We know why you’re here: You’re looking to relax and get pampered at a top-notch beauty salon. Joburg offers all kinds, and we’ve gotten scrubbed and rubbed all across the City of Gold to bring you our selection of primping palaces that will have you looking and feeling your best in no time – whether you want to get your muscles pummeled or whip your brows into shape.
Divinity Beauty Bar
What to book: Brow Wax (R80), Brow Tint (R80), Express Gelish Mani (R330) and Express Gelish Pedi (R330)
For those who care about what’s going into and onto their bodies, this brand-new beauty bar conveniently located opposite Melrose Arch is hard to beat. Owner Prashika left her corporate job to fulfill her dream of creating a serene space where women – especially moms – can go to reprieve from the daily hustle that is life to feel primped and pampered. Step inside and you’ll instantly get your phone out to take pictures – the décor is serious #interiorgoals. But it’s not just the colour palette of blush pink, muted greys and rose gold that make this salon a winner, it’s the incredible manis, pedis and facials that are done using mostly natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free products, including Bio Sculpture, Shellac and Kalahari Lifestyle skincare. If you’re short on time but in dire need of beautification, book in some add-on treatments like eyelash extensions or some hair removal, which can all be done at the same time as your nails.
Shop U4, Melrose Crossing, 83 Corlett Drive, Birnam
068 530 6667
Facebook: @divinitybeautybarza
Instagram: @divinity_beautybar
The Sun and Beauty Room
What to book: Deluxe Gelish Pedicure (R370) and Spray Tanning Booth (R385)
This beauty, tanning and slimming salon hidden away in an unassuming shopping centre sorts your nails out with little ceremony and only moderate cost attached (R165 will get you a good manicure). The only glossy thing about the place is the nails, but it offers a high standard of unpretentious service. We recommend the one-and-a-half-hourlong pedicure that includes a soak, exfoliation, file, buff, paint and massage, during which the staff are happy to get stuck in with the power tools to file off dead skin. The salon is also one of the only places in Joburg with an automated spray tanning booth. You can either go for the whole body, avoid the face or just concentrate on the legs, depending on what you want. The tan only takes five minutes and spreads evenly across the body – the next day you’ll look like you’ve been on a two-week holiday. Just make sure you apply enough barrier cream to your hands before going in or they can come out pretty dark!
68A, Heathway Square, Beyers Naudé Drive, Blackheath
011 478 2305
Facebook: @thesunandbeautyroom
Instagram: @sun_beauty_room
Re:Fresh Brows & Lashes
What to book: Norvell Venetian Rapid Tan Spray Tan (R450)
When you venture out to this home-based salon in Dainfern Golf Estate, you’ll be greeted by the smiling woman behind the brand. This is the go-to spot for locals to get lash extensions, lash lifts, lash and brow tints, microneedling, peels and now spray tans too. Stacey is the self-made entrepreneur that owns and operates the business, which has had humble beginnings in her backyard. Though her business has grown, clients can still expect that same personal attention and care that keeps people coming back. Stacey has always specialised in brows and lashes, but she’s also a gift painter and delivers a thoroughly au natual look using Norvell Venetian Rapid Tan, which has a violet base to eliminate any unwanted warm undertones. You don’t have to worry about leaving here with anything resembling those orange streaks you had after attempting self-tanner at home! The best part is that the tan can be rinsed off after one to three hours, so you can go out without feeling sticky afterwards.
Dainfern Golf Estate, Fourways
082 856 6136
www.refreshbrowsandlashes.booksy.com
Skin and Nail Lounge
What to book: Lamelle Essential Deep Cleanse Facial (R550), Classic Manicure (R290) and Classic Pedicure (R300)
Hidden behind the façade of a Bryanston storefront lies a polished skincare and nail salon. The stylish interior, doused with silver, purple and turquoise décor plus fresh greenery, is split into two rows – one with custom-made pedicure stations, replete with comfy silver velvet lounge chairs, purple and turquoise scatter cushions and modern footbaths, and another with cosy manicure booths. The mani-pedis are as luxe as the surroundings and include a soak in water strewn with fresh flowers, a homemade lemon-sugar scrub and a hot towel wrap, leaving skin and nails looking and smelling good. The pampering Lamelle Deep Cleanse Facial includes deep cleansing to assist with removing those comedones under your skin as well as a purifying mask, which cleanses any impurities that might exist under your skin. Plus, you’ll be treated to a facial massage that’s said to improve circulation and help the skin heal … heaven!
Shop 7, Bryan Park Shopping Centre, 40 Grosvenor Road, Bryanston
011 463 2860
Facebook: @skinandnaillounge
Instagram: @skinandnail_lounge
Caffeine & Cashmere 