Oakland Spa and Massage

The aestheticians and spa staff at Tru Spa follow a strict spa mission focused on making each treatment they perform as effective as possible. This philosophy is reflected in the luxurious ingredients and thorough techniques employed in each skin, body, and nailcare service. On top of that, the spa itself was designed in ways that enhance specific treatments. Select bodywork procedures are performed in the Tropical Rainforest room, where a jungle mist drifts around the body before warm rain showers the client to mimic the effects of a body wrap without any constrictive coverings. Flat-screen TVs hang inside the nail room, drawing the clients' attention so they will be less likely to point at passersby. Colored light fills the massage rooms, painting everything in yellow, red, or dark blue. The rest of the spa sets a sleek and modern tone with natural light and bamboo flooring that is both sanitary and earth friendly.

In nine rooms, low- to high-pressure UV tanning beds spill tunes from built-in radios and CD players and build base tans with waves of warm light. Clients can find UV-free shading in the Magic and Airbrush spray room, where a mechanical booth or tanning technician applies a tanning solution that gradually darkens over time. The appearance of cellulite diminishes under the twin rollers and controlled suction of an Endermologie machine, which shoos away cellulite to decrease dimples and even out skin texture. Infrared body wraps detoxify bodies while softening both skin and fears of being trapped in a sleeping bag.

Stylist Joelle Campbell has a wanderer's spirit and the wide-ranging experience to match. During her initial apprenticeship in Portland, she roamed through some of America's great style houses, taking in training at notable locales ranging from Redken's 5th Avenue salon and Bumble and bumble's Uptown headquarters in New York to Suki's in Vancouver. Opening her own salon in Portland didn't halt her desire for for continued education; after a 10-year stint that led her behind the scenes at Rome International Hair Show, Joelle moved to San Francisco, where she honed her skills as a colorist. Now the principle stylist behind Haute Hair Studio, she still keeps one eye on international trends. When she isn't busy trimming up fashion-forward 'dos, adding flattering color, or easing frizz with Brazilian blowouts, Joelle still finds time to showcase her work on a wider stage; for the past two years, she and her team have prepped models for their runway moments at Vera Wang's annual Ritz-Carleton fashion show.

As old-fashioned wall sconces spread across the egg-white walls like wings, large framed mirrors reflect the goings-on of Elle et Lui Salon and Boutique’s bustling interior. Amid these elegant accents, Elle’s 12 stylists transform tresses with high-end products by Unite, Pureology, and Redken. Clients can solicit a precise cut and complementary highlights, or wrangle finicky curls with specialty keratin straightening treatments. The salon also specializes in updos for weddings or covert scuba missions in a neighbor’s swimming pool.

Inside The Beauty Source, aesthetician and Skinsational founder Maddy Schlie nurtures the outer beauty of her clients with meticulous waxing, facials, airbrush tanning, and makeup treatments. Her beauty spa evolved from her passion for the beauty industry and her desire to run a small business not lorded over by a company-issued boss bot. As the spa’s experienced and sole aesthetician, Amanda single-handedly primps patrons from head to toe with body wraps and flirty eyelash applications.

Once guests step through the doors at Anew Day Spa, they begin a mini vacation from mental and physical discomfort. By the time they are ready to walk back out and return to their lives, clients will have topped off their stores of relief and tranquility. In between, they can opt to sit in chairs and relax as relief cascades from sore shoulders and backs, or let therapists pore over their whole bodies as they decompress on massage tables. During reflexology sessions, a trained therapist applies liberating pressure to the feet to relieve pain all over the body and thank toes for teaching children how to accurately identify different kinds of piggies.