Jess Murphy of KAI on the importance of pushing the next generation of Irish foodies forward
Jess Murphy of KAI on the importance of pushing the next generation of Irish foodies...

Sarah Gill

This Galway self-build is a combination of striking architecture and stylish touches
This Galway self-build is a combination of striking architecture and stylish touches

Nathalie Marquez Courtney

Alice Jary of Rúibín Galway on the importance of being committed to making change
Alice Jary of Rúibín Galway on the importance of being committed to making change

Sarah Gill

Where to eat, drink and shop in Galway, according to the locals
Where to eat, drink and shop in Galway, according to the locals

Holly O'Neill

48 Hours in Galway with Team IMAGE
48 Hours in Galway with Team IMAGE

Holly O'Neill

Where to stay for a Galway city mini break
Where to stay for a Galway city mini break

IMAGE

Real Weddings: Nicole and Dan’s elegant wedding day in Co Galway
Real Weddings: Nicole and Dan’s elegant wedding day in Co Galway

Shayna Healy

Business Club member competition: WIN a 3-month supply of SISTERLY supplements (and a water bottle!)
Business Club member competition: WIN a 3-month supply of SISTERLY supplements (and a water bottle!)

Sarah Gill

Everything the team packed for Galway
Everything the team packed for Galway

Holly O'Neill

Here are the best Irish Easter eggs to indulge in this weekend
Here are the best Irish Easter eggs to indulge in this weekend

Edaein OConnell

Image / Beauty

Do you want to chat during beauty treatments? Here’s why I favour silence…


By Aisling Keenan
11th Oct 2019
Do you want to chat during beauty treatments? Here’s why I favour silence…

When it comes to salon visits, do you prefer silence or chit chat? It’s an issue that divides people, and something that’s hard to broach…


I polled the people who follow me on Instagram, just to see. Over 3,000 of you said you preferred complete silence from your hairdresser, nail tech, beauty therapist or facialist.

Sounds like a lot. But about 2,300 of you responded that you’re happy when they chat away – so the split is fairly even overall.

What’s the harm?

salon visits

There isn’t any, in truth. But I’m firmly in the ‘silence’ camp, with everyone but my nail tech who I couldn’t possibly not chat to because I’ve been going to her for so long.

When I pay for a pedicure, a blow dry, a facial, a massage… Any and all of those things I see as a form of escapism. No matter what mood I’m in – good, bad or indifferent – I would happily pay double the price if I could be guaranteed there’d be minimal to no chats.

It’s not rudeness… is it?

It’s not that I’m being rude – I’m an exceptionally chatty person and am always polite (my mam would murder me!) but I see those treatments as treats, and as ‘me’ time, so idle chit chat about where I’m going on holiday just don’t jive with my need to chill out.

salon visits

I’ve often dreamed up opening a silent salon. Where every staff member has a consultation form for their client to fill out, you get to tick a box for coffee, tea or prosecco, and you aren’t even asked to take your earphones out. Minimal chat, no need to pause your podcast, no need for any awkwardness because look – you came to the silent salon for a reason.

salon visits

I might sound extreme, but I know at least 3,000 of you are with me on this. And to the other 2,300 respondents… Let’s chat, just not while I’m getting my pedicure.


Read more: Why your hair feels better when washed by a pro (but how to achieve it at home)

Read more: How to avoid pretending to like your new ‘do in the hairdresser

Read more: Once you’ve found the right hairdresser, never let them go

Photo from Unsplash