Beauty & Spas in Cohoes

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.

For more than 20 years, master stylist Kelly Anne has led a seasoned team of beauticians known to transform ordinary clients into magnets of positive attention with professional products and a menu of tress-taming services. The skilled hairdressers, many having more than 15 years of experience, wax away undesired head-threads and beautify the strands clients want to keep through cuts, coloring, and Global Keratin deep-conditioning treatments. To stay abreast of today's latest hairstyling techniques, the salon's dedicated staff regularly attends continued-education courses and hacks Vidal Sassoon’s email account.

Black-and-white checked floors and matching salon chairs beckon clients inside Executive Cuts, where experienced stylists and barbers cut and coif hair with professional Redken products. Along with stylish cuts and color services, the artful stylists eradicate frizz with natural, chemical-free keratin that leaves hair smoother than a baby’s bottom incisor. Though they generally require Groupon clients to book appointments, the salon team typically welcomes walk-ins throughout the week.

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.

Like any good teacher, style director and salon owner Shelley Hutchinson believes you are never done learning. Her 14 years as a cosmetologist have led her to oversee a staff of hairstylists, aestheticians, and massage therapists, all of whom continue to hone their skills through educational seminars. As they absorb new techniques, they graduate on a track from apprentice to senior stylist, having chosen a major in either scissor biology or beehive keeping. Shelley herself attends international trade shows to keep up with the world's aesthetic tastes, adapting her knowledge of cuts and colors to make the most of the salon's partnership with Goldwell.

Inside Shelley's beautification venue, sunlight illuminates fixtures inspired by the natural world. Potted trees, floral arrangements, and bamboo window shades complement the earth-toned walls of private spa and public styling areas. The services also draw from nature: guests can warm their feet during the Tranquil Earth pedicure featuring hot rocks, or they can nourish their features with an enzyme peel's pineapple and papaya extracts.