Helle-bound: Georgetown's 'skin sanctuary' defies the traditional spa scene

Georgetown's Helle, a "skin sanctuary and boutique," is a funky hole-in-the-wall – and I say that with the greatest respect and admiration. While modern spas and salons grow increasingly modern and sterile in appearance, Helle is old-fashioned and even quaint; you'll feel like you're getting your facial or hot oil treatment in a friend's living room, albeit a rock-star friend with a bohemian's taste in art. It's a salon for people who feel more at home in dive bars than at debutante balls.

Owner/esthetician Danielle DeCanti provides a broad array of services, and her upbeat attitude and punky charm are half the reason to visit Helle. The other half is her skill, which is considerable: She handles everything from "collagen plumping" to waxing to tanning with a gentle and reassuring hand. "The thing I really appreciate about Helle is that there's none of that weird fancy-schmancy salon pressure," says one of DeCanti's regulars. "The idea that you have to get all made up in order to get your face cleansed is really a bit ridiculous. And Danielle won't get all fussy if you come in with shiny skin and grease under your fingernails."

For those who aren't quite ready to get on the skin-care bandwagon, Helle also offers a rich selection of jewelry, T-shirts, locally-created art and groovy ephemera. But once you've had a chance to chat with DeCanti, chances are you'll agree to a paraffin hand treatment, or maybe a "hot oil scalp and hair blessing." Once that happens you'll be hooked, and you'll voluntarily go to Helle as often as the heavens allow.