How to build your own home spa

Supercharge your self-care and beauty routine with your very own at-home spa. It’s easier than you think to set up a tranquil space in your own home that rivals your favorite getaway — and at a fraction of the price. By following a few simple tips, you can create an oasis of relaxation that will help melt away your stress and allow you to recharge. All you need is a little imagination and some basic supplies. Here’s how to get started giving yourself some extra TLC.

1. Set the mood with music. 

Before diving into your day of self-care, create the perfect ambiance with some calming music. Whether you prefer the sounds of nature or relaxing instrumentals, make sure to choose tunes that will help you unwind and get you into a relaxed state of mind. Try a water-proof speaker for your shower or bath so you can enjoy your tunes in the shower or bath.

2. Put your devices in airplane mode.

Part of the relaxation process is shutting out the outside world. But that's pretty hard to do with constant incoming work emails, texts from friends, and push notifications from that language learning app you're trying out. Plus, phones emit blue light which can interfere with our natural sleep patterns and make it harder to relax.

So do yourself a favor and put your devices in airplane mode or, even better, turn them off completely and leave them in another room. This way you can focus on being present in the moment and enjoying your at-home spa experience without any distractions. If you're using your phone as a music player, put it in a safe place where you can't see the screen to avoid any temptation to check it.

3. Set a scented scene.

Candles are inexpensive yet effective ambiance creators. Channel the vibes of your favorite spas with a well-placed candle in a grounding and refreshing scents. Just make sure to keep an eye on any open flames and never leave them unattended.

Not a fan of candles? No problem! Incense or an essential oil diffuser are other great options for filling your space with soothing aromas. Or make cool aroma therapy towels. Soak some washcloths in water with a few trips of lavender oil or another calming scent. Wring out any access solution and pop them in your fridge so that they're ready at the end of your spa day at home.

4. Add some plants

The right foliage can ground your space and make it feel more like a serene oasis. If you don't have a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants that can thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight. Or try herbs like lavender or mint, which not only look great but also smell amazing.

You can also incorporate other natural elements. Fill your sink with smooth stones or use a bamboo bath mat to give your space a grounded, earthy feel.

5. Get the right shower head.

Outfit your shower with a spa shower head system to transform your bathroom into your favorite sanctuary. The best spa-like shower heads provide plenty of coverage and lots of control.

We're a big fan of the hai shower head for its luxurious features like a detachable hand shower, rainshower-like coverage, and spa control slider to let you customize your spray. The spa control slider makes every shower feel like a special event. Adjust it to your favorite flow – from strong, concentrated streams of water to ethereal mists. 

hai helps you treat the planet right while you're treating yourself. It's Bluetooth-enabled, so you can track your water and energy use over time in the hai app. You can also set a custom LED alert to let you know when your shower reaches your preferred temperature. That means you get in at just the right moment without wasting lots of water.

6. Enhance your spa shower.

Once you've found the perfect shower head, there are a few more ways to enhance your shower experience. Try adding steamer tablets to your rinse. Similar to bath balms, steamer tablets dissolve in water, releasing a bouquet of essential oils and botanicals into your shower. Place one on the floor of your shower or tub (during showers, not baths). Let your water run hot, long enough for the tablet to start releasing its fragrance into the ambient steam.

We love them because they take some of the best elements of a bubble bath, bath bomb, or bath salts without the huge amount of water needed to fill your tub. Look for tablets with lemon essential oil to invigorate, peppermint to energize, or lavender to relax and soothe.

For a shower enhancement that's also an aesthetic upgrade, try hanging eucalyptus leaves or lavender from your shower head. These herbs smell great and look beautiful. Plus, they'll make you feel like you're living in a Pinterest board. Warm water can help activate the oils in these plants, filling your shower with even more of their natural fragrance.

7. Choose your spa treatments

Now that you have the perfect setting, it’s time to pamper yourself with an at-home facial, hair mask, mani-pedi, blowout, or any other spa treatment of your choice. When putting together your menu, think about what type of experience you want to create and what will help you relax the most.

The pampering possibilities are endless, but some of our go-to treatments include:

• An at-home facial using clarifying and hydrating face masks packed with active ingredients. To get the most out of your masks, first, open your pores over a bowl of hot water for an experience that rivals professional facials.
• A hair treatment like a deep conditioning mask or invigorating scalp scrub. Try a scrub with peppermint — it's a brain-tingling game changer.
• A mani-pedi using your favorite polish and nourishing cuticle cream. For staying power try gel nails or dip powder.
• A relaxing foot soak with Epsom salts and soothing essential oils. Let your feet bliss out while you sip some spa water and enjoy a good book. Give your heels a good scrub to leave them softer than a baby's butt.

8. Finish off with a luxurious rinse.

Just like at the end of a professional spa treatment, you'll want to rinse off any products you used during your at-home spa day. Here's how to make the most of your post-pampering spritz:

Step 1: apply body oil

Start your shower with a bit of self-massage. Pour a few drops of body oil into your hands and gently massage it into your skin. It will help to improve circulation, invigorate the senses and prepare your skin for the steam. The steam of your hot shower will help the oil and enable better absorption.

Look for a body oil that is light and easily absorbed, like sweet almond oil. If you have dry skin, choose an oil with hydrating properties such as jojoba or argan oil. For normal or oily skin, opt for grapeseed or avocado oil. Eucalyptus oil has a relaxing scent and can even help with sore muscles. Just make sure to combine any essential oils with a carrier bath oil. They can be harsh if used undiluted. Bath oils are a great way to incorporate natural spa products into your routines.

Step 2: sweep away dead skin cells

Step up your body skincare routine with some extra exfoliation. Remove dead skin cells in the shower with a quality body brush, or make the most of your body wash with a loofah. Choose a body brush with natural bristles for the most gentle option. If you decide on a loofah, look for one that is durable and free of harsh chemicals.

You can also try a body scrub. Make your own with coconut oil and sugar. Or shop for one that meets your skin's needs. Choose one with coffee grounds to energize, oatmeal to soothe, or sea salt to detoxify.

Be aware that certain skin conditions can worsen with too much exfoliation, so always consult your doctor if your skin has been sensitive to products or treatments in the past.

Step 3:  finish with a cold burst

The final step in your home spa day? Finish with a blast of cool water. It can help close your pores and leave your skin feeling refreshed. Cold water also helps seal hair follicles to give your locks a healthy shine.

If you want to avoid a full polar bear plunge. Use a handheld shower head like the one from hai to direct an invigorating stream of cool water over less sensitive areas, like the top of your hair and your face.

Wrap up your home spa experience with some grounding breaths and a big glass of water to stay hydrated.  Remember, self-care isn't about perfection. Even if you can't devote hours to your at-home spa day, a few grounding minutes can make a world of difference. So, light some candles, run yourself a shower, and enjoy some well-deserved pampering!