The Day Spa Purchasing Guide

Most day spa owners will need the following equipment and materials to get started:

Candles ($15 - $60 per pack) Massage bed  ($300 - $1,000) Facial Machinery $500 - $3,000) Sanitizer Unit ($100 - $300) Hot towel unit ($80 - $200) Massage oil ($19 - $60) Blankets ($70 - $160) Sheets ($40 - $60 per pack) Pillows ($40 - $70 per pack) Facial steamers ($150 - $1,000)

Body mud ($50 - $150) Nail polish supply ($120) Nail art brushes ($20 - $50 per set) Herbs ($100 - $150) Lotions ($20 - $50 per bottle) Face masks ($20 - $60 per set) Wax ($150 - $200 per pack) Wax warmer ($50 - $250) Wax applicator ($80 - $130) Body salt ($60 - $150)

The costs of starting a day spa will vary depending what sort of services the day spa would like to offer. It is a good idea to budget anywhere from $6,000 - $12,000. This includes materials for massage, body treatments, wax, facial, and pedicure.  

You may want to include more specific services such as steamed facials, or choose to include less services in your start-up and offer more services down the road. This list doesn’t include the decor your will need to set up the relaxing but attractive atmosphere of a spa.

Here are some of the most important buying decisions that your day spa business will have to make. We outline the key considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when making these purchases and provide some popular options.

FACIAL MACHINES

With the advent of electric facials, most modern day spas may want to invest in their very own facial machine.  Although traditional methods such as a steamer for the face to open up pores are more popular, electric treatments are becoming more and more common.  

The function of each electro-facial is different. When designing your facial selection and menu, you want to consider how you will be integrating the machinery to your spa’s facial package. You will want to thoroughly learn how they work and the science behind it, so you can explain to any questioning customers.  

There are many types of electro-facial therapy these days. Some machines include a few different types of these therapies, and tend to be on the more expensive side. One option is to keep things simple and buy a machine with only one functionality to reduce your start-up costs.

Galvanic Current

The most common type of electrotherapy used in spas today, the Galvanic Current is used to open up the pores of the client’s face for easier extraction of blackheads and the like. It also helps absorption of any products that will be applied to the client’s face.

The Galvanic Current process works by first applying an alkaline or acidic solution is applied on the client’s skin, and low electricity is transferred through a metal probe from the machine.

Here are a two options to choose from:

• Low-budget Galvanic Facial Skincare Machine
• Mid-range Portable Galvanic Current Machine

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is used to tone muscles and fine lines. This treatment uses Alternating Current (AC) to promote restricted contraction of the facial muscles. This exercises the muscles so that they are firmer and develop a higher metabolism. This machine can also even out cellulite on other parts of the body.

Here are a two options to get you started:

• Low-budget Unit and Muscle Stimulator
• Combocare Electrotherapy Ultrasound Machine

High-Frequency Treatments

High-frequency treatments are used mostly for reducing acne scarring on facial skin. It can be used to treat some of the worse break-outs, as well as reduce excessive oil production on the face.

Here are a few options to get you started:

• High Frequency Case Facial Unit
• 2 in 1 High Frequency Plus Galvanic Facial Machine

Micro-Current

Often described as a non-surgical facial lift, the micro-current is great for toning the face and giving the skin an overall lift. This technique has been used since the 1970s and can be used on the entire body, though it works best on the face.

It uses electricity in the micro-ampere range and mimics the natural bio-electric currents produced by the body.

Here are a few options to get you started:

• Low-budget Microcurrent Bio-lift Machine
• Supra 3 in 1 Microcurrent with Sonic Skin Scrubber and Ultrasonic Skin Care Machine

MASSAGE BEDS

Massage beds can have many variations, depending on the type of massage you try to employ in your spa. This will be determined by what massage therapists you decide to hire.

Common types of massages include acupuncture, deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, Reiki, Swedish massage, Thai massage, and more.

The length of the massage bed, how thick the bedding will be, firmness of bedding and more should all be considered when selecting the proper massage bed for your spa. Below we list some common massage techniques and what sorts of bed would best suit them.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture requires long, comfortable massage tables with thick paddings. A table width of at least 30 inches with three inch foam padding is recommended.

The tension and pressure during the procedure demands for great comfort for the clients, as many choose to relax on the table after procedures to let their body detoxify.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages come in various techniques and styles. In general, sturdy tables with thicker padding is ideal for therapists who may want to use stones to go deep into the massage, as this ensures that the table can handle the pressure.

Also, you might consider purchasing a heated massage table for this type of massage.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is well known for the high pressure and strength associated with the technique. A good, sturdy table is strongly recommended, as you will need a table that can easily support the full weight of both the client and massage therapist.  

An adjustable table that allows the table top to rest on the floor when needed would also be useful for this type of massage.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage, known for rocking, vibrating and oscillating movements, requires a stable and wide table so that clients feel secure on the bed’s surface.

Fixed installation for these tables are strongly recommended for Swedish massage. Two-inch foam padding will suffice.

 

 

Two options for purchasing equipment for your spa include wholesale stores and specific retailers. Some products may be better to purchase wholesale, such as towels and other disposable goods. Other products can only be found through professional retailers, such as skin care items and other spa-related equipment.

Spa and Equipment

This is a great website offering large selections of professional spa equipment and machineries, such as sanitizers, facial machines, chairs and more. This is a great place to purchase the appropriate hardware for any spa-related needs.

NewDirectionAromatics

New Direction Aromatics sells all the disposable goods that you will need to set up the environment and experience in your spa, including candles, massage-related products and beauty products.

BathBodySupply

A great alternative to NewDirectionAromatics, this BathBodySupply offers private labelling for you to create specialized products that customers won’t be able to find elsewhere.