Had a client tell me my facial was 'just fancy washing' last week...

This lady came in for a deep pore cleansing and sat there scrolling her phone the whole time. After 45 minutes of extractions, steam, and a hydrating mask, she said she could do the same thing with her drugstore cleanser at home. I didn't even know how to respond. My esthetician license took 600 hours and a state board exam, but sure it's just fancy washing. Told her the difference is in the technique and sanitation, but she just shrugged. Has anyone else had a client completely dismiss the value of what we do?

3 comments

3 Comments

robinp721mo ago

You ever had one of those moments where you realize you were totally wrong about something? Because I used to be kind of that client. I thought facials were overpriced and yeah, basically just washing. Then I actually got a real one from someone who knew what they were doing and it completely changed my mind. The difference in how my skin felt and looked for days after was night and day compared to anything I could do at home. I think most people just don't understand the work and training that goes into it until they experience a legit professional who actually cares. Sounds like she missed out on what could have been a great treatment for her.

gavinw451mo ago

Yeah, I've totally been there too. I remember thinking the same way until a friend dragged me to this esthetician she swore by. I walked in all skeptical and walked out feeling like a different person, my skin was that smooth. It's wild how much technique matters, you know? Like, you don't realize how much you're missing until you actually sit through a full appointment with someone who genuinely knows their stuff. Makes me wonder how many other people are missing out just because they won't give it a real shot.

stella_murray1mo ago

That lady missed the point entirely. 45 minutes of actual extractions is not something you replicate with a drugstore cleanser. Big difference between surface cleaning and what happens during a real facial. She wanted results but didn't want to respect the process.