Suburban Oasis

images courtesy of Salon CapriDedham. There was a time I couldn't point it out on a map. But you know what, it's not as far away as this urban dweller thought. Greater Boston is a vast area compared to our city's smallish frame and to some, the word suburb can be a dirty one. It really shouldn't be, because there's just as many great places in the suburbs as there are within city limits.

While there are excellent restaurants and retail stores scattered throughout Greater Boston, one thing I've always felt wary about is hair salons. Perhaps it's my own suburban upbringing that makes me fear skunky highlights and acrylic tip nails, but this preconceived notion got turned on it's head thanks to a visit to Salon Capri at Legacy Place in Dedham (full disclosure: Salon Capri provided me with direct car service to and from Legacy Place, as well as a few complimentary treatments. Funny how the FTC requires me to mention that, but no one who works in print media to mention that). This is the third outpost for the family-run business, with it's two other locations in Hyde Park and Newton Highlands.

Aside from Stil Studio and the massive Whole Foods, Salon Capri is a godsend for those who are looking for something a little more than the standard mall shops found in this massive outdoor shopping center. The salon offers a crisp modern environment that still feels warm without being sterile. The staff is attentive and actually good at what they do, as opposed to just looking like they work at a hair salon (you know these types, they can be a bit too cool for school). After the jump, a peek inside and a bit about some of the services I experienced. 

Salon Capri 406 Legacy Place, Dedham 781.320.0900

First and foremost, Salon Capri in Newton Highlands is the concept and training/education center for L'Oreal products in New England, which includes Shu Uemura Haircare and Kerastase. The new Salon Capri features a color bar, including the new chemical-free L'Oreal INOA line, seen above to the left. I received a hair treatment with Shu Uemura products and I haven't been able to stop making other people touch my hair since. Not only was the presentation clever (a bento box), but the treatment smelled delicious (I went for a eucalyptus treatment). The wash stations had comfy reclining massage chairs (although while reclined, the massagers didn't exactly reach me) and I was provided with an iPod Shuffle with calm spa music that was by no means spa music. The headphone situation was a little slippery, but I'm sure they'll figure out something that will work. 

My hair was blown out by co-owner Nicholas Penna Jr (he and his sister took over the business from their parents). He trimmed me up a little bit and I haven't gotten this many compliments on my hair since I went back to blonde. His energy is infectious and as I observed him before getting into his chair, he seems to be able to make everyone feel at home when under his brush or blade.

The salon also offers spa services including manis & pedis, waxing, facials and makeup application. I done got my nails did and I would give anything to have the technician rub my feet all day. It may have put me in a trance. Seeing that many of you are color hounds, I picked OPI Pinky Doodle for toes and Rumple's Wiggin for nails. Later, when I sent Jeannie a pic of my manicure and the name, she laughed since Rumple's Wiggin is a Shrek limited edition color. No wonder why the nail tech asked me if I saw Shrek, which I thought was a little random. I also got waxed, but sometimes you just need to draw the line when it comes to sharing with others. I will say, the girl I saw was super friendly and pleasantly distracting as she went about her business.

Overall, I had a great experience and came back mellowed out and looking a little bit prettier to boot. I know, who wouldn't have a great experience with complimentary services? Well, I have a strict "if you don't have something nice to say..." policy here at New Brahmin, so if the smallest thing went wrong, I wouldn't have wasted your time. As I was having my pampered moments, I observed how the staff treated their actual customers and there really was no difference. I do have to say, I wouldn't probably have never made it out there if it weren't for the car service, which I think is a wise marketing expense for businesses outside the Boston line. But now that I've been there and received great service and top-notch treatments, I will make a point of stopping in again soon after a yoga class at Stil Studio (... if I can ever convince myself to go to yoga).