Provider of uniforms for the health and wellness industry, Noel Asmar Uniforms, is tackling the culture shock of face masks in high-touch spa environments.

Company founder Noel Asmar believes that in order for the spa industry to bounce back when spas reopen, it will be crucial to restore confidence in both guests and therapists. In her opinion, masks will play a crucial role in facilitating this as they will help make guests comfortable accepting close-contact treatment and assist therapists’ confidence.

Asmar said: “Safety wear is a cultural shock for many of us and it’s contrary to the high-touch nature of spa and wellness.

“In 2002, I saw spa therapists wearing ill-fitting medical smocks and thought this doesn’t feel right. As spas have an air of hospitality and wellness; why are they wearing medical smocks? That’s what drove me to design spa uniforms. Now, 18 years later, we’re faced with a similar challenge: most masks don’t feel right.”

In response, Asmar has recently launched two types of non-medical face masks – called Modern and Inspire – designed to fit into wellness settings, comfort clients and empower therapists.

The new masks are reusable, feature an adjustable wrap-around head strap, offer a customised fit and can be tailored to match spa uniforms, as well as having a pocket for equipping medical-grade filters.

“I feel for anyone that has to wear a mask all day at work,” said Asmar, “so I was inspired to make that experience as comfortable as it can be through thoughtful design and aesthetics.”

Beyond the design of masks and other safety uniform pieces, Asmar recognises the need for an abundance of caution and guidance.

“Masks are just one of the many challenges facing spa owners and directors today,” she commented.

“As we help write the new Standard Operating Procedures and design the post-pandemic spa experiences, the value guiding all our decisions will be the health and wellness of our people.”