Spa Moksha (Hoover)

There are, to my knowledge, only two salons in the Birmingham area that offer threading as a hair removal method. I decided to check out Spa Moksha on 280. I called and made an appointment for the next day. The entire place is just beautiful and relaxing. The waiting area has plush chairs, hot tea or chocolate and water with lemons and limes. While I waited for my appointment I browsed around the shop which carried lots of things from nail polish, teas, candles, cosmetics, lotions, you name it.

My threading was done by Surekha Arya, a Master Aesthetician. Surekha explained to me that threading is preferable to waxing because it will not cause wrinkles like waxing has the potential to from pulling on your skin repeatedly, and that it is a much more precise technique. The threading took just a little longer than a waxing did. As for pain, there was a little. If you can stand to get your eyebrows waxed, you can stand threading. I had very little redness and most importantly NO BREAKOUT in the days to follow, which was something I had been experiencing. While she was threading, she looked over my skin and we talked a little about my skincare regimen and some things that I could do. I had some time and, on a whim, decided to get the deep cleansing facial!!! My first ever (sad, I know). While she prepared the room, I went to the third floor of the building which is a nice room with muted colors and furniture and a rooftop patio, which they use to do massages on in the warmer months. It was so quiet and peaceful, I almost fell asleep drinking my tea.

When I went back to the treatment room, there were candles and music, I put on the wrap, hopped up on the heated table and she went to work on my face, cleaning, exfoliating, massaging, steaming with towels steeped in warm lavender water. It was FANTASTIC!!!! I have to say this, the only part I did not like was the extractions. They were not fun….at…all. But we got past that and there was moisturizing and some massaging around my eyes and forehead. Then she proclaimed that I was done and I reluctantly got up and got dressed; I was so relaxed. I couldn’t believe that an hour had passed so quickly. We discussed what I was using on my face. She said that what I am using for my acne prone skin seems to be working fine, but she did suggest that I use a different moisturizer and gave me two weeks worth of what she had used on me to try at home. I like the fact that she did not try to sell me a whole boatload’s worth of products.

It was good for the soul!

Amanda

Caribbean Treatment at Richard Joseph SalonSpa is Amazing!

From the first time I contacted the spa for my appointment to the time when I walked out, refreshed from my treatment, I was met with courteous and friendly staff. The facility is stunning with natural stone, quiet fountains and private spaces. I was escorted to the second floor where I would be pampered. My massage therapist, Matthew, helped make me comfortable throughout the experience. From a hot oil massage, on to a salt scrub followed with a soothing specialty mud covering my body....it was heaven on earth. Then there was the cool mask, full body steam and water massage. The room was filled with ancient music, sounds of rushing water and above all else, calm. The finale included showers of alternating warm and cool water and a sensational peppermint rub. I lost track of time and forgot all worldly issues just for a time.

I certainly hope this will motivate [ you ]to give this a try. I will return and have referred everyone I know. Thank you Richard Joseph Salon and Salonfly!

- Winner of the salonfly.com Mother's Day contest, Steve Sisco

Sanctuary (Homewood)

In June thanks to salonfly I had a wonderful (and free) experience with Marlow at Sanctuary. I walked in expecting to be out of place (I am a rather poor grad-student) but was instantly greeted with warm smiles and a warm muffin. Marlow was wonderful, he took blonde hair that needed a true over-haul and gave me a style that looked expensive and best of all natural. I was most impressed with the amount of time and thought he put into working with a new customer. After I left I was on cloud nine thanks to my great new do, the feeling was only made better when I stopped by a friend's workplace to show off, when I was stopped by a customer and asked where I had gotten my fabulous color done! So all in all THANKS MARLOW!

Kristen Lamb

Hair Group (Homewood)

On a whim, I picked the first salon I saw in Homewood. My eyebrows needed to be waxed--badly. It happened to be Hair Group on 18th Street. I walked into the small, relaxed salon and was greeted immediately. Everyone was really friendly. I didn't have to wait at all. Darnisha Jones did my service. I went from English Sheepdog to beautiful me in a matter of minutes and the price was also great at 12 dollars!

Amanda, Birmingham

HairGroup
2931 South 18th Street
Homewood, AL 35209
205-870-8677

Sanctuary (Homewood)

In December I went to the Sanctuary and had my hair cut, styled, and blown dry by Shaun. He did an amazing job and I was extremely pleased with the entire experience. I even received a complimentary massage prior to my appt!

Melissa F

Salon U (Homewood)

I finally got a hair cut, an honest to goodness not just cut straight across the bottom by Dave haircut. I had never been to a true salon before and was more than a bit nervous about how it would go. I got an appointment with Mary at Salon U. A good friend recommended Salon U and since it is just down the street from The Bell Center, it worked out well logistically. The atmosphere was nice. The staff seems to be the pampering type. I’m not used to pampering so I just kept looking at them funny when they asked if they could get me a drink while I waited. People drink at salons? Who knew? Anyway, as I waited for my appointment time to arrive, I browsed through some hair magazines. I brought a picture with me that I thought I might like but I thought I might find something even better while I waited. I let Dave butcher my hair to make my last donation to Wigs for Kids so my hair was actually shorter than the woman in the picture I brought. While waiting, I found another pic of a woman with a shorter cut that I thought could grow into the longer cut of my picture. My time with Mary arrived. She was as sweet and normal as could be. I was so worried that I would get talked into something crazy but Mary took the time to ask me why I liked the pics I showed her and very sweetly told me that no the short cut would not grow into the long one since they were completely different styles. (Did I mention that I don’t do haircuts?) Anyway, after talking to me about the look I wanted and how it could possibly fit into my overcrowded life, she gave me a quick shampoo and scalp massage (quick only cause I was in a hurry) and then gave me a better style than either of my pictures. My head felt light but I still had oh so much hair! I began receiving compliments immediately. I’m in need of a touch-up and can’t wait to get back to Mary again!

Salon on Crescent (Homewood)

I have had so many rave reviews from my last haircut and new salon...that I am flabergasted. I have given out seven cards just to family members...(not to mention friends and others) who could not wait to meet my hair artist. Every one of my aunts (4- big Sicilian family)whom were HUGE Salon 280 mavens..quickly ran over to Salon on Crescent where Kristen Buckelew works her magic !!!! She is amazing. Kristen believes in personal service all the way!! i have had my hair cut at Oak Street and all the other "it" salons....I was even offered free hair care by Angel Hair....no way would I cheat on Kristen !!!! I followed her from A&W.....trust me it is serious...dare I say love and adoration?!

She is the best kept secret in Birmingham. I hope I have not messed up my ability to get an appointment!!

Amy Novak

More about MOP (Homewood)

When I first walked into Mop, I instantly feel in love with the atmosphere--elegant but not stuffy. The chandeliers, wallpaper, and tall framed mirrors could sway to the formal side but instead come off as hip and tasteful. The place is tiny (there's just enough room for the stylists and a small seating area) and cozy, just right for some well deserved pampering. My stylist was Kara, and she looked polished and professional, dressed in black from head-to-toe. (I asked, and all the stylists coordinate what color they will wear for different days of the week/seasons.) My angular bob from my last cut had grown out a bit and was looking shaggy, so I asked for that to be reshaped and for a bang trim. Kara took time with the cut, and although my bangs turned out shorter than I would have liked, she worked with them until I was satisfied. I love the bob (better than my first!) and the styling products Mop uses are not overly perfume-y and worked great. I had a 50% off coupon (thanks salonfly!), and the total came to $38, so I would guess that Kara usually charges $70+ for a woman's shampoo, cut, and style. ( P.S. If you like my 'do and decide to give Mop and Kara a try, tell them I sent you--for every three referrals you earn a free hair cut!)

Shannon F