Overview
This lesson covers essential body treatment skills, focusing on proper draping, procedures, and guidelines for delivering safe and effective body treatments in a salon or spa setting.
Body Treatment Draping and Table Setup
- Draping provides client security, modesty, and helps regulate body temperature during treatments.
- Standard table setup includes:
- Heated table pad
- Fitted sheet (twin-size or table-specific)
- Blanket (queen-size)
- Flat sheet (queen-size)
- Mylar blanket (silver side up, over sheet)
- Plastic sheet
- Large bath or body towel (covers from chest to below knees)
- Hand towels are used to cover breasts, buttocks, and genital areas for modesty.
- Adjust sheet, towel, and blanket sizes for larger clients or those with special needs.
Client Considerations
- Allow extra time and space for clients with disabilities; use hydraulic or electric tables for easier access and accommodate assistive devices.
- For male clients, use downward strokes to remove products, following the direction of body hair.
- For pregnant clients, use caution with the supine position during the second trimester and inform them of any risks.
- Provide space for a chaperone when working with minors.
- For claustrophobic clients, avoid tight wrapping and keep feet exposed.
- Ensure towels and table are not too warm for clients sensitive to temperature.
Body Treatment Procedures
- For prone (face down) position: attach a face cradle and place a bolster or pillow under the ankles for comfort.
- For supine (face up) position: use a neck roll at the base of the neck and a bolster or pillow under the knees.
- Always place the client in the supine position during mask or wrap processing to maximize comfort and allow for add-ons.
- Analyze the skin using Look, Touch, Ask guidelines; check for contraindications before proceeding.
- Exfoliate using light, circular (effleurage) movements, working from distal (far from heart) to proximal (close to heart); apply scrub to the stomach in a clockwise direction.
- For female clients, ask them to hold a hand towel over their breasts when applying or removing scrub from the back.
- Remove exfoliant from the legs by rolling plastic wrap to the center of the table; test towel temperature on your wrist before use.
- Apply body masks in the same order as exfoliation, usually starting with the client prone; use smooth movements and warm products for comfort.
- Body wraps can be compression or cocoon style, and may include serums, gels, or cellulite creams before wrapping.
- Remove excess product with hot towels or warm, wet gauze.
- Common body masks include blue-green algae (for a nourished glow) and red-brown algae (for antioxidant and detoxifying effects).
- Protect the skin at the end with moisturizer, carrier oil, or sunless tanning lotion, based on client needs.
- The feet are the last area to receive moisturizer.
- Optional add-ons include facial, scalp, or foot massage.
Body Treatment Guidelines and Safety
- Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and select products appropriate for the desired results.
- Maintain proper draping and body positioning throughout the service.
- Secure the treatment table and keep the client comfortable, safe, and warm.
- Follow all safety and disinfection protocols.
- Clean slippery areas or place mats to prevent falls.
- Stay connected with the client during the treatment, except when retrieving or removing products; disconnect gently using light effleurage strokes.
Contraindications
- Do not perform body treatments on clients with:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Poor circulation
- Always use Look, Touch, Ask guidelines to identify any skin conditions or concerns before starting the treatment.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Draping: Covering the client for modesty, comfort, and temperature regulation.
- Effleurage: Light, circular massage movement used during exfoliation.
- Supine Position: Client lying face up.
- Prone Position: Client lying face down.
- Contraindications: Conditions that prevent a treatment, such as eczema, psoriasis, or poor circulation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the chart on page 28 of the coursebook for specific draping considerations for different client needs.
- Practice setting up a treatment table as described in the guidelines.
- Complete the "Check What You Know" questions to reinforce understanding of key concepts.