What to Look for When Choosing a Salon or Spa
Written by: Cora Gold
Going to a salon or spa is one of the easiest ways to press pause on your day, whether you’re getting a fresh haircut, a facial, or a deep-tissue massage. However, it’s essential to choose the right place so you can relax, receive treatments from capable hands, and leave feeling refreshed and confident. Here’s what to look for before you book.
1. A Service Menu That Matches Your Needs
The first thing to consider when choosing a salon or spa is the range of services available. Not every place does everything, and the one you choose should have what you’re looking for. About 70% of people in the U.S. visit spas specifically for massage, and if you’re one of them, make sure the spa offers the exact type you want. Swedish, hot stone, aroma therapy and Thai massages are very different, and a good spa will thoroughly list its options.
If you’re interested in more advanced, nonsurgical treatments, you’ll want to go to a medical spa and not a traditional day spa. This type of spa is licensed to provide medical-grade procedures, which means you’ll find a comprehensive treatment menu. For salons, take time to explore their menu. Some salons specialize in certain areas, such as coloring or textured hair.
2. Highly Trained Professionals You Can Trust
Find a salon and spa with highly trained and licensed professionals to make sure the treatment is safe and the results are optimal. You can usually find this information in staff bios on the website and in certificates displayed on the wall. When seeking a specific treatment, choose hair stylists or practitioners with extensive experience in that service. In most cases, you should be able to see their track record and before-and-after photos on their social media or website.
When it comes to medical spas offering injectables or advanced treatments, you may need to take an extra step to check that there’s medical oversight. Treatments like Botox and dermal fillers can effectively smooth fine lines and make you look refreshed, but they must be done by licensed medical professionals. A good salon or spa will also offer a consultation before starting. This is your chance to talk about your goals and ask questions, and to see how professional they are.
3. An Atmosphere to Help You Relax
Many spa treatments with massages are known to improve feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. The therapists' skills have a big part in that, but the atmosphere is just as important. You should get a sense of how pleasant the atmosphere is the moment you walk in.
A well-designed spa is typically calm and quiet, with soft lighting, soothing music or sounds, natural decor, and gentle scents. These details help your body relax even before your treatment starts. Salons may have a different energy, but you should still choose one where you can enjoy your time. Do you prefer a quiet setting or a livelier and more social atmosphere? There’s no right or wrong, as long as it matches your personal preferences.
4. Clean Spaces and Serious Hygiene Standards
Once you’re satisfied with the spa or salon's atmosphere, the next thing to focus on is cleanliness and hygiene. Make sure tools are sanitized using EPA-registered disinfectant to destroy bacteria, towels are fresh and treatment rooms are well-cared for. A good salon or spa is usually happy to explain its cleaning practices when asked. If something is off, it’s OK to trust your instincts and look elsewhere.
5. Products and Tools That Meet High Standards
Always check the quality of products and tools used during your treatment. Both salons and spas — especially those offering advanced treatments — must use devices and products that are properly approved and sourced from reputable manufacturers. Products should be stored and used in accordance with guidelines. The brands they use also say a lot, so prioritize salons and spas that use reputable, trusted brands and are open about what they use and why.
6. Positive Reviews and Real Recommendations
Reviews from real customers can be incredibly helpful when narrowing down your options. A great way to use reviews to your advantage is to look for patterns in what people are saying rather than focusing on one extreme opinion. Some great signs to pay attention to include consistent praise for friendly staff, good service results and a comfortable atmosphere.
Word of mouth is equally valuable. If friends or family keep returning to the same salon or spa, there’s usually a good reason. Personal recommendations from someone you know may give you the most honest insight into what you can expect.
Self-Care Starts With the Right Choice
Take your time to do a little research and don’t be afraid to ask questions before booking. When you find the right salon or spa, you’ll feel comfortable from the start and walk out feeling relaxed, confident, and already looking forward to your next visit.