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Step inside Bo Salon
Henry David Thoreau once said, “You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind.”
Thoreau’s sentiment is taken seriously at Bo Salon. Setting foot in the salon is to be submerged in an intense feeling of calm. The interior is a buttery gold, with light teal ceilings, resulting in a warm glow that fills the rooms with a sunny freshness and illuminates the faces of staff and clients alike. The art that the ever-beaming Ron King has selected comes from his personal collection, and blends with the Bo decor while communicating a serenity all its own.
King has several reasons to feel pride in his establishment, which has now been open for three years. He has made himself an important and compassionate part of the transformation on South Congress Avenue by renovating the buildings and grounds that house his business, while remaining sensitive to the needs of his less-fortunate neighbors. He has a deep personal investment in his staff and actively participates in the development of their careers. And, perhaps most significantly, he has earned his clients’ trust by consistently maintaining the highest standards when it comes to products, style and facility.
Most of us, especially those with an interest in health and beauty, know the refreshing feeling of stepping off a massage table, or the excitement of a new look, or a brief peace found while succumbing to the delights of a pedicure or facial. Where Bo Salon takes these experiences to new heights is in the active removal of all ambient anxieties. King’s driving passion is to take care of his clients, and he communicates this passion in every facet of his business.
“Everything we do is important,” King said about the environmental awareness he brings to everything from product selection to new service offerings to the type of coffee beans he grinds for his clients’ espresso. He is dedicated to finding ways to embody this mantra, and is working on a new line of organic makeup, with a sweat-proof, dye-free mineral base.
“The goal is to have a natural product that is healthy for the skin, but can hold up to the Texas climate.”
A pressed foundation may be available at Bo as soon as November.
A great deal of emphasis is placed on nurturing the beauty that resides within his clients, which may be one reason why they trust King and Bo Salon to take care of them.
“There’s an emotional aspect to a new style. What I hear the most often from women is, ‘Do you think my husband will notice?’ “
There is an emotional aspect for King, as well. When I asked him what he most looks forward to in his work, he answered immediately.
“The energy. My clients make my day.
“I also love to see my staff becoming successful. I know how to take care of clients, and I want to share that and see them being rewarded for the work they love, too.”
The Body Bar
Clients began to ask Mr. King about spa services, which were not offered at BĂ´ when it first opened. Their requests were the inspiration for the Bo Body Bar, opened in a separate and similarly renovated building next to the original Bo Salon a few months ago. The Body Bar adds more than services such as massages, pedicures and orange-and-mint body scrubs. It adds a level of attention to clients who are looking to schedule more than one service in a single visit.
“Many clients will be here for up to three hours. So now they can run next door and have their brows done, get a pedicure. They can go to Kate Pham for a massage while they are waiting to finish. No one owns any single client, because everyone knows the most important job is to take care of every client.”
There are two massage rooms at Body Bar, as well as a stone-floor wet area for post-body scrub ablutions. In addition to this, there is a pedicure room where clients sit in comfortable, Star Trek-looking chairs attached to self-cleaning foot spas where, if not so relaxed as to fall asleep, they can watch aquarium scenes on a flat-screen television.
Style: From Barcelona to Austin
This November, King is planning a trip to the Marais district of Paris to people-watch and look for new trends. Trips like this are on the short list of things he wishes he had more time for — and, when he travels, he often brings his fellow stylists to New York, Paris and Barcelona in order to expose them to new ideas and to reconnect with what got them into hair to begin with.
“I like to spend my time watching what the young people are wearing. It generally takes two or three years for fashions to get here from Europe. There’s a greater edginess there, too. There’s more freedom to have a harder, punkier look.”
That’s true with hair, too.
“The heavy bangs that are coming in are becoming heavier, especially around the sides, basically making a frame for the face. Many styles have an asymmetrical, rocker type of look.”
Speaking of music, King called this past year in Austin “amazing.”
When asked about Austin style, he mentioned the influence of the music and film industry, but also said Austinites continue to remain true to their own individual styles.
“There’s a lot of Boho messiness, with curly, almost unkempt, hair. Easy-to-wear is very important, even for more conservative clients.”
King epitomizes his own individualistic Austin nature when he says, “People ask me what’s in, what’s out. Everything is in.”
Fashion Week
King calls the two years he has worked within the frenzy of New York’s Fashion Week at the invitation of his friend and mentor Ted Gibson a “thrilling and humbling” experience. As a personal disclosure, while I do enjoy the occasional massage and I like experimenting with my own style, the idea of Fashion Week scares me. There is little I find attractive about the elite group of models and designers, the status-seeking, and above all, the money. I don’t watch “those shows,” and even many years after punk went mainstream, I’m still miffed about the exploitation of underground styles to line pockets.
That being said, when I asked King what use Fashion Week has to offer us regular folk, he gave an answer that made me appreciate what happens there.
“What use is Fashion Week? Well, obviously most people won’t be wearing those clothes, the couture. But it is an important place to get ideas, to experiment. Fashion is about drawing out each person’s personality and inner beauty. When you take away the obstacles to that expression, it inspires confidence and makes people feel good. I feel honored to be a part of that.”
One gets the feeling that no matter how many stars, political figures or Victoria’s Secret models King sees, every person who sets foot in his salon is treated just like one.
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Win free stuff
We all love to look our best.
At Austin360.com, we’re doing our part to keep Austin beautiful by introducing the Goodie Bag scavenger hunt.
Now through May 30, search through our Goodie Bag, a depository of details on the newest beauty products, and find the three code words.
Once you’ve got ‘em all, shoot an e-mail to austin360contests@statesman.com. We’ll randomly select one lucky winner, who will win an assortment of goodies — everything from hair dye to lotions, perfume to Mac makeup.
Then, come May 31, we’ll start anew, giving you yet another opportunity to win.
Click here to get started or, to read the official rules, click here.
Happy hunting.
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Celebs aren’t as beatiful as we think
For a couple of days now, I’ve been playing a fun e-mail game with a teammate that resembles “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” in that it connects the crimes of celebrities while connecting the celebrities themselves.
People who have committed several types of crimes are great intersections — see Robert Downey Jr., Charlie Sheen — as are fashion shows and charity events where politicians mingle with actors and rock stars mingle with heiresses.
For the purposes of the game, even alleged or assumed crimes are counted — and anyone responsible for a death is fair game, even if operating under the sanction of the law. (See George W. Bush.)
The not-so-scientific and mostly obvious conclusions drawn from attempting this game are:
Celebrities do a lot of drugs.
Famous people have a tendency to run into things with cars.
There are more criminals per square foot in Washington, D.C., than can be found in a New Jersey pawn shop.
While I doubt Larry King could have anticipated this pop culture pastime, the fact that the prolific talk show host was arrested for larceny in 1971 is immensely helpful to “Six Degrees of Incarceration,” as are his many jailhouse interviews.
Why would I be writing about this in a blog about health and beauty? Well, because celebrities are often held up as the arbiters of everything we should be but, really, they’re just not. And for those of you with a decline-of-Western-civilization bent, they never have been. Just ask Ava Gardner. It is healthy to realize that celebrities are just as screwed up as anyone else, and to realize that the ultimate source of personal beauty is one’s self. As Ron King recently said to me, “Everything is in.”
Not that I need to remind anyone in Austin of that.
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Cuts don’t have to be costly
To get your hair cut at one of the trendy salons or spas around town can put a big dent in your bank account.
Prices start at $50 and go from there. But did you know you can have your cake — and a hip do?
Training salons are where stylists must pay their dues, cutting hair for a fraction of the price charged by the city’s big-name salons. JR Salon, little sister of Jackson Ruiz Salon and Spa, and New Talent, little sister of Bradz Salon and Spa are two of these training salons and they are both fabulous. I have personally done business with both, and would recommend them to everyone.
JR Salon is the one I currently go to, and it is such a fun experience every time I go. It is located at 48th and Burnet streets next to Blue Star Cafe and, from the moment I walk in the door, I feel like I’m being pampered. First I have to say I love the look of the salon: very chic and modern. A wash, cut, blow-dry, style and complimentary hand massage will run you about $40 — give or take $5 depending on the experience level of your stylist. And they are a “no-tip” salon — $40 flat and you’re out the door! You can even get your hair cut or colored for free if you volunteer as a model for their training classes.
JR is a full-service salon, offering make-up application and hair removal services. Everything they do is high quality, and for such a great price. It’s hard to believe the stylists are in training.
New Talent is located on 35th Street close to MoPac Boulevard in an adorable renovated house. This, too, is a full-service salon with cuts starting at just $30, which includes a wash, cut, blow-dry and style. I really liked the service I received at New Talent, and I loved their prices even more.
Both salons exclusively use the Aveda line of products — my favorite — and also do complimentary bang and neck trims. So the next time you need a haircut, don’t be afraid to try something new, and give these trainees a chance. I promise you — and your wallet — won’t regret it.
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Spa’s long-running makeover gets attention
How often does this happen: A former nudist camp and lodging house for rodeo cowboys is named the top spa in America?
The Lake Austin Spa Resort has pulled that off, landing the top rating in Conde Nast Traveler’s annual ranking of the best destination spas in the country.
The spa has been in the top five before and moved up to No. 2 last year.
These days, the spa is a serene waterfront retreat, with just 40 guest rooms.
It had much humbler beginnings as a fishing camp in the 1940s and was briefly a nudist camp in the 1970s. During that decade, it also hosted rodeo cowboys and clowns who were training at nearby Steiner Ranch, which was then a working cattle ranch.
Mike McAdams bought it in 1997 and has invested several million dollars in renovations and upgrades.
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Spa Week’s coming
Why not take some time to pamper yourself for a new season? Here comes Spa Week, which was started in 2004 with spas nationwide offering treatments for no more than $50 during a select period. Spa Week’s spring event will take place April 14-20 in 21 markets nationwide including Austin.
Don’t forget to book early. Local spas and some $50 services are:
A Beautiful You Med Spa (12233 RM 620 N. 336-1772, www.abymedspa.com);
Avant Salon Spa (9901 Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360). 502-8268, www.avantsalon.com), with treatments that include a 60-minute stress- and tension-relieving massage, 60-minute essentials pedicure with foot-soothing massage and 60-minute results-focused facial with essential oils for different skin types;
Spa at the Lake (900 RM 620 S. 263-7611, www.spaatthelake.com);
Milk + Honey Downtown and Hill Country Galleria (204 Colorado St., 12901 Hill Country Blvd. 236-1115, www.milkandhoneyspa.com), with treatments that include a 45-minute urban retreat massage and mini-manicure, 45-minute skin bella facial, 60-minute spa manicure and pedicure combo. The new Hill Country Galleria location recently opened and includes nine treatment rooms, a luxurious lounge and locker rooms, robe and slipper service, a nail department and an infrared sauna.
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New treatment tackles a host of problems
For those with problem acne, rosacea, unwanted hair and sun spots, there’s a brand-new, FDA-approved laser treatment called IsoLaz offered in Austin.
Dr. Ted Lain of Steiner Ranch Dermatology is the first to provide this painless, quick and powerful alternative to facial peels, micro-dermabrasion and prescription drugs.
IsoLaz uses an intense-pulse light combined with a vacuum to destroy bacteria-causing acne and reduces swelling of pores. It’s painless because IsoLaz’s vacuum pulls and stretches the skin closer to the light source requiring less energy to treat the pore. Previous intense-light therapy treatments felt like a rubber-band was snapping on your face.
“This is the next generation for intense-pulse light procedures,” Lain said.
The treatment takes about 10-30 minutes, doesn’t require numbing creams or gels, and has no side-effects. All that is needed before the treatment is a simple face wash. This isn’t one of those treatments that makes you break out or takes a couple days to take affect. Results are almost instant — redness and swelling go down — and it also tightens the skin.
Trina Mallet has tried everything from facials, chemical peels to antibiotics. She said they would clear her acne for a few days, but it always came back.
“I was lizard-faced for a week and couldn’t go out in public after my chemical peel,” Mallet said. “IsoLaz is so much better.”
Before the treatment, Mallet’s face was blemished and red. Dr. Lain wore protective lenses and covered her eyes for precaution. He zapped her face and then targeted problem areas. For her deeper pimples, Lain used a small needle to open the pore then applied the light therapy so that it would reach deeper. After the treatment, Mallet’s face looked smooth and rejuvenated, and she said her face felt tighter. The redness was dramatically decreased. Dr. Lain put a sunscreen on her face, and she was ready to go.
IsoLaz typically takes about five treatments to clear acne. Some patients, Lain said, clear after three treatments. At Steiner Ranch Dermatology, the IsoLaz is $800 for the five-treatment package or $250 per treatment. He recommends a treatment about once a week, then one every one or two months for maintenance.
Lain has had 16-year-olds to 35-year-old women with acne requesting the procedure. Some women have even used it in replace of facial treatments because it gives the same cleansing effect and tightens skin.
This deep-pore laser therapy is mainly used to treat severe acne, but is a two-in-one because it also permanently removes hair. It takes about the same amount of treatments, five to seven, to permanently remove hair, but it isn’t painful compared to other lasers.
“Once people find out about IsoLaz and realize the benefits, the treatment will become widespread,” Lain said.
The IsoLaz treatment isn’t the only new development at Steiner Ranch Dermatology. Medical aesthetician Karey Schafer will join the practice in April, offering a full range of procedures, including facials, facial and body waxing, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and skin analysis.
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The cure for what ails athletes
Attention all athletes! I have come across the cure to all aches, pains and sore muscles.
It’s the Hit the Trail Retreat, an hour-long sports massage followed by a sports pedicure at the Milk + Honey Spa located in the Second Street District. I’ve had some pretty intense workouts the past couple of weeks with the Austin Sports and Social Club Boot Camp, so this could not have come at better time.
After I arrived and checked in I was taken to the lockerroom to get changed into a provided robe and sandals, then shown to a locker where my belongings safely resided for the duration of my stay. The locker room has a shower so you can get clean and refreshed after hitting the Lady Bird Lake trail — and before your pampering begins. I, being the big dork that I am, was a little confused about this part and thought I would actually be instructed to take a shower, but this is something you have to initiate on your own. (Just a little tip so that you don’t repeat my mistake.) Because of my confusion I had to involuntarily skip out on the shower, but luckily it had been a few hours since I had worked up a sweat.
After getting changed and storing my things, it was off to the waiting area, which completely sets the mood for what’s to come with the soft lights, comfy sofas, magazines, flavored water, tea, fruit and muchies. I didn’t have to wait long till I was led to my room, where Matt the masseuse asked me some questions to get a feel of what it was that I wanted out of the massage. I told him I was attending boot camp and that my muscles were sore, but not so sore to where I couldn’t move — as the case was the week before. That seemed to be just the information he needed.
Matt then gave me a few minutes to get situated under the covers on the heated table. There was no way for me to prepare myself for what was to come next — the only word I know to describe it is “amazing.” Or maybe “nirvana.” Wow! It was the most rejuvenating massage I’ve ever had — and it amazed me how a complete stranger could be so in tune with my body and muscles. But all good things must come to an end, and so did my sports massage.
I still had a sports pedicure coming my way though. That in itself was another great experience. The girl who did my pedicure said the sports treatment was her favorite because of the exfoliant she gets to use on each client’s feet and legs. (My legs, by the way, have never been smoother). I chose a dark purple for my nail color and it’s so cute!
The day ended with a smile on my face and a bottle of sunblock in my hand for skin protection on trail trips to come. I had a great experience at Milk + Honey, and would definitely recommend the Hit the Trail Retreat to all you active people out there. It’s great for the mind, body and sore muscles — or just as a treat to yourself for getting out and working hard.
And please remember to tip!
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Wax on, wax off
Waxing is a personal experience — no matter which part of your body is being worked on — but some waxing is definitely more personal than others.
AnnMarie Skincare is a small aesthetician’s office at East Fifth Street and Interstate 35 offering an array of services, including waxing and facials at very reasonable rates. AnnMarie herself is friendly and efficient and, for the now-popular Brazilian wax, uses a hard, pink wax that speeds the process and reduces the pain involved. Why doesn’t everyone use this kind of wax? I asked her that once, after having fallen asleep on her table. She just shrugged and smiled, as if she knew some wonderful secret.
She does. Hair that wants removing wants removing by AnnMarie.
AnnMarie is meticulous about her work, and no more so than during one of her facials. The skincare products she uses are of exceptional quality, and her office has an atmosphere of total relaxation. Being a small office, she sees only one person at a time, and the privacy and personal attention is well worth it. Prices range from $40 to $145 for facials lasting 30-105 minutes, and $10 to $60 for waxing services. Brazilian waxes are $55.
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Indulge yourself, all month long
The kids are at school and you’ve got errands to run, so you throw your hair in the usual ponytail and hightail it out the door to check off things on your to-do list.
Well, add one more thing to that list this month: indulge. Or, really, “Momdulge” and treat yourself at Birds Barbershop.
School’s in, so rock out and get some extra love in February. For $39, you can enjoy the Ladybird wash, cut and style. This includes an organic extreme moisture rinse from Mop and the one thing we all love, a momdulgent scalp massage. Who wouldn’t want one of those? And to top it off, you’ll get a Mop conditioning treatment to let nutrients soak into your hair. There’s also a half-off sale on Mop shampoos, conditioners and other products.
You don’t have to have kids to take advantage of this deal, but do keep in mind it’s only offered during school hours — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“You never get anything for yourself — its all for your kids,” Michael Portman, owner of Birds Barbershop, said. “We figured we’d up the ante for moms because it’s not about multi-tasking, it’s about taking time for yourself.”
Even though, I’m not a mom I decided to spend my Friday afternoon student-dulging (taking a break from my busy week of school and work) and treated myself to the special. When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised by the inviting atmosphere. Portman was spinning records in the 1980s, retro-themed interior at the front and introduced me to my hair guru and stylist, Sarah Statham.
She washed my hair with lemongrass-infused Mop shampoo and worked her magic, giving me a scalp massage. I was then whisked away to sit under the heat so that nutrients could soak into my ever-so-thin hair. She gave me many tips on what to do to add volume to fine hair as she snipped away. I came out feeling like a rock star with my new ‘do, ready to hit the town this weekend. I’m definitely going to indulge at Birds Barbershop more often.
It’s no wonder Birds Barbershop was voted the city’s Best Beauty Salon in 2007. They offer such versatility “from punk-rocker to mother-in-law,” as Portman puts it. So moms, take a break, stop multi-tasking and go Momdulge before it’s over.
Latest comments
Ron is an amazing human being and I am so glad to know him. His attention to detail and his amazing customer service skills makes him the most sought after appointment in Austin.I feel so honored that he represents ted gibson in the Lone Star State. You
... read the full comment by Ted Gibson | Comment on Step inside Bo Salon Read Step inside Bo Salon
Most fantastic experience I have ever had (over and over again). There is a sense of true personal interest in the quality and outcome of each clients’ style, experience, etc… Ron King, Craig, Kate, and all the others there are just, well,
... read the full comment by Randi | Comment on Step inside Bo Salon Read Step inside Bo Salon
What a great write up! I have heard great things about his assistant and the compassion he has for his employee’s and clients. This type of professionalism is few and far between. Ron is a indivual that educates his employee’s and himself
... read the full comment by Launee | Comment on Step inside Bo Salon Read Step inside Bo Salon
If the term masseuse was still readily used, it would pertain to a female (a masseur being the male) but since those giving massage in Texas have to be licenced and go to massage therapy school, the correct term is massage therapist.
Just wanted
... read the full comment by Carol Calvery | Comment on The cure for what ails athletes Read The cure for what ails athletes
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