This weekend I was getting a facial (shout out to Christine and the amazing team at @BeautyByBiba) and I was thinking about some family members who are getting their first facials later this month, and all of the questions they had. And that made me think…how can I pass this advice onto others? Not everyone has received a facial before, and I know that going for the first time can be stressful. So here are some thoughts if you are going for your first facial. (Or other spa services!)
- Always feel comfortable asking for a consultation before booking any services. Almost every spa will do this, and it will give you time to meet the esthetician, ask any questions, and look around the spa to make sure that it feels safe and clean. If the spa doesn’t offer a consultation, find another spa!
- Don’t do any significant at-home treatments for a few days before your facial. That includes home peels, retinols, dermaplaning, etc. And if you have done them, make sure to tell your esthetician before he/she starts the treatment.
- Inform your esthetician about any medications or allergies that you have. This is especially important if you are taking acne medicine or anything that can make you photosensitive. Many spas will even have you fill out a questionnaire before your appointment.
- Ask questions – anytime – before, during or after your facial. Your esthetician should be happy to pass on knowledge. Ask about the treatment, or the products, or the after care. You can even call the spa after the service if you have any follow-up questions.
- If something doesn’t feel comfortable, speak up. This includes the comfort of the bed/table, the overall vibe of the treatment and specific services. Especially say something the service hurts, feels excessively warm, or tingles too much. This could be sign of irritation or allergic reaction.
- Undress only to your level of comfort. Don’t feel obligated to take off more than you want. You can ask the esthetician what he/she recommends, but it’s about you.
- Show up early to your appointment. This will give you time to prepare, relax, and fill out any paperwork. Many spas provide relaxation waiting rooms so you can calm yourself before and after your service.
- Go to the bathroom before your service. It will help avoid interruptions!
- Remember that you are there to be pampered. So ask for what you need in order to relax. If you need a break to run to the restroom, or if you need a pillow under your knees for comfort, or if the room is too hot/cold/noisy…just say something!
- Don’t feel obligated to buy anything at the spa. You may want to give your skin some time to make sure you like the outcome. And you can always call back to order something. You can even usually ask for samples!
- Tipping is expected, but not mandatory. 20% is standard, but if the service was sub par, leave less. If it was exceptional, leave more. Just remember to include a tip in the calculating the overall cost when you are booking your service.
- Pay attention to the cancelation policy. Conflicts come up, and people understand. But many spas have a 24-hour cancelation policy.
- Look into packages offered by the spa. This could be services that are bundled together for a discount, or for a series of future services that are a package deal. Nothing better than pampering yourself AND saving money!
What do you think? Do you have any advice to add? Comment below and let me know!
