Bloomington spas cater to students health, beauty needs

Spas that were once considered a frivolous expense have been part of a recent trend developing around Bloomington. The spa trend, which has recently spawned such establishments as Les Champs Elysees and other establishments, is catering to IU students' health needs as well as their beauty needs. \n"There has absolutely been an increase in spas but not just in Bloomington, it is part of a national trend," said Carmen Delgado, owner of Carmen Delgado Spa Oasis Spa and Salon at 2613 E. Third St. \nDelgado has seen the face of Bloomington change over the years and has seen firsthand the increase in spas. \n"When I first came here I was the first I was the only one with an esthetic license, and now there are over 1,800 in the state of Indiana," she said.\nMany of the spas are catering to the student population. Les Champs Elysees, located at 601. N College Ave., decided to open its doors because of experiences owner Margarete Disque had as a student at IU. "I was a student and there was nowhere to get Aveda (beauty products)," Disque said. "I obviously wanted to bring the product to Bloomington because it is a good one." \nDelgado feels the increase in spas' popularity can be attributed to a significant student population from large metropolitan areas. \n"There are many international students that go to school here and students from big cities that are used to going to spas," Delgado said. "Kids from big cities like New York, Chicago and L.A. are used to it, but people are also becoming more sophisticated about taking care of themselves." \nJames K. Lewis, the manager of Mondo Salon and Spa at 222 S. Walnut St., said there was a time when people thought it was a frivolous expense, but they are realizing it is a major health benefit. Mondo caters to the student population by offering an everyday 15 percent student discount. \n"It's not just to pamper yourself," Johnson said. "It's a health thing -- massages are great for people with arthritis and for athletes." \nSpas are known for massages, but Delgado said the most popular service among students are the waxes. \n"Temporary hair removal is very popular," She said. "Young ladies like to keep their bikini area nice and tidy." \nLewis also said the wax treatments are popular, but for different reasons.\n"College-age guys get their chest waxed, back waxed and ear waxing is popular," he said. "If guys want the whole deal they can get it waxed here." \nMany of the spas are getting an increase in appointments because of spring break, and Delgado said she starts to get appointments in January for spring break. Though vacations can be a good reason to get a wax, Disque said she sees her clientele pick up during other times. \n"We get a lot of appointments for spring break of course, but we also see an increase right after they get back for any type of holiday or before graduation," Disque said. "Right before finals students need a break, people need the attention to themselves." \nDelgado agreed, saying she feels the massages and skin treatments are great for students under a lot of stress. \n"Massages trigger endorphins and they are a great stress reliever and it is better than popping pills or drinking martinis," Delgado said.