March 17 (UPI) -- A hairdresser in Germany is drawing customers to his salon with the hire of an unusual employee -- a 13-year-old python that gives neck massages.
Frank Doehlen, proprietor of the Haar Mode Team salon in Dresden, said he started using the 13-year-old ball python, Monty, to give massages to customers after being inspired by a massage technique he witnessed on a trip to South Africa.
Doehlen said Monty's services are now in such high demand that he offers the snake massages to customers two days a week.
"But only by appointment. Monty's terrarium has no more space in the salon. I always bring it with me at the customer's request," he told German newspaper Bild.
He said the 4-foot-long snake's body is 90 percent muscle, making him an ideal masseur.
"I often have a tense neck as a chimney sweep. Monty's powerful way has done a lot of work. I'll be back!" customer Flora Magdalena said.