Dear Italian heritage; during my creation, you forgot to put your dark, mysterious features into my genes. I got over it pretty quick, but could you not have been a sport and forgotten the dark, mysteriously placed body hair as well? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for embracing a natural lifestyle – but this is one social norm that has intertwined itself into my collective unconscious after many years of school yard torture.

The process of getting rid of excess hair can be almost as traumatizing as being teased for having it, especially when you are new to a city. After a few bad experiences here in Vancouver, I decided to try Wax Hair Removal Bar on W 16th for what I believe would be the ultimate test of a wax spa- the Brazilian. 

Perhaps I chose Wax Bar with a hope that the word ‘bar’ meant I would be able to mellow out the pain with a few in house shots, but my chat with owner Luba killed that dream pretty quick. Instead, their ‘bar’ offers what a mixologist would;  personalized services that may not be on the menu, but have all the ‘ingredients’ to make happen.  

Luba started Wax Bar specifically for the reason that most spas will not stray from their menus, and if they do, they usually will overcharge.  When her own waxing needs could not be met, she created a place that would cater to people that don’t always fit into hair growth norms. There is no nook or cranny that won’t service, and most importantly, it is done in a clean environment, by professionals. 

Luba’s ‘Waxperts’ are trained and tested to meet a high standard of waxing techniques, making your experience as painless as hot wax ripping things out of you could possibly be. My full leg and Brazilian took no longer than 20 minutes, and it made my last wax look like a scene out of SAW. Waxbar’s focus is on results, not relaxation; trickling waterfalls and rainforest soundtracks are the last thing on a girls mind when heat hits the bikini line. Their atmosphere is kept far from awkward by the girls embracing the waxing process and understand that shyness comes with most clients. They have a super easy going vibe that confronts the situation bluntly and with a sense of humour. 

If you’re looking for a service to help you get through the last few weeks of summer, check WAX Hair Removal Bar (2805 West 16th Avenue)

Their menu and more info can be viewed at : www.waxbar.ca

604 737 4929