Beauty & Spas in Auburn

As a conscientious parent, Marlene Doughty wanted to use safe, nontoxic hair and skincare products around her 4-month-old daughter. She began to research the products she used in her home and discovered novocaine in her baby's shampoo. Marlene felt rattled. Once the shock wore off, Marlene realized she would have to take action if her vision of a toxin-free, eco-friendly home was going to come about. And why stop at home, when you could make work a safe, nontoxic environment, too?

As a testament to her ideals, Marlene launched Green with Envy Salon, a place where she and a team of eco-savvy stylists use organic, vegan, and cruelty-free product lines such as Organic Salon Systems. A host of green services take place within the studio's eco-friendly confines, which sport recycled or repurposed furnishings and blow dryers with ceramic heating elements that use less electricity than their traditional counterparts or covering a client's head in foil and sending them out in a thunderstorm to be zapped dry.

Crystal Lake Spa is a place where clients head for everything from bed and spray tanning to laser treatments and psychic readings. Groups can celebrate the half birthday of the inventor of the loofah by booking spa parties, during which they nosh on complimentary food and wine as they enjoy discounted treatments. Treatments take place in a spa setting marked by dark-wood accents and down-home knickknacks such as plush bunnies and ornamental plates.

The owner of Urban Edge Hair Studio, Linda, draws on more than 14 years of experience to revamp hairstyles and soup up nails. Inside her salon garnished with floral wall motifs and hanging vines, she and her all-female team dole out coloring services, eyelash extensions, and organic spray tans. To oust stress, Theresa, a holistic licensed massage therapist, delivers Swedish, trigger-point, and sports massages in a private treatment room.