Hey Hon! Here's Some Local Love - Balance The Salon

I am not a loyal hair salon customer . First of all, my hair cut (no matter how small the difference) and color change every two or three weeks. I am not loyal to any stylist - not because I don't like them, but because I change my mind so often (ie. need appointments all of the time), I get to know a lot of them. It is really common for me to go to someone religiously every 4 weeks for 6 months and then disappear for a year or more. Usually, I run because:

1: They are actually booked and can't see me right away.
2: They stop trying because we're pals.
3: I'm out of town and try somewhere new.

Hair Ho-ness aside, I do have some favorites. Currently, my fave for cuts (she's never done my color, but it would be great, I am sure) is Bethany at Balance the Salon, located at 409 West Cold Spring Lane in Baltimore. I first found Bethany when I asked several people who cut their hair and they all gave the same answer. Bethany always does an amazing job with my short, funky hair and is kind enough to give me color ideas, even though she knows I will do it myself at home. She is also perfectly happy to remind me I am not actually P!nk and I will not look right certain current trends. I appreciate this because sometimes you need someone to be a little honest. She is also amazing at just making your hair look it's best, long or short, funky or sleek - whatever you are looking for, she has an idea of how to make it work for you. And sometimes, just when I think it is time to retire my current favorite look, Bethany tweaks it to become fresh and inspired all over again.

The Salon itself is nice and simple, with a comfy, stylish vibe. The cuts are priced nicely (mine is $50 for short hair) and appointments are usually available week to two weeks out, depending on availability. Plus, Bethany is great at tweaking my Rihanna inspired cut, especially when I felt I was starting to get a Kate Gosselin vibe. They carry an ecletic and smaller range of products that aren't likely to be found elsewhere. They have early am and evening appointments Tuesday through Saturday. Call 410.366.6169 to make your appointment today.

I love her. You should check her out!

Local Love: Elizabeth Arden Red Door in Cross Keys

I have recently had some luck growing my nails and not destroying my cuticles (again). Idecided to treat myself to a real manicure. Not a manicure where you just stop in, breathe strong fumes and hope for the best, but a real spa manicure.



After visiting the Red Door Spa at the Willard Hotel in D.C., I was hungry for the Red Door Spa treatment. I opted for the signature manicure ($42), made an appointment and got ready to relax. If you haven't been to the Red Door Spa in Cross Keys (Baltimore) before, they are a full service salon that focuses on luxe and really having their patrons get the most out of their service.

I haven't had a really nice manicure in a really long time. This manicure was really nice. Here is how it went.

It started with a warm neck wrap, which instantly helped me relax and enjoy the experience. Next came the warm lotion hand massage. This was followed by the filing and pushing back of my cuticles. Then a sugar scrub up to my elbows got rid of dry skin and revealed the softer, more luminous skin. After the scrub, my arms and hands were wrapped in warm towels while my finger peeked out to be filed into the perfect shape. I then got the most relaxing acupressure-based hand massage. Next, my hands were dipped in single-use paraffin and wrapped in a warm bag. While my hands softened in the paraffin, my nail technician gave me a stress-relieving shoulder and neck massage. Finally, my nails were painted in the hot fall color by Zoya, Dovima, which is a matte gunmetal gray.



My nails looked amazing and I felt even better. The entire manicure took about an hour. And made my 20 minute manicures at strip mall shops a thing of the past.

The Red Door Salon in Cross Keys is located at 42 Village Square, Baltimore, MD 21210, just south of the Northern Parkway and Falls Road intersection. Call 410.323.3636 to book your appointment.

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