Body Wraps

Within this fluid there are microscopic vessels called lymphatic capillaries that drain excess fluid that does not return to the blood capillaries. In addition, these capillaries also absorb protein from the tissue fluid. When fluids enter the lymphatic capillaries, they take on the name lymph. The lymphatic system provides the body with immune defenses and removes foreign waste and cell debris from the blood. This lymphatic fluid or lymph moves through a network of vessels where pressure from blood in neighboring capillaries forces lymph into tissue spaces where it gives the appearance of enlarged fatty tissue on the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

The actual wrapping material can be an elastic wrap, which is about 8 percent cotton for absorbency, a cotton-gauze material or a cellophane wrap. If elastic or gauze wraps are used, in most cases they are soaked and heated in one of the solutions and then are applied to the body, starting at the feet and working up toward the heart. With the cellophane wrap, the solutions are put on the skin first, and then the wrap is applied. A person can be covered from ankle to neck with wraps.

The solution stays in the body for three to four days, so more loss occurs as the client drinks the recommended three to four liters of water per day. A series of 12 treatments usually results in a loss of two clothes sizes.

In addition to helping clients look better, one of the service’s biggest draws for salons is that it will bring new customers in who may tan with a competitor or individuals who may not tan at all.

"Clients from other salons will come to your business for body wraps," says an industry vendor. "That is a golden opportunity to make them become your clients for additional services."

"People are looking for this service and it is an awesome way to increase business all year long," says another supplier. "Like with sunless tanning, body wraps are excellent for clients who are preparing to attend proms, weddings, a big date, spring break, etc."

Body wrapping is a service that can be learned quickly and easily, so several salon staff members can be trained to become body wrap technicians. A technician typically only needs six or seven practice wraps to achieve professional wrap techniques for clients.

Most of the techniques used for body wraps do not require a state license such as those necessary for massage, hair or nail services. However, this should not imply that a salon owner should enter this business without serious preparation and understanding of issues such as pre-existing medical conditions, first aid, infection control and prescription medications that could cause complications.