Is it Gross if You Don't Shave Your Legs Before a Massage?

Many clients wonder whether it is inappropriate to show up to a massage without hairless legs. This article explores this question and provides insights from a well-experienced massage therapist.

Understanding Professional Attitude

Contrary to popular belief, a professional massage therapist should not consider it gross if a client does not shave their legs before a full-body massage. With over 20,000 massages performed since 1996, my experience has been consistently positive. Throughout my career, almost 50 massages were on female clients, and the most common statement about leg hair was concern and embarrassment, not disgust.

During such moments, clients often express their worries, saying, "I'm so sorry Johnny… I didn't realize you would treat my legs today and I forgot to shave/wax them - I am so embarrassed are you sure you want to treat/touch them." My response is always reassuring: "It doesn’t make any difference to me and it won’t affect the treatment in any negative ways."

Misunderstanding and Personal Experience

A personal experience with a client clarified my stance. Twenty-five years ago, a woman mentioned smooth legs after a leg wax. I complimented her on the softness, thinking it would be a complement. However, she took offense and never returned after that. From then on, I learned to appreciate both smooth and hairy legs as equally suitable for massage treatments.

Client and Professional Norms

Some clients might feel that leg hair is a hygiene issue or may feel compelled to follow social norms. However, these concerns are often unwarranted. Here’s why:

The presence of leg hair does not adversely affect the massage. The quality of the massage depends on techniques and skills, not on hairless skin.

Professional massage therapists place utmost importance on hygiene and cleanliness. They should not be concerned with hair on a client’s legs.

It is the client’s choice whether to shave or not, and there is no need to apologize for their personal grooming habits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of leg hair during a massage is acceptable and does not pose a problem for a trained professional. The focus should remain on providing a high-quality massage rather than worrying about small details. Clients should feel comfortable in their own skin and not feel pressured to follow certain grooming norms that do not affect the massage quality.