IN case you thought Las Vegas Strip hotels had nothing left to update, now they’re hoping to make over, well, you. Hotel salons, which historically offered little more than fussy wedding up-dos, were in need of some freshening up. The newest are extravagant, celebrity-hairstyle-staffed odes to high design. Here, three new places to try on a new identity.
COLOR Caesars Palace
This Faye Resnick-designed space next to the hotel’s remarkable Qua spa is all white ostrich leather salon chairs, Fendi armoires and sparkly chandeliers.
Front-man Michael Boychuck is best known for his work on blondes.
The scene is half-serious salon, half-party, with cocktail-themed manicures and free-flowing mimosas which can help you make those difficult color decisions. There is also a DJ.
Who goes: Paris and Nicky Hilton, Mandy Moore, Eva Longoria Parker
Signature: “Wine Country” grapeseed mani-pedi, $145.
KIM VO SALON Mirage
If Kim Vo’s name sounds familiar to you, it’s likely that you saw him revamping tresses on “Extreme Makeover.” Vo’s new salon is very hands-on; before you commit to a drastic overhaul, you can try on a revolving collection of wigs at the Beauty Bar. You can also get the crew from Beverly Hills team Billion Dollar Brows, who have a corner of the salon to work over your arches. The smart interior features black slate floors, white beams, tile walls and a birch garden.
Who goes: Kate Hudson, Teri Hatcher, Kirsten Dunst
Signature: Hairtini conditioning treatment, $45
THE SALON Wynn
We love the Salon at Wynn because it’s elegant and off to the side of the spa, so you never feel like you’re in a fishbowl.
The salon itself, a lavish affair in cream with a giant oval crystal chandelier over the front desk, is pure Hollywood glamour.
The subdued atmosphere is lovely in general, but it’s great for men who don’t feel like sitting one salon chair over from some brainless tart yammering about her extensions. Plus, there is also the Barber Shop at the Salon at Wynn, a small room to the side of the salon. Here, you can get classic, Truefitt and Hill hot lather shaves and an excellent cut.
Who goes: Chris Webber, Russell Simmons
Salon Signature: Hot Lather Shave, 30 min., comes with optional shaving lesson, $65.
star trek
GOING home
Where’s your favorite place to travel?
Hank Azaria: That’s a beauty pageant question! I feel like Miss South Carolina! Honestly, my family’s from Greece and I’ve never been. I would like to see the home country. I’d also want to go to Ireland.
Ireland?
HA: My girlfriend is from there. I’ve never seen that either, and we’re thinking of doing the “let’s visit the homeland” trip together.
Interviewed at an event for the film “Chicago 10” by Laurie Heifetz.