Spa Etiquette

[Virginielle]

General discussion on spa etiquette.

My apologies if we already have a thread on this, I searched and did not find one.

My question is about tipping etiquette at med spas. Do you tip after a laser treatment at a med spa? There would be no question in my mind if it were just a facial with an aesthetician, but is it ever appropriate to tip a doctor?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Style-Addict]

Hhhmm...that is a tricky question, I'm not sure. I am considering a laser treatment next spring, so any advice and suggestions on this topic would be welcome.

 

[FASHIONLOVA]

i never tip a doctor or an owner, i think it s insulting to them

 

[The_Ida]

You only tip in the US. You don't ever tip in Denmark, except in bars and restaurants. It's concidered insulting, as if the employees are getting low wages and their whole economy depends on tips, and no one in Denmark are paid poorly.

 

[LetThemEatCake]

Gratuities are completely voluntary and usually always welcome. Havent heard this before about only tipping here in US.

General etiquette though is common sense.

• Leave your cell phone turned off (the other day I was actually in a spa and waiting in the sitting room and one of the aestheticians was chatting with the receptionist because their client was this woman who thought she was really important, better-me-up type was standing off to the side on her cell phone! I hope her service was shortened because of it. People like this are so inconsiderate)
• Arrive on time. Time is important, and you risk wasting your time if you arrive late, and you also leave the aesthetician running late for their next client.
• Dont talk while getting your service done. Some people talk out of habit, they're just chatty all the time, but it's your time to relax. Do so. Also it makes the aesthetician not have to concentrate elsewhere while they're cleansing your face, doing a consultation, whatever they may be in the middle of.

 

[iLoveCouture]

I would not tip a doctor. A way to show appreciation is to send a thank you card or something along those lines. It is is a nail or hair salon/restaraunt/bar, yes I tip!

 

[lazypadawan]

I had my teeth whitened a few months ago and it was performed at a medi-spa by a dentist. I did not tip him. He was a medical professional and I wouldn't tip him any more than I would tip a plastic surgeon.

I read somewhere than tips for facials, massages, manis/pedis, and other types of traditional spa services should be 10-15%, depending.

 

[Virginielle]

This particular spa offers appointments with doctors (after a consultation), and slightly less expensive appointments with the laser technicians, also. I guess I can see maybe tipping a technician, but it does seem inappropriate to tip a doctor. I will refrain.

For facials and manicures/pedicures elsewhere, I usually tip 20-25% for someone who does an excellent job and when I know I will be returning to that spa for other treatments. That might be a little much, but if it's deserved it's worth it.

That's all really good advice, LetThemEatCake---especially "arrive on time". I had an aesthetician get really stressed out and rush me through my facial once because I arrived late (due to circumstances outside of my control, I might add). She actually told me I had disrupted her entire schedule. I request someone else when I go to that spa now.

 

[LetThemEatCake]

How rude of the aesthetician! She never should have said that...what an uncomfort to the client...you hope your clients arrive on time but of course things happen that are out of our control. How unneccessary to reflect your negative attitude on your client.

 

[The_Ida]

Gratuities are completely voluntary and usually always welcome. Havent heard this before about only tipping here in US.

General etiquette though is common sense.

• Leave your cell phone turned off (the other day I was actually in a spa and waiting in the sitting room and one of the aestheticians was chatting with the receptionist because their client was this woman who thought she was really important, better-me-up type was standing off to the side on her cell phone! I hope her service was shortened because of it. People like this are so inconsiderate)
• Arrive on time. Time is important, and you risk wasting your time if you arrive late, and you also leave the aesthetician running late for their next client.
• Dont talk while getting your service done. Some people talk out of habit, they're just chatty all the time, but it's your time to relax. Do so. Also it makes the aesthetician not have to concentrate elsewhere while they're cleansing your face, doing a consultation, whatever they may be in the middle of.

Great advice. It's so rude to leave your cell phone on, ugh I only chat if the aesthetician starts, I'm afraid she'll be distracted and do something crazy to my eyebrows

But yes, you very rarely tip in Europe. There's no need to, everyone gets paid fairly and it's expensive enough as it is... I'd love to come to the US, everything is so cheap compared to here

 

[Virginielle]

It certainly ruined the state of relaxation I usually get from a facial, and there really was no need for her to say it. Anyway, I haven't been late since!

 

[FASHIONLOVA]

i went for the 1st time to this very posh salon/spa last week, and was shocked how technicians were talking bad about clients while washing my hair. not only that but when i was about to pay they actually told me i had to pay extra because of the amount of dye they used to do my roots when they were barelly 1cm. no need to tell you how i reacted.
i think it was the first time i didn t tip.

 

[Virginielle]

This might be a stupid question (for tippers in the U.S.), but how about tipping an acupuncturist? I have never been to one and might go sometime soon. I'm not sure whether it's more like a doctor's office or a spa environment, but I imagine that tipping an acupuncturist isn't really protocol. However, I would never want to not tip if it is usual some places. What do we think?

 

[mellowdrama]

I work with an acupuncturist now, and in the past--no one tips an acupuncturist, chiropractor, or licensed medical professional. In a medical environment as a massage therapist, I do not expect tips. In a spa, pampering environment, I accept tips--but my years of working in a doctor's office does not lead to expect them.

My only spa etiquette gripe--don't book a manicure and/or pedicure with polish immediately before your massage. Your nails won't be dry and you'll be inordinately concerned about them getting mucked up, so much that you won't enjoy your massage.
Also, in the same vein, don't book a facial before a massage, either. You'll likely be face down as the therapist massages your back, and the fabric cover on the face cradle will likely leave indentations on your freshly-steamed and extracted skin.

 

[Dulcisima]

I never tip doctors! if its a beauty spa and i am getting a massage than i would tip 20% of the total value...it depends on the Spa but generally i tip 20% ..

i have a good etiquette, try to avoid using the jacuzzi while ur naked! seriously i was applaud when i was at teh four seaons spa using their facilities and i see a 60 year old woman enjoying the jacuzzi in her birthday suit!!! saw too much that day!!!

 

[michyed]

It really depends on culture... Tipping here is very uncommon, almost non-existent.

 

[lollicandy]

In China I never tip. Not at the spa, the masseuse, or the hair salon. Trust me when I say, even the people that could leave a huge tip would never do that anyway.