FAQs

    1. 2 towels - one towel to sit on (so you don’t leave a puddle of sweat for the next person) and one towel for drying off

    2. Water bottle

    3. Flip-flips/slides/crocs

    4. Sauna wear - dress for comfort. Breathable and natural fiber textiles are ideal. Bathing suits, wraps, and towels are all good sauna wear.

    5. Snacks - sauna works up an appetite! You may find you like to have snacks on hand to nosh between rounds. Many people crave fruit or salty foods after sauna.

    1. Hydration is key to having a great sauna experience - before, during, and after.

    2. Shower - scents are intensified in the sauna, so we ask that you please remove all sunscreen, deodorants, body lotions, hair sprays, colognes, body oder, etc. etc. before arriving.

    3. Remove metal jewelry, as it may heat up and become uncomfortable

    4. Avoid arriving on a full stomach. It’s best to eat something light, such as a banana or a protein bar before beginning a sauna session.

  • There is no dress code INSIDE the sauna trailer and we encourage patrons to dress for comfort.
    OUTSIDE the sauna, patrons are required to wear at least as much clothing as they would wear at a public pool. When making your clothing choices, please keep in mind that Ascend’s patrons include children. Robes are a great option!

  • Due to our sauna’s clothing optional policy, we do not allow anyone under the age of eighteen to enter. In the future, we may program a “family-friendly” day that requires swimwear to be worn inside the sauna.

  • Sauna is well tolerated by most healthy adults and children, however it’s always best to consult your doctor before entering a sauna for the first time, especially if you have issues with uncontrolled blood pressure or have recently had complications from heart disease. Keep in mind that sauna can elevate your heart rate much like during physical activity.

  • There is large and growing body of research supporting the claim that sauna isn’t just a good way to relax, but has many health benefits besides. A 2018 study states: “Emerging evidence suggests that beyond its use for pleasure, sauna bathing may be linked to several health benefits, which include reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases; nonvascular conditions such pulmonary diseases; mortality; as well as amelioration of conditions such as arthritis, headache, and flu.” As always, it’s best to consult your doctor or a health professional to determine what activities are best for you.

  • Bad Sauna is a de-sexualized space. Please refrain from contact of a sexual nature when visiting. Unwanted sexual attention is especially unwelcome in our space and will result in your being asked to leave. This includes staring, lewd comments, and non-consensual physical contact. If you’re wondering whether some behavior crosses the line or not, better to avoid. If you experience unwanted sexual attention, or if someone else’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, please alert a staff member and we will resolve the situation immediately. Thanks for your respect of our space and our guests.

  • Bad Sauna tickets are non-refundable, but may be exchanged for a credit to a future session if canceled at least 24 hours before the original session begins. To obtain a credit please contact Bad Sauna: the fastest way to get a response is to DM the Instagram page (@bad.sauna); the second fastest response is via email (badsaunapgh@gmail.com).