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13 Spa Etiquette Rules You Need to Know Before Booking a Day of Pampering

To bare or not to bare? Is saying “Ouch!” considered rude? We have all your spa etiquette questions answered.

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Spa etiquette everyone should know

There’s more to the spa experience than wearing a robe and slippers. Whether you’re booking a facial, massage or day pass to explore the saunas, steam rooms, pools and cabanas, there are rules in spa etiquette that you may not know (or may have forgotten). In fact, according to Andrea Quadrio Curzio, co-founder of QC NY Spa on Governors Island, excessive phone use and taking photos in the more private areas (like the locker room) is one of them.
We want every guest to experience dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing—and so we encourage everyone to follow etiquette about noise, cleanliness and safety, so they get the most out of their experience,” Curzio says.
While many spas have etiquette plaques throughout their space, some may not include the spa’s requests when it comes to spa treatments. So if you’re looking to relax and pamper yourself at your local spa or resort, here are some spa etiquette rules for first-time spa visitors, and even more experienced spa buffs too!

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Should I eat before my spa appointment?

Yes, a light meal will keep you from passing out, but you don’t want to be too full. Avoid rich foods and high-caloric meals. “Have some dried fruits and nuts while you’re waiting for your massage,” Curzio says. “And if you’re feeling up for a sandwich or salad after spending some time in our [QC NY Spa’s] hot saunas—we’ve got that too.”

You should, however, limit how much you eat after the spa, even if only swimming in the pools and being in the sauna. The Spa Industry Association recommends waiting 40 minutes after the spa before eating.

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Can I drink alcohol when I go to a spa?

Definitely don’t get your booze on before the spa. For one thing, you’ll get too dehydrated and you probably won’t fully appreciate the experience, since alcohol drains energy. Stick with water, but not so much that you keep running to the bathroom. However, this spa etiquette tip isn’t the case for all spas, especially if you’re not getting a treatment. “A refreshing Aperol spritz after the sauna in summer or wine in winter—that’s fine by us,” says Curzio. 

Just a little bit gets the job done
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Should I be concerned about my breath during a massage?

No offense, but yes, as a common courtesy. On the way to the spa, chew mint gum or try another bad-breath remedy so you don’t smell like your lunch the entire time. Your massage therapist will appreciate it too. Plus, depending on the massage, breathing exercises may be incorporated into the experience, making this rule an appropriate spa etiquette tip. This could be the case for facials as well, so it never hurts to have good breath!

Skin care and shaving.
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Do I need to shave before a massage?

It depends. For guys getting a facial, shave the night before so your skin is less sensitive. Luckily for you ladies, there’s no need to shave your legs (or anything else) for any treatment. However, if you do want to shave, for your own comfort, make sure you shave hours ahead of your appointment, as you could experience skin irritation or discomfort if your treatments involve exfoliation.

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How early should I get to the spa?

Spa etiquette includes being on time for your spa treatment. You should plan on arriving 30 minutes before your appointment. That gives you time to check in, shower off and let the relaxation begin.

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Do I need to shower before going to the spa?

Just a quick rinse so you don’t smell. Pay special attention to your feet. The Theta Wellness Center even recommends spending time in a steam room or sauna before massages and body treatments to loosen muscles and improve circulation (but not before getting waxed, as that could hurt your skin). Just don’t overly cleanse; the therapists want to see your real skin so they know what they’re working with.

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Can I use the bathroom during a massage treatment?

Yes, but it’s inconvenient for the massage therapist to stop. Make sure you take care of business beforehand.

Couple massage at spa resort. Beautiful couple getting a back massage outdoor, romantic weekend and relax
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Do you have to take your clothes off at the spa?

Yes, as long as you’re comfortable doing so. Some people do leave underwear on, but it could get greasy from the oils. You’ll also need to take off any and all jewelry.

Facial massage by professional woman for beautiful black woman
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Do I need to keep my eyes open during a spa treatment?

If you’re getting a facial, you may not want to, and the esthetician may not recommend it. You could get products in your eyes. Plus, keeping them closed relaxes the muscles in your head. What’s more, if your treatment includes LED therapy, your esthetician should always cover your eyes (sometimes with blackout goggles), as the light could make you susceptible to retinal damage.

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Is there anything I should tell my therapist before the spa treatment starts?

For your safety, let your technicians know about any injuries or medical issues, especially circulatory problems like a blood clot. Also notify them if you’re going to an event later that day. Then they’ll avoid procedures that will leave marks, like cupping, and ones that make your skin purge. (This is when new pimples suddenly appear as the result of a cleansing product. Eventually, they disappear and leave your skin looking better than before the treatment.)

Chinese woman physiotherapy professional giving a treatment to an attractive blond client in a bright medical office
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Am I allowed to talk during my spa treatment?

You can definitely speak up if something hurts or feels uncomfortable, or even if you want to change the music or temperature. If you’re at a wellness retreat, spa technicians are there to make you feel as relaxed and rejuvenated as possible, so they’re more than willing to change up what they’re doing to fit your needs. However, they aren’t there to listen to your complaints about traffic or how your boyfriend is getting on your nerves. Mindless ranting is counter-productive to relaxation.

Body skin care after the shower. Bottles of facial, body skin, or hair care products in the bathroom. Home care products for the skin of the face, body and hair. Moisturizing and cleansing the skin, massage brushes.
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Do I need to buy the products my massage therapist recommends?

Not at all. The employees get paid to try to sell the spa’s products, but don’t feel pressured to buy anything you don’t want. If that happens, politely decline with “Thank you, but the massage was enough for me.” Besides, there are other ways to relax at home.

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How much should I tip for my massage or spa treatment?

An appropriate tip is 20% of the full service price, even if you bought the treatment at a discount. Be sure to tip in cash, otherwise the technician won’t get it until his or her next paycheck comes. The Spa Industry Association notes that there are different spa etiquette rules for tipping based on whether you go to a hotel spa, medical spa or club spa. Plus, some tips are automatically included in the price.

About the experts

  • Andrea Quadrio Curzio is the co-founder of QC NY, the luxury spa on Governors Island.

Sources:

Claire Nowak
Claire is a writer, editor and digital strategist with more than 10 years of experience reporting on facts, trivia and quotes. Her natural curiosity lends itself to stories on history, trivia and "Did you know?" curiosities, and her work has appeared in Taste of Home, The Family Handyman, The Healthy and iHeart Media. A former editor at Reader's Digest and proud Marquette University grad, she lives in Milwaukee with her fiancé and their corgi and enjoys binge-listening to true-crime podcasts.