Philadelphia Spas & Salons Guide

Philly's Spas & Salons feature the latest in body treatments, relaxation therapy and beauty services—from the most basic of mani-pedis to deeply transformative Thai yoga massages to rejuvenating facials.

Spas/Salons:

• Sleek and serene, Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon offers a full menu of hair, nail, facial and body-care services and packages such as “The Energizer,” including a Swedish massage, customized facial and lunch. The spa/salon uses Aveda products exclusively, and its modern Adolf Biecker Studio in West Philadelphia boasts lower prices and a full menu of hair, nail and waxing services. 1605 Sansom Street, (215) 735-6404; 138 S. 34^th Street, (215) 418-5550; 508 W. Lancaster Avenue, Strafford, (610) 687-4750, adolfbiecker.com
• The internationally inspired Ame Salon and Spa features a range of hair, nail and body treatments. “Ayurvedic Bliss” is one of the spa’s signature global therapies and comes with a foot soak, Indian head massage and light 30-minute body massage that culminates in Shirodhara, a ritual of dripping warm oils onto the forehead to be massaged into the crown to release negative emotions. Between services, patrons wear kimonos. 111 Waynewood Avenue, Wayne, (610) 995-AME1, amesalonandspa.com
• Open seven days a week, including early and late hours for blowout appointments, the reimagined Bellevue Salon and Spa sits below the famed Hyatt at The Bellevue. In addition to de rigueur hair ministrations, this Avenue of the Arts outpost books deep-cleansing anti-aging facials, classic nail and waxing services, body wraps and massages. Wedding-day updos and makeup are also popular services here. 200 S. Broad Street, Lower Level, (267) 514-8000, bellevuesalonandspa.com
• Anthoni Troilo, named an A-member of the prestigious beauty guild Intercoiffure Mondial, heads up the family-owned Citrus Salon & Day Spa. The salon is known for impeccable cuts and coloring, while the spa satisfies with relaxing and pampering services—detoxifying mud wraps, custom “AromaSoul” scrubs, facials, massages—in private areas for men and women. 1201 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, (610) 277-HAIR, citrussalonspa.com
• Open daily, early to late, in the heart of historic Newtown in Bucks County, the three-tiered David Witchell Salon & Spa isn’t popular just for its staff’s perfect highlighting work, or its major selection of skin and hair-care products, or even its seven-hour-long “Pinnacle” day of indulgence in its grotto-like below-ground spa. Named one of the top 100 salons in the U.S. by Elle magazine, David Witchell is also renowned for its mezzanine-level boutique stocked with everything from staple separates to Halston Heritage evening gowns. 25 S. State Street, Newtown, (215) 579-1200, davidjwitchell.com
• A few doors down from the Betsy Ross House, Old City’s East End Salon, established in 1989, was cool before the neighborhood was. Traditional facials, waxing and makeup services are on the menu, but veteran stylists are best known for their on-point cuts and color. 219 Arch Street, (215) 592-6486, eastendsalon.com
• After spending 15 years in Philadelphia’s posh Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, Giovanni & Pileggi made the move to Washington Square West in 2012. The salon’s top-notch service continues, with a variety of hair coloring, cuts, styling, specialty treatments and bridal packages. 308 S. 13^th Street, (215) 568-3040, giovannipileggi.com
• A well-appointed Main Line mainstay since 1985, Jay Michael Salon and Spa offers a full range of men’s and women’s hair services (precision cuts, extensions, Keratin treatments), plus nail and makeup services and waxing. The salon is located next door to the tony Radnor Hotel. 595 E. Lancaster Avenue, Radnor, (610) 964-0800, jaymichael.com
• Sprawling, father-and-son-owned Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon is tricked out with internationally inspired wet rooms, soft-pack float tubs, massage and facial suites and even a light-enhancement bath—and that doesn’t even touch the full complement of offerings in the Med Spa. At the salon, extra-special treatments such as extensions, permanent straightening, ionizing and makeup and nail services seem like necessary indulgences. 243 W. Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 459-4663; 400 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, (610) 557-0110, josephanthony.com
• Celebrity stylist Laurentius Purnama believes anyone can be beautiful with the right stylist. And his clients—famous or not—feel like stars at his ultra-modern Laurentius Salon in Philadelphia’s Italian Market area. Regulars know to book appointments well in advance for high-end highlights and cuts, quick fixer-uppers at the brow and lash bar and nail artist Robin Campbell’s precision manicures and pedicures that employ fresh fruits and flowers. 815 Christian Street, (215) 238-0764, laurentiussalon.com
• Reflexology, facials, massages, aromatherapy, stone therapy and seaweed, mud, champagne, wine or chocolate wraps, plus a full complement of hair and nail services, are among the popular indulgences at Millennium Hair & Day Spa. Prenatal and deep tissue massages are also available. 50 E. Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, (610) 649-4977, millenniumhairanddayspa.com
• Natural and organic scalp and hair treatments, razor cuts, hair color, waxing, makeup and custom facials populate the menu at Old City’s sleek Moko. Using non-toxic, soy-based wax, Moko’s waxing services have received “best of” mentions from experts including Allure. A beauty boutique rounds out the chic, holistic experience. Insider tip: Regulars enjoy free bang trims/nape cleanups. 55 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 922-MOKO, mokobeauty.com
• The ambiance of The Parlour Hair & Skin in Fishtown can be described as “distressed elegance.” The facials are Ayurvedic, while makeovers, color and hairstyles range from all natural to punk rock. 1339 Frankford Avenue, (215) 278-7613, parlourhairandskin.com
• Pileggi on the Square, occupying a four-story townhouse on historic Washington Square, houses a full-service spa and salon offering a spa, salon and blow-dry services. Favorite options include intense 60-minute facials and body treatments and the family spa experience—a mini-facial for parent and mini-mani-pedi for child. 717 Walnut Street, (215) 627-0565, pileggisalon.com
• An oasis in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, Rescue Spa Philadelphia draws a repeat clientele for its signature services: the instantly transformative “BioLift” facial, impeccable waxes, luxe blowouts, nail services, massages and makeovers. Rescue’s technology-oriented beauty treatments include foto facials, LED lights, tightening Sublime Refirme and eMatrix, a fractionated bi-polar radio frequency that helps reduce hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and acne scars. The spa has received numerous awards and accolades from outlets such as Allure. 1601 Walnut Street, 3^rd Floor, (215) 772-2766, rescuespa.net
• Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon at The Ritz-Carlton creates a Bali-inspired comfort zone for body, hair and skin treatments. Special services include aromatherapy treatments using seasonal natural flower essences, couples’ massages and a Tui Na, Asian bodywork that incorporates acupressure and massage. 10 Avenue of the Arts, 3^rd Floor, (215) 523-8035, richeldambra.com
• Guests head to the third floor of The Rittenhouse hotel for the Rittenhouse Spa & Club. Famed stylist Paul Labrecque leads the hair team, much to the delight of his fiercely loyal patrons. Hot shaves, nature-inspired conditioning treatments, honey scrubs, Vitamin C facials and in-suite massages complete the luxury menu. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 3^rd Floor, (215) 790-2500, therittenhousespaclub.com
• Services at 25-year-plus stalwart Salon d’Artiste, the Main Line’s first day spa, include Hawaiian massages, aromatherapy body wraps, men’s and women’s hair services and rejuvenating facials and peels. 205 W. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, (610) 687-2020, salondartiste.com
• Toppers Spa/Salon has been providing massage therapies, hair services, facials, waxing and nail treatments for decades. Its locations cater to both men and women, and each feels like a sanctuary inspired by a specific destination. The Center City Philadelphia outpost evokes the charm of Tuscany and the Amalfi coast; the Wayne location channels the casual comfort of the French countryside; and the Newtown spot captures the serene simplicity of a Japanese garden. 117 S. 19^th Street, (215) 496-9966; 745 W. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, (610) 989-9660; 50 West Road, Newtown, (215) 860-5200, toppersspa.com

Spas:

• At 3000BC WellMed Spa, a medical day spa in Chestnut Hill, facials begin with an intensive skin evaluation and can include everything from gentle help for sensitive skin to microdermabrasion and chemical applications. Body treatments range from basic sports massages to enzyme body peels. Xtreme Lashes^® eyelash extensions, waxing services and sunless tanning are also on the menu, and practically no one leaves without picking up one of 3000BC’s own products. 8439 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-6020, 3000bcspa.com
• Located on a Main Line Victorian property, the award-winning Antoinette Day Spa is a member of Halcyon Day Spas, offering the national organization’s signature stress-buster massages, no-chip pedicures, customized peels and aromatherapy-enhanced body masks and polishes. Spa packages cater to brides, moms-to-be, men and anyone seeking a little R&R. 85 Darby Road, Paoli, (610) 647-6618, halcyondayspa.com
• With a location in a 19^th-century brownstone near Rittenhouse Square, another in University City and two on the Main Line, the nationwide Bluemercury^™ Apothecary and Spa has amassed a local following of enthusiasts in search of the latest and greatest in beauty. Estheticians combine products from in-demand brands to create a customized service for each client. Guests also come here to get their favorite products from lines such as Bliss, NARS, Bobbi Brown and Darphin. 1707 Walnut Street, (215) 569-3100; 3603 Walnut Street, (215) 222-2366; 42 Saint James Place, Ardmore, (610) 642-5400; 100 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, (610) 255-0111, bluemercury.com
• Body Restoration day spa in Center City focuses exclusively on skincare and massage therapy. The petite, specialty practice uses French depilatory wax, offers cellulite compression wraps and applies aromatherapeutic, paraben-free products during its facials. 1611 Walnut Street, (215) 569-9599, bodyrest.com
• The quaint country village of Skippack lends a serene setting for the massages, facials, manicures and organic, sunless “Chocolate Sun” scrub tanning services at The Body Serene Day Spa. 4007 Skippack Pike, Skippack Village, (610) 584-7284, thebodyserene.com
• Designed with eco-friendly decor, Eviama Life Spa provides an innovative mix of wellness treatments, including Dr. Hauschka facials, transformative massages, restorative body therapies, “compassionate” waxing, light and color vibrational therapies and kid and teen facials and massages to improve mood, bring on sleep or reduce stress. Estheticians work with mostly all-natural, paraben-free products, and the boutique sells earth-friendly and fair-trade gifts. 109 S. 13^th Street, 2^nd Floor, (215) 545-3344, eviama.com
• Petite Fabriq Spa, named for its Fabric Row location, bases its efficacious, earth-friendly services in ancient practices. Foremost among them: acupuncture, available for both health and beauty. Other all-natural boosters to choose from: Thai yoga, hot stone and aromatherapy massages, organic collagen-stimulating facials and botanically based waxing. 728 S. 4^th Street, (215) 922-3235, fabriqspa.com
• Industry veteran Ilona Csaky went against the invasive beauty-is-suffering grain when she founded her holistic Harmonia Healing Arts Spa in the heart of the Main Line. Acupuncture, Thai massage and other services utilize red grapes, coffee, milk and golden algae for bodily benefits. 411-413 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, (610) 688-1007, harmoniaspa.com
• Loveliness rules at Heaven Spa, a one-stop oasis of beauty, health and wellness. The makeover dream team here specializes in treatments that range from facials, manicures and reflexology pedicures to massages, honey body scrubs and hydrotherapy. The “Heaven on Earth” package features a Swedish massage, signature facial and seaweed body wrap followed by a gourmet lunch and glass of bubbly. 261 Old York Road, Jenkintown, (215) 576-7000, heaven-spa.com
• A bucolic estate once owned by famed playwright George Kaufman now sets the scene for The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm’s lovely spa, where pros mix all-natural ingredients right before application and guests relax in luxurious treatment rooms. The spa occupies an historic barn, but many clients choose to stay overnight and enjoy the pampering in their private rooms. 5281 Old York Road, Holicong, (215) 794-5104, barleysheaf.com
• Le Rêve Rittenhouse Medical Spa lists laser hair removal as its most-requested service. But the tranquil couples’ massage is close behind, along with facials and close-to-painless Brazilian waxes. 255 S. 17^th Street, 4^th Floor, (215) 790-4444, rittenhousespa.com
• One of the country’s first Lush Spa locations sits atop the British bath shop’s Rittenhouse outpost. Music plays a role in most of the spa’s multisensory body and facial treatments. First-time visitors can’t go wrong with the signature treatment, “Synaesthesia.” The guest chooses from 11 emotional states, and the Lush therapist gets them there. 1525 Walnut Street, (215) 546-5874, lushusa.com
• With its stylish, modern vibe, Nurture Spa welcomes ladies and gentlemen who prefer their spa time low-key. Specializing in facials and massages (couples’ massages are a big hit here), Nurture Spa also performs eyelash tints, waxing services, manicures and pedicures and hydrating paraffin treatments. 415 S. York Road, New Hope, (215) 862-7010, nurturespa.com
• Eastern European-inspired, open-late Southampton Spa refuge charges by the day for its traditional Turkish and Russian baths, heated and cold-plunge pools, steam room and sauna time, billiards. Guests indulge in massages and made-to-order juices for an additional fee. 141 2^nd Street Pike, Southampton, (215) 942-4646, southamptonspa.com
• Terme Di Aroma—a Mediterranean-inspired day spa in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood that has been featured in Allure and O, The Oprah Magazine—blends the enchantment of the past with a fantastic selection of aromatherapy skincare, anti-aging facials, reflexology, Thai yoga, hot-stone massages. 32 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 829-9769, termediaroma.com

Something Different:

• The three locations of American Mortals (a.k.a. AMMO) cater to the young and young at heart through cuts and color (read: all colors) with a hipster edge. Named one of the country’s top 100 salons twice by Elle, the self-proclaimed “unsalon” produces its own line of coveted hair and body products with tongue-in-cheek names like Champo (shampoo) and Hair-o-in (conditioner). 727 Walnut Street, (215) 574-1234; 2101 Christian Street, (215) 519-2325; opening November 2015: Sweat Gym, 700 E. Passyunk Avenue, (267) 928-3055, americanmortals.com
• Alumni of famed New York City salons—Peter Coppola, AKS, John Barrett—preside over the friendly, no-nonsense AMS Luxury Salon. They render top-notch cuts, color, balayage, gloss, blowouts and braids. 262 S. 16^th Street, (215) 569-1515, amssalon.com
• Tweezers need not apply at Washington Square West’s Anjuthreads, where the preferred method is the ancient Eastern technique of threading. Led by eyebrow-shaping guru Anju Treohan, estheticians use only cotton thread to gently remove hair from anywhere on the neck and face. Treatments end with Aveda toners to close pores and calm the skin. 1126 Walnut Street, (215) 592-1801, gotoanju.com
• Beehive Hair Salon, a funky shop in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood, mixes an old-fashioned feel with down-to-earth retro-chic looks to produce sophisticated styles for the whole family. Co-owners Ev Aslanova and Diana Bogrett also offer in-demand services in nail and skin care, body waxing and bridal hair and makeup. 1719 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 235-4483, beehivehairsalon.com
• Soap maker-meets-hair salon in Philadelphia’s Washington Square West neighborhood with Duross & Langel. The second-floor salon overlooks the busy 13^th Street corridor, and the third-floor studio offers yoga classes. Downstairs, guests load up on the store’s handmade, natural soaps and skin-care products. 117 S. 13^th Street, (215) 592-7627, durossandlangel.com
• In the heart of the traditional-meets-trendy East Passyunk neighborhood of South Philly, Fringe Salon draws clients for modern cuts, cool art shows and free, unlimited visits with Uli, the resident cat. 1728 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 339-1778, fringesalononline.com
• Juju Salon & Organics mixes modern equipment with organic, plant-based and, in most cases, vegan products for revolutionary salon treatments. That means people walk away with wholesome versions of smoothing, highlights, updos, color and nail care. 713 S. 4^th Street, (215) 238-6080, jujusalon.com
• Mango, coconut and other Colombian flavors figure strongly into the menu of nail and (authentically Brazilian) waxing services at the by-appointment-only nail spa Mi Cumbia Organica. The organic spa prides itself on all-natural beauty solutions, from its soy-based waxes to its non-toxic, water-based nail polishes, gels and lacquers. The signature treatment here? The 75-minute “Bagazo del Coconut” mani-pedi, which relies on a fragrant combo of freshly shredded coconut and warmed Ecuadorian olive oil to exfoliate and moisturize tired hands and feet. Floor to ceiling, Tierra is outfitted with VOC-free, sustainable and recycled building materials. 328 S. 17^th Street, (215) 735-7980, tierramiaorganicnailspa.com
• Encompassing 3,000 square feet, Salon Royale Court overlooks the iconic and buzzing Avenue of the Arts from a second-story location. Clients get the royal treatment through the modern salon’s comprehensive menu of services, including makeup application, mani-pedis, eyebrow waxing, updos and precision cuts and color using shampoo and styling products from Kerastase, Redken and Bumble and bumble. 215 S. Broad Street, 2^nd Floor, (215) 893-3800, salonroyalecourt.com
• A bubble-gum pink beauty parlor with a laid-back, retro vibe, Salon Sugar caters to clients looking for affordable and edgy razor cuts, dreadlocks (yes, dreadlocks), hair extensions and custom dye jobs in any color imaginable. One of the few product-free dreadlock salons in the country, the snug, two-chair salon offers natural dreadlock installations, extensions, maintenance and repair. Salon Sugar also sells funky accessories made by local artists, including the salon’s own stylists. 711 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 922-5522, salonsugarphilly.com
• Before opening her Rittenhouse skincare and cosmetics studio, Ursula’s About PHace, Ursula Augustine worked for some of the top names in the business, including Bobbi Brown, Stila and NARS, and she was the resident makeup artist at Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon. Today, the beauty connoisseur continues to service individuals with her award-winning makeup applications, brow-shaping services and facials. Augustine’s artistry has received hat tips from publications such as Allure and InStyle. 1700 Sansom Street, Suite 201, (215) 557-1562, aboutphace201.com

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