I REALLY wanted to like this spa, but unfortunately did not have a good experience. I booked an appointment upon the recommendation of a satisfied client and named her on my paperwork. I was excited that I could get in immediately, although in hindsight maybe that was a red flag.
Backstory: I am new to the area and have been looking for a good spa to get regular facials with dermaplaning. If I can also get body scrubs/wraps and massages that would be terrific, but not a deal breaker. The dermaplaning is.
First, the good:
I was thrilled that I could book my appointment online. I rarely go anywhere now that I can't book online, because by the time I get to figuring out my calendar for personal appointments, it's the middle of the night and no one is there to pick up the phone. :)
Although the building has a weird, overwhelming smell to it, the office space itself smelled pleasant and was cute and relaxing.
I don't remember the name of the girl I saw. At one point I asked her about recommendations for botox and she says, "oh yes, we go to someone we really love and can refer you to her". Then went on to say it's her boss that goes there, and she had yet to try her, so I don't know what the "we" was about. However, she has great skin and that's always something you want to see in your esthetician. She was pleasant and greeted me promptly. She did a nice job on the dermaplane. Although there were a few missed spots, I'm certain it's related to being fair with blonde hairs and since not being able to see the hairs is a problem with nearly everyone I see, I won't ding her for it.
Next, not so good:
My appointment was for a hydroderm facial with dermaplane. She suggested we start with the dermaplane, and I was fine with that. As we were getting started she asked if I had had it done before. I said, yes, I had it done regularly in the city where I used to live. I went to a spa there for mani/pedicures and didn't realize for a long time they did dermaplaning so when I did, I started going there for both. She responds, "oh, they probably weren't licensed to do dermaplaning. In fact, I would say they weren't, which we would talk about more but since you don't live there anymore and won't be going back, I will let it go."
First of all... what? Why jump right to them not being licensed? I know for a fact they are licensed for it, as I went to the owner for a long time and we talked about it, and we also talked about one of her other staff getting trained and credentialed for it and I saw her licensing certificate. It was a beautiful, well known spa and I loved their work. Anyway, I was taken aback, particularly when at the end as I was paying I asked why I couldn't just book a straight dermaplane on the Exhale website and she said it was probably because, due a change in state regulations, they aren't licensed to perform it in Kansas and are performing "black market" dermaplanes (her words, not mine). WHAT THE WHAT??
As she was preparing for the dermaplane, she said she was going to clean my face with an alcohol wipe to prepare it. The scent is STRONG and as she started to go under my nose/chin area she told me to take a deep breath and hold it, which I did. Apparently I wasn't dramatic enough for her because she kept sitting there telling me to take a deep breath, while I was holding my breath for her to wipe and nodding my head "yes" so she would get a move on. By the time she finally started to wipe the area, I couldn't hold it any longer and ended up exhaling and breathing in right as she was under my nose. The alcohol smell choked me up, which prompted her to say, "didn't they do this at your old place?" while shaking her head and tsk tsk tsking. I guess she really wanted to hate the place I used to go to? I don't know. It was strange.
Finally, the hydroderm facial. She told me the machine was new to them as of just a few weeks ago. I liked being one of the first, understanding they may have a few kinks to work out. Well, the machine flat out wasn't working. Water wasn't running through and after several starts and stops while she tried to fix it, she claimed she was done and asked me if I wanted to add a mask for $15. By that point, I was ready to get out of there and said no.
As I was walking out the door she said, "oh, let me give you my card! If you refer someone both of you get 20% off, they get one at their first session and you get it at your next"... as she said it, she trailed off and I could see it dawning on her that she did not give me a discount for my first appt. even though we had talked about who referred me. Hmm. Guess I overpaid.
You know how usually you spend big bucks on a facial and walk out feeling all fierce and pampered and awesome? Not the case here. I had to go home and apply a calming mask and full coverage makeup just to feel comfortable enough to walk out the door. I was happy with the dermaplane but lots of places can do a great job on that (and are licensed to do it!). read more
