A 32-year-old Chinese entrepreneur has launched a unique salon business offering 'gentle scratching' as an innovative alternative to traditional massage.
Zhang Xiaochao generates over ¥100,000 (approx BD5,200) monthly from his salons, where staff scratch clients' bodies using specially designed, long plastic fingernails.
Xiaochao came up with the concept after watching a social media video of a woman scratching her husband's back and noticing comments from viewers saying they would pay for the service.
The entrepreneur researched scratching techniques and developed specialized routines to turn the activity into a professional service.
He now plans to expand the business to at least 100 new locations and wants to establish gentle scratching as a recognised career choice.
"People in big cities generally have high stress levels, and demand for this kind of service is strong," Zhang told Sinchew Daily.
"Some customers tell us our service is more relaxing than a massage, and we already have many regulars," he added.
Priced at ¥300 (approx BD15.5) per one-hour session, the gentle scratching service is designed to help clients relieve stress and improve sleep quality.
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