North Glendale Spa and Massage

Balanced Bodyworks LA caters to active clients of all types—yogis, runners, cyclists, dancers—but they have one singular goal: to increase performance. Whether clients are recovering from an injury, prepping for a marathon, or learning how to buckle a heavyweight championship belt, the staff here uses sports and medical massage to instill in their clients the physical aptitude necessary to compete and succeed.

The certified therapists target pain and spur injury recovery with orthopedic sports massages, which use techniques such as manipulation and soft tissue movement to improves range of motion and overall performance. They also perform medical and therapeutic massage, each one its own unique brand of restorative bodywork. Balanced Bodyworks LA is also affiliated with acupuncturists, fitness instructors, and healing practitioners, all qualified and intent on further helping athletes prepare for their passions.

Teramai, a boutique haven for waxing, skincare, and massages, spreads the news of healing and beauty just a short distance from Marina del Rey. The studio's therapists and aestheticians select products from companies that share their eco-friendly philosophy; they use organic wax, for example, from a small family business founded in Australia in 1965, back when most wax still came from robo-bees. Their hair-removal services stand alongside personalized facials and chemical peels that strip years from complexions with the aid of add-ons such as microdermabrasion. Technicians affix Minkys eyelash extensions to newly youthful faces, fueling furious lash-batting sessions that can last up to four weeks before touchups are necessary. Beautification melts into relaxation as a therapist targets stress with massages that include Swedish, trigger-point, deep-tissue, Thai, and lomi lomi techniques.

Though The M Salon sits on bustling Rodeo Drive, its interior wraps visitors in zen-like calm. Cool, marble halls lead to the waiting room, decorated, like the rest of the space, in sparse black-and-white hues accentuated with bright orchids. A miniature kitchen lets stylists brew coffee and espresso, slice fruits, and pour wines and champagne as complimentary refreshments for their clients, and modern cabinets tuck away premium products by Moroccanoil, OSMO, Brazilian Blowout, Je Veux, Colure, and Grooming Lounge.

The carefully designed space was long the dream of The M Salon's owner, Marjan. Born in Tehran, she began to study cosmetology after moving to the United States and enjoyed her training so much she also pursued certifications in hairstyling and makeup. In addition to her newly learned specialties, Marjan has a passion for the ancient art of eyebrow threading, which uses carefully twisted cotton threads to gently remove unwanted body hair. Joining her in the salon, aesthetician Nelly draws from more than 15 years of experience to perform personalized facials.

When it comes to beauty maintenance, Nunei Harrington asserts, “If you cannot eat it, do not put it on your skin.” The licensed aesthetician puts her words into practice at Sola Salon by using only natural products, including real fruits and vegetables, which she hand-blends to create custom facials, Nufree vegan hair-removal wax, and organic makeup.

During customized facials, Harrington can target environmental damage with organic pumpkin; fight acne with volcanic ash; and calm rosacea with rosewater, chamomile, and bedtime stories—all tailored to skin type. Facials include deep-tissue massage of the face, neck, and shoulders. Hair-removal sessions utilize either botanical Nufree vegan products or homemade beeswax and leave skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. Other spa treatments include the raindrop technique, which combines aromatherapy and essential oils from Young Living to relax the body and mysteriously balance the client's checkbook.

Aestheticians at The M Day Spa forsake the one-size-fits-all approach, and prefer instead to consult with each client before giving any kind of skincare service. Once they know about a client’s skin type and habits, the aestheticians can administer individualized facials, peels, and body wraps that can help to reduce acne or hyperpigmentation. The spa’s gold collagen mask combines the youth-boosting power of collagen with gold leaf, a combination that helps to accelerate cell growth and allows properly gilded individuals to hide in rappers’ teeth. The aestheticians also place special emphasis on hygienic waxing services for men and women. During each of their services, the aestheticians wield a full range of high-end products from brands such as Christina, Image Skincare, and Amarin.