A hot pot restaurant chain has begun offering hair-washing service to its customers in an apparent bid to help them get rid of the stench before they leave.

The Haidilao chain, which has opened restaurants all over China, is known among locals for having unique extra services such as staff singing birthday songs, providing nail care, and giant teddy bears accompanying the meals.

In one of its latest innovations, the company began offering a shampooing service to customers who want to eliminate the spicy and fragrant hot pot smell from their hair.

Several of its branches, including the one in Beijing, the capital of China, have installed special booths where clients can have their hair done - found next to the main entrance, comprised of a small room covered by a thin curtain, just large enough to accommodate a massage shampoo chair.

Footage shows several women and children inside these booths, which could be easily mistaken for professional beauty salons, getting their hair washed and blow-dried. Next to them, another customer appears to be having their nails done.

According to local media, the service can be exchanged for a certain amount of 'coins', depending on where the restaurant is located. These 'coins' are points obtained by eating at the diner, where CNY 1 (GBP 0.11) spent equals one 'coin.'

Staff said: 'Hair washing services also require taking a number and queuing, about 20 minutes per person.'

The staff mentioned that the unusual service was available in some branches but was suspended during the pandemic. Now, it is being reintroduced in select branches.

A staff member added: 'This is a personalised innovation trial conducted by the store, aiming to provide more benefits to members.'

As for whether this service will be promoted nationwide, staff said that it depends on customer feedback.