Columbia, SC Beauty and Salons

The staff members at Five Points Salon, an Aveda concept salon, employ numerous naturally derived products when crafting dos. When painting on single-process color and highlights, they infuse clients' hair with Aveda Full Spectrum hair color, crafted with sunflower, castor, and jojoba oils. They permanently straighten locks with a formula that contains organic ylang-ylang. They also use a semipermanent smoothing treatment composed primarily of plants and nonpetroleum minerals. Haircuts, special-occasion updos, and 250 brushstrokes round out the menu of services.

Dr. Oliver Simmons performs surgical procedures and oversees med-spa therapies by drawing upon years of professional experience, including a fellowship in craniofacial and microvascular surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Simmons and his team use clinical-grade treatments to perform tummy tucks, Botox, and microdermabrasions, among many other procedures. The office is decorated with curlicue wall designs, bouquets laced with peacock feathers, and floral paintings that sprouted from frequently watered easels.

Skin cancer changes a person. Luckily for DeAnne Corley, only the discovery of precancerous cells was needed for her to divest herself of her sunbathing habits and instill in her a desire to warn others about the dangers of sun exposure. Her passion resulted in a complete diversion in her career trajectory, leaving her previous job to open a mobile and salon-based spray-tanning service that gives patrons a sultry glow without putting their health or style at risk.

Her trained tan techs now man the private treatment rooms inside Blades of Columbia Salon and deliver treatments to homes, offices, or surprise pool parties. Staffers wield a tightly controlled stream of DHA tanning solution, spending 15 to 20 minutes spraying bodily facades to ensure an even, streak-free bronzing. Once tans have set, patrons can show off summery hues that last 7 to 10 days, or opt to partake of one of the salon’s natural nail care or enhancement treatments that groom hands without enduring the tedium of sandpaper gloves.

Owner Artana, her two sisters, and the trained stylists at Shear Xpectations help to curate chic appearances during beautifying services. Touting expertise in hair, waxing, facials, and massage, the seasoned staff helps anchor results with products from Aveda, Dermalogica, and TIGI. An online portfolio showcases the crew's work with snapshots of its skillful ’dos, which have the power to coax compliments from friends, strangers, and the insides of hats. Each sessions unfolds inside the salon's casual space, which boasts wood floors, track lighting, and dangling glass lights.

In a vintage brick building constructed in the 1930s, Ara Bella Salon’s staff renovates styles and sets minds at ease with an array of services for hair, nails, and body. Beauticians sculpt new hairstyles for men, women, and children and pair manicures and pedicures with nourishing paraffin treatments. To make a day of it, massage therapists knead weary muscles for up to 90 minutes per session, and skincare experts remove unwanted facial fuzz with precise waxing. To celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and bridal showers, guests can indulge in packages that include spa pedicures and updos.

Patrons twirl in apricot-hued salon chairs at B. Bella Salon, showing off newly beautified features and ruffling the leaves of potted plants. Shelves laden with products from Marcia Teixeira and Goldwell tower over glass basins, and modern dryers speedily dehumidify locks after a shampoo, conditioning treatment, or surprise party for an orca. Experienced stylists also call upon a range of Aveda's elixirs, which harness naturally occurring botanical ingredients. Floral artwork freckles the sand-colored walls of the private treatment rooms, soothing patrons during waxing treatments.