Pampering gets an eco-chic upgrade as some of Miami’s top spas and salons offer environmentally friendly services and products. Here are five luxurious treatments to try during Earth Month and beyond.
Aromatherapy Massage at Gloss Nailbar
Escape to this Zen-inspired salon for much-needed tension relief with an organic twist. Owner Sandra Weir stocks only organic or recyclable, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free nail polishes, body lotions, and oils, including the salon’s eponymous line, Gloss Naturals. Come for the toxin-free manicure, and stay for an aromatherapy massage—a gentle, 60-minute treatment with organic essential oils that addresses modern-day stressors like sore muscles and tension. 214 Andalusia Ave., Coral Gables, 305-569-7700
Waterless Mani/Pedi at McAllister Spa
Forgoing the sudsy soak, McAllister’s “dry” manicure-pedicure softens cuticles and tired heels with a blend of oils, body butter, and whipped sugar scrubs. After a cuticle softener and callus remover application, your hands and feet are wrapped in soothing steamed towels to prep skin. An ultra-relaxing, gentle massage moisturizes hands and exfoliates feet before buffing, filing, and shaping. To top it off, paraffin treatments seal in softness before your nail technician applies a polish of your choosing. And, for each waterless mani-pedi, the spa donates $5 to the Environmental Coalition of Miami & the Beaches. 1301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 305-604-0550
Deep Conditioning at Brownes Merchants & Trading Co.
Is the Miami heat wrecking havoc on your hair? Book Brownes' deep-conditioning treatment which features all-natural Briogeo products for the month of April. The raved-about Briogeo line boasts silicone-, paraben-, and phthalate-free formulas that care for hair with effective, natural ingredients—like the avocado, rosehip, and sweet almond oils found in the Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask. After an invigorating shampoo, your dry tresses are treated to 15 minutes under the heater to allow the conditioning mask to penetrate deeply and moisturize where you need it most. Emerge with a soft, shiny, and manageable mane. 32 NE 39th St., Miami, 305-538-7544; 1688 Jefferson Ave., Miami Beach
Vegan Frizz Control at Salon Vaso
As humidity picks up this month, have your hairstylist on speed dial to help tame the frizz. While traditional keratin or style-smoothing treatments rely on hazardous chemicals to seal in straightness, owner Vaso Spirou is the first in Florida to offer the Zerran RealLisse Vegan Hair Smoothing System, a 100% vegan and keratin- and formaldehyde-free anti-frizz treatment. Best for fine, textured hair, the gentle, semi-permanent procedure "reduces blow-drying time and controls frizz once [you're] out and about in our intense humidity,” explains Spirou. “It’s great to have on your hair if you tend to get puffy quickly.” One treatment lasts up to eight weeks, but Spirou suggests returning once a month for 3-4 months for best, summer-smooth results. 1500 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, 305-674-7470
Uhma Spa feels worlds away from its urban South Beach location. From its sustainably sourced American walnut wood to its organic, cruelty-free, local products, the Uhma Spa experience is truly a practice in luxury eco-awareness. Slip into a bamboo or organic cotton robe for your facial, which uses Eminence Organics skincare to cleanse, treat, and heal holistically. A thorough consultation with your aesthetician will determine which type of facial you’ll need—clear skin, anti-aging, calming sensitive skin, deep pore cleansing, acne, or a customized version. 726 Sixth St., Miami Beach, 305-695-0996
PHOTOGRAPHY VIA FACEBOOK.COM/UHMASPA