They call it "Charm City" -- a town of roughly 620,000 that sometimes flies under the national radar, but is known among devoted locals for its delicious Chesapeake Bay crabs, thriving art culture (John Waters anyone?), and hidden gems, from happy hours to hair salons. Figure it out yet? We're talking about Baltimore. This urban hub within America's 4th original colony may not have the clout of New York or LA, but Baltimore's best beauty salons provide equally stellar services, from organic color treatments to in-demand extensions. Eager to explore the best-kept secrets in hair care? Look no further than our list of the best beauty salons in Baltimore.

1. Silo Point -- Prive Salon & Spa
This industrial two-story shop situated in trendy Silo Point offers popular hair treatments such as all-over color and highlighting, as well as defrizzing and straightening to combat Baltimore's summer humidity. Owners Johnna Magliano and Jennifer Beck combined years of experience at reputable Charm City salons to assemble a team of sexy staffers, trained in top-tier cuts, color, and scalp treatments. Cruise up to the salon's second floor to find a spattering of beauty services, including facials, waxing, and spray tanning. The easy parking and free beverages (wine included) top off the list of luxuries not to be missed.

Address: 1200 Steuart St, C-1A Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 443-388-8170
Insider tip: Blonde color treatments are the No. 1 request of Prive's clientele, so all stylists are trained in the Schwarzkopf Blondme technique, which achieves a purer platinum with minimal damage to hair follicles.

2. Hunt Valley -- Spa in the Valley
Take our word for it -- you'll want to leave your schedule open the day you make an appointment at the sumptuous Spa in the Valley. This salon gives each of their designers a Silver, Gold, or Platinum ranking, based on industry experience, so there's no mystery when it comes to the expertise of your stylist. But their cornucopia of elite hair treatments is only the beginning of Spa in the Valley's endless amenities. Spend the afternoon de-stressing after your deep conditioning treatment with a Seaweed Manicure, Mango Mandarin Body Masque, or Sugar Plum and Spice Facial.

Address: 118 Shawan Road, Suite P Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Phone: 410-771-0200
Insider tip: Spa in the Valley offers a pu pu platter of therapies found at few other salons, such as chakra balancing and eyelash extensions (for those who enjoy drama).

3. Hampden -- Sprout
Any tree huggers in the audience? Clients at Sprout: An Organic Salon can expect the ultimate green experience -- Sprout uses wind power, natural cleaning solutions, chemical-free hair products, and LED lighting, bringing eco-friendliness to the heart of Hampden since 2006. The environmental thing isn't a gimmick though; the salon has an incredible team of stylists, known for their creative ways with a pair of scissors. Named one of the USA's top salons by Elle in '09 and '10, Sprout can be trusted with both your hair and your principles.

Address: 925 W. 36th Street Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410-235-2269
Insider tip: The buzz around Baltimore says that Sprout stylist Cliff Butler stands out for his trendsetting cuts and color treatments. Ask for Cliff if you're in the market for a quality alternative style.

4. Towson -- Lluminaire Salon
This unassuming jewel of a hair salon, with its deco-style chandeliers, silver walls, and cozy setting, hits that sweet spot between intimate and glamorous. Legendary Lluminaire owners Dean Krapf and Mario Rentuma both trained at the illustrious West Coast Vidal Sassoon School of Hairdressing, and have amassed a superstar staff of stylists, focusing exclusively on crafting impeccable cuts and color. A light menu of beauty services, relaxers, and signature treatments are also available at this chic Towson locale.

Address: 15 West Allegheny Avenue Towson, MD 21204
Phone: 410-583-1500
Insider tip: Oddly enough, you might catch a celebrity sighting at Lluminaire if you time your appointment just right. The salon's star-spangled archive of attendees includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Portia DeRossi, Nicole Kidman, and Benjamin Bratt.

5. Federal Hill -- M Salon
For those who've been traumatized by botched dye jobs, M Salon's team of Schwarzkopf-certified colorists are here to the rescue. Highlighting, color, and color correcting are the specialties of M Salon stylists, who cater to a diverse crowd of Baltimoreans, from Wells Fargo execs to pink-haired musicians. Extensions, straightening services, and perms are also on the roster of M Salon's high-quality hair treatments. The chic, Feng shui-inspired interior won't hurt your M Salon experience either.

Address: 1131 South Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 410-685-0089
Insider tip: Walk-ins are happily accommodated at M Salon, so ladies on the go don't have to worry about scheduling appointments far in advance.

You may not find the best beauty salons in Baltimore on any international shortlist -- but with unique hair treatments that compare to the creme de la creme of the country's coasts, this list of Baltimore's top shops should not be missed.