Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/78523
Hair and Makeup Beyond the obvious need to keep hair tidy and out of the way while working, hair color and style should also be appropriate to the spa's atmosphere and the type of clientele. The same style considerations apply to makeup—even more so for professionals whose services include makeup application or sales. "We sell makeup, and to sell makeup, you need to wear it," says Megan DiMartino, owner of Novita Spa on the Square in Georgetown, Texas. Luckily, most estheticians don't need to be reminded to pay attention to these areas. "It's never been an issue here, never even mentioned," Baich says. "I have never had one person come to work without attractive hair and makeup." Body Art Perhaps more than any other aspect of appearance, tattoos and piercings are polarizing. Clients—and spa managers—either love or hate to see them on a spa professional. There are not many in-between opinions. Orsuto points out that even within the same location, appropriateness levels can vary. Phoenix Salon and Spa has a more conservative policy on the spa side of its business than in the salon. "Clients do not seem to mind tattoos on the hair designers, and even comment on their design. During spa treatments, relaxation should be the client's focus, not a tattoo or nose ring." Consider the clientele first, then the type of service. If body art is distracting, it is inappropriate. DiMartino believes that for spa owners and landlords, core philosophy and image standards for the spa should be considered in the interview and discussed with candidates, especially if the applicant's personal style differs strongly from the look you are aiming for in your spa. "A 60- day trial should be the norm to see if the relationship is going to work mutually," she says. "If they do not fit into the culture of the spa, the relationship should stop then, for the good of everyone." In the end, the clients are the ones who determine what is and is not appropriate. It's impossible to know your client base fully, but your analysis needs to be as close as possible before you create a policy. Even small issues may influence the client's experience with your skin care business. Fragrances There is less room for flexibility when it comes to odors. "We all love a nice perfume, but it does not work in a spa," Orsuto says. "We work up close to clients." Even the best perfume can be too much during a service. Baich points out that practitioners should know the problems fragrances would present with sensitive or allergic clients: "Professionals just do not consider perfume in their daily wear." Smoking is a related issue, and spa policy on it should be made completely clear "Clients do not seem to mind tattoos on the hair designers, and even comment on their design. During spa treatments, relaxation should be the client's focus, not a tattoo or nose ring." during the hiring process. Orsuto's policy is that staff must not smoke at any time during the working day, including one full hour before they arrive at work. If the spa allows smoking during staff breaks, a spray should be provided to deodorize clothing, and smokers must be vigilant about washing their hands and brushing their teeth after each break. As well as causing discomfort to some clients, the smell of cigarette smoke can be a jarring note in a spa that is trying to present an image of health and wellness. Your Responsibility Whether the situation is a spa with employees, or independent contractors working in a shared space, finding a way to agree on an appropriate image is vital. "Working with independent contractors, I cannot tell the service providers what they can or cannot wear," DiMartino says. "I have had everything possible happen, and sometimes it just does not work in a spa environment." Janet McCormick is a spa consultant with considerable experience in skin care, nails, and spa management. She holds a master's degree in allied health management, as well as a Comite International D'Esthetique et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO) diploma. She can be reached at 863-273-9134 or janet.mccormick.info@gmail.com. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 29