Groupon offers a vast selection of health, beauty, and wellness services, encompassing everything from haircuts and manicures to Invisalign and electrolysis. But we understand that, before buying Groupons or redeeming them at excellent local merchants, our customers might have some questions. After all, who among could say they know exactly how microdermabrasion works? (If any professional aestheticians are reading this, that question was rhetorical.)

Below, our staff of beauty experts and editors have compiled the many The Guide articles created to inform our customers about 47 of our favorite health and beauty services.

Massage

Massages are part of traditional medical practice the world over. Nowadays, you can expect to see most of the modalities below in your average spa. Read how they can help, then shop massages.

Is Massage Good for You? We Ask an Expert.

How your muscles are like a keyboard, the difference between Eastern and Western techniques, and other facts that will help you get more out of your next massage.

All About Swedish Massage

Learn why Swedish massage isn't so Swedish after all and why it's possibly the most popular technique in the Western world.

Everything You'd Want to Know About Hot-Stone Massage

Hot-stone massages are almost exactly what they sound like: therapists heat smooth stones to about 127 degrees to help loosen muscle tension.

"I feel a little bit drunk. Like massage drunk—is that what they call it? I feel amazing."

– Groupon blogger Favin after an ashiatsu massage

Sports Massages Are for Pro Athletes and Casual Exercisers

Sports massage is similar to Swedish massage, though therapists often alter the strokes to help increase flexibility or rehabilitate athletic injuries.

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy: The Literal Foot Massage

Ashiatsu massage subverts expectations, as therapists use their feet, not their hands, to apply deep and broad pressure.

A Chiropractor Explains What Backs Really Want

We chatted with a chiropractor about how his method of care works and why, when you throw your back out, it doesn’t actually help to lie on a hardwood floor.

"The vast majority of pain cases are insidious, meaning they don’t have an apparent cause."

– Dr. Christopher Wolcott, Southport Wellness

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal doesn't remove all hair, but it does a better job—with longer-lasting results—than traditional epilation methods. Read more about the treatment's specifics below, then shop laser hair removal services.

How Does Laser Hair Reduction Work?

For people who don’t want hair on their legs, underarms, or other body parts, the stubble that arrives after methods like shaving and waxing is an unwelcome guest. Lasers may produce more significant hair reduction.

Did You Know? 

Because melanin is in both hair and skin, some lasers have difficulty treating darker complexions or lighter hair. Nd:YAG lasers, however, uses longer wavelengths that work on dark skin. Read more about different types of lasers.

 Fat-Reduction Treatments

You probably know that liposuction can suck out fat cells. But did you know that there are a number of technologies (usually available at med spas and doctor's offices) that can shrink fat cells? Read about each treatment below, and shop services for liposuction and weight loss.

All About Laser-Assisted Weight Loss and Body-Contouring Treatments

If you’ve ever wondered about how reduce body fat, you’ve probably considered laser-assisted weight loss. But the world of body contouring is complex. Read our guide, then check out the more in-depth articles below:

Smartlipo: A Minimally Invasive Version of Liposuction

i-Lipo Uses Laser Energy in Effort to Shrink Fat Cells 

What Technologies Does VelaShape Employ to Contour Body Areas?

Zeltiq Uses Cooling Panels to Freeze Fat Cells

Zerona Uses Laser Energy to Penetrate Fat Cells

Ultrasonic Cavitation Attacks Fat with Sound Waves

 

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin-B12 Injections?

Those who are vitamin-B12 deficient may experience fatigue and weakness—factors that could inhibit the effectiveness of diet and exercise plans. B12 shots may help increase energy levels.

Injectables and Dermal Fillers

Depending on their formulation, these injections are capable of softening wrinkles, stopping lines before they form, or filling in sinking and thinning skin. Check out what each type treats, and shop for injectables and fillers.

All About Wrinkle Injections

Read our primer on wrinkle injections for a better understanding of the medications you can use to combat the signs of aging.

What Is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox can help improve the appearance of crow's–feet and frown lines between the eyebrows.

Dysport Helps Soften Lines Between the Eyebrows

Dysport can help improve the look of glabellar lines between the eyebrows.

"When it comes to Botox, the needle is so small, a mosquito bite would hurt more."

– Physician assistant Emily Dowe, Epithereal Skin Care
Seven Insider Tips from a Los Angeles Botox Expert

Restylane Fills in Facial Wrinkles and Enhances Lips

Restylane can help smooth folds around the nose and mouth or increase the of thinning lips.

What Is Juvéderm XC and How Does It Work?

Juvéderm XC may smooth laugh lines, which can become more pronounced with age.

How Juvéderm Voluma XC, a Dermal Filler, Takes on Hollow Cheeks

As we age, our cheeks lose volume, but Juvéderm XC Voluma can help alter that sunken look.

Beauty Services

Haircuts, mani-pedis, highlights, gel polish, blowouts—the world of beauty is big. Below, we get down to the basics of how to maintain strong nails and hair and how to choose the best treatment for you. Shop nail services, hair services, and general beauty.

Acrylic, Gel, or Silk? Finding the Right Artificial Nail for You

Fake nails have come a long way from their press-on past. Explore three varieties of artificial nail types before deciding which suits you best.

Survey Says

Our highly scientific study showed that nearly 42% of Facebook respondents said that your manicure doesn't have to match your pedicure. What's your take?

 

How to Take Care of Your Hands Between Manicures

A nail technician tells us why your hand-care regimen should include warm water, color breaks, and tropical vacations.

How Do Keratin Hair-Straightening Treatments Work?

Keratin hair-straightening treatments come in a wide variety of brands, all of which claim to eliminate frizz and generally make wild, untamed hair more manageable.

Partial Highlights, Full Hightlights, Balayage, or Ombre?

Learn about these four popular color treatments before upgrading your 'do. 

The Beauty Secrets of Industry Insiders

The people who give us mani-pedis, facials, and blowouts on what to look for and what to order next time you’re at the salon or spa.

Facials

Facials commonly comprise cleaning, exfoliation, and moisturizing. Beyond that, though, there's room  to customize the service to each client's special needs. Read more below, and shop facials.

The Spa-Goer’s Guide to Five Common Facial Treatments

A breakdown of facials, peels, and microdermabrasion—read this before your next spa visit.

All About Basic Facials

Though basic facials sound unassuming, they can truly benefit skin, especially since each one is tailored to the individual’s skin type.

Everything You'd Want to Know About Men's Facials

The skin of men and women differ in areas like thickness, hydration, and oil production. That’s why facials tailored specifically to men’s skin exist.

Did You Know?

There's a theory that you may be able track the internal triggers of your acne by noting where pimples emerge on your face. Read more about acne mapping.

 

How Anti-Aging Facials Hone In on Concerns About Mature Skin

Anti-aging facials use traditional techniques paired with products geared toward mature skin.

All About Anti-Acne Facials

How an acne facial attempts to kill bacteria, unclog pores, and reduce oil production for teens and adults.

What Is an IPL Photofacial?

These days, photofacials are more than just having someone snap your portrait every few hours. IPL photofacials are a specific type of photofacial that uses intense pulsed light to treat a variety of skin concerns.

What Does Microdermabrasion Do?

Microdermabrasion can turn the phrase “fresh-faced” into a literal description. That’s because the minimally abrasive treatment removes the topmost layer of skin, leaving faces looking clearer and smoother.

Tanning

Lying out in the sun is easy enough, but getting an "artificial" tan is a bit more complicated. From the levels of UV tanning beds to the difference between spray and airbrush tans, there's plenty to learn. Read more below, and shop tanning services.

Top Tanning Questions, Answered

A tanning salon owner talks realistic expectations, SPF, and tanning with eczema.

"Whatever tan lines you want are fine. But if you want to be naked, go for it."

– Matthew Turner, Halsted Street Beach Tanning

Waxing

Few services have a practitioner getting so up close and personal, but our customers are big fans of waxing. From eyebrows to toes, different methods remove unwanted hair. Shop waxing services.

Eight Awkward Questions About Bikini Waxes, Answered

An aesthetician answered our bikini wax questions about periods, trimming, and tipping.

Did You Know?

You should generally refrain from any hair maintenance, like shaving or trimming, for two to three weeks before your waxing appointment.

Dental Care

Getting a yearly checkup is just one part of having a perfect smile. Various forms of teeth whitening, plus a revolutionary variety of braces, have more people than ever grinning widely. Shop services for teeth whitening, dental care, and braces.

All About Teeth-Whitening Treatments

Americans spend over a billion dollars every year to achieve a perfect Hollywood smile. Fortunately, there’s a teeth-whitening option for everyone.

Don't Let the Results of Your Teeth-Whitening Treatment Fade Away

How to keep your teeth looking white long after your trip to the whitening clinic. You don’t even need special toothpaste.

The Root Causes of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay targets your teeth all day long. We provide you with intel on your enamel’s arch-enemy.

How Do Braces Work?

Gone are the days when having braces resulted in a cruel nickname. Today’s braces are less noticeable than their predecessors and have even been worn by celebrities.

Eyelash Extensions

Even though our resident bloggers had trouble keeping their eyes closed, the application of eyelash extensions is a relaxing experience. Especially if you consider the dramatic result. Shop eyelash extensions services.

How Do Eyelash Extensions Work?

Eyelash extensions are meticulously applied by aestheticians for a dramatic look for special events or everyday photo shoots.

Mink? Synthetic? Acrylic? Which Eyelash Extensions Should I Get?

Dramatic or natural? That is the question. The other question: What kind of budget are you on?

LASIK Eye Surgery

Eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses are the bane of some people's existence. Luckily for them, laser eye surgery can attain results as good as 20/20 vision. Shop LASIK.

How LASIK Eye Surgery Reshapes the Cornea to Improve Vision

If you add up all the minutes you’ve spent getting a new prescription or even just looking for your glasses, it’s probably longer than the time it takes to get LASIK eye surgery. The quick procedure treats various vision problems.

Your Burning LASIK Questions, Answered

How does it work? And more importantly, what if my eye moves while the laser is on?