D.C. ‘catching on’ to spas, says former Californian

Only a little over a year old, Perez Salon and Day Spa in Friendship Heights has already made a name for itself amidst the Northwest D.C.-area crowd.

According to Marilyn Carroll, certified medical aesthetician at Perez, the salon and spa offers many different types of spa treatment, including a chocolate facial rich in antioxidants.

“It sort of whips into a mousse — the Vitamin C really penetrates your skin,” said Beth Narrow, skin care therapist and make-up artist.

The salon part of the business also offers many treatments, including the Japanese relaxer for unruly or curly hair. The salon also recently added keratin relaxers that allow a natural straightening to one’s hair.

“Most people come in for facials, anti-aging and acne treatments and massages on their motor points in their face and neck,” Carroll said. “The spa is very hands-on and relaxed. Our treatments really set the tone for the place.”

The most popular treatments at the spa are the corrective facial treatment, aromatherapy and exfoliations.

Narrow said that weekends at Perez are typically 75 to 100 percent booked, and weekdays, it depends on what is going on. For instance, spring is a very popular season with the large number of weddings and proms. Many younger girls also come in for birthday manicure parties.

According to Narrow, the spa part of the business is typically half male, but the salon part is normally 80/20. “Men are beginning to realize that they need to take care of themselves too,” she said. “So many buy our skin care products already.”

Spas are an essential part of relaxation in a person’s life, according to both Carroll and Narrow.

“People need to set aside a day for themselves to go in and experience the whole spa package. Most do and love it, and before they leave they book their next appointment,” Carroll said.

Both Carroll and Narrow agreed that D.C. is a little more conservative in the spa business. “There are plenty of spas but not as much business. It’s not like California,” Carroll said. Carroll previously worked in California and Washington state.

“I do think people are catching on here, though,” she said. “They work too much here sometimes, but they are realizing that they want to care about their appearances as well.”

Narrow said that so many people in D.C. are Metro riders, and their skin needs plenty of upkeep. “We have products we specifically recommend to Metro riders,” she said.

Carroll said that Perez’s prices are reasonable when compared to other cities, and also fairly reasonable for the Chevy Chase area. One-hour facials are typically $85 to $95.

Carroll and Narrow encourage potential patrons to stop by and take a tour or to call the spa as their website is not complete yet.

Perez is family-owned and has another branch in Rockville. The Chevy Chase location is home to two aestheticians, two manicure and pedicure specialists, one massage therapist and a dozen stylists.

Perez offers six packages, including a gentleman’s package that includes a mini-facial, Swedish massage, haircut and style for $175, or “A Day for Her” that includes a facial, Swedish massage, haircut and style for $210.

For more information or to book an appointment with Perez, call 301-656-7006.