TW: fat discrimination

On Friday morning, I went to get a full set and a pedicure at a new salon I’ve never tried before. They’re a lot more expensive than other nail salons in the area but they’re also bigger, cleaner, more sophisticated, and offer a lot more. Since they have a huge sign saying they welcome walk-ins (exact wording) so that’s exactly what I did.

The receptionist didn’t even try to hide her disgust when she looked me up and down. Before I could even say hello, she said “we are SUPER packed today, if you’re getting something quick we MIGHT be able to squeeze you in if you can wait.” I was a little shocked so I paused for a second, then she added “well? What did you need?” I should’ve just left right then and there, but again, I was too shocked to do/say anything. I tell her I need a full set and a pedi, and she huffed and said well let me see if anyone can take you, but the pedi spa is totally booked. Oooook.

The guy who did my nails didn’t really speak to me (usually they talk your freaking ear off) and spent most of the time talking to two other guys in Korean while laughing and looking/nodding at me, not even trying to hide what they were doing. I later found out he was the owner. Lovely.

As he’s finishing up, a thin blonde girl comes in and the receptionist is overly nice and friendly to her. She was also a walk-in and asked for a full set of solar nails (which take a lot longer than what I had done) and a deluxe pedicure (again, takes way longer than a simple 30-minute pedi) and I listened to see if the receptionist would say they were too busy… Nope! They can fit her in right now! The receptionist took her back and set up her foot bath immediately. I looked back and saw three techs, but only one other girl sitting in a chair. Yeah, super packed my ass. The receptionist offered blondie a drink, brought out a hot neck wrap and put it on her, asked her multiple times if the water temperature was ok and set up the massage chair for her… None of which I was even offered. The staff practically fell all over her and every other thin customer, but completely ignored me. Unsurprisingly I was the only fat customer in the entire salon.

When I was finished, I went back up to the receptionist and asked if I could have the pedi. She said “oh, I was already checking you out…” Ok, can you stop and add the pedicure pleass? She sighed and said let me check, then walked over to the owner and whispered in his ear. She came back and said they could squeeze me in if I waited an hour and a half. I said cool, I’ll just run to target and come back in an hour. No, you have to stay and wait or you’ll lose your spot. Seriously?! What does it matter if I sit here or go across the street and come back??

I gave up at that point and asked to check out, they clearly didn’t want me there and were too disgusted to have to do the nails of a fat woman. Yet if I didn’t have my nails done every two weeks, I’d be the “stereotypical” sloppy fat girl who doesn’t give a shit about her appearance. As I was walking out the door, the receptionist yelled “have a nice day” in the most sarcastic voice. Nice.

They had dozens of signs all over asking customers to post reviews on Facebook and Yelp, so when I got home that’s exactly what I did. At the very least, I hope I can spare someone else the abuse and embarrassment I was subjected to for daring to expect the service I paid for. In the end, I did get my pedicure at a different salon, who had zero problems with my weight or money. Imagine that.