How to Book a Mother's Day Paraffin Hand Treatment

You can book a Mother's Day paraffin hand treatment at almost any beauty salon. Paraffin hand treatments offer immediate relief from painful finger joints, which are associated with age and arthritis. They also soften and hydrate skin. To retain the element of surprise in your gift, think about scheduling the appointment in the week following the holiday.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Call for a reservation at least 2 weeks before Mother's Day.

2. Book a full treatment if possible, which includes a hand massage to promote increased circulation. The entire treatment lasts about 30 minutes and is fairly inexpensive. The benefits of a massage can last 24 hours.

3. Schedule a manicure along with the treatment to add to your gift.

4. Ask whether the salon does foot treatments as well, as you might want to arrange a combination treatment for your mom.

5. Ask the salon whether or not it provides written confirmations. If it does, you can include it with your Mother's Day card.

6. Ask which forms of payment the salon accepts. You may want to pay in advance with a credit card or a check. Mail your check at least 1 week before the appointment, so it has a chance to clear, and confirm that the salon received it.

7. Purchase a pair of thin cotton gloves to add to your Mother's Day gift. Your mother may be asked to wear them after the treatment to retain the warmth and healing benefits longer. Alternatively, choose a pair of well-fitted gardening or driving gloves.

8. Educate your mom about the fact that a paraffin hand treatment involves oiling the hands, and then submerging them in a bowl of paraffin heated to about 120 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Tell your mother to inform the technician if the wax is too hot.

9. Remind your mother to take her hypoallergenic hand lotion with her if she uses one. Salons do not always carry hypoallergenic products and regular lotion may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

10. Advise your mother to arrive about 10 minutes early, so the therapist can discuss any concerns and evaluate your mother's hands before the treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy your mother a paraffin wax hand spa kit if she loves the way her hands feel after the treatment, but neither of you can afford to book weekly salon visits.
• Try the SpaFinder website to locate a nearby spa (see Resource below).
• People who have decreased feeling in their hands as a result of diabetes should consult a doctor before any form of heat therapy. The same goes for those with thin or damaged skin or fragile veins.
• Don't forget to provide a map or directions to the salon, so your mother won't get lost.

Resources

• SpaFinder website to find local spas