Question of the Month

What were the biggest spa trends of the year?

Whether it's incorporating organic products into your treatments or investing in the latest advanced facial equipment, your services change based on consumer demand.

As 2009 winds down, we look back at some of the biggest trends—according to a sampling of several spa professionals:

"A lot of clients came back to waxing. It's become one of our most profitable services." —Celeste Hobson, owner, Savannah Day Spa, Savannah, Georgia

"Everything is becoming more green. People are requesting environmentally friendly products and services—anything that makes them feel more earth-conscious." —Laura Renicker, lead of operations, St. Luke's Women's Health Spa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

"The recession has definitely had an impact on our business. Some clients are stretching the duration between their appointments and choosing ones that take less time. It's become socially trendy to appear low-maintenance." —James Reza, general manager, Globe Salon, Las Vegas

"Mineral makeup is still very popular with our clientele. It was the biggest beauty trend of the year, and it spilled over into the spa." —Loretta Taylor, director of spa operations, Ahsí Spa at Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York

"Men at the spa. Our male clientele has increased, and it's a noticeable change. Men are now regular spa-goers rather than being dragged in by women." —Brenda Van Dyke, owner, Vallie Marie Day Spa, Beaumont, Texas

"Focusing on wellness rather than pampering, and committing to environmentally friendly practices. Now we eat, breathe and sleep green." —Maggie Paterno, owner, Orange Skye Day & Wellness Spa, Red Bank, New Jersey

"Supplements are now an important part of overall skin care. Spa services have become focused on treating internal as well as external nutrition." —Lisa La Barre, owner, La Barre Skin Nutrition at Spa 415, Beverly Hills, California

"Results-oriented services. Clients want instant gratification. If they're giving you $150, they want more than just a feel-good treatment. They desire services such as microdermabrasion, body detox and firming facials. And, since many spa-goers tend to be in a rush, they enjoy express manis-pedis." —Amy Lopez, spa director, Pala Spa, San Diego

"The biggest trend at the spa is finding ways to provide value for our clients. We've started offering a pay-as-you-go series: Pay for the first and last of a six-treatment package up front and the rest as you use them." —Kaffee Keldis, owner, Kaffee's Garden Spa, West Palm Beach, Florida

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