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