Joanna Topor

A bikini-waxing riddle: What does $20 buy you?

We don't have the money or pain threshold to find out, but a season's worth of waxes and a spa-side price range spanning $30 to $50 had us curious. So we turned to the professionals. Carolyn Brundage, president of Chicago Beauty, couldn't line-item the difference for us (no one can--price and quality varies by spa), but she did lay out a few things to look for.

"A good wax is quick, effective, comfortable and fairly pain-free," says Brundage. "The skill and attitude of the esthetician are absolutely the two most important factors." Estheticians should take the time to find out about you, ask about your skin type and keep you apprised of her progress. Once you've found an esthetician you like, practice a little monogamy. Regularly seeing the same waxer will clarify expectations and ease the process.

Personal comfort is the second factor to consider. "Feeling comfortable with the person doing the waxing is key," says Brundage. "They're pretty much going to see it all." Disposable panties, strategically placed towels and a moment alone to get undressed can boost comfort. "Your first wax is bound to be slightly uncomfortable," admits Brundage. "But it should only get better after that."

Sadly, there is no magic bikini-waxing eight ball. Prices and quality vary at every spa and are not necessarily correlated. Our best advice: try a few and stick with what you like.

A few places to start the hunt:

Milios Hair Salon: 959 W. Belmont, (773)549-1461, $30

Salon Slice: 3757 N. Racine, (773)244-4030, $40

Spa Space: 161 N. Canal, (312)466-9585, $50

(2005-08-30)

Also by Joanna Topor

Manicure Mayhem
Nothing goes better with a manicure than a martini. And now you can have both
(2005-07-26)

A little salon home
Chicago coiffure is getting a new slice of life under the expert hands of Erica Badke
(2005-07-19)

Free Wheelin'
Miles of scenic lakefront paths and bike lanes--nothing gets you to the store, the beach or the bar faster than a bike
(2005-06-28)

The Great Escape
Summer in Chicago is all about enjoying the great lazy outdoors
(2005-06-15)

Beach-blanket roulette
(2005-06-09)

Rhapsody in Blue
(2005-03-15)

The Denim Dance
(2005-03-15)

The Good Jean Pool
(2005-03-15)

The Beauty Bunch
(2005-01-04)

Stranger than fiction
(2004-10-06)

I want candy
(2004-06-02)

The glowing horse and carriage
(2004-02-11)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment