Hydrotherapy services are generally divided into two categories: massage and steam. Both are quality additions to the tanning salon setting because they provide a cross-selling opportunity for your current tanning clientele and help draw non-tanners into the salon. In addition, many salon owners choose to add hydrotherapy services in order to elevate the salon to the status of “tanning spa.”
Suddenly, the salon isn’t a place where people just go to tan; it’s a place where they go to pamper themselves and get some much-needed rest and relaxation. This spa-feel is further impacted by the developments in equipment—as hydromassage and hydrosteam units become increasingly high-tech, clients are able to add to their hydrotherapy experience with extras such as aromatherapy, soothing music and monitors that allow the customer to view an array of visual images or even surf the Internet.
Hydromassage. This form of hydrotherapy is a unique means of offering massage services in the salon setting. First, you don’t need to hire a masseuse or additional personnel because the unit is automated—you simply have to add water and perform general cleaning and maintenance duties. In addition, clients do not need to disrobe to enjoy a relaxing massage, which makes hydromassage perfect for those who are uncomfortable with or don’t have time for a traditional massage.
Bonus cross-selling opportunity: Hydromassage stimulates blood circulation, which primes the customer for increased melanin production during a subsequent UV tanning session.
Hydrosteam. These units allow a tanning salon to offer a service similar to a steam room or sauna with all of the skincare benefits of such a treatment—minus the need to construct a special area. Instead, hydrosteam equipment is a personal steam bath for clients; they simply undress or put on a bathing suit and slip into the unit. The humidity in the unit exfoliates and hydrates the skin, and can contribute to inch loss. Most importantly, steam treatments promote smart skincare practices—exactly what the tanning industry is focused on.
Bonus cross-sell opportunity: Hydrosteam treatments hydrate the skin, ensuring that it has an ideal level of moisture prior to UV or sunless tanning.
Regardless of whether you choose to incorporate massage services, steam services or both, hydrotherapy can have a distinct effect on your overall sales—providing that you can sell your clients on the service. For advice on how to market this service from a salon owner who has successfully been-there/done-that, click here.
