I don’t know about you, but the novelty of painting my own nails (slash the absolute terror of attempting to wax a bikini line) has definitely worn thin. There’s lot of things that I’ve been looking forward to once lockdown is over, and heading back to some of my favourite Brighton salons has been pretty high up on the list.

Being separated from your manicurist is hard, but absence makes the heart - and luckily, my nails (now I’ve finally had a break from five years of continuous gel manicures) - stronger. Plus, with so many small independent businesses in need of our support now more than ever, your monthly wax appointment could do some good. 

Here’s where I’ll be heading to get my post-lockdown beauty fix in Brighton.

LAU’S CLAWS AT WATERS HAIR STYLISTS - FOR A MANICURE

Still looking for “the one”? I’ve tried and tested more nail bars and technicians in Brighton than I care to remember, but Laura is the one I’ll keep coming back to, perfect mani after perfect mani. Set up in an intimate corner of Waters Hair Stylists, Laura’s incredibly meticulous and passionate about what she does, using only vegan and cruelty-free products to carry out her handiwork. 

CISCOS KARMA - FOR A HAIRCUT AND COLOUR

Can we all agree to politely ignore everyone’s six-inch roots now that lockdown has lifted? My lockdown hair regime (translation: dry shampoo and a top knot) hasn’t done me any favours, and my hair is crying out for a cut and colour. 

Ciscos Karma pride themselves on a more ‘personal’ experience, which is certainly what you’ll receive. Tucked away in Little East Street Arcade, it’s super cosy inside so you can switch off during your appointment. At this point, I wouldn't trust anyone else with my locks. 

PHOENIX TREATMENTS & BEAUTY - FOR A WAX 

If there is such a thing as a pain-free wax, you’ll find it at none other than Phoenix Treatments & Beauty. While a wax will probably never be at the top of your list of favourite things to do, here the chilled atmosphere, zen vibes and down-to-earth therapists will make it more enjoyable. What’s more, their services are fully LGBTQ+ friendly and use only vegan, ethically sourced and sustainable products. 

MERMAID ISLAND - FOR A MASSAGE

I’m not sure if it’s pandemic stress or just my lack of self-indulgence over the last couple of months, but one thing I’ve found my body pining for is a good old massage. 

It’s definitely not a treatment that’s in my regular regime, but I’ve been to Mermaid Island for a few ‘treat yo self’ afternoons in the past and always leave feeling like I’ve unloaded a huge weight off my shoulders at the door. And if you can’t treat yourself after a global pandemic, when can you?

BROW TALK AT REVITALISE - FOR AN EYEBROW TIDY

Back when my main concern was obtaining the perfect pair of arched eyebrows, I headed over to the Brighton Girl facebook to get some recommendations, and there was definitely one name that came out on top: Brow Talk, headed up by Meg Sherwood in Revitalise Brighton.

A few simple scrolls of Meg’s Instagram will tell you all you need to know about her meticulous handiwork. After resisting the urge to pluck my brows straight back to the 1990s over lockdown, this is one I’m going to really enjoy. 

For a great treatment and a good chat, I couldn’t recommend the salons above more. Where will you be going for your first post-lockdown beauty treatment? 

Written by Danielle Petch

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