London

South
Ark Health & Beauty
An emphasis on the holistic, a soothing atmosphere, professional staff and great decor make this beauty salon a bit special. Prices aren’t cheap but standards are high. Quicker treatments include the Hydroactive Mineral Salt Scrub (45 minutes, £48) for invigorated, super-soft skin and the blissful aromatherapy neck, shoulder and scalp massage (40 minutes, £48).
339 Putney Bridge Rd, SW15 (020 8788 8888/www.arkhealthandbeauty.com) Putney Bridge tube. Open Mon, Fri 10am-7pm, Tue-Thur 10am-8pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Bliss Spa
The Manly cure, a manicure for men, and its sister for women, the Hot Cream Manicure, are both £30 and take 30 minutes. The speediest body treatment on offer at this great New York import is the Lemon Peel (£80, 45 minutes), a delicious scrub and moisturising session that leaves skin clean and smooth.
60 Sloane Avenue, SW3 (020 7584 3888/www.blissworld.com) South Kensington tube. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-8pm (alternate Wed 12.30am-8pm), Sat 9.30am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-6pm. Feature continues

Buty Salon
There are loads of treatments to choose from here, from massage to hair removal. Try the G-5 mechanical massager, good for helping to break down stubborn fat (30 minutes, £30). Electrolysis is also available at a decent price: the first appointment is £20 for 30 minutes. Whiteheads a problem? Get rid of them in 15 minutes (£18).
765 Fulham Rd, SW6 (020 7731 4080/www.butysalon.co.uk) Parsons Green tube. Open daily 8am-10pm.

Fresh Hair Design
A good local salon offering a wash and blow-dry taking 30 minutes for £20.
8 Royal Parade, SE3 (020 8297 0088) Blackheath rail. Open Mon, Sun 11am-4pm, Tue, Wed 10am-7pm, Thur-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

Rush
This salon, part of a chain that has outlets in Clapham, Chiswick, Covent Garden and Victoria, is run by nice helpful staff who actually do what you ask them without putting their own crazy spin on your haircut. Blow-dries take from 30 minutes and cost from £23.95. On Mondays you can get 50 per cent off all colours and highlights if you book for a full-price cut and finish.
144 Putney High St,SW15 (020 8785 4111) East Putney tube. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6.30pm, Sun 10am-5pm.

Urban Tanning
FASTEST TAN
The Jean Paul Mist-on booth tan takes just one minute to deliver a concoction of instant bronzer, DHA (the stuff that makes your skin tan) and moisturiser. The cost? £29. Wear loose, dark clothing so you don’t spoil one of the most realistic spray tans around.
65 Lavender Hill, SW11 (020 7228 3300/www.urbantanning.co.uk) Clapham Common tube. Open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm.

Willie Smarts
A friendly salon where you can get a blow-dry taking 30-45 minutes depending on hair length and texture for just £20.
11 The Pavement, SW4 (020 7498 7771/www.williesmarts.co.uk) Clapham Common tube. Open Mon 9.30am-8pm, Wed 9.30am-10pm, Thur 11am-8pm, Fri 9.30am-8pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm.