I had my eyebrows done by Sarah, and was extremely happy with the results. She didn't make them too thin, which I liked, and kept them well trimmed. When I made suggestions afterwards, she was more than happy to follow through with my requests. I highly recommend express waxing! read more

I think my circle of "people I trust with my eyebrows" just got a little wider. After years of being exclusive to Nails for You and Ly's Hair Cuttery for eyebrow waxing, and not trying new places for fear of walking out looking like Ming from "Flash Gordon" (it's happened), I've decided to take a chance on a new salon. The truth is, my eyebrows were beginning to look like two fuzzy caterpillars so, desperate times... Express Waxing - AKA "Salon Istanbul" - saved the day. It's located on the first floor of the Randolph Towers building. I walked into the bright and empty salon without an appointment and the technician (whose name I unfortunately didn't catch) took care of me right away (although, according to Yelp, an appointment is preferred). I told her all I wanted was a clean-up and that's exactly what she did. She was fast, efficient, and competent. I walked in at 12:30pm, and was out by 12:50pm. Easy peasy. So why only 3 stars? Frankly, the price gave me sticker shock. $15 for an eyebrow wax is a little much in my world. Nonetheless, it's a convenient location just 5 minutes from my office, great for those emergency waxes when I can't make it to my regulars. read more

All of the ladies here are excellent at what they do. This is the only place I come for a wax. They make you feel comfortable and are very efficient and make everything as painless as possible. Hours are flexible and I believe the prices are reasonable as when you are a returning customer for Brazilian/bikini they give you a discount! read more

I had my first ever Brazilian wax and can confidently say I will be returning for any and all future waxes! Sarah made my first experience the best it could possibly be. She was sweet, funny, quick and efficient! I was so nervous but she made me so comfortable which was very appreciated. I Was in and out in about 15 minutes! I'm more than happy with my experience and can't wait to come back :) read more

OMG! This place is great! I happened upon this place using Yelp as I needed my sideburns waxed BADLY! My usual place isn't doing anything but brows and after looking at reviews decided to come in and give Sarah a shot. I am SO happy I did! She was absolutely AMAZING and so quick and efficient too! I am beyond happy and would definitely come back here in a heartbeat if I wasn't moving in a few weeks! If you need a great and quick wax I highly recommend this place and Sarah! This place is very clean too! And they are keeping safe for the covid regulations! read more

Phenomenal Brazilian! Nina is great--super fast and professional. I was very comfortable and the appointment was quick but thorough.

I'm in love with this place! 10 stars if I could! I've been here twice and both times I left happy and clean ;) They don't double dip, use between hard and honey wax depending on certain area of the hair and they are very thorough. No one really gets excited about coming back to get wax but I already can't wait to come back, that's how great this place is. First time I came was with Sarah and since it was my first waxing experience Sarah went through the steps with me and calmed my nerves by talking to me through out the whole service. Second time I came was a spur of the moment kinda a thing. I woke up at 8 am and decided I wanted to get a wax and was able to conveniently book an appointment via their website for a 10:45 brazilian. Sarah was a little behind so her sister Rida waxed me instead and it was amazing also! She was so sweet with me and we had such a great time I almost forgot she was waxing me! I cannot recommend this place enough! Especially those who wants to get wax for the first time. read more

First wax since quarantine and Nina made it basically painless. I'm shocked. She is amazing. I got my full legs and full Brazilian. I was so nervous and hyped myself up and she was so great at making me feel comfortable and Letting me know when she was going to pull. She also was QUICK. I was out of there in 45 mins. I am so amazed and they were clean nice rooms. She was great at letting me know what she was doing every step and what she is doing to make everything clean and sanitary for me. I will make this my spot from now on for sure. read more

I read a lot of the reviews about this place before making an appointment and they were so wonderful, especially for dealing with my first wax after quarentine! I made an appointment online for a Brazilian and eyebrows. They were very quick checking me in and I did not have to wait at all. I had originally made an appointment with Sarah but Nina worked with me instead and she was wonderful (also they are sisters)! Very sweet, we had a really fun time talking. I am also shocked (in a good way) at how fast the Brazilian went - I have had super long appointments in the past but now I'm not sure why it took so long! Nina was super quick and efficient and did an excellent job all around for both services. She also told me that if I came back I would get a discount on the Brazilian every time! I am definitely going back because of the excellent price, professionalism and proficiency! read more

I've been getting my Brazilian waxes done here for a year. The ladies are kind, they do amazing work. The price is 45.

I've been coming here for a year and a half now and I've never been disappointed. I had never gotten a wax before and I can't imagine going anywhere else. They've always made me feel so comfortable and calm. They're also so sweet and I look forward to giving them a hug again post-COVID! They're doing a great job of keeping things extra clean and safe (everything was spotless pre-pandemic too). read more

I never leave yelp reviews but I feel like this needed to be my first! Nina did a fantastic job making the treatment quick, comfortable, and pleasant! Words you wouldn't think when writing a review for waxing. Best wax I've ever had. read more

Today I saw Lynn and I cannot recommend getting enough! Fast, efficient and really makes you comfortable. I highly recommend her but have never had a bad experience here so you can't go wrong! read more

Hands down this was the best, most thorough Brazilian wax I hav ever had. Mimi took such good care of me, she was pleasant, professional and efficient. When I am back in town I am absolutely going back to Mimi. My regular waxer in New Orleans has some big shoes to fill! read more

AMAZING! Found this gem in May and have gone 5+ times since. Great service, very friendly staff, and overall good value. Nina is the BEST! If you're looking for a Brazilian, definitely check this place out. I'd recommend this place over EWC any day. Would 100% recommend! read more

European wax center was my go-to back in 2015, it was my first experience getting a Brazilian & Sarah made it so comfortable. Since then I was back and forth between the Ballston and Clarendon location (which is now closed), and had been with Mimi whom was super friendly at the time. Upon my return on May 31st, I was shocked by the experience. I made my appt w/ Mimi and right off the bat she got upset and said she couldn't do it because I haven't waited long enough to let the hair grow.. it had been almost 3 weeks, so i asked if she could try. She said she'd try but felt that it wouldn't work. During the wax she was so rough, after she pulled the strip she didn't apply any pressure. Uh, that s*** hurts & I can't apply pressure, there's hot wax on me! Now I'm laying there thinking maybe she's had a bad day, so I tried making conversation and she was very short and seemed angered. She barely applied aloe on the area post-wax and had left traces of the wax on my leg, which are now one with my jeans. It was a very uncomfortable and awkward wax sesh. I will say she did leave the area baby smooth which is why I'm giving it 2 stars. All in all tho idk what happened with this place but def not coming back. read more

I just had a baby and move to DC, these two major life events left my eyebrows in a state of emergency. I pulled up the yelp app and looked for a salon next to my new apartment that allowed online booking. Express Waxing popped up (*NOTE TO OTHER SALONS GET ONLINE BOOKING) and I was able to book a same day appointment. When I arrived with a baby I expected them to ask me to come another time but I sense they saw the state of my eyebrows and made an exception. Sarah welcomed me and the baby back to her waxing area. The baby started crying as soon as the door closed. My mommy anxiety kicked in immediately. I mean who brings a newborn to a wax appointment...a desperate mommy does! Sarah aka baby whisper put my fears to rest. She calmed the baby and gave my eyebrows the star treatment. Her kindness and skill just earned her a customer for life. read more

All the ladies are helpful, friendly and extremely efficient. They do the best waxing. Waiting time is minimum if you have an appointment. The place and equipments are always clean and hygienic. read more

Waxing - 5 Stars, Customer Service - 1/2 Stars PROS I've been going to Vimean for about six months now and I think she is excellent! Quick, nearly painless, extremely thorough (lol), and very friendly! Despite the issues I'm about to list, I will still keep coming solely because of her. CONS Every appointment there is some type of issue. The credit card machine won't work and you need to go find an ATM so you can pay. Last time my appointment wasn't in the system even though I could show them my email confirmation from their system, the list goes on... The receptionist at this location is also extremely rude. Will do my best to only go on days when Vimean is at the other Arlington location. read more

I've always had a good time here and the staff is very friendly! Very reasonable prices as well. Once you come more often it's $45 dollars.

I've been going to Express Waxing since 2016 and have always had appointments with Mimi, who is absolutely fantastic!! She's so friendly and somehow finds a way to make Brazilian waxes quick and painless. In case you're also a customer of Mimi's and looking to schedule an appointment with her, she's still at the Salon Istanbul location: 4001 N. 9th Street in Arlington, VA, 22203. You can make an appointment with her by calling the salon at (703) 525-6444! read more

Great waxing experience! This was my first time getting a full brazilian and Nina was outstanding! She was friendly, gentle and made me feel as though i've known her my entire life. Clean waxing room, NO double dipping and fast service. Nina you rock!! read more

Amazing experience here both times I've been. The first time I went for legs and underarms, and today I just finished my first Brazilian ever- and I feel AMAZING. Lynn was so sweet and she was done with me in about 20 minutes. Definitely going back! Bring cash for tip- I end up paying for everything in cash just to make it easier but they accept card too. read more

Mimi is my go-to woman here. She is quick and efficient and the group's rates are reasonable. I've gotten bikini, underarm and legs waxed. She could probably do massages if she wanted to she's really good at that too and sometimes gives a little bit of one on the feet and calves. Excellent. read more

This is literally the best Brazillian waxing experience I've ever had... and not that I've been everywhere, but I've lived and worked all across the US and have tried my fair share of places (NYC, Atlanta, Richmond, other places in DC metro, and one place in Jacksonville, FL that I thought was "the best" until I tried Sarah). Sarah is EXCELLENT. THE PROCEDURE: This was the quickest and most painless Brazillian waxing I have EVER had. I always take Advil before I get waxed, but I think I would have been okay even without it. I think part of it is her "magic hands" (as she says) and the technique she uses to pull, but I also think the order she goes in and where she takes bigger or smaller pieces really matters- she knows which areas are most sensitive and where to do what. She is meticulous at her job- making sure the shape is perfect and you are completely bare everywhere you want to be... and that all residual wax is completely removed and you are good to go before you walk out of there. She told me she's been in her current location since about April 2013 and that she's been waxing for about 8 years, but I'd think it was over 20 given her expertise. PRICE: This is also the cheapest Brazillian wax I've ever received- which is super surprising given the quality and that she's located in DC metro/Arlington. About $45/$50. One thing to note- tips can't be given on your credit card- so bring cash (or they have an ATM inside the salon if you forget). LOCATION: This place is really hidden. It is inside of Salon Istanbul, which is inside Randolph Towers apartments. When you walk into the main entrance of the building, turn left (there are no signs directing you from what I saw). You'll enter into Salon Istanbul and check-in with their front desk staff. Because of the location, I can see where parking could become an issue- but at least this time I was fortunate enough to get a metered space close to the building. OTHER INFO: She is open ALL SEVEN days of the week (which makes me sad for her, but it's certainly great for her clients). I had my appointment for today (Sunday) and I was actually a little scared that I wasn't going to get Sarah herself since I was coming on an "off" day (not sure if others work for her or not), but she was there. Booking an appointment is easily done through Express Waxing's online system. read more

Sadly, I can't agree with the rest of the reviewers. I am not giving 2 stars because I have no real basis for comparison--my only other bikini waxing experience was like 6 years ago and I just remember it being super painful. I decided to give it another go because I was preparing for a boudoir photography shoot and wanted to make sure no hair showed up on camera. If you are a modest person at all, this is not the place for you. It is very "pants off and on the table" situation. My friend told me to ask for the extended bikini wax so that is what I made the appointment for. Lin gave me a bunch of different options for design (style? pattern?) and I wasn't really sure what she was talking about for a lot of them since I had very little experience with this. I just said I wanted a good amount of hair left on the top (gestured towards specific area). So, this may be my bad because I got frustrated with not being able to understand what she was asking me so I told her to just do her thing. Well apparently she was talking about giving me a Brazilian wax which wasn't what my appointment was for. I had my eyes shut tight the entire time so I didn't realize what was happening until it was... too late. Sigh. The wax itself was even more painful then I remember...why do we do this to ourselves again? The best part is when I had to roll over on my stomach and pull by bum apart for her to get that area...the room is equipped with a full length mirror right at the head of the table so when you're doing this to yourself you can give yourself a good look and wonder what the heck you're doing here and who exactly you're doing this for. (sorry for the rant...the jury will disregard) During my appointment there was a man who came into the salon and was talking and laughing very loudly. The practical side of me knew he wasn't going to walk in the door with my pants down or anything but I did remember reading that Yelp review where that happened which made me a little paranoid. When I checked out she charged me the extra $5 for the full Brazilian but kindly waived the cost difference when I explained that I didn't realize that was what I had agreed to. Either way, there was a Yelp check-in deal for 10% off the Brazilian so it would have been the same price either way. Unfortunately the hair started growing back after 10 days. I did some research online and found out that this can happen when you are a first-timer or haven't waxed in a long time so I can't really blame the salon for that. Still...for only 10 days of hairlessness it was hardly worth the pain. Le sigh. read more

Yes. Yes. A million times yes. I've been to many an esthetician in DC. And Chicago. And St. Louis. And I can say Sarah is without a doubt the best one I have ever been to. She is totally worth making the trek to Ballston (the salon is only a block away from the metro). Sarah is so friendly and most importantly amazing at her job. She is fast and thorough. The salon isn't very fancy, but she's done a lot with the waxing rooms since I first started going. You can make appointments online (and often same day), which is super convenient. Her fantastic waxing skills aside, Sarah is the nicest person ever. I came to my appointment in a torrential downpour, umbrella turned inside out and all. Sarah greeted me with a towel to help me dry off. After my appointment, one of Sarah's family members personally drove me back to the metro so I didn't have to get soaked again. If that's not the best customer service, then I don't know what is! read more

Should really be called Express Waxing & Threading & Go Here For Your First Brazilian, You'll Be Glad You Did & You'll be Done Lickety Split Because it Ain't Called Express for Nothing & Sarah is Brilliant & Kind & Thorough & Funny & She'll Do an Excellent Job Threading Your Eyebrows as Well as Waxing ... Ahem! Your ... You Know. But that would take up too much space on the window. p.s. I apologize to previous Yelpers who reviewed Express Waxing. There were so many good reviews I thought a bunch of y'all were full of it. I was wrong. Proprietress Sarah really is all that and then some. And how. p.p.s. I received threading (brows, upper lip) and a Brazilian. I give each one a solid 5. Take your furry self there and get your fuzz busted. read more

Definitely not worth my money to come back. Bought a groupon to try this place out for some Eyebrow waxing and shaping. But there was no shape to my brows.. they waxed the top and bottom and middle, a little bit of trimming and plucking. But essentially something I could do myself. What I pay for when I need an eyebrow wax is the shape.. Make it happen ppl! And it really shouldn't be called ExpressWaxing as its part of the Salon Istanbul and entrance is really on Randolph St. rather than on 9th. read more

YES! YES! YES!! I just moved her from Chicago and was nervous about finding an esthetician that I loved as much as the one I had. But I was wrong. Sarah is MUCH better then what I had! She is just as bubbly and sweet as every other review has mentioned. She is so quick and painless! The last lady I went to took about an hour to do a brazilian and face wax (eyes, lip & chin), Sarah took about 20 mins for it all and it was NOT pain full at all! Not only is she so sweet and great at what she does, but she gave me a $20 discount! AND when I tried to tip her, she gave me HALF the tip back because it was too much she said. REALLY?! How's that for honest. You've probably never heard this before, but I actually don't mind getting waxed anymore. THANKS SARAH!!! I am so glad I listened to all the other reviews and went to Sarah. read more

I've been a customer of Express Waxing since the Summer of 2013. I usually see Sarah for my waxing needs but was unable to get a let appointment. Usually, I'm funny about seeing new people but decided to give MiMi a chance. Mimi's work was very good, but she doesn't have the personality of Sarah. The reason I changed my original rating from 5 to 3, is because of the frequent customer card system and their reluctance to honor it. First, when I received the card, it specifically states you'll receive a free waxing on your 5th visit. Sarah corrected that and wrote, I'd receive $20 off my service on the sixth visit. Well, this was my sixth visit and I wasn't given a discount at all. In fact, I was told that this card only applies to Brazilian waxing. When I asked for the cashier(?) to show me where it specifically states that on the card, she said, "Well, you'll get it next time", and asked if my service was good. ha! I laugh because I've actually referred people to this place and convinced several first-timers to try Sarah, but the idea of tricking people into thinking they'll be rewarded ( for frequent patronage) and taking it away at will is simply unacceptable in my book! read more

Quick, as close to painless as possible, and friendly staff. Not to mention - the price is pretty much unbeatable for the service you receive. Made me realize what a ripoff my old place is. .... Get it? Ripoff? Waxing? You're welcome. read more

Sarah and her team at Express Waxing are amazing!!! I found Sarah via Yelp about two years ago, just a few weeks after she opened her salon in Ballston. Since then her business has continued to grow and now has three rooms and quite a few ladies (maybe 3-4) working with her. Let's face it, waxing is not the most fun thing to do on a regular basis, but Sarah makes it as painless as possible - and after 10 years of waxes I've tried quite a few places!! So far I've only had Brazilian's but they do offer a wide array of services for both men and women (a male friend of mine gets full back waxes here from Lin and he also loves it, although he'll never admit to it). This is not a luxury spa, but it is comfortable, quick, and very clean. They use a new stick every time they dip in the wax so you're not being slathered with other people's germs! They also use both soft wax and hard wax (I think that's what they're called) with strips and that helps with those especially delicate areas. I have also been waxed by Mimi and Lin - both of whom are also amazing. At time of writing this the cost of a Brazilian is $50 which is really reasonable for this area! They also have a frequent customer card which entitles you to half off on your 6th visit. They have an online appointment program which is really simple to use and makes scheduling your appointment really easy, you can even book a specific person or just book an available slot. I've always paid cash...I believe they now take credit card for service, but you must pay for tip in cash. Just bring cash to be on the safe side! Note: Express Waxing is located INSIDE Salon Istanbul so look for that salon and you've found the right place read more

I was excited to try this place after seeing all the wonderful reviews but sadly I did not have such a great experience here. I scheduled an appt for full legs, underarms and bikini area. Sarah was supposed to do my legs and bikini area and someone else was scheduled for my underarms. No biggie. So when I arrived I was asked to wait in a room and another waxer came in...I think her name was Mimi. Well I was hesitant to undress because the door to the room opened up to the whole salon where their were men working/getting their hair cut. I slinked out of my clothes and then got on the table. So mimi (?) started to do the underarm waxing. Well she was very sweet and never double dipped. Loved that. Any hairs she couldn't get she ended up tweezing out. During the waxing Sarah came into the room a couple times. Thanks for opening that door! Hello salon! Now came the leg portion. Holy hell it hurt but I knew what to expect because I had them done before at a salon in DC last year before my wedding. So Mimi was the one who waxed me on my legs as well. It took a very long time and when she was done I inspected my legs and there were strips where she missed the hair completely. I showed her and she went over them and then tweezed some spots too. By this time...we are going on over an hour and I just couldn't spend anymore time there and wasn't exactly thrilled with the job she did on my legs so I told her we could skip the bikini portion. Three days into my beach trip and I notice the spots on my legs where a layer of skin had come off because these are now much pinker then the rest of my legs. The underarms were fine. So all in all...pro's are that she didnt double dip and was very sweet. Cons...timing wasn't exactly express and the job on my legs was unsatisfactory. read more

I freaking LOVE Sarah. Here's how the appointments go. Arrive sit for about a minute or 2 Greetings Escorted to the room with smiles Change clothes within 45 seconds Sarah is in We talk Rip, rip, rip, rip Work any ingrowns Your done!!!! 12 minutes & 30 seconds. See ya in 3 weeks!!!! I love her!!!! $50, no pain afterwards, & good tips if you're new to waxing. I've been going for about 3 months and my "new growth" is thin, less ingrown hairs........ijs I love her read more

Mimi is amazing! I have not had my eyebrows waxed in over ten years because of a bad experience I had. Finally I decided to give waxing another go. Mimi tested both soft and hard wax on my inner wrist to see which one my skin reacted to. She was gentle, sweet and I had almost zero redness. This facility is also extremely sanitary. I'll will certainly be a regular here :) UPDATE: Holy wow-- I saw Sarah today for a brow wax, and she is amazing! My brows were finished in what felt like a minute. They have great shape, zero pain and wow wow wow! read more

All the reviews are accurate.. Sarah is amazing. Got a Brazilian with her and it took all of ten minutes. She did such an amazing job, not a single hair left behind! She also kept my mind off of the job so that when she was pulling strips off I didn't really feel it! I've gone to other places before and it was so painful. I'm DEF returning to this place!! read more

Mimi did a great job! I was going to be in the area and needed a bikini wax for an upcoming location. I was able to go online and book a same-day appointment. The booking system was easy and sent me a text confirmation. The salon is not fancy but it is clean. Best of all, Mimi was very thorough, calming, sweet, and it was almost pain-free! I just got a basic bikini wax, but I can see where she would be really good for a brazilian because she tells you exactly what she is going to do before she does it. She also did this little sing-song thing while she worked which sounds odd, but it actually took my mind off of the waxing. Great job, great price, fast, and easy. I will be back! read more

It was my first time getting a Brazilian wax. I went with my friend after work. We both got it done! I have to say everyone was nice but the actual waxing was painful! Like very painful! I was shocked I almost wanted to cry lol I've had piercings tattoos and was fine!!! The first time it hurt very bad! (I have to be honest) I was treated by Mimi she was very nice n she even let me hold on to her while the waxing was taking place. (It was that painful) lol she was very nice and she gave me like a mini massage down there... Awkward but def needed!!!! I went in for my second time and I kid you not it was fine... Still alil painful but def way better!!!! this time I was seen by Sara. She was super funnnnnyyyyy! I loved her! I would def recommend going here for a Brazilian wax. Not too pricey n def a great environment ! read more

I went here due to the glowing reviews on yelp and have to say...everyone is right! This place is fantastic - everyone is super nice and the prices are very good. I had Mimi for a wax and she was incredibly quick and thorough. Any hairs missed with the wax she got with the tweezers. She made sure she got everywhere and has you inspect her work to make sure you're happy before she's done. Even though it's in Ballston and I live in NE DC I will keep going back! read more