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When I heard this new salon/spa was offering image consulting by a team of experts, I wondered if would it be an intimidating session of glamorous people trying to change everything from your toenail color to your bangs. Not so at Red — it's more like good friends offering helpful advice.

The vibe of the place reflects the services — it's chic, but comfortable. The sleek urban space is light-filled and open with a combination of feminine and masculine architectural and artistic touches that put both genders at ease. The salon and treatment rooms sport sexy, bright red accents amid chrome and black fixtures. Upstairs in the loft are semi-private spaces for manicures and pedicures and a lounge space for sipping wine and assessing someone's new 'do below.

Owner Angela Bern has assembled a seasoned staff of beauty devotees dedicated to making you look and feel your very best. Among them are a masseuse who gives a two-hour massage, top notch hair stylists, a Body Sugaring expert (hair removal with sugar paste), an on-staff physician for Botox injections and other medical treatments, and paramedical aestheticians who deliver fabulous facials (the aestheticians are doctor-trained so they can use medical-grade products and perform medical procedures like administering cortisone injections for cystic acne). And of course there's Bern herself, who offers her legendary brow designs.

In addition to all the pampering, Bern offers "Spotlight Services." These image consultations range from $75 to $250 and are designed to help you do everything from update your personal style to plan a budget to become a new you.

The staff is sensitive to each client's comfort with medical treatments. It's willing to work with you whether you want a great brow design or a shot of Botox.

Note: Red is available for group get-togethers and parties. I can't think of a better night out.

By Kathy Schultz
NWsource shopping columnist