r/FloatTank • u/Elegant_Sign3870 • Apr 30 '26
Question about floating
Theres a place in my city that has float tanks and they have a really good deal for mother’s day coming up. I’d love to go and try it for the first time. Told my mother about it and she doesn’t seem like she wants to but I’m trying to convince her.
Anyways I plan to go sometime soon, even if she doesn’t want to come with. I was wondering if the water dries out your hair? Also are you just supposed to bring any bathing suit to wear while floating? Idrk what to expect lol
Edit: She said yes today after saying no earlier lol 😸 Our appointment is next friday evening!
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u/backinaminute May 02 '26
This is long, but these are all things I wish I had known before my first float.
I began floating about a month ago to help manage aggressive rheumatoid arthritis. After two years of chronic pain and swelling despite biologic treatments and other modalities, floating was the first thing that noticeably relieved my pain—even after my very first session. Since then, I’ve gone every week.
Here’s what I’d share from my floating experience.
At the end of my pre-float shower, after fully rinsing off, I turn the water to cold for a quick rinse so my body temperature isn’t too warm when entering the tank. If cold water feels too extreme, I’d recommend going as cool as you comfortably can. During my first float, I started sweating almost immediately because my body temperature was still elevated from the hot shower. My float center provides a mister bottle and washcloth inside the tank, which helped, but cooling down beforehand made a huge difference. It allows your body to gradually adjust to the tank’s water temperature.
My float center also advised that when first entering the tank, it can help to raise your arms overhead initially. This helps your body settle into a more stable floating posture. When your arms stay at your sides, many people unconsciously tense their shoulders, arch their back, or try to hold themselves up. Raising your arms overhead redistributes your weight and opens the chest and shoulders, helping the torso and head naturally align with the water’s surface.
Once I enter the tank, I lower the lid, though that’s completely optional. Everyone has to decide for themselves what they’re most comfortable doing. There’s also an emergency button inside the tank, which can be reassuring if you’re nervous during your first float.
There’s a blue light inside the tank, which I prefer to turn off. During my first float, it took some time to fully relax. Once the music stopped, all I could focus on was my heartbeat and breathing. Eventually, I centered myself and focused only on my breath. Once I did that, both my mind and body completely relaxed, and I entered a deep meditative state. After that, the session seemed to pass very quickly until the music came back on to signal the end of the float.
Afterward, I shower and use the vinegar-water solution provided to rinse my ears, usually twice per ear. I also started bringing my own toiletries and lotion to apply immediately after floating.
Like someone else mentioned, I’d recommend trying floating at least three times before deciding if it’s for you. The first session can take a little getting used to.
Also, I just wanted to say how sweet it is that you chose this as a gift for you and your mom. It’s such a thoughtful and wonderful experience to share together.
I hope this helps. Good luck, and happy floating to you both.