Blowout
Winner: Mara Hair & Mode Studio
Legions of luscious-maned fans in the know flock to Mara, where stylists have been blowing out locks into sleek ’dos for six years. See if you can make it out the door without picking up sweet jewelry or a cute candle from the in-salon boutique. 4011 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax
Runner-Up: Jon David Salon
Owner David Bakir and his carefully trained team are experts at blowing out any head of hair to glossy perfection—no wonder they’ve grown to four salons in the NoVA area. Multiple locations
Brows
Winner: Beauty & the Brows
Every beauty maven knows the importance of eyebrows—they frame your entire face, after all. The pros at this pretty Alexandria oasis will sculpt, wax, and tint your arches to perfection; if you’re so inclined, add on a lash lift and tint. 6188 Grovedale Ct., Ste. 200, Alexandria
Runner-Up: European Wax Center
Brow waxing is just one of the many services offered at this national chain. Forget squeezing yourself with tweezers for the umpteenth time and come here for a smooth glow. Multiple locations
Esthetician
Winner: Christina Kim, Skin Facial Bar
The owner of this facial salon, Kim is a licensed master esthetician with more than 16 years of experience. She and her team put it all to good use to help you look and feel your best. 8300 Old Courthouse Rd., Ste. 240, Vienna
Runner-Up: Ena Suarez, Beauty & the Brows
Suarez knows eyebrows—a former brow expert for Benefit Cosmetics, and with college studies in anatomy and physiology under her belt, she’ll pinpoint your perfect arch with ease. 6188 Grovedale Ct., Ste. 200, Alexandria
Facial
Winner: Skin Facial Bar
Whether you need an aesthetician to work some anti-aging magic, help clear away acne or COVID-induced “maskne,” or just give your face a quick refresh, head here. Facials start at just 30 minutes, with more involved treatments topping out around 75 minutes. 8300 Old Courthouse Rd., Ste. 240, Vienna
Runner-Up: Sesen Spa
Tucked away in historic Vienna is this modern, Zen-like space where you can get it all—mani/pedis, facials, massages, semi-permanent makeup, and more. 112 Pleasant St. NW, Ste. A, Vienna
Mani/Pedi
Winner: Vivian’s Nail Spa
Perfect pedis are just the beginning at Vivian’s, which places a premium on relaxation as you enjoy your spa services. Ombré designs and other nail art are on offer, along with all the standards you know and love—dip powder, gel, classic polish, and much more. 8031 Sudley Rd., Manassas
Runner-Up: Organic Nails and Spa
This spa’s motto is “Nails should be natural, flawless, and absolutely beautiful,” and obviously readers agree it lives up to that at three area locations (two in Fairfax, one in Vienna). Multiple locations
Massage
Winner: Champaka Thai Massage & Spa
Therapists here are all about bringing you relief from stress and pain via the magic of traditional Thai massage techniques. Each 60-minute massage is tailored to your specific needs and includes an herbal foot scrub and custom-blended massage oils. 14535 John Marshall Hwy., Ste. 205, Gainesville
Runner-Up: Salamander Resort & Spa
This well-known luxury resort offers its services from the heart of horse-and-wine country, making it easy to start relaxing as soon as you pull up at the front door. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg
Tattoo Shop
Winner: Fury 13
When it comes to getting inked, NoVA readers agree: You won’t be happier anywhere than Fury 13. From quirky cowboy skulls chewing on jimson weed, to memorial designs in honor of a loved one, the staff is known for top-notch work. 25 S. Quaker Lane, Ste. 7, Alexandria
Runner-Up: Inq Tattoos
For a tattoo shop that looks more like an upscale spa, settle back in one of the loungers at this bright and airy Old Town business. 1011 King St., Alexandria
Waxer
Winner: European Wax Center
This waxing behemoth has more than 800 locations across the country, including 23 in Virginia, most of them concentrated in NoVA. Small wonder they scooped up so many votes for their services, which cover you literally from head to toe for a super-smooth look. Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Beauty & the Brows
Despite the name, waxers at this favorite salon don’t just whisk away stray brow hairs. They can also take care of your lip area, chin, nose, neck, and entire face. 6188 Grovedale Ct., Ste. 200, Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Mara Hair & Mode Studio
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
