Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Best Places In L.A. To Pamper Yourself
You don't have to have your own squadron of personal assistants and stylists to treat yourself. Here are some of our favorite places to primped and pampered. As always, suggest your own favorite places in the comments.
TINTWe've done our fair share of out-of-the-box color but some attempts should be left to professionals. Tint is a salon that specializes in color, whether you want highlights, touch-ups or a completely new dye job. (You even have to dry your own hair.) The salon says it keeps costs down this way—an all-over color job will set you back $64 and their "California Girl" highlights cost $65. And you don't need to book appointments in advance: just walk in.
Tint is located at 1422 B Second Street in Santa Monica, (310) 395-5888.
HANKOOK SAUNA & SPA
Support for LAist comes from
If you're not too modest, head to the spas of Koreatown. You strip down to nothing before relaxing in pools and rooms across a spectrum from chilly to steaming hot. While this is a perfectly relaxing way to spend an afternoon, we'd recommend the body scrub for $30. Hankook also has a special deal where you can get a body scrub, cucumber mask and hair wash all for $70. We like Hankook because it's a little bit more chill and intimate than some of the spas in K-town.
Hankook Sauna & Spa is located at 3121 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 388-8899.
LAMAI THAI MASSAGE
For those who prefer a little pain with their pampering, an authentic Thai massage serves as the perfect solution for knots, pains and stress. As with almost anything in Los Angeles, a number of Thai massage spots are at our fingertips, and one of our absolute favorites is Lamai Thai Massage on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Set up like a traditional Thai massage parlor—meaning mats on the floor in small "rooms" only sectioned off with curtains—Lamai makes you think for a second that you're actually in Thailand, sipping on a fresh coconut while zipping along in a tuk-tuk. Simply circle your problem areas on the body diagram sheet handed to you and rate your preferred pressure, and you're on your way to a painful sort of heaven. And the price is right at $45 for an hour. Whether or not you opt to have your masseuse walk on your back (we highly recommend it) is up to you, but remember to remain clothed throughout the massage. Lamai also offers ear candling for $45, which, if it's your thing, if a great pre- or post-massage add-on. -Lauren Lloyd
Lamai Thai Massage is located at 1350 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, (310) 399-7953
BURKE WILLIAMS
If you're looking to splurge, Burke Williams is a plush destination for some long-overdue unwinding. You'll be greeted with the enticing botanical aroma as soon as you get out of your car. They offer massage, wraps, facials, waxing and nail services. If you arrive early for any service, you can spend time soaking in a jacuzzi or sweating out the toxins in the steam room or sauna. Or you can simply sit in your comfy robe in the Quiet Room and sip on their cucumber and lemon water while you wait for an employee who'll speak to you in hushed tones and guide you by the arm to your room. A monthly membership is $79, which includes one free Pure Relaxation Massage, which usually run at least $99, plus discounts on their other services. -Sharon Knolle
Support for LAist comes from
Burke Williams has seven locations in SoCal, including West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and Pasadena
DRYBAR
Drybar is credited with starting the blow dry bar craze, and it's still our favorite (here's our full list.) When you want a no-frills blowout, this is the place to go. You can choose from a "menu" of styles that range from sleek to beachy. There are iPod docking stations and flat-screens to help the time pass the time while you're getting your hair done. At $35, It's an affordable luxury.
Drybar has locations in Studio City, Westlake Village, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach and Brentwood.
CHI NAIL BAR & ORGANIC SPA
Everyone has their favorite cheap, neighborhood nail salon for when you want something simple and quick. But if you really want to relax or you'd like a professional try one of those crazy designs that doesn't look like a Pinterest Fail, this is the place to go. You can get acrylics, gels or try out one of their 100 minx designs—a green alternative to nail polish that gets applied like stickers and lasts for a month (apparently, Paris Hilton and other celebrities are fans).
Chi Nail Bar & Organic Spa is located at 9390 Little Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills, (310) 858-8803
Support for LAist comes from
HARMONY DAY SPA
Chinese foot massage places have sprung up all over the region, and in the San Gabriel Valley, the competition is incredibly fierce. You can get an amazing massage that focuses on all your pressure points—not just your feet—for a mere $15. (A note on tipping: at places like this that are so cheap, we tip far more than the 20% on the bill.) Unlike other kinds of pricier massages, you keep your clothes on and you're in close proximity to the other customers getting their massages, but you'll probably forget that 10 minutes in.
Harmony Day Spa is located at 856 E. Valley Blvd in San Gabriel, (626) 288-2599
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
Best of LAist