Lili // 5757 Sanibel Dr. Ste. 1, Minnetonka; 952.935.5000
Treatment: Sugaring
Sleek modern lines, floor-to-ceiling windows and suspended silver orbs give Lili an effortlessly contemporary feeling—appropriate for a spa and salon that prides itself on keeping up with the newest industry innovations.
Just this past December, Lili expanded its already spacious salon to include an upstairs loft entirely devoted to their newly updated spa services—among these, an organic hair-removal technique known as “sugaring.” During the treatment, a room-temperature, sugar-based compound is applied to the targeted areas (much like wax), and then removed with a quick flick of the wrist (no strip is used). “It’s a great option for people with sensitivities or allergies to wax,” says Britt Jungerberg, an aesthetician who initially introduced the technique to Lili. Pricing varies but is comparable to waxing and typically ranges between $15–75.
Hair Envy // 1890 West Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake; 952.476.0355
Treatment: Essential Oil and Reconstructive Hair Treatments
When Hair Envy opened nearly three years ago, owner Srey Pellett envisioned a salon and spa where clients feel more like friends and neighbors, and everyone is treated like royalty.
Topping her list of VIP treatments are two luxurious hair remedies: a reconstructive treatment that revitalizes and maintains hair’s health, and an essential oil treatment which acts as a deep conditioning service for significantly damaged and distressed hair. Each treatment involves a deluxe shampoo and heat-set conditioning therapy, followed by a blow dry and styling. “Afterwards, your hair not only looks shinier and silkier,” says Pellett, “it feels stronger and healthier, too.” Treatments typically take 45–60 minutes and cost $30–40 ($15 when combined with any chemical service).
Keiki B // 21 Water St., Excelsior; 952.913.4949
Treatment: Airbrush Tanning
Like an artist wielding a state-of-the-art airbrush, Kari Smith, an aesthetician at Keiki B Salon Spa, spends a good chunk of her day spraying the ubiquitous “Minnesota Pale” away. Posing none of the health risks associated with laying out or using tanning beds, airbrush tans offer clients a way to look and feel more comfortable in their own skin—one of the main goals of Keiki B.
Clients can choose between full-body, half-body or facial sessions, which vary in cost from $15–$40 and are done in under 30 minutes. Outcomes range from a light glow to a deep tan, are customized to client’s skin tones, and can last up to 10 days with proper skin care.
Eclectic Spalon // 2377 Shadywood Rd., Orono; 612.399.6610
Treatment: Antioxidant Body Wrap
Decorated in muted sages and permeated by the subtle scent of aromatics and the quiet thrum of an understated waterfall, Eclectic Spalon might just be the paradigm of rest and relaxation.
Ranking high on their menu of rejuvenating remedies is the Blueberry Soy Body Wrap—an organic, anti-oxidizing body masque that not only softens and smoothes skin, but also stimulates blood circulation, detoxifies the body, and has even been observed to promote inch-loss in some clients because of the detoxification and other factors. Appointments typically take two hours from start to finish, which allows for application time, an hour of rest during which the product penetrates the body’s pores and product removal. Treatments start at $90, and can be combined with facial masque and massage services.
Twiggs // 785 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.258.0200
Treatment: Touch of Color
For owner Shauna Raisch, a haircut or manicure isn’t just a simple task to be checked off a list of errands. “Beauty is an experience,” avers Raisch—and so is her salon. A typical appointment begins with a personalized consultation, which can address everything from beauty regimens to wardrobe choices. “We look at [our clients] as a whole,” says Raisch, “we evaluate what they need and customize a beauty plan just for them.”
Oftentimes, that includes Twiggs’ popular “Touch of Color” service—highlights or lowlights, which range from understated and subtle to bold and adventurous, and add brightness and depth to lusterless tresses. Starting at $45, the Touch of Color is not a full foil but an easy and affordable way to rejuvenate your look with just a few highlights, and includes a free blow-out and make-up touch-up, essential elements in the Twiggs’ experience.