Kristin’s Terme On Jay Day Spa

LOVE this place so so so much! It’s so hard to find a reliable hairdresser around here and I’ve found it. When I move somewhere new, I usually just use groupon after groupon for haircuts until one of them is terrific. Lauren was the first groupon I got and I’ve been going here since. Her prices are absolutely insanely good and she is a top-​notch stylist. Can’t beat this salon– no way, no how.

I had a wonderful experience with Lauran! She is a very talented hair stylist, who left my hair looking healthy and beautiful. I have long hair and am always worried about a new stylist cutting too much off — Lauran did a wonderful job of leaving my length while adding in face framing layers. She also provided very helpful suggestions!
Additionally, the studio was very warm and welcoming. Prices were fantastic — $ 32 for a top notch haircut! I will definitely be back.

Woke up yesterday and decided I needed to do something for myself — I am a short notice kinda person and I understand scheduling spa treatments should be done well in advance. But when the mood strikes, what can ya do? I started looking on Unilocal calling various places trying to schedule a massage and a haircut and maybe a pedicure. Most places were already booked or didn’t have a massage therapist available until after 6pm or weekends. I tried booking different services in different places, I tried places I never con$idered going before… I was at a loss, so I figured I’d just go get my haircut first and then a pedicure at one of the nail places. I had remembered Kristin’s because it is close to home as well next to one of my favorite bakeries. (Before my wedding we had to go pick up our wedding cake so I had tried to schedule an appointment for my wedding «do» but Kristin had been on vacation in Italy…) I found the website and number online and around 9am called and left a message on her machine. Since a couple of hours had passed I figured I was outta luck and would just get ready and head out to be a ‘walk-​in’ at any of the nearby salons. At noon my phone rang and it was Kristin to let me know she was completely booked for a haircut however — the LMT could accomodate me for a massage at either 1:30 or 5:30 — I jumped at the first slot. I figured the massage was the hardest to find, I would play my luck at the rest. And I headed over to Kristin’s Terme On Jay!
This little day spa is a hidden gem in Schenectady’s Little Italy District right across the street from Perecca’s Bakery and next door to Civitello’s Italian Bakery (my fav!). Kristin’s spa is located inside a small (as most old houses in the area) but quaint and elegantly decorated little house converted into a full day spa. The massage and facial areas are located upstairs (tough for handicap access) where it is much like a separate little apartment that has been completely remodeled and everything was clean and homey. They are currently running a special for first time clients which made my initial visit an amazing and economical one! Now through Nov 17 2012 most of their spa services are discounted to entice new customers –and it was a definite encouragement for me!
I started out with a 90-​min Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage from Angela Croteau LMT that was remarkable — Deep Tissue Myofacial Release is NOT relaxing but given the condition my over-​worked bod was in — it was deemed a necessity. Angela was very sweet, personable, and quite capable of providing a superior bodywork service. She was very patient yet persistent during my childlike squirming and moments of profanity (My muscle tissue is dense and full of adhesion’s which are very painful when manipulated.) Because the room is secluded on the 2^nd floor I did not need to worry about annoying anyone else with my whining! I will most definitely be back again very soon — this time for the Swedish Style which I have little doubt is a very relaxing and tranquil experience. I feel as though I owe it to myself after that!
When I went back downstairs to the salon area the Nail Tech was able to fit me in for a nice Pedicure (I apologize because I forgot this very nice and pleasant woman’s name — but hey I was dopey from the massage!) I have to say I do not get pedicured often — but I appreciate it when I can understand my nail tech and she can talk and converse with me as well!
After my pedicure — Kristin had a few moments in-​between her scheduled appointments and told me if I was willing to be patient she would be able to squeeze in my much needed haircut (initially there was not going to be enough time.) I was so happy because I was hoping this would happen and also I was not in the mood to go elsewhere.
A quick consult and off to the sink we went. She washed and cut my hair and then put me under the dryer for a few minutes while she applied some color to process on her next client. As the other woman processed Kristin dried and finished cutting my hair while dry to add definition and texture. Ensuring along the way that I was in agreement with each step in the way it looked and how it fell.
It has been a long long time since I felt so welcome at a salon or spa — I am not a girlie girl — I do a pedicure maybe once a year and a haircut maybe twice. So I always feel a bit out of place at these types of establishments. I felt really comfortable and appreciated for my business. I wish I was a more frequent customer but I can’t see my needs changing anytime soon so, I wanted to tell all my girlfriends as well as list the business on Unilocal and of course write a review for these wonderful women at Kristin’s Terme because I think they absolutely deserve a note of recognition.
So bottom dollar — with the special promotions (until ¹¹⁄₁₇) I was able to get my 90-​min Therapeutic Massage for $ 75.(60min for $ 50 is advertised). My pedicure was $ 25.00. and my haircut was $ 27 (full price)