10 Best Hair and Beauty Destinations in Philly

Our favorite places to primp.

Mirror and Mantel

Image via Mirror and Mantel.

Whether you’re looking for an edgy haircut, a manly mani, a brow cleanup, or a total makeover, Philly is home to some seriously talented artists who can get you to primping perfection. Here are 10 must-visit hair and beauty spots – each of which has been vetted by our intrepid editors. See a fave that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments!

Cuts for Short Hair: Mirror and Mantel
The stylists here know there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all pixie, bob or lob (that’s a long bob, for those who aren’t fluent in hair). They’ll create a flattering cut that will make you — not your dramatic chop — the center of attention. 117 South 22nd Street, Rittenhouse, 215-988-9088.
Inexpensive Salon: Adolf Biecker Studio
Just because it’s a feeder for the two Adolf Biecker Salons doesn’t mean the rookie stylists here aren’t scissoring the same swingy styles. Pop by (really, walk-ins are encouraged) for a $45 cut and style that includes complimentary hand and scalp massages. 138 South 34th Street, Rittenhouse, 215-418-5500.
Adolf Biecker

Image via Adolf Biecker.

Men’s Grooming: The Polished Gent at the Rittenhouse Spa and Club
Sure, you could go to the Rittenhouse’s new Paul Labrecque salon for the $95 Indulgent Shave — which really is the most wonderful straight-razor action you can get in the city. But why stop there? For $250 you’ll get three hours of luxurious attention, including a back exfoliation and massage, a very manly manicure and pedicure, and the Indulgent Shave. (Make sure to take advantage of the heated pool.) 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse, 215-790-2500.
Men’s Cuts: American Mortals
It’s not just that our extensive polling of men turns up this spot over and over again. It’s that the men who recommend this place all have very different hair — curly, short, fine, coarse, downright unruly — and all look consistently great. 727 Walnut Street, Market East and 2101 Christian Street, Graduate Hospital, 215-574-1234.
New Beauty Empire: Duross and Langel
These independent soap purveyors already had us as head-to-toe customers with their own line of hair and skin-care products. Now, with the addition of a salon and a yoga studio (on the second and third floors above the original store), they’re keeping our cuts fresh and our muscles toned, too. 117 South 13th Street, Market East, 215-592-7627.

Makeup Boutique: Monica Virga Cosmetics
It’s the size of a walk-in closet, with shabby-chic charm and a dash of Italian glamour courtesy of owner and makeup artist Monica Virga, who recently relocated from Milan. Go here for her custom line of well-priced, quality cosmetics. A standout: the spray-on bronzer, which — we can say with only minimal hyperbole — changes lives. 413 South 20th Street, Rittenhouse, 267-237-1508.

Makeup Service: Beke Beau Cosmetic “Audit”
A seasoned makeup artist, Beau will help purge and de-clutter your cosmetics, teach you how to wield that contouring brush, and streamline your beauty regimen. Say good-bye to your wild, desperate CVS makeup-buying sprees. 4001 Main Street, Suite 300, Manayunk, 610-220-0042.

Makeup and Threading

Images via Monica Virga and Rescue Spa.

Fixer for Problem Skin: Naomi Fenlin at About Face Skin Care
Prepare to have flashbacks of seventh-grade health class. About Face owner Fenlin won’t simply treat whatever skin problems are ailing you with a combo of her own products and techniques; she’ll completely school you on the science behind them first. 1015 Chestnut Street, Suite 1205, Market East, 215-923-5001.

Brow Maintenance: Threading at Rescue Spa
Nobody sculpts an arch like Maria Gulraiz. She puts you on a training plan (complete with potions that thicken your brows over time and vegetable-based dyes that add impact) and creates a shape that opens up your entire face. 1601 Walnut Street, third floor, Rittenhouse, 215-772-2766.

Manicure: Keratin Manicure at Laurentius Salon
More than a week after we got this new manicure, our polish looked gel-like: shiny, chip-free and pristine. But this isn’t only a long-lasting mani — it actually makes your nails healthier thanks to a warm, waterless hydrating, strengthening and anti-aging keratin treatment. 815 Christian Street, Bella Vista, 215-238-0764.