Chapter 2: Spa Equipment and Products

Dry Room Equipment Massage tables Padding—single/multiple layer, soft/firm Covers—usually vinyl Accessories Shelves and extenders Sit-up features and bolsters Stools for therapist and clients

Dry Room Equipment—(cont.) Basic linens Massage sheets—various materials and colors Face cradle and bolster covers—enhance sanitation Towels—warmth, draping, product removal Blankets—warmth, nurturing Linen storage—closed container

Dry Room Equipment—(cont.) Hot towel heating units Hot towel cabinet (cabbi)—6- to 72-towel units Hydrocollator—towels and sheets Hot stone heater—lower cost alternative Soda cooler—easily kept near the treatment table

Dry Room Equipment—(cont.) Product warmers For lotion, stones, seaweed, mud, and so forth Never microwave Treatment bars are expensive but handy. Paraffin warmers Professional unit preferred Accurate temperature control important

Dry Room Equipment—(cont.) Body wrap materials Heavy wool blankets—detoxification wraps Thermal “space” blankets—prevent loss of body heat Wrap sheets—hot or cold wet wraps (never flannel) Body wrap plastic and Mylar—for messy products

Dry Room Equipment—(cont.) Body-warming equipment Heat lamps—hanging and freestanding Electric table warmers—heat sheets pretreatment Table pads—extra softness and warmth Fomentek water bottles—lie flat on treatment table Microwavable packs—external heat during treatment Booties and mitts—electric or microwavable

Dry Room Equipment—(cont.) Spa clothing Comfort and modesty Disposable undergarments Robes and slippers Hair protectors

Dry Room Equipment—(cont.) Other dry room supplies Reference library—dictionary, drug books, Internet Clock—stay on schedule, monitor application times Storage area—extra supplies and soiled materials Wastebasket—foot pedal operation Music system—relaxation and enjoyment

Wet Room Equipment Tubs Foot soaking—simple basins to full pedicure stations Soaking—high sided and roomy Whirlpool —massaging jets of water Hydrotherapy Primary type of tub in spa setting Air and water jets

Wet Room Equipment—(cont.) Showers Handheld shower and wet table—product removal Standard—less costly, less control Swiss—multiple jets of water surround client Vichy—rain-like; product removal and treatment Scotch hose—strong stream of water for therapy

Wet Room Equipment—(cont.) Specialized environments Steam room—sweating; aid respiratory conditions Steam shower—shower-like steam room Steam cabinet—promote product absorption Steam canopy—detoxification, product absorption Sauna—perspiration for detoxification

Wet Room Equipment—(cont.) Guidelines for purchasing and maintaining equipment Durability—Professional equipment lasts longer. Manufacturer—years in business, warranties Consumer reports—experiences of credible users Return on investment—Consider payoff time.

Spa Product Categories Cleansers—remove impurities, prepare for treatment Toners/astringents—complete cleaning, restore pH Exfoliants—remove trapped debris, smooth, stimulate Treatment products Sometimes called “masks” Usually applied for specific purpose or treatment goal May benefit muscles, reduce stress, or increase energy

Spa Product Categories—(cont.) Moisturizers—usually applied at the end of a session Occlusives—reduce moisture loss Humectants—hydrate skin Emollients—restore oil

Important Spa Product Terms pH—level of acidity (below 7) or alkalinity (above 7) Antioxidants—prevent cell/DNA damage by free radicals Botanicals—plant extracts used for therapy Fragrances—enhance smell, naturally or synthetically Natural ingredients “Natural” not regulated in cosmetic industry Natural products often contain synthetic ingredients .

Know the Products You Use Try products before using with a client. See if a product can be removed easily. Determine if a plastic cover is needed for moisture. Practice transitions from one product to the next.

Creating a Spa Environment What clients see Color—impact on behavior; cultural appropriateness Window treatments—privacy, light, style Lighting—dim for work, bright for cleaning Walls—artwork to medical information Decorative items—shelves, tables, baskets, and so forth

Creating a Spa Environment—(cont.) What clients hear Footsteps (annoying echoes from hard floors?) Music—should be therapeutic and relaxing What clients smell Ambient odors from treatment products, smoke Therapist’s scented products, breath

Creating a Spa Environment—(cont.) What clients taste Water available before, during, and after treatment Posttreatment snacks for nourishment What clients feel Heat and cold Textures Therapist’s hands

Spa Accessibility and Functionality Entrance and reception—accessible, friendly, neat Undressing/dressing space—private, secure Bathroom—with cleaning and grooming products

Planning a Spa Treatment Room Design for the type(s) of treatment Flexible Cost-effective

Chapter 2 Wrap-Up Convey professionalism. Quality equipment Quality lubricants and other spa products Tasteful interior design Visit spa shows for demonstrations. Have a clear and informed plan.