Beauty & Spas in Norfolk

Finder’s Keepers Body Piercing focuses on performing high-quality body modification. Its piercers are licensed through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, and they use exclusively high-grade, biocompatible, implant-grade jewelry. They focus on proper sterilization and technique so intensively that they even offer an apprenticeship program, licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Piercers Jessi, Jessica, Jordan, Kimberly, and Sheena keep portfolios online so that potential piercees can preview their work. In addition to using dermal anchors and piercing popular spots like the ear cartilage, navel, and tongue, the experts at Finder’s Keepers can also pierce below the belt.

As its name implies, the original Spa on the Boulevard is a bastion of peace and quiet on bustling Virginia Beach Boulevard. Though throngs of tourists routinely pass by the spa’s windows, the interior suggests no threat of unwelcome intrusions. Here, therapists customize their massage strokes to relieve stress, aestheticians gently exfoliate skin with Éminence Organic Skin Care facials, and nail technicians protect against chips with Shellac or Gelish manicures.

The spa’s recently opened location in Chesapeake follows the original’s example. Both locations offer 100% green products made with natural and organic ingredients, and both employ a staff whose sole mission is to return the body to its idealized state. Aside from their one-time health and beauty treatments, the spas also run wellness programs dedicated to helping clients detoxify, lose weight, and suppress urges to nervously bite strangers’ nails.

Dr. Matthew Mitsch is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, but has specialized in facial cosmetic surgery since opening The Face Institute in 1999. He developed his plastic- and reconstructive-surgery techniques at Beaumont Hospital's fellowship program following a residency at Interfaith Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Today, he uses that dexterity to laser away unwanted veins and lift sagging facial skin. Obagi and Osmosis facials polish skin's surface and yield enhanced results when paired with mechanical exfoliation or one of four types of chemical or laser peels. Light does double duty, serving as an emissary of firm, youthful skin and giving body hair and acne-causing bacteria a reason to believe in the afterlife. As a complement to skincare treatments, the staff whiten teeth and administer serums that lengthen and thicken sparse hair and eyelashes. Dr. Mitsch also personally oversees a weight-loss program, whose metabolism-boosting regime can work in tandem with sessions of ultrasound massage that aim to erase cellulite.

Skincare specialist Simran Kaur and her team at Savarna Threading & Beauty Studio look at the human form as a raw jewel, which they polish, shape, and adorn to create the dazzling sparkle that enhances natural beauty. She specializes in the traditional Indian arts of threading and Mehndi—the art of applying henna tattoos—to help her clients cultivate glowing, sculpted, artfully decorated beauty. By twisting 100%-cotton string, the stylists deftly capture unwanted hairs to precisely depilate faces and shape brows without the use of skin-irritating waxes or chemicals. They can also create complex, stunning designs on skin with natural henna dye, which sinks its pigments into skin to create decorative swirls and precise directions to the nearest ATM that lasts for two to three weeks. Savarna also stocks it's own skincare line, which incorporates naturally derived botanicals to add a youthful radiance to skin.

You wouldn't want to compete against Dr. Sergio Vendetti in an anatomy-themed trivia night. That's because the Italian native has earned both medical and dental degrees, is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. In his spare moments, he also finds time to lecture on surgical topics at academic and medical conferences, and mentor the next generation of healers as an assistant professor at the Medical College of Virginia.

Instead of shaming uppity quizmasters, Dr. Vendetti uses his vast knowledge of the human form at Virginia Surgical Arts, a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center, where he performs procedures ranging from wisdom-tooth extractions to face and brow lifts. His attention to detail and patient-centered philosophy earned him the gold award for Best Oral Surgeon in the Virginian-Pilot’s 2012 Best of Hampton Roads competition.

His office earned the same contest's silver award for Best Skin Care Facility in Virginia Beach, due in no small part to its highly trained team and welcoming ambiance. A certified surgical technologist and anesthesiologist assist with surgeries, and a licensed master aesthetician performs medical-grade treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and photofacials. Guests sense the spa-like vibe as soon as they enter the lobby, where they’re greeted by hardwood floors, antique-style armchairs, and a plush sofa. Before treatments, they can watch favorite shows on the flat-screen television or analyze the framed map of Italy's boot to decide whether the blue lines are rivers or large spider veins.

Though eyelashes are quite small, learning to apply them can be quite a big undertaking. Each aesthetician at SOHO Lashes has endured numerous hours of training through Xtreme Lashes, learning how to darken and lengthen eye fringe in a manner that is comfortable, natural looking, and safe for the eyelashes. Available in various lengths and colors, the synthetic strands are applied one by one using a lightweight, waterproof adhesive that doesn't touch the skin. And since the false lashes are bonded to the real ones, they fall out in accordance with the natural growth cycle. Depending on the desired fullness, application can take anywhere from one to two and a half hours to complete; though afterward, clients can look forward to saving time each morning since they won't need to apply mascara or perk up limp lashes with a daily pep talk.

In addition to applying lash extensions, the aestheticians enhance features with more traditional cosmetics and remove unwanted hairs with waxing services. Groups of gals can come in for bridal makeovers or to get ready for other big events, such as school dances where everyone just stands around awkwardly.