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Karen Golden Skin Care
Category: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Skin Care [Edit]
308A Harvard StBrookline, MA 02446
Neighbourhood: Coolidge Corner
(617) 738-4700
- Nearest Transit:
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322 Harvard St (66)
Harvard St @ Babcock St (66)
Harvard St @ Beacon St (66)
- Hours:
Wed-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Personal training for your skin is our comprehensive approach to skin care - and a program designed just for you. Personal training for your skin is… read more »
95 reviews for Karen Golden Skin Care
95 reviews in English
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Review from Thuy L.
Dorchester, MA
Ive been to Karens a few times for a brazilian, and i must say she is really good. If youre nervous or whatever, she'll will talk to you and make u feel less uncomfortable. Shes really funny , talkative, and full of energy! I was never disappointed or in pain after my wax.
definitely recommend going here if youre looking for a pain-free experience (well..not totally pain-free but itll be less painful then other places you've probably tried!)! just make sure you book your appt early & bring cash or your check book! -
Review from Anh T.
Boston, MA
I went to Karen for my first Brazillian after reading her reviews on Yelp. I absolutely love her--she's personable, hilarious, and makes you feel extremely comfortable. I went to Karen for a couple waxings after that and wasn't disappointed. That was until my friend suggested I try Total Skincare over on Comm Ave. I absolutely LOVE it there and won't be returning to Karen.
Pros: Karen is really, really nice and funny. The space is clean and easy to get to.
Cons: You have to book early for an appointment, sometimes a month in advance. Karen doesn't tweeze. Now that I know a good Brazilian should leave you completely hair-free, it's hard to pay the extra $10 when I'm getting a worse service. At Total Skincare they clean all your ingrowns and every baby hair out and are $55 for a Brazilian. And they accept credit card. -
Review from Stephanie G.
Boston, MA
I agree with all the other reviewers - Karen is amazing!
I went to see Karen last night for my first brazilian ever. I was definitely nervous and I think she could sense it, so she moved at a slower pace and calmly coached me through it. I asked her a ton of questions and she didn't seem the least bit annoyed.
I will be honest that this did hurt (it's the nether regions, of course it is going to hurt a bit) and Karen warned me of that at the beginning. She gave me the option to stop at any time if it was too much. I decided to go all the way and so happy that I did - the results were great.
I definitely recommend going to Karen. She makes the process a breeze and she's so sweet. Just be sure to call way in advance as she books up fast! -
Review from Tanika M.
Brookline, MA
This was my first waxing experience.
I was extremely nervous, but I mustarded up the confidence to go and verdict is KAREN is AMAZING!!!!
The place is secluded and private and when you walk in it has very welcoming decor and Orchids, which I love!
Karen asked me questions and walked me through the experience. She developed great conversation, which distracted me from being nervous!
I had great results and will certainly go back!
Ladies, if you are nervous about your first time. I recommend this place! Full brazilian wax, All for $50! -
Review from Julie S.
Still the best, and the most entertaining waxer ever. Virtually pain free (I say virtually only because--c'mon ladies--this is sensitive territory), but Karen is also a great cheerleader for you if you are in pain.
Started a great new waitlist system, so if you call on Wednesdays you can possibly get an appointment for the same week (when someone cancels they automatically go to the waitlist callers). So while she's often booked solid (book ahead!), this helps.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/25/2010
Wow. Karen is simply amazing. I don't have much substance to add to the numerous dead-on reviews, so… Read more »
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8/25/2010
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Review from Saba N.
Karen Golden is literally an angel among us normal folk. She's just absolutely amazing. She's quick, thorough, darling, and fierce all at the same time. I have never had a bad experience in my entire life.
The service is also great. You can call, leave a voice mail and you will ALWAYS get a call back. I love that. Karen books up really quick so trust me, you are always calling to see if there's a cancellation!
FYI to everyone though, she is raising her prices (first time in 10 years) as of September 1st.. and it's quite a bit. I'm still going to her though. I've been to so many other salons (for more money!!) and no one does a better job. -
Review from Meliza Anne M.
Boston, MA
Karen is amazing. Believe the hype.
I'm so, so, so glad Karen popped my waxing cherry. I never want to go to anyone else. She waxes you as quickly as she talks - and let me tell you, homegirl is a lightning bolt of a chatterbox (in a VERY good way)!
I barely even realized that I was all done (ten minutes for a largely painless brazilian) when I was so busy chatting up a storm with Karen.
I never leave dissatisfied with the waxing job.
If I want to be put into a great mood (and feel sexy), I just book my wax at Karen Golden, come out fresh & clean, and smiles all over.
WARNING: Book ahead! WAY ahead! She is popular (and for perfectly good reason!). -
Review from Liza R.
Lynn, MA
Is it difficult to get an appointment here? Hells yes...but is it worth the wait...Ohhh hellls yess!
How good is it, well I gave it up on the first date...yup, Karen popped my waxing cherry. Lady like, no, necessary, yes.
Although it wasn't my first time waxing, Karen explained to me that if you're not a regular waxer (monthly) it will always feel like your first time, every time.
Karen is very hands on (some people may not be comfortable with that) but my lady parts and I didn't mind a bit. I don't think a bikini wax will every be totally painless, but I'm pretty sure that with Karen it's as painless as it's gonna get. Believe me after waxing with the strips Karen's waxing feels like a day at the beach. She does talk to you the entire time but you feel totally at ease instead of annoyed. Do yourself a favor and let your bush grow and then go see Karen, you'll thank me. -
Review from Karen G.
Newtonville, MA
What can I say? She's just simply the best.
Brazilian waxes are never what I would call "fun" (I mean, seriously, they can be more than a bit painful!) - but somehow Karen manages to make an uncomfortable situation much easier to endure. She's got a great personality, and keeps you talking and distracted, so you hardly realize what's going on "down there" and before you know it, you're done - smooth as a baby's bottom!
And she gives great advice on how to keep your skin looking and feeling good, to boot.
Love her!!! -
Review from Kati M.
Boston, MA
Selfishly I haven't posted a review because I don't want to lose her :( I don't know why I would... but I liked her being my little secret!
I found Karen at Pepe's Salon in a teeny tiny room on Comm Ave.
I've been going to Karen for 3+ years. From my first visit to my last it's been utterly amazing.
I'm in and out from a Brazilian and upper thigh in 15 minutes. She is inexpensive, quick and thorough. She does quality work 100% of the time. Once in awhile she hits a sensitive spot and she quickly turns into a mom-type telling me I'm fabulous and doing great!
Little tip: Book your next appointment before you leave. Karen can help you. Some women only need 4 weeks, I need 5. It will secure your spot :) she books quick!
Oh, and don't be late. Karen is so sweet about it, but it can affect the rest of our appointments. It's rude and this goddess is a one woman show :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/9/2010
If Karen Golden stops giving waxes, I would have to stop GETTING waxes.
1. She uses beeswax (no… Read more »
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2/9/2010
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Review from Dara C.
I don't want to be too enthusiastic here but Karen Golden is a GODDESS among women. Considering a Brazilian is the second-most painful thing in the world--number one is the time I got my pinky finger stuck in a bowling ball--Karen Golden makes waxing a near-pain free art-form. No crappy strips and old, smelly wax (nor the kindly Asian lady at the nail salon who told me I should be glad that my eyebrow hairs are light so "no one can see your unibrow.") Karen is quick and kind, discreet and professional but also pretty fun. The next logical step in her career is sainthood.
Prices are +/- $50 for a lady wax and eyebrows are $15 so they're quite comparable to every other place in Boston. I believe Karen's only open from Wednesday to Saturday, and sometimes getting in (and finding the damn place) feels like a covert MI-6 operation.
No matter. Glad you all know about my grooming habits. Carry on. -
Review from Mary G.
Cambridge, MA
So, you remember the Micromachine man from the 1980's (if you don't, see link on the bottom).
Anyway... Imagine a nice woman talking at that speed, telling you you are doing great, where you from, no really you are awesome, etc. while giving you a full Brazilian bikini waxing about as quickly as she talks.
Karen is great, like really great. I enjoyed my time in the room with her. I never thought I'd say I enjoyed my time in a bikini waxing session before that day with her.
She is thorough, gets hair well outside the necessary area, and is just fun! I miss her, and I am kind of regretting getting that 20 dollar brazilian bikini waxing I am going to collect this coming Monday, rather than going back to Karen for more!
http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Nina C.
Brookline, MA
I went to visit Karen's salon yesterday for the first time. It wasn't my first time waxing (I've been waxing off and on for 12 years) but it was the first time I've had such a professional, efficient, virtually pain-free experience. This woman knows her stuff and the best part is that you're in and out! Results are perfection and I'll never entrust my bits to anyone else ever again!
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Review from Liri K.
Boston, MA
Karen is definitely the BEST wax lady in Boston and she is the most affordable that I have been to (and I tried them all).
I won't get into too many details... but if you wish, you will be as smooth as the day you were born, with no pain! (Well, that's a lie, some pain obviously... but not bad at all)
I have a confession: for the last 3-4 months I haven't been going to her because ever since she moved to the new location it has been impossible to book an appointment with her! She is too popular!
But, even though I haven't gone in a while, I love her dearly and still reserve her the crown! -
Review from Allie H.
Somerville, MA
I loved Karen after my initial visit, and booked her for my Brazilian right before my wedding (and honeymoon!) with months of advance notice. When I called to re-confirm my appointment the day before, I was told they didn't get my call to check-in far enough in advance, so my appointment time was given to somebody else. When I asked why it was given to another woman, I was told, "Well, SHE checked in."
Silly me, thinking that an appointment was, well, an appointment. I should have known that confirming my florist, band and wedding dress should have come second to halting everything to re-confirm a wax.
I would have even taken another time slot, but the receptionist couldn't be bothered to reschedule me. Thankfully, Skin & Body Works in Davis Square was able to make a last minute appointment for me right away.
I'll miss Karen, but I definitely won't miss the service or the way I was treated. Learn from my wedding day blues and DON'T BOOK here for any advance IMPORTANT dates! -
Review from Molly W.
Jamaica Plain, MA
The other reviews cover it. Karen is an angel. A few noteworthy tips are:
- Karen uses beeswax (not strips) which is kinder on your skin, and results in less pain
- You MUST book your appointment a month ahead of time or you can forget about it (she's only open W-F)
- She does other thing besides waxing. She does facials and skin peels, too! -
Review from Lauren C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Karen is the Muff Master!
I've had my snatch balded in more places, by more estheticians, than I care to count; Santa Barbara, CA and Riga, Latvia, for starters. I've had the good, the bad, and the hairy, but nobody in the field of bikini waxing comes close to Karen. She's hilarious, quick, gentle, attentive, and thoroughly knowledgeable. You'd think someone who does this day in, day out, and with so much expertise would have waxing down to some cold, indifferent mechanical procedure. Not the case here. Karen is personable and sweet, talkative but very, very soothing. Listen, it's not every day you come away from a bikini wax with a huge smile on your face. Book now. :) -
Review from Rebekah C.
Belmont, MA
Amazing!
15 minutes for a wax - with minimal pain...need I say more! -
Review from Rebecca H.
Norwalk, CT
There's nothing like sharing your bikini wax experience with thousands of relative strangers on the internet-- but here goes it!
So, on a close friend's recommendation, I made an appointment with Karen for my first ever bikini wax. I had heard horror stories across the board from people who used other waxers, but my friends assured me, "Karen is gentle." Good. I like gentle, especially when you're going to be all up on my lady bits.
When I showed up, Karen immediately started doting on me. She has this "cool aunt" personality that totally puts you at ease. She kept me talking the entire time, adding all these funny anecdotes, totally keeping my mind of the massive deforestation that was going on down below. And about fifteen minutes later... done! Pain was minimal, she puts some great soothing lotion on you, and you feel so... clean.
And for 25 bucks a pop, she can't be beat.Listed in: FAB-ULOUS!!!
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Review from Jess R.
Boston, MA
So I decided today that I was a hairy beast and should probably do something about it. I scoured yelp for places near my house with good ratings and decided on Karen's salon. I called and she asked me a couple of questions considering my peeshi's current state like the last time I shaved how long the hair is etc.
I roll into Karen's salon and out comes the lady herself, all smiles and super friendly. I am invited into the waxing room, she tells me to drop my pants right away. Which I appreciate because she's gonna see it all anyway. Let's not pretend.
She was super fast, about 15 minutes, and it hardly even hurt. Karen walked me through the whole thing, told me I was doing a great job and kept the conversation going the whole time. She is sort of like that pediatrician who manages to give you a shot without you noticing and then hands you a lollipop, pats you on the back and tells you how brave you are.
Wonderful, very professional, the least painful hair removal I've ever gotten. And it was $25. 25! She even offered to let me keep the pube wax monster when I marveled at how cool it was.
I walked out of this appointment so excited about my newly unhairy crotch that I wanted to yell from the top of a mountain how much I love my super cool hair removing lady! -
Review from Simona S.
Manhattan, NY
I need to come to her again in order to give this the five stars that I think it deserves. Karen is awesome, it's true. She even found my sensitive nether regions to be adorable post-wax. Yep, you read that right.
She's very quick, she's very sweet, and she's very good. I wish she wasn't off of the B line because I'm off of the E line... and it makes things kind of difficult for me. Making an appointment is kind of annoying, I played a bit of phone tag. She definitely needs an assistant. She is her own... company. Don't be surprised if you don't hear back for a day or two.
I'd be her secretary if she threw in some free waxes, I know that would help my student wallet, albeit a designer one.
Definitely come here if you're in the area. The $40 is no joke, SO WHY CAN'T YOU BE CLOSER, KAREN?!Listed in: Nails and Hurr
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Review from Nicole P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Brazilian bikini wax $50
Bald is beautiful.
Karen Golden will get you there in 15 minutes or less. OK, maybe not that quickly, but she is fast. I'd actually like Karen to be my birthing coach if I ever have kids, she really talks you through a pretty painful ordeal (if it's your first time or first time in a while).
The green wax is much less painful than strip wax (as stated a million time before) and Karen in hilarious, encouraging, and really good at her job. I will be a regular here. (Plus, subsequent visits are supposed to hurt less, so we'll see).Listed in: Beauty Salons and Spas
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Review from C K.
Venice, CA
Karen is amazing. I found her through yelp back when there was only one review. The single review thing is kind of tricky, but I went with it - and I am SO glad that I did. This woman has answered all of my waxing prayers. She's quick, she's so entertaining to talk to, and she doesn't charge a friggen arm and a leg to do something that, frankly, is painful enough as it is.
And honestly, she's so good at what she does that I don't even consider my visits to be that painful. I made the mistake of going to a super high end salon once when Karen wasn't available and I needed a last minute wax - I had to shell out like 80+ dollars and had the WORST experience ever. The girl didn't get the whole "the slower you pull, the more i'm going to hate you" thing. It made me appreciate Karen in ways I never thought possible. Never again will I stray from her table.
Make sure you book ahead of time... the more we talk about how much we love her, the busier she gets. Great for her, sad for me. -
Review from Karen C.
Boston, MA
LOVE!
I looked in the mirror yesterday morning and thought that I looked more like a Sesame Street character (Bert? Ernie? Which was the one w/the unfortunate facial hair?), so I consulted Yelp to find a good waxer in my area.
One phone call to Karen Golden and I had an appointment in 2 hours. The receptionist was super sweet and when I got lost on the way there (FYI-the office is on Harvard, but the entrance is by the parking lot in the back near Good Vibrations).
Karen was super sweet, chatted me up, and had my brows looking amazing in 5 minutes. Extremely reasonably priced. Will happily go back the next time I start looking like a Sesame Street reject. -
Review from Anya S.
First all, its a little tricky to locate this place. Go through the alley, next to good vibrations, then ring the door, then go up the stairs. The office is spotless, and you can eat of the floor. I really do appreciate a clean looking office.
But, once you are there, it will rock your world.
The receptionist was very nice, she even offered me candy.
Karen is amazing. I think it takes a special person to look at your hairy *whatever* and still say that you are fierce. She is soo fast, and she keeps you talking so you don't concentrate on the pain. She uses a hard bees wax, and no strips, and I think its less painful then the regular strip wax. I have super sensitive skin, and overall Im super sensitive and this wax seems to go well with my skin, which is a miracle.
Best place ever. Ill be back. -
Review from L F.
Allston, MA
I'm a beginner when it comes to waxing!
I went to Karen today (after finding out about her on Yelp) to get my lower legs and underarms waxed.
I ended up not getting my legs waxed, because Karen said my hair was too short for her style of wax (hard wax as opposed to the strips) and it would hurt more if she would wax now.
I've only had three leg waxes before, all, randomly, by different people -- why did no one tell me this before?
She did my underarms though and it didn't hurt at all :D and I have an appointment for my legs all set up.
Give Karen a try, she is incredibly nice and seems to honestly want to take care of you and make you feel comfortable.
Lower legs are $45 and underarms are $15 (which is a little more than I used to pay back when I lived in the boonies... but this is Boston... :P) -
Review from Kim P.
One year later, I still rely on Karen to keep it waxed for me. I think her prices are different based on the amount of hair you have for a bikini wax because she charges me $25 for a bikini wax...hmmm...at any rate, I love her. I love the free therapy and insight she dispenses (get her going on her intricate Halloween outfit if you want a good laugh). While she is her own company, she has always been prompt returning my phone calls (usually within an hour, at the most a few hours, but always the same day).
Sole caveat: be careful about chatting her up too much. You'll get so wrapped up in being happy that you'll get home and realize you've got to do some maintenance because there are some patches she didn't get. It's a slight inconvenience for me, though. She's so pleasant and professional. I love her.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/5/2008
Don't sleep on Karen Golden! She uses hot wax, talks you through the whole thing (I think I get a… Read more »
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5/5/2008
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Review from Aditi R.
I adore this woman. She almost makes a waxing job feel like a breeze. Note almost - even Karen can't completely obliterate the pain of a brazilian. But she gets close. And that's what counts.
There's no website and you almost always will have to leave a message with her and wait for her to get back to you, but she is pretty quick (give her at least a day's notice). Once you're there, you're in and out fairly fast and she talks you through the entire process and you just really don't realize what you've gone through with her. She's incredibly fast, efficient, and easy to become at ease with especially for the kind of service that she provides.
And best of all, for the great job that she does, she doesn't charge that much. And that counts more than n e thing for me.
In short, go to Karen. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Rachael T.
Brookline, MA
By far the best in Boston.
It's very hard too find a place that uses the kind of wax that doesn't require cloth strips to remove. She is one of two places that I've found and I won't even name the other one because it was more than twice the price.
She is super friendly and makes you totally comfortable. Every person I have sent to her has called me raving about how much they love her. -
Review from Jill F.
I only came here because of all the rave reviews. Karen is awesome. Totally lovable and friendly. She did take a day to return my call, but who cares.
She was efficient, cleanly and organized. She gave me a nice analysis of what suits me as far as bikini waxing, and with a little pain she was encouraging the entire time.
Definitely worth going to, strangely placed little spa in BU central, but it's not far off the T and she only charged me 25 dollars!
--The only problem is how hard it is to get an appointment- she pre-books and doesn't squeeze anyone in ever. -
Review from Amanda S.
New York, NY
Karen is a blast to be around, even when you're being waxed, down there. It was my first time at Karen's salon (after trying possibly all the other top waxers recommended on CitySearch, Yelp, and Allure magazine). I've always been loyal to Priscilla at Skin & Body Works in Davis Sq (who's super fast and fairly painless as well), but since I moved away from the area 6 months ago, I've had to experiment around and endure some unnecessary pain....
Anyway, Karen was awesome. I called the salon yesterday desperately in need of a last minute appointment before New Years, but they were closed. I left a voicemail, and Karen promptly called back this morning and squeezed me into her super-packed schedule. The building/location of the salon is slightly shady, but the waxing room itself is cute and zen-like. We chatted as she proceeded, and I was out in 3.5 minutes, no joke. It was as painless as Brazilians go and I was done in NO time. The hard wax that she uses did irritate my skin a bit more than other kinds of waxes--but her speed and cost (only $40!!!! Unheard of anywhere else in Boston!) was worth it. My only complaint is that she was very rushed (as it was right before new years) and was not very thorough.
One thing to note is that she does not accept credit cards. So make sure to either have cash handy or write a personal check. -
Review from Jackie K.
Boston, MA
I have to agree with everything. A funny sweet woman who does not mess around! It was hard wax, so it's much better for your skin. It was literally 10 minutes, and her talking distracts you a lot! $40.00 for a brazilian. I cannot find cheaper that is still high quality.
NOTICE: she is relocating to Coolidge Corner November 4th! :)
Don't go anywhere else.Listed in: Spas I LOVE
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Review from bon t.
I came here for my first ever Brazilian wax because of all the reviews on yelp. She was everything you guys described - friendly, professional, and very fast. Thank you, yelpers!
Must mention that the place was a little confusing for me to find. So walk pass the staircase and cash machines, pass the glass doors, go in the salon on your left. -
Review from Harmony B.
Brooklyn, NY
Karen's persona and environment are both very soothing, and she could tell I was a little freaked out by my first non-eyebrow waxing experience, so she kept it light.
She did a great job, and honestly, it was less painful than any eyebrow waxing I've done before! -
Review from Dana W.
Boston, MA
What a great place!! Karen is incredibly friendly and talented, the office is impeccably clean and inviting, the service is fantastic and the prices can't be beat.
I only had my eyebrows done this time, but I've already set up an appointment to go back for a bikini wax.
Cannot recommend this place highly enough!! -
Review from Meg H.
Medford, MA
First, I have not actually been to Karen Golden yet. I just want to make that clear! But I just had my first interaction via phone and was very impressed!
I moved up here from Providence, RI over a year ago, and have not had any luck finding a good person! I was religiously seeing a woman in North Providence for about 3 years who saved my eyebrows from overplucking and misshapenness!
I got my eyebrows waxed after work today at Bebe Spa on Beacon Street in Brookline, and was not too happy. The woman was nice, but she did not do any sort of shaping (my eyebrows are uneven due to inconsistent waxing and trying to pluck them myself in between waxes). She only cleaned them up, so they still look uneven... just a little neater!
I came home and hopped right on Yelp to look for a new eyebrow place. I called Karen Golden and left a message, asking about costs for eyebrow wax and shaping. She called me back 20 minutes later and answered my questions - she even remembered my name when I left it on my message! It definitely sounded busy in there but I was impressed with the quick response and customer service of using my name.
I will be calling tomorrow to make an appointment, and plan on booking one with Pepe to get my hair cut too! -
Review from Jenny F.
Boston, MA
Karen Golden is amazing. She has the best personality, attitude, aura - everything that makes her a delight to go see. And i only get waxed! ha! That's a bizarre thing to enjoy - but she does such a good job and for a good price. It's satisfying.
I haven't been to her new location in Coolidge Corner, but I'm sure its fabulous. Congrats Karen! I miss you! There's no one else in Brookline, Boston or Cambridge that waxes like you :) -
Review from Anne G.
New York, NY
I LOVE Karen. She's nice, careful, fast, funny, and above all, good at what she does. The best Brazilian experience in Boston.
I had a hard time finding the place first time I went, because there is no sign on the front of the building, but you can find it walking through the door where you see a Bank of America ATM. I also thought that the name of the closest T-stop was ironic ("Pleasant Street"? Come on!), but it's actually not as unpleasant as Brazilian is thought to be. -
Review from Meredith S.
ALLSTON, MA
5 stars doesn't even do her justice!! If you've never considered getting a brazilian wax, consider it with Karen.
I had one once before, and didn't know how good it could be until I went to Karen. She did it in half the time, and half the pain, and was chatty and comforting the entire time (the whole 7 minutes it takes). It's slightly bittersweet, because now when I move out of Boston I know I will never find anyone as good as Karen.
Amazing amazing amazing. Just make sure to plan ahead because she books up QUICK. You can get in on a cancellation, but be sure to tell her upfront about your hair growth, because she will be able to tell you when is the best time to come in for optimal waxing. -
Review from Amanda M.
Astoria, NY
Karen is amazing!!
My experience definitely matched the rave reviews: inviting atmosphere, minimal pain, friendly staff
:)
