Beauty and the Yak

With a name inspired by a line within the T.S. Eliot poem “The Waste Land,” the Violet Hour Salon at the Cosmopolitan is the newest beauty enclave on the Strip, packing a one-two beauty punch offering products and services from boutique brands Shu Uemura hair care and Nars cosmetics.

The “violet hour” describes the processes that color and light go through as day turns into night, and the essence of the salon is a similar transformation, taking its guests from their status quo to a new, more spectacular Vegas self.

The décor is vibrant and white, the music blares and the staff represents an all-star cast of professionals. “We put together a great team that represents the Cosmopolitan and taking styling to another level,” says Mitch Jucha, spa, salon and fitness director. “We try to elevate the typical salon experience and give the clients a story worth telling.”

Luxury brand Shu Uemura offers a host of specialty hair treatments ($15-35). Our favorite is the Shusu Sleek for unruly and coarse locks. The hair is drenched in black cumin oil, providing deep nourishment and thereby taming the hair fiber. As a bonus, guests are then wrapped in a ceremonial blanket and their hair is brushed with bristles made of yak fur.

If yak isn’t your speed, the salon also offers a full range of color, cut and style services, waxing and nails. When you want to go big try a “Transformation,” which includes a grouping of services.

Also in the works: a residency program that will bring celebrity stylists to the Violet Hour several times a year for a few days. “Neil Weisberg and Amanda George from Neil George Salon will be the first stylist to come,” Jucha says.