Best of Citysearch: Spa & Beauty in Boston

by Christine Liu - Citysearch Editor - 69 Reviews - 104 Lists

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Updated: October 22, 2009

It takes a village to primp and preen the well-groomed, and Boston's beauty industry rises up to the challenge. Who styles hair with the deftest finesse? Who massages the stress from your shoulders? Who saves your color catastrophes? From Oct. 22 to Nov. 10, it's your job to nominate Boston's Best of Citysearch for spas, salons and beauty. To get you started, check out my list of preferred primpers.

(Photo: I Soci Salon by Christine Liu)

Editor's Nominees: Best of Citysearch Spa & Beauty

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended I Soci Salon
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    8 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

    [BEST HAIRCUT] There's some sort of alchemy that happens when stylist Giovanni's vision, his hands, various sharp objects and my very expectant mane get together. Even with my admitted low-maintenance routine, he manages to make my hair behave and look ridiculously good with each visit. The scalp massages and free lattes don't hurt, either.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Shag
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    840 Summer St, South Boston, MA 02127 (map)

    [BEST COLOR] All the stylists get their hands plenty dirty in coloring techniques--the salon crew's tresses sport a rainbow spectrum among them--and colorist Patty rocks. The Southie loft space is an incredible refuge from the city, and there's disco balls and bubbly to spare. If you ask nicely, she'll give 20 percent off services on a Tuesday appointment.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Naz Kupelian Salon
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    311 Woburn St, Lexington, MA 02420 (map)

    [BEST BROWS] Admittedly, I haven't yet been to the flagship salon in Lexington. However, I was fortunate to score a threading session with a stylist working at a satellite event, and my brows have never looked back. A super precise plucking of individual hairs--quickly and coolly with the power of wielded thread--works wonders while exacting zero tug-of-war on the skin.

  4. 4 Moore Massage
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    575 Boylston St, 4th Fl, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

    [BEST BODYWORK] Although you definitely leave Moore Massage feeling like a million bucks, this isn't where to get foofy and aromatherapeutic. This is where I went after my first half marathon (sans training--ouch), for which I'm sure my legs and back thanked me. You won't think of human neuromuscular anatomy the same way again.

  5. 5 The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental
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    776 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199 (map)

    [BEST MASSAGE] I'm not sure I buy the whole aligning-the-energies-and-elements concepts of the signature treatment at this luxury spa (you've never seen Eastern medicine so sexy). However, the extensive massage itself is the real deal, a completely out-of-body physical experience that surpasses any spiritual preconceptions.