Salonpreneur Magazine Survey Respect for our Profession: Understanding Safety, Boundaries & the Sexualisation of the Salon & Wellness Sector

Salonpreneur Magazine Survey Respect for our Profession: Understanding Safety, Boundaries & the Sexualisation of the Salon & Wellness Sector

Trigger Warning: This survey seeks to ask for your experiences of inappropriate behaviours/approaches within your professional services. If you are not comfortable with this please do not proceed any further. We’re inviting hair, beauty, massage and wellness professionals to share their experiences and perspectives around inappropriate behaviour, sexualised assumptions, and boundary-crossing within our industry. Your input will help us build evidence to raise awareness, open constructive dialogue, and influence positive changes. This survey is completely anonymous, takes just a short time to complete, and aims to represent the real voices of professionals working in the beauty, wellness, and massage sectors. There are areas where you can expand with detail around your experiences should you wish to.
About You (Demographic Context)
What services do you offer? (Select all that apply)

MassageBeautyAestheticsAdvanced BeautyComplementary/Holistic TherapiesNailsWaxingHairLashesEducation/Training
How long have you worked in the industry
What is your age range?*

18-2425-3435-4445-5455-6465+
What is your gender identity?

FemaleMaleNon-BinaryPrefer not to answerOther Gender Identity
What employment status do you operate under?*

EmployedSelf-employed/Business Owner (Home based)Self-employed/Business Owner (Venue/Premises based)Self-employed/Business Owner (Mobile)Self-employed/Business Owner (Mixed)Student/ApprenticeAcademy/EducationOther
Do you work as a solo or lone worker within your working life? Please answer if you work in a team environment but you are lone working in the premises at any point.

Yes, all the timeNo, I'm never aloneSometimes
Which country in the UK do you currently work in?
Professional Experience & Perceptions
Have you ever received an inappropriate or sexualised comment, request or enquiry related to your professional services?

Yes, onceYes, occasionallyYes, frequentlyNo
If you have ever received an inappropriate or sexualised approach related to your work, how was it made? (Select all that apply)

In person, before a treatment beganIn person, during or after a treatmentBy phone callBy text or WhatsAppThrough social media direct message (eg Facebook/Instagram)Through emailThrough an online booking system or enquiry formOther
If yes, how did you respond at the time or how do you manage this type of approach?
Have you noticed any increase or decrease in these types of approaches in recent years?

IncreasingDecreasingNo changeUnsure
Do you feel confident in setting and communicating professional boundaries with clients?

AlwaysUsuallySometimesRarelyNever
Do you carry out a consultation before meeting the client in person?

Yes, they complete a online consultation formYes, I contact them by phone to discuss their requirementsNo, I carry out an in person consultation at the time of treatmentNo, I do not carry out a consultation
Do you believe the public fully understands what constitutes professional beauty/massage treatments versus sexual services?

Yes, completelySomewhatNot reallyNot at all
How safe do you feel in your current work environment when working with new or unfamiliar clients?

Very safeMostly safeOccasionally unsafeOften unsafe
If you offer a variety of services and have received inappropriate requests please tick which services have led to these approaches

Massage TreatmentsAdvanced Beauty TreatmentsAestheticsBeauty TreatmentsHairLashesNailsHolistic/Complementary TreatmentsWaxing
In your experience, who has made the inappropriate or sexualised approaches you've received? (Select all that apply and note that the term clients is intended to include all approaches whether a potential client or existing client)

Male clientsFemale clientsNon-binary clientsUnclear gender identity or was not shared
Have you noticed any particular patterns related to the type of client, service, or setting in which these approaches occur?
Support, Policy & Protection
Have you carried out a Risk Assessment for your workplace in relation to inappropriate behaviour?

YesNoUnsure
If you work alone or mobile, what safety measures do you currently use? (Select all that apply)

I share my appontment details or location with someone I trustI have a lone working policy or safety protocolI confirm new clients' details before visiting or bookingI use a booking system that collects verified client informationI park in well-lit accessible areasI arrange rooms or workspaces with clear exits and minimal obstructionsI avoid evening or late-night appointmentsI don't currently use specific safety measuresOther
If you work alone or mobile, what safety measures do you currently use? (Select all that apply)

I share my appontment details or location with someone I trustype option 1I have a lone working policy or safety protocolI confirm new clients' details before visiting or bookingype option 3I use a booking system that collects verified client informationI park in well-lit accessible areasI arrange rooms or workspaces with clear exits and minimal obstructionsI avoid evening or late-night appointmentsI don't currently use specific safety measuresOther
Do you have a Lone Working Policy?

YesNoUnsure
Have your experiences or concerns about inappropriate behaviour impacted the types of clients you accept?

Yes, I now only work with clients of a specific genderNo, I work with all clients equallyYes, I'm more selective or cautious when accepting new clientsPrefer not to say
Have safety concerns or inappropriate approaches affected how you market your services or present yourself professionally?

Yes, I've changed how I advertise or describe my servicesYes, I've limited or filtered certain client typesNo, my business practices haven't changedUnsure
When inappropriate behaviour occurs, do you feel you have access to safe and effective support or reporting channels?

Yes, definitelySomewhatNoUnsure
What, if anything, would make you feel more protected or supported when dealing with these types of approaches?
Are you aware of your legal rights and protections under the Equality Act 2010?

YesSomewhatNo
Have you ever reported or sought advice about an inappropriate approach or incident?

YesNoConsidered, but didn't
If you did report an inappropriate approach to the authorities, how was your complaint met?

DismissedTaken seriously but not acted uponTaken seriously and acted upon by the authoriesOther
If you would like to add additional information relating to an experience in reporting inappropriate approaches/behaviours to the authorities please do so here.
If you didn't report it, what were your reasons? (Select all that apply)

Didn't know how or where to report itDidn't think it would be taken seriouslyFelt embarrassed or ashamedWorried about reputation or business impactDidn't feel it was serious enoughOther
What kind of support would help professionals deal with these situations more confidently?

Training on boundaries and communicationClearer reporting channelsLegal guidance and helplinesPeer support networksAwareness campaigns for the publicSupport from the PolicePersonal Safety TrainingOther
Open Reflection
What would you like industry leaders, training bodies, or policymakers to understand about this issue?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experiences or views on how the profession can better protect and respect salon & wellness practioners?
This is optional - please feel free to share as much or as little as you like
If you would like to please share your email address to receive news & updates from Salonpreneur Magazine in future.
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