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Greg Griffin The Barber Lounge
After branching out on his own, stylist Greg Griffin was was inspired by a female client to turn his gorgeous SoMa loft into a one-stop-maintenance shop for guys and gals. Read More
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Originally published on January 19, 2007
Hair Supply
The Barber Lounge Opens
Running all over town to maintain your beauty routine makes you want to tear your hair out. (Almost. You did spend $300 on those so-called natural highlights.)
Simplify the madness at The Barber Lounge, über-stylist Greg Griffin’s huge new salon/spa/barbershop loft, which has its grand opening tomorrow in SoMa.
This place is beauty central. Men get groomed (mustache trims, hot-towel shaves) at the old-timey barber station outfitted with 1930s leather chairs and a vintage red, white, and blue pole. Ladies head to the mod side area for head-to-toe primps.
Frequent fliers of both sexes should go for the Jet Set Prep package: wax, body polish, nails, spray tan. The simpler Pre-Party Fix includes mani/pedi, blow out, and makeup (for her) or shave and dry cut (for him).
And don’t miss the wall of hair: a mini gallery devoted to famous coifs like Cindy Crawford and Diana Ross.
Okay, so it’s not exactly art. But why split hairs?
The Barber Lounge, 854 Folsom Street, between 4th and 5th Streets (415-934-0411 or barberlounge.com). -
Tracy H. Lee Solage Mudslide
As VP of spa operations and development for Auberge properties, Tracy H. Lee spearheaded Spa Solage's futuristic take on the traditional mud bath at the Calistoga getaway. Read More
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Originally published on October 19, 2007
Good Muck
Mud Slide Treatment at Solage
The time when mudslinging becomes a competitive sport is upon us. (Brace yourselves for shady campaign contributions and sex scandals.)
For better dirty fun, turn off CNN and try the Mud Slide treatment at Solage Calistoga’s new bathhouse, a modern version of a 19th-century spa ritual.
Get loose with a saketini at the mud bar, then choose from five essential oil blends to mix into your pot of South American and California clay.
An escort leads you into a heated solarium where you smear dirt all over your body, let it dry, and hose it off. Next comes a soak in a claw-foot tub filled with healing geothermal water. Finally, settle into a duvet-swaddled, high-tech sound chair hooked up to an iPod. Head-to-toe vibrations (think shaman chants and new age melodies) rock you into a floating state of zero gravity.
The treatment is slightly wacky and best experienced à deux, but it’s bound to leave you relaxed.
Unless you’re a stick in the … you know.
Spa Solage, 755 Silverado Trail (866-942-7442 or solagecalistoga.com). -
Sarah Redmond Cocoon Urban Day Spa
Hailing from Ireland, Sarah Redmond has an internationally recognized degree in skincare. The eight-year beauty industry vet brought together her favorite services and products, and handpicked her staff for the Rincon Hill spa. Read More
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Originally published on October 8, 2007
Butterfly Effect
Cocoon Urban Day Spa Opens
Sometimes you wish you could morph into something else. (Like when you run into the ex preshower and yell at a blind person for not watching where he’s going.)
Next time, head to the new Cocoon Urban Day Spa in Rincon Hill. It’s ground zero for total transformation.
The multifaceted space has espresso floors, cream walls, and exposed beams. A trickling Buddha fountain sits outside a small yoga studio where om sessions are offered all day.
Settle into the loft-like mani-pedi lounge for luxurious treatments. Rejuvenate with an herbal poultice massage or the signature facial, which combines Sothys Paris skin care with ancient Indian head and foot massage therapy.
In the boutique, Sally Spicer handbags, Mary Green cami sets, and super-soft gear by Yogitoes complete the metamorphosis.
They’ll also be offering special wine, chocolate, and yoga workshops in collaboration with the restaurant downstairs.
Just practice moderation. For a change.
Cocoon Urban Day Spa, 330 First Street, between Folsom and Harrison Streets, second floor (415-777-0100 or cocoonurbandayspa.com).