Columbus, OH Beauty and Salons

The long row of leather pedicure chairs isn’t the token of luxury at The Nail Retreat. Not only do clients leave sporting polish from the salon’s kaleidoscopic array of shades from OPI, Shellac, or Gelish, they also have the option to indulge in manicures with botanically derived grape-seed oils or pedicures with soothing hot stones. Additionally, skincare treatments combine custom blends of products to cleanse, tone, and exfoliate the dermal layers, leaving faces looking as robust and hydrated as an ice sculpture of Hulk Hogan.

Master stylist Tomika Gordon began her career as a styling educator for Hype World Int. and catapulted herself into the beauty industry, eventually being featured in the pages of Xtreme Hairstyles Magazine. At Salon Lofts, the 20-year veteran gives hairdos professional overhauls with sleek haircuts, coloring services, and treatments such as perms and extensions. She also specializes in eyelash services, and preps brides, prom-goers, and decorative cacti for their big days with special-event hairstyling.

At Posh Nail Company's Dublin location, the team believes spa treatments should accentuate natural beauty and embrace natural techniques. As a result, the nail gurus exclusively seek out nontoxic products, lining their shelves with organic skincare balms that feature everything from moisturizing botanical extracts to pure almond oil. Harsh chemical agents have no place in this environment, and the staff members even refuse to use acetone when removing polish because of the unnatural drying effects. To further demonstrate their commitment to eco-friendly practices, the technicians perform waterless manicures and shake hands with every squirrel they see.

The brainchild of independent entrepreneur Bianca Jackson, B-Lashes Beauty Parlor both distributes lashes for a leading overseas manufacturer and dispenses them at Bianca's newly opened storefront location, a "lash lounge" that specializes in eyelash extensions. Her staff of certified technicians enhances glances with synthetic mink and silk extensions selected by clients from a variety of colors, textures, sizes, and thicknesses. Unlike many brands, which deliver tacky-looking strips or thin lashes still bearing gluey residue, Bianca's lashes are lush and luxurious, adding naturally-looking body and volume to each sultry wink. That's why they're the lashes of choice for a who's who of notable local personalities. Specialized gels bond the formaldehyde-free lashes to existing natural lashes, with results lasting more than six weeks. Clients wear the extensions while showering, sleeping, and even chopping onions. In addition to offering lash enhancements, Bianca also bolsters looks with permanent-makeup applications and waxing services.

People are often more comfortable at home than in a medical office or business. To re-create the feeling of home, Solo Haven’s technicians perform personalized hand and foot treatments as their clients relax on comfy leather seats, and an on-staff mailman delivers packages once an hour. Wood tables and wicker accents further paint a homey picture, and they complement the spa’s subtle color scheme of deep red and beige.

Beauty at Hand supplements its exhaustive list of services with a few small perks that turn any treatment into a relaxing, revitalizing visit. From the massage chairs and footbaths of the salon's nail-service area to the white drapes and foliage that flank the main space, few touches go unnoticed by incoming clients. Licensed nail technicians carry the weight of the signature services, which range from lavish spa treatments to applications of OPI Axxium gel, acrylics, and nail art. Beyond the bread and butter of nailcare, the staff also oversees UV-free tanning-bed sessions, adds a dash of sass with 3-D Beauty lash extensions, and smoothens out the skin with precise facial waxing. The staff even performs manicures and pedicures for children, allowing kids to further misunderstand what it means to get caught red handed.