We’ve all been there: you’re lying down, about to enjoy the massage that you’ve waited weeks for, feeling deeply, blissfully, sleepily relaxed… and then it happens. Before you know it, you’ve woken yourself (and possibly the customer in the adjacent room too) with what feels like the world’s loudest snore. Cue an awkward moment of not knowing whether to style it out with a cough (come on, we’ve all been there) or admit that you were so relaxed you drifted off without realising it. Well, luckily for you, those cringy moments – from not knowing how to ask your therapist to ease off, to feeling unsure about whether to don those paper knickers – can now be a thing of the past. We’ve quizzed the experts on proper spa etiquette and how to handle those embarrassing moments so you don’t have to. All that you need to do is lie back and relax. Just don’t fall asleep…
By Georgia Day
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1 Speak up at the spa - your therapist wants you to
The important thing to remember about any kind of treatment is that it’s your treatment. Whether you’ve paid for it out of your hard-earned payday cash or been treated to it by a loved one, the chances are you’re there with the sole purpose of enjoying yourself – which means that it should be tailored to suit your needs. Whatever your request (within reason, of course) your therapist is there to help you get the most out of your experience, so speak up if something doesn’t feel good. When it comes to temperature, it’s best to wait it out a little before you start asking for the thermostat to be cranked up or down, as your body temperature can change during the course of a treatment, based on what’s being done and how. ‘Be honest at the start and say “sometimes I get too hot/cold during my treatment’, says Marie Schmidd, Clarins’ Head of Treatment. If you still feel uncomfortable during and don’t feel you can say anything, then make it crystal clear with your body language: ‘Kick off the covers or towels to expose your legs or arms as this helps to regulate the body temperature. It’s also a clear sign to your therapist that you are feeling too warm’, says Marie.
But do listen to advice your therapist gives you…
That said, while music, scent and temperature are of course all personal preferences and can be changed (pan pipe soundtrack, we’re talking to you), be aware that disrupting these time-honoured treatment conditions can alter the balance of the experience. ‘The use of quality aromas in our professional formulations is an integral part of the treatment and will enhance any others that may be in the surroundings,’ says ELEMIS Global Training & Education Director Nicci Anstey. ‘Likewise if you ask for the music to be switched off, be aware you may hear unwanted surrounding noise pollution instead.’ While they should be only too happy to accommodate your wishes, if you aren’t enjoying an aspect of your treatment, it’s best to try and remedy it there and then says Nicci. If, despite vocalising your dissatisfaction, you still don’t feel it was up to par once it’s over, the best way to tackle that kind of situation is with subtlety: ‘If you have a specific concern, address it quietly with the manager on duty at the end’, she advises.
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2 Make your massage pressure work for you
Whatever treatment you opt for, it’s likely it’ll involve some kind of massage technique (yes please) so it’s important that the pressure it’s delivered with is spot on. Whether you relish every last knot being pummelled into submission or prefer a more gentle sweeping motion instead, tell your therapist if they’re not getting it quite right: ‘If your therapist has not asked you “how is the pressure?” (an ideal time to tell them it is still too firm), then ask “would you mind if you went a little lighter?” Another way is to shift slightly or make a little noise to encourage your therapist to ask how you are feeling’, says Marie. While everyone who books in for a massage will probably enjoy the sensation of their back, neck and shoulders being worked on, the same can’t be said for their feet. Whether you’re squeamish about them being manipulated or just insanely ticklish and would rather not have them touched, you shouldn’t feel like you’re about to be short-changed for not wanting them to feature in your treatment. ‘Some movements are more ticklish than others, so do let your therapist know from the start so they can reduce the movements which are more sensitive to feet’, suggests Nicci. Another option is trying to make it more bespoke from the off: ‘When you book in for your treatment, ask if it includes the feet and whether there is an alternative like a hand or scalp massage. Sometimes though, persevering can help, especially if the therapist is confident and firm with their massage. You may even find you enjoy it’, says Marie.
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3 Feeling spa shy? Don't be
A bit like your doctor (well, perhaps not exactly, but you get the gist), your therapist will have seen it all before. From an incessant sniff caused by a dripping nose (during a facial try lying with the back of the bed slightly raised, suggests Marie) to having to dash out for a toilet break, there’s not much that will faze an experienced expert. Even falling asleep, which can feel embarrassing when you finally come round, is not something your therapist will give a second thought to. ‘Therapists actually like it when you fall asleep as they feel they have done a great job in relaxing you and ensuring you enjoy your treatment’, confirms Marie. And what of the calling card of that little mid-treatment snooze – the jolt-you-back-to-reality-did-I-or-didn’t-I snore? Turns out, they don’t blink an eyelid at that either: ‘Please don’t worry, this is very normal and your therapist would have experienced this many times before!’ assures Nicci.
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4 Spa need-to-knows
Own underwear or paper knickers?
It’s completely up to you. Your therapist won’t mind either way, but bear in mind there are some treatments (those that involve showering or fake tanning) where paper knickers are more suitable.
Shaved or smooth?
Despite thinking your therapist must be cringing at the sight of your 5-day old leg/bikini/underarm stubble, they’re more than used to all the different stages of grooming.
Shower before or after?
While it’s not essential, a warm shower before a massage can help relax the muscles. If you’ve had an aromatherapy massage it’s best to leave the oils on for a while afterwards if you can – just to ensure they can really work their magic.