
Recess is a one of a kind spa that is internationally recognized for its cutting edge techniques, offering organic and non-toxic services in an environmentally responsible way. It was founded on the simple idea of combining the best of all worlds, in order to provide our guests with a unique atmosphere for their beauty services. It is an aesthetically and physically soothing salon to congregate with your friends and loved ones and enjoy our relaxing spa services.
Customized Treatments
Clients receive a personal consultation on the condition of their hands and feet. Our expert nail technicians can recommend specific products according to individual nail and skin conditions.
Organic Products
Recess’ line of soaks, lotions, scrubs, and essential oils are used during services and are sourced through Fair Trade. They are free of parabens, synthetic dyes, formaldehyde, fillers, and petroleum. They also provide aromatherapy during services.
Superior Nail Technicians
Only the most professional and experienced technicians are employed, in order to maintain our rigorous standards. Our technicians speak fluent English so that you can communicate your spa needs comfortably.
Privacy Option
Clients have the luxury of closing the drapery between service chairs in order to relax privately.
Waxing Room
Full service waxing is available in the privacy of our treatment room in the back of the salon
Unique Retail Items
We carry the finest products that vary from natural to organic. All items are sourced from the finest ingredients. We’ve aligned ourselves with the best brands out there.
Complimentary Valet
Is provided every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Parking in Los Angeles is difficult. To make your experience as relaxing as possible, we offer valet service at the front meters on Beverly Blvd.
Complimentary Libations
We stock Almond Champagne, Sparkling Lemonade, Organic Teas, and our Cucumber Lemon Spa Water. Patrons are welcome to any and all of these to enjoy their service to the fullest.
Group Discounts
Parties of 6 or more receive 10% off all spa services. Book ahead to assure availability.
HEALTH
Ventilation System:
We’ve installed a superior HVAC system that will recycle the air more frequently than your typical chemical-filled nail salon. This prevents inhalation of toxic fumes and nail byproducts.
No Parabens:
Parabens are a synthetic preservative used in a majority of personal care products that increase the shelf life of a product. However, scientific studies have linked them to breast cancer and reproductive problems.
Nail Polishes, Basecoats, Topcoats, and Nail Strengtheners are free of DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Camphor.
DBP
Makes polish flexible but has adverse effects on the development of the reproductive tract in males. It is already banned in Europe
Toluene
Is a nervous system toxin that helps nail polish go on evenly
Formaldehyde
detrimental to your lungs, throat and nose, but is used to harden polish and prevent chipping. Some labels state that formaldehyde isn’t added as an ingredient; however, the polish still contains a “formaldehyde resin”
SANITATION
We Autoclave all Metal Implements:
Medical grade sanitation machine that is used in hospitals to prevent the spread of disease, infections, and viruses that are commonly spread through nail salons.
Never Re-Use Files, Foot Files, Buffers, Orangewood Sticks, and Pedicure Liners
We Use Pedicure Basins:
To eliminate potentially unsanitary conditions, we’ve decided to use basins instead of whirlpool pedicure chairs. Whirlpool tubs are a breeding ground for germs, since the filters cannot be properly sanitized between services.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
Recess has takes pride in the measures we have taken to create an environmentally sound space. It is designed with recycled materials and sustainable products to reduce our environmental impact, so that you can feel good about yourself on the inside as well as the outside.
- Installed 6 Skylights in the working area to Maximize the Use of Natural Daylight.
- Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL’s) are used wherever possible in order to conserve energy. CFLs use MUCH LESS Energy than an incandescent light while providing ample white light.
- The Workstation Lamps Use 66 LED (Light Emitting Diode) Bulbs and only 9.3 Watts while providing Ample life. They are Estimated to have a lifespan of 44,000 Hours!
- The Retail Area and Skin Bar Use 10 Watt Bulbs and are on Dimmers.
- Hanging Pendant Lights also use LED lightbulbs.
- Room Lighting is on Motion Sensors.
- All Appliances that are available for purchase as Energy Star are such so that they can conserve energy. Energy Star is an accreditation given by the Government. Appliances with such a rating must apply and are given an emblem to place on their appliances. Our Washer, Dryer, Computers, Printer & Dishwasher are all Energy Star. Unfortunately there aren’t any Microwaves that satisfy Energy Star requirements at this time. There used to be; however the standards were changed in the past few years and none qualify as of yet.
- We installed a Tankless Gas Water Heater here at the salon, which was a major hold up in the opening of the Salon. Permitting and Inspections took a very long time, as well as the trenching and installation of a brand new gas line. The building we are doing business in is VERY old and not equipped with the modern, energy efficient options that we wished it was. Luckily the landlord was very cooperative with tenant improvements and we could have this energy efficient option. The tankless water heater heats the water instantly with gas and decreases our dependence on fossil fuels. They last about 20 years.
CONSTRUCTION
- All waste during and post construction (prior to opening) was deposited at “Downtown Diversion” which diverts all waste from landfills by recycling as many materials as possible. Fortunately, there wasn’t very much demolished during the construction of recess and we actually used a lot of existing walls in order to conserve resources at the same time.
- ALL wood in this construction is FSC Certified Wood. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable way.
- ALL wood is Formaldehyde Free
- ALL Baseboards, Door Frames, and Cabinetry is manufactured with MDF wood, which stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. Our MDF is also formaldehyde free and is used equivalently to plywood
- Smoking was not allowed on the premises
- Formaldehyde free High R Value insulation was used in the wall
DECORATIVE MATERIALS
- All paint- meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s L.E.E.D standards.
- The Paint used is a NO VOC to LOW VOC
- All wood cabinetry is made with a Natural Wood Veneer and is from sustainable forestry, has no formaldehyde, is of water based or non metal or chrome stains
- The Floor is a NO VOC Resin
- There are Caesarstone Counters throughout. They are the first quartz company to receive the ISO 14001 Global Standard Emblem, for their life long commitment to the environment.
- Wallpaper in bathroom is made from water based inks hand painted and the wallpapers are not treated with any chemicals waterproofing of any kind.
- The ceiling of the bathroom is made with recycled glass beading. The glass beaded wall covering is actual glass beads on a wood pulp and recyclable polyester non-woven backing
- Custom treatment chairs are of 100% latex foam, fabrics on chairs are 100% recycled polyester fabric
- Built in “Express Pedicure Stations” have sustainable cork flooring. The upholstered piece is 100% latex foam and the fabrics are of wool and ramie
- Drapery panel, are ISO 14001 certified and the fibers are manufactured at an ISO 14001 certified facility.
- The playground “Rockies” are of 100% recycled aluminum
- Supports on millwork are made from recycled aluminum
- Hopscotch carpet tile is Climate Neutral-Cool Carpet, recycled content, EPP and California Gold and Platinum certifications, a Hybrid yarn system and renewable fiber like PLA from corn starch
- The Service sink is a Salvaged School Drinking Fountain that was re-done to work with motion-sensor faucets
WATER AND AIR QUALITY
- Toilets have a dual flush and pressure, reduces water use.
- HVAC system is upgraded to a pressurized ventilation system that recycles the air more frequently than typical retail spaces.
- Low flow faucets on motion sensors for conservation, www.hansgrohe-usa.com
SALON PRACTICE:
- We Use the Blue Box Recycling System Onsite to divert as much trash from landfills as possible
- The towels we use are a bamboo-cotton blend made from a wind powered factory. Furthermore, they are made with low-impact dyes that are recycled into a live aquarium.
- ALL Nail Polish Used are free of DBP, Toluene Camphor, and Formaldehyde.
- ALL Nail Treatments, which means Basecoats, Topcoats, and Strengtheners are free of DBP, Toluene, Camphor, and Formaldehyde.
- Our line of Recess products are Organic and free of parabens, formaldehyde, Petroleum, and dyes. They are purchased through Fair Trade and packaged in recycled materials.
- We Recycle the Pedicure Liners
- We use bamboo towels, rather than paper towels in the restroom
- We use non-toxic cleaning supplies when possible
- We are on a Bus Line to encourage Public Transportation
- We are in the process of making a Carpool Parking Spot to encourage Clients to come together, save fuel, and lower carbon emissions.
- We are in the process of Implementing an incentive program to encourage Clients to bring their Files, Buffers, Orangewood Sticks and Foot Files back with them.
- We have gone as digital as possible in order to conserve paper in the form of receipts, treatment slips, etc.
- We use recycled paper in our printer (expect receipt printers since thermal receipts are not available at this time)
- We use glasses for serving drinks rather than paper cups or water bottles to prevent waste
- Our products are organic and manufactured in recycled bottles
- Our Technician Lamps use LED’s which are very energy efficient


