All Eyes On Her

Not everyone who reads this site will be able to take advantage, but I feel like I’ve managed to somehow land the very best people in the entire city for personal care and health. It would be cruel of me not to share this knowledge with my readers!

Hair: Maria Birashk at Swoop Salon. This gal will give you THE BEST HAIRCUT OF YOUR LIFE. She charges way less than she should, and she’s incredibly good at judging what cut would be best for your face, hair texture, and lifestyle.

Maria’s got the ability to talk you into the stuff that looks truly right on you, even if you’re reluctant to hear it, and she’ll never try to talk you into anything that isn’t right for you. And that includes products — this gal knows her stuff, and she’ll steer you to whatever it is that you need (even if it’s not something Swoop carries).

It sounds shallow, but I seriously feel like finding her changed my life. I look SO much better now that she’s in charge of my hair, and that confidence has affected all other aspects of my appearance. I couldn’t be happier, and I’ll seriously go into major withdrawals if she ever moves away from Seattle (God forbid!).

She keeps really easy hours so she can fit you in no matter what your schedule, but do make sure to book in advance — she fills up fast!

Swoop Salon
2901 NE Blakeley St
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 729-1600

Brows: May Ling at Salon Divas. This gal is the best brow stylist I’ve ever met — she’s great at spotting tiny uneven patterns that you yourself would never recognize until someone pointed them out. She uses nice, safe, all-natural waxes and products, and she gives you a great shape that works with your face, and works with any input you have. I’m told she also does plucking, which I’m switching to now that I’m on Retin-A.

May also does one of the only truly organic facials in the area, though I’ve never sampled them because I’m just not big on facials — I’m too sensitive. But if I trusted anyone to do it, it’d be her! Her prices are way low for how great a job she does, and her schedule is super accommodating too.

Salon Divas
2207 3rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 256-0155

Dermatology: Paula Zook at The Polyclinic. Dr. Zook is the best dermatologist I’ve ever seen — she understands both cosmetic and medical concerns, and she’s super-knowledgeable about skin conditions, medications, and ingredients.

She’s great at getting a feel for whatever works best for you, and she gives you lots of options and offers up all kinds of information (which is big for me since I ask a LOT of questions!). I’ve seen several derms in my life and never been happy until now — I’m so glad I found her!

Naturopathy: Phoebe Yin at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. I can’t praise Dr. Yin enough. I’ve been seeing her since 2004, and she’s just the most understanding, comforting, helpful, realistic, and savvy health care provider I’ve ever had.

She has an encyclopedic knowledge of all sorts of alternative medicine practices, and she’s certified in therapeutic massage and other physical medicine — she adjust my back like a chiropractor, performs craniosacral therapy, and prescribes Chinese herbs, all while basically serving as a counselor and nutritionist and life coach.

I feel so well-cared-for in her hands, and I love having my main provider as someone who’s as natural and lifestyle-oriented as her. She always helps me seek out long-term solutions instead of short-term “bandaid” fixes, and I feel like my overall health has drastically improved since I started seeing her.

Podiatry: Douglas Ichikawa at UW Medicine’s Bone and Joint Surgery Center. Not exactly skincare-related, but Dr. Ichikawa is a terrific podiatrist who takes a realistic approach to pain, fashion, and finances. He’s also just an entertaining and nice guy who makes you feel comfortable during what might normally be an awkward visit.  And hey, it relates to looks, at least — now I can wear cuter shoes without dying of discomfort!