Quarterly Magazine / Issue 5
RRP £3.99
BustingTheMyths
WHY DON'T MEN USE SPAS?
TreatmentReview
MALE WAXING
FOCUS
THIS ISSUE
STRESSING
out
Men & Mental
Health
Men!
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF
YOUR SKIN
Interviewwith
Matt
BALI HEALTH LOUNGE
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Available only at Bali Health Lounge - 7 Days A Week
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Quarterly Magazine / Issue 5
WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO
Kon'nichiwa!
こんにちは
Our family grew!
"Hello in Japanese"
Our magazine is 1 year old!
It seems our team is forever growing! We’d like
to introduce Zsofia, Paige, Paula and Becki! With
a range of backgrounds, all are a perfect fit to
Bali Health Lounge’s team of professional
therapists! If you see them around, say hi, they
are all very friendly.
The response to our first issue in March 2015
was “why on earth does a spa have a magazine?”
Well we wanted to spread the good word about
massage and facial therapy so we got writing!
With each issue getting prettier, more informative
and a larger readership, we’re looking forward
to many more years!
We taught you to massage...
We set out to help...
We were recognised...
This Valentines our Head Therapist Zsuzanna
taught 12 couples the 101 of massage therapy.
An evening filled with rose tea, chocolate and
aromatherapy oils it was certainly filled with love.
Private sessions between each couple and one
therapist – the evening proved to be educational
and fun!
In March our therapists trained with Jennifer
Young of Beauty Despite Cancer so that we could
learn to extend our massage and facial therapy
services to oncology patients who are often the
ones in the most need. We’re excited to be
helping lots of people in the coming year!
We were thrilled, honoured and proud to have
been awarded, for the second year running,
Spa of the Year (North) by the English Hair and
Beauty Awards. Up against other award winning
spas, this is true recognition of the team’s
endless hard-work and our client’s loyalty. Thank
you everyone and well done!
Produced by Bali Health Lounge. If you would like extra copies please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Bali Health Lounge is not a medically certified institution and information written in this newsletter are not written by a medically qualified doctor.
Any advice or information contained in this newsletter or obtained from any Bali Health Lounge staff or website ("Information") is strictly on a non-medical
basis. All information provided is delivered through our own experience and research. Bali Health Lounge limited is not responsible for any bodily harm or
injury caused as a result of Information provided. If you wish to follow any advice given in the Information and are unsure if suitable for you, you should
seek clarification from your GP or medically certified doctor.
Quarterly Magazine / Issue 5
HelloSpaIndustry
Where Can I Find Gender Equality?
Valued at 94bn US dollars in 2014, the global Spa Industry is currently booming.
This number is up 58% since 2007 and suprisingly, it is one of the industries
which has proven to be resilient through the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. What
is also surprising is that looking at the UK Spa Market today, there is still a very
large gender gap with the representation of average spa clients, with 79% female
and only 21% male!
Bali Health Lounge set out to explore why this was the case and
to bust any myths that might be preventing men from feeling
the wonderful benefits anyone can get from massage and facial
example. Zsuzanna Szelle, Head Therapist at Bali Health Lounge
and former therapist at Gentleman’s Tonic says “Everyday we
had new customers who were looking for some kind of grooming
therapy.
treatment. Once we gave them their treatments they left with
higher self-confidence and would usually be back again the
following month”
Women know more about the benefits of spa treatments
Reason: In the past, most spa treatments, including massage
were often put in the same category as beauty treatments, which
were created by women, for women and often only discussed in
female-dominated social circles and media. Many publications
cover the latest products and target women. This, coupled with
Men going to spas are considered seedy
Reason: Treatments require clients to undress in a closed room
with a therapist who is usually female. The terms “massage
parlour” and “happy ending” have unfortunately become
big spa brands linking up with beauty and make-up companies
for additional exposure, means that not only does the education
about benefits get lost, it is primarily only seen by women.
synonymous with spas for all the wrong reasons. In fact, just
last year Calvin Harris was spotted leaving a massage parlour
and the fuss kicked up on social media almost ended his relati
-onship with Taylor Swift. Men don’t want to be associated with
Myth Busted: The single most popular spa treatment across the
UK is massage. Massage therapy is something that is not limited
to only spas but used also in physiotherapy and the sporting
world where men are just a prominent as women. Massage
therapy benefits such as reduced stress, improved flexibility and
that image, so they’d rather stay away.
stronger immune systems benefit both men and women equally.
professional treatment has absolutely no stigma or awkward
-ness associated with it. In fact many women want to bring their
boyfriends, husbands and sons to spas to reap the benefits of
the treatments.
Men don’t care about their skin
Reason: In the recent Men’s Grooming Consumer report 2015,
conducted by the globally recognised NPD Group - only 22% of
men would use facial skincare products of any kind. Many
reported that they simply have a lack of interest in their skin
and perceived it to be “problem free”. Why then would they
need to go to a spa?
Myth Busted: Okay, we’re not completely busting the myth here,
the facts are facts. But there is a growing trend where men are
caring more about their skin. The growth of male only spas such
as the prestigious Gentleman’s Tonic in Mayfair London is a great
Myth Busted: Let’s not forget 80% of spa visitors are still women,
who also do not want anything dodgy. Whilst these places do
still exist, legitimate and reputable spas are easy to spot. A
tip
If you’re wondering how to tell if it’s a
legitimate spa, have a look at the
blog section on our website
Even with this additional knowledge, statistics and pop culture
pointing towards clientele being more equally balanced, the industry
still faces a large deal of stigma. For example, even amongst female
clients, a female therapist is up to four times more likely to be requ
-ested than a male therapist, regardless of their massage ability.
However, all is not lost! We are optimistic that the trend is moving
towards a more equal industry where treatments are used more by
men, male therapists stand as equals and all people, regardless of
gender, are able to benefit from massage and facial therapy.
Who knows, maybe Bali Health Lounge’s strategy to not use the word
spa and use health lounge instead will help overcome some of the
issues identified here. Their two male directors certainly hope so!
"
Somemencan't
dowithoutspa
I have experienced both the Lycon
hot waxing and the massage services,
as well as the manicure and pedicure
services (all encouraged by my
girlfriend!) ..... everything I need
as a man is available at
Bali [Health Lounge]
– Ashley F
Bali Member
"
Quarterly Magazine / Issue 5
StressingOut:(
Men & Mental Health
With more people than ever in the UK suffering from
at least one mental illness in their lifetime, it is no
surprise that campaigns for acceptance have become
more prevalent.
In the UK 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem
each year with 48 percent of employment and support allowance
claimants in England were recorded as having a ‘mental or
behavioural disorder’. Even among children, aged 5-16, the Office
for National Statistics estimated 1 in 10 children have a clinically
diagnosed mental health disorder and this has been on the rise
over the past decade.
Charities such as Mind and Rethink have been specifically designed
to support people with conditions from anxiety and depression,
to bipolar and schizophrenic disorders. Through campaigns and
awareness raising, they’ve helped to reduce the stigma associated
with these conditions and roll our national support services.
However, there is a noticeably large gap in the experiences,
diagnosis and treatment between men and women. Although
women are more likely than men to have a mental health disorder
and almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder,
in 2013 78% of all suicides recorded were actually male (Mental
Health Foundation).
These are statistics that have not gone unnoticed. Charity CALM
(Campaign Against Living Miserably) was specifically set up to
reduce male suicide, which is now the biggest cause of death in
males under 45.
“With the whole "I'm a man, man up!
I can't talk about it" attitude, it makes
it a lot harder for blokes to be in tune
with their body and mind, it's
silly really."
– Chris, Bali Member
it was down to the individual. One explained - “I think it is less so
a differentiation of men vs women, but rather personality types,
where there is a difference in this between men and women hence
a secondary effects of men and women having differences in
feeling stress”. Others suggested that as men feel they can’t speak
about it, this actually makes it worse.
A study by The University of California found that when experien
-cing triggers such as stress, both men and women equally have
the classic fight or flight response. As a result, oxytocin (a happy
hormone) is released. However, this is more likely to reach and
affect women as the higher levels of testosterone in males
counteracts the oxytocin designed to help them.
This means men are more likely to respond with either aggression
or avoidance, whereas women were more likely to engage in what
researchers called a “befriend” response – they seek out comfort.
In addition, it appears that different things affect the mental health
of men and women. Although most of our men surveyed said that
they agree both genders will be affected by the usual stuff from
work, family and health to missing a train and technology breaking,
many expressed that they feel largely stressed by the expectations
of them. This included expectations to be strong, to be professional
and to support their families.
How Do Men Experience Mental Health Issues Differently?
We surveyed our clients, staff and the public to find out how men
feel stress, anxiety and depression and we asked – do you talk
about it?
Why Are Men Less Likely To Seek Help?
Beth Murphy, Head of Information at the charity Mind, said: “While
there is no gender difference in the prevalence of mental health
problems, women are much more likely to seek help than men,
and are more willing to talk about their own mental wellbeing”. In
Although the response was mixed, with some claimed that women
and men will definitely experience it differently, but most thought
addition, our survey found that most men wouldn’t be likely to go
to their doctors about their mental health and for the ones that
would, they believed other men they knew would be unlikely to.
Figure 1. People in contact with mental health and learning disability services by highest level of care
and year 2003/04–2014/15
People in contact with services
Percent admitted
1 2%
2,000,000
1 0%
1 ,600,000
8%
1 ,200,000
6%
800,000
4%
400,000
2%
Percent admitted
Number of people
2,400,000
/5
15
14
13
12
11
10
09
08
07
06
04
4/
3/
2/
1/
0/
9/
8/
7/
6/
5/
04
3/
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Source:Health & Social Care Information Centre (October 2015a)
March 2016 Key facts and trends in mental health
http://goo.gl/bVEw1v
The result of less exposure to oxytocin as mentioned above is likely to mean that
men will avoid their emotions and distract themselves so won’t even consider
seeking help. Whereas women, who are more exposed, will look for support
over their issues i.e. confiding in a friend, visiting a doctor and attending
counselling. Government research supports this as the Chief Executive
of the Men’s Health Forum states “Men are less aware of their
symptoms than women, and are more reluctant to seek help”.
Alongside this, there are perhaps more socially relevant
reasons that men are less likely to seek help. For example,
as men are traditionally seen as being the ‘stronger’ sex
and their socialisation demonstrating this. One man
surveyed said he felt there were common beliefs in
society indicating this such as “men should be heads
of the family... men should make the first move etc”.
Some felt that it was only acceptable to seek help
for mental health issues in “extreme cases”. Another
explained “This is due to the perception of men hist
-orically as alpha males. This image closes any options
for them to seek help, as it will seem weak”.
How Can Massage Help?
Among other benefits such as reducing headaches, joint
pain, muscle pain and fatigue, massage is an excellent way to
help relieve stress, anxiety and improve sleep. Not only does it
help you to relax, which is key in tackling negative emotions, the
act of massaging encourages the release of your happy hormones
such as serotonin and dopamine which actively balances out depression.
A study by the University of Miami School of Medicine found that levels of the
stress hormone cortisol were reduced by up to 53% after a massage treatment!
Disclaimer: This article is referring to general mental health which can deteriorate when triggered by varying aspects of a stressful
lifestyle. It is not referring to ongoing psychological issues that may be incident related, genetic or acute mental health conditions. In
addition, if you are feeling low, please consult your doctor. It’s not unusual and help is always available.
Quarterly Magazine / Issue 5
MaleWaxingTreatmentReview
In November, we decided we wanted to bring a bit more
equality to the spa, so we introduced male intimate waxing!
With our female intimate waxing and all other unisex waxing
services growing in popularity, we only felt it was fair to
meet the demand of our client requests.
The Waxing Studio found that more men than ever are
‘manscaping’ with 30% admitting to waxing their chest, 33%
waxing their abs and a large 95% said they do some form
of grooming and maintenance on their intimate areas.
What is Male Intimate Waxing?
Male intimate waxing refers to the waxing of any, some or all of
the following; crack, testicles, pubic, buttocks. We offer a range
of services which can be tailored to the client’s needs, depending
on area size, hair thickness and whether or not you have been
waxed before.
Does It Hurt?
The big question! Ultimately it is entirely down to the individual
– their pain threshold, the thickness of their hair and how regu
-larly they get waxed. From our experience, the sensation is
uncomfortable but bearable. The more regularly you get waxed,
the easier and less uncomfortable it will become.
“I like getting waxes regularly.
It makes me feel cleaner, my
girlfriend likes it & it doesn’t hurt
as much as you’d think”
– Ben
Bali Member.
for years. This was only improved further by the introduction of
our Head Therapist and waxing expert – Zsu Szelle. Zsu worked
as a therapist at The Gentleman’s Tonic Mayfair and has extensive
experience of male waxing and treatments. Zsu has trained some
of our keen waxing therapists to the highest standard.
When it comes to male intimate waxing, you’ll find our therapists
to be respectful, quick, efficient, supportive and knowledgeable.
We use Lycon Hot Wax specifically designed for tough male hair
which ensures you get the easiest wax with the best results.
Not to mention... a beautiful setting, fantastic customer service,
a hot beverage in our tea lounge after treatment & it’s even
discounted on our Membership Scheme!
Why Us?
We know waxing can seem a bit scary, so picking the right place
is key!
We’ve held an incredibly high standard for waxing in Manchester
To find out prices & book yourself in, pick up a leaflet
from the front desk or speak to one of our friendly
team.
Quarterly Magazine / Issue 5
Men!HowToTakeCare
OfYourSkin
52%
Did you know that the male beauty and
of male consumers consider
health industry is more popular than
their looks & appearance
ever? Not showering & throwing on some
either important or very
clothes have been replaced by exfoliations,
important
masques and extensive beard care. Men are
overall taking a more active approach to their
skincare regime, much like their female counterparts
have done for years!
In which case, it’s important to note that men’s skin
is very different to women’s skin in many ways.
Although it comes down to the individual, the large
difference between hormone balances of men and
women mean that their skin has a different texture,
look and even smell.
We thought we’d offer some professional skincare
advice for all you lovely chaps out there...
Why Is Male Skin Different To Female Skin?
Significantly more & visible facial Hair (too obvious?)
Testosterone stimulation in men means their skin
is 25% thicker & tougher than a woman’s
Sebum is more present on male skin than females
after puberty, creating oilier skin.
Higher collagen, which is directly related to signs
of aging. This means on average, a man’s skin is
15 times younger than a woman’s of the same age.
How To Look After Your Skin Don’t assume just because your skin looks & feels
tougher, that it is. It still needs just as much care,
regardless of your sex.
You need to understand your skin type before
you can take care of it! It could be normal, dry,
sensitive, oily or combination. Speak to one of our
experienced therapists today to assess your skin
type & recommend you appropriate products.
Stop using soap! Many men seem to use soap
to wash their face in place of purpose-specific
products. Soap is not only perfumed so incredibly
harsh on your already rough-textured skin, it
completely dries it out and doesn’t cleanse properly.
Get yourself a proper cleanser & toner.
Moisturise. Hot water from showering and shaving
both directly dry out your skin, so it’s incredibly
important to put the moisture back in. Find one that
compliments your cleanser & toner and use it daily.
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. As men’s
skin is naturally oilier, it is easier for your pores to
get clogged with this oil and dirt from the air. A
proper scrub will get deeper into the skin and
remove this, preventing spots waiting to surface.
Beard Care
If you’re opting for the sexy lumberjack look we
recommend treating your beard like your regular
hair - this means washing, conditioning & trimming!
Try to remember that there is facial skin under
the beard so cleanse your beard properly.
Quarterly Magazine / Issue 5
InterviewwithMatt
"
I find that because
people assume nobody
wants a male therapist,
it creates an idea in
people’s heads that
they shouldn’t have
a male therapist.
"
What made you want to become a therapist?
I completed a Sports Science course when I
was younger and then started a Sports Therapy
course but didn’t finish it. That was my intro
-duction to Massage & Reflexology. I always
regretted not finishing my Sports Therapy so
when I was in my late twenties and needed a
change of career I picked it up again but then
did a Holistic Therapies course instead. It defi-nitely gives you job satisfaction knowing you've
helped people feel better and de-stress.
What would you do if you weren’t a
therapist?
My favourite other job was working in a House
specialist record shop selling vinyl and DJ'ing in
clubs at the weekends. We had a few great
years in the shop but then everyone started
downloading so there was a real slump in vinyl
sales and we had to close. I still DJ from time
to time which I still really enjoy but it's not
really sustainable as a career unless you make
it to Fatboy Slim level.
What’s it like being a male therapist in a
female dominated industry?
It’s not bad! Our team are really great and
although most of them are women, we all get
on really well and it’s not overly girly.
What about client’s attitudes towards
male therapists?
I don’t think it’s too much of a problem. I find
that because people assume nobody wants a
male therapist, it creates an idea in people’s
heads that they shouldn’t have a male therapist.
It’s all about mindset - if a Physio is a man or you
want a Sports Massage, nobody cares that it’s a
man – but in a spa environment, people seem to
think it’s different, but it’s not.
Why choose Reflexology?
It’s a balancing treatment. It’s often more relaxing
than massage and it's recently become more
popular as The Membership allows people to try
it out. As soon as they do try it, they realise how
great it is. Reflexology can restore balance to the
body helping the organs work better together, it
also reduces stress, anxiety and encourages
sleep.
What’s different about working for Bali
Health Lounge?
It’s just a really great team and a good atmos
-phere to work in. We all work really hard to
create a relaxing comfortable environment
but we can also have a joke at the right times.
Why is getting regular treatments so
important?
To reduce stress. Stress can cause all sorts of
illnesses – physical and mental. I’ve worked
with clients with mental health issues and
when they come regularly, they really do feel
the benefits; less anxiety, sleeping better and
it alleviates depression.
Why don’t you think men get regular spa
treatments?
It’s just assumed to be a woman’s territory
isn’t it? But it’s really not. Every day we have
men in the spa and we’re definitely seeing
more men coming for treatments on a regular
basis. I think things are changing.
"My therapist Jo was
amazing and eased a�
my knots and aches
and my lower back which
had been giving me a
little grief lately. My
massage left me feeling
so relaxed and chi�ed"
- Sharon M
“I love this place.
Relaxing decor, friendly
and professional sta�.
Their massages are
just lush!”
- Sam
“The best spa in
Manchester”
– Buzzing007
93%
“What a lovely experience...
The quality was second to
none! Fu� Body Massage
- 1 Hour of sheer bliss!”
– thedonohoesj
“Mint place. Came once,
now I’m a member.”
- Chris
“The spa itself was fantastic,
the sta� were extremely
friendly and the massage
itself was amazing!”
- Sam
4.5 /5
4.7 /5
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MASSAGE / FACIAL / WAXING / MANICURE
0161 850 2288
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