AITA for getting a wax salon employee fired/reprimanded?

I (26F) have a usual waxing salon I go to. While I was out, I saw the waxing salon had another location. I had some free time and decided to go in for a leg waxing. The lady asked me if I wanted hot or cold wax. Which I understand is an option in other salons, but I was never asked this in my usual location. The lady said it's less painful and only costs a bit more. So I agreed.

I get in the room and get ready and all, and she shows me her handheld wax rolling machine. She said it heats up the wax for her to roll on, then she gets a strip to pull the wax off. I'd never seen one before. She told me she got it from a client or something in this high‑end salon she used to work for where rich people go to. I asked if this machine is available in their other branch, and she said no, it was her personal property. Which was strange to me, like is this salon not standardized? Something about it also didn't seem sanitary to me, like this wax is just heating up in this machine and rolled onto the skin. But I gave her the benefit of the doubt.

She asked me if I wanted my underarms and brows done too, but I explained that I recently got them done, and I know is a normal question.

But after she finished waxing me, she asked again if I wanted my underarms done, I said no and explained again. She told me to??????????????????????????????? She??????????????????????????????? She??????????????????????????????? She??????????????????????????????? She????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? I gave in and showed her and she said it's long enough to be waxed. I said no.

You know how after a waxer finishes, they leave the room for you to put your clothes back on and fix yourself up before going out? Well, she just stayed in the room. She said her phone was charging in the room and she needed to check her notifications. I waited for a minute or two and she was just there on her phone. So I awkwardly and uncomfortably put my pants back on and left the room. I paid and left the salon.

When I got home, I noticed short hairs left on my legs. Like they weren't properly waxed off. And week after, I had considerably more ingrown hairs than normal.

This all happened a couple months ago. But I went to another waxing salon today and got reminded. I decided to post this experience in the Reddit sub of my city to ask if anyone has had a similar experience. I initially didn't mention the name or location of the salon, but someone asked and I answered.

The thing is, someone commented that they know the owner and showed them the post. She said the employee has been removed from waxing. Idk if she means she was fired or removed from just the waxing services of their salon. And I don't even know if she meant she was removed prior to my post or because of my post. But if it was because of my post, AITA?

Comments

NTA

Wax should never be “double dipped” and you can’t avoid that if the applicator is the machine itself. It was unsanitary to use on clients.

She was way too pushy about wanting to do more spots. No means no.

The only part I don’t understand is them leaving for you to get dressed. That’s the second time I’ve read a post where someone expected that. The waxing place I go to does not leave the room which is better to me because opening the door means exposing me to others. They’re already face up in my cooch, it doesn’t bother me to get dressed/undressed in front of them and it’s not like a gyno where I have a sheet to cover myself.

I have the machine she’s on about at home. One cartridge does one person’s legs or half legs depending on length and width. My waxer uses it for legs also. Its mostly only ever used for big areas. The cartridge should get swapped out between each client.

The machine is commonly used and is sanitary

NTA, it sounds like she did a substandard job. If she got fired, it’s her own fault.

NTA. At this point you shouldn’t even blame yourself purely because you can’t even tell if your post is the reason why! And if it is, I’m going to guess you aren’t the first person to complain. The salon owner felt it was necessary to stop the employee from waxing, possibly working there as well, for a reason. If anything, you are helping save others for a negative experience as well.

TL;DR

You went to a “luxury” waxing salon, got a hot wax from a hand‑held machine that smelled like a spa and a cough, the waxing lady was pushy, left you in the room with her phone, and ended up with more ingrown hairs than a bad haircut. The salon fired her? Either way, you’re not the one to blame—just the guy with the rolling machine. 🌞✂️💅