Aromatic Treatments

Providing good treatments can be compared to creating a fine dining experience. Begin by creating the perfect setting: a clean, pristine, temperate, candlelit treatment room is ideal. Offer the most divine therapies achieved through aromatherapy in which aromatic essential oils from herbs, flowers, fruit and plants are used as active, functional ingredients. Aromatherapy, used throughout the following treatments, dates back to ancient times when it was used for medicinal purposes and was considered necessary for relaxation and tranquility. Its mainstay to date is used for the exact same purposes.

The spa menu should incorporate treatments that include soaking, cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, massaging and hydrating the body. In taking care of all body needs the spa maximizes services to a client and increases revenue potential.

The majority of soaking treatments come in the form of hydrotherapy, the therapeutic use of water. Aromatherapy can heighten the psychological effects of hydrotherapy, providing additional soothing effects for the client.

Aromatic Manicure

Elements of a body treatment used: soaking, massaging, exfoliating and hydrating.
Approximate time: 30–40 minutes

Approximate cost: Starting at $25

Products needed:

1. Disinfectant gel
2. Enamel remover
3. Cuticle oil
4. Water
5. Pine or citrus carbonated soak
6. Cream cuticle remover
7. Granular scrub
8. Aloe vera gel
9. Buffing cream
10. Base coat
11. Polish
12. Topcoat
13. Quick dry

Equipment needed:

1. Cuticle nippers
2. Fingernail file
3. Small bowl
4. Oil stick
5. Nylon sloughing gloves
6. Three towels
7. Disposable plastic bags
8. Three-way buffer
9. Chamois buffer
10. Nail dryer

   
Step 1: Once the client is comfortably seated, apply a cooling instant disinfectant gel to sanitize the hands.

Step 2: Remove polish using an enamel remover.

Step 3: Trim and shape the nails with nippers and file.

Step 4: Apply cuticle oil with an oil stick.

Step 5: Soak the client’s hands for 2 minutes in a bowl prepared with steaming water and 1-oz. of a pine- or citrus-scented carbonated soak.

Step 6: Push cuticles using cream cuticle remover and use cuticle nippers to remove any excess, if desired, and where state law allows.

Step 7: Apply cuticle oil a second time.

Step 8: Use hands to apply ½-oz. of a granular scrub made of sea salt, ground sugar or walnut shells to the first hand and lower arm.

Step 9: Put on nylon sloughing gloves and vigorously exfoliate the hand and lower arm, using circular motions and paying special attention to rough areas such as elbows.

Step 10: Wrap the hand and arm snugly with a hot, scented towel and then put in a disposable plastic bag and set aside.

Step 11: Repeat Steps 8–10 on the second hand and arm. Let hands rest for 5 minutes.

Step 12: Remove granular scrub with the hot towel used to wrap the hand and arm, one hand at a time. Pat the hand and arm dry and rest on the table.

Step 13: Apply ½-oz. of an aloe vera gel to one hand and lower arm and perform massage movements.

Step 14: Set the first hand aside and repeat massage on the second hand and arm.

Step 15: Buff the nails with a three-way buffer. Finalize the process with the application of buffing cream and buff with a chamois buffer to a highly buffed finish.

Step 16: Apply base coat to the nails and follow with two coats of polish of the client’s choice. Finish with a topcoat.

Step 17: Place the hands under a dryer until dry or apply quick dry.

Step 18: Sanitize and sterilize all implements and instruments for another treatment.

It is important to remember that treatments are not a stand-alone business for the spa. Good treatments are the root of the spa business, but every root needs nourishment and support. In essence all treatment lines and product lines should be a partner in stimulating sales in the spa environment.