Urban Waxx

 

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7

Suzanne G.

Portland, OR

As far as waxing in Portland goes, Urban Waxx is it.  I've been going to Urban Waxx since the day Shannon hit town, and with the new location, things have gotten even better. ..especially in the parking department. Mindy and Shannon have a great way of giving a very personal service in a relaxing, no nonsense casual manner.  I've always viewed waxing as a necessary evil, but now I actually look forward to my little visits to Urban Waxx.

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1

31

Well-Traveled I.

Portland, OR

There are not enough stars to give this salon the credit and praise it deserves!!!

I booked an appointment with Mindy. Let me tell you, I was a virgin who wanted to go to Brazil and I had an all-expenses-paid trip at this salon.

Mindy was incredible. Her professionalism and personality made it completely fine. I was worried about the pain - who isn't their first time - and, quite honestly, don't know what I was worried about because she put me at ease. (Now, I'll admit I have a high tolerance to pain, but when it's your first time - you magnify the pain in your head. Quite frankly, I worrirf too much as things are so much better when a professional does the job.)

I am going back in the requisite four weeks for my "usual" now.

You may read about other places on Yelp, but if you want to go to a place where they make you feel beautiful, have an impeccable staff that is friendly (not snooty like some places in PDX), and present everything in a warm, urban environment...then go to Urban Waxx.

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2

2

Kate M.

Portland, OR

Ok, so some of my good friends swear by Urban Waxx, but I wasn't that impressed.  Sure, the staff is really nice, but the three bikini waxes I've had there were just okay at best.  

Granted, my first wax there was my first professional wax ever, but the waxer (who isn't even on the roster anymore) took a long time.  I ended up picking wax off of myself after I got home. I was left pretty raw with a lot of broken hairs.  I ended up having to pluck them in order to look decent in my bathing suit.  I've since been toId that's a no-no. I honestly don't know if the broken hair thing is a common occurrence, but I figure if I'm paying someone to rip my bikini hair out by the roots, then I shouldn't have hair left.  

The second wax with Mindy was better, although I still ended up with quite a few visible broken hairs.  Since the plucking was a no-no, I just let that month slide, and tried not to worry about it.

I went back the next month with the same waxer, and she asked if I had shaved in the interim, which I didn't.  She was having a really difficult time with one of my sides, and remarked again how it looked like I had shaved.  She ended up ripping and re-ripping on my right hand side, which left me with a bruise the next day and plenty of hairs that were broken AND in full effect!  She remarked that I must have been in a weird growth cycle and I should come back in another four weeks.  

After that I figured that I must have superwoman pubic hair, and decided to give up on the waxing.  Luckily I decided to give another shop a chance.  I had a way better experience, a more thorough wax, and paid less at Wax On.  I really like the atmosphere at Urban Waxx, but I just wish I had better experiences there.

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0

4

Annette V.

Beaverton, OR

This place rocks!  I had it with my unruly brows and needed a quick clean up before attending a wedding.  Read the great reviews, called them up and they squeezed me in the next day.  

I've been to other places and have left looking scared (where'd the brows go??) but Beth took me in, made sure I was relaxed and even told me it was ok to take a nap on the table.  15 short painless minutes later, I left with some awesome looking brows!! Definitely worth the money, she even gave me advice on where to pluck, where to leave the hairs alone!  Thank you!

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0

5

Mark G.

Portland, OR

Urban Waxx is like a reliable old friend.  Once I had a couple of great visits with Shannon, I was insistent on seeing her every time, but I've learned through personal experience over the last year that everyone here is great.  Very nice people and well-trained waxers... I can't think of any reason why I would go anywhere else.

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Elite '08

68

261

Danielle K.

Portland, OR

"I'm not going to talk to you, but it's not because I'm ignoring you," Mindy said as I laid on a sheet-covered bed thing 8:30 this morning.

*Confusion*

"It's because if you move your face talking, your facial expressions can change the way your brows will look."

Okay.

It's true: I have a low tolerance for pain. Painfully low, one might say. Therefore, no one has even poured a drop of hot wax on the nether regions...even the legs. No. Just no.

But I will, however, let Mindy work on my face anytime. Well, my brows at least.

I came here because I was too damn lazy to pluck...for like a month. And I think this might soon become my new monthly routine. My brows look AWESOME and in shape and just great. Ahhh!

Oh, and after the wax part was done (and the pluckage/trimming began), Mindy talked to me. And she was FUC'n funny (pardon the Yelp French).

And if I ever DO work up the courage to be smooth in other places, they'll be the first people I call.

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0

7

Erica B.

Portland, OR

I love Urban Waxx - especially Shannon.  Her care that she puts into her waxing is amazing!  I have never been disappointed.  The decor is perfect for a waxing spot - hip, modern, fun.  I always feel welcome when I arrive and refreshed when I leave.
It can be difficult to get the esthetician you want sometimes - that is my only complaint.

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11

17

Lacy C.

Portland, OR

First off any place that offers me alcohol at 10 o'clock in the morning without an ounce of judgment is a-okay in my book! What can I say I trust my most precious parts to Mindy and every time I come out laughing and in tip top shape!  I love their website and convenient online appointments and also their extremely friendly staff!  The building is so cute and just far enough away from the pearl to actually find parking which is great!  These girls are amazing and if you have any questions or nervousness believe you me that there is nothing they haven't seen before or done!  If anything you will leave feeling much "lighter" and with a smile on your face...how many people can say that after getting a wax in their neither regions???

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7

15

Danielle H.

Portland, OR

I moved to Portland four months ago and have been looking for new services. I definitely found my new wax place! This was hands down, the best waxing experience I've ever had. Great location and friendly staff. Not to mention the booze! And I can't say enough about Brooke - a sweet girl and an awesome waxer. She made me feel comfortable right away and did a very quick, thorough job. They use quality product and a hard wax, which makes a big difference. I would recommend Urban Waxx and Brooke in particular to anyone.

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79

529

Nic Z.

Portland, OR

Hmmm, well at the risk of having 18 yelpers mad at me I am giving Urban Waxx two stars.  I have been there three times and was not pleased with any of my visits.

My first visit was easily negative stars.  I got there early, no one else was waiting, and I was still kept waiting 20 minutes, even past the time of my appointment.  The person I had booked with was running late so I was waxed by someone else.  She was quite nice but to be honest, her appearance was a bit disheveled.  Very different experience than what I was used to.  All of my previous estheticians had been very presentable and actually somewhat fabulous.  She was quite friendly, very talkative actually but still, the discolored bra straps kind of freaked me out.  When she finished I immediately noticed several missed items and had her clean everything up.  The next day I noticed more items missed and realized that I had been overcharged by $17.  When I called to complain both about the missed items and the overcharge the person I spoke with was very friendly but insinuated that I entered in the services that I needed incorrectly on the internet.  I was offered a credit for the next time I went in.  Fine, more than willing to give the place another try but with another esthetician.  I was also freaked out by the fact that the esthetician who worked on me was joking around with the receptionist that she could wax me if she wanted.  I realize it was a joke but........soooo not something to mess around with.  For a moment I thought they were serious and almost walked out.  

Second time I went in was a totally different experience and I was actually somewhat pleased by the service I received.  Although my eyebrows were not 100% the way I like them they were presentable. Again, I had to have the esthetician that worked on me go back and fix a few things.  Super frustrating, why wouldn't they not only wax but pluck and trim too?  What on earth are we paying for?

Third time I went back to the esthetician that worked with me the second time.  Again, had to have her fix missed items but overall I was somewhat pleased.  Until........I got home and realized that my eyebrows are totally 100% uneven.  My right eyebrow is more than double the thickness of my left eyebrow and my left eyebrow has a much bigger arch than the right.  I am so over Urban Waxx, I am now plucking my eyebrows like mad, after I have given you $150 of my money.  

Well, I guess I will be trying a new place out.  Three strikes and Urban  Waxx is O U T.

(oh, why two stars?  cutest interior I have ever seen.  seriously...most adorable waxing place I have ever stepped my foot into. also, for the most part, the folks that work there are incredibly nice.)

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Elite '08

33

123

Julie D.

Portland, OR

Best wax ever!
No really...It didn't hurt!
I mean it hurt but compared to other times..it didn't hurt believe me!
It makes me want to explore other waxing options.
Hell maybe I'll wax my whole body!!

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24

91

Chelsea A.

Portland, OR

What more could one say about Urban Waxx that 15 five star reviewers haven't said? Phenomenal, in a nut-shell. They answer all your questions, somehow don't make you feel completely awkward as you sit there with your legs spread. There honest about what they think you should do. If your teetering on the edge of options (easy to do) they won't give you a hard sell. They recommend products and tell you why. Not to mention it's relatively (note the word choice) painless, and they prepare you for what to expect. I'm thoroughly impressed.

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3

8

Chana d.

Portland, OR

After a brisk walk in the drizzling rain from my apartment to Urban Waxx, I was very happy to be offered a warm welcome and a cup of hot tea immediately upon my entrance. I had made an eyebrow wax and tint appointment and was promptly received by Mindy Good, who led me to a private room. She inquired whether I'd been waxed before (oooooh yeah), had me lie down on a comfortable, draped table, and asked how I'd like my brows shaped.

After Mindy had a clear picture of what I wanted she continued to talk with me while she waxed. As someone who used to work in the tattoo industry, I know how beneficial just talking with a client throughout the procedure can be to take their mind off the pain. After all, even if you're an old pro, it still doesn't feel good!

Thanks to Mindy for a pleasant experience and an awesome wax. Even if Urban Waxx wasn't within walking distance of my home, I would come back again.

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3

10

Candice H.

Sandy, OR

My Eyebrows:  hardest eyebrows to deal w/ in the world, I feel like.  One eyebrow grows up, the other grows down; very short and sparse.    

So, after doing much much research in the portland area, I found Mindy.  I first asked for Shannon, but since she was on leave, they referred me to her for any clients that have very precise specifications, aka. me.  I have gotten my eyebrows done waxing and threading in LA and the Bay area, with a lot of people!  Mostly unsatisfactory, but have found the select few that can do a great job.   I am very very particular in who waxes my eyebrows and usually judges how they will do them on their own eyebrows.  

Mindy did an awesome job!  She did exactly what I wanted.  My eyebrows were thinned out by someone in Dosha...don't go there for a haircut or eyebrow wax.  Mindy left the perfect shape (thick/natural, well groomed, elongated look, with a nice arch to open up your eyes) and some extra space as I asked for it to grow out.  

So...go to Mindy!!!  Melissa was also very patient on the phone w/ me to help w/ directions, as I was half hr late and lost as all hell.  So great customer service...always good in my book.

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9

77

Cindy I.

Portland, OR

I agree best wax place I have ever been. I don't need any thing fancy because I don't do the delicate type of waxing but this was the best wax ever. No sticky residue, very quick and really wasn't nearly as painful as other places. After the first pull the endorphins kick in and smooth sailing after that.

Oh and if you have a friend with you it has the most comfortable waiting area and they offer you all types of drinks. I'll be going back.

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Elite '08

126

541

Krista T.

New York, NY

Need to get your kitchen cleaned?
Shannon, Heather and all the lovely ladies at Urban Waxx can do the job jussst right.
Even when Shannon worked out of Active Space she was easy to talk to, did a wonderful job and used top notch product.
Now she *and her wonderful staff* are down the street from Active Space in a new, bigger space. The seperate rooms are sweetly painted and very private. I have to say though, that my fav part about the rooms is the lighting - its less than harsh- but not quite mood lighting. Its very comfortable.
The girls always give excellent and detailed advice on how to "manage the situation" if ya know what I mean and they are always good for a laugh.
The pricing has gone up just a touch since the new space, but its totally worth it! No one should skimp on a good wax!

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12

20

Katie M.

Portland, OR

I love Urban Waxx THHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSS much!

Now ladies, you gotta go to a legit waxing place if you want to come out with your dignity and not bleeding. (no, a $15 wax at a cheapo nail salon is probably not going to do the trick).

This place was serioulsy painless and everything was super easy from the parking, to checking in to the deed itself.

I saw Mindy and she rocks my world - great to talk to & very quick - it was over before I knew it.  I will be going here for a long time.

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24

33

Ella W.

Portland, OR

I went to Brazil yesterday.  Since this was my first trip, and I had suffered through a few unpleasant wax experiences in the past (and really, who hasn't?...I'll spare you the lurid details), to say I was apprehensive would be an understatement.  Maybe it was the complimentary glass of wine offered to me beforehand, maybe it was the truly private rooms (no flimsy curtains found here), maybe it was the rockin' tunes played (apparently music soothes a lot more than the savage beast), maybe it was the unique wax used (it wasn't a goopy, sticky mess)...whatever it was, it made every other Salon I've been to seem like the estheticians had used sandpaper to rip off melted crayon wax.  

Mindy was so awesome-she put me at ease, listened with interest to my rambling stories (I'm a big time babbler when I'm nervous), and did a truly fabulous job.  Urban Waxx definitely fulfilled their motto of: "The Best Wax Job You'll Ever Have.  Seriously."  The prices are totally reasonable-$70 for the first time and only $50 if you schedule another one within five weeks.  I made an appointment to return to Brazil, and have a feeling it won't be too long before I have dual citizenship.

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Elite '08

48

128

Tabitha R.

Portland, OR

I actually found Shannon (owner of UrbanWaxx) here on yelp ... and am so glad I did!!

Shannon just expanded UrbanWaxx to an amazing location. The space is welcoming, great decor, amazing staff. Each lady has their own room, so no weird curtains or peeking going on around here.

My 2 favorite things about going to UrbanWaxx:

1. Shannon - she makes you feel like you've been bestest friends forever. Not at all like she's looking at parts that only your SI sees and yanking long overdue hairs out. Like you're out for drinks with a best girlfriend.

2. The WAX ... amazing. It's like silly putty. Not hot. Pulls nicely without hurting like an SOB (course there is some pain - but what true beauty treatment doesn't include a little discomfort).

Anywho -- I recommend making the trek. Seeing the ladies at UrbanWaxx.  You will be happy you did.

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3

10

maria l.

Portland, OR

I've been to Urban Waxx a couple times and I highly recommend it. Shannon really is great, and the wax is as gentle an experience as possible. I went to Heather for the first time this morning and I highly recommend her as well. The new digs are beautiful. Check out the artwork - it's vinyl, like Colorforms, and really stunning.

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0

32

barking s.

Portland, OR

I highly recommend Urban Waxx for all your waxing needs.  I went for "the works" with Shannon and she was great -- very friendly and professional and she put me at ease.  My eyebrows turned out perfect and the rest of the waxing was relatively pain free (as much as it can be).  The office staff is friendly, the location is good (easy parking), the rooms are very clean and private,  and you can even have coffee/tea/water while you wait.  My only complaint (and this would be with every place, not just Urban Waxx) is that it seems like they double dip :(.  It's a bit pricier than other places but it's worth it.  I almost forgot...they have on-line booking which is AWESOME -- so much easier than the back and forth of trying to schedule something over the phone.

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2

26

All- G.

Portland, OR

Shannon is awesome! She's just about to move to a new location about a block away and I'm sure her new place will be as friendly and well-decorated as her current one. The chocolate is out and chilled drinks are waiting as she welcomes you into her individual salon. She's my go-to girl for a great brow wax.

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0

2

Erin F.

Elmira, OR

All I can say is fabulous!!  I was in town for a conference and called Shannon up over at Urban Wax to see if she could squeeze me in for a brow wax.  She was extremely courteous and flexible and was able to fit me into her schedule.  The wax job she did was perhaps the best ever!  My brows look incredible.  I have had bad experiences in the past (where my eyebrows came out looking like skinny pencil lines) and so I was a tad nervous, but Shannon assuaged my fears and I came out looking incredible.  I live in Eugene, but I am not going anywhere but Urban Waxx in the future for all my waxing needs!

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1

15

katie g.

Portland, OR

I have been waxing various parts of my body for years. In addition, one of my best friends has been waxing me for the last few years. When she decided to give up the waxing biz a year ago to raise a family full time, I freaked. I mean, who can do as good of a job and make me feel as comfortable as a close friend?? I tried probably around 10 waxing places and ended up with some uncomfortable scabs, some burns, some crazy brows and various other experiences that are too painful to talk about. And then I found Shannon. She is nice. She is funny. Her studio is cute. AND SHE GIVES AN AMAZING WAX. Her prices are reasonable (45 for a thong) and she doesn't accept gratuity. If you are getting waxed for the first time or are an old hand like me, you are going to pleased if you go to Shannon. She is fast, takes credit cards, fits you in for appointments fast and offers you a drink before getting down to business. I have found my new waxer and I hope Urban Waxx is here to stay.

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