my favorite self-care spots in the dmv-area
I’ll never be a fashionista and I’m not a huge shopper, mostly because I’m still a little insecure about my curvier post-baby frame. Pregnancy and childbirth finally gave me boobs and butt like I’ve never had before and but I haven’t been able to manage it! And don’t get me started about makeup either. No matter how much I put on, “natural” is all I can accomplish without looking like a clown.
While I can’t confidently add #beautyinfluencer to my repertoire, when it comes to self-care, hair, skin, and nails are my pamper services of choice! I have a few faithful spots in my area that get me right every time, and its only right to share. Whether you’re looking for a new hair stylist, nail tech, or an esthetician, I cannot recommend these places enough!
Before we get into this, know that self-care is NOT cheap. To keep my husband from taking my cards away, I follow a monthly budget specifically for self-care, and I spread out my appointments so I’m not killing every paycheck. But beware, they will make you go broke if you’re not careful.
Disclaimer: None of these are sponsored. These are actually companies and services that I frequently patron. Ask them - they know exactly who I am lmao!
If you know of any other reliable shops in the DMV-area, preferably woman or black-owned, let me know in the comments!
hair
octavia b. - washington, dc
Octavia B. specializes in wigs, natural looking installations, including sew-ins and microlinks, coloring and so much more while maintaining truly healthy hair! No one, but Octavia, touches my hair when it comes to color or weaves. I’ve been faithfully going to her since 2014, and I even flew her out to Florida for my wedding because she’s THAT good.
hair + space blowdry & beauty bar - college park, md
I’ve been natural for about 8 years, but I typically wear my hair straight when I’m in between installations (or when I’m not wearing my signature top bun). Hair + Space is the only place I go to for a blow-out and I’m perfect every time regardless of the stylist. The salon is gorgeous and each service is space-themed (hello STEM)! I’ve never had an issue getting an appointment and I’m usually done within an hour. They’re also open on Sundays!!
nails
benbae hair & nail spot - wheaton, md
Tien has been doing my nails since 2016, and she recently opened up her own a private nail/barber salon with her fiancé, who’s a professional barber. The best thing about BenBae is that the salon is actually a private room and they take one client at a time. She recently reopened after the COVID19 lockdown, but you couldn’t tell based on how business has been booming for her. Check out her IG page for examples of her work, and tell her I sent you if you decide to try her out!
hair removal
eutopia nail & skin bar, riverdale park, md
Chanelle is a licensed esthetician and owner of Eutopia Nail & Skin Bar offering full body waxing, facials and various body treatments. I’ve been getting monthly Brazilian waxes for about 10 years now, and I only recently started waxing my legs and and arm pits ( and it’s been game changer!) Chanelle was one of the only black-owned places that I’ve found to offer full body waxing services, so she’s easily my go-to to knock out multiple wax jobs at once. She’s super knowledgable and walks you through every step including pre and post-wax care (bc nobody wants in-growns down there!) She’s definitely my top recommendation for all of your waxing needs.
karma eyebrow threading, lanham, md
I’ve been threading my eyebrows for over 10 years and I typically try to stick to the same person every time. When we moved an hour away from the regular shop, I knew I needed to find a clean, reliable, and affordable shop closer to my home. Karma Eyebrow Threading is now my go-to for all things threading, especially for my eyebrows and peach fuzz. I’m most impressed with their new technique for threading. Typically, threaders hold and pull the string in their mouths, but since COVID, they’ve started using a neck strap technique. It’s hard to explain, but you can check it out here!
skin care
cru+mm skin & beauty, lanham, md
Regina is a licensed esthetician and owner of CRU+MM Skin & Beauty, who got my skin all the way together before my wedding. She’s the inspiration behind my new skincare routine, and though she’s booked and busy, she’s a dream to work with. Check her out if you need specialized skin care tips!
lashes
dollface beaut, silver spring, md
Tiffany is a registered nurse and owner of Dollface Beaut, which offers quality lash extensions and permanent makeup options, and their technicians have literally received world class training. I went to Dollface Beaut for the first time right before we shot our House Hunters episode in 2018. We were told explicitly not to get our makeup professionally done (I shouldn’t have listened), so Tiffany suggested that I get my lashes done. She went on and on about how much they add to your face without a full beat, and she was absolutely right! I admit I cheated looking for cheaper options, but I always came back. I know better now lol.
If you have any self-care favs that are black or woman-owned in the DMV-area, let me know on IG or in the comments below! I’d love to try them out <3
For the entire month of July, I’ll be posting a blog post every Monday through Friday as part of Mattie’s James’ consistency challenge. I’ll be covering everything from love and relationships to motherhood, cooking, and home decor. #mjconsistencychallenge #mjconsistencypays
Thanks in advance for taking this journey with me and let’s connect soon! <3.
XO
