Elevate every treatment with this essential glossary of spa terms that will make you sound like a seasoned pro (even if you still accidentally call a hot stone a "lava rock" sometimes). Whether you're new to the industry or just need a refresher, we've decoded 25 common spa terms that'll have you speaking fluent spa-lish in no time. Consider this your cheat sheet for when clients drop fancy terminology and you need to nod knowingly while secretly Googling under your towel warmer.
From microdermabrasion to Lycon wax, the beauty industry loves its jargon almost as much as we love a good heated towel. Let's dive into the terminology that keeps our world spinning smoother than a rotary brush exfoliator.
1. Aromatherapy
The art of using essential oils to enhance physical and psychological well-being. Basically, making your spa smell so good clients forget they walked in with their "I woke up like this" face.
2. Balneotherapy
Fancy talk for therapeutic bathing, often with mineral-rich waters or salt scrubs. Because sometimes adults need supervised bath time too.
3. Dermaplaning
A treatment that uses a surgical scalpel to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz. Not to be confused with what happens when you forget to order more wax applicators and have to get creative.
4. Effleurage
A light, gliding massage stroke that's French for "please don't poke me with your elbow." Essential in any massage therapy repertoire.
5. Galvanic Current
A low-voltage current used in facials to help products penetrate deeper. The closest thing we have to magic wands in the facial treatment world.
6. Hydrotherapy
Water-based treatments that prove humans are basically fancy houseplants that need constant moisture. See our Vichy shower collection for prime examples.
7. Jet Peel
A non-invasive treatment using oxygen and saline to exfoliate and hydrate. Like power-washing your face, but somehow relaxing.
8. Keratin
The protein that makes up your hair, nails, and that one client's unibrow that could probably be patented as a structural support beam.
9. Lymphatic Drainage
A gentle massage technique that helps reduce puffiness. Basically convincing your body's garbage disposal system to actually take out the trash.
10. Microcurrent
A facial treatment using low-level electrical currents to tone muscles. Or as we call it, "gym membership for your face."
11. Naturopathy
Natural approaches to healthcare that make you question why you ever thought eating cheese puffs for breakfast was acceptable.
12. Occlusive
An ingredient that forms a protective barrier on skin. Like a security blanket for your face.
13. Petrichor
That earthy smell after rain that spas try to bottle because nothing says relaxation like pretending you're a worm enjoying a fresh spring shower.
14. Qi (pronounced "chee")
The vital life force in traditional Chinese medicine that flows through your body, unless you've been binge-watching Netflix until 2 AM - then it's more like "meh."
15. Reflexology
The practice of applying pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond to organs. Because nothing says "I care about your liver" like digging your thumb into someone's sole.
16. Serotonin
The happy chemical your brain produces during a good massage, proving that sometimes the best therapy doesn't require talking about your childhood.
17. Telogen
The resting phase of hair growth, which coincidentally is also what happens to our energy levels after back-to-back waxing appointments.
18. Ultrasonic
High-frequency sound waves used in cleaning and skin treatments. Like giving your pores a tiny opera concert.
19. Vata
One of the three doshas in Ayurvedic medicine representing air and space. Also what happens to your client's hair when they skip styling products in humidity.
20. Wet Room
A waterproof treatment room for messy services, or as we like to call it, "the splash zone."
21. Xanthan Gum
A common thickening agent in skincare products that proves even spa ingredients can sound like Marvel villains.
22. Yoni
The Sanskrit word for vagina, because sometimes you need a beautiful term for the area that causes so much post-waxing discomfort.
23. Zeolite
A natural mineral used in detox treatments that sounds like it should be what powers spaceships, but actually just helps clean your pores.
24. Ampoule
Highly concentrated serums in small vials that prove good things really do come in small packages (unlike some of our massage tables during delivery).
25. Bougie
Not just an Instagram aesthetic - in spa terms, it refers to high-end, luxurious treatments that make clients feel fancy enough to start pronouncing "herbs" with the H.
There you have it - 25 spa terms decoded so you can nod knowingly when clients ask about their RF treatment or cupping therapy. Now go forth and terminology like a pro (and maybe keep this list handy for when someone asks about their endermologie appointment).
