Your First Massage: What to Wear, How Often and How to Prepare

Before their first massage many women have the same questions: what do I wear, what exactly happens, how often is it sensible? Here are the honest answers, so you arrive relaxed.

For many women the first massage is a small step they think about for a long time. Not because the massage itself is difficult, but because questions go round in their heads beforehand: What do I wear? How much do I have to take off? May I talk? And how often should you actually do this? This post answers exactly these questions – without jargon, the way we would explain it in the studio.

Faircare by Inna is a massage studio for women only in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg. Many of our clients come to a massage for the very first time. If you still have a question after reading, simply ask it when booking or at the start of your appointment.

What to wear to a massage

The short answer: something comfortable that is easy to take off and put on. How much you undress depends on the massage you have booked and the area being massaged: for a back massage you uncover your upper body, for a full-body massage you take off everything except your underwear; everything that is not being massaged at the moment is covered with a towel. You are never uncovered on the bed.

If you are unsure, just ask at the start – Inna briefly explains what comes off for your treatment and what stays on. Take off jewellery, your watch and hair ties beforehand; long hair is pinned up loosely so that neck and shoulders are free.

  • To the appointment: comfortable clothes, no tight waistbands that press after the massage.
  • On the bed: depending on the massage – upper body uncovered for a back massage, everything except your underwear for a full-body massage. The towel covers everything that is not being massaged at the moment.
  • For facial treatments: arriving without make-up is pleasant but not a must – we cleanse the face first anyway.
  • After the massage: a little oil stays on the skin. A dark top is more practical than silk.

How do I prepare for a massage?

Not much is needed. Three things make the difference: do not arrive on a full stomach (a light meal one to two hours before is ideal), drink a glass of water beforehand, and allow a few minutes of buffer so you do not arrive out of breath. A shower beforehand is pleasant but not required.

Think briefly about what you want: relaxation in general, or one particular spot that needs attention? And is there anything we should know – a recent injury, a skin condition, a pregnancy, an allergy to oils? You tell Inna all of this in two sentences at the beginning. Then she knows how to work.

How your first appointment at Faircare goes

You arrive at Rykestraße, put down your jacket and bag and get a moment to settle in. Inna briefly asks about your wishes and anything she should take into account. Then you have time to lie down on the bed in peace – Inna leaves the room or turns away until you are lying covered.

During the massage you do not have to do anything. No helping, no lifting your arm, no talking. If you want to talk, you may; if you fall asleep, that is the nicest compliment. The pressure is checked once at the start and can be changed at any time. “A little lighter” or “longer there, please” are the only sentences you need.

At the end you get another moment to yourself, a glass of water and – if you like – a note on what did your body good. You can pay in cash or by card. We speak English, German and Ukrainian.

How often should you get a massage?

The honest answer: as often as it does you good and fits into your life. There is no compulsory rhythm. Still, some orientation helps:

Your goalRule of thumb
Simply switching offWhenever you need it – even once a quarter is perfectly fine
Loosening office-job tensionEvery two to four weeks until the neck feels normal again, then as needed
A regular time-out as a routineOnce a month as a fixed date – many clients book the next one right in the studio
Lymphatic drainage or anti-celluliteHere the series counts: several appointments at shorter intervals, we discuss this with you

Important: a wellness massage is not a medical treatment. If you have complaints that do not ease off, the first stop is your doctor – the massage can be a lovely addition afterwards.

After the massage

Do not plan anything strenuous after the appointment. A walk home, a quiet evening, plenty of water – that lets the effect linger. Some women are tired after their first massage, others wide awake; both are normal. A slight pulling in spots that were massaged more firmly can appear the next day and disappears on its own.

A beautician's hands gently massage the temples of a client covered to the neck with a turquoise towel.
  • 1 hr 20 min
Full-Body Wellness Massage

Our comprehensive wellness massage for women covers the back, shoulders, neck, legs and arms. Calm, flowing movements combined with individually adjusted pressure can help you relax deeply.

FAQ

What should I wear to a massage?

Something comfortable that is easy to take off and put on. How much you undress depends on the massage and the area: your upper body for a back massage, everything except your underwear for a full-body massage, and everything that is not being massaged is covered with a towel.

Do I need to bring anything to the massage?

No. Towels, oil and everything else are provided in the studio. Take off jewellery, your watch and hair ties before the massage.

How do I prepare for a massage?

Do not arrive on a full stomach, drink a glass of water beforehand and allow a few minutes of buffer. Think briefly about what you want and what we should know, for example a recent injury, a skin condition, a pregnancy or an allergy to oils.

How often should you get a massage?

As often as it does you good. To switch off, an appointment as needed is enough; for office-job tension every two to four weeks; as a fixed time-out once a month. For lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite treatments, a series at shorter intervals counts.

I am ticklish, does a massage still work?

Yes. Firm, broad pressure tickles far less than light touch. Mention it beforehand and Inna will work accordingly.

Can I come for a massage during my period?

Yes, if you feel fine. We leave out abdominal massage during this time. During pregnancy, please talk to us before booking.

Is Faircare really for women only?

Yes. Inna treats women exclusively, and you will only meet women in the waiting area too. The studio is on Rykestraße in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg.

Conclusion

For your first massage you need nothing but a free slot and comfortable clothes. Everything else – how firm the pressure is, where Inna should stay longer, how often you come back – is your decision. And that is exactly the point: it is your time.

Book your appointment now