Salons vs. Spas: What's the Difference?

With the new wave of terms like “Day Spa” and many establishments claiming to offer spa treatments, many people are wondering, what the difference is between a salon and a spa. If you are considering which place will be the best for a day out with friends, there are many ways to tell the difference. Consider the following things to determine if an establishment is actually a spa or just a salon with spa treatments.

Length of Visit

In general, most people expect to spend a whole day at a spa and just a few hours at a salon. A spa should offer a line of treatments to allow for a complete day of relaxation. However, most salons offer a limited range of treatments such as a haircut, nail treatment, or waxing. This is not to say a spa is better than a salon. A salon is the exact place you want to go if you simply need a haircut and want to get on with your day as quickly as possible. A spa is generally a place where there is no rush and clients take their time enjoying various treatments.

Service Offered

A spa should offer many more treatment options than a traditional salon. Facials, massages, and water therapies are a must. For example, a spa should have a sauna, whirlpool, and several private treatment rooms. A salon is generally an open area where everyone is treated in the same area. However, you may be provided a private room for certain waxing procedures. Spas generally have a larger list of skin treatments, as well as relaxation options. You generally will find that spas offer things like ultrasound treatments or Botox. A salon will usually focus on minor treatments, while a full service spa will offer full body treatments.

Accommodations

In most cases, a spa will provide more plush accommodations than a salon. At a salon, no one expects you to wear a robe for a haircut or pedicure, while at a spa this is the common attire. Most spas will also provide beverages and appetizers for clients; some even have restaurants on the grounds as a way to enjoy a lunch with the girls. It is not uncommon to see wine or champagne served in a spa, while it might be shocking to go to your local salon and be offered an alcoholic beverage. There should also be resting areas at a spa that include plush couches and loveseats. Most people like to have a relaxing place to sit and relax between treatments.

As you can see, a spa is usually a larger facility that offers more amenities and treatments. However, a salon is a place to get quick treatments on a regular basis. You will also find that prices will vary between a spa and a salon. You might pay a hundred dollars for a skin treatment at a salon, while the same treatment runs much higher at a spa. You will always pay more if the accommodations and extras have more to offer.