Strands Salon and Spa: Rejuvenate Your Mind & Body

You've seen the products and heard of the salons; but what does it really mean to be an Aveda Concept Salon & Spa, and more specifically, what does it mean at Strands Salon & Spa?  According to Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda, “Our mission is to care for the world we live in…strive to set an example in environmental leadership… Not just in beauty, but around the world.”  Founders of Strands, Jacqueline Crabtree and Patty Woodward, put an emphasis on beauty and wellness. Part of their mission is to “Unite all people and leave them feeling balanced and rejuvenated.”

At Strands, you'll find “The root of Aveda's holistic spa philosophy, Elemental Nature™; based on the five elements found in nature:  Infinity, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.”  Before each service, guests complete the Aveda Elemental Nature™ Questionnaire, which allows your therapist to create a personalized treatment.

My afternoon of rejuvenation was destined to be a treat from head to toe.  I felt a big, fabulous experience coming my way as soon as I walked in the door.  Despite the fact the salon and reception area were bustling with activity, I was greeted immediately with a smile and warm welcome. Soon after, I met my massage therapist, Matthew Abeyta, who escorted me to the Strands Spa.

The Strands Spa is in the same building as the salon, but not directly adjacent.   This is a major advantage for clients looking for a serene and true spa experience.  The Strands hair salon is a high energy environment and akin to this, there is a certain level of unavoidable noise.  Thoughtful of the environment necessary for a successful spa, Strands owner and creative director, Jacquelyn Crabtree, uses the space upstairs from the salon.  As you enter the spa area, you are welcomed by soothing earth tones, and pleasant natural light, all true to the Aveda eco-friendly philosophy.

Matthew showed me to my treatment room for my first service, the Elemental Nature™ Massage (60 min, $70.00).  His approach was highly personalized. He took the time to find out what kind of experience I was looking for, and was genuinely interested in making that happen.  The massage was fabulous! Matthew used a variety of techniques to provide relief to my ever tight upper back and shoulders. He also took the time to make suggestions as to what muscles I could strengthen to restore muscular balance and improve posture, which would essentially provide relief from the tightness in my upper back.

Next, I met with Necole Finan, my aesthetician for the day. We entered her treatment room for my Elemental Nature™ Facial (60 min., $80.00).  This particular facial is about restoring a healthy balance to your skin.  During our pre-treatment discussion, we discussed what I was looking for in this treatment.  I emphasized hydration and a healthy glow.  With this knowledge and her own expertise, she blended the appropriate Aveda products.  At Aveda, the facial concept gives each aesthetician the freedom to combine base products to create the best blend for each client, adding a higher level of personalization.  The treatment included skin exfoliation, several masques, an eye treatment, a deep penetrating, non-greasy moisturizer, and a 5-star face and neck massage.

I finished my spa day with a pedicure and let's just say that's an understatement.  The Caribbean Therapy™ for the Feet (60 min., $65) is a “Rock Star” amongst pedicures and Catita Howell, my nail specialist, made sure I got the all-star treatment that afternoon.  We soaked, we trimmed, we shaped, we exfoliated, and we laughed.  Then Catita put a masque on my feet and lower legs, and while it set, she gave me a relaxing arm and hand massage.  Once the masque was removed, I received a rejuvenating foot massage and then finally “A Oui Bit of Red” (OPI French Collection, unfortunately, Aveda currently doesn't have a nail color line).

The Strands team is focused on high value customer service and it shows in how they treat their guests.  From the moment I walked in, not only were my needs more than met, I felt as though they were anticipated.  I felt each team member actively worked to create the ideal spa experience for me.  You can visit Strands Salon and Spa at www.strandssalon.com. Call 916-451-4949 in Sacramento or 530-759-0795 in Davis. It's the Strands team that will define your experience, which is marked by a constant attention to detail, putting the care of others first, and the genuine passion each staff member has for their profession. 

Laurie Dakin, founder of Dakin Fitness, a wellness-based company, specializing in personal fitness programming, Pilates, yoga and corporate wellness design. She is ACE certified and Stott Pilates- trained. She is located in downtown Sacramento and can be reached at LaurieDakin@sbcglobal.net, (916) 206-1206.