Ask a Local: The Top Treatments to Book for a Day of Self-Care in Halifax

Standout Treatment: Pedicure

Offering up a one-of-a-kind experience, The Wine Spa not only provides top-notch aesthetic services but it’s also a licensed bar complete with a sommelier-inspired wine menu and curated tastings. Nothing says luxury like sitting down for an ultra-pampering pedicure while sipping on a glass of full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you’re opting for a solo outing to unwind after a hectic week, are fresh off a long-haul flight, or are on the hunt for an activity to do with your closest friends, look no further than this downtown gem.

Standout Treatment: Head in the Clouds Facial

Located in the heart of Downtown Dartmouth (right on the harbour), this urban sanctuary has everything you need for a day of rest and relaxation, including massage therapy, infrared saunas and thermal circuit pools. But one of their most-loved treatments is Head in the Clouds, which puts a unique spin on a typical facial. Performed by one of the spa’s registered massage therapists, it goes beyond just treating the face as it involves the entire upper body. The treatment focuses on releasing tension, including manual and Gua Sha massage to help with lymphatic drainage.

Standout Treatment: Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Treatment

Nestled in Halifax’s historic Hydrostone district, Uptown Salon and Spa is the perfect place to give your hair some TLC. Specializing in colour, cuts and styling—along with a plethora of other services such as makeup, brows and facials—you’re in good hands when you pay them a visit. Their Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Treatment is well-known for its ability to add serious shine to locks while taming frizz. During the procedure, the cuticle of the hair is gently opened and then infused with nourishing vitamins and minerals that work to soften and repair strands. The cuticle is then closed, and the result is a glossier, more manageable mane for up to five months.

Standout Treatment: Hydrothermal Journey

Located near Nova Scotia’s iconic Peggy’s Cove, Oceanstone Resort is the ultimate spa experience. With a never-ending menu to choose from, including luxurious body treatments and seaweed wraps and facials, you get pampered among some of the most breathtaking scenery on the East Coast. One of their best-selling treatments is their Therapeutic Massage, a customizable experience that can help reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. To really make the most of your visit, you can add on their Hydrothermal Journey package, which allows you to utilize the spa’s amazing amenities like its plunge pools and sauna.

Standout Treatment: Manicure

Any time is the right time to get a manicure. When our hands need a little pick-me-up, you can find us at The Ten Spot, a full-service beauty spot in Downtown Halifax. With attentive staff that can execute any look you want, from dark and daring to bold and bright, they provide an array of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a gel mani or a long-wearing overlay, the nail artists here always prioritize your natural nail’s health to ensure your tips stay strong while still looking great.

Standout Treatment: Acupuncture and Cupping

If you’re looking for healing alternatives, the Acupuncture Wellness Loft is just the spot. Providing an array of treatments like crystal light therapy, biofield and more, this is the destination for all things holistic health. Along with general and facial acupuncture, they also offer cupping therapy to help improve blood flow and circulation. Originating in Chinese medicine, this treatment can relieve pain and inflammation.

Standout Treatment: Sylfirm X (radiofrequency microneedling)

A physician-led medical aesthetics clinic that offers up a range of services from injectables, gentle laser procedures, microneedling and more, Luma Clinic has the goods if you’re looking to give your skin a little glow-up. Their Sylfirm X treatment is a client favourite, as it can help stimulate collagen production for firmer skin and leave you looking more radiant. With minimal downtime, the radiofrequency microneedling procedure can be performed on all skin types and tones and is performed by one of the clinic’s attentive nurses, so you know you’re in great hands.

Standout treatment: Brow Lamination

You’ll always be greeted with a friendly face when visiting Dime Salon. Not only do they excel at making client’s haircare dreams a reality, but this location also provides a robust menu of esthetics treatments making it a one-stop-shop for all things beauty. Along with manicures, pedicures and all types of waxing, Dime also offers lash and brow treatments. A lash lift and tint will amp up your natural fringe (no high maintenance extensions required) while an eyebrow lamination will tame unruly hairs. Add in a tint to make your arches look even fuller and fluffier.

Emily MacCulloch is a Halifax-based freelance beauty editor and writer. Over the years, she’s worked at multiple Canadian publications and currently she’s a regular contributor to some of Canada’s top titles including Elle Canada, The Toronto Star, FASHION, VITA, Chatelaine and more. In addition to her editorial work, she’s also the co-founder of the digital beauty platform The T-Zone and is an on-air beauty expert.

Follow @emilymacculloch and @t.zonebeauty to keep up with the latest in the beauty biz.