When the whole point is to relax, it’s easy to pick a spa based on convenience — the first review on Yelp, perhaps, or that spot you pass driving home from work. But you should do a little more homework. Here are some tips for finding your perfect match for pampering.
Focus on the result.
To personalize the experience to your needs, first decide what you want from the treatment. Searching for a skin-renewing facial after a long winter? A chance to unplug your phone and relax on the massage table during a busy workweek? Penny Conover, advanced aesthetician at Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa, tells patrons to think of the spa as a therapeutic environment. “Each spa offers different services to better balance each and every one of us,” says Conover. “A lot of people think that the spa is just a fancy place to go, but now it’s really focusing on our wellness."
Look for longevity.
“I always recommend a spa that’s been in business for a good amount of time,” says Conover, who suggests choosing one that’s been established for least 10 years. Even if your aesthetician is new to the industry, a well-established company makes sure its employees complete extended training and education before hitting the clinic floor.
Check the goods.
Research which product line the salon uses. Instead of a flashy, new concoction, opt for established brands using environmentally friendly, natural ingredients with few harsh chemicals. “[You want] a product that’s been around and proven in the aesthetician and spa world,” she says. Conover also advises choosing a spa that uses almost entirely one line to minimize the risk of ingredients reacting poorly with each other.
Take a test-run.
First impressions are incredibly important when choosing a spa. Were you greeted with a smile? Were all of your questions addressed? How did the receptionist answer the phone? “Ask if you can take a tour of the spa. Have a short service. Maybe just get your nails done or have a short, 15-minute stress relief treatment — something that is going to introduce you to the environment,” Conover says. “It’s 90 percent intention and 10 percent technique.”
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