Only trained Spa Junkie reviewers can submit an EXPERT REVIEW on our Expert Review page. 

    Spa Junkie Experts are extensively trained in various areas of spa treatments and sanitation practices.  The Spa Junkie Expert Reviewers must be licensed or trained in at least two areas of aesthetics, office management, spa treatments and more.  They must also undergo our own rigorous training in areas of critical review, bacteria culturing, and procedures. If you own a salon or spa and are interested in receiving an extensive review please feel free to contact us.

    Spa Junkie Experts are hired by spas and salon owners to give a critical assessment of their spa or specific treatment areas.  The spa or salon staff does not know when we are coming or what treatments we will be investigating. 

    Every aspect of the salon/spa is considered and evaluated. The scheduling procedures, layout of the design, theme, treatments offered, aptitude of the technicians, value, uniqueness, and sanitary practices are rated individually as well as a component of the complete spa experience.

    Included in our critique and review, bacteria samples are taken from various public and private areas and processed through a lab for levels of E Coli, staphylococcus, streptococcus and shigella. Detailed recommendations will be made at the end of the assessment period through a five page report provided to the salon/spa owner.  The report will include the results of the bacteriologic counts, critical report of the staff, procedures, spa treatments, sanitation practices, levels of expertise, and more.

    These reports are used as a basis for our expert review pages. 

On our expert review pages, we take into consideration, the lobby area, waiting rooms, treatment rooms, expertise of the technicians, cleanliness and comportment of the front office, sanitation practices, value compared toward other salons/spas in the area, the uniqueness of the experience.

RATING KEY:
Michelin has it’s Stars, Zagat has its Ratings Book, TheSpaJunkie.org has the Aromatherapy Candle:

Each Spa is rated on all the levels above, and that total is taken into account before a Spa is given an Aromatherapy Candle. These candles are NOT easily earned. A specific treatment at a spa may earn them a Poor, Fair, Good, Great, or Exceptional rating but multiple treatments at a spa must be reached in all categories in order to receive a candle. These candles can be given and taken away as service changes.

The award of candles

One Candle:

Overall experience was Good, but not great. While one treatment may have been exceptional, others may not have been.

Two Candles:

Overall experience was Very Good. Two or more treatments may have been found to be exceptional but there was something lacking, either in direction, adherence to theme or other issues.

Three Candles:

Overall experience was Excellent. But there was still something missing.  Perhaps the costs were high, or the waiting time may have been greater than average.  Something as minor as having no towels in the bathrooms may keep a spa from achieving a perfect 4 candle rating.

Four Candles:

Overall experience was Near Perfection. Exceptional experience received in all areas of design, sanitation and technical expertise. Consistency of excellent service is the key for obtaining four candles.