Bryn Mawr-Skyway, WA Beauty and Salons

Overlooking the Capitol Hill district, Studio 229 resides on an upper floor of the historic Lota building. Therein, a highly creative and attitude-free environment allows the team of aestheticians and stylists to focus on clients’ personal beauty needs. Each staff member has a specialty: Katrina, for example, has a deep understanding of anti-aging treatments, Julia knows how to tame difficult hair types, and DeAnna is an expert colorist and can talk to plants. Alongside a signature spread of on-trend styling services, the staff also offers a menu of hair extensions, waxing services, and body treatments.

Under the expert guidance of advanced registered nurse practitioner Sima Rafii, the staff at Sima Medical & Cosmetic Clinic restores patients' health and confidence with a full menu of wellness services. Their medical treatments cover dermatologic conditions such as acne, rashes, and sun damage, as well as yearly health exams and skin-cancer screenings. Armed with lasers, they turn their hands to cosmetic services such as hair removal, fotofacials, and LipoSonix body-contouring treatments. The skincare experts also smooth epidermises with microdermabrasion and Botox injections, and coach clients on how to care for their skin and train it to win all-state skin care trophies.

"When a client is in your chair they should be the center of your universe," Armand states matter-of-factly on his website. The sentence sums up the mission that he and the Salon Armand team back up with pampering action and their signature customized consultations. More than just a quick check-in, these consults involve a staff member listening thoroughly to the client's hair desires. The team works closely with guests to ensure each service matches the client's lifestyle and personal expression, even whipping up hair color tailored to the client's own mood ring—red means mad, whereas purple means under the influence of grape soda.

The thoughtfulness of the boutique salon shines through in its earth-friendly and personal touches. Rotating displays by local and national artists dot the walls, and organic and sustainable products such as John Masters Organics shampoos and Kevin Murphy hair treatments blanket thirsty strands.

Eyebrow reshaping with threading, along with hair waxing and facials, are a sampling of the specialty services administered by owner Salma Uddin and her team. The styling squad also straightens unruly locks, eradicates frizz with keratin treatments, and trims the tresses of ladies, gents, and micro-ladies and gents. Elsewhere, at Hair Rageous' medi-spa, Salma serves as a laser hair technician to resident physician Dr. Mabel Obeng. Their Alma Soprano XLi laser hair-removal equipment adapts to all skin and hair types—including tanned skin and most hair colors—as it heats follicles lurking beneath skin.

When Elle: A Clinical Day Spa first opened in 1997, its therapists specialized exclusively in massage. But soon, they saw that what the average guest needed most was not a standalone massage appointment, but an immersive, multifaceted experience that could undo the stress that bombards them on a daily basis. Owners Leigh Shaw and Polly Tabares, who have experience in the spa industry and the fields of dermatology and plastic surgery, rethought their approach and expanded their services into both traditional spa therapies and med-spa treatments.

Today, Leigh and Polly oversee everything from body wraps and facials to Botox injections and prescription skincare. They also maintain a stash of products for at-home care, stocking lines such as Dermalogica and bareMinerals by Bare Escentuals. For frequent guests, they coordinate VIP memberships that offer perks such as service discounts and massages that harness the rejuvenating power of phoenix tears.