A day at the spa

For those who want spa services, but don’t want to leave their kids at home, there’s now a winning solution. Bring the kids along and indulge, too, at Serenity Salon and Spa’s, “The New Kid’s Spa” in Post Falls.

The salon offers specially designed spa treatments for kids from ages 5 to teens.

Salon owner Tiffany Hatch says spa treatments for kids benefit more than their physical health.

“The kid’s spa treatments help instill self-esteem. It helps kids feel good about themselves on the inside and on the outside,” she says.

Shirley Wood, whose Indian name is Nee Ha Ne, is the salon’s seasoned esthetician.

“At first, some of the children can be scared, since most of them have never had a spa treatment,” she says. “But after their first experience, it opens a whole new world.”

Wood says she uses no chemicals or perfumes in her facial treatments, and uses clay for skin treatments that she obtains herself. Opening a jar of her special moisturizer, one smells the delicious scent of fresh mint; in others, she may use coconut oil from Hawaii. For children with allergies, she’ll concoct lotions or creams designed especially for the child’s needs.

The salon doesn’t do artificial nails, because of the strong chemicals involved. Hatch prefers to use the most-natural products, using brand names such as ABBA and Redken for hair care.

The New Kids Spa offers four packages for children: Princess, Diva, Junior Sports and Sports packages, priced $35, $45, $35 and $45, respectively. All include three treatments: an all-natural facial, a manicure or hand and nail treatment, and massage or cut and style. Other services can be added at an additional price.

Hatch keeps the cost affordable for families with children.

“Some spas charge $85 for children’s spa treatments,” she says. “We’re charging considerably less, making it affordable for most families. And the adult bringing the child in receives a discount on services.”

Wood adds that the spa services aren’t just for girls.

“My grandson in Spokane plays basketball and loves to get a massage,” she says.

Besides massages for boys involved in sports activities, many boys can use assistance with their nails and hands. Some boys enjoy having a facial, as well, which can help address acne. After their treatments, each child gets to take home a clear zippered bag containing cleanser and an all-natural moisturizer. Also included is a white washcloth.

“We like to help start children on a lifetime of good skin care habits; a regime that will last. Children need to learn how to take care of their bodies and skin,” Hatch says.

Safety is taken seriously by Hatch. Besides the natural products for children, child CPR training is required for their massage therapist who works with the children.

Hatch notes that those uneasy with the idea of their children receiving a massage, should be aware that children stay fully clothed. Most of the time parents stay with their children during the treatments.

A useful service the salon offers is that appointments can be scheduled nearly any time that is convenient for customers, since those working at the salon are contractors, Hatch notes.

“I’m a single mom, and I can appreciate the need for flexible hours, especially for parents. Some salons have set hours for their workers, but here, you choose your own. So we can usually always accommodate our customer’s needs.”

Hatch also accommodates those wanting a spa party for their children. The first party they hosted was for Hatch’s own daughter. It was a success.

“We don’t do food, though,” says Hatch, who learned from the experience. “We tried that and it got a bit messy. Cakes and treats can be covered before or after the treatments, elsewhere.”