Nival Salon & Spa

With one swivel to the left or right, clients in Nival Salon & Spa's styling chairs might catch a glimpse of Miss Sweden, Miss France, or Miss Netherlands. In early 2012, the international beauty queens entrusted their good looks to the salon's celebrity stylists, nationally acclaimed beauty instructors, and award-winning aestheticians. Though the pageant stars only popped in for a day, Nival regularly pampers a high-profile clientele—the cast of Bravo's Real Housewives of DC has a standing alliance with the business.

Regardless of who stops by, Nival's team members harness their talents to create a personalized experience. In addition to all the basic treatments—haircuts, mani-pedis, massages, et cetera—the spa offers technology-driven services and alternative medicine. A third-generation acupuncturist calls upon more than 10 years of experience as he stimulates natural healing and makes clients look like balding porcupines. In contrast, an aesthetician prompts cell renewal with a mechanical wand that buffs the skin's surface.