Best of Beauty in Richmond, Virginia
I get soft talking about my beauty crew in Richmond! I am so fortunate to have a community of talented professionals who take care me from “root to toot” as Stephanie Talley of Sweet Cheeks Beauty says. She’s on this long-awaited Best of Beauty in Richmond list…
Why Did I Make This List
It all starts with the simple truth: beauty is personal. We put ourselves in vulnerable places when we sit down in front of a nail tech, massage therapist, hair stylist, or aesthetician. Sometimes, we quite literally bear it all. I’ve been living in Richmond, VA since 2005. I’ve answered likely hundreds of questions for local beauty recommendations and tried dozens of beauty services in Richmond. I wanted to have one beauty base camp to direct you to whenever you need it!
Check back regularly. I will be updating this list as I meet more of you amazing people and places. We’re fortunate to have your beauty business in Richmond!
Who Is on the Best of Beauty in Richmond List
During the nearly two decades of living and blogging here, I have my own personal curated list of beauty salons, spas, and IV Therapy bars I recommend the most to people. I am focused on the people and places that have stuck with me and/or are regularly in rotation. You’ll generally only find one or two in each beauty category so there are options, though it is still a very narrow list. There are dozens of other beauty businesses that deserve to be on this list and will take care of you! These are just *my people.*
Let’s get into the Sweet Sauce Best of Beauty in Richmond…
Hair
11400 W. Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113
I’m starting with hair because I think that’s the most personal for us all. I get stopped several times a month about my hair color on the street. While I’ve loved many hair stylists, my relationship with Errin Bennet at Rituals Salon has become a special one. It began with a complimentary visit that was part of a collaboration. Upon my first visit, I felt taken care of, truly pampered, and respected. Small touches around the salon make it feel decadent: hot tea or wine is always available, warm neck wraps help you unwind, and an occasional hand massage elevates it all. It’s a salon to call home. Rituals offers other services including massages, manicures, pedicures, make-up, and CBD treatments.
Nails
3339 West Cary St, Richmond, VA
Ever since I was a little girl, my nails were painted. Keeping my nails polished was an expectation when I was younger. My mom painted mine until I was able to take over. I didn’t go to a nail salon for the first time until I was in college, however (hello, country life!). When I did start to go at first, I would get simple solid colors with regular polish or gel polish for the longevity. I was so simple!
A little over a year ago, I started getting dip powder nails with gel designs at Carytown Nails – another relationship that blossomed from one initial collab. I am so grateful I kept coming. Not only are my nails stronger and longer than ever, but I really find great joy in planning out my designs each month. In addition, having polished nails that last a long time is a professional necessity of sorts. I thank Carytown Nails for showing me the way and I am grateful to Elisabeth of the Golden Word for introducing me! Watch a video of all of my favorite nail designs from the past year here.
Pedicures
2902 W. Cary St, Richmond VA 23221
While I get pedicures at many salons, I prefer a much more wellness-focused approach for my feet. That is partially because I have eczema, which is the worst on my feet. I really enjoy and personally benefit most from a spa pedicure experience with natural ingredients, rich scents, and calming atmosphere. Perception in Carytown delivers on all fronts. I love the Detox Pedicure, but there are many others to explore. For someone with sensitive skin, I never leave with irritation. Perception also offers massages, facials, waxing, and lash services.
Facials
Below are three great options for facials here in Richmond, VA.
Locations in Midlothian and Hanover
Sage & Vine is special to me because I helped with its rebrand in 2023. What I learned along the way is that they are unlike any other spa in Richmond because you can get your lashes and brows done but also invest in medspa services including facials, peels, fillers, and more. It’s a one-stop shop for all things beauty. I get the Renewal or Indulgence Facial which incorporates relaxing spa scents and massages while also getting into the high-end skin treatments I’m looking for. The membership options make it easy to save and pay for whatever you need.
6239 River Road, Richmond VA 23229
If you want to dig a little deeper into your skincare, OVME can show you the way. The Richmond location has introduced me to Chemical Peels and shown me how much more a HydraFacial can do for me. In addition, I use the OVME Glow products to take care of my skin in between visits. OVME also offers Botox, Dysport, Kybella, Fillers and more.
Honorable mention: Boketto Wellness
106 N Vine St, Richmond, VA 23220
When I surveyed fans a few months ago, I received an overwhelmingly loving bounty of recommendations to schedule a facial with Ann at Boketto. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on the list. I have really enjoyed reading The Journal, the brand’s wellness and health blog. Learn more about this Richmond wellness hub here.
Massage
For this category, I will share three local beauty business options, each with a different vibe.
404 Starling Dr Suite A, Henrico, VA 23229
Jordan at Indigo offers an almost medical approach to massages. Her intuition and touch have been unparalleled in my local spa experience. I’ve written about my cupping and lymphatic massage experiences with Jordan at Indigo. I’ve also enjoyed a Cranial Sacral Massage. She deserves a spot on the Best of Beauty in Richmond list because of her respect and attention to the mind-body-spirit connection and the customized approach she brings to each session.
Locations in Short Pump, Richmond, Glen Allen, and Midlothian
To feel like you’re truly in another dimension, visit one of the Scents of Serenity locations for your next massage experience. You’ll feel immersed in a spa tucked away on a remote island or tropical paradise depending on which location you are visiting. I really enjoy the straightforward yet luxurious Serenity Signature massage and CBD Massage for the ultimate mental and physical refresh.
11400 W. Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113
This Midlothian beauty salon earned another spot on the best of beauty in Richmond for its massage experiences. I have had massages here with more than one staff member. Recently it was with Melissa who listened to me well when I shared my personal needs and requests. She also employed a few new tactics to release muscles that consistently tighten and irritate me.
IV Therapy
6988 Forest Ave Richmond, VA 23230
I first tried IV therapy in 2018. I have been fascinated and intrigued by the wellness trend ever since. The fact that we can swiftly deliver vitamins and nutrients to target specific needs and problems in our body is amazing to me! IV Therapy can be both a lifesaving service and a total luxury worth investing in. You really can’t waste your money on your health, in my opinion, though this could be a splurge. At the Drip Bar, you can choose from a variety of vitamin and nutrient combinations based on your needs or wishes. From blends built for beauty to drips created to bolster your immune system, there’s something that can help you. Drip Bar also offers other services including B12 shots, an infrared Sauna, and Hydrafacials.
Waxing
Sweet Cheeks Beauty (Stephany Talley Artistry)
Wild Aster, 3425 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Sometimes the world gives you a person with good vibes and great skills more than once. Stephanie is one of those instances. We vibed in high school. We always got each other. As a lot of people do, we did not hang much after the big graduation. Then, one day, many years later, I had to reschedule my Brazilian wax with another salon I used to go to. Stephanie wound up taking care of me that day. Ever since, she’s evolved and so has our relationship. Stephanie offers me a Brazilian wax and waxes my brows every month. She is painless, comforting, funny, and professional. Stephanei also offers lash extensions, lash tintings, brow tinting, and brow lamination. Read more about how I take care of my lash extensions.
Cosmetic Tattooing
823 W Broad St Suite B, Richmond, VA 23220
My brows are IMPORTANT to me. I know you feel me on this! When I learned about brow blading, I was on the hunt for the perfect place. It took my time to find a beauty business in Richmond I felt confident would take care of my face. Atelier rose to the top. I booked with Savannah, one of the owners. My brows are holding up over a year later. I am due for a touch up, though! Atelier also offers lash extensions, lash lifts and tints, brow grooming, and tooth gems.
Makeup Artists
A girl has to get her makeup done! Thanks to my work as creative director and stylist, I have encountered many makeup artists who prep clients for photo, video, and public appearances. Here are two excellent options if you need makeup artists for your wedding, business photos, special events, and more.
I don’t remember the first time I met Brittany Johnson, but I remember being impressed with her poise, her killer outfits, and of course, her makeup. I’ve watched lay her artistry on the faces of over a dozen women. While she does so, she builds of their confidence with warmth and positivity. She and her growing team of kind, professional, and fun makeup artists definitely deserve a spot on the Best of Beauty in Richmond list.
Kelsea is sweet, punctual, and detail-oriented. She’s graced many corporate photo sets on my watch here in Richmond. I know brides all over love her for her glowy, natural wedding makeup application. Kelsea is a licensed cosmetologist and now works alongside a talented team of artists to bring her makeup experience to even more people.
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