Achieve greatness with ease... said no one who's ever tried to write a spa menu that doesn't accidentally make someone feel like an afterthought. Let's be real: between choosing the perfect ItalWax formula and remembering to order more compressed sponges, crafting inclusive service descriptions can feel like walking a tightrope in fuzzy slippers—comfortable until it's not. The truth is, inclusive language isn't about political correctness; it's about making every single person who walks through your door feel seen, valued, and excited to book their next appointment. This is where you move beyond checkbox DEI—that "we have to do this" mentality—and into the realm of genuine connection that keeps clients coming back.
When your menu uses phrases like "bridal packages" or assumes everyone wants "feminine hands," you're unintentionally excluding a growing segment of clients who don't fit those traditional molds. The modern wellness client isn't a stereotype—they're everyone from the non-binary college student getting their first brow tint to the 70-year-old man who loves a good hot stone massage. Your menu language should welcome them all without making it feel like you're trying too hard.
Why Your Menu Words Matter More Than Your Lavender Essential Oil
Words can either be a warm welcome mat or a very confusing "employees only" sign. Using inclusive language isn't just about avoiding offense—it's a smart business strategy that directly impacts your bottom line. Think about it: when clients feel understood and respected, they're more likely to become loyal regulars who refer their friends. It's the difference between a one-time visitor and someone who books your portable massage table for their monthly self-care ritual.
Traditional spa language often defaults to gendered terms and assumptions that can make non-binary, transgender, or male clients feel awkward. Phrases like "for the ladies" or "his and her packages" immediately create a binary that doesn't reflect your actual clientele. Similarly, ability-focused language like "stand on your feet all day?" might not resonate with someone who uses a wheelchair. The goal isn't to rewrite everything with clinical precision, but to create descriptions that focus on the universal benefits and experiences your services provide.
Practical Magic: Transforming Your Menu One Service at a Time
Let's get specific about how this looks in practice. Instead of organizing services by gender, try grouping them by concern or desired outcome. Create sections like "Skin Solutions" instead of "Women's Services," and use gender-neutral terms that focus on what the service actually does.
Here's a quick before-and-after to spark some ideas:
Instead of "Bridal Package" try "Special Occasion Glow Package” - perfect for weddings, anniversaries, graduations, or any day you want to feel extraordinary. This includes a hydrodermabrasion treatment and gel polish that won't chip before the first dance.
Instead of "Manicure for Ladies" try "Hand Care & Nail Artistry” - because everyone deserves well-groomed hands. Our technicians use cuticle oil and nail treatments to make any hands look their best.
Instead of "Back Facial for Bacne" try "Back & Shoulder Clarifying Treatment” - ideal for active lifestyles or anyone experiencing congestion. Features deep cleansing with our Tuel Skincare products.
See the difference? The revised descriptions focus on what the service accomplishes rather than making assumptions about who might want it. They're inviting, specific, and make everyone feel included in the potential benefits.
Beyond the Menu: Training Your Team for Inclusive Excellence
Your menu might be perfectly worded, but if your staff hasn't bought into the philosophy, clients will notice the disconnect. The goal is to create psychological safety where clients can express their needs without fear of judgment. This starts with small but meaningful shifts in how your team communicates.
Instead of assuming pronouns or relationships, train staff to use neutral language until clients specify their preferences. "The person you're booking for” works better than "your wife." When discussing lash and brow services, focus on the aesthetic outcome rather than gendered expectations. "Are you looking for a natural enhancement or something more dramatic?" works for any client.
Create an environment where asking respectful questions is encouraged. If a client requests a service that's new to your team, view it as an opportunity to learn rather than a complication. Your massage and wellness offerings might need to adapt to different body types or abilities—having open conversations ensures you can meet these needs effectively.
The Tools to Make It Happen (Without the Headache)
Implementing these changes doesn't require a complete overhaul overnight. Start with your most popular services and work your way through the menu gradually. Use tools like your towel steamers and aromatherapy supplies to create a welcoming environment that complements your new inclusive approach.
Consider creating a "menu refresh team" with diverse perspectives—include staff members of different ages, backgrounds, and roles. Sometimes the best ideas come from your newest nail technician or front desk coordinator. Test new descriptions on a small group of trusted clients before rolling them out completely.
Remember that your equipment choices also send a message. Investing in massage tables that accommodate different body types or pedicure chairs with accessible features shows you've thought about everyone's comfort. It's the physical manifestation of your inclusive language.
When You Get It Right: The Reward of Loyal Clients
The beautiful thing about inclusive menu language is that when done authentically, it doesn't feel like a DEI initiative—it feels like exceptional customer service. Clients may not explicitly compliment you on your gender-neutral descriptions, but they'll feel the difference in how welcomed and understood they feel.
This approach turns first-time clients into advocates who rave about your spa to everyone they know. They'll appreciate that your spa body treatments don't make assumptions about their goals, and that your waxing services are described in a way that focuses on results rather than gendered expectations. This is how you build a reputation as a forward-thinking, client-focused business in a competitive market.
Inclusive language is ultimately about respect—for your clients' identities, preferences, and individual journeys. It's the recognition that wellness isn't one-size-fits-all, and your menu shouldn't be either. By moving beyond checkbox DEI and embracing language that genuinely includes everyone, you're not just being politically correct; you're being professionally brilliant.
