Best of Health & Wellness in Corpus Christi 2026

The Local’s List 2026: Health & Beauty

The Local's List 2026 readers' choice poll winners for Health & Beauty include categories such as day spa, fitness gym/studio, hair stylist, massage therapist and more.

Bayside Pilates, Pilates Class/Studio winner | Photo by Kylie Justus Wieland

Barber

Winner: Benjamin Reyes, Faded Vision Barbershop

Benjamin Reyes takes home Best Barber in our Local’s List, adding another trophy to his recent first-place win during the ATX Barber Madness competition. Book with him at Faded Vision Barbershop if you’re looking for smooth fades and clean lineups. 

Faderz Barber Shop | Photo provided

Barber Shop

Winner: Faderz Barbershop

Whether you’re looking for a welcoming place to take your kid for their first cut or in need of a cut yourself, the team at Faderz Barber Shop has you covered. Its lineup of all-stars includes Loe, Pat, Tino, Ant and Kris—and the reviews speak for themselves. Plus, their social media content always offers up a good laugh. 

Chiropractor

Winner: Dr. Scott Walker

Founder and owner of Family Wellness Chiropractic Center, Scott G. Walker has been practicing in Corpus Christi since 1999. Watching his own family benefit from chiropractic care inspired him to create a business focused on tending to the entire family. Walker aims to articulate thoroughly the science behind his practice’s philosophy and method with patients, and will tailor adjustments to your specific needs.

Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele | Photo provided

Cosmetic Surgeon

Winner: Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele

A board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Corpus Christi for the last 10 years, Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele provides top-quality cosmetic and plastic surgery care. His expertise is in breast and body rejuvenation and sculpting and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Vijay delivers excellent results with meticulous surgical techniques and modern pain control modalities.

Dermatology Care

Winner: Courtney Phenix, DMSc, PA-C, South Texas Dermatology

Since her arrival at South Texas Dermatology, Courtney Phenix has become a stellar member of the team, thanks not only to her expertise but also to her caring and compassionate approach to dermatologic care. Whether dealing with aging, acne, skin conditions or anything in between, she has helped countless of clients on their healthy skin journey and is ready to help you on yours.

Eyebrow Specialist

Winner: Rico Cano, RicoTheAmazingLashTech

Known name in the eyebrow game, Rico Cano (@ricotheamazinglashtech) specializes in catering to your cosmetic needs–from lash sets to his officially award-winning list of brow services. Lamination, wax, tint and even lash-brow combos; check out a close-up and in-depth cosmetic portfolio on TikTok.

Eyelash Specialist

Winner: Lash Baby Esthetics

Located under the Wildflower Beauty Salon umbrella, Lash Baby Esthetics by Vanessa Rojas specializes in unique lash sets that suit any lifestyle, providing a much-needed service to the Sinton area. Those who sit in her chair leave feeling gorgeous, refreshed and ready to take on the world. Her beautifully tailored social media presence allows those interested to scroll through for inspo for their next set. 

Fitness Class Instructor

Winner: Marinna Ramirez, Corpus Christi Athletic Club

If you’re craving the burn of some hard-hitting exercise, the people have spoken: Look for a class with Marinna Ramirez at the Corpus Christi Athletic Club. A certified Pilates mat and reformer instructor, she leads fitness classes that heavily yet knowledgeably target your core while also offering a safe space for all skill levels looking to work out. Check out her full schedule on the athletic club website.

Corpus Christi Athletic Club | photo provided

Fitness Studio/Gym

Winner: Corpus Christi Athletic Club

Consistently beloved since the Local’s List first debuted the fitness studio category, the Corpus Christi Athletic Club values and supports its customers, from the Pilates princess to the weight trainers alike. Expanding its fitness classes, investing in court sports, employing high-quality trainers and maintaining its equipment paid off in yet another LL badge.

Hair Removal Specialist

Winner: Tina Marie, Snatched By T Marie

Another new category in our Local’s List, our first-ever Hair Removal Specialist award goes to Snatched by T Marie. Tina specializes in Brazilians, and proudly boasts a perfect 5-star rating and glowing reviews throughout the online sphere. Clients gather to gush over how comfortable she makes them; pretty much the most reassuring thing you could hear as a first-time waxee. Check out her portfolio across her socials and website.

Hair Salon

Winner: Beauty Avenue Salon + Extension Bar

In business since 2019, this is the first win for the woman-owned and -operated hair salon Beauty Avenue, which leads with a mission of providing a safe, judgment-free zone filled with hardworking stylists confident in their skill set. Stop by anytime for a hair refresher—whether it’s a casual trim, a full color overhaul or pre-party styling.

Hair Stylist

Winner: Madison De Los Santos, Beauty Avenue Salon

Team member of the previous salon winner, Beauty Avenue Salon, Madison De Los Santos takes home the hair stylist gold. Specializing in luxury blonding, dimensional color, layered haircuts and hair extensions, when you sit in her chair, Maddie hopes to enhance your natural beauty while treating you with dignity, respect and appreciation.

Holistic/Alternative Professionals

Winner: Erika Mendez, Corpus Christi Colonics and Spa 

Erika Mendez, owner of Corpus Christi Colonics, is the first and only certified colon hydrotherapist in Corpus Christi. Inspired by her own health journey and the use of colon hydrotherapy, she decided to bring this advanced service to the area. A method of removing waste from the large intestine without the use of drugs, colon hydrotherapy introduces warm, filtered water into the colon to soften and loosen waste, resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis. The therapy is known to help with bloating, constipation, skin conditions and lifestyle and diet changes. 

IV Therapy

Winner: Kole With The Flow

Sophomore winner in our IV Therapy category, Kole With The Flow specializes in patient empowerment in whatever form it takes. Check out its full range of wellness treatments, from the highly regarded IV therapy and vitamin injections to peptides and weight-loss strategies, all aimed at revitalizing patients’ health.

Licensed Esthetician

Winner: Aesthetics with Lauren 

With an array of esthetician techniques at her disposal; over a decade of experience in top laser technology and advanced skin care products; and a dedicated fanbase who vouch for her attention to detail, Aesthetics with Lauren is well worth considering on your next self-care day. Check out her full list of services, ranging from chemical peels and laser facials to spray tans and lash lifts, and book on her website.

Makeup Artist

Winner: Olivia Franco, The Beauty Studio

The Beauty Studio hosts a roster of talented body and hair artists, but according to the glam gods out there, Olivia Franco stands out among them. She prioritizes self-love and tailors her soft glam specialty to client needs and expectations, assuring skin confidence regardless of the event’s seriousness. Book her online for her full list of services.

Martial Arts School

Winner: Gracie Barra Corpus Christi

The Brazilian jiu jitsu franchise Gracie Barra’s heart lies within the locals who manage it. Led by Professor Leo Cantu, the first Gracie Barra Black Belt in Corpus Christi, this dojo has allowed him to make fans of his training methods for over a decade.

Massage Therapist

Winner: Mariah Bean, Mindful Massage by Mariah

Another first-time winner, Mariah Bean’s mindful massages leave her clients feeling lighter, fresher and more in tune with themselves by the end. Bean has continuously developed her craft in the years since opening day, and her technique has allowed her business to grow in popularity. She offers services primarily based on intention and technique—discover her magic yourself.

Medical Spa

Winner: Halcyon Med Spa

Halcyon Med Spa has become one of Corpus Christi’s go-to destinations for advanced aesthetic and wellness treatments. Blending relaxing luxury with medical-grade services under the oversight of Dr. Jonathan Dancel, the staff of experienced proceduralists focuses on delivering natural-looking results in a comfortable, client-centered environment. Halcyon is for anyone seeking rejuvenation, confidence boosts and preventative skincare without the stress of a traditional medical office.

SavageNailz | Shoocha Photography

Nail Artist

Winner: Samantha Ochoa, Savage Nailz

Owner of Savage Nailz, Samantha Ochoa’s nail artistry is top-notch. Forget Pinterest; just scroll through her Instagram filled with unique designs and the latest trends to find inspiration for your next set. Just make sure to book your appointment well in advance, as she stays booked and busy.

Nail Salon

Winner: Kosmo Salon

A nail salon well acquainted with Local’s List recognition, Kosmo’s team of highly trained techs is once again taking home the big win. Kosmo Salon’s dedication to precision, open communication and most importantly comfort makes its services stand out. French tip truther, nail art connoisseur or somewhere in between, find yourself at ease and at home with the techs at Kosmo.

Permanent Makeup

Winner: Gold Dust Cosmetic Collective

From nanoblading to luxe lip blush, Gold Dust Cosmetic Collective practices the highest standards of eyebrow artistry, tailoring and cosmetic tattooing. Founded by Tina Lain, the premier aesthetic studio aims to provide its clients with a luxury experience tailored to their unique needs to enhance their natural beauty and move through the world with confidence.

AE Fitness | photo provided

Personal Trainer

Winner: Alain Escobar, AE Fitness

According to his glowing reviews, Alain Escobar of AE Fitness was already receiving the “best gym in CC” label from local gym rats before his inaugural Local’s List win. With years of experience working with over 600 clients, ranging from beginners to well-trained athletes, Escobar continues to lead with the same mindset: to help clients reach their fitness goals through empowerment and perseverance. Escobar specializes in weight management, functional training, strength and conditioning and leading community workouts.

Physical Therapist

Winner: Valerie Dimalanta, Avila Physical Therapy

For Valerie Dimalanta, the most important part of her work is ensuring her patients return to doing what they love. Part of the award-winning team at Avila Physical Therapy for over two years, Dimalanta has acquired the right skills as a physical therapist to help those in pain through outpatient, inpatient, acute care, pediatrics and even aquatic therapy.

Bayside Pilates | Photo by Lillian Reitz

Pilates Class/Studio

Winner: Bayside Pilates

Bayside Pilates is home to a robust and inclusive community of clients and instructors who share the same enthusiasm for what Pilates has done for them. Owned by Tori Froemke and equipped with reformers, combo chairs, towers and more, the studio is committed to providing a phenomenal, full-body workout suitable for all. These high-intensity, low-impact classes will leave you craving that next session.

Spa (non-medical)

Winner: Woodhouse Day Spa Corpus Christi

Woodhouse Day Spa offers all the traditional spa services at the highest quality, with a warm, inviting entrance that welcomes you into a world of relaxation. Indulge in a self-care day, your way, featuring services like facials, full-body massages, waxing and more.

Tanning Salon

Winner: Third Coast Spray Tans & More

When the beach is too far and your event is too soon, Third Coast Spray Tans & More has you covered. Here you’ll find UV tanning and therapy, along with no-orange guarantee spray tan services. The post-tan spray, created by Third Coast’s owner, smells delightful and helps to extend spray tans! This salon offers a variety of packages and VIP services, too.

Therapist (Licensed Counselor/Psychologist)

Winner: Dr. Kate Rodriguez, My Healing Center

Owner and clinical director of the My Healing Center since 2014, Kate Rodriguez’s second accumulated Local’s List win speaks for itself and her delicate approach to therapy. Each year, she grows in expertise, compassion and understanding. Book today.

Photo of Mari Gonzalez and Ryan Adames, owners of Somos Yoga
Mari Gonzalez and Ryan Adames, owners of Somos Yoga | Photo by Taylor Cravey

Yoga Studio

Winner: Somos Yoga

Since first opening its doors in 2019, Somos Yoga has spread its hot yoga gospel across the city—from its OG small studio in Six Points to the Southside to pop-up events with local businesses throughout. Somos’ non-heated, warm and hot yoga classes each have their own unique twist based on their talented instructors, but share the same mission: inclusivity, accessibility and community. This is the studio’s first LL win.

Next up, check out the winners in this year’s Weddings & Events categories!