A growing number of female massage therapists in Scotland are making the difficult decision to limit or refuse male clients, citing persistent issues with inappropriate behaviour that leave them feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. This trend highlights broader concerns within the unregulated industry regarding therapist safety and the absence of clear reporting structures.
Maria, a 38-year-old owner of Gentle Hands Massage Therapy in East Ayrshire, began restricting new male clients just three months after qualifying. She recounted experiences, including a client repeatedly attempting to expose himself and ignoring instructions to remain covered. Maria described the cumulative stress of anticipating such incidents, stating that treating male clients often left her feeling anxious and threatened, a stark contrast to her experiences with female clients. She now maintains only two long-term male clients, prioritising her well-being over business growth.
Similar experiences are shared by other therapists. Dani, 35, who runs Drift by Dani in Glasgow, now only treats men she knows or who come via referral, where other clients can vouch for them. Dani previously barred a client for making inappropriate jokes about her services to his friends, emphasising the importance of protecting her reputation and safety, especially when working alone late at night.
These individual accounts resonate with industry leaders. Jenny Storey, owner of a salon and training school and a spokesperson for the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), confirmed that inappropriate behaviour, including messages on social media, is a frequent problem. She noted that many women are increasingly choosing not to treat men due to the regularity of such incidents, leading to a sense of desensitisation among long-standing professionals.
A significant challenge contributing to this issue is the lack of regulation within the massage industry in Scotland. Unlike some other professions, there is no statutory governing body, meaning no laws specifically regulate massage therapists. This absence also means there is no formal mechanism for therapists to report incidents of inappropriate behaviour beyond contacting the police, which Maria notes can feel insufficient for some situations. Both Maria and Dani advocate for standardised training on how to handle inappropriate behaviour and recognise 'red flags', alongside the establishment of a governing body to which incidents could be reported.
The implications of this trend extend beyond individual therapists, potentially affecting access to services for male clients and raising questions about professional standards and ethical conduct across the sector. Without clearer guidelines and support, the industry risks losing skilled therapists or facing further polarisation in service provision.
Source: BBC Scotland News