Spas in the Halifax area are a dime a dozen. There's one on every corner; often they're across the…read morestreet from one another. So how do you choose the right one for you? I'll be honest, my spa experiences are limited. Being a country gal, I'd sooner be at a truck pull then having my toe nails painted. However, now and then, everyone needs to spoil themselves. I was nervous about my first facial at Mudwraps to Manicures. As someone that doesn't pay particular attention to their skin, I viciously exfoliated and moisturized the week before my appointment. Like when you try to trick your dentist into thinking you take care of your teeth by flossing furiously before your yearly appointment. But they know, they know.... I had a stereotypical image of a spa in my mind, complete with bored, Botox ravaged housewives, swathed in mud. As I walked in, they would tap their painted talons on glass stables and glare, knowing I didn't belong. Like usual, my overactive imagination got the best of me. In reality, I was greeted and taken to a cozy, little seating area. While I was filling out my paperwork, I was given a delightful herbal tea (toffee flavoured!) to enjoy. I wasn't waiting long when an aesthetician introduced herself to me and took me to my room. The lights were turned down and the blinds were closed. I was told to change into a comfy robe and then she wrapped me up in blankets. My hands were massaged, and then put into warm mitts. The room was dark and warm, soothing music played throughout the entire spa. The facial was really nice. It was incredibly relaxing; it took all I had not to fall asleep. My aesthetician was chatty but not too chatty. She knew when to let me relax and drink it all in. Afterwards, my skin felt great. She was also very helpful when recommending what products would be good for my skin type. They have a wonderful selection of skin care products, but also bags, shoes, jewellery, scarves, etc. They have your standard services, such as mani/pedis, facials, waxing, massage, scrubs, wraps, you name it. They also have some intriguing treatments such as Max7 (light therapy) and endermology. That's a non-invasive lipo massage treatment for cellulite and re-contouring. I've since returned to try both of those services. Getting to wear a see-through, white jump suit makes trying endermology worth it. It's hilariously ridiculous; I dare you not to prance around a little! I've gone from someone that gets their skin care products from Wal-Mart to a total spa snob. They've got me hooked and because their prices are reasonable, I'm able to pamper myself without breaking the bank. Because, let's face it, not everyone can afford a silk body scrub every day. If you're looking to spoil yourself, or maybe a loved one, at a good price while still receiving pleasant, competent service, Mudwraps is for you! Plus, you get a chocolate when you pay, what more could you want?

They had me at Mudwrap. While the manicure is not an act of indulgence to tickle my taste, I'm all…read moreabout skin-care treatments and getting spa-tastic squeaky clean! Such indulgences require going beyond an arms length, and in a trip to Bedford's Mudwraps To Manicures, this was a bus ride I could justify. The spa is much more than a two trick pony; services include a variety of facial treatments, medical esthetic treatments (yes, botox), massage, body treatments, endermologie, microdermabrasion, light therapy Manicure Pedicure Services, and-- phewf-- waxing. Ay carumba.. take your pick! I did the mudwrap because I've always wanted to try it. Walking into the spa, it seems more like a beautifully decorated home than facility. Victorian accents of furniture and detailing spoke of luxury, and the emphasis on visuals was well attained. From beginning to end, staff and service were kind and natural- perfect for such occasions. So I got the most popular body wrap, which is evidently a slimming wrap as well. We'll see. about that.... the 1 1/4 hour treatment includes a full exfoliation process, an Austrian mud application, followed by a detoxifying and rejuvenating process and Austrian Moor Mud body lotion application. Whew! I was lost in some sort of trance... I think I may have been frolicking in the Swizz Mountains somewhere... I cannot truly be sure... Side-note: They also have their own line of mineral makeup. I'd just come into the know about the greatness of such, so did not make a purchase... but mineral makeup is awesome, and they have their own line of it. Bonus points! All and all, this was an incredible experience and more than worth the $90+ tax. It gave me such a lift, not sure about the slim down, but a rejuvenation that stayed with me for days. For those who can indulge in such pleasures regularly-- do it. Its an instant relaxer and a healthy way to deal with stress or busy times. I will utilize this time to throw out my September 25th birthday to any loved ones who may be reading this. (because I know thats what you all do in your spare moments) I love Mudwraps!

My favourite spot in the world! I love the spa. What a great way to remove stress and let someone…read moreelse pamper you. I have never been to this particular spa but I had to stop in to pick up my boss a gift card. The staff was so helpful and nice. The place is beautiful and relaxing. I will definitely go when I find the time to go. They are pricey but that is to be expected since they are one of the nicest spas in Metro. I will say that the parking is terrible. Just be prepared.

I will never forget how this business treated me as a preteen. I had gone here to get my eyebrows…read morethreaded a few times. They did a good job. I bought some sandals, non-toxic nail polish and nail polish remover. I booked an appointment and payed for it in advance for 25 dollars. I missed the appointment because I was too young to drive. My spending money was from babysitting money. I explained this to them at the desk maturely but they basically said frick you, you missed your appointment kid so we get your babysitting money and were very mean and rude about it. It's been more than 10 yrs and I still feel disgust when I drive by that place. It's beautiful on the inside of the spa despite being kind of ugly or at least plain on the outside, I like how they are into some eco-friendly stuff but if they treat vulnerable youth like this, who knows how they treat other vulnerable customers. Could be ripping off customers with dementia, disabilities etc. They have no sense of ethics as a business and it has a snobby and judgemental atmosphere that keeps you from fully relaxing, despite the otherwise lovely set-up with flowing water, nice lighting and whatnot. I was getting my eyebrows threaded there once and the woman who was doing them interjected and pointed out my cystic acne when that wasn't even what I was going to say. Then she started shilling Dermologica anti-acne products. I don't have cystic acne anymore because of Accutane, not because of anything OTC including overpriced brands like that that just have sal acid most of the time and are really nothing special. It's wrong to exploit people's insecurities like that to sell things. Going to a spa should be about relaxing and making you feel good.

Not the best atmosphere and the service is a hit and miss. The technician who did my nails couldn't…read moreshape them the way I wanted (she could only do the round shape) and I ended up with very short nails because of constant filing and failing to shape my nails as asked. Also, don't expect a hand exfoliation, massage or even simple buffing of your nails. What you get is quite basic! Not a great selection of nail polish colours but that depends on individual taste. Friendly staff though and very good pedicures, if you're lucky and got a good tech.

Love love loved my experience here. I came for the first time to be waxed. That can be a little…read moreawkward however the front staff were so pleasant and my aesthetician Debbie was so professional yet personable that I really enjoyed my experience. Everything was impeccably clean, the wooden sticks used for applying wax are thrown out after each application, etc. The pricing was very reasonable and I will definitely be back!

I had a terrible experience! m esthetician was super unfriendly. she literally looked disappointed…read morethat I was her client. While others in my party were offered tea or coffee she asked if I wanted "water or anything" the way a child would, if asked by their parents to do so. I am an older individual and my chair slid out from underneath me when I sat for my pedicure. My neck is still in pain a week later. My hand got cut during the fall and bled throughout the manicure. I was not even offered a bandaid! if you want to be pampered, this is not the place to go!

Went in to get my first ever facial. Stephanie was very nice and explained the process of a facial…read moreand what she would be doing prior to starting. The bed and sheets were so soft and the music so soothing that I had to stop myself from falling sleep. Stephanie did a great job making sure I was comfortable and made my first experience a great one.

I've been going to Imagine Salon since moving to Halifax two years ago and I love it. Since being…read morea customer at Imagine I have had two different hairstylists, who were both great. I absolutely love how my stylist listens to how I want my hair to look, but then makes suggestions as to what will work for me. She also lays out a plan for the next few haircuts so I know exactly what to expect for future visits. I had a dramatic colour change from blonde to red at Imagine and although the process has taken a few attempts to get just right, I never felt uneasy at any point. Having trust in your stylist is the most important thing. Plus, nobody in this world can blow-dry my hair like this girl can. Not a curl left in sight! I haven't tried the salon for any treatments other than cut and colour, so I can't really comment on their other services, but the staff are all really friendly and helpful. I find the cost to be pretty standard for a city based salon, I pay around $150 for a full head colour, cut and blow-dry.

We were traveling in the Canadian Maritimes and I desperately needed a haircut. I looked at a few…read morereviews and booked an appointment with Ian at Imagine. What a gem! Even though we talked, and he understood I'd only be there one time, he took time to understand my hair and what I was looking for in a haircut. He gave me an great cut, and some good recommendations. I can't speak for the other stylists, but it is a clean and friendly, and even the front desk was well run - polite and efficient. Sorry I'm not closer, because I'd definitely be back.

Not professional, unable to do decent haircut, and very rude, spend your money else where, not…read moreexperienced staff, but newbies, risk your hair, up to you

A lot of time, money and healthy hair wasted here. Super disappointing given I chose this salon…read morethinking I would get the best Halifax has to offer. You can do better for much less. Salon is a decent space, staff nice, but I didn't get the balayage I wanted and paid $265 for. The first time they tried coloring it, it was so far from the picture I provided they offered to do it a second time. Though it looked good when I left the salon the second time, 11 days later my hair is very brassy orange and I have to have it redone a third time. I contacted the owner whose explanation was you can only lighten hair so much per visit and offered nothing in the way of compensation. Well, if the stylist knew she couldn't achieve what I wanted, there was plenty of opportunity to explain this to me with my two visits and us messaging before my returning a second time. Bottom line is properly done balayage should not go from a blonde ish to an orange in less than two weeks after spending a total of 6 hours in a chair and spending the amount I did.

I got my nails done here yesterday and they did an amazing job! It was first time getting acrylics…read moreand I didn't want them to look too fake.I asked her to make them as natural as possible and she delivered. I had picked out a light baby pink colour, with two coats it wasn't dark enough for me so when I asked her to do a third coat she did do it but she looked over at her coworker and spoke to her in her language I could tell she was not happy with me. I took away a star because the whole time I was there the five nail artists where talking on the phone in their language ( it was on speaker) with one of their relatives planning a trip to PEI I thought it was pretty unprofessional since there were multiple customers there. But overall my nails turned out great and it only came to 40 dollars with tax.

I loved this place! They were super nice and they had me sat in a chair and helped quickly which I…read moreappreciated :) They did a great job on my nails and very obviously cleaned them up beautifully!! I would definitely recommend this place as well, and it's reasonably priced too!!

Above all, I think spas should strive to make their patrons feel comfortable. So if comfort for you…read moreis an easy-going, friendly atmosphere, with professional service at better-than-usual prices - and NOT the snooty, upper-crust air that others seem to project - then Wish Salon & Day Spa is an excellent choice. You can feel the difference the moment you walk through the door. It's a homey atmosphere (in large part because it used to be a home) - rather quietly sitting at the intersection of Ochterloney and Maple St. Inside you'll meet very relaxed, happy staff. They're really glad to see you! And they offer numerous incentives to get you back (10% off first visit, 15% off second, and 20% off the third). And they have regular deals. I lucked into the half-off waxing special - a great bargain for something I long ago decided I should never attempt to do to myself - again!! Some things are definitely better left to the professionals. I truly enjoyed my time with Caitlin. The lively conversation made me forget the joys of having hair ripped from my nether regions. We actually had to stop the procedure several times so we could give our chat the full attention it deserved. Then it was off to see Darla for a new do. Again, terrific results - with more delightful conversation that made me feel like I was visiting with friends. And I really love the fact that they DIDN'T suddenly switch into pressure sales mode as I approached the desk with my debit card (as other spas do, by pushing product as if their very lives depended on me doubling my outlay of cash and carting home over-priced gels and creams that will collect dust in bathroom cabinets for years to come). Been there, done that. It was almost as painful as the DIY Brazilian. So if you're not a typical spa person - if you want professional results at less painful prices, don't want to whisper and tiptoe around like you're in a museum or library and don't want to be treated like you live in the Southend of Halifax and just crawled out of a Beemer ... and if comfort for you means fun conversation with really nice ladies in a friendly and relaxed environment, then definitely check out WISH. I wish I had done it many years and three other spas ago.

Speaking as a bloke, a good haircut is hard to find…read more Either they're way fancy and cost too much (I'm looking at you Thumpers), or they're more concerned with removing the maximum amount of hair in the shortest possible time (with possible collateral damage; see all other gent's haircuts around downtown Halifax for this). Herman at Wish in Dartmouth is the middle ground! He's got old school barbering skills (straight razor etc), but also actually takes time to give you an actual haircut. I've also had a few other cuts by other members of the team and have absolutely no complaints. My wife is a regular.

I drive all the way to Bedford to see Carl at ZigZag! I LOVE how he colors and cuts my hair. He…read morehas a great personality and I always leave Carl's chair feeling happy and loving my hair. I have super long and thick hair, so I am very picky who touches it. Haha Love you, Carl!!!!!