MEN’S SPA GUIDE

Spafinder’s handy Spa Etiquette Guide for Men – demystify the whole spa experience. Massages, grooming, facials for men and more. Take a spa day, spa break or treatment without any worries.

Is It Your First Time?

A first time spa experience can be daunting, especially for men. Many men see spas as unnecessary pampering or indulgence, or something that’s just for the ladies. If only they knew just how relaxing, fun and totally unintimidating a trip to the spa can be! These days, most spas are gender-neutral and cater equally to both men and women. There are even a host of spas opening up specifically for men – evidence that men are increasingly embracing the spa experience.

SPA DO’S

1. ARRIVE EARLY

Arrive 20 minutes before your treatment, so you have time to settle in and relax. There’s nothing worse than rushing to the spa and feeling stressed before your treatment begins. Chances are there’s a relaxation room with refreshments waiting for you.

2. SHOWER BEFORE YOUR SPA TREATMENT

It’s always nice to feel so fresh and so clean – and your therapist will appreciate it, too. Most spas have shower facilities, so arrive early. Before you get in, make sure you have a robe in the correct size: men over 6’ feet tall may find the robes a bit short!

3. ASK QUESTIONS

Many therapists report that men are hesitant to ask questions, whether they’re concerned about a particular element of their treatment or simply want after-care advice. Your therapist is there to help – remember, there are no stupid questions.

4. TURN YOUR PHONE OFF

Spas are all about relaxation, so your mobile phone has no place here. This is your chance to escape for a short time (think of it as a nano-holiday), so make the most of it and ditch the phone.

SPA DON’TS

1. FEEL GUILTY FOR “SPOILING” YOURSELF

Don’t fall into the trap of perceiving the spa as an unnecessary luxury. Regular massage does wonders for aches and pains and the relaxation of a spa day soothes the nervous system. Having a body free of pain and mind free of stress are necessary to living a healthy life.

2. WORRY ABOUT A JEALOUS PARTNER

Your other half might get uppity at the thought of your body being rubbed by a massage therapist, but assure them there is nothing to worry about. Spafinder has plenty of resources on the health benefits of massage and spa – share these healthy reasons to visit the spa with your partner.

3. BE SELF CONSCIOUS

Your therapist sees semi-nude bodies on a daily basis, and they’ve likely seen worse things than your hairy back or beer gut. You’re at the spa to relax – so don’t let body image ruin your visit.

4. WORRY ABOUT GETTING “EXCITED”

Many men express fear that they will get excited during a massage – this is a normal concern. If it happens, you can ask your therapist to pause the treatment. If you’re really worried, ask for a back massage only.

DID YOU KNOW?

Men’s interest in spa & wellness is rising, and fast.
20 years ago, men made up 10% of the US spa market – compare that to 47% in 2013. The UK is also seeing this trend rise.

Men LOVE massage!
The most requested spa treatment for men is massage at 83%, followed by pedicures (37%), facials (31%) and body scrubs (23%).

Men are more adventurous.
Surprisingly, men are keen on trying more niche services, with 51% stating they’d try hydrotherapy and 47% expressing an interest in mind/body treatments and acupuncture.

Men go to the spa to de-stress.
64% of men say that they visit the spa to get relaxed and relieve their stress.

35% of spa visitors are male.
This number will only grow from here. So if you’re a man and you haven’t been to a spa, what are you waiting for?

There are thousands of treatments just for men.
Most spas have bespoke massages, facials and spa experiences just for men.