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Hair & Makeup

Spa Treatment Cheat Sheet

From bronzing to bikini waxing for first-time spa-goers

So you scored a spa gift certificate for your bridal shower? Congratulations, it’s your lucky day! But as you start scrolling down the list of services on the brochure—acupressure, bronzing treatment, rolphing—your pulse rate takes flight. You wonder, what are all of these treatments? Will they hurt? And even more important: What am I supposed to wear? Relax, we’ve got you covered.

Facial

WHAT IT IS: You lie on your back on a soft table, a therapist will cleanse your face of impurities, then sooth and smooth your skin. She may also treat your decolletage, upper arms, neck, and throat.
WILL IT HURT? Except for the extraction of a few little blackheads, it should all feel fabulous.
WHAT TO WEAR: You’ll probably be asked to don a cloth wrap (much like a towel after your shower).

Massage

WHAT IT IS: Draped in a towel, you lie on soft table as warm body oils are massaged into your skin.
WILL IT HURT? Hell no, it’s pure heaven!
WHAT TO WEAR: Feel free to go au naturel, though it’s very acceptable to wear a bathing-suit bottom, two-piece suit, or your underwear.

Bikini Wax

WHAT IT IS: a method of hair removal using strips of paper and hot wax. The wax is applied to your bikini line, then topped with a slip of paper. Your therapist will then rip the paper off, taking most of your hair with it.
WILL IT HURT? Uh, yeah. But it’s really only a stinging sensation. And it really only last for a few seconds. Really.
WHAT TO WEAR: If you’re getting a more extreme wax (think the take-it-all-off Brazilian), you’ll probably go au naturel. Otherwise, you can don a bathing suit or regular underwear (the therapist will most likely tuck tissue around the edges to protect it) or, at some spas, disposable panties. And shy folks, take note: You can expect a lot of touching and you’ll be asked to swing your legs over to the side during the procedure.

Bronzing Treatment

WHAT IT IS: Bronzing cream application for an instant tan. Most treatments begin with an exfoliation, followed by moisturizer and them bronzing cream on the body and face.
WILL IT HURT? Not a lick, though you will have to stand or lay still for a good 20 minutes to allow the cream to dry.
WHAT TO WEAR: Either a spa undergarment or an old swimsuit—the creams can sometimes stain.

Reflexology

WHAT IT IS: The application of manual pressure to the feet, working on specific points that connect with different zones in your body.
WILL IT HURT? When properly practiced, reflexology gives a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfy clothes—all you’ll be taking off is your shoes and socks.

Acupressure

WHAT IT IS: Where acupuncture uses needles, acupressure employs the pressure of fingers, thumbs and elbows to heal the body and relieve pain. It releases tension in muscle fibers by applying focused pressure and releasing it, sending blood rushing back into the tissue.
WILL IT HURT? No. You’ll feel lots of force, but the end result will be Jellolike and amazing.
WHAT TO WEAR: Either a bathing-suit bottom, bikini or nothing. Your choice.

Shiatsu

WHAT IT IS: A form of acupressure that combines pressure with the application of long strokes over the body’s energy fields. Using stretches, joint rotations and joint manipulation, shiatsu is a holistic treatment that aims to heal mind, body and spirit.
WILL IT HURT? No, it feels great.
WHAT TO WEAR: The client is usually fully clothed, lying or sitting on a futon on the ground. (Shiatsu also can be practiced in warm water, where the muscles can really relax.)

Rolfing

WHAT IT IS: Rolfing vigorously works the muscles and tissue by gradually stretching, lengthening and repositioning them to restore their normal length and flexibility. When proper alignment is achieved, the body is returned to its central axis, which translates to good posture and carriage.
WILL IT HURT? Nope, but expect some pushing and pulling.
WHAT TO WEAR: Loose, comfy clothes.