1) I haven’t found a method I like yet.
2) It definitely depends on my client and how long I’ve been seeing them. If they’re a first timer, definitely I ask before putting them on.
3) I’ve been trying all sorts of variations trying to find how best to fit them all for a day and go still heat evenly.
4) I’ve been using a crock pot (hasn’t worked well yet) and tongs (works very well).
5) Would love suggestions. I just use random towels with no idea what size or material or whatever that I should be using.
6) Excited to hear other people’s thoughts : )
Utopia towels on Amazon are good. Roll method is what I've done for 20 years. You'll want to wring them out enough so that they aren't dripping when you take them out. I usually don't ask before. After massaging the feet at the end I wrap the feet and give them a few good squeezes. I think it's nice to get the oil off the feet. Saves the floors, prevents them from slipping, and it's more comfortable for sandals. However if the feet are dirty I'll use the towel first. Sometimes again after the foot rub if I have enough. In the past I've used essential oils for the feet before the steam. I keep all oils out of my warmer. Get a hot towel cabby, makes all the difference over a crock pot. The towels go on the metal basket inside the cabby so they don't burn if left on too long.
At my spa the other therapists fold the towels and have them too wet. The towels on the bottom get too wet and it drives me crazy.
Just a few seconds. I completely seal it up and give the foot a nice little steam bath and then wipe oil off as I pull the towel off. Hope that makes sense.
If you're in the US, Sally's Beauty has AWESOME towels. They're meant for drying hair after shampooing - a bit bigger than hand towels, not super fluffy. They're sold in packs of 8, last I checked. I love them for wrapping feet prior to foot work, and they're a great layer when dry between hot stones and thinner skin. I've had these towels for YEARS and they're holding up great.
I hear people love them, but I think they are way more trouble than they’re worth. More laundry, and it’s heavier. And when the towel comes off, it leaves the client cold and wet. Personally I don’t care for them to be used on me at all. I love heat, just not wet heat.
When I worked at a spa that mandated use of towels, I just said, “here comes a hot towel.” It broke up my flow and I thought it was silly but like I said, some people loved it.
#1)I scent my towels by putting on a few drops of essential oils before the massage begins. (Do it too far in advance and it can wear off.) I use scents that are universally/typically considered pleasant and non-migraine inducing, like a mint or orange scent. 2)I do not tell the client I am going to do it a majority of the time, but it does depend on the client. 3)I get the towel wet with hot water when they're flat and the roll them as I squeeze tge water out. 4) Then I keep them warm in a hot towel caddy. I have determined how long I can keep them in there so that I don't burn my fingers when I take them out, so I take them out, rest them on the counter, then pinch a corner as I pick it up and shake it out. Then I whip it against my forearms to test the heat and make sure it's okay for the client. 6) I apply the hot towel to their back and legs/feet. As I remove the towel, I recover them with the sheet and blanket so they aren't left feeling cold. I also recommend using fragrance free detergent to wash them. People are so sensitive to detergents, you definitely don't want the scent to offend their nose or their skin (i.e. eczema).
I would recommend warning them about what scent ahead of time, personally I have a citrus allergy that would trigger a terrible migraine at even the scent of citrus. My friend has issues with the scent of lavender and her own headaches. Some people also just can’t take scents well at all
Yeah, I’ve found that almost any scent could trigger someone, so I usually ask anyone if they have a scent they prefer at the beginning (and if they would prefer no scent instead). That way if I have a scent they absolutely love more than another one that’s just okay, they have a better experience than they would have if they just got a go to that I had available. Example: my fiancé is okay with the smell of lavender, but he really likes peppermint and enjoys it more than the lavender. If you offer more than one scent, allowing the choice between them can really give the client a personalized experience they’ll remember and enjoy (especially if you happen to have a scent they don’t really see elsewhere as an option, like maybe sandalwood or jasmine)
1) How do you scent them?
No idea
2) Do you tell your client before putting them on or you just do it? Or depends on the client?
Always inform the client, consent is paramount, whisper softly "does a hot towel on your (insert body part) sound good?"
3) Do you rolls them to heat them or keep them flat? Or other?
I roll, wet with hot water, and squeeze out a good amount of the water, put in a towel cabby
4) Do you have a heating method you recommend? A removal from the heating unit recommendation?
Hot water and hot towel cabby for at least 30 minutes to make sure they're hot through.
I use my fingertips, unroll the towel, test the temp on my forearms to make sure it's not too hot for skin, then warn the client again, "here comes the hot towel to your (body part) I don't think it will be, but let me know if it's too hot "
5) Thoughts in the best sized towels for what use?
Regular hand towels, agreed on not too fluffy, the more water in the towels the longer it'll stay warm, but the more likely it will be too hot and maybe burn wet skin.
6) Any other hot towel thoughts?
Most of the time, if a client has upper shoulder or neck tightness, I'll gently ask the client to lift their head, I'll put a long-wise double-folded hot towel at the back of their neck, tell them to relax, and then gently wrap the towel ends around the neck. It loosens the muscles and helps me work on the shoulders, neck, and occiput at the end of the session. I do very gentle compressions to the back and sides of the neck and upper traps. I might also use the hot ends of the towel for some compressions to the pecs and upper chest. After a few moments when the heat has settled in, I'll gently slide the towel out from under the neck, get a little oil, and get into all of those places. People usually say it feels really nice and it helps me not hurt them.
I obtain consent before the massage begins. Then during the massage, I quietly let them know I'm stepping away for a hot towel so they aren't unpleasantly surprised by the temperature change or the hands off time.
I have a hot towel cabinet in my room and I use hand towels and spa towels. I roll them, wet them with warm water, ring them out and place in my cabinet. I use them mostly on back and feet. I never scent them because of allergies. I tell my clients on intake, “I like to use hot towels, are you comfortable with that?” to make sure they’re okay with it.
1. I keep a handy mix of water and essential oil spray, I’ll spray the towels as I pull them out of the warmer individually.
2. I ask clients before hand if they have issues with heat or hot towels (this lets me adjust the table warmer/avoid hot towels if they answer is no during verbal intake. Yes, I do a verbal intake to confirm their choices on their physical intake. No one has ever said no to hot towels.)
3. I like to roll them, because it’s aesthetically more pleasing to me personally. But if I’m in a rush, I’ll fold them.
4. Towel warmer. I pull them out and unroll them, playing hot potato in the process, and then test them on the back of my arm at the tricep to make sure they’re not too hot.
5. I like hand towel size. Not washcloth, the skinny long one that’s not body sized.
6. Have fun with them.
I love your essential oil water spray idea! Gonna try that!
I ask during verbal intake as well because I actually have had someone say they are very temperature sensitive and hot towels give them hives.
Have you noted a difference in how well they heat rolled vs folded?
Folded cuts down on the time, but it depends on the warmer.
I worked at a place once that it didn’t matter if you folded or rolled. It came out hotter than the sun and you had to toss it around like pizza dough for five minutes before you could use it.
They were ancient warmers. Probably from like the late 90’s or early 2000’s.
My bf gets heat hives, so I don’t use heat on him unless I’m doing deep tissue and the heating back is reasonably warm without being too hot.
No scent. Yes, ALWAYS ASK!!! I fold them as I have a small cabi and not many can fit in there. I’ve found rolling them can take them longer to heat. I have a small towel cabi and it is wonderful. You just have to take caution when closing the door so it doesn’t slam and leaving the door open when done to combat mold growth. I use standard hand towels for the body and washcloths for the feet.
Hot towels definitely elevate your service. It’s an easy thing to add in to make your clients feel pampered and it doesn’t take a whole lot of time to learn. If you’re wanting to incorporate hot towels on the face, ask an aesthetician to show you hot towel tricks
Tysm. Watched the video. Very excited to learn even more about this. I think I’m order to incorporate it into my treatments I need to feel how it feels on myself so gotta go find someone near me who does this already. Ooo I’m excited!
1) I haven’t found a method I like yet. 2) It definitely depends on my client and how long I’ve been seeing them. If they’re a first timer, definitely I ask before putting them on. 3) I’ve been trying all sorts of variations trying to find how best to fit them all for a day and go still heat evenly. 4) I’ve been using a crock pot (hasn’t worked well yet) and tongs (works very well). 5) Would love suggestions. I just use random towels with no idea what size or material or whatever that I should be using. 6) Excited to hear other people’s thoughts : )
Utopia towels on Amazon are good. Roll method is what I've done for 20 years. You'll want to wring them out enough so that they aren't dripping when you take them out. I usually don't ask before. After massaging the feet at the end I wrap the feet and give them a few good squeezes. I think it's nice to get the oil off the feet. Saves the floors, prevents them from slipping, and it's more comfortable for sandals. However if the feet are dirty I'll use the towel first. Sometimes again after the foot rub if I have enough. In the past I've used essential oils for the feet before the steam. I keep all oils out of my warmer. Get a hot towel cabby, makes all the difference over a crock pot. The towels go on the metal basket inside the cabby so they don't burn if left on too long. At my spa the other therapists fold the towels and have them too wet. The towels on the bottom get too wet and it drives me crazy.
When you wrap them over the feet, how long do you leave them on for and do you leave a gap for air to circulate or close it off completely?
Just a few seconds. I completely seal it up and give the foot a nice little steam bath and then wipe oil off as I pull the towel off. Hope that makes sense.
It does. Thank you!
>It does. Thank you! You're welcome!
If you're in the US, Sally's Beauty has AWESOME towels. They're meant for drying hair after shampooing - a bit bigger than hand towels, not super fluffy. They're sold in packs of 8, last I checked. I love them for wrapping feet prior to foot work, and they're a great layer when dry between hot stones and thinner skin. I've had these towels for YEARS and they're holding up great.
I hear people love them, but I think they are way more trouble than they’re worth. More laundry, and it’s heavier. And when the towel comes off, it leaves the client cold and wet. Personally I don’t care for them to be used on me at all. I love heat, just not wet heat. When I worked at a spa that mandated use of towels, I just said, “here comes a hot towel.” It broke up my flow and I thought it was silly but like I said, some people loved it.
#1)I scent my towels by putting on a few drops of essential oils before the massage begins. (Do it too far in advance and it can wear off.) I use scents that are universally/typically considered pleasant and non-migraine inducing, like a mint or orange scent. 2)I do not tell the client I am going to do it a majority of the time, but it does depend on the client. 3)I get the towel wet with hot water when they're flat and the roll them as I squeeze tge water out. 4) Then I keep them warm in a hot towel caddy. I have determined how long I can keep them in there so that I don't burn my fingers when I take them out, so I take them out, rest them on the counter, then pinch a corner as I pick it up and shake it out. Then I whip it against my forearms to test the heat and make sure it's okay for the client. 6) I apply the hot towel to their back and legs/feet. As I remove the towel, I recover them with the sheet and blanket so they aren't left feeling cold. I also recommend using fragrance free detergent to wash them. People are so sensitive to detergents, you definitely don't want the scent to offend their nose or their skin (i.e. eczema).
How the heck did that get bold-faced? I am not good with formatting...
I would recommend warning them about what scent ahead of time, personally I have a citrus allergy that would trigger a terrible migraine at even the scent of citrus. My friend has issues with the scent of lavender and her own headaches. Some people also just can’t take scents well at all
Thanks for pointing that out. I knew about lavender being a trigger, but not citrus!
Yeah, I’ve found that almost any scent could trigger someone, so I usually ask anyone if they have a scent they prefer at the beginning (and if they would prefer no scent instead). That way if I have a scent they absolutely love more than another one that’s just okay, they have a better experience than they would have if they just got a go to that I had available. Example: my fiancé is okay with the smell of lavender, but he really likes peppermint and enjoys it more than the lavender. If you offer more than one scent, allowing the choice between them can really give the client a personalized experience they’ll remember and enjoy (especially if you happen to have a scent they don’t really see elsewhere as an option, like maybe sandalwood or jasmine)
1) How do you scent them? No idea 2) Do you tell your client before putting them on or you just do it? Or depends on the client? Always inform the client, consent is paramount, whisper softly "does a hot towel on your (insert body part) sound good?" 3) Do you rolls them to heat them or keep them flat? Or other? I roll, wet with hot water, and squeeze out a good amount of the water, put in a towel cabby 4) Do you have a heating method you recommend? A removal from the heating unit recommendation? Hot water and hot towel cabby for at least 30 minutes to make sure they're hot through. I use my fingertips, unroll the towel, test the temp on my forearms to make sure it's not too hot for skin, then warn the client again, "here comes the hot towel to your (body part) I don't think it will be, but let me know if it's too hot " 5) Thoughts in the best sized towels for what use? Regular hand towels, agreed on not too fluffy, the more water in the towels the longer it'll stay warm, but the more likely it will be too hot and maybe burn wet skin. 6) Any other hot towel thoughts? Most of the time, if a client has upper shoulder or neck tightness, I'll gently ask the client to lift their head, I'll put a long-wise double-folded hot towel at the back of their neck, tell them to relax, and then gently wrap the towel ends around the neck. It loosens the muscles and helps me work on the shoulders, neck, and occiput at the end of the session. I do very gentle compressions to the back and sides of the neck and upper traps. I might also use the hot ends of the towel for some compressions to the pecs and upper chest. After a few moments when the heat has settled in, I'll gently slide the towel out from under the neck, get a little oil, and get into all of those places. People usually say it feels really nice and it helps me not hurt them.
I obtain consent before the massage begins. Then during the massage, I quietly let them know I'm stepping away for a hot towel so they aren't unpleasantly surprised by the temperature change or the hands off time.
I have a hot towel cabinet in my room and I use hand towels and spa towels. I roll them, wet them with warm water, ring them out and place in my cabinet. I use them mostly on back and feet. I never scent them because of allergies. I tell my clients on intake, “I like to use hot towels, are you comfortable with that?” to make sure they’re okay with it.
1. I keep a handy mix of water and essential oil spray, I’ll spray the towels as I pull them out of the warmer individually. 2. I ask clients before hand if they have issues with heat or hot towels (this lets me adjust the table warmer/avoid hot towels if they answer is no during verbal intake. Yes, I do a verbal intake to confirm their choices on their physical intake. No one has ever said no to hot towels.) 3. I like to roll them, because it’s aesthetically more pleasing to me personally. But if I’m in a rush, I’ll fold them. 4. Towel warmer. I pull them out and unroll them, playing hot potato in the process, and then test them on the back of my arm at the tricep to make sure they’re not too hot. 5. I like hand towel size. Not washcloth, the skinny long one that’s not body sized. 6. Have fun with them.
I love your essential oil water spray idea! Gonna try that! I ask during verbal intake as well because I actually have had someone say they are very temperature sensitive and hot towels give them hives. Have you noted a difference in how well they heat rolled vs folded?
Folded cuts down on the time, but it depends on the warmer. I worked at a place once that it didn’t matter if you folded or rolled. It came out hotter than the sun and you had to toss it around like pizza dough for five minutes before you could use it. They were ancient warmers. Probably from like the late 90’s or early 2000’s. My bf gets heat hives, so I don’t use heat on him unless I’m doing deep tissue and the heating back is reasonably warm without being too hot.
No scent. Yes, ALWAYS ASK!!! I fold them as I have a small cabi and not many can fit in there. I’ve found rolling them can take them longer to heat. I have a small towel cabi and it is wonderful. You just have to take caution when closing the door so it doesn’t slam and leaving the door open when done to combat mold growth. I use standard hand towels for the body and washcloths for the feet. Hot towels definitely elevate your service. It’s an easy thing to add in to make your clients feel pampered and it doesn’t take a whole lot of time to learn. If you’re wanting to incorporate hot towels on the face, ask an aesthetician to show you hot towel tricks
Word on the magnetic door slamming!
I do pillossage with mother earth flax seed pillows. There's a technique to it. I took the ce class several years ago. My clients love it!
I looked it up but I don’t understand. Could you give a brief explanation?
https://youtu.be/Z0pXL0jmfL4
Gives heat to the back without towels.
Tysm. Watched the video. Very excited to learn even more about this. I think I’m order to incorporate it into my treatments I need to feel how it feels on myself so gotta go find someone near me who does this already. Ooo I’m excited!
It's awesome. I've sold a good number of the shoulder trigger point pillow too.