In April 2024, Croydon turned more than a few heads by becoming the UK’s ‘Capital of Beauty’. The (micro-bladed) eyebrow-raising title was given after research commissioned by the British Beauty Council revealed that there were more people working in the beauty industry in Croydon than anywhere else in the UK.
In fact, one in every 32 people in the Borough (more than four times the national average) are making a pretty penny by helping people look and feel good.
Home to beauty industry giants, including Superdrug and Tropic Skincare, as well as a roll call of salons and spas, perhaps Croydon’s catwalk of beauty specialists were inspired by the Borough’s original model export, Kate Moss?
Here are 5 centrally located (beauty)spots for when you’re next in need of some pampering…
The “Is Croydon in London or Surrey?” question is always up for debate, but this beauty haven’s pedigree isn’t.
Having set up nearly 20 years ago, the name is actually a reflection of its location on (or rather, just off) Surrey Street.
The award-winning spa has been helping Croydoners look and feel their best for the better part of 2 decades.
The team offer an impressive menu of beauty treatments including facials, skin peels, microdermabrasion, massage, and manicures.
Their personalised and inclusive approach has also seen them add Oncology aware services and Vegan products to their treatment range.
If your DIY Croydon facelift isn’t quite doing the trick anymore, check out their non-surgical facelifts (using radio frequency skin tightening).
3b Overton’s Yard, Croydon, CR0 1SL
Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but a well framed brow can only add to a masterpiece.
Since setting up their first brow bar in 2011, husband and wife team Piyush and Alka now have 12 locations across the country – including one in Centrale shopping centre.
In addition to the signature threading treatment, the team of specialists can tint, laminate and wax the most unruly of brows.
Eyelashes are also looked after with lifts, tints, and extensions.
Centrale Shopping Centre, 21 North End, Croydon, CR0 1TY
Further down the High Street, the traditional beautician experience has had a makeover of its own.
This medically led clinic provides a comprehensive range of aesthetic, wellness, medical, and dental services.
Alongside the expected massages and facials are a wealth of other “medical services” including IV Drip Therapy, hay fever injections and phlebotomy.
Those struggling with facial pain might be intrigued by their TMJ injections and the team also offer minor skin surgery procedures.
While specialized trichology services look after Croydoners scalps, therapy sessions (led by fully registered psychologists) ensure what’s going on inside local heads is just as healthy.
301-305 High St, Croydon, CR0 1QL
If you’re looking for an award-winning haircut – head to Rush Hair on George Street.
In 2023/24, one of their stylists, Seung-ki Baek, won the Southern Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards. And he’s no one tricky pony(tail) – Sueng-ki has won these prestigious awards three times!
But it’s not all about the hair. Next door at Rush Beauty, there’s a relaxing treatment room for a range of face and body delights. The facial menu is particularly inviting with signature treatments from all the key players -CACI, Elemis, Guinot and Dermaquest.
Keep an eye on their website for occasional deals and discounts – sometimes, good things come to those who rush.
23 George St, Croydon, CR0 1LA
In distinctly non-beautiful surroundings (the almost derelict walkway underneath the Nestle tower) lies a place that feels so much better than it looks.
Medical Massage Detox is located inside MyPT gym and is run by Renda – a Colon Hydrotherapist. Don’t let the talk of colon’s put you off entering this dark, hidden passageway – Renda is also a trained massage practitioner and has a team of other massage therapists behind her.
As Renda explains “the MMD ethos centres around correcting postural deviations and educating clients in their own self-care so they can gradually reach a point of living without pain”.
If the more intense deep tissue, sports, and lymphatic drainage massages aren’t for you, opt for a hot stone, aromatherapy or Indian head massage.
But if you’re ready to put new meaning to that “Beauty is on the inside” quote – book in for a Colon hydrotherapy session.
36-48 St George’s Walk, Croydon, CR0 1YJ
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