Many women can relate to slapping their own face with cold water to give their skin a natural glow. It’s what we have been taught to do by our mothers to brighten tired and dull complexions. However, allowing someone to slap your face as part of a facial might seem a little extreme.
Yet, this is exactly what happens with the Thai Slap Facial. This intriguing treatment currently has the attention of the beauty world and is trending on social media and in beauty circles.
The innovative technique involves a series of rhythmic slaps to the face, aiming to enhance circulation, stimulate collagen production, and promote a youthful appearance.
I know in my own personal skincare regime, I have often gently slapped toner onto my face, and I remember my grandmother once mentioning pinching my cheeks to give them some colour. But hearing of the Thai Slap Facial, I wondered whether I would pay someone to do this on my behalf.
In my research of the treatment I was pleasantly surprised by the many YouTube and social media videos which show up in a Google search of ‘Slapping for beauty’. ‘To keep yourself glowing, slap yourself!’ reads the blurb of one video. Another is headed, ‘A real slap in the face’.
There are also many reports written on the subject. “What if we told you that a good slap could be the secret to glowing, youthful skin?” says an article on Be Beautiful.
“Face slapping is trending on TikTok. But does it really work?” reflects an article in Glamour online magazine.
While this technique is currently trending it is nothing new. It is actually based on an age-old Thai practice.
More Than Just A Trend
The origins of this unique facial trace back to traditional Thai medicine. Ancient Thai practitioners believed that stimulating energy lines, or ‘sen’, could promote overall health. This age-old belief was then extended to facial treatments, with the idea that slapping can invigorate the skin and underlying muscles.
It gets even more intriguing. One of the most renowned figures in this practice is Khemmika Na Songkhla, also known as ‘Madame Breastslapper’ who learned the technique from her grandmother and has been practicing for decades. ‘Madame Breastslapper’?
In the United States, the practice gained prominence through Tata Massage in San Francisco, operated by Rassameesaitarn Wongsirodkul, known as Tata, and her husband, Mawin Sombuntham. Tata trained under Kung Khemika, a master of the technique, and is one of only ten individuals globally certified in this method.
Their sessions, priced at $350, involve a combination of slapping, pinching, and smoothing motions designed to firm the skin and reduce wrinkles. The procedure typically lasts between 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the practitioner delivers precise slaps to areas like the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Some clients report immediate results, such as tighter skin and a noticeable glow.
However, the scientific community remains cautious. Dr Shirley Chi, a dermatologist, is one of the professionals who has expressed skepticism about the anti-ageing claims associated with face slapping, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea.
Pinching And Slapping But Still A Positive Experience, Say Some Clients
Despite the controversy, many clients have shared positive experiences. One reviewer mentioned that after three sessions, their skin felt tighter and more toned, with a reduction in breakouts . Another client described the treatment as invigorating, noting a visible lift in their facial features. These encouraging accounts give credence to the claims that the treatment is effective.
In the UK, the availability of authentic Thai slap facials is limited, primarily due to the specialised training required. However, some wellness centres and spas offer variations of the technique, often incorporating elements of traditional Thai massage. Prospective clients are advised to research practitioners thoroughly and ensure they have received proper training in the method. It’s like this: You don’t want just anyone slapping you!
While the concept of slapping as a beauty treatment may seem unconventional, it reflects a broader trend of exploring alternative and traditional methods for skincare. Such trends are dominating searches on social media and captivating audiences across the globe. People are wanting something that is natural and which works, and it appears slapping might meet these standards.
As with any cosmetic procedure, individuals considering Thai slap facials should consult with qualified professionals before trying it out. Still, the treatment remains a fascinating, albeit controversial, addition to the world of beauty and aesthetics.
I was intrigued by how quickly talk of the facial is going viral and by how something which seems so simple can have so many stated benefits. It makes me wonder how many other things handed down the generations as ‘grandmother’s wisdom’ are also backed by science and can bring measurable results.
