Salon and Spa Questions Answered

If you’re planning your first trip to a salon or spa for a treatment, you’re probably wondering what to expect. Spas and salons are supposed to be havens of relaxation, so there’s no reason to feel in any way nervous about your visit.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about spa and salon visits...feel free to ask your own! Of course, if you have any specific questions – just ask the spa. Therapists love to talk through the treatments with clients and are there to make sure you have a great treatment...

Q. Will I have to be naked?

This has to be the number one question for new spa and salon visitors, and the answer depends almost entirely on you. Although it’s normal for you to at least partially undress for many treatments, there is not usually any need for you to be completely naked.

If you’re having a massage, most therapists will expect you to undress down to your underwear and usually remove your bra, but they are skilled in ‘towel arranging’ so that your modesty is protected at all times. The same applies to any body wraps or treatments. Obviously some waxing and hair removal treatments require areas of the body to be uncovered, too.

If you are having a water based spa treatment, you will usually be able to wear a swimsuit.

Q. Can I choose whether I would like a male or female therapist?

If it’s important to you, ask before you book your appointment whether there are any therapists of your preferred gender available. In general, most spa and salon therapists tend to be female, working on the beauty treatment side, although it’s common to find male therapists on the complementary health side and in bigger spas.

If you are given a male therapist and feel uncomfortable about this, it’s perfectly acceptable to request a female.

Q. Should I talk to the therapist during a treatment or stay quiet?

This decision is again completely up to you. Sometimes clients like to chat with a therapist while they are having a treatment, to find out what’s being done or just to be sociable. Others prefer to sink into relaxation and let the therapist get on with it. Either way is fine, and whoever is carrying out the treatment will just take their cues from you.

Q Are children allowed in spas and salons?

It’s not really a place to take the kids – although some spas do offer children's services, many won’t carry out treatments on anyone under age. Some larger spas do have crèches – but it’s uncommon for a salon to have one.

There are usually age restrictions on facilities like the Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room due to health and safety regulations. In general, spas and salons are places for adults.

Q. What should I do if I’m not happy with something during a treatment?

You have to tell the therapist straight away – everyone is different so what feels nice in a massage for one client may be too firm or not strong enough for another. If anything is uncomfortable, a product might react with your skin for example, speak up. The whole point of a salon or spa treatment is to make you feel good!

Q. What should I mention about my medical conditions?

If you’re pregnant, make sure that you let the therapist know, as this can affect the treatments and products that they use on you. You also need to advise someone if you suffer from a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, or joint conditions such as arthritis, plus any skin complaints or recent viruses. Remember to mention any allergies – a nut allergy for example could affect the oil a therapist uses in a massage, and the products that can be used on you.