
“Massage and Extras” gets used a lot in Nairobi ads, DMs, and listings, but it doesn’t always mean the same thing. Sometimes it’s a simple add-on like longer time, aromatherapy, or a different technique. Other times, people use the phrase as a vague hint at services that aren’t clearly stated, which can lead to awkward moments, pressure, or outright scams.
This post keeps things clear, respectful, and non-graphic. You’ll get a plain-language breakdown of what people usually mean when they say “extras,” why the wording stays fuzzy, and why clarity matters for consent, pricing, and your personal safety.
You’ll also learn how to compare common massage types, what to ask before you book (so there are no surprises), and how to spot red flags like shifting prices, unclear locations, or rushed agreements. The goal is simple: help you choose a reputable provider, set boundaries early, and leave with the service you actually wanted.
What people mean by “Massage and Extras” in Nairobi
In Nairobi, “Massage and Extras” is a phrase that shows up in ads because it’s short, attention-grabbing, and flexible. The problem is that it’s too flexible. Some providers use it to mean normal massage upgrades with clear options and prices. Others use “extras” as a vague hint, then reveal details later, sometimes with pressure or shifting costs.
The safest approach is simple: treat “extras” as a question mark until you get a clear list, clear prices, and clear boundaries. If someone can’t explain what they offer in plain words, you’re not booking a service, you’re stepping into guesswork.
Legit massage add-ons vs vague “extras”: the simple difference
Add-ons are service upgrades that are stated clearly, priced clearly, and easy to say yes or no to. Think of them like ordering a coffee with an extra shot, the menu is upfront, and nobody gets offended if you skip it.
“Extras,” on the other hand, often means the provider is not being specific on purpose. It can be used to bait attention, test what you’ll accept, or create room to upsell once you arrive. That doesn’t mean every “extras” listing is bad, but it does mean you should ask for exact details before you move forward.
Here are examples of clear, normal add-ons you can request (and expect a price for):
- Extra time (for example, 90 minutes instead of 60)
- Aromatherapy oils (choice of scent, allergy check)
- Hot stone add-on (extra heat work, usually time-limited)
- Deep-tissue upgrade (more pressure, slower work, not a whole different service)
- Couples session (two therapists or shared room, clear timing)
- Home service (transport fee, what they bring, setup needs)
A practical rule: if it can be written on a price list, it’s probably a legit add-on. If it’s “we’ll talk when you get here,” pause.
Why clear language matters (consent, comfort, and avoiding trouble)
Clear wording protects consent. You should know what will happen before you agree, and you should feel free to say no at any time without pushback.
It also protects comfort and professionalism. A good therapist sets expectations early: what the session includes, what areas are worked on, what draping looks like, and what is not offered.
Privacy matters too. Vague chats can lead to risky situations like sharing too much personal info, meeting in sketchy locations, or being recorded or blackmailed. You reduce that risk by keeping communication direct and refusing unclear plans.
Use respectful, specific questions like:
- “What exactly are the add-ons, and what does each cost?”
- “Is the full price agreed before we start?”
- “What are your boundaries, and what don’t you offer?”
If the answers stay fuzzy, the price keeps changing, or you feel rushed, walk away. Clear boundaries protect both you and the therapist, and they keep the session simple and stress-free.
How to ask about services and prices without awkwardness
When people say “Massage and Extras,” the awkward part usually comes from guessing what the other person means. The fix is simple: be polite, direct, and specific, like you’re ordering from a menu. Ask for a written price list, confirm what’s included (time, massage type, location), and agree on the total before you show up. If a provider is professional, they won’t be offended by clear questions.
A good rule: keep messages short, stick to facts, and don’t negotiate your boundaries in the moment. Get everything confirmed in writing, then book.
Quick message templates you can send on WhatsApp
Copy, paste, and edit these so they match your situation:
- Asking for a price list:
“Hi, please share your current price list for 60/90 minutes and what each option includes. Thanks.” - Asking what add-ons are available (non-explicit):
“Do you have any add-ons like extra time, aromatherapy, hot stones, or deep-tissue upgrade? Please share prices too.” - Confirming the total cost before booking:
“To confirm, the total will be KSh _ for _ minutes, including any add-ons, with no other fees. Is that correct?” - Confirming location and parking:
“What’s the exact location (area and building name), and is there secure parking available? If it’s an apartment, what’s the unit number?” - Confirming appointment time and session details:
“Can we book for _ (day) at _ (time) for a -minute massage? Please confirm how early you prefer I arrive.” - Asking about therapist credentials and professionalism:
“Are your therapists trained and certified? Also, what’s your draping policy during the session?”
Questions that prevent “hidden charges” and last minute pressure
You’re not being difficult by asking these. You’re doing what adults do when money and boundaries matter.
- “Is tipping expected, or is it optional?”
This prevents the uncomfortable moment at the end where you feel pressured to add cash. - “Are add-ons optional, and can I say no during the session?”
A clear yes here tells you they respect consent and won’t upsell aggressively. - “For outcalls, is transport included, and what areas do you cover?”
This avoids surprise “fuel” or “distance” fees after you’ve already agreed. - “Do you have any packages or membership deals, and what are the terms?”
If you plan to book again, you’ll know if the discount is real, and what it requires. - “What’s your cancellation and rescheduling policy?”
This protects you from losing a deposit for a reasonable change, and it shows how professional they are. - “Do I pay before or after, and what payment methods do you accept?”
It reduces scams and confusion, especially if they switch terms last minute.
If any answer stays vague, or the price keeps shifting, treat that as your sign to move on. Clear plans make for a calm session.
Choosing a reputable massage place in Nairobi
When “Massage and Extras” shows up in an ad, your best protection is a simple rule: don’t guess. A professional massage place will feel like a normal service business, clear prices, clean setup, and calm communication. If it feels like secrecy, rush, or confusion, you’re not being picky by stepping back, you’re being smart.
A reputable provider also makes the session predictable. You know what you’re paying for, where you’re going, and what the therapist will (and won’t) do. That clarity is what keeps things safe, respectful, and stress-free.
A simple credibility checklist: training, cleanliness, and clear policies
Use this like a quick scan before you book. The more boxes you can tick, the better your odds of a professional experience.
- Therapist training or certification: They can state their training (school, course, or certification) without getting defensive. Bonus if they match you with a therapist based on your needs (sports, deep tissue, relaxation).
- Proper intake questions or a short form: You’re asked about injuries, pain points, pressure preference, allergies, and any areas to avoid. If they ask nothing, they’re not working safely.
- Business address and a stable location: They share an exact address (building name, floor, room, and area) before you arrive. A professional place doesn’t hide where it operates.
- Transparent price list (in writing): You get clear rates for 60 or 90 minutes, plus any add-ons. No “we’ll discuss when you get here.”
- Clear boundaries and policies: They explain draping, what clothing is removed (if any), which areas are treated, and what is not offered. Respectful conduct is not negotiable.
- Clean room basics you should expect: Fresh linen, clean towels, a covered bin, handwashing, and a room that smells clean (not just heavily perfumed).
- Sanitation habits you can see: Wiped surfaces, clean tools, and therapists who wash hands before starting. Oils and creams should be dispensed cleanly, not dipped into with bare fingers.
- Secure payment methods: Till number, card option, or an official business payment channel. A receipt is a good sign.
- Reviews and social proof that look real: Look for detailed reviews that mention timing, cleanliness, and staff behavior. Be cautious with pages that have only perfect ratings, repeated wording, or dozens of reviews posted in the same week.
Red flags that often show up with “extras” talk
Some situations are less about massage and more about pressure. If any of these show up, take it as your cue to pause or leave.
- Pressure tactics: “Hurry, last slot,” “You must decide now,” or guilt-tripping when you ask basic questions.
- Unclear pricing or shifting totals: The price changes after you arrive, or you’re told the “real” cost depends on what happens later.
- Refusal to describe services: If they can’t explain what’s included in plain words, you’re walking into a trap.
- Payment to personal numbers only: Especially if they push you to pay before sharing the address, or they keep changing the payment details.
- Last minute location change: Moving you from a known building to “my place,” a hotel room, or an unfamiliar spot with vague directions.
- No boundaries: Flirty messages, sexual hints, or pushing past what you already said you want. Professional massage stays professional.
- Offers that feel too good to be true: Huge discounts, “VIP treatment,” or promises that sound like bait.
Trust your gut. If your stomach tightens, your mind gets noisy, or the situation feels off, you don’t need a debate. End the booking early, leave, and pay only what was agreed (if anything was provided). Your safety and comfort come first.
Safety, boundaries, and consent for clients and therapists
When people talk about Massage and Extras, safety can get blurry fast if nobody says what’s allowed and what isn’t. A professional massage should feel calm and predictable. You should know what will happen, what it costs, and what your options are if you feel uncomfortable.
Consent is not a one-time “yes.” It’s clear and ongoing, meaning you can change your mind mid-session without drama. Boundaries protect you, and they also protect the therapist from unfair pressure or risky situations.
What a professional session should feel like (from start to finish)
A good session starts with a normal, respectful greeting. You’ll be shown where to place your items, where to wash your hands if needed, and what to expect. Nothing feels rushed, secretive, or like you’re being tested.
Before any massage begins, expect a few health and comfort questions. This is a good sign, not an obstacle. A therapist may ask about:
- Pain, injuries, or recent surgeries
- Allergies (oils, scents)
- Your pressure preference and areas to focus on
- Areas to avoid, including any “no-go” zones
Next comes privacy. You should be given time to change in private, and you should be properly covered with a towel or sheet (draping) during the session. Draping is there to keep the work professional and to keep your private areas private. Only the area being worked on should be uncovered.
During the massage, the therapist should check in once or twice: “Is the pressure okay?” You should feel safe saying “lighter” or “stop.” A professional won’t argue or tease you for it.
At the end, you’ll get a moment to get up slowly, drink water, and ask questions. Aftercare can be simple, like hydration, stretching, and what soreness is normal. Payment should match what you agreed in advance, with no surprise add-ons or pressure.
If something feels wrong: how to end the session and stay safe
If your gut says something is off, listen to it. You don’t need to explain your full story. You just need to get out safely.
Use a calm, direct script:
- Speak up clearly: “Please stop now.”
- Sit up and create space: Move toward the edge of the bed or table.
- Get dressed right away: Ask for privacy if you need it.
- Pay only what was agreed (if it feels safe): If you already received part of the service, settle the agreed amount and leave. If you feel unsafe, prioritize leaving over negotiating.
- Leave and go somewhere public: A lobby, a shop, or your car in a well-lit spot.
Once you’re safe, write down details while they’re fresh: time, location, name or number used, and what happened. If you were threatened, touched without consent, recorded, or pressured, consider reporting to building security, the platform used, or the police.
For home service, add a few safety habits:
- Share your live location and booking details with a friend
- Choose daytime appointments when possible
- Verify identity (name, phone, photo, or business page)
- Keep your door access simple, and have a clear exit plan
A professional therapist will respect boundaries fast. If they push back, that’s your answer.
Better alternatives to “extras”: add-ons that actually improve your massage
If you’re seeing “Massage and Extras” in Nairobi listings, it helps to steer the conversation back to wellness add-ons. Think of these like upgrading a meal, not changing the menu. The best add-ons support a clear goal, less stress, fewer knots, better sleep, faster sports recovery, or simply more time to unwind.
Before you pick anything, decide what you want most:
- Stress relief and sleep: warmth, calming scent, slow pacing
- Back and neck pain: focused pressure, careful technique, more time
- Sports recovery: deeper work plus stretching and mobility
Top add-ons worth paying for (and who they are best for)
Below are upgrades that tend to give real value, with simple “avoid if” notes so you can choose safely.
- Deep-tissue upgrade: Helps with stubborn tight spots and post-workout soreness, best for people who like firm pressure; avoid if you bruise easily, take blood thinners, or have a fresh injury.
- Hot stones: Adds steady heat that relaxes muscles fast, great for stress and cold-stiff bodies; avoid if you have nerve issues, poor heat sense, or skin inflammation.
- Cupping therapy: Can ease tight fascia and boost blood flow, helpful for athletes and shoulder or back tension; avoid if you’re on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or very sensitive skin (marks are common).
- Aromatherapy: Supports relaxation and mood, useful when anxiety is high or sleep is poor; avoid if you have asthma triggered by scents, migraines from smells, or known oil allergies.
- Scalp massage: Eases jaw, head, and neck tension, perfect if you work long hours on screens; avoid if you have scalp infections, recent hair transplant, or painful skin conditions.
- Foot reflexology: Great for tired legs and general relaxation, nice after long days standing; avoid if you have foot wounds, severe swelling, or uncontrolled diabetes with reduced sensation.
- Assisted stretching: Improves range of motion and reduces stiffness, best for gym-goers and desk workers; avoid if you have joint instability, recent surgery, or sharp pain with movement.
- Longer session time (90 minutes+): Gives room to work slowly and still leave time to relax, ideal for full-body tension; avoid if you can’t lie down comfortably that long or you’re very sensitive to pressure.
First-timer mini guide: pick one add-on only, and keep pressure moderate. Tell the therapist your top two problem areas, plus any “don’t touch” zones.
Budget and value tips: get a great massage without surprises
A good massage shouldn’t feel like a negotiation. Use these checks to protect your wallet and your comfort.
- Compare the total cost, not the headline price. Ask what the final amount is, including transport, add-ons, and tips (if any).
- Confirm the exact duration. Clarify whether “60 minutes” means hands-on time, or includes changing and consultation.
- Set your goal first, then choose the time:
- 45 to 60 minutes: one main issue (neck, back, legs)
- 75 to 90 minutes: full-body plus focus work
- Don’t accept surprise upsells mid-session. Agree on add-ons before you start, and keep it written in chat.
- Ask about packages and off-peak slots if you book often. A legit package has clear terms, fixed session length, and no pressure.
If you’re choosing between the cheapest deal and a place that’s clear, clean, and respectful, pick the one that feels professional. In the long run, quality and safety are the best value.
Conclusion
“Massage and Extras” can mean very different things in Nairobi, so don’t assume. Treat “extras” like a blank space until you get clear details in plain words, a written price, and firm boundaries. That one step protects your comfort, your money, and your safety.
Keep it simple: ask what’s included, what each add-on costs, and what’s not offered. Choose providers who share an exact location, follow clean standards, and stick to the total you agreed. If you want a better session, focus on wellness add-ons that actually help, like extra time, deep tissue, hot stones, aromatherapy, or stretching, not vague promises.
Remember this short checklist before you book:
- Get the full price in writing (no surprises)
- Confirm time, location, and payment method
- Ask about draping and boundaries
- Pick reputable, stable places (not last minute changes)
- Walk away fast if you feel pressured
Thanks for reading, book responsibly, and keep your session clear and respectful from the first message to the last minute.




