Are you supposed to shower before or after a massage?

Author: Selina Conroy  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

While there are no hard-and-fast rules, most therapists and seasoned spa-goers agree that showering before a massage - whether it be an in-home massage or at a salon -can significantly enhance your experience.

Is it better to take a shower before or after a massage?

It's generally recommended to wait at least an hour after a massage before taking a shower to allow the oils and lotions used during the massage to be absorbed by your skin. However, you can check with your massage therapist for personalized advice based on the specific techniques and products used in your massage.

What should you not do before a massage?

  • 1. Eating a heavy meal before the massage
  • 2. Drinking alcohol or caffeine before the massage
  • 3. Being dehydrated
  • 4. Wearing jewelry or other accessories that could interfere with the massage
  • 5. Not communicating with your massage therapist about any injuries or areas of sensitivity Upvote Profile photo for Ssaamir

What happens if you don't shower after a massage?

Myth 3: You cannot shower after a massage

It will not reverse the benefits of massage nor cause too much blood circulation. Showering after massage is a personal preference, not a health risk. The exception is if you've had a skin treatment massaged into your skin.

Should you wash your hair before or after a massage?

Some folks shower and wash their hair before a massage. If you're super sweaty or dirty, that's totally fine. But washing your hair prior is really not necessary in most cases. Save the hair washing for after the massage if having lotion in it bothers you.

After Massage Tips

What is the first rule of massage therapy?

The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.

Is it better to shower before or after a face massage?

Washing your face before facial massage is essential to ensure your skin absorbs all of the benefits of the product you'll use during the massage.

Do and don'ts after massage?

Drink extra water after your massage. Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you're dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.

Why masseuse burp when massaging?

It's possible that a masseuse burps because he or she receives the effect of the massage itself. “I mean, masseuses use their energy when applying pressures. So maybe, since they're using their own hands, and the therapy oils, there's a stimulation on their palms.

Is it bad to not shower after a spa?

Yes. Your hot tub water contains chemicals like chlorine or bromine; these are needed to kill harmful bacteria and keep your hot tub clean and safe, but they can cause skin irritation if not washed off. Showering after each hot tub session is particularly important if you have sensitive skin.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

What not to say during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Do you wear anything for a full body massage?

For afull body massage, most people undress to theirunderwear or go nude, depending on theircomfort level, and themassage therapist keeps you covered with a drape. Arrive inloose-fitting clothing to easily slip off before relaxing on themassage table at the spa.

What to do and not do before a massage?

Stay Hydrated

Being well hydrated before your massage is very important to eliminate toxins that are released into the body's circulation during treatment. Drinking water or herbal tea are excellent methods for staying hydrated. Avoid regular tea, coffee, alcohol, or any other stimulants.

What kind of shower is best after massage?

Epsom salt baths are an excellent way to relieve muscle soreness and promote relaxation after a massage therapy session. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and relax muscles. Adding Epsom salt to your bath water can also help to reduce muscle cramps, spasms, and pain.

Is it okay to sleep after a massage?

Rest. If clients are feeling tired or fatigued after a deep tissue massage, one of the best things they can do is rest. Whether it's mental or physical fatigue, a nap, a good night's sleep or simply just doing nothing for a while can be incredibly restorative and help the body to re-tune itself.

How long after a massage can I shower?

While you can shower after a massage, waiting at least 2-3 hours allows your body to fully benefit from the oils. You can take a lukewarm shower (skip the hot water) a few hours after the massage. Remember to use a gentle cleanser to rinse off any excess oil, but stay away from harsh soaps and scrubbing.

What is the clicking noise during massage?

Cavitation is described as a formation of gas bubbles in a fluid environment when pressures are lowered; the sound is caused from the “popping” of these bubbles. Every joint in our body is surrounded by a thin cartilaginous capsule; inside this capsule is a small amount of lubricating fluid between the joints.

What is the crunchy feeling when massaging?

Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.

Why do they say not to shower after a massage?

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

What is the most favorite body part to be massaged?

The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.

How often should you get massages?

1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.

Should I shower before a full body massage?

Be sure to come in fresh and clean before your appointment. You don't want any sweat, chlorine or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, it's just the polite thing to do for your massage therapist. If you have time, a nice, warm shower can help relax your mind and your muscles before your treatment.

Why do you have to go to the bathroom after a massage?

Kneading and working muscle gets fluid pumping out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it heads toward your kidneys. That's why many people have to pee right after a massage. (Naumann Carlstrom says some of her clients can't get up from the table fast enough.)

How long to wait to eat after a massage?

After your massage, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before eating. This allows your body to fully absorb the benefits of the massage and settle into a state of relaxation.

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