Sauna 101: A Warm Guide with Hot Takes on Sauna Etiquette
Lost Language is more than just a place to sweat.
It’s a social space for shared experiences rooted in presence and wellbeing where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned heat-seeker or new to the world of sauna, this guide is here to help.
Think of it like a soft nudge…
a reminder that culture comes from within, along with a belief that a shared understanding goes a long way in creating the thoughtful, lasting community culture we aim to build at Lost Language.
To ensure the vibes are high and our space feels warm, here are some of our favorite tips (and hot takes!) for showing up well for yourself and others in sauna.
1. Come clean…Literally
Arrive freshly showered and free of lotions, oils, or fragrances. Not only is this more hygienic in a shared space, but it also keeps our saunas and cold pools feeling fresh and clean for all guests to enjoy.
2. Take your towel with you
Sitting on your towel in sauna means a sanitary and respectful experience for everyone. And if you know our values, then you know we care about every BODY over any ONE. Plus, this helps keep our benches in great condition so they can continue to serve our community for years to come. (Years of sauna? Yes, please!)
3. Honor the vibe!
We’re a social sauna space, which means we value quality time with others. And as people who put people first, we know that sometimes everyone needs something different.
So what does that mean?
Well, it means it’s good to “read the room.”
Sometimes, silent, reflective sauna rounds are needed. But so are ones full of meaningful dialogue. (Heck, we even dare you to laugh!) And this is something we trust our guests to navigate. When you “mind the vibe,” you honor your fellow sauna-goers.
At Lost Language, we know that humans are unique and ever-evolving. So we’ve built a space where people can come as they are and leave feeling better. When you visit our space, that’s what you agree to.
4. Keep the heat in the sauna.
In general, it’s polite to hold the door for others…except in sauna! Leaving the sauna door open means letting the good heat go. (And that makes us feel sad.) If you’re ready to exit the sauna for our cold pools, try asking others if they’re ready for a dip, too. That way, you can all leave the sauna together and lower the frequency at which the door opens…and precious heat escapes! And if you’re the only one ready to cool off, no sweat—just make sure the door closes behind you!
5. Ask before you add steam.
Our stewards will lead multiple rounds of löyly, a Finnish word that refers to the steam that’s created from adding water to the rocks—and they’ll always ask you if you’d like to participate first.
Adding water to our sauna rocks is welcomed. And for many, it can be a spiritual, reflective moment. But it does create a brief wave of heat that can sometimes feel intense, even for sauna enthusiasts. So, before adding water to the sauna rocks, be sure to ask your fellow community members if they’d like to enjoy some steam with you.
And don’t forget: a little water goes a long way. Start with half a ladle and add from there.
6. Skip strong scents.
Out of care for our guests with sensitivities, we ask that you avoid perfumes, colognes, essential oils, or strongly scented body products. Let’s keep the air neutral and enjoyable for everyone.
7. Hydrate and have a snack.
Drink water before, during, and after your session! We love adding an LMNT packet or an electrolyte tab to water to help replenish minerals lost while sweating. We also recommend a light snack before your session so you’re not running on empty. Just remember: No glass or food in the sauna!
While we hope it never happens, please know that our stewards have the right to ask any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol to leave their session immediately and without a refund. When you sign our guest waiver, you agree to our “no-tolerance policy.”
But a Long Drink post sauna? Now that’s something we can get behind.
8. Respect your stewards.
Our sauna stewards are kind, welcoming guides who are there to ensure you have the best experience possible. They keep an eye on the heat, check in on guests, and mind the vibe. Treating them with respect and kindness is not a suggestion, it’s the only way!
And if you need something while you’re with us, never hesitate to ask. Our stewards are with you every step of the way.
9. Leave your phones at home :)
This one’s simple but essential: leave your technology at home. As a space that prioritizes community and wellbeing, we know you’ll rest and connect best without distractions.
Want to take a quick pic of the space before or after your session? No problem. We get ya gotta do it “for the gram.” But our space is not the place for any of the following:
a work call
a FaceTime with bestie (Invite them to the sauna, duh!)
content creation for your TikTok
a timelapse of your experience
emails, dms, or slide decks
If you still have questions, ask our stewards. They’re the vibe curators…and they give great advice.
10. Show up for the community.
Lost Language is more than a sauna. It’s a gathering place for quality time, where small gestures ripple into a more thoughtful, connected culture. So lead with kindness. Say hello. Make space for your neighbor. These little moments and gestures make everyone’s experience meaningful and lasting.
If you're looking to slow down, be present, and reconnect with yourself and others, you’re in the right place. At Lost Language, we’re not just heating bodies, we’re tending to the seemingly lost art of quality time with others. This is a warm place for slow time, and you’re always welcome here.