Morrisville, NC Spa and Massage

Dedicated to keeping both patrons and the planet looking beautiful, Eco Friendly Beauty Bar strives, like Kermit the Frog's wardrobe, to be 90% green⎯a feat that earned it recognition on ABC 11. Nontoxic and natural products form the foundation of the salon's services, which include everything from spray tans to hairstyles kept clean with vegan shampoo. Under the glow of repurposed chandeliers, Eco Friendly Beauty Bar's staff members make good on their commitment to a smaller carbon footprint by wearing only narrow-width shoes as they shuffle atop recycled-cardboard flooring, serving complimentary sips of green wine in glasses that are recycled or repurposed from wine bottles. The bright, full-service salon crafted its chic aesthetic using furniture rescued from thrift stores, including bubbling fountains and an antique sewing table, and shelves proudly display chemical-free makeup, bamboo hairbrushes, and locally made skincare products available for purchase.

Larisa Lavrinova sharpened her skills as an aesthetician while working for high-end spas in North and South Carolina. After receiving certifications in various types of medical and natural skincare, she founded The Russian Day Spa, where tired skin finds its second wind with the help of natural and organic products. Her team of specialists performs a variety of facials that have different effects on skin: the European facial deeply cleanses pores, the Elasto-firm facial tightens skin, and the SpaTeen blemished-skin facial prevents breakouts. Visitors can also smooth epidermal expanses with naturally derived acid peels or waxing treatments that use low-temperature wax enriched with jojoba oil.

Since 1988, clients have visited Flawless Day Spa for custom skincare treatments that utilize a Hungarian product line made with organic fruits, herbs, and spices. Inside recently renovated treatment rooms, highly trained aestheticians rejuvenate faces with services ranging from facials to chemical peels to lash- and brow-tinting. Guests also relax atop cloth-garbed treatment tables during massages, which can run up to 120 minutes and incorporate techniques from modalities including aromatherapy, Thai yoga stretching, and acupressure.

With more than a decade of experience, certified massage therapist Carol Ann Holcombe assuages muscular stress with massages in a variety of soothing modalities. Holcombe's nimble fingertips dance across problem areas during massage types including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and prenatal. With specialties that include eradicating headaches and quelling neck pain, Carol works with clients to provide targeted treatment or lull entire bodies into a tranquil trance. After a massage, patrons receive tips on maintaining healthy living through stretches, lifestyle practices, and transmogrifying candy into vegetables.

Licensed cosmetologist Jessica Whipple sculpts chic hairstyles and adds color to monochrome ‘dos. At the start of each appointment, Jessica gets to know clients and their style preferences before she snips away split ends while stoically ignoring their cries for help. For a chromatic overhaul, the colorist slathers strands in Paul Mitchell products that, because they contain only small doses of ammonia, leave hair nearly as healthy as when it rolled off the assembly line.

Rev. Marina Lando founded Harmony Life as place where visitors could balance their physical and energetic wellness through a variety of treatments, including medical reiki, aromatherapy, massages, facials, and more. The holistic center also offers locally made skincare products, makeup, organic essential oils, and crystals. Lando is joined by massage therapist Cat Edwards, who has practiced massage since 2001 and is a graduate of MountainHeart School of Bodywork in Colorado. Edwards has offered massage services in North Carolina since 2007.

Chakra evaluations identify blockages in clients' energy centers, and reiki sessions help to stimulate the flow of chi and balance energy throughout the limbs. An infrared sauna uses heat to lower blood pressure and flush toxins through the sweat, and every 30-minute session includes a fresh shower afterward to refresh the client's mind and provide a place to practice standup comedy routines in private.