The once-every-four-weeks trip to the salon for trims and foil touch-ups have become a thing of the past. Relaxation and pampering at the spa with girlfriends is a distant memory. We are budget conscious and careful about how we spend our money.

That’s why two beloved Ballard businesses want you to know that you don’t have to completely neglect yourself and your grooming habits, even during a time of economic crisis.

Two years ago Victoria Gentry opened a second location of her popular Belltown salon, Vain.

“I liked the comfortable, relaxed environment of Ballard and I wanted a location closer to all my north-end clients,” said Gentry.

“I really wanted it to be reflective of the neighborhood, not a duplicate of downtown," she continued. "Ballard is interesting, so open and friendly, and has a great mix of people. The Ballard location offers some of the strongest talent of the downtown location, and the few Ballard-exclusive stylists have a really strong connection to the community.”

The best part about Vain is that the salon offers free 15 minute touch-up trims within four weeks of the original cut. The free cut and color consultation gives clients a chance to meet their stylist and feel comfortable about their desired new look.

Cuts are somewhat affordable, ranging from $28 to $70. Color can go from a single, bold streak to a double-process color with foil. Call for availability on the $15 cut specials from the junior stylists.

Vain is known for elaborate color, edgy, trendy styles and excellent service.

Look out for special summer events hosted by Vain, which includes participation in the Ballard Art Walk, street fashion shows, and hair events on the sidewalk of Old Ballard Avenue.

Throughout the years, Habitude has won many local awards for its salon and spa services.
In 1996, owner Inez Gray opened Habitude in Ballard, then another location in Fremont.

She and her husband,Tony, are the founding fathers of the Ballard Art Walk. In 1996, along with two other businesses, they hosted the first second Saturday art walk. Since then the Ballard Chamber of Commerce has taken over, but Habitude is still a regular participant in the art walk, opening its spa and offerings boutique to the public.

The eco-boutique carries gifts, cards, handbags, and jewelry. Offerings aims to provide customers with items that are sustainable and affordable.

Habitude has an extensive list of spa services, including spa packages named with a Northwest flair, like “Soaring Above the Sound” and “Beyond the Alpine Summit,” and the most popular spa package, “Under a Northern Rain Forest." This Aveda lifestyle spa uses exclusively Aveda products.

Gray is conscious that people can’t afford to spoil themselves right now, which is why she advocates signing up for Habitude’s e-chat newsletter. Just go to the Web site and join. Every two weeks on a Thursday you’ll receive a dozen coupons for services the following week for greatly reduced prices, sometimes up to $20 off services for each of Habitude’s departments.

The Fremont location trains stylists at the Crux Academy (named after the constellation in the sky that old maritime folk used to find their way) where stylists-in-training give cuts for $20 and color for $40.

Or do something nice for a loved one and get a gift card, which can be purchased and printed on the Web site, right on the spot.

Whether it be a gift to a friend, family member, or to yourself, let’s support our community’s businesses, relieve some stress from our over-stressed lives, and remember that even in tough times it’s still important to look your best.

What:
Habitude at the Locks

Where:
2801 N.W. Market St.
www.habitude.com
206-782-2898

When:
Mon-Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

What:
Vain

Where:
5401 Ballard Ave. N.W.
www.vain.com
206-706-2707

When:
Tue-Sun 12 p.m.-8 p.m.