The issue with tipping at red door is that the services are so expensive i.e. Just shy of $300 for a 1 hour facial that to add on 20% to that makes it prohibitive to go back - the aesthetician was truly wonderful however and of course I had to tip her because she was great and it's not her fault red door has a poor policy for her salary but for the amount red door charges the customer the tip should already be included. I have been to wonderful spas around the country where an 18% gratuity is included with the cost per service ( and the service costs were actually less then red door pricing ) It was a real turn off when I was asked at my red door check out if I will be using my "card to pay for the tip " For the prices charged the wonderful aestheticians should be paid better by red door spa so they would not need to rely on overcharged customers gratuities for their salary . I will be getting my facials at my dermatogist for now on . And by the way - my family living in Europe laugh at how Americans tip - from taxi drivers to bar tenders to salon services - they are paid a salary and tips are not automatically expected - in Italy you give the taxi driver a " round up " tip" leaving a $10 for a $9.60 fare . Because you already paid for the service as charged . - just saying

Mrsmagoo, I'm so glad your daughter's BP resolved itself. Just to add to the info for anyone else who may come upon this... I had BP about 3 years ago. Long story, but I noticed I couldn't wiggle my ears... went to look in the mirror and saw that my smile and all facial movements were asymmetrical. My DH is a doctor so he suspected BP and we went to the ER. The ER doc diagnosed me and was about to discharge me with some oral steroids, but decided to call up to ENT and found a doc there on a Sunday afternoon. She was so very helpful -- gave me eyedrops to keep my non-blinking eye from drying out, and some ointment to help ward off eye infection. And taught me how to tape my eye shut so I could sleep. Yep. One of the side effects of the oral steroids is depression, and I was in a serious funk. Maybe due to the meds, maybe due to being self-conscious about my non-blinking eye and droopy mouth. Also, some foods were hard or impossible to eat and I kept biting my tongue. I was lucky, and it was pretty much gone within a month. I have an acquaintance who got BP after an attack of shingles, and she has had it, quite severely, for months. I found that it is common during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. I was afraid I'd have a recurrence during my 2nd pregnancy, but luckily I didn't. HTH. Amy

Oh Jannie, I am so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I don't generally post over here, but I caught this thread and had to respond. First, The state of NY does require a license specifically to practice massage. It sounds like this person has no business offering massage if she is a manicurist. Second, I do hope you will try massage again. When done correctly, it has a multitude of wonderful benefits and should make you feel nothing but good. A good therapist should always be keenly aware of the proper pressure and comfort level for a client. It's true that one can sometimes have some soreness the days following (especially if the session was therapeutic, targeting a specific issue), but that should not be the norm and any good therapist is going to talk to you about that possibility before you ever start the session. I also bet this person did not advice you of the importance of drinking water after a massage. If you are ever in my neck of the woods, I would be happy to re-introduce you to what a massage should be. I've had a successful practice for ten years and still love every minute of what I do and how good I can make people feel. I do hope you will give it another go in the future with a real professional. The best way to find a good therapist IMO is to ask around. Word of mouth has always been my primary marketing tool and it has served me well. It has also served me well in finding my own massage therapist. I wish you well and again,on behalf of all of us in the massage world that love our jobs and clients, I am sorry you had such a terrible first experience. Erin

I get a collagen facial about twice a year - for many reasons. It's extremely relaxing, includes not only facial muscles, but shoulder, neck and scalp massage. It's deep cleansing that is non-abrasive and then restores moisture and oils to the skin. Much deeper cleansing than a wash cloth and body soap. I get my facials at the Spa where I get my nails done. Of course, the facials and massages are not done by the same people - different talents skills and certifications.