Waxing Lyrical about Strip

Firstly, an apology for my silence this week. I've been busily meeting with PRs in London and have lots of lovely news to share with you over the coming weeks. Anyway, on with today's post...

After pledging allegance to Ministry of Waxing at the end of last year, I didn't think anything would be able to shake my loyalty to the hair removal specialists. That is, until I called to make a booking only to be informed that they'd be closed on the day I needed my appointment. Hugely disappointed, I decided to try Strip instead, considered to be one of the best waxing destinations in the capital. I opted not to mention my role as a professional beauty writer. I paid £49 for my Brazilian hot wax treatment.
I've stated previously that I'd never, ever book a Brazilian anywhere but the most reputable salons. After all, why risk an inexperienced therapist using hot wax in the most intimate area of your body? Besides, it's far from an enjoyable aspect of beauty maintenance so why add to the trauma? The website is filled with glowing testimonials from the likes of Sienna Miller, Victoria Beckham and Rosie Huntington-Whitley so I had high expectations. As soon as I called to make the booking, I was put at ease and left with a very favourable first impression. Wearing suitably Chelsea white skinny jeans, I trotted along to Strip's Fulham Road branch, a couple of streets away from South Kensington tube station. The staff warmly welcomed me and I was taken to the Berry room for my treatment with therapist, Sky.

Where Ministry of Waxing has a cool, industrial vibe to the interior, Strip very much has a grown-up, seductive feel with opulent, themed treatment rooms where the decor is matched to the scent of the wax. Choose from luscious chocolate, berry (per my treatment), lavender or gold. As soon as I entered the berry room, which features flocked wallpaper and pink accessories, I noticed the fruity fragrance of the melting wax, fantastic attention to detail.

My therapist, Sky, was professional and efficient and her no-nonsense approach put me at ease as I felt confident in her experience. Unlike MOW, there are no stress balls or cold compresses to relieve your pain although Sky helpfully suggested breathing techniques which proved surprisingly effective. It's always going to be a painful treatment but it wasn't TOO bad.
I love that you can watch TV as a distraction whilst your therapist gets to work. Strip have definitely tried to make every aspect of this maintenance treatment as enjoyable as it possibly can be.

Unlike many salons, Strip don't use cotton strips in the treatment as these can pull the skin and increase sensitivity. Instead, Strip apply oil to the area to prevent skin being pulled then apply a quick setting wax, which they pull directly off once solidified. I felt that the treatment was over quickly, which I was impressed with. Although it's not a dignified treatment, I was asked to hold different positions rather than turning over (per MOW) which I personally felt more comfortable with.
Finally, once the treatment is over, there's a tempting lingerie boutique stocking brands such as Elle Macpherson Intimate, Cosabella and Stella McCartney so that you can truly indulge.
It's easy to see why Strip is regarded as one of the top waxing salons in the capital. I'll definitely be returning.