Welcoming Every Body: How Spa Language Shapes Client Comfort
Recently, a massage subreddit had a few scattered but telling posts from consumers asking whether it was okay to book a service if they had a lot of body hair or were overweight. One woman shared that she was afraid to book a body treatment because she didn’t want to “gross anyone out.” The posts were sporadic, but enough to reveal a clear pattern of concern: people fear being judged, shamed, or even turned away.
As solo practitioners and spa owners, you’re often the first line of care in someone’s wellness journey. And when someone is carrying body shame into your space, the language you use—on your website, your intake forms, and during conversations—can either reinforce their insecurities or gently undo them.
This is part 1 of a two-part series on body-positive spa practices. Today, we’re focusing on communication: how we speak to and about bodies in ways that are inclusive, compassionate, and welcoming.
Why This Matters
For many clients, stepping into a spa isn’t just about relaxation. It’s emotional exposure. The act of disrobing, receiving touch, or lying under lights can bring up shame, anxiety, and discomfort—especially for those who feel their body isn’t “ideal.”
If a client is already fighting an internal war with their appearance, neutral or affirming language becomes a small but powerful form of care.
And when your space reflects that acceptance, you’re doing more than just helping skin or muscles—you’re supporting someone’s mental wellness.
5 Ways to Use Body-Positive Language in Your Spa
1. Reword Your Treatment Menu
Avoid phrases that imply a “fix” for a “flawed” body. Instead of “banish cellulite” or “erase wrinkles,” opt for language that focuses on comfort, care, and results without shame. Try:
- “Smooth and hydrate”
- “Brighten tired skin”
- “Support healthy aging”
If you treat body acne or keratosis pilaris, say so without pathologizing the condition. Example:
“This body polish is great for dry patches, bumps, and anyone dealing with keratosis pilaris.”
2. Check Your Website and Social Captions
Audit your site for terms like:
- “Problem areas”
- “Slimming”
- “Fix”
- “Perfect skin”
Replace them with neutral, descriptive language that doesn’t suggest something is “wrong.”
Pro tip: Include images of diverse bodies. If your website only features thin, hairless models with clear skin, it sends an implicit message about who is “ideal” or “welcome.”
3. Update Your Intake Forms
Add questions that normalize body diversity and allow clients to share comfort preferences. For example:
- “Is there anything you’d like me to be mindful of to support your comfort during the service?”
- “Are there any areas you’d like me to avoid or be extra gentle with?”
These options give clients a chance to set boundaries without shame or explanation.
4. Use Neutral, Affirming Language in the Room
Say:
- “If anything feels uncomfortable at any point, just let me know, and we’ll adjust right away.”
- “You never need to apologize here; this space is just for you.”
- “Everyone’s unique — we’re just here to care for you.”
Avoid:
- “Wow, you’ve got tight shoulders! What have you been doing?”
- “Most people shave, but it’s totally fine if you don’t.”
(This seems inclusive but still centers a norm.) - “Wow, you’re really tight / knotted up!”
- “What happened here?” (about scars, stretch marks, surgical sites)
- “You should really come in more often.”
- “You needed this, huh?”
- “Wow, when’s the last time you stretched / worked out / got a massage?”
- “Just relax.”
- “Try to let go.”
- “It’s okay, just breathe.”
5. Prep Your Team (and Yourself) for Sensitive Conversations
Sometimes, clients will say things like:
“I’m sorry I didn’t shave.”
“I know I need to lose weight.”
“My skin is disgusting right now.”
Don’t brush it off, but don’t dive in either. Respond with neutral warmth; affirm their belonging, and redirect and focus on care.
“You don’t need to apologize. I work with all bodies and all skin.”
“You’re here to be cared for — no apologies needed.”
Even if you’re solo, practice this language until it’s second nature. It helps you stay present, compassionate, and confident in moments that could otherwise feel awkward.
Quick Fixes You Can Make This Week
- Replace 3 phrases in your service descriptions that reinforce appearance-based outcomes (like slimming, contouring, anti-aging) with comfort- or wellness-based language.
- Add one new question to your intake form that invites comfort-based feedback.
- Choose one stock photo featuring a body type you don’t usually represent and swap it into your website or socials.
- Write down two go-to affirming responses for when clients apologize for their bodies.
Part 2 of "Welcoming Every Body"
The second part of this series talks about treatment accessibility and some of the behind-the-scenes decisions that either support or exclude clients of different sizes and body types.
Think:
- Tables and robes that fit larger bodies
- Positioning and draping considerations
- Whether to offer weight-neutral detox services
If you'd like to read part 2, you can find it here: Welcoming Every Body: How Equipment, Draping, and Design Impact Client Comfort
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