1. Home
2. Blog AgendaPro Aesthetics
3. Spa therapist: know your functions and ...

Everyone who works in a spa plays a fundamental role in its operation and success, but there is one position that is particularly important: the spa therapist.

In this article we will explain all about this role and those important aspects you should look for when looking for a spa therapist. important aspects you should look for when hiring a spa assistant.

What is a spa therapist?

Spa therapists are those people in charge of performing treatments in a health center, beauty salon or other premises where they perform healing treatments, water treatments or beauty treatments. While they may work in the health sector, spa therapists are not health personnel and should not be confused. Likewise, spa therapists may specialize in a single area or be general therapists who perform whole body services .

Spa therapist functions and other therapies to master

Within the functions of the spa therapist we have the following activities:

• Perform a range of services and treatments.
• Clean the work area and keep it neat and tidy between clients.
• Follow up on client appointments and invite them to try new treatments.
• Manage payments for treatments and product purchases within the facility.

While each location and center has its own way of working, these four activities are often common within different workplaces.

Defining the types of treatments or therapies a spa therapist should master is complicated, as each center offers unique services. However, there is a list of basic therapies that any therapist should be able to perform:

• General massages
• Facial treatments (Moisturizing and exfoliation)
• Application of moisturizing agents
• Hydrotherapy
• Hot baths, steam baths and saunas

Other services may require a specialized therapist, for example, facial massages, manicures, pedicures, etc.

Training required to become a spa therapist

If you've ever wondered, "What do I need to study to set up a spa?" or "What training should my spa therapist have?" read carefully. Spa therapists need to complete certifications in their field that endorse their knowledge and give you permission to work. While it's true that there are general spa therapist courses that offer broad, but not very specialized knowledge about the work and types of therapy, there are also courses and specialized training courses that can be taken to deepen your knowledge.

Some of these specialized certifications include:

• Manicure and pedicure course
• Spa course
• Hot stone massage course
• Reductive massage course
• Specialization in lymphatic massage

Professional profile, competencies and values

All spa workers should have a similar profile in terms of values and competencies, but when looking for a spa therapist you should get a person with the following qualities:

• Receptive to criticism: it is important that the person you hire can listen to criticism and improve their performance. Within the area of health, beauty and client contact there will always be room for improvement.
• Kindness: This is a fundamental value that anyone who is going to work directly with clients must have. The ability to transmit peace and to be kind to clients is very important, otherwise you may find yourself with a person who drives away your clients.
• Responsibility: A spa therapist is in direct contact with clients and is responsible for providing them with good service. He/she must be a person you can trust and who you know will give the best possible service.
• Knowledge about services and treatments: Besides knowing how to apply treatments, this is one of the core competencies of a spa therapist. He or she must be able to explain all the services and treatments for which he or she is responsible to ensure the user an optimal experience.
• Willingness to work with the public: Not all people are suited to work directly with clients, so you must be sure that the spa therapist you hire is someone who has the motivation to solve doubts, offer solutions and provide good service.
• Good communication skills: This will be fundamental within the work team and also with clients. You should hire a person who can communicate their needs to the rest of the employees, as well as the treatments to interested clients.
• Good presence: The spa therapist is a position that is in contact with customers, so it is important that the person you hire can convey the values of your facility.

Now that you have a better understanding of what a spa therapist needs, you can start looking for the ideal person to fill that position at your location and take your salon experience to another level.

Related articles:

1. Basic services and tricks to set your spa apart from the competition.
2. The goals an esthetician should have
3. List of esthetician supplies and best places to get them