by Emery Nicoletti

"Two eyebrows
are better than one!"
Let 'er rip!"

In today's day and age of tinier bikinis and other form-fitting apparel, we're seeing the waxing craze increase dramatically. It's true that having a total stranger scrutinize areas of your body including your pelvic region-not to mention, rip the hair from it may be uncomfortable, but at Metropolis, we understand the uneasiness one may experience on his or her first waxing visit.
While facial waxing is less personal, faster and altogether more common, body waxing has become mainstream and is a service requested equally by men and women.

When Brigitte Bardot popularized the bikini, as we know it with the 1956 film And God Created Woman, "the two-piece suit's higher leg line was a symbol of women's newfound sexual freedom.  The fashion statement being made today among men as well as women is perfectly flawless and hairless skin. More men are requesting the waxing of their backs, chests and stomachs as well as their brief line and underarms than ever before. The separation of a man's unibrow is face flattering as long as eyebrows are not overly arched. It is more common to remove the excess hair atop a man's eyebrow than underneath. Today's man is very conscious of good grooming habits such as hair removal and waxing and takes measures to keep up with fashion trends. The 1970's "all natural granola" look will not be back anytime soon - Let's hope!

Today, home-waxing kits also ensure the right to make hair removal a private process. You can even buy strips out there with wax already on them. If you're not experienced, however, the results may be more painful and less effective.

The licensed professionals at Metropolis Salon remove hair by tweezing or by using waxes or chemical depilatories. Hair removal by means of tweezing or waxing is called EPILATION-the shaft and root of the hair is removed. Hair removal by means of depilatories or shaving is known as DEPILATION-the hair is removed at the skin line. Most states including Arizona do not allow a cosmetologist to shave the hair with a straight razor.

A lot can go wrong between wax on and wax off. To avoid problems and unnecessary pain, try these tips:

· If you are taking any antibiotics or prescriptions such as Accutane or using Retin-A, consult your doctor before you get waxed. These medications make skin extremely sensitive, so the top layers are more likely to burn or be ripped off.

· Try to avoid waxing a few days before, and during a menstrual period. "Women are more sensitive to pain at those times.

· Further minimize pain by trimming hairs that are an inch longer with scissors before getting waxed. "The longer the hair is, the more it will hurt when pulled." Do not trim hair shorter than ¼ inch; the wax won't be able to grab it.

· Some physicians suggest an Ibuprofen tablet, such as Advil, a half-hour before waxing to help ease the pain of hair removal.  Taking too much Asprin before a waxing service could cause bleeding.

· After two days, exfoliate waxed areas (in the bath or shower) with a rough washcloth or Loofah like bath sponge to prevent ingrown hair.

· If you have sensitive skin, apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or an antiseptic.

· For the next two days, keep tender skin away from very hot water, body scrubs, and scented products.

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WAXING

LIP
10.00

EYEBROWS
15.00

CHIN
10.00

SIDEBURNS
15.00

FULL FACE
35.00

NECKLINE
15.00

HANDS
15.00

HALF ARMS
25.00 - 35.00

FULL ARMS
45.00 - 55.00

UNDER ARMS
25.00

FEET
15.00

HALF LEGS
35.00

FULL LEGS
55.00

CHEST
45.00 - 55.00

HALF BACK
35.00

FULL BACK
45.00 - 55.00

BIKINI
25.00 & Up

BRAZILIAN BIKINI
Men or Women
("Umm hmmm, the whole Thang!")
45.00 - 55.00

FULL-BODY WAX
Varies

(When more than 3 waxing services are performed
at the same booking, prices may decrease)