on in peace. That’s going to make *anyone* uncomfortable, and make them not want to go back to the salon. If this was your first time at that salon, you’d think *all* the employees were that pushy and *that* okay with making you uncomfortable.
NTA I believe that employees aren’t allowed to use their own personal equipment, but I may be wrong about that. The fact she didn’t get out to let you get dressed and the fact she was insistent on you showing her… well, that’s also no. This is one of the times where “the customer is right”.