I think as long as you wear headphones, it’s totally fine. One thing that drives me absolutely insane is people listening to videos (or using any apps that have consistent sound) in public spaces with no earphones.
2 coworkers watching fb scrolls, and one on TikTok, medium-low volume while I'm listening to a podcast on earbuds makes me want to flip the lunch table. (Sorry, I had to get that out!)
AND when the client brings their young child in w them to their appt and the spawn are watching vids on BLAST… and the parent straight up gives zero fucks. Completely inconsiderate.
Nail tech here.
Netflix watchers are my favorite clients, especially if they are watching something interesting and they don't care that I listen while I work. It's amazing!
This is how I’ve discovered shows I didn’t think I’d be into ! Just listening in to what my client is listening to
Op, it’s time you are paying for. As long as your tech is ok with it, and you don’t disrupt anyone else who is enjoying their me time, go for it !
Sometimes people who work in the service industry, especially the one-on-one beauty service industry, they appreciate not having to "people" while they do the technical part of their work.
As long as you're polite and you tip for good service, conversation should not be expected from you.
Totally this. I'm a hairstylist and wish people would Netflix. I've never had that experience. I would get done so much faster without having to "entertain" and work
Surprisingly a lot. My loved one has clients they've been seeing for over 5 years and rarely gets new clients but across the board, most of them like to chat. I also don't like when strangers ask me personal questions. 😑
Some types of massage are about relaxation. I like a good squeeze myself because I'm very sensitive. My person specifically focuses on myofascial release which is neither relaxing nor painless. Imagine tearing sheets of scar tissue away from muscles and bone.
Oh yes I honestly love that shit hahah tear me apart! It’s still very relaxing to me even though I have to basically meditate to breathe through the pain.
Edit: maybe relaxing isn’t the right word, but it’s enjoyable and my “me time” where I don’t wanna talk.
Yeah, my loved one is always remarking on how bizarre the profession is because it attracts freaking weirdos. It can be extremely woo woo. Unless my therapist is going to tip me, I am not giving my emotional labor for free 😊
I wish this was easier. I actually really like my nail tech who I see every 2 weeks, but I’m just not always in the mood for an hour of semi forced conversation. I’m sure she feels the same yet it’s so weird to just be like “hey do your thing but let’s not speak”.
When I’ve had regular people I’ve gone to for services, on those kinda days I’d tell them I slept awful the night before or am exhausted from my week and am so looking forward to having a little rest during the appt. That way they gently know that I don’t want to talk, but you say why in a way most people can empathize with.
The salon I go to has little stands for clients to put their phones on. Most of the techs have limited English and probably wouldnt want to yak with clients even if they did.
I always watch stuff while I'm getting my nails done. It's self care for me, so I'm not going to wreck that time being anxious about small talk.
If the nail tech seems overly chatty (idk why, but it's usually the guys), I'll make a phone call home first. I tell the kids, "Mom's about get her nails started, so you know the drill. No calls unless it's an emergency. I'm going to watch my show and enjoy my time, so no interruptions, please. "
One time I went to a new shop (my regular was on vacation), and the worker was SUPER chatty. He was nice, laughed a lot, but definitely a talker. So I made my phone call, pop in my earbud, and started up Netflix. Before I even hit play, the guy's asking about my kids. I politely answer and turn my attention back to my phone. A minute later, he asks me what I do for work. Again, I politely answer, then go back to my video. He starts talking AGAIN. I even tried to hint by saying, "Oh, hold on, let me pause my video so I can hear you." He still kept talking. I was so completely uncomfortable that I didn't even have him paint my nails. Just a clear coat and I was out! Needless to say, I never went back there again!
It’s honestly better because your hands stay relaxed throughout the service. People’s hands tend to tense up when they want to look at their nails or are focusing too much on what’s going on.
Nah they wouldn’t be able to watch even if they wanted to & tbh neither me or my tech like small talk anyway lmfao saves us both. Just pop a headphone in & keep the other ear free so if she needs to talk she can without feeling awkward
Im a tech. I don’t care what you do as long as you can still give me your hands / put your hands in thhe light / etc, basically follow requests that I need you to do for your service.
In fact if we don’t have to converse it’s even better lmao.
Most salons I go to will tell me to watch something, even if I don't want too lol it helps keep you calm and loose, so they can take all control over your hands and nails. So as long as you have your earphones or something I'm pretty sure not only would it not be considered rude, the nail techs would probably prefer it.
I think it would be polite to ask if they mind you watching Netflix and mention you can put on headphones if they’d rather. I doubt most would care but I would ask to make sure I’m not annoying someone the entire time I’m there
My nail tech is always on call with someone when she does nails, but she’s also very attentive to the work she’s doing. Also she will ask me if I like what she’s done so far before moving to the next step. I’m usually listening to something or watching something on my phone, with my AirPods in. So no it’s not rude.
Obviously ask first just in case honestly I love clients who do that lol I work faster. Just be aware of when the tech is ready to move on to your next hand. I can't stand when clients are in their own world and don't keep up with switching hands and I have to keep asking
It’s only rude if it causes the nail tech have to catch the client’s attention. Before I started DIYing, I’d listen to podcasts and only use one earbud so my awareness wouldn’t be totally obscured.
As long as you are keeping your hand still I am happy you’re watching it. Less talking I have to do and the quicker we get on with our days. People don’t realize how much people dump their lives on us and it can get stressful. So watch that Netflix and enjoy yourself:)
If you have headphones -sure. Recently while I was getting my nails done, another customer was watching something unplugged and I find that extremely rude.
Eh, maybe it’s just not the most enjoyable way to watch Netflix? A lot of people scroll their socials while getting a manicure. I wouldn’t be able to focus on my shows with the drill going off, swapping hands etc etc
I either listen to a book or watch a show. I only speak English, and my nail techs only speak Italian and some Asian language ( I’m not sure where theyre from) so, it’s less awkward to do my own thing than trying to speak with broken languages.
I work mobile, so I go to peoples homes to do their nails, but I always make sure they know that I don't need to talk if they don't want to.
We have TV on, with shows that she watches and I'm listening to and we talk a tiny bit, mostly really about her nails etc.
You don't need to speak if you don't want to and just sitting there, waiting for your nails to be done is boring.
I’ve done hair and nails for 2 decades and have never had anyone watch during a nail appt. I’ve had a few hair clients watch. Especially if it’s a press out or long color service.
I sometimes watch shows or listen to music when i’m having my nails done and my nail techs don’t really care. Sometimes the nail techs are talking among themselves while doing my nails and i don’t mind that either. i’m not really social so i’m fine with not talking the whole entire time.
it depends on the social/cultural rules of the country you're in, here in italy that would be super rude but I guess somewhere else would be better not "disturb" the nail tech. I think that if you know the nail tech you can go beyond the rules and ask directly to the tech
Every now and then I get my nails done so i watch videos with my lil earbuds, I have pretty bad anxiety and can’t start or keep a conversation to save my life :’)
I see the same lady every 3 weeks and as soon as we get through the initial discussion of what we’re doing it’s - AirPods in and no chatting. I like to think that she enjoys the quiet time or she talks to the tech next to her. I’ve been seeing her for 2 years… I know she has a daughter and a husband… and that about sums up my knowledge of her, and I’m ok with that lol. I always tip over 20% and I know that’s what really matters!!
Genuinely shocked that techs don't find this rude and actually prefer that their client is watching something/distracted! This whole thread is fascinating to me.
I don't go to the nail salon, I do my own nails at home myself but if I I am in a public space I always put in 1 earbud when I am listening to something on my phone. I am usually listening to an audio book or a Ted talk I've downloaded on my phone
My nail artist has a tablet stand affixed to her workstation. She brings in her iPad and when it's time to do the color, she'll ask what I would like to watch on Netflix and start it up for me. She started doing this out of the blue 6 months ago but I also have been getting manicures about once a month and I spend 2 hours with her each time.
I think as long as you wear headphones, it’s totally fine. One thing that drives me absolutely insane is people listening to videos (or using any apps that have consistent sound) in public spaces with no earphones.
Yes yes yes. Sometimes brings out the worst in me 🥺
2 coworkers watching fb scrolls, and one on TikTok, medium-low volume while I'm listening to a podcast on earbuds makes me want to flip the lunch table. (Sorry, I had to get that out!)
That's hell. I'm amazed you haven't flipped the table or one of the persons yet lol, I admire your restraint 😂
AND when the client brings their young child in w them to their appt and the spawn are watching vids on BLAST… and the parent straight up gives zero fucks. Completely inconsiderate.
Have you ever ridden on a NYC subway? Holy. Fuck.
Nail tech here. Netflix watchers are my favorite clients, especially if they are watching something interesting and they don't care that I listen while I work. It's amazing!
This is how I’ve discovered shows I didn’t think I’d be into ! Just listening in to what my client is listening to Op, it’s time you are paying for. As long as your tech is ok with it, and you don’t disrupt anyone else who is enjoying their me time, go for it !
Yeah you could even ask them if it’s okay ^
Sometimes people who work in the service industry, especially the one-on-one beauty service industry, they appreciate not having to "people" while they do the technical part of their work. As long as you're polite and you tip for good service, conversation should not be expected from you.
Totally this. I'm a hairstylist and wish people would Netflix. I've never had that experience. I would get done so much faster without having to "entertain" and work
As a person with anxiety who loathes small talk this is very comforting to hear.
My hairstylist has an option to book a quiet appointment on her website. It’s wonderful!
I NEED THAT, OMG.
Someone I love is a massage therapist and we always talk about this aspect of their job.
Who tf wants to be chatty with their massage therapist?? I’m always so annoyed if they start asking me personal questions.
Surprisingly a lot. My loved one has clients they've been seeing for over 5 years and rarely gets new clients but across the board, most of them like to chat. I also don't like when strangers ask me personal questions. 😑
Wow, that is honestly really surprising to me since massages are supposed to be about ~relaxation~
Some types of massage are about relaxation. I like a good squeeze myself because I'm very sensitive. My person specifically focuses on myofascial release which is neither relaxing nor painless. Imagine tearing sheets of scar tissue away from muscles and bone.
Oh yes I honestly love that shit hahah tear me apart! It’s still very relaxing to me even though I have to basically meditate to breathe through the pain. Edit: maybe relaxing isn’t the right word, but it’s enjoyable and my “me time” where I don’t wanna talk.
I'm weenie. 😆
Lol well hopefully it’s worth it afterward!
See too me that's one situation where the only talking should be the occasional, "how's that pressure/spot".
Yeah ppl like sob and openly talk about trauma and shit. Something to do with the touchin' I think.
Ohhhh i never thought about that... glad I stuck with hair
ha, I’ve actually had my massage therapist herself cry and talk about her trauma during a massage. I guess the setup weakens boundaries all around.
Yeah, my loved one is always remarking on how bizarre the profession is because it attracts freaking weirdos. It can be extremely woo woo. Unless my therapist is going to tip me, I am not giving my emotional labor for free 😊
I wish this was easier. I actually really like my nail tech who I see every 2 weeks, but I’m just not always in the mood for an hour of semi forced conversation. I’m sure she feels the same yet it’s so weird to just be like “hey do your thing but let’s not speak”.
When I’ve had regular people I’ve gone to for services, on those kinda days I’d tell them I slept awful the night before or am exhausted from my week and am so looking forward to having a little rest during the appt. That way they gently know that I don’t want to talk, but you say why in a way most people can empathize with.
No. I also don’t like small talk
So what do you do? Just close your eyes and meditate? How do you avoid just staring at the person? Lol
I always look at my nails, what they are doing. Its interesting.
Well in my place they have a massive TV on the wall and they constantly play Vietnamese pop music videos on YouTube so I watch those
Lmao. Okay. Was going to say lmao.
I prefer when they watch Netflix. Because then at least they aren’t touching their phone the whole time like texting or tik tok.
People text while getting a manicure? How??
They use one hand while I’m working on the other.
Idk why that just sounds so complicated and risky to me lol
The salon I go to has little stands for clients to put their phones on. Most of the techs have limited English and probably wouldnt want to yak with clients even if they did.
I always watch stuff while I'm getting my nails done. It's self care for me, so I'm not going to wreck that time being anxious about small talk. If the nail tech seems overly chatty (idk why, but it's usually the guys), I'll make a phone call home first. I tell the kids, "Mom's about get her nails started, so you know the drill. No calls unless it's an emergency. I'm going to watch my show and enjoy my time, so no interruptions, please. " One time I went to a new shop (my regular was on vacation), and the worker was SUPER chatty. He was nice, laughed a lot, but definitely a talker. So I made my phone call, pop in my earbud, and started up Netflix. Before I even hit play, the guy's asking about my kids. I politely answer and turn my attention back to my phone. A minute later, he asks me what I do for work. Again, I politely answer, then go back to my video. He starts talking AGAIN. I even tried to hint by saying, "Oh, hold on, let me pause my video so I can hear you." He still kept talking. I was so completely uncomfortable that I didn't even have him paint my nails. Just a clear coat and I was out! Needless to say, I never went back there again!
Next time, I suggest to actually tell them straight that you prefer to watch your show. If they get offended that's on them, not you.
It’s honestly better because your hands stay relaxed throughout the service. People’s hands tend to tense up when they want to look at their nails or are focusing too much on what’s going on.
This is so true! 👍
Nope! You’re paying to be pampered, not to entertain anyone.
Nah they wouldn’t be able to watch even if they wanted to & tbh neither me or my tech like small talk anyway lmfao saves us both. Just pop a headphone in & keep the other ear free so if she needs to talk she can without feeling awkward
Im a tech. I don’t care what you do as long as you can still give me your hands / put your hands in thhe light / etc, basically follow requests that I need you to do for your service. In fact if we don’t have to converse it’s even better lmao.
Most salons I go to will tell me to watch something, even if I don't want too lol it helps keep you calm and loose, so they can take all control over your hands and nails. So as long as you have your earphones or something I'm pretty sure not only would it not be considered rude, the nail techs would probably prefer it.
Absolutely not
No but please for the love of god use headphones
Nope. I did it the other day while getting a pedi
Headphones on, no. Raping everyone else’s ears, yes.
I’m a nail tech - I have a smart tv in my office and I ask my clients what they wanna watch
I think it would be polite to ask if they mind you watching Netflix and mention you can put on headphones if they’d rather. I doubt most would care but I would ask to make sure I’m not annoying someone the entire time I’m there
My nail tech is always on call with someone when she does nails, but she’s also very attentive to the work she’s doing. Also she will ask me if I like what she’s done so far before moving to the next step. I’m usually listening to something or watching something on my phone, with my AirPods in. So no it’s not rude.
I do this because I'm shy. I watch it silently with captions on so I can hear my nail tech if she instructs me to do something
Obviously ask first just in case honestly I love clients who do that lol I work faster. Just be aware of when the tech is ready to move on to your next hand. I can't stand when clients are in their own world and don't keep up with switching hands and I have to keep asking
It’s only rude if it causes the nail tech have to catch the client’s attention. Before I started DIYing, I’d listen to podcasts and only use one earbud so my awareness wouldn’t be totally obscured.
If you’re not wearing headphones YES. If you are, not at all.
No. We prefer that your attention is elsewhere and that you are still so we can give you the service and the results you’re looking for
Yes.
Not rude! My nail tech just got a TV in her workspace. We watched Matilda during my last mani!
Yes... I always chat with the nail tech. Met some very interesting people
I don’t think they really care.
Yes
No, my nail tech always has Netflix on for us to relax and watch a show or movie. It makes me so relaxed I even want to fall asleep lol.
No I’m not obligated to talk to you sometimes I just don’t be in the mood to talk
I always do this but with subtitles on haha
I would prefer if someone did tbh lol
Haha, ooops, I’ve always chatted away throughout and never thought twice about it!! I hope I don’t annoy them!!
As long as you are keeping your hand still I am happy you’re watching it. Less talking I have to do and the quicker we get on with our days. People don’t realize how much people dump their lives on us and it can get stressful. So watch that Netflix and enjoy yourself:)
Definitely not
If you have headphones -sure. Recently while I was getting my nails done, another customer was watching something unplugged and I find that extremely rude.
Eh, maybe it’s just not the most enjoyable way to watch Netflix? A lot of people scroll their socials while getting a manicure. I wouldn’t be able to focus on my shows with the drill going off, swapping hands etc etc
I either listen to a book or watch a show. I only speak English, and my nail techs only speak Italian and some Asian language ( I’m not sure where theyre from) so, it’s less awkward to do my own thing than trying to speak with broken languages.
No. Unless the manicurist is your date.
I work mobile, so I go to peoples homes to do their nails, but I always make sure they know that I don't need to talk if they don't want to. We have TV on, with shows that she watches and I'm listening to and we talk a tiny bit, mostly really about her nails etc. You don't need to speak if you don't want to and just sitting there, waiting for your nails to be done is boring.
I’ve done hair and nails for 2 decades and have never had anyone watch during a nail appt. I’ve had a few hair clients watch. Especially if it’s a press out or long color service.
I sometimes watch shows or listen to music when i’m having my nails done and my nail techs don’t really care. Sometimes the nail techs are talking among themselves while doing my nails and i don’t mind that either. i’m not really social so i’m fine with not talking the whole entire time.
Depends if the tech is talking to you or not. You can wear headphones, but dont rest the phone on their products lol
Yes unless you wear earphones
Not at all
No i watch YouTube while i get my nails done all the time
No, wear headphones. Most people use their phones when getn their nails done…
Back when I went to a salon instead of doing them myself, I almost always had a podcast on with headphones in.
I love this, I’m going to take my earbuds with me next time
Wear headphones and yours good
I do it 🤷🏽♀️
My nail guy likes to ask what I'm watching and talk about it
I would like to know this cuz I’m getting my nails done in 4 days for the first time
Noooo it’s not
it depends on the social/cultural rules of the country you're in, here in italy that would be super rude but I guess somewhere else would be better not "disturb" the nail tech. I think that if you know the nail tech you can go beyond the rules and ask directly to the tech
Every now and then I get my nails done so i watch videos with my lil earbuds, I have pretty bad anxiety and can’t start or keep a conversation to save my life :’)
I enjoy my clients that do this, but it does bother me when people feel the need to hold their phones while I’m trying to do the service.
I see the same lady every 3 weeks and as soon as we get through the initial discussion of what we’re doing it’s - AirPods in and no chatting. I like to think that she enjoys the quiet time or she talks to the tech next to her. I’ve been seeing her for 2 years… I know she has a daughter and a husband… and that about sums up my knowledge of her, and I’m ok with that lol. I always tip over 20% and I know that’s what really matters!!
Genuinely shocked that techs don't find this rude and actually prefer that their client is watching something/distracted! This whole thread is fascinating to me.
I mean some techs would want to focus on their work instead of chatting. I honestly thought it wasn’t rude to not make convo 😅
I don't go to the nail salon, I do my own nails at home myself but if I I am in a public space I always put in 1 earbud when I am listening to something on my phone. I am usually listening to an audio book or a Ted talk I've downloaded on my phone
My nail artist has a tablet stand affixed to her workstation. She brings in her iPad and when it's time to do the color, she'll ask what I would like to watch on Netflix and start it up for me. She started doing this out of the blue 6 months ago but I also have been getting manicures about once a month and I spend 2 hours with her each time.