It’s Your First Spa Visit? Here’s What You Should Expect

I’ll never forget my first massage. I was 23, and Chris had given me a gift card to a local spa for my birthday. I was so excited, but I also had NO idea what to expect.

Thankfully, the massage therapist carefully walked me through the process, but there were still things I wish I had known before I walked through the door.

Visiting a spa for the first time can be as intimidating as it is exciting. If you’re wondering what to expect during your first spa visit so you can feel prepared, I’m here to give you all the details you need to walk in confidently.

Do I Need to Show Up Early or Right on Time?

Let me tell you about a term we use in the spa world called “table time.”

It means exactly what you think—the amount of time you actually spend on the table receiving your hands-on service.

Let's say you book a 60-minute massage. That typically includes about 50 minutes of hands-on “table time,” with approximately 5 minutes at the beginning for consultation and undressing and 5 minutes at the end for redressing and a quick consultation.

The clock starts for your 60-minute appointment at the scheduled appointment time, so arriving right on time has the potential to eat into your table time, especially if you have paperwork to complete.

At Dandle Spa, we highly recommend arriving 5–10 minutes early. This gives you time to check in, complete any paperwork, use the restroom if you need to, and—most importantly—make sure you receive all of your table time.

And trust me, you don't want to spend the first five minutes of your massage filling out paperwork when you could be relaxing.

Do I Completely Undress or Leave My Underwear On?

This is one of the most common questions we get from first-time massage clients.

The answer is, “Yes!” LOL!

Your therapist will probably say something like, “Undress to your level of comfort,” and it means exactly that.

Standard professional draping procedures ensure that your private areas are always covered, so completely undressing is completely normal. That said, most clients prefer to leave their underwear on, and that's perfectly fine.

We do recommend removing your bra if you're comfortable doing so because it can be difficult for your therapist to give you a thorough back massage around it.

But if leaving it on makes you feel more comfortable, leave it on. While it may not be the provider's preference, your comfort matters more.

There is no prize for being the “most comfortable with being naked” client. 

What If I Want More—or Less—Pressure During My Massage?

At Dandle Spa, we encourage our clients to be very vocal about their pressure preferences.

Every individual is different, with different sensitivities, tension levels, and pain tolerances. What the client before you wanted—and what the client after you wants—is likely very different from what feels good to you.

And therapists are not mind-readers.

They want you to have a five-star experience, and they rely heavily on you to tell them if the pressure is too light, too deep, or just right.

It's not uncommon to ask for more or less pressure multiple times throughout your service.

In fact, you might be surprised by how much your preferred pressure changes depending on where your therapist is working. You may love deep pressure on your back but find that same pressure is way too much on your thighs.

Speak up!

Asking for a pressure adjustment isn't being difficult, and you aren't hurting your therapist's feelings. It's one of the easiest ways to make sure your massage is actually customized to you.

What If I Fall Asleep During My Massage?

This is probably one of the funniest first-time-client worries because people sometimes think it's rude.

It isn't.

If you fall asleep, we take it as a compliment. 😂

Your therapist isn't expecting you to make conversation or stay awake for the entire service. In fact, if you're able to completely relax enough to fall asleep, you're probably doing exactly what you came to the spa to do.

So go ahead. Close your eyes. Relax. Drift off.

We'll wake you when it's time.

Am I Supposed to Talk to My Therapist?

You can talk as much—or as little—as you want.

Some people love chatting during a massage. Others want complete silence from the moment they get on the table.

Both are normal.

If you're someone who prefers quiet, you don't need to feel guilty about it. Your therapist won't think you're being unfriendly.

And if you do want to talk? That's okay too.

There isn't a spa etiquette rule that says you have to spend 60 minutes in complete silence.

What Should I Wear to the Spa?

Wear something comfortable and easy to change out of.

For a massage, you don't need to show up in workout clothes or anything special. For a facial, you'll generally want something comfortable that you're happy to relax in afterward.

And if you're getting a treatment that involves oils or products, it's probably not the day to wear your favorite silk blouse.

Basically, comfortable wins.

Should I Eat Before My Spa Service?

You don't want to arrive starving, but you also probably don't want to eat a giant meal right before getting on the massage table.

A light meal or snack beforehand is usually a better option if you're hungry.

And don't forget to drink water throughout the day—but you may want to use the restroom before your massage starts.

Getting halfway through a massage and realizing you really need to pee is not exactly the relaxing experience we're going for. 😂

What If I'm Nervous or Don't Know What to Do?

Tell us!

Seriously.

You don't need to know spa etiquette before your first spa visit. You don't need to know exactly what you're supposed to do when you walk into the treatment room. And you definitely don't need to pretend you've done this a hundred times before.

That's what we're here for.

Your therapist should explain what you need to know, answer your questions, and help you feel comfortable before your service begins.

If you aren't sure where to go, what to take off, how to get on the table, or what happens next, just ask.

I promise you're not the first person to wonder.

What If I Don't Like Something About My Service?

Say something.

This is probably the most important thing I can tell a first-time spa guest.

If the room is too cold, tell us.

If the pressure is too deep, tell us.

If you need another blanket, tell us.

If you're uncomfortable in your position, tell us.

If something doesn't feel right, we want to know.

You are not being annoying. You are not being high-maintenance. And you are definitely not going to hurt our feelings.

A good spa experience should feel comfortable, safe, and relaxing—and communication is a huge part of making that happen.

Do I leave a tip?

This is what I wish someone would have discussed with me before my first spa experience. I was the girl that thoroughly enjoyed my experience, but did not tip...because I didn't know it was a thing.

Some spas include tip in the price of the service. If tip is included in the total cost, that should be obvious on the website and at explained at check-out.

It is most common for tip to not be included in the price of the service, leaving you the option to tip at checkout. Tipping is not a requirement, but it is a standard way of showing your therapist that you enjoyed your time. 

Most clients tip 15-25%, but we recognize that spa services are a big-ticket item for some people, and that might not be in your budget. Any gratuity is generous, appreciated, and taken as a sign that you were pleased with your experience! 

What Should I Expect After My Service?

Give yourself a little breathing room if you can.

It's tempting to schedule a massage or facial and immediately rush back into the rest of your day, but if your schedule allows, give yourself a few extra minutes before jumping into traffic, work, errands, kids, or whatever comes next.

And if you've had a massage, don't be surprised if you feel particularly relaxed afterward. Some people feel energized, some feel sleepy, and some feel like they could happily spend the rest of the afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

Honestly, that's kind of the point.

Your First Spa Visit Doesn't Have to Be Intimidating

If you're considering your first massage, facial, or other spa service, my biggest piece of advice is simple:

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

We see first-time spa clients all the time, and we know that walking into a spa for the first time can feel a little intimidating. You don't need to know all the terminology, understand every treatment, or know exactly what you're supposed to do.

We'll walk you through it.

And once you get past that first visit, you'll probably wonder why you were nervous in the first place.

At Dandle Spa in Chattanooga, our goal isn't just to give you a great service. We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you walk through the door until the moment you leave.

So if you've been thinking about booking your first massage, facial, Japanese head spa, or other spa treatment, this is your sign.

Come as you are. We'll take it from there.