Anor Spa
CHAROS PLACENCIA
Bikini wax, $30 and up
113 Pacific St., Brooklyn
718-483-1403
The place: Small, unflashy, and peaceful, this is not one of those spas where you feel like you have to dress up before you undress.
Technique: Placencia spreads on hard wax in long swaths, removing each with a speedy flick of the wrist.
Distraction tactics: Nothing, besides the fact that she was fast. We barely had time to register what was happening before it was all over.
Bottom Line: There's no such thing as a painless wax—and this one was no exception. But the entire process took only ten minutes, start to finish.
Avalon Salon & Day Spa
IRINA HERMANN
Waxing, $30 and up
112 Christopher St.
212-337-1966
After a quick assessment, Hermann will actually turn bikini-waxing hopefuls away if she decides their hair needs to grow in more before she attempts to remove it, explaining, "The only thing the wax will pull on now is skin." When those who take her word for it dutifully return later, Hermann smooths on a warm, soft wax and swiftly completes both sides, then sends them on their way with tidy results that are well worth the wait.
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Berenice Electrolysis & Personal Beauty Center
Brazilian wax, $110 and up
14 E. 60th St., Ste. 200
212-355-7055
This spot excels at permanent hair-removal solutions, but we know plenty of editors who swear by the waxes here, so we decided to give it a try. We didn't get off to a great start when our aesthetician showed up 15 minutes late for our appointment—and unprepared. Worse, though, she was inconsiderate. She stayed in the room while we stripped, then went to fetch us a brochure on laser hair removal, leaving the door open and exposing us to hallway traffic. The service itself also tested our patience. Our aesthetician relieved us of every unwanted hair but also showered us with unsolicited advice, suggesting we switch to lasering (yes, we get it). By the end, our bikini line was smooth and tidy, but the hard sell and exorbitant price tag made us feel like a sap.
Bluemercury
NATALIA HIGGINBOTHAM
Waxing, $55 and up
2305 Broadway
212-799-0500
Higginbotham tells clients what to expect every step of the (surprisingly agony-free) way during her Brazilian wax. After a dusting of powder, she removes extra-stubborn hairs with a thick, hard wax and dips into a gentler, soft formula for more sensitive spots. Each rip is quick and mild, and she tweezes away strays so clients walk out with full Brazilians—and zero trauma.
