Before you go …what you need to know

What should I wear to the spa? It is best to wear light, casual clothing when visiting a day spa. Jewelry should be left at home, as it may interfere with treatment and most spas will not be responsible for lost or stolen jewelry. If you are going to a day spa that does not have a locker room or shower, then I prefer to wear sweats or clothing that will maintain my body heat.  In addition, I also want to wear clothing that I will not be concerned about oil or lotion staining them.  How should I prepare for my spa day? You should always shower prior to your spa service.  For a massage it will warm up the muscles, and for a body treatment it will open your pores.  If you are going to shave, then shaving should be done the day before for woman, but no less than two hours in advance for men having a facial, this way the skin has time to rest before the treatment. This is especially true if you are having a salt scrub pedicure.  If you shave that day you may find the salt scrub stings and is uncomfortable.  If you are having lash treatments such as eyelash extensions, you should read that Spavelous “Now you are in the Know” edition to see the extensive pre and post treatment care notes.  What should I bring with me? Most spas with a locker room will provide their guests with robes, towels and sandals, though guests may want to bring a bathing suit for water treatments and workout clothes if the spa has a fitness center.  Personally, I prefer to wear my own shower washable sandals or bring them with me.  Hair Clips, hair bands and other hair tools:  If you are having a massage and you do not want to have oil or lotion in your hair, you may want to clip your hair up to keep it out of the way.  Also, I have yet to have a facial where my hair style remained perfect at the end.  Inevitable my hair was a mess.   So if they do not have a shower or makeup area where you may shower and style your hair, you may want to be prepared to restyle your hair. Shower cap:  If you are having a body treatment and do not want to get your hair wet, check with the spa to see that they have a disposable shower cap for you.  If not you may want to bring one.  If the spa does not have a locker room, then you will probably change in the treatment room.  In this case, robes and sandals will probably not be provided. Check with the spa before hand to ascertain what you will need to bring depending on your plans after the spa.  A checklist of items may include:

• Lockers
• Towels
• Robe
• Sandals
• Shower
• Shower cap
• Body Wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Hair spray
• Hair styling products
• Hair Brush
• Comb
• Hair clips
• Pony tail holder
• Hair Dryer
• Curling Iron
• Mouthwash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Electric Rollers
• Body Cream
• Face Cream
• Make Up
• Swim Suit (if it is for the sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi make sure it is all natural and dye free.  It should also have no metal as these will heat up in the sauna and burn your skin)
• Extra change of undergarments
• Workout clothing

Can I eat and drink before a spa service?

Try not to eat for at least an hour before a treatment, and avoid the consumption of alcohol on the day of a treatment.

Drink plenty of water before and afterward, especially if heat therapies, such as a sauna or the steam room, are part of your day spa experience.

Just remember that drinking alcohol prior (includes heavy drinking the night before) or immediately after having treatments can make you feel sick and could be dangerous, and completely ruin any detox treatments you may have had. You may find that you react much more to small amounts of alcohol after a treatment.

Do spas usually charge for cancellations?

Like hotels, spas usually do have cancellation policies, however, the times and penalties vary from spa to spa. Check with the spa. If you're cancelling a long time ahead, there may be no penalty.  Unlike hotels, spas do not overbook spa services, so if you have an appointment and you no show you have cost that spa revenue that they could have had if they booked someone else.  Spas should advise you of their cancellation policy when you book the service, if they don’t, make sure you ask.