dreamecho, i was there too, but quit waiting so i could go to another free event.
wwd had a story today on the salons of boston! ill excerpt it here. i figure it could be useful for the occasional person that wanders in asking which hair places are good. i go to the emerge spa for hair and brows. surprisingly, its reasonable.
Mario Russo Salon
9 Newbury Street
617-424-6676
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Louis Boston at 234 Berkeley
617-266-4485
Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Description: Mario Russo Salon is a full-service salon providing consumers with hairstyling, coloring, manicures, pedicures and a recently launched menu of medical-grade facial treatments. For those in the mood to shop at Louis Boston after a treatment, go to the location on 234 Berkeley.
Signature service: The Mario Russo Ultra-Custom Anti-Aging DNA Facial Treatment for $350 is a two-step DNA facial treatment that analyzes the skin and determines what it needs. The first appointment includes a cleanse, epidermal peel and a DNA sample from the inner cheek, which is sent to an outside firm to test the strands and consumers' skin health. The second appointment involves photodynamic light therapy and offers customers their own Mario Russo Ultra Custom Anti-Aging Cream.
Brands sold: Mario Russo, Kérastase and Davines.
MELT Salon & Spa
172 Newbury Street
617-262-1116
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Description: Recently opened Melt Salon & Spa makes guests feel at home with a cozy ambience. While deciding on treatments like a hot stone massage, customized Luzern facial or peppermint pedicure, customers can sip on complimentary Champagne and wine with fresh fruit and pastries.
Signature service: The Hydrafacial, $200, is designed for any skin conditions — from aging and hyperpigmentation to acne or dryness. The treatment removes dead skin cells and impurities, while simultaneously treating the skin with vitamin-enriched serums.
Brands sold: Paul Brown, Splendore, Alphaparf, Aquage, OPI, Creative Sensations, L'Ocean and Luzern.
Floyd's 99 Barbershop
189 Massachusetts Avenue
617-236-4838
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Description: Opened for two months, this Denver franchise has plans to take Boston by storm with five salons slated to open in the next year. Floyd's was developed to give men and women a "midmarket" option between discount haircutters and upscale salons.
Signature services: All hair care services are available, including "old school" barber techniques such as hot lather face shaves, regular cuts and color treatments for men and women. While waiting, clients can surf the Web at multiple Internet stations. Men's haircuts cost $24 to $35. Face shaves cost $24 and color services start at $55.
Brands sold: American Crew, Paul Mitchell, Redken and Nioxin.
Spa at Rowes Wharf at the Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf
617-439-3914
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Description: For those seeking relaxation and exercise, the Spa at Rowes Wharf offers spa treatments along with an all-access pass to its fitness facility, which includes a 60-by-20-foot pool, whirlpool, fitness room, steam room and sauna.
Signature services: The Environmental Shield Vitamin C Facial for $110 is a 50-minute treatment designed for skin with sun damage. The antioxidant-based treatment restores clarity, texture, elasticity and firmness to the skin, while fading pigmentation and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.The Chardonnay Body Wrap for $140 begins with the Olavie Chardonnay antioxidant sugar scrub, a blend of sugar cane and shea butter, which exfoliates while nourishing and protecting the skin. After removing the scrub with a Vichy shower, guests receive a body butter massage.
Brands sold: Murad, Yonka, Davines, Olavie, Jane Iredale and Aunt Sadie's Candles.
Emerge Spa and Salon
275 Newbury Street
617-437-0006
Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Description: Designed as a combination day spa and resort destination, Emerge's five-floor spa and salon offers guests a Zen-like environment for a full day. Men have their privacy in the Men's Club, which features a master barber and flat screen. Guests can also enjoy the roof deck and lounge areas.
Signature services: The 90-minute Lavender Dreams Ultimate Experience for $215 includes a two-step body scrub, a warm wrap and full body massage. The Rasul Signature Ceremony body treatment is recommended for couples.
Brands sold: Kérastase, Aquage, GHD, Goldwell, Yonka of Paris, OPI, Get Fresh, Nioxin, Goldwell, Kerstin Florian and Deborah Lippmann.
Salon Fontana (Located in the Sports Club/LA at The Ritz Carlton, Boston Common)
4 Avery Street
617-375-8510
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Description: Perfect for multitaskers, Salon Fontana offers clients hot towels and hand massages while getting hair or nail services before, during or after hair treatments. Guests can then visit Splash Spa at the Ritz Carlton to receive spa treatments.
Signature services: The most popular treatments include the Kérastase Conditioning gloss treatments priced from $55 to $75.
Brands sold: Kérastase, Alterna, Phiten (for Yuko Thermal Reconditioning), Bumble and Bumble, Goldwell, GHD flat irons, OPI and Essie.
G Spa
35 Newbury Street
617-267-4772
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Description: Not much hasn't already been said about Boston's most popular spa, but it's still a must-see. G Spa offers an array of 30-minute "quickie" services including facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. Those with some extra time can enjoy the spa's treatment-based services on its second-floor "Splurge Level."
Signature service: Gretta's Glow Facial With Lemon Lip Treatment for $165 is a new triple-exfoliation facial that includes a scrub with enzyme and lactic acid designed to brighten and polish dull skin with its citrus ingredients. The lip treatment smooths and softens lips.
Brands sold: Nature by Valmont, Trish McEvoy, theBalm, Sonya Dakar, Bumble and bumble, Kérastase, GHD styling irons, Lippmann Collection, Anthousa and Min Solution2.