San Diego Beauty And Spa Guide

A city doesn’t come to be known as "America’s Finest" just because it has white, sandy beaches and year-round sunshine. San Diego wears its nickname with confidence thanks, in part, to the profusion of artfully decorated and restored spas in neighborhoods such as the trendy East Village and Gaslamp Quarter. From restored Victorian houses to converted gallery spaces, these San Diego spas have helped put the city on the map as a prime destination for pampering. Unlike San Diego’s weather, the front-window display at The PaperDoll Salon reliably changes with the seasons. The first days of summer bring mermaids swimming among reeds and nets, and the chilliness of fall portends skeletons and other symbols of Halloween. These displays may be what first catches the eyes of passersby, but it’s the haircuts and coloring treatments that quickly turn them into loyal customers. Inside the crimson-tinged salon, stylists reinvent hair with Schwarzkopf coloring products, consulting gilded mirrors every now and then to check their work. The neutral colors and plush leather seats at Spa Gregorie’s in Del Mar are reminiscent of a modish 60s lounge. The overall effect is similar to spending a relaxing weekend at a well-off friend’s apartment, but only if that friend had recently won a slew of awards from Dayspa Magazine and American Spa Magazine, among others. The staff favors natural approaches to improving skin’s health and relieving stress, which is why they incorporate lactic acid, vitamins, and fruit enzymes in their treatments. San Diego averages more hours of sunshine than most cities, and some of its spas take full advantage of this. Housed in a restored 1886 Queen Anne Victorian home, Vasseur Day Spa features a waiting room with wall-to-wall windows that look out on stunning views of the city. After gazing out across a landscape of adobe buildings and palm trees, guests are led to private rooms where aestheticians clean skin with owner Melanie Vasseur’s own brand of products. To design these products, Melanie drew on 30 years of experience as a cosmetic chemist and aesthetician. A wall of crenellated glass casts orange and yellow shadows across the door of Detour Salon. This entrance gives way to a grunge-chic interior lined with exposed bricks. Pieces of gold jewelry dangle between the styling stations’ mirrors, creating an artsy vibe that’s mirrored in the salon’s edgy cuts and coloring treatments.

What others are saying

MELISSA
15, Sep
One Spider Vein-Removal Session for One 2 x 2 Area
Very easy to book appointment! I only have one day off during the week and they were able to squeeze me in as soon as possible. Lots of different laser treatments available. They are happy to help choose what’s best for your skin concern.
Six Laser Hair-Removal Sessions on One Small, Medium, or Large Area
Alana
28, Sep
One 90-Minute Couples Massage with Hot Stone and Organic Aromatherapy
10/10. My massage with Gina was FANTASTIC. The 90 minute option include a face and scalp massage and even some stretching! Gina was very strong and applied an excellent level of pressure. The interior of the facility is clean and beautifully decorated.
Rejuvenate: Tailored Solo or Couples Massage, Hot Stones, Aromatherapy
Wendy
25, Sep
One Carbon Laser Facial Treatment
I was very comfortable at this spa. Easy to find/easy parking. All of the clientele were delightful!
Up to 54% Off on Lymphatic Drainage Massage at Stephanies Cavi Lipo Spa
Lauri
30, Sep
One Syringe of Juvederm Voluma
Staff was very friendly and nice. Professional atmosphere. Clean facility. Amanda was wonderful. Very caring, careful and kind. She listened and did a wonderful job.
Up to 62% Off on Micro-Needling at SlimmThicc Aesthetics Spa
Guest
10, Jul
Six Laser Hair-Removal Sessions on One Extra Large Area - Valid Only at La Jolla
They are super friendly and help me a lot
Laser Hair Removal at SEV Laser, a Celebrity-Favorite Salon
ellen-marie
19, Sep
IPL-Photo Rejuvenation Treatment for the Face
I had an IPL session with Caroline. She’s excellent! I’ve had them at other places, however, Caroline is fabulous - good patient care, honest and very knowledgeable. I was welcomed upon entering the business, and it’s a beautiful office.
1 or 2 IPL-Photo Rejuvenation Treatments for Clearer, Youthful Skin