As people who appreciate smooth skin and cringes at the thought of razors, we recently decided to give The Wax Bar a try. With their reputation for precision hot and strip waxing, we were intrigued to experience their services firsthand. 

Walking into The Wax Bar, we were greeted by friendly staff who made us feel at ease, and we also noticed that the salon exuded a cosy yet modern vibe. They have multiple locations across Edinburgh, as well as branches in St Andrew’s and Newcastle.

We’re impressed that they use Lycon wax, the crème de la crème of hair removal products. Made from natural ingredients and essential oils, this wax is a favourite among celebrities worldwide. 

During our visit, our therapists selected a specific Lycon oil and wax suited to our skin and hair types, creating a truly bespoke waxing experience. It felt like having a personal stylist for our hair removal needs.

The magic happened when the Lycon Hot wax was applied: it shrink-wrapped around our hair without touching our skin, removing hair with minimal pain. We must admit, we almost felt like celebrities!

The Wax Bar does come with a few drawbacks. First and foremost, they’re closed on Sundays. So, if you’re looking to achieve your hairless dreams on their day of rest, you’ll have to make alternate plans.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that The Wax Bar’s services lean towards the pricier side. A bikini wax will set you back £25.50 (lasting just 10 minutes), while a Hollywood wax costs £46.00 (lasting 20 minutes). 

If you’re looking to indulge in a touch of 1940s glamour, then Inner City Sanctum is the place to be. Led by a head therapist with over 20 years of industry expertise, Inner City Sanctum boasts a team of skilled professionals. 

For instance, we learned that their specialist waxing therapist has an impressive 23 years of experience.

We appreciate their use of award-winning skincare brand Heaven. This beauty brand has garnered a celebrity following the likes of Dannii Minogue, Emilia Fox, Michelle Pfeiffer, and even members of the Royal Family.

Inner City Sanctum also takes pride in using Outback Organics wax, renowned for its suitability for even the most sensitive skin types. Not only does it provide an efficient hair removal process; it also helps prevent ingrown hairs.

When we went there for intimate waxing, we felt that they went the extra mile to ensure our comfort. For instance, they provided us with paper pants and intimate wipes for our Brazilian, Bollywood, and Hollywood waxes.

We were also pleasantly surprised that their services were budget-friendly. For instance, our bikini waxes only set us back £18 to £37.

It’s important to note their closure on Tuesdays and Sundays. 

Additionally, there have been reports of cancellations without deposit refunds for arriving 10 minutes late. We feel this is too short a time for cancelling a booking, especially if the sessions were already fully paid.

Next on the list is Yuu Beauty. We were intrigued by its name and found out that ‘Yuu’ is the Japanese word for ‘superior,’ and they strive to live up to the name by offering quality waxing services.

It’s not hard to believe, seeing that their team has over 50 years of combined experience in providing beauty services. In fact, we were impressed to learn that they won’t hire anyone that has a lower qualification level than NVQ Level 3.

Another thing that makes them special is their availability. We love that they’re open all week unlike other waxing salons.

We do appreciate their use of Lycon Hot Wax for their facials and waxing treatments. Lycon Hot Wax is a gentler yet more effective treatment that can remove hairs as short as 1 mm. 

We tried their full leg wax, and the before and after images were amazing. Our legs were so silky smooth that we felt like we could pull off wearing a short dress the next day!

Another thing we appreciate about this salon is their wide range of treatments. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy wax or a more intensive treatment like a facial or massage, they have something to suit everyone.

There are a few minor downsides to Yuu Beauty. First, they charge £5 extra for Lycon Hot Wax for body wax, while other salons offer this for free. 

Second, their prices are a bit on the higher side. For example, a bikini wax ranges from £23-£52.

We tagged along with our staff tester since she wanted to go to Edinburgh Beauty Quarter for a Brazilian wax. 

The salon itself is very stylish and modern, with soothing background music to boot. They served us refreshments and even offered to play a classic movie while we waited for our appointment! 

In terms of waxing, we were quite impressed with the service we received. The staff were friendly and professional, and they took the time to explain the waxing process to us.

The waxing itself was done using Perron Rigot Paris wax – a high-quality wax that is known for being gentle on the skin. Our tester said she didn’t feel any pain during the waxing, and her skin was smooth and hair-free for weeks afterwards.

We were also excited to learn that they only use the best beauty products available. These include savvy brands such as CACI, Dermalogica, Perron Rigot, O.P.I., St Tropez, Lash Perfect, Minx and Shellac. 

One helpful staffer also said that we could save money by checking their website before making any bookings. This is because they always have several online special offers and promotions. 

Sadly, they’re closed on Sundays, which may be inconvenient for some people.

Also, they required us to pay a 50% deposit, payable by credit/debit card/bank transfer. 

We also decided to get underarm wax treatment at Lovella, so we headed on to Leith Walk. Lovella has over 30 years of combined experience, and they use elite Lycon wax for all their waxing treatments. 

The esthetician was extremely precise and attentive, and she kept asking us if we wanted any part re-done. This made us feel like she was really paying attention to our needs and making sure that we were happy with the results.

In terms of pricing, we found Lovella to be reasonably priced. For instance, a bikini wax costs only £22-£38, and they also offer waxing packages that are a great value: the Brazilian/Hollywood full leg and underarm or eyebrow package costs only £75.00.

Lovella even offers an online deal where you can buy 5 treatments and get one free. This is a great way to save money on your waxing treatments, and we’re looking forward to trying this in the future.

One of the only downsides to Lovella is that they have a cancellation policy where if you cancel within 24 hours, you will be charged the full price. This is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to book an appointment.

Another downside is that the place was a bit cramped. However, we felt this didn’t really affect the quality of their service.

Stellar & Co positions itself as a comprehensive beauty salon, offering a range of services in nails, lashes, brows, and more. The salon, opened in October 2023, is founded by Stella, a skilled beauty professional dedicated to providing a relaxing and confidence-boosting experience for her clients. 

We like that rates for services are readily available on the salon’s website. This transparency in pricing helps potential clients understand the cost of treatments upfront, promoting trust and openness in the client-salon relationship.

Client testimonials commend Stella’s talent and skill. The positive feedback suggests that clients appreciate her dedication to providing an excellent service. Stella’s background in gel manicures, acrylic nail extensions, and continuous training positions her as a knowledgeable beauty professional.

Note though that the salon does not offer refunds in the event of any issues with the treatment. While the commitment to rectifying issues is appreciated, some clients may prefer a more flexible refund policy. This could be a consideration for those who prioritize the option of reimbursement.

Overall, Stellar & Co Waxing Salons, led by Stella, offers a comprehensive beauty experience with a range of services beyond waxing. Stella’s skills and dedication to client satisfaction are evident in the positive testimonials. The salon’s transparent pricing, online booking convenience, and clear appointment policies contribute to a professional and efficient client experience. 

Original Salon, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, stands out as one of the premier destinations for beauty and wellness since its establishment in 2004. As part of a multi-award-winning, family-run business, Original Salon prides itself on delivering exceptional service and top-notch aesthetic treatments.

They boast a string of accolades, including the prestigious Beauty Salon of the Year at the 2021 Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards. With numerous nominations and wins over the years, their commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their service.

From waxing to massage, facials to nail treatments, Original Salon offers a wide range of services to cater to every client’s needs. Their experienced team, led by founder and owner Lauren, ensures that each treatment is tailored to achieve the highest possible results.

The team at Original Salon comprises dedicated professionals who are passionate about their craft. From experienced therapists like Neiva, Roisin, and Jenna to talented nail technicians like Steph and receptionists like Murrin, every member of the team is committed to providing top-quality service with a personal touch.

Original Salon prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, clients are made to feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door. The salon’s philosophy of being kind to women, men, and the earth underscores their commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Due to their popularity and reputation, securing an appointment at Original Salon may require booking well in advance, especially during peak times. Clients should plan ahead to ensure they can secure their desired time slot.

Little City Treat offers on-demand salon and spa treatments in the comfort of customers’ own homes, hotels, or Airbnb accommodations.

We think this convenience eliminates the need for clients to travel to a physical salon, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or mobility issues.

We appreciate the professionalism and friendliness of the staff at Little City Treat. Whether it’s a massage therapist or a beauty therapist, clients can expect courteous and skilled professionals who prioritize customer satisfaction.

The booking process with Little City Treat is straightforward and user-friendly.

We like that clients can easily schedule appointments online or over the phone, often with short notice. This flexibility ensures that customers can find a time that works best for them.

Little City Treat prides itself on punctual service, with therapists arriving promptly at scheduled appointments. This reliability ensures that clients can plan their day with confidence, knowing that their appointment will start on time.

We recommend!

Afreen Fashion & Beauty, located in Leith, Edinburgh, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere coupled with a professional team dedicated to ensuring each client leaves fully satisfied with their experience. W

We praise the professionalism of the team at Afreen Fashion & Beauty. From the warm and welcoming demeanor of the owner to the expertise demonstrated by the beauty therapists, clients feel confident in the skills and knowledge of the staff.

The efficiency of Afreen Fashion & Beauty’s waxing services is unparalleled.

We appreciate the speed and effectiveness of the waxing process, noting minimal discomfort and quick results. This efficiency ensures that clients can enjoy smooth, hair-free skin without spending excessive time in the salon.

In addition to being efficient, Afreen Fashion & Beauty’s waxing services are noted for causing minimal pain.

We commend the therapists for their gentle approach, making the waxing experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

With a team of highly experienced and fully qualified beauty therapists, Afreen Fashion & Beauty offers clients the assurance of receiving top-quality service. The therapists’ extensive knowledge and expertise in waxing ensure that clients receive professional and effective treatments.

We recommend!