Cape Town

Beauty is definitely a cultural priority amongst the predominantly European populace of central Cape Town. There are, however, widely different ideas of what constitutes beauty – from the athletic, berry-brown girls of Camps Bay to the often pale, punk or retro-influenced girls of City Bowl, everyone’s chasing a different ideal.

While it still occasionally draws sneers, it’s not uncommon for men to visit beauty parlors for waxing and skin treatments, and the rough-and-tough image is definitely becoming an outdated profile. The drive for better grooming is in many ways led by Cape Town’s very strong homosexual community which is very prominent on the social and nightlife scenes.

As such, establishments dealing with creating and maintaining beauty are seeing more customers than ever, and demand is driving developments, with new spas and nail bars springing up all the time. Listed below are some of the better-regarded businesses offering beauty services in the city. Personal recommendations from friends and colleagues are also a wonderful way to find reliable services.

Hairdressers

Scar Hair

Scar specializes in ‘out there’, unusual styling, and you’ll either love or hate what they do to your hair. Though the shop is unisex, the general consensus is that it is more appropriate for women than men.

43 Kloof Street, Gardens

Call 021 422 5900

Mount Nelson Hotel Hairdressers

Enjoy a conventional cut in the quaint, genteel surrounds of the Mount Nelson, the city’s most prestigious hotel.

Address: Mount Nelson Hotel, Orange Street, Gardens

Call 021 483 1000

Cutting it Fine

This tiny establishment offers excellent service, whether you’re looking to stick within convention or get a little more creative with your styling.

Address: 66 Regent Road, Sea Point

Call Steven on 021 433 0899

Crimpers Hairstylists

This is an excellent place to get your hair dyed, permed or styled for just about any occasion.

Address: 1a Wilkinson Street, Newlands, Claremont

Call 021 685 3730/1687/0774

Aura Hair Emporium

Aside from the usual run of hairdressing services, Aura specializes in on-the-day bridal extensions, and is open seven days a week.

Address: Two Oceans House, Mouille Point

Call 021 4342470 or email sandra@aurahair.co.za

Beauty Parlors

S.k.i.n. Wellness Spa

Skin offers state of the art health and beauty treatments – it houses, among other things, a hydra bath, a Vichy shower, a turbo tanner and a fully fledged nail bar. It should really be your first port of call for any kind of beauty treatment.

Address: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

Call 021 425 3551

Gardens Health & Skincare Clinic

This clinic offers specialized body treatments, facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures and aromatherapeutic massages for men and women.

Address: M4 Mezzanine Level, Gardens Centre

Gardens

Call 021 4656295

CBM Health & Wellness

This upmarket salon offers body wraps, massage services, waxing, manicures, skin care treatments and laser hair removal.

Address: Warwick Square, 10 Grove Building, Claremont

Cape town

Call 021 6836025

Frankydee’s Rejuvenation Centre

Frankydee’s specializes in anti-aging treatments for over forties.

Address: 15 St. Andrews Road

Rondebosch

Call 021 685 3621

Manicurists and Pedicurists (Nail Bars)

Nails for U

Address: 72 Barnet Street, Gardens

Call 021 462 6267 or visit http://www.nailsforu.com

The Nail Place

Address: 7 board walk, Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay

Call 021 7913943

Heavenly Hands

Address: 37 Bordeaux, Tokai Villas, Tokai

Call 021 713 0760

Massage Parlours

You’ll want to be rather careful when looking for massage parlors in Cape Town, as the establishments most frequently advertised as such are really brothels offering ‘sensual massage’. Below are two reputable salons that don’t confuse business with pleasure. Note that several of the establishments listed under ‘Beauty Parlors’ also offer massage services.

Bodyline Health and Beauty Salon

Address: 10th Floor, Vogue House, Thibault Square

Call 021 419 3518

Jing An

Chinese Massage and Acupuncture

1st Floor, Satbel Centre, Corner of Somerset and De Smidt Street, Green Point

Call 021 425 3399 or email jing-an@iafrica.com