Friday, July 24, 2015

Spa Etiquette (What Not To Do)

As a follow up to the last post on what to do at a spa or salon. Here are some things you should not do.

1. Don't show up late or not show up at all.
This is one of the worst things you can do. Most stylists or therapists work off of commission or booth rental. This means that they only get paid for the people they work on. So if there is nobody in that time spot, they don't get paid for that time. Every time you show up late you are costing them money, and setting them back. Leave an extra 15 mins early and arrive early for your appointment. If you need cancel, don't do it 2 hours before your appointment time. If you must cancel on the day of, do it early in the day so they can try and fill that open time spot.

2. Don't answer your phone during a service.
Answering your phone during a facial or a massage is not ideal. You would not appreciate it if the person working on you took a personal call during your service time. Turn your phone on silent while you are getting a massage or a facial. If you are expecting a phone call, just let us know we are usually very understanding.

3. Don't leave without tipping.
Tipping your stylist, nail tech, massage therapist or facialist is the same as tipping your waitress. By you not tipping, you are saying that you hated what we did. You should tip 15-20% of the total service bill. So if you buy products, tip of the amount before the product purchases. Tipping under 15% means you also weren't very satisfied with the service, so always keep that in mind.

4. Don't drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol right before a massage or facial.
When you get a massage and facial, the movements help to circulate the blood which can make the alcohol and caffeine go through your body quicker. Drinking pop and alcohol also dehydrates you so you are more susceptible to passing out. It also makes your skin dry and your body more jittery. Stick to water before and after so you stay hydrated.

5. Don't barter on prices.
This may seen like a weird thing and most people don't experience this but is does happen often. Just because a price says "starting at" this does not mean it is going to be the actual price. Everything depends on time, the amount of work needed, if any services were added on and if extra product is needed. Most places tell you how much things are going to be before they do them on you, so when you come to pay the bill, don't argue with the receptionist and try to get a lower price. They are just doing there job.

6. Don't wear make-up for a facial or massage appointment.
Wearing make-up for a facial or a massage really is pointless because its going to be taken off during the facial and during the massage, it usually smears and comes half off onto the face cradle. So to save you the time, just come without make-up and apply it after. 

7. Don't wash your hair.
Don't wash your hair the day of an appointment for hair, massages or facials. For hair services, color and styling for up-dos stays better when you wash the hair the day before. As for massages and facials, they normally do a scalp massage during both services, so if you come in with your hair done it will just get messed up.

8. Don't bring your kids. 
Unless there are no other options, they are getting something done, or your let the business know before hand, don't bring your kids to an appointment. There is really nothing for them to do, and the staff isn't there to babysit. Most kids do not want to sit and wait 3 hours for you to get your hair done. Its best to leave them with the sitter.

9. Don't talk about your last hair/massage/nail/facial place.
It's plan and simple, we know you aren't at your last place for a reason and you are now coming to see us. Whether its good or bad, we really don't want to know. All we care about is that you are coming to see us now, and that you love us so much you keep coming back. 


These are some of the things not to do in spa etiquette. If you don't do these things, the spa or salon you go to will love you even more then they already do, your appointments will go smoother, and you will leave much happier. 

~aphrodite


Wednesday, July 8, 2015

General Spa Etiquette

In every place of business there are certain things that you should and should not do. If you have never been to a spa before,  you can be unsure of some things that are expected and not expected of you. Here is a basic list of things that you should do at a spa.

1. Always Be Early.
Being early means different things to different people. Some people think being early means being on time for an appointment, while others will be 20 to 30 minutes early. Most spas just ask for you to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you are a new customer, the 10 minute mark is when you should arrive. At our spa each new client fills out some sort of paperwork for the service they are getting, and enjoys some of our refreshments. When filling out paperwork, write as nice as possible. If you are a repeat client, 5 minutes early is plenty of time. 

2. What To Wear.
We recommend on wearing something that you are going to be comfortable in and that is easy to get in and out of. If you are getting your hair done, wear something with a lower collar. If you are getting a pedicure, wear carpi's, shorts, a long skirt or dress, or pants that are easy to pull up. They usually do some sort of leg massage. For massages and facials, you can wear anything you like. We recommend not doing your hair, because you usually receive a scalp massage.

3. What To Do In The Facial/Massage Room.
The therapist will go over with you on what to do. Most rooms provide a place where you can put your clothes. Undress to your comfort level (portions of you will be covered at all times so you do not feel exposed) and lay face down under the sheets/blankets with your face in the cradle at the end of the bed. Remove any jewelry and hair accessories. You can put your hair up in a hair band if you would like. When the session is complete, the therapist will give you a few minutes so you can take your time getting up and getting dressed.

4. Tipping. Always be sure to tip at the end of any service. Some places do include the tip in the service price, so you can always ask if the tip is including. Normal tipping for services is 20%. And like in waitress', you can tip more if you enjoyed yourself very much. 

5. Communicate.
If there is something that you want the therapist or stylist to do or not to do be sure to let them know. Every person is different, and we do not assume anything. We all do things a little differently, so you may enjoy one person more than another. We are here to serve you, if you are hot, cold, or the music is to loud we will adjust this things for you. If the pressure is too much, let us know.

 6. Cancelling or Rescheduling.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment you should contact a spa 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. It gives us a chance to refill that spot. Some places will charge 20 to 50% of the service price for no shows or last minute cancellations, so be sure to try to do it in a timely manner. We do understand that emergencies happen.

7. Drink Plenty Of Water.
After a massage or any type of body treatment you should drink lots of water to rehydrate your self. There is a lot of movements that help to loosen up your body and drain your lymph's, so you need to be sure to replenish them after your service.

8. Relax. 
Most importantly we are here to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. You have to let your mind go and enjoy the moment. Turn your phone off, so the time that is spent here can be completely focused on you and you only. Our clients are our #1 priority. If you are not happy, we are not happy.

I hope we have the pleasure of meeting you and being able to work on you one day. Enjoy your next spa or salon experience.

~aphrodite