The best beauty salons in Canberra

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Faith Murphy

Faith Murphy, owner of DesignHer, one of the most recommended beauty salons in Canberra. Photo: Liv Cameron.

Who doesn’t love treating themselves to a pamper session at a beauty salon? A visit to a beauty salon helps keep your skin and body in great shape. A quality beauty treatment with professional and experienced therapists not only makes you look amazing, it makes you feel amazing. Key is choosing a quality salon. That’s one that’s clean. It’s one that uses quality products and the right equipment.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a beauty salon, and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great beauty salon?

A great beauty salon offers a suite of services. These range from relaxation experiences to dealing with complex skin problems. Choosing the right salon for your needs gives you confidence you’ll enjoy your session, without stress.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a beauty salon.

  • Range of treatments. The best beauty salons offer a healthy range of treatments. This can include facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, tanning and tinting. If you want something specific, a great beauty salon will offer the exact service that you’re looking for.
  • Training and qualifications. Beauty therapists in Canberra require a formal qualification at a technical and further education (TAFE) institute. This could include a Certificate III in Beauty Services or a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy. Check what training and experience your therapist has.
  • Clean treatment rooms. Hygiene is important with beauty treatments. You’ll want a clean and tidy salon. Make sure your therapist cleans their equipment between clients.
  • Atmosphere. If rest and relaxation is important, choose a beauty salon with a spa-like atmosphere so you can unwind. This could be one with a soothing décor, relaxing music and mood lighting. If you’re in for a quick treatment, like a leg wax, you might not mind a salon with more buzz.
  • Friendly staff. If this is your first time visiting a salon, you’ll want to feel comfortable and assured. The best salons have friendly, welcoming staff that can answer any questions and make you feel at ease.

The best beauty salons in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Designher Beauty

Designher Beauty is a boutique studio in an inclusive, relaxing and private space where clients unwind and are well taken care of. The studio’s menu caters for a wide range of quality and attentive beauty treatments with a special focus on treating skin concerns and eyebrow styling.

The team’s passion is tailoring treatments to each client’s needs in a non-intimidating environment with one-on-one service. Designher Beauty’s menu covers all beauty essentials, including waxing, body treatment and pamper packages, skin treatments, eyelashes and eyebrows, nails, and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) hair removal.

Designher Beauty’s treatments and product lines are science-based and tested for their ability to achieve visible results.

Waxing covers face, arms, legs, backs and shoulders. Skin treatments include a wide range of facials, microdermabrasion, skin rejuvenation and acne clearance. Eyelash treatments include lash lifts, tints and volume lashes. Designher Beauty is also skilled at brow tints and henna eyebrows. Manicures and pedicures cover spa deluxe treatments. Massages, body ritual and pamper packages are luxurious. Designher Beauty specialises in IPL hair removal for all body parts. Consultation and test patch are free.

Check Designher Beauty’s website for special offers and discounts for multiple treatments. Book appointments online (Designher Beauty is open by appointment only).

On Google, Belinda Burggraaff wrote, “Faith is the ultimate consummate professional. Her knowledge and care of skin and beauty treatments are second to none. Her salon is luxurious and calming. If you’re looking for somewhere to go, this is the place. You won’t be disappointed.”

Enhance Skin Care

Enhance Skin Care’s highly regarded skin care specialists know clients want healthy, radiant and glowing-from-within skin. Therapists specialise in skin care, firming dermalift and cosmetic tattooing. They’re experienced with regular skin and more serious skin concerns, including wrinkles, rosacea, redness, acne, scarring and pigmentation.

On Google, Lianne Smith, “My therapist was warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. I had great customer service from the phone call to book my appointment through to treatment. Great experience.”

Mudd The Spa

At Mudd The Spa, highly qualified therapists use the latest technologies and techniques. A wide range of treatments are available, including for face, body, hand and foot. Waxing, Vichy shower and performance body treatments are also on the menu. Mudd The Spa designs packages special seasonal treatments for men and women.

Jane Laguna wrote on Google, “I had an incredible experience … The spa is luxurious, and you feel calm and relaxed as soon as you arrive.”

Hale Spa

Hale Spa offers an extensive menu of beauty treatments, all in a luxurious setting. Treatments include anti-aging, specialised and traditional facials. Hale also has range of high-performance facials and light-therapy treatments. Massages include deep tissue, remedial and aromatic stone. Guests have access to the spa’s private guest lounge.

On Google, Marianna Tolo wrote, “What a lovely treat this spa was. They have a sauna and steam room to use. And a lovely little lounge area with bar snacks and tea and drinks.”

The Skyn Lounge

The Skyn Lounge has a holistic approach to healthy skin, using a unique blend of evidence-based treatments and a luxurious client experience. Results meet relaxation at The Skyn Lounge. The extensive range of treatments is delivered with a personalised approach by friendly, qualified staff. Free parking.

On Google, Alex Smith wrote, “Absolutely LOVE the Skyn Lounge. Such a beautiful salon, calming, welcoming, relaxing, and honestly the best beauty salon I have been to in Canberra. The first consultation was mind-blowing…”

Spa Mint

Spa Mint believes beauty is the health and wellbeing of the mind, body and soul. Luxurious facials use essential oils and other leading organic products. All are designed to smooth, regenerate and help with wrinkles and ageing. Spa Mint offers a menu of massage treatments. It also has a range of add-on treatments like scrubs and a detox dry brush.

Grace Connelly wrote on Google, “Two amazing experiences here and many more to come!”

Jindii EcoSpa

Jindii EcoSpa makes clients feel revitalised, recharged and replenished. Spa rituals include massages, facials, hand and feet treatments, and spray tanning. Special packages are available. Jindii EcoSpa uses quality Australian made and natural products. Clients can buy products they love in the extensive retail section.

On the Riot Act, Wendy Johnson wrote, “One of my top picks is Jindii Eco Spa at Australian National Botanic Gardens. The spa is beautiful, spacious and clean. Qualified staff are caring …”

Ultimate Skin and Beauty

Ultimate Skin and Beauty owner Samantha has been a beauty therapist for over 15 years. The salon team is highly experienced and caring. Finer touches make treatments memorable, like a complimentary hand massage, and client preferences are key. Services include facial treatments, nails, lash lifts, waxing, tinting, spray tans, packages and gift vouchers available. Clients enjoy easy access to free parking.

Kiah Reid wrote on Google, “The most beautiful, calm and relaxing beauty salon and THE most amazing, welcoming, professional beauty therapists.”

Endota Spa Canberra

Endota Spa Canberra replenishes minds, bodies and souls. Expert therapists specialise in a wide range of facials, with something for every skin age and type. Massage treatments are available. So is a menu of beauty services, including waxing, tanning, tinting, manicures and pedicures. Rejuvenating spa packages include a consultation with a therapist. Endota uses organic, natural, Australian made skincare.

On Google, Layla Phillips wrote, “I cannot recommend Endota enough! Amazing service from start to end.”

If you’re looking for more information on beauty treatments in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best facial specialists, best day spas, best acne scar treatment specialists, best microblading specialists and best waxing salons Canberra has to offer. Or, if you’re interested in some laser skin treatments, our articles on the best laser clinics, best laser hair removal clinics and best laser tattoo removalists in Canberra may interest you.

Your experience with the best salons in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the beauty salons listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can a beauty salon help with?

Many beauty salons offer a menu of general maintenance and beauty treatments. This can include facials, massages, waxing, tinting, pedicures and manicures. Some offer highly specialised skin treatments requiring specialised equipment and training. Check services online or by calling.

Can a beauty salon help with challenging skin problems?

Some beauty salons can help with challenging skin problems. This may include severe acne, advanced ageing, wrinkles, rosacea and other complex skin issues. Check what the salon is qualified to treat.

How much does it cost for beauty treatments?

The cost depends on the type of treatment. Facials, for example, can range from an express treatment (around 30 minutes) to a deluxe facial (around 1.5 hours). Cost is also influenced by the quality of products used. If you’re after more than one treatment, ask if the beauty salon offers package deals.

What style of beauty salon is best?

Different salons have different styles. Some are more ‘working bee’ salons. Others offer luxury, spa experiences.

How do I know what beauty treatment to have?

A great beauty salon will happily discuss your needs. With facials, for example, the therapist can analyse your skin and recommend the best treatment.

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This is Ana from èlan , I have to say it’s sad to see the extent people will go to mock a new business. I don’t know who the OP was but nice try.

Had a great waxing experience at Jindi Eco Spa at Duffy.

Also try Kylie at Kylie’s Beauty in Gilmore. She does The Best massage, and with hot rocks too. She is on Facebook. 0419 429 692

AverageCanberran6:21 pm 12 Sep 13

Meconium said :

RStapylton said :

If you live close to weston creek u should try ana at elan beauty.

Poster #5 is the same as OP. This thread appears to be a colossal astroturfing fail.

LWallace said :

+1 for Elan Beauty in Weston 🙂

Yep.
I do also get a giggle out of the line… “ive been going to here for years”, considering Ana only opened Elan a couple of weeks ago…

RStapylton said :

If you live close to weston creek u should try ana at elan beauty.

Poster #5 is the same as OP. This thread appears to be a colossal astroturfing fail.

LWallace said :

+1 for Elan Beauty in Weston 🙂

+1 for Elan Beauty in Weston :)… I walked inside the other day and booked in a green peel. It was sooooo niiccee… My skin is looking awesome.. Its good to see some other nice salons around the place though…

If you live close to weston creek u should try ana at elan beauty. she use to work at ericas in kingston but now has her own place. ive been going to here for years and wouldnt go anywhere else.

Hi Bec,

I would like to recommend Healing Hands Beauty & Massage in Queanbeyan (link in the name, hope that is ok mods) She is also on FB so you can search for her there. Fantastic service, very friendly, you will not need any other beauty therapist once you have seen her

I live in the Deakin area but happily trek to Nefertari in Belconnen for my waxing needs. In terms of beauty stuff, I’m hooked on Ella Bache and there’s only two beauty salons with Ella Bache therapists – can’t recall specifics but they are in the Kingston/Griffith/Manuka area.

La Bella Beauty Salon at the Kambah Village. Have been going there for years and years – Katya is amazing.

I can recommend Essence at the Griffith shops. My preferred therapist has left but all the other therapists seem equally as good. I have a range of therapies including waxing, tinting and facials there.

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