"Pre-grooming" or Grooming Before You Groom

Liz A.

Question: Is it expected that you shower and shave your legs/other areas directly before a grooming or spa appointment, such as a pedicure, massage, or even a haircut?

I'll admit to not always showering every single day, but I always try to do so before an appointment. When my legs or armpits will be seen, I definitely try to shave that same day. Today I found myself with some extra time at lunch so I stopped in for a quick pedicure, but I was highly embarrassed by my unshaven legs.... not like a week, but a few days had gone by.

Do you think aestheticians or masseuses or whoever notice these things? Or do they care? Or should pedicures/massages, etc. be avoided when pre-grooming is not possible?

Just thought of another one... I ALWAYS shave before a doctor's appointment!

12 years ago

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13 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I would guess they do notice, since beauty is their biz. But as to whether or not they care . . . no idea.

12 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I do the same, but don't think they really care. One time I was so ill, I hadn't showered in about a week, apologized to the Dr examining me and he said 'OMG, this is nothing! You should see some of the people coming in here'.....granted, it was an inner-city clinic, but still.... I wouldn't feel bad!

12 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i don't shave for date...

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

They suggest that you NOT shave before a pedicure, to lesson the chance of infection due to tiny cuts and scrapes from shaving.

Pretend you were preventing the spread of disease. You'll feel virtuous and wise, not just stubbly!

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Phew alright good to know it's not a total faux pas, although obviously I'll do my best in the future!

Lol Beth Ann, I hadn't heard that piece of advice before, but I won't knock it.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I don't worry too much about the state of my legs, because every time I go for a pedicure I get chastised for the state of my feet. (Last time, I got, "why do you cut your toenails so short? You have the smallest toenails I've ever seen!") It doesn't really bug me, but you'd think they'd have more tact.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I shouldn't think grooming professionals would be squeamy about it, or they wouldn't be in the business in the first place. But I definitely think they notice and have learned people fall into categories and can make educated guesses about what they will want done and how often and what kind of car they drive...

12 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

I don't shave before my (twice a year?) professional pedicures, but I shave later so I get the full totally-groomed legs-n-feet feeling for at least a few days
I *do* dress and do nice (minimal) makeup before a haircut. I want to show my haircutter that I take time to look my best--I want to look like I pay attention to details so she will, too. No idea if this impacts anything, but I walk out of there feeling great all over (except for a few stray hairs on my neck).

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Coming back to add that I most definitely do NOT wash my hair before I get a haircut. (I have pretty dry scalp so I only wash my hair every 2-3 days; otherwise my scalp starts to flake.) This is because a) she cuts it wet so she has to wash it anyway, and b) most of the time I get it colored. The hair dye BURNS on a clean scalp. It's much more comfortable to do it on a slightly oily scalp.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Yes, Diana, you're right about washing your hair. There really is no point when you're getting color or usually a cut. Although if my hair is just too dirty, I'll wash anyways.

12 years ago

donnat

Veteran

I used to be an aesthetician, we definitely didn't care if you shaved or not.

12 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I believe it's generally better to dye dirty hair... apparently it will take the coloir better somehow (although that does seem counter-intuitive) and the process should be less drying. At home, I do find dying clean hair leads to flyaway, dry results. I colour my hair at home but like Diana I also try to schedule haircuts around not washing my hair that day, since I wash only every other day and I believe excessive washing is bad for my hair, strips colour etc. And if I'm going to the salon early in the day it might even be day 3! Hopefully they don't mind washing dirty hair

12 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Pretty much I just try to be clean [1], and not worry about much else. I don't wash my hair before going to the hairstylists, for reasons everyone else has mentioned, but I do try to wear something that's representative/average for my daily style, especially when I'm seeing someone who's new or fairly new. I don't get pedicures/manicures, but when I get waxed I am for obvious reasons not going to shave beforehand.

1 - Excepting doctor's appointments/going to the urgent care when I'm sick. I've found that they take your condition more seriously if you're a little bit of a mess. I used to drag myself into the shower and into clean clothes before these sorts of appointments and found it counterproductive, as annoying as that may seem.

12 years ago

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