Beauty & Spas in Oak Grove

Ana Huang’s favorite part of being an aesthetician is the waxing. Every swift yank is validation, proof she’s protecting others from her own terrible waxing experiences. After all it was these unpleasant happenings that led her to the Aveda Institute to master the art of hair extraction. Ana operates out of a waxing and threading hub called EsthiBar, where services such as the Harry Jolie-Pitt (for the underarms) and Long Winter? (for the legs) remove hair from both men and women. When Ana’s not nixing unflattering fuzz, she enjoys crocheting, laughing, and pulling the moustache out of her Mr. Potato Head.

At 50th Avenue Salon, clients needn't twiddle their thumbs as they wait for color treatments to sink into their hair. Instead, they can recline in a massage chair for a soothing upper-body treatment, which is charged by the minute. The salon staff members encourage the mixing and matching of their respective services, enabling clients to depart the space fully confident and refreshed. Clients can pair cuts with temporary hair or feather extensions that add vibrant streaks without dye. Several of the stylists specialize in crafting boldly tinted dos; they don't shy from bright blonds, reds, and even purples. Nail technicians pamper hands and feet with mani-pedis, and private massages take place on a table or a thai mat, where the therapist guides physiques through soothing stretches.

Regardless of the reason for their appointment, clients remain surrounded by sunny, pastel yellow walls. Works by local artists decorate the space on a rotating basis, allowing new painters to showcase their talent and removing old pictures before they grow stale when chewed. Handcrafted bags and jewelry also hang in the boutique area, flanking shelves of Paul Mitchell, TIGI, and Aquage products available for purchase.

The beauty professionals at Rain Salon upgrade the health and look of skin, hair, and nails. Stylists transform drab hairdos with a pair of shears and then enrich color or modify texture with special formulas that straighten tresses or turn them into slick, wavy lasagna noodles. Aestheticians concentrate on the skin that spans ear to ear, buffing away fine lines during microdermabrasion treatments and replenishing vitamins and moisture during facials. Tending to hands and feet, nail technicians shine up nails with chip-resistant and traditional polishes.