The start of 2020 brought high hopes for a year unlike any other and while it may have been a memorable year, it was for unexpected reasons. A global pandemic brought the world to its knees and forced change in every conceivable industry, especially those that rely on in-person interaction.
The spa and wellness industry underwent significant change in 2020 and we can expect many of those changes to persist throughout 2021. Though lockdowns and COVID-restrictions may have put limitations on certain treatments and services, new trends began to emerge. Touch-free services like cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and float therapy became the norm and we can expect these trends to continue.
But what does the post-pandemic future have in store for the spa therapy? Keep reading to find out.
The Top 7 Post-Pandemic Spa Trends
The need for social distancing has led to an increase in touch-free and limited contact services in many industries, including the spa and wellness industry. Even as COVID restrictions are lifted, however, concerns about public safety remain high and spas around the world will have to adapt. Though we expect to see a return to traditional spa treatments from facials to massage, we also expect to see a revival of new and old spa trends in the coming year.
Here are some of the top spa trends we expect to see post-pandemic:
- Purification treatments. More than personal hygiene, personal purification treatments for the face and body may be popular in the post-pandemic world.
- Digital services. From online meditation classes to digital wellness tracking, post-pandemic clients will continue to look for digital services that limit direct human contact.
- Detox treatments. Cleansing and detoxification treatments such as body wraps, hydrotherapy, and infrared saunas may continue to grow.
- Rituals. Treatments that incorporate ancient practices, traditional medicines, and cultural rituals may continue to rise in popularity among spa and wellness clientele.
- Maskne treatments. Even as the COVID vaccine rollout continues, mask mandates remain in effect in many areas. Treatments for mask-related acne will continue to be popular.
- Mental wellness. Through guided meditation, digital workshops, and specialized treatments, more spas may begin to focus on mental wellness in addition to physical wellness.
- Touchless services. On top of touch-free check-ins, spas and salons may continue to offer touch-free services to their clientele in the post-pandemic world.
While the global pandemic has been a stumbling block for countless businesses in the spa and wellness industry, it has highlighted the need for health and hygiene. According to the 2021 Wellness Index launched by Mindbody, 78% of Americans said that wellness is more important now than ever. That’s good news for the spa industry but savvy business owners must stay on top of the trends and adjust their practices to meet the changing needs of their clients.
Tips for Relieving Pandemic-Related Stress
After more than a year of wearing masks and social distancing, we’re all ready to get back to some semblance of normal. Even as COVID restrictions start to ease and businesses begin to reopen, however, the effects of the pandemic continue to linger. If you find yourself suffering from pandemic-related stress, here are a few ideas to help you relax:
- Detox with a full-body scrub. Relax, detoxify, and exfoliate your skin with an aromatherapeutic body scrub then follow it up with a hydrating moisturizer to leave your skin silky smooth.
- Indulge in an at-home spa day. Light an aromatherapy candle, fill the bath, and add your favorite essential oils then enjoy a relaxing evening soaking in the tub by candlelight.
- Relax with a professional facial. Let someone else do the work for you and indulge in a professional facial treatment to help erase the signs of stress from your skin.
- Share a couples massage with your partner. Lie back and relax with your partner and enjoy a customized couples massage followed by a romantic dinner.
The past year has been a difficult one for all of us but even in the midst of the struggles and hardship we’ve learned some important lessons. Above all, we’ve learned never to take life for granted and that sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back from our obligations to indulge in a little self-care. As the world continues to recover from the global pandemic, we can expect the spa and self-care trends discussed above to carry on and continue evolving.