Salon & Spa Spotlight

SKIN Medical Spa

www.skinmedicalspa.ca

What to expect: The best of both worlds. SKIN Medical Spa focuses on improving the health of your skin and your overall wellbeing by using the principles of traditional Western medicine and an Eastern holistic approach. Services range from peels to microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and even vein therapy.

Must-have treatment: Organic Ayurvedic Medi-Facial

Price range: Organic Ayurvedic Medi-Facial, starts at $150; Microdermabrasion + Treatment Peel starts at $150; Intense Pulsed Light Skin Rejuvenation Therapy, starts at $375

Insider's secret: On your first visit you'll meet with a SKIN Medical therapist who analyzes your skin and creates an individual Personal Skin Program (PSP) to achieve your skin goals.

-Laura Flanagan

Navigate

www.navigatespace.ca

What to expect: With over 20 years experience as a stylist, John Taccone launched this salon in fall 2007. Tucked into the pretty courtyard at 250 The Esplanade, Navigate's serene atmosphere is a refreshing change from the high-brow attitude and hectic atmosphere of some salons (Don't forget to enjoy an herbal tea when you arrive). During salon off-hours, half of the 1,700 sq. ft. salon space is used for Pilates and yoga classes.

Must-have treatment: Push-a technique where a gentle change in hair tone and colour level gives your locks fullness and depth.

Price range: Cuts start at $68 and colour starts at $85.

Insider's secret: Become a return client, and if you're lucky, you may receive a loyalty card that gets you a discount on your services.

-Karen Kwan

Madfactory Boutique Salon

www.madfactory.ca

What to expect: A truly "boutique" gallery-inspired hotspot. Get snipped and coloured while you sip on a complimentary martini, glass of wine or herbal tea. Top it off with a shoulder, neck and hand massage, free with all services.

Must-have treatment: The Bumble and Bumble Deep Conditioning Treatment.

Price range: Cuts start at $70 (students $60). Colour starts at $70 and foil highlights at $95. Colour corrections by consulation available.

Insider's secret: Spoil your hair with Bumble & Bumble, the salon's exclusive brand.

-Emily Huggard

More salons: Toronto

Bellair Laser Clinic

Contact: www.bellairlaserclinic.ca

What to expect: Two convenient downtown locations allow clients to discreetly slip into this sleek space for skin care and hair removal treatments ranging from spider vein removal to microdermabrasion.

Must-have treatment: Fraxel skin resurfacing. The latest FDA-approved treatment to improve wrinkles, pigmentation, stretch marks and surgical scars, it even boasts a shorter-than-normal recovery time.