Beauty & Spas in Alton

Registered nurse Larry Branam's medical acumen grows from honesty and foresight, which led him to become an early adopter of noninvasive laser therapies at Cosmetic Laser Center. When he opened the practice nearly 30 years ago, it was among the first in the metro area to harness beams of light to combat aging, acne, and the stubborn body hair hidden under Darth Vader's cloak. Nurse Branam and his team of aestheticians continue to hone their techniques, performing more than 80,000 procedures since 1996.

The practice is built around light-based rejuvenation, which is also responsible for the center's identical mirage, but cosmetic injections and contouring treatments also fall within the center's broader objective of fine-tuning the body's biggest organ. Dedicated to delivering information with candor and precision, the staff empowers patients with complimentary consultations.

Verve Hair Salon was founded by husband and wife Jeff and Julie Lopinot, two veteran stylists committed to delivering fashionable, flattering haircuts. Having both attended Vidal Sassoon in London and worked as educators for Rusk, the duo now leads a staff of cosmetologists and specialists ready to conduct services keyed to each client’s needs. Every precision haircut begins with a consultation to determine an approach based on factors including face shape, lifestyle, and affinity for upside-down roller coasters. In addition to cuts, the team also delivers coloring treatments ranging from double-process blonding to crown section highlights and dimensional coloring, as well as texturing services and hair extensions.

At Glow Salon & MedSpa, every aesthetician, hairstylist, and nail technician has an additional specialty: customer service. Manager Sandy Suter explains in her Patch video feature that all members of her small team undergo coaching to ensure that they emanate approachable warmth. Whether pampering hands with a sweet-almond and salt treatment or customizing a Redken conditioning regimen, they balance their expertise with intuition for the guest's aesthetic. Their tag line, "Define yourself," speaks to this personalized approach as well as a desire to exponentially increase the size of Webster’s Dictionary.

The cosmetic team radiates a playful attitude as it adds fresh flair to primping rituals. Manicures and pedicures often conclude with nail art, which decorates digits in designs from swimming fish to polka dots, whereas hairstylists delight in adhering feather extensions and applying bold colors. Yet apart from aesthetics, the spa focuses on health—both for individuals and the community. Massage therapists unknot tense muscles and ease aches with Swedish and prenatal modalities, and hairstylists participate in community-bolstering programs, such as Locks of Love and cut-a-thons to benefit St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Aesthetician Kelly Jacquin puts her Demologica Skincare certification to use in helping clients achieve clear, smooth complexions with her array of spa treatments. She specializes in all things skin, from gentler peels that exfoliate away roughened outer layers of skin to cleansing facials and eye treatments that return delicate skin to its balanced and bright state. Kelly also helps clients keep their newly polished skin looking nice with waxing treatments, spray tans, and makeup treatments that let them show off their assets without hiring their own independent auditor.