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May 28, 2006

A Word On Perfume

As massage students we are told to not wear perfume and heavy fragrances for fear of offending sensitive or allergic clients. I work hard to abide by those standards. Besides not wearing perfume my self, I wash my sheets in "quiet" smelling detergent and do not offer aromatherapy or burn scented candles.

So what is a massage therapist to do when a client comes in wearing heavy perfume or cologne? Some people wear so much that the whole room smells after they leave. I try to vent out the room before my next client enters, but sometimes there just isn't enough time.

Also, some of these fragrances take several washings to get off of my hands. I wash my hands before and after every client, but sometimes I go to lunch and can smell my last client's perfume while I'm eating my sandwich!

It doesn't help that I, too, am sensitive to fragrances. Sometimes, if the conditions are right, perfumes can trigger migraines in me. So, please, if you know you are getting a massage on a given day, try not to wear perfume or cologne.

Posted by linda at May 28, 2006 8:34 AM