By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
Each year, the holiday season arrives with its familiar mix of sparkle, anticipation, and celebration, but also oftentimes (let’s be honest) a considerable amount of chaos. Between events, errands, shopping, and the general end-of-year rush, it’s easy to fall into “go-go-go” mode and forget the person keeping all of those snowballs in the air…you!
It’s a season that often asks a lot of us emotionally, physically, socially. We’re cooking, hosting, coordinating schedules, showing up for others, and trying to wrap up the year with a bow. The more energy you pour out, the more you need to replenish. Taking intentional time to rest, recharge, or pamper yourself isn’t selfish, it’s fuel! Self-care isn’t always just about vanity, especially this time of year.
The great news is that our district is the best place to be, when it comes to all things self-care. Did you know, that nearly one quarter of the businesses located in Uptown, are in the health, wellness, beauty, and self-care service industries? That’s nearly 100 local and independently owned establishments, all owned and staffed by people who are experts in the art of making you look and feel your best. Whether you’re ready to freshen that fade, get some new ink, try a cool piercing, get that holiday skincare glow, or all of the above, you’ll find it in Uptown.
Today, we’ll introduce you to just a small handful of local businesses who can get you holiday ready and confident, to help you get the wheels turning on where you might visit next, for a little “you” time.
The Parlour 616:
The Parlour 616, a Latina-owned barber shop, is more than just a grooming destination—it’s a sanctuary of inclusivity and self-care. Founded by Janette Garnica, this visionary establishment challenges stereotypes and promotes a culture of acceptance, inviting individuals to embrace their unique identities. Located in East Town, Grand Rapids, The Parlour 616 offers a vibrant and transformative experience where every person feels valued and celebrated.
Fave Google Review:
“Love the addition of that wonderful new black vibrating chair! It’s so relaxing under the steamed black towels and facial massages. Heavenly luxury!”
Palace Flophouse Salon:
This salon prides itself on both its roster of hair care pros, and its brand identity. Per their website: “We’re a community-focused salon where creativity and connection come first.” The salon specializes in curly cuts, lived-in color, and personally crafted haircuts tailored to the individual, in an inclusive space and with the use of earth-conscious products.
Fave Google Review:
“Amazing! Stylist was great with a curly haircut and blowout! They were so great about making sure my products were gluten free so I didn’t have any allergic reaction.”
Sphynx:
This clean and minimalistic yet luxurious salon offers a little bit of everything. Head here for expert hair removal services (including sugaring), lash lifts, lash tints, brow lamination, spray tans, and more. A visit to Sphynx will leave you glowing and feeling confident.
Fave Google Review:
“Both my husband & I are long-time clients and couldn’t be happier with our experience. We find Sphynx to be skilled, clean, and friendly, with excellent customer service. I highly recommend the Sphynx team every chance I get.”
Punch Up Barbershop:
Staffed by three super talented hair creatives, Punch-Up Barbershop is a great spot to head for that super short haircut, beard trim, or straight-razor shave. We love this joint’s mission statement so much that we’ll let it do all the talking this time.
Anyone can punch down. But you (and the world) deserve better. At Punch Up Barber Shop, we aim higher and work with you to take your hair to the next level. Founded in 2024, we’re your friendly neighborhood barber shop offering shorter-style haircuts to folks of all ages and walks of life.
Fave Google Review:
“Best haircuts of my life. Hands down. Davis is a true professional with a skilled eye that makes each cut count and every client shine. On top of that, Davis’ energy is unmatched. Warm, welcoming and 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming, his space is a safe place in a sea of heteronormative barbers. My spouse and I drive from Kzoo for his skills — 100% worth it every time.”
Rooted in Wellness Holistic Spa:
Relative newcomes to Uptown, Rooted in Wellness focuses on all things natural and holistic, for the care of your skin. It’s a space to learn how to heal the skin by using facial massage modalities. specializes in facial massage, gua-sha and cupping to sculpt, tone and lift, with a dedication to calming your nervous system, and helping you feel deeply grounded in your self-care journey, while nourishing your skin. As they like to say, Rooted In Wellness is where slow aging meets mindful beauty.
Fave Google Review:
“Absolutely love seeing Larissa at Rooted in Wellness! I’ve been going to her for five years and she is truly one of a kind. Her facials are more than just skincare, they’re an experience. The face massage alone is out of this world.. I never knew a facial could feel that good! Other places I’ve tried felt like they were just applying product, but Larissa brings a whole new level of intention and skill to every session. When I started having postpartum breakouts, she helped me find a routine that actually works, simple enough for my tired mom brain to keep up with, but super effective. My visits with her leave me feeling refreshed and brighter. Can’t recommend her enough!”
While it’s simply not possible to shout out every single business in one short article, we’ve cued up our business directory to make it extra easy for you to peruse the countless outstanding spaces that are standing by to help you look and feel phenomenal just in time for the most fabulous season of the year. Prepare to be impressed…and prepare to let this be the year that you allow yourself to indulge in the things that help you feel comfortable, confident, rested, and radiant. Because when you take care of yourself, everything else feels a little more magical.