Double Bay has been an Eastern Suburbs beauty destination for as long as anyone can remember — premium hair, trusted skin clinics, polished nail and brow bars and intimate day spas, all within a few walkable blocks. Here's how to plan a beauty day, in the right order.
First: book in the right order
If you're prepping for an event, the sequence matters. As a rule:
- Skin first, and early. Facials, peels and any treatment that might leave you pink are best done several days ahead — never the morning of an event.
- Brows and lashes a couple of days before, so any redness settles.
- Nails the day before or the morning of — they're the finishing touch.
- Hair last. A blow-dry or style is the final step, ideally a few hours before you head out.
How far ahead to book
Double Bay's senior stylists and best practitioners book out, especially before weekends, the spring racing carnival and the December party season. For colour and cut with a senior stylist, give it a week or two. For a blow-dry or nails, a few days is usually fine. Skin consultations should be booked well ahead of any first treatment.
A relaxed beauty day, hour by hour
If you've got a whole day and no event to rush for, here's the indulgent version:
- Morning: a reformer pilates class to start, then coffee on Knox Street.
- Late morning: a facial or a spa hour while the village is quiet.
- Lunch: something light on Bay Street between appointments.
- Afternoon: nails, then a blow-dry to finish.
Stretch it further with a swim at Redleaf or a browse through the boutiques between bookings — it's all within a few minutes' walk.
Booking with confidence
Double Bay's beauty businesses are largely independent, with loyal local followings. Read recent reviews, ask about the practitioner you'll see (not just the salon), and don't be shy about asking what's included. The best places are happy to talk you through it.
Ready to book? Browse our full Double Bay beauty & wellness guide for the current favourites across hair, skin, nails, spa and movement — or read a perfect day in Double Bay to build it into a whole day by the harbour.
