Cohoes, NY Beauty and Salons

A wildly successful alternative to traditional day spas—its more than 300 locations blanket 36 states and half a dozen countries—Planet Beach is a futuristic relaxation station where state-of-the-art machines administer all the spa and tanning services. These friendly automatons sometimes replace familiar treatments, as in the Luminous facial, a light-based service that delivers blemish-busting results similar to those of a conventional facial. But other equipment maps out new spa territory entirely: the Hydro-Derma Fusion chamber moisturizes the whole body with nutrient-rich steam in order to offset the effects of a dry climate or a rear-end collision with a salt truck. Other machines whiten teeth, spray-tan skin, and massage muscles.

Planet Beach operates on a gym-style membership system, meaning that members purchase packages or pay flat monthly rates. As members spend more time at the spa, they get to know the helpful assistants who are always on hand to demonstrate how to use the equipment without activating its ability to cry.

A wildly successful alternative to traditional day spas—its more than 300 locations blanket 36 states and half a dozen countries—Planet Beach is a futuristic relaxation station where state-of-the-art machines administer all the spa and tanning services. These friendly automatons sometimes replace familiar treatments, as in the Luminous facial, a light-based service that delivers blemish-busting results similar to those of a conventional facial. But other equipment maps out new spa territory entirely: the Hydro-Derma Fusion chamber moisturizes the whole body with nutrient-rich steam in order to offset the effects of a dry climate or a rear-end collision with a salt truck. Other machines whiten teeth, spray-tan skin, and massage muscles.

Planet Beach operates on a gym-style membership system, meaning that members purchase packages or pay flat monthly rates. As members spend more time at the spa, they get to know the helpful assistants who are always on hand to demonstrate how to use the equipment without activating its ability to cry.

Caramel wood tones swirl throughout Body & Sol Tanning's studio, modeling the hues customers adopt during UV bed sessions and UV-free airbrush appointments. With three levels of solar-simulation chambers, tanners spend between 2–15 minutes absorbing healthy amounts of light from fresh bulbs. Specialized facial lamps ensure that features receive an even coat, and lotions by Synergy Tan and JWoww help to stimulate bronzing while basting bodies with additional moisture. Body & Sol Tanning also offers professional airbrushing appointments, during which a trained professional applies an even mist to eliminate pale complexions and regrets of napping outside underneath a hammock.

Stylists at Bliss Salon & Boutique can do more than cut and color hair–they can give their clients more of it. Great Lengths hair extensions transform modish bobs into sultry tresses in the space of a single appointment. Stylists treat existing strands to Goldwell color and Moroccanoil conditioners, groom and polish nails, and use wax to sculpt brows and life-size statues of clients. Their attention to fashion can be seen in the elegant black and white decor of the salon, accompanied by a definition of the word “bliss” illumined by a crystal chandelier.

In a house on tree-lined historic Union Street, board-certified vein specialist Dr. Fort eliminates unwanted spider and varicose veins by using an array of noninvasive techniques, such as traditional and foam sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and minimally invasive surgical solutions. Esthetic Laser Centre's medical esthetician, Amy Perka, focuses attention on faces, using different types of lasers to reduce hyperpigmentation and tone complexions, along with chemical peels and dermaplaning. The lasers are also used to banish unwanted hair.

Kelly Rae leads the trio of staff members at her namesake salon, inspiring the whole crew with her advanced Paul Mitchell color training and cutting skills. Accompanied by fellow stylist Lesley Darling, both transform their clients' coifs with highlights, keratin smoothing treatments, and formal hairstyles. Nail tech Tina Mone, who's been beautifying hands for more than 10 years, applies chip-resistant Shellac and Gelish polishes as well as soothes palms with aromatherapy massages that relieve tension after high-fiving competitions. The salon also sells hand-painted wine and martini glasses, helping clients to continue to treat themselves once at home.