Beauty & Spas in Lakeside

The owner of Nail Theory is no stranger to nailcare. As part of a family that owns salons all over the world, she channels her own two decades of experience when revivifying keratin plates with a slate of treatments. Wielding gel brands such as Shellac, Gelish, and OPI, she leads her staff in keeping manicures chip-free for up to two weeks and adds a touch of glamour of 19th-century realism to digits with nail art. Four types of pedicures each begin with a warm soak and end with a moisturizing massage, and waxing services evict unwanted hair with either hard or soft wax.

Since 1988, Felicia has been primping her clients with the latest nail care techniques—including a specialty in diabetic hand and foot care. To ensure the quality of her services, Felicia attends industry events and does not use any drills, toxic chemicals, or non-union chimpanzee labor. For nail care, the skilled technician performs spa mani-pedis, gel nails, acrylic nails, and nail art. She also offers traditional spa services such as facials, waxing services, and semi-permanent eyelash extensions. For groups, she hosts spa pamper parties and can provide in-home mobile services for individuals that enjoy getting pampered without missing their favorite infomercials.

Unlike more traditional how-we-met stories, the chance meeting of Natalie Gordon and Rachel Shrader eventually led them to many, many weddings. That’s because the two met while working on the beauty team for a three-day Indian wedding in 2009, and they knew they had an artistic connection; shortly thereafter, they founded Avenue 42 Style Studio. Each woman brings extensive experience to their business: Natalie has completed more than 130 hours of professional training and is an adjunct professor at the Virginia Cinema Makeup School, whereas Rachel has worked as a stylist for 10 years. Their mission began as a bride-centric one, and business boomed by 300% in their first year together. When they realized they couldn’t handle demand on their own, they brought stylists Sarah Bell and Gracia Triplett on board. In 2012, the opening of a permanent Avenue 42 Style Studio downtown solidified their presence in Richmond as not just wedding stylists but everyday stylists.

Today, the four-woman team at Avenue 42 Style Studio specializes in beauty services that cater to both the glam-seeking bride and the man, woman, child, or chow chow in search of a simple haircut. They hand-select hair color from lines by Schwarzkopf and Aveda, brushing color over roots to touch them up or creating ombre highlights. The styling team can also craft updos for formal occasions, as well as extend manes with Hairlocs, which adhere to the head without glue, heat, or forcing strands that just met to hug. As for aesthetics, their expertise now extends into organic airbrush tanning, airbrush makeup, and airbrush tattoo cover-up. Their on-location bridal services continue to flourish and have been featured in Southern Weddings magazine, among other publications.

Even with no one inside, Rhett's Salon is filled with faces. That’s thanks to the framed pictures and paintings that occupy almost every inch of the walls. Owner Rhett Costello has had plenty of time to amass the frames; his salon has sat in the same location for 21 years. As he practices his craft, Costello draws on the experiences of a 36-year career, which includes training in Milan, Barcelona, Tokyo, and London. Meanwhile, a team of stylists—including color wizard Katelyn Costello— that Rhett trained himself flaunt a versatile set of talents that range from clipping locks into classic cuts to sculpting edgy, rock-inspired looks. More than a dozen professional product lines line the retail shelves for clients to maintain their looks and secret wig collection at home.