You’re hundreds of miles away from home and just noticed roughly a hundred split ends. It took you years to find someone you trusted with your hair, how do you find one on such short notice? Look no further; these places were all recommended by Miami natives who have gone through their fair share of bad hair days, crazy eyebrows, and chipped nails and discovered the top places that make you look and feel your best.
HAIR
“Got a fresh cut straight out the salon…” –Kanye West
Innovations Haircutters Salon
6340 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33155
Just want a trim? Looking to change it up? Innovations Haircutters Salon can do it all while making your hair look healthy and fresh. Describe what you want or show them a photo, and they will recreate it for you.
If they don’t think it’ll work for you, they’ll let you know and offer up some suggestions so you’ll always leave the salon feeling confident and not like you want to cry your eyes out (we’ve all been there).
When you go, ask for Ana Gloria or Marilu. One of Ana Gloria’s customers flew her to Italy to do her hair for her wedding because she didn’t trust anyone else to do it. People who visit usually end up recommending this place to their friends who recommend it to their friends and . . . well you get the idea.
Philip Francis Hair Salon
8291 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143
Miami native and sophomore at the University of Miami, Lauren Diaz, recommends Philip Francis for all your hair cut needs.
“Ask for Adrianne,” Lauren says, “She’s been my mom’s hair cutter since she was twenty and I’ve been getting my hair cut with her pretty much my whole life.” The atmosphere is very professional, and they keep everything very neat and clean.”
SaCo Salon
4203 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 110, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Located across from Merrick Park, SaCo salon is a great place to relax while getting a fantastic hair cut and color. Miami native Rori Kotch recommends doing your hair with Jesse.
“I usually get highlights and lowlights and [he] makes them look so natural and perfect,” Rori says. “Everyone there is so nice and they offer you coffee, so what could be bad about that?”
EYEBROWS
For eyebrows Cara Delevigne would be jealous of . . .
European Wax Center
1212 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146
If you’re looking for a place within your budget and super convenient, then you should definitely check out European Wax Center.
“They have really good hours, and it’s close to campus so it works really well with my schedule,” Miamian Sage Hewitt says. “Plus they have discounted packages for students.”
European Wax Center is also known for being very sanitary during sessions while keeping you comfortable.
Eyebrow Designer 21
7535 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33156
If you are into threading or interested in trying it out, head over to Eyebrow Designer 21 located in Dadeland Mall right next to Nordstrom. The shop doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the people who work there are talented.
Ask for Samia or Saba, they will have your eyebrows done with every hair in place in five minutes or less. If you’re in a rush (or even if you’re not), check this place out.
Don’t be afraid to try threading! It’s quick and hurts about the same, if not less, than waxing.
Aruj
7303 SW 88th St, Miami, FL 33156
This spa is located inside of the Macy’s at Dadeland Mall.
“I’ve been going here since I was 15, and they’ve always done a really good job,” Miami local Natalie Godoy says.
Because the salon is located inside the mall it’s pretty convenient if you frequent Dadeland Mall. If you don’t, it’s not too far from campus, so it’s worth the trip. The look of the salon is professional and, while they also cut hair and do nails, Natalie says that the eyebrows are definitely what you want to go for.
NAILS
What better way to look polished than with nail polish?
Beauty Trek
6787 Miller Dr, Miami, FL 33155
For an inexpensive mani-pedi, Beauty Trek may be the place for you. Located right on Miller, it’s about a ten-minute drive from campus.
Stop by Monday through Wednesday for their mani-pedi special of $25.00. All you have to do is sit in a massage chair, and they handle everything else.
They take walk ins, but it’s still good to call ahead just to make sure you’re not heading over there during a busy time.
Isis Nail Spa
5701 Sunset Dr #234, South Miami, FL 33143
Located next to LA Fitness in Sunset, this salon is perfect for a little rest and relaxation.
It is fairly close to campus and can often fit you in without an appointment (although you shouldn’t count on this). They have plenty of regulars who absolutely love it, so it’s a place you can trust.
If you are into nail art or just want to give it a try, this is the place for you.
Gloss Nail Bar
214 Andalusia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
If you’re looking for a nail place you can trust and go back to week after week, check out Gloss Nail Bar.
“Gloss Nail Bar is the place to go in The Gables!” says Jenny Hennessey, who is not originally from Miami but has lived here for years. “The organic products are what make it so great.”
“My nails are healthier than ever, even with manis every few weeks!” says Jess Magno, who has also lived in Miami for a long time. “They also have wine, what’s not to love?!”
Thalia Garcia is a sophomore majoring in Software Engineering. She’s from Miami and wants to eventually start her own software engineering business (or work for Pixar)! She loves pastelitos and café con leche.
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