New York's Best Beauty Experts, Spas & Hair Salons

For a Merlot treatment in Manhattan, head to Tribea's Delluva Day Spa, where the rejuvenating and antioxidant powers of wine and grapes are harnessed in their Vinotherapy body and skincare treatments. The high concentration of polyphenols found in grapes and their seeds are used to create a uniquely relaxing experience. Grapeseed extracts also work to strengthen blood vessels and enhance micro-circulation. The spa is warmly decorated in earth tones and chandeliers created from wine bottles. The nine treatment rooms of this 2,500-square-foot spa are named for famous wine regions and use TheraVine, a skin care line from the Cape wine lands area of South Africa. Try the TheraVine Barrel Bath; start off with a full body grape-seed exfoliation before being immersed in powerful Grape skin and Vine leaf water and ending it all with a light application of Pinotage body oil.

Hair stylist Damien Miano and colorist Louis Viél produce amazing haircuts and treatments at this midtown salon, which also makes a point to cater to male clients as well as women. They're renowned for a special method that turns the tightest curls into the silkiest smooth locks, straight, wavy or however you want them. Plus, there's a full menu of spa treatments available as well. Try their exclusive 60-minute iron facial; holo-electronic neon iron is applied, covered with plastic wrap and massaged into your skin. Book in advance.

Appointments in advance are a must for this busy salon, a favorite of busy New York women, as well as a few models and celebs, who need nails and blow outs done in a jiffy. This small but elegant salon offers everything from great facials and microdermabrasion to eyelash/eyebrow tinting and waxing. Great for lasting manicures (with a one-week no-chip guarantee) and super-speedy beauty treatments like a blow-dry, manicure and pedicure in just an hour.
 

For hair cuts and blow outs, Kirsten Weaver, VP at ID Model Management, goes to Fabrice Gili, the Creative Director at the Frédéric Fekkai salon in SoHo. "Fabrice is very talented and just knows how to shape the hair according to your face," says Kirsten. "I also go to Fekkai for blow outs; full of volume or sleek—they are great at both." Fekkai himself is master stylist and celeb favorite, and has salons in Los Angeles, Dallas and several other locals. But his sleek, flagship salon is uptown on 5th Avenue, where the talented Seiji Kitazato and Tammy Sherman hold down the fort while Fekkai travels between his many salons. It's everything you would expect from one of the biggest names in the business—Frederic's been in the business for over 20 years, and is famous for his modern and clean cuts. It's pricey, so if $295 for a cut seems a bit steep, enquire about Tuesday's open house nights when senior stylists train juniors and prices are a steal. NB: Fekkai's third NYC salon will open soon at the newly renovated Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side. 

Highly recommended cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist who also operates a skin spa offering dermatology, liposuction, Botox, fillers, and other cosmetic treatments. The clinic was one of the first in NY to offer the Polaris WR, which combines a collagen-stimulating laser with skin-tightening radio frequencies—while it's not relaxing, it's tolerable and really effective. Other services include permanent make-up and hair laser removals, brow lifts. Don't worry, despite all the medical procedures, this place feels more like a spa than a doctor's office.

For long lasting nail and toe treamtments, Kirsten Weaver, Vice President at ID Model Managment, heads to Rescue Beauty Lounge, which was founded by nail guru Ji Baek and has two locations, one in the Meatpacking and another in Nolita. "A good  friend recommended this salon," says Kirsten. "Their mani/pedi really lasts and doesn't chip!" Rescue is famous for their three-step Nail Treatment System. Put your life on pause and indulge in polishes increasing flexibility and durability, and administered by top-notch friendly staff. Cuticle pickers and nail biters should consider the Rescued by La Mer Manicure, which features a diamond dust exfoliation. The Signature Pedicure will give your feet the VIP treatment they deserve after squeezing into those killer heels. Waxing and facials are also available if you're looking for a one-stop overhaul. It's a great place to go with a girlfriend to catch up while you get your nails done.
 

A stylish spot in SoHo, this trendy 3,000-square-foot hair salon feels just like a hip loft apartment with European flair. Located in SoHo Grand Hotel, Privé is done up with beechwood and Italian stone floors, 18th-century bricks from a French chateau and marble countertops. Celebrity owner and stylist Laurent Dufourg—who travels between this location and his salons in Los Angeles and Orlando—and his team stylists and colorists deliver highlights, perms, cuts and Japanese thermal reconditioning. The make up department uses Palette Maquillage cosmetic from top Hollywood makeup artist Thierry Pourtoy. Finish off your new look with a manicure and pedicure before hitting the local shops and restaurants.

Great Jones! Not many places in NYC can boast a three-story indoor waterfall. This 15,000-square-foot facility has been designed to reflect the principles of Feng Shui, complete with a Chakra steam room, solarium and river rock sauna. All the Eastern influenced treatments are totally natural—there's a large menu of water treatments, and Asian inspired massage, body and skincare treatments, as well as detox treatments and energy healing. Want some privacy? The VIP suite features its own private elevator, treatment room, Jacuzzi tub and steam shower. They recently opened a hair and make up salon which is open seven days a week, and they run an adjacent healthy organic juice bar next door that's popular with the locals. Even if you don't want a treatment, you can pay $50 just to use the wet room facilities.

It's perhaps the most expensive spa in New York, but the experience merits the price. The Mandarin hotel group in general has some of the best trained therapists in the world. Tucked away behind the hotel's main lobby, this orchid-bedecked day spa offers surprising tranquility overlooking upper Manhattan. Be sure to arrive to your appointment well in advance to spend time lounging in the men's or women's wet room with a color-therapy shower, amethyst crystal steam room and the ultra-soothing vitality pool. The spa only has six treatment rooms and a few guests at a time, so if you're lucky you'll get the wet room all to yourself! Most treatments are Asian or Ayurvedic in origin and use ESPA's botanical products. There's also a treatment room just for their excellent Thai massages, and a gorgeous VIP Spa Suite, with a fireplace and a private steamroom and sauna—great for a couples treatment. I adore their signature Vitamin Infusion facial, which leaves even the most city-ravaged faces youthful and glowing. Jessica was my therapist when I last visited; I'd rate her amongst the best at a day spa. Note that the hotel's amazing fitness room and lap pool on a different floor is only available to hotel guests, so you'll have to check in to use them!