White Dahlia Massage and Wellness — Local services in Raleigh

White Dahlia delivers consistently worthwhile spa experiences. Their hours are broad enough to be convenient for nearly anyone's schedule, their prices are both fair and competitive, and their environment is clean, spacious, and calm. The owners are friendly and seem genuinely grateful for their clientele, both in person and on social media; the front desk staff always greets visitors with a smile and a pleasantry; and seeing Kat or Noelle behind the desk is always a treat, as both of them are especially warm and personable, and frequently go out of their way to provide excellent customer service.

When it comes to massages, Brian is, hands down, the most effective massage therapist I've ever encountered and, as a bonus, is an absolute pleasure to spend time with, which I especially appreciate since -- as a devout yogi with a tendency to push myself -- I'm almost always at least a little injured, and am thus always on his table for physical maintenance rather than relaxation. In conjunction with my chiropractor and yoga therapist, Brian is directly responsible for helping me heal from a serious hip flexor injury that affected my ability to even walk comfortably last year, and, this year, has made significant strides in nursing my more newly injured shoulder and pec minor back into practicing shape. He's also great at time management, and -- unless I come in nearly immobile -- always saves at least a little time to address and release the general muscle tension that builds up from stress. Without his knowledge, patience, strength, dedication, genuine concern, and fantastic sense of humor, I would not be well enough to maintain my practice, feel like myself, and avoid fairly constant mild pain. He is essential to my health and happiness, and I'm incredibly grateful for him.

Lastly, I greatly appreciate that, unlike Massage Envy, which I recently tried as a result of having received a gift certificate, no one at White Dahlia will ever make you feel as if you're being hard-sold, coerced, herded, rushed, or made to waste your time filling out inane paperwork. Even if Massage Envy were more cost-effective than White Dahlia, which it's definitely not, you couldn't convince me to switch. I'll take genuinely skilled massage therapists; friendly, non-sales-y receptionists; and owners you can reach out to -- be it with praise or concerns -- and receive a prompt, professional, and personal response to over a hydraulic massage table any day.

If you haven't yet tried them, you definitely should! And tell 'em I sent you! They're a family; they know who I am; and, soon, they could...

This might be a good place for a first-time massage. If you are an experienced LMT, or someone who has had massages from average-to-high caliber therapists, you will probably find this place very lacking. Aside from the very sterile feel to the waiting area, and the unfriendly receptionists, there is no essence of relaxation or calming energy anywhere in this place. It is a "chop-shop" to the bone. The 8 LMTs I saw there were okay-ish to terrible. The LMTs seem to also bring a "chop shop" kind of mentality: they don't seem to understand things like eye covers, neck pillows, how to actually use aromatherapy or what it is, how to create a peaceful atmosphere, how to NOT TALK DURING A SESSION, how to work muscles from origin to insertion, what deep tissue is, how to listen to and follow client requests, that you need to have your music working (and not have it cut out constantly), that you are prepared and competent, etc, etc. Honestly, I kept thinking I wasn't choosing "the right therapist" and somehow wasn't getting the ones everyone is raving about. I have even waited a MONTH+ to get sessions with specific people who were 'their best' and it was all subpar. Not a single therapist there really seems to have "it." They would be better suited working at dental offices or at a computer. I did massage for 14 years and in 3 different states, and if this is the best Raleigh has to offer, then the standard is radically inferior to everywhere else we've lived. I honestly can't think of 1 redeeming quality. I tried to like this place. I figured there was something I'm missing. The only thing I'm missing is a good massage, because this place isn't it. Oh, wait, there is 1 thing great: the estheticians. The best massage we had there was from them. The most relaxing time was from them. Props to the...

I am posting this review as an employee as well as a client. I cannot explain how much I love White Dahlia! I have been working here for a year. I truly care about all of my co-workers. Everyone is knowledgeable and has a passion for helping people attain their wellness goals. I have enjoyed massages from many therapists, gotten facials, and I also get waxed on a monthly basis.

The spa is impeccably clean. We all do our daily cleaning duties, and it goes a long way! I love the beautiful white glow. It captures the vivacious feeling I experience after I receive a massage.

One of my favorite things about this business is the owner, Jenny Abhau. She is a truly caring person; she treats the staff and the clients like family. Jenny celebrates staff and client birthdays with hand-written cards and flowers. As a person who was raised by my parents to write thank you letters and things like that, it means a lot to receive one. I love that little bit of personal touch; it goes a long way.

So if you're in the market to get a massage or rev up your skin care regime, look no further! Friendly, educated staff with an owner who truly loves her business? How can you say no?

**Update on review - While I no longer am employed at White Dahlia, I enjoy going in for massages from Amy and Colton! Both are very talented and give the best...