| How To Relax At The Salon Or Spa |
| Karen Marie Shelton - Copyright 2008-
All Rights Reserved |
| Publication Date: 04/27/08 |
Introduction
 |
|
Kathy Adams Salon
Buford, Georgia
Stylist: Nicki Hodges
Makeup: Melinda Sanford |
|
Tom Carson
- All Rights Reserved |
If you're like me you look forward to a trip to the hairsalon or spa
as a relaxing treat that will provide an oasis from ringing phones,
IMing or other mind cluttering stresses.
While it sounds great in principle to head to the salon or spa for a
relaxing visit, it's not always easy to turn off the stress and
strain of daily life and leave it at the front door. I should
know, I have squirmed, jiggled, twitched and fidgeted like crazy
while trying to enjoy scalp and body massages. I have also
gritted my teeth at the shampoo bowl, while my strands were being
highlighted and at more than one facial treatment.
Over the years I have learned some tricks to turn stress off so that
I could reap the benefits of relaxing spa days and get my money's
worth of relaxation.
Listed below are the tricks that you may employ to guarantee the
ultimate relaxation at your next hair, skin, nails or body treatment
appointments.
Tips For Relaxing At The Salon Or Spa
1. Make sure you book your appointment for a day that is
slow for you.
It's crazy to try and squeeze a body relaxing massage into a short
lunch break only to lose the benefits in traffic on the way back to
the office. Even better, schedule your massage at the very end
of the day and have a loved one drive you home so you don't lose
your newly relaxed limbs fighting rush hour chaos.
Even better, when possible, book appointments on days and times that
the salon or spa is least crowded. Not only can you better
relax but your therapist will be less harried and there will be more
parking places and less people vying for the restrooms.
Usually early in the day is a great time to visit, especially early
in the week. When in doubt ask the phone agent when you call.
2. Book with a professional that is calming.
The last thing you need at the salon or spa is a therapist that
chatters incessantly, taps their feet or revs up your already
stressed psyche. Yes, I have had it happen and I needed
tranquilizing aromatherapy to recover from my relaxing scalp massage
which was more stressful than before I arrived, thanks to the
therapist.
When you book your appointment, if you don't already know the
therapists on staff that you can select from, tell the booking agent
you want the most calm and laid back person on staff.
3. Arrive at your appointment early so you are not rushing.
Allow plenty of time to arrive at your appointment. Take a few
minutes before entering the salon or spa to take a few deep breaths
and clear your mind of any stress right at the forefront of your
brain.
One thing that really works for me is to jot down all the things,
people or events that are currently bothering you on a piece of
paper. When you have written everything down, look at the
paper, mentally tell yourself you are putting those things
temporarily on hold and then tear up the paper and throw it away.
It may sound silly but it works. Another option is to write
down the names or stressful things and tuck them away in your
handbag, promising to get to them later.
4. Breathe deeply to help relaxation set in.
Once you enter the salon or spa take a few deep breaths and feel
your body soften. Visualize your entire body relaxing starting
with your feet. When possible close your eyes for any of the
treatments and do not talk any more than you have to.
If you are having a massage or facial, tell your therapist at the
beginning of the treatment that you wish to be silent so that they
know not to talk to you unless necessary. If you have special
needs such as a sore shoulder or lower back, tell them before you
start the treatments.
5. Bring your own music
While this option may not work at a salon full of people, it is a
great option for massages, facials or other body treatments when the
rooms are closed and music is piped in. Although not all
facilities will be able to play your music, you might be able to
bring in your own iPod and listen to preloaded relaxation music.
Discuss this option when you book your appointment and ask your
therapist if there are any issues with you listening to music during
your treatments.
6. Turn off your cell phone
Make arrangements for someone to be on call for you at your job or
with your family. Tell everyone you will be MIA for a short
period of time and then do not answer IMs or the phone. This
is also common courtesy to other salon or spa guests that wish to
maximize the relaxation time during their treatments.
7. Ask for aromatherapy options
My long term massage therapist at Cooper clinic in Dallas -
Wendy Menedez - would offer me the option to have relaxing
aromas added to the oils. Some therapists will put a few drops
of relaxing scent into a warm washcloth and allow you to take deep
breaths. Others will burn candles or incense to help add
relaxation.
You can also bring a tiny vial of your favorite relaxing aromas to
the salon and take a few deep breaths right before your services are
started.
8. Limit your caffeine intake before visiting the spa
I am always amazed when I see massage clients arrive at the spa with
Starbucks in their hands. I love Starbucks. I am
addicted, but right before a massage, facial, mani pedi or hair
treatments I abstain from my caffeine fix so that I am not jittery
during the sessions.
9. Pay in advance
At Cooper Clinic I always pay when I arrive for my massage or other
treatments. That way, I don't have to worry about digging
through my handbag, arranging the tip or any other details that adds
stress. If you are not sure how much to tip in advance, have
your tip money close at hand and leave it for the therapist at the
end of the treatments.
10. Dress in comfy clothing
When you have a massage or facial you often are given special robes
to wear. The same may not be true at the hair or nail salon.
However, always wear clothing you feel most relaxed in.
Remember you aren't going to be rated by fashion critics. You
are out to have a relaxing treatment.
Additional Options
There are other options to help you park your stress at the door
including silently saying affirmations such as I am completely
relaxed or Stress has completely left me now.
I normally advise against reading while having any treatments
performed because so much in the press is stressful these days.
When possible it is best to go to the spa or salon completely
alone. If you go with friends, kids or partners, you have to
worry about them. Why? Everyone needs time for
themselves to find inner peace and give their hair, skin, nails and
body some down time.
Summary
I am a classic workaholic maniac and have had to learn how to
instantly turn off my stress so that I get maximum enjoyment from
hair, body and nail treatments at the salon or spa. If I can
do it, anyone can.
In the meantime, even before you get to the salon or spa
visualize a fantastic experience and it will be so.
|