1. Chapter 2: Spa Equipment and Products

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

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

16. 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 .

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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

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

23. 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.