Beauty Salons: The Ultimate Guide
The ladies of St Andrews are a well-groomed bunch, and as summer approaches, this is even more apparent. On your average stroll down Market Street, you can see bronzed, fuzz-free […]
The ladies of St Andrews are a well-groomed bunch, and as summer approaches, this is even more apparent. On your average stroll down Market Street, you can see bronzed, fuzz-free calves, beautifully shaped nails and perfect pedicures peeping out from open-toe shoes. So where do we all go to look this good? The Stand went on a mission to find out and, having closely questioned the nail-nuts and waxing aficionadas strolling our streets, we can exclusively reveal the best places in town to get those nails filed, toes painted and leg fluff eradicated.
Hepburns Nail Lounge
The Treatments: As a nail lounge, their range of treatments is expectedly very large, offering no-chip, permanent, French, extensions and gem art for both fingers and toes. In the last 6 months Hepburns have performed 3920 nail treatments! All pedicures take place in their bespoke pedicure unit, and any polish used is included in the price of your treatment for you to take home. As for other treatments, Hepburns offers a hot wax treatment for intimate areas and strip waxing for legs, faces and underarms, as well spray tans, massages and facials. Located on Argyll St, they are conveniently open until 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and all services can be booked online.
The Stats: On the expensive side, a half leg comes in at £16 and a Brazilian at £28. They do however offer deals on multiple treatments, saving around £5 if you get two in one visit. Their unique No-Chip manicure is £19.95, pedicure £29.95.
The Reviews: …Unfortunately, there have been many mixed reviews…
I love Hepburns! My “No Chip Manicure” always lasts at least one month. My recent colour (a luminous, some may say ‘nuclear’ pink) has received the largest reception yet, from guys and gals alike. Compliments to Hepburns!
When I was having a bikini wax, the head of the bed that I was lying on collapsed, and I found my head to be on the floor and my legs flailing in the air. The beautician had no idea what to do and it took a good 5 minutes to get everything sorted again. I was so embarrassed! This student was offered a 10% discount after the incident.
The wax they used was so hot I honestly thought they were going to burn my lady bits off… But they were really friendly and I did go back again.
Conclusion: Staff are friendly and obviously keen to make up for mistakes, but the experiences we’ve heard about are shocking. Our advice would be to be sure to book with a Senior Technician, or at best the owner – although this will cost you an extra £5 per treatment.
Chesterhill Therapies
The Treatments: Using the extremely high quality Clarins products, Chesterhill is located on South Street and seems to focus mainly on body treatments, of which there is an excellent and very full selection. If you are interested in microdermabrasion, massages or reflexology, this is the place to go. Alongside this, they offer waxing and nail services including ‘back scratcher’ extensions and gel overlays. Coffees and herbal teas are available in a highly relaxing atmosphere, and if you plan on getting several treatments they will even supply snacks or champagne!
The Stats: Their file and polish is just £10, with full Manicure prices starting at £18.50, and the Luxury Pedicure including a massage and heat treatment for £30. Their half leg is the most expensive we’ve seen at £18, but a Brazilian is extremely reasonable for £25. Chesterhill do have set deals available such as the ‘Holiday Package’, including full leg, bikini, underarm, eyelash tint and manicure, saving you £10 or more. Be sure to check their Facebook for more advertised deals: at the moment, facials have big discounts!
The Reviews: The ladies we spoke to had positive things to say about the professional service they received.
I always go to Chesterhill for waxes. They do a really good job, and I’ve been getting them done since high school.
I’ve used Chesterhill to get my eyebrows done. It was decently priced, although I had to re-tweak it a little at home.
The Conclusion: The specialties seem to lie in the massage and facial area, but The Stand were impressed by reviews and most of the prices. A great place to go for a true pamper session.
Fresh Looks
The Treatments: Fresh Looks offers both hot wax or natural wax depending on personal preference, and are always eager to help you decide what’s best for you. Their pedicures come with footbath and exfoliation treatment, and manicure options range from a simple file and paint, to gel overlays or the French treatment. The salon has been established for over twenty years and uses spa-grade Guinot skincare products. But be sure to arrive at your appointment on time! These busy Bell Street ladies work fast, and if you are just a few minutes late you might miss your slot.
The Stats: Very decently priced at £13 for half a leg, £25 for a Brazilian, £20 for a standard file and paint manicure, and £25 for a pedicure treatment. Some deals available, such as £5 off with a Facebook ‘like’.
The Reviews: This salon has had some great word-of-mouth publicity, and The Stand are yet to come across an unhappy customer.
Fresh Looks is great. Their golden wax was very effective and lasted longer than other waxes I’ve had done.
The least painful wax I’ve ever had, and the fastest too, it was over in minutes! I will definitely be going back.
The waxer at Fresh Looks was extremely friendly and chatty, and my eyebrow shape came out great.
The Conclusion: A long established salon that is personal, friendly, reasonably priced, extremely fast and practically painless! Highly recommended by previous customers.