I play a lot of sports and my feet take a beating.A friend recommended a pedicure so I tried HM.Now I'm hooked,they do a fantastic job. I've also tried Naomi's mens facials and they are outstanding also. My wife gets waxing there and loves it. A very nice shop with great customer service. read more

I just had my first experience here today. It was my first major wax and I was nervous to say the least. Overall it was very professional, used perfect clean techniques, and it wasn't really that painful! I will go back here again, no doubt! Mericke was my esthetician and she had a very mellow, professional and straightforward vibe, and was very personable. She felt like an old friend. Also the lobby was very nice, the parking around there is free (and I found a spot in Capitol Hill right across the street!), and they didn't over-sell their skin care products, which are all very nicely displayed in the waiting area. The receptionist kindly took my jacket upon arrival and poured me some cold cucumber water while I waited. The price was on par with other waxing salons I found, not any more pricey. read more

I've been going here for years. Mericke is my favorite esthetician of those I've worked with, but in general this place is very relaxing and professional. I didn't have much to compare High Maintenance to until I tried to save a few bucks by getting a Brazilian wax at a newer spa in the neighborhood. Yikes! On the bright side, I definitely figured out where the extra money goes, haha! Anyway, I left a review about what was wrong with that place, so I figured I'd better also write a good review for High Maintenance since apparently they have ruined me for lesser spas. High Maintenance, indeed! read more

Waxing here is recommended - I'm told this by a few friends. But.... Manicures & pedicures; not impressed. I spent (with TIP) $125.00 as a gift to a friend, and when she came to thank me and show me the final result we were both less than thrilled. It was so bad the woman who gave her the manicure gave her a card to come back again for a free manicure and pedicure. What a waste of money, I felt like it was the worst gift I could have given her. My friend said next time she'll just go to the spa next to her parents place where they charge $40 and do a better job. read more

Usually have to hide behind sunglasses for HOURS after I get my eyebrows waxed as my skin is blazing red due to my very ornery and strong eyebrow follicles. (Think Brook Shields.) Mireille has great bedside manner and the magic waxing touch. As others have mentioned there is something special about their hard wax that reduces the pain and also the inflammation. An all-around pleasant experience. read more

Naomi is both a fabulous person and is excellent at what she does. Went in for a facial and walked out feeling excited about my new fresh face. The environment was comfortable and Naomi took the time to assess what would serve me best. She used every minute of the time - after applying a masque on my face, she'd massage my hands so I wasn't left waiting in silence. Will most certainly go to see her again. I do feel the prices of the product line they carry is out of reach for the daily routine of the average woman. There must be a little more reasonably priced skincare line available with similar ingredients or effects and could be paired with the current line they have. I don't mind splurging on a night cream if there's maybe a daily moisturizer at a better price point that can be paired so the night cream isn't serving as the daily moisturizer like was recommended. read more

After such amazing experiences with Nicole, I figured it was about time to tell the world about her talents. Nicole did my makeup for my wedding this summer. She is a great communicator, which led to my makeup looking exactly how I wanted on the big day. We did a run through where tiny adjustments were made, so on the day of the wedding, it was smooth sailing. Nicole drove to the salon where the bridal party was getting hair done, and she arrived at what ended up being the only moment I suffered severe bridal mania. She managed to help calm my nerves, and even gave me a hand massage before starting the makeup. The makeup itself looked wonderful, and Nicole armed me with an emergency kit for touch ups throughout the evening. When I look back at photos from the wedding, I am thrilled to see that I looked like the brighter, fresher version of my everyday self! After the wedding, I decided to see Nicole at High Maintenance for my very first Brazilian ever. I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous. Nicole was great from start to finish. I was immediately put at ease with what I can only describe as the salon equivalent of a good bedside manner. With each step, she helped me feel comfortable and relaxed (which is quite the feat considering the circumstances!) In regards to the actual waxing, I anticipated utter agony, but thanks to the type of wax used and Nicole's great technique, it was as pain "light" as waxing could ever be. Apparently when a waxing is done poorly, there can be left over wax and oil, not a problem here. I would absolutely recommend Nicole and High Maintenance to a friend, and for all you brides-to-be, never underestimate the power of a calm, talented makeup artist on the day of the wedding! read more

I absolutely loved this studio! Today was my first time trying it and it was the best facial I've had in a while. Kelsi Dunbar was my esthetician and she was excellent. She made sure I was comfortable and relaxed and tailored the facial to what my skin needed. It was clear she takes pride in skin care and it shows in her work. My skin feels healthier, clearer and more hydrated after just one session. I recommend her and this studio to anyone who is looking for facials or Brazilians. Thank you Kelsi! read more

They don't send you reminders of when your next appointment would be. I schedule once in three weeks. They are pretty much available in short notice so it's my mistake to have booked appointment to show patronage. They charge you full fees for not showing up which is ok. But this was my first time doing so and I use their services twice every month, buy their products and expect them to have gone about this in a nicer manner. The one who spoke to me over phone was cocky and arrogant asking for my card details. I promise bad review was not for the money lost but the way they spoke to me, not respecting the fact that am a repeat customer who was nothing but nice to them. I must also tell here that the person who treated my skin (not sure what's her name) and one woman at the reception were very nice to me and I liked the services themselves. I think others who work there are a problem. For me, customer experience matters way more than the service itself. Not going there again. UPDATE: for the lady who replied this isn't my first missed appointment. I don't lie. I did appreciate the service by aesthetician. Your service is below par however. Your false accusations prove that. I have never missed another appointment. I didn't even argue or bargain with you when you got the full money so it's not about "not being fun". If you care about your customers, device a way to remind them of their upcoming appointments. But I'm guessing you don't care and try to shift blame instead. If I did miss one more, am pretty sure you would have got money for that one as well. UPDATE: for the lady who replied this isn't my first missed appointment. I don't lie. I did appreciate the service by aesthetician. Your service is below par however. Your false accusations prove that. I have never missed another appointment. I didn't even argue or bargain with you when you got the full money so it's not about "not being fun". Like I said, money is not my concern. If you care about your customers, device a way to remind them of their upcoming appointments. But I'm guessing you don't care and try to shift blame instead. read more

Who knew it would be so tough to find a replacement esthetician for my waxing needs?! Well let me tell you I've been looking since May and trust me I've tried most in Seattle now (including the highest rated one on Yelp where I ended up with my brows uneven and skin ripped off...and no, I am not using retin-a or on accutane). I am STILL trying to grow out my brows from that one. Every 4-5 weeks when I was due to for a brow and a bikini I was finding myself stressed out no longer having my "go to place." Well after one trip to Mireille at High Maintenance Skin Care my stressful days of wondering where the hell to go are gone. I was able to make an appointment that easily accommodated my schedule and told I could park in the City Market lot and come in to get a parking pass from them so I was already digging this place before walking through the door. The studio is small but really cute. A huge change from the 2nd floor walk-up I had visited a couple of times on the hill. I was greeted, given a form to complete and served some water. Then Mireille introduced herself and we went into the side room. There she assessed the damage to my once beautiful and thick brows which as I mentioned were not only uneven from the last place I went but had a noticeable bald spot. And although I could write a review about what I will refer to as Bad Brow Place (BBP) and my experience I prefer not to. If you want details PM me. Mireille discussed what she thought would work best as far as evening my brows up and growing them out. We also discussed how I can no longer have my brows waxed (a few years ago I started to have a reaction above my brows where I would break out in small bumps that would last a week or so. And yea, if you are wondering BBP (NOT High Maintenance) disregarded my request for a tweeze and said I would be okay with waxing under the brow. First time was okay. Second time (uneven/bald brow time) she pulled skin off under one brow and waxed between my brows...leaving me with bumps, bald, missing skin and swollen. Fun times. But back to High Maintenance... I feel confident that under Mirelle that my brows will regain their lushness and shape. Also I must say that my extended bikini (which she took the time to define what they consider to be an extended, you will find definitions vary from place to place) didn't even hurt that much. No bikini waxing is pain-free but this was pretty darn close. After my services I was provided with a complimentary face powdering. What a nice touch. It was great to be able to leave and feel pulled together. Thanks High Maintenance! I will be back for sure! read more

I've visited High Maintenance Skincare for over 6 years now and have always loved the results. Although I mostly go for waxing appointments, I also have gotten fantastic facials and make up done at the studio. Parking is super convenient, I've never had an issue with street parking or in the small lot next to the studio. They send email reminders of the appointment, which are great since I go visit every 4 weeks. They have a very convenient schedule and multiple estheticians. I also love browsing their make up and beauty products, love the brands they carry! read more

I am 30 years old with PCOS and my skin has had mostly downs so I've been getting microdermabrasion and peel facials regularly for a decade. Anything to help maintain my skin that's more prone to breakouts and reduce the look of acne scars. So I've had dozens of facials from $80-$300 per session. This is HANDS DOWN the best facial place I've ever had. I'm writing this finishing my second facial here because sometimes you get lucky the first time, then go back and the consistency isn't there. But twice in a row I've had my top two facials in my lifetime. All the little "extra stuff" (roller ball, arm massage, mask, steam, etc.) that you hope they do because they're feeling motivated or have time, here, they are consistently comprehensive. In the past, I've gone to places where they'll hit on at least 85% of the items and you feel ok about it. But these guys go above and beyond every time. And you can tell it's quality products by the way it feels and smells on your skin but at the end of the day, the results are stellar and the reason I'm taking the time to write this review. Plus, they're also super friendly and professional and when you're in a vulnerable, more intimate situation like this with a stranger, that's even more important. Ask for Genevieve. 10 stars if I could for this woman. Will be telling all my friends. Thank you for giving me confidence. BRAVO! read more

I can't agree with the reviews that say the waxing is painless, but I still give it five stars. I had my first ever waxing done yesterday - full leg and Brazilian. Genevieve was meticulous, did a good job of explaining the process and the two different types of wax she was using, and expressed real satisfaction at a job well done. She was conversational, which helped distract me. My bathing-suit area is still stubble-free after 24 hours, which isn't the case with shaving. I was a little embarrassed about baring myself to someone for an intimate waxing, but Genevieve put me at ease by being talkative, and at one point, when she was working on my calves, she said "it's okay to yell at me!" I'm really happy with the results and I plan to go back at the recommended 4 weeks. read more

Even though there are so many options in Seattle I found my favorite place right in my own neighborhood. Let's face it, waxing is a necessary evil (the words of RuPaul echoing in my head: pain is beauty), so it's always a pleasure to find a salon that not only gets it right, but almost painlessly. I have to single out Nicole for always making me feel comfortable, and doing a fantastic job. Plus the space itself is geared to relaxation - lemon water or tea? - with a touch of old-skool glamour. They also carry a variety of lovely beauty products - many of which are chemical/paraben/icky ingredient free. Yeah! read more

I am officially obsessed with High Maintenance! I've been searching for a waxing salon that didn't use linen strips but I was striking out for months. The wax at High Maintenance is gentle but so effective and my technician was incredibly thorough. Genevieve was friendly yet professional and was even prepared for my visit early when I arrived! I am so relieved and excited to have a new reliable spot for my Brazilians! read more

After my first two experiences getting a Brazilian (in another state) I was a little hesitant and decided to do my research this time. I'm sooooo glad I found this place. When I called to make an appt I originally ask to be scheduled with Naomi. Unfortunately she is off the same days I am so I was scheduled with Mericke (I'm not sure of the spelling). Let me tell you this girl is a miracle worker. Not only does she make you feel comfortable while your in awkward positions, but this woman makes you almost completely forget the pain you're about to endure. The hard wax they use on your unmentionable's is not pain free yet compared to the strip wax it is a little more tolerable. I already have my 2nd appt and definately will be seeing Mericke again! *****Editing - since my appoint I am now even more impressed because they sent me a reminder card! read more

After years of getting Brazilians at various establishments (and not being satisfied) I've finally found the best. Naomi is incredible. She's sweet and so great at her job. The hard wax and the method she uses is as close to painless as waxing can be. Also, instead of re-using the same stick for an entire session, she uses a new one after each wax application; it's so much more sanitary. The space itself is clean and relaxing. I can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

I've been going here for 5+ years, I wouldn't get waxed anywhere else. Naomi and her staff are top notch, I send all my girlfriends who are afraid of trying a Brazilian here. I often go to Naomi or Mericke since I've been going to them the longest, but every girl I've gone to has done an amazing job. The facials are also fantastic. They don't just slop a bunch of product on your face, the aestheticians are very knowledgeable about skin and customize the facial to your individual needs. You won't be pressured to buy product, but if you are looking for suggestions you'll receive honest recommendations. read more

This is for waxing only, haven't had other services. Mericke is awesome, totally puts you at ease even when you are in the most awkward of positions. I haven't experienced anything 'pain free', but it was doable by me and I am a big old wimp. Everyone is always nice there, and I will not hesitate to go there again. read more

It's good. Go here. I got my pubis waxed the first time here, and it didn't really hurt. The first strip came and left and I could think only, "That was it?" I'm sure this painlessness is not inherent to waxing itself, but rather, a result of the excellent experience High Maintenance Skin Care orchestrates. First, the receptionist offered tea at entry: I arrived only a few minutes early and the wait was not objectively insubstantial, but the offering of tea and abundance of magazines (fascinating because I always like to cringe at what mainstream media try to convince women to do / buy) really diminished the perceived length. Second, Nicole was great at putting me at ease. We talked about steak as she depilated the mons -- I might have been too distracted to feel the follicular trauma. I should also mention her precision: there was never contact or pressure on the vulva (for hand stabilization), which I've experienced elsewhere: hair was removed thoroughly, but never did I fear I was going to lose sensitive tissue. Finally, it was fast! Even with tweezing (some hairs in the middle of my bell curve are at the upper tail of the root strength bell curve), I don't think it took more than 20 minutes. No noticeable irritation afterward either. There's speed in another dimension as well, that is, transit-accessibility: it's right behind the outbound 43 / 47 stop and across the street from the inbound one. There's parking too, if you require that. High Maintenance Skin Care clearly adheres to a high standard -- I'll definitely be returning, and I urge you to try it as well. read more

This is the best spot EVER the staff is kind caring thorough and genuine ! I cannot recommend their services of any kind enough. They are incredibly clean, concise and honest when looking for advice. Plus free parking which is unheard of! read more

In short, i tried waxing myself with a store bought kit, BAD IDEA. I heard about high maintenance from a friend who said it was the absolute best place to get waxed, and it is. I get my brazilian done there when I can and it is not awkward or uncomfortable in the slightest. They know what they are doing and have high-end wax and oils to make the process as painless as possible. As for the place itself... It is such a beautiful and quaint little place, with a really nice and funny receptionist who i THINK does manicures there also. Even if you're not high maintenance like myself, they treat you like you are. You are served tea or water while you are waiting in pretty little cups as you wait on a fancy sofa with a nice selection of magazines to choose from. Everything there from the accessories they sell to the decor and service just makes me feel like such a lady haha. read more

I had a Brazilian from Genevieve. It was painless and she was very professional. Typically Brazilians are very painful for me and I learned the quality of wax they use is very high and technique allows it to be less pain. You can't find a better, less painful wax in the city! I also received a Renew Facial from Genevieve and it was the best facial I have ever received. It was relaxing and my skin was glowing after. I highly recommend booking with her at High Maintenance. read more

I had my first Brazillian here and it was great. But use CAUTION: DO NOT GET A WAX FROM ANNA M. She is terrible in every possible way. Everything went wrong that could possibly go wrong. I went on my second Brazillian and ANNA seemed to be the only person available. Gee I wonder why? First: She has bad social skills. Small talk was like pulling teeth and completely awkward. Secondly: She didn't let the wax harden long enough, so as she pulled it away it pulled at the individual hairs without pulling them out = holy mother of god its painful. She did this three times!!! Thirdly, can you say bad hygiene? As she waited for the wax to harden properly finally, she went to the sink with the same gloves still on and picked at her face!!! She then proceded to slightly wash her gloves with water, no soap. Then dries her hands on the bed sheet!!! I was in shock as she went back to work on my poor crotch. The worst part was in the end, I went home and saw that she missed some crucial patches of hair where the sun don't shine. All of this torture while giving me a slight attitude too. And I'm not a mean person at all, really quiet and agreeable. Do yourself a favor and have anyone but Anna M. do your Brazillian. Naomi the owner is fantastic and so are the other ladies there. NOT ANNA. read more

High Maintenance just takes the experience to a new level. This little boutique salon offers "pain-free" waxing. Doesn't hurt that they offer mimosas to take the edge off. While other salons put you under bright lights, HM will lead you into a dimly lit room where you sink deep into luxurious white sheets as your mind enters a meditative trance to the softly playing music and sweet aromatherapies surrounding you. It is at this point that the skilled practitioners work their magic. Is it truly pain-free? Take another mimosa and a couple aspirin, and I'm sure you'll find it entirely delightful. read more

I wish I could have tried their services, I had a pedicure scheduled for first thing in the morning. I arrived and the door was locked. I called on my cell phone with nothing but voicemail. I waited for almost 30 minutes before going back home again. No one called me to apologize, when I called later to get the scoop, still no apologies, and the woman I talked with sounded very rushed and stressed out, not a good vibe for a spa. There was no offer for a discount to make up for my inconvenience, just an abrupt request to find another time. No thank you. read more

Came here for a pedi because a friend loves this place. I'm not sure if the tech was distracted or in a hurry, but she buffed my nails so thin they have peeled half moons to skin back past my quick (ouch) on one big toe and split the other. I'm trying to hold on to what I can with glue, but I'm afraid to take off the polish because I think that's what's holding the rest of my nails together. On a plus note they were very nice and the tools were clean. There's also easy bus access. read more

I don't know how this place has almost 5 stars. I moved into the neighborhood and decided to check it out. Within the 1st minute of this girl working on me for a half leg wax, I was trying to figure out how on Earth I was paying $20 more than usual to have one of the worst leg waxes of my life (I've had many hundreds!). When I noted that the esthetician was not holding my skin taut at all while pulling (and she was going a mile a minute), and when I spoke up (politely) to say I think I needed to be more mindful of holding the skin while pulling, she responded defensively that she had been doing this for many years (although she was clearly very young) and "don't worry." She continued moving fast and carelessly across my legs and I almost asked her to stop before she was finished because it hurt so bad and I could see that several layers of my skin were being stripped away as she failed to pull the strips properly. Sure enough, FOUR MONTHS LATER, I still have a VISIBLE, PERMANENT SCAR on my leg from this woman's carelessness. I wish I had left before she finished and just paid a few bucks for tip. I consider this kind of experience for a body care procedure totally irresponsible and I hope nobody else has to have the same experience from this esthetician. I think it was Christina -- steer clear. read more

Moving sucks. You have to find all new everything and its exhausting. Luckily, I at least have my waxing situation figured out now that I've found High Maintenance. I'm very particular about who I choose to wax my nether ye (high five if you immediately though of Amy Farrah Fowler) and this place ticks all the boxes. It's warm, clean, and convenient to me. It's pricing is in line with the level of service they provide, and the environment is a cozy and inviting one. Best of all is my esthetician Christina. She is wonderfully efficient (who really wants to draw that out?) and very thorough. She is also a lovely person. Conversation with her is so easy that I can almost forget that I'm there so she can rip hair from my body...almost. read more

This was my first time at High Maintenance and I received one of their popular facials. The facial didn't do much for my skin. I didn't see much difference between the before and after of the facial. I've had facials before that left my skin soft like butter and my face was glowing. This facial didn't do much at all. Also, I often find that skin care places recommend the store's products after the facial. High Maintenance was no different. The esthetician recommenced a retinol, sunscreen and face wash. I had never heard of these brands but I have a hard time saying no to recommendations but should have known to pass on the products. The sunscreen she recommended was really thick and felt really heavy on my face throughout the day. Unfortunately it was a waste of money. She also recommended a retinol which I should have immediately said know to. Retinol is a product I want to research and feel confident of its quality and will work for my skin. I'm bummed I went to High Maintenance and wasted money on the facial and the products. read more

I only stopped by briefly but these ladies know their products!! I am sure to return for one of their many facials, although they seem to be booked out aways... Bonus-this place attracts some hottie guys! It's a crapshoot whether they'd be more interested in me or my brother... ; )? anywhoo... read more

if I could, i'd give a 5 for mericke and a 2 for their receptionist. I have seen Mericke 4 or 5 times now for Brazilians, pits, legs, etc, and I have to say that she is amazing. she is thorough and easily sociable. i've had a lot of experience feeling awkward with other waxers but Mericke puts me at ease and does a great job. hard wax is the best for my skin which tends to get lots of ingrowns and red bumps with soft waxes. i guess the soft ones pull your skin and irritate it more. the negative here is their receptionist (i think she also does nails) who seems pretty inappropriate and not up to speed on basic customer service. for example, i called for an appointment and she said that the owner's daughter and all her friends were coming in for waxing before their trip to mexico, and would be taking the room up the whole day i wanted to be seen. now, i am pretty reasonable and have no issue with the owner giving her daughter some perks...but you should not be telling me this. couldn't you just say it was booked? she even put me on hold to ask the owner if it was confirmed and came back to say "the owner needs it for her daughter and all her friends." then she proceeded to advise me against seeing Mericke because she had to cancel some clients the other day due to an illness. why are you telling me her medical business? why would this make me not want to see her? this next piece is second hand...a friend told me she had gotten a "reminder" call the afternoon before her morning appointment. the receptionist then went on to say if she didn't cancel 24 hours in advance she would be charged... and went on to say since there were now less than 24 hours before her appointment she would get charged if she missed it, so she really should show up. this friend had never "no showed" or even canceled before, so why are you saying all this? better not to say anything or to do your reminder calls in a timely way. read more

There are not enough words to describe the fantastic-ness of High Maintenance. All their services and products are top-notch and all the girls who work there (Naomi, Mericke, Jennifer and Kristy) preform/administer them brilliantly. A few of my favorites are the Brazilian bikini wax (almost painless!) spray-tan (great "I-look-like-I-have-been-in-Mexico-for-a-week" brown color and not "Halloween" orange) and the Glo-on-the-Go! (irritation-free facial!) I have been going there for the past 6 + years and have no plans on ever leaving! Thank you for all your awesome services throughout the years, girls! read more

I had an amazing appointment with Anna who did my first Brazilian and eyebrow wax/tint. I loved it!! My brows were perfect and the shape and color were ideal for the make up that I wear and my face shape. Not to mention, Anna was super cool, really easy going and comfortable to be with. However, I did have an experience with the receptioninst who was rude, indifferent and snobby. I had a few questions that were I guess too intricate for her and she just seemed burdened to have to deal with me. I got that vibe the first time too but ignored it once I went in with Anna for my service. I'd give this place more stars but it seems that Anna's no longer there so.....I'll probably never go back! read more

I'm from Hawaii and attended school in Seattle and was in desperate need to find the perfect waxer. After two fails I finally found High Maintenance.... I walked here twice to get my brazillian and brows done, and it was so worth it. I remember my first time Naomi did my waxing and I felt comfortable talking with her which is so important. I used hard wax and love it. I had hard wax in Hawaii, but when my waxer did it it hurt a bit. But when Naomi did it, it seriously almost felt painless. I asked why the difference? and she explained she's been doing this for years and it takes practice to develop her technique. I was convinced and fell in love with her waxing and her beautiful salon. read more

Naomi is it! She is the best esthetician/waxer I have ever been to (and there have plenty), for real for real. I live in SF now and I still can't find anyone as fast, thorough, professional, friendly, and down-right awesome as her in either town. I have recommended her to all of my good friends and they are all now faithful followers too. Let's just put it this way, I make sure to book an appointment with her every time I am heading back in town... read more

This is the best waxing spa ever! Mericke is truly amazing! I have been going there for a little over a year and pleased every single time.

Had a meh facial here. They kept pushing other services. I hate that. Just let it go, I have an hour to relax, leave me be!!! Literally, the waxing at Gene Juarez is much better, and its super easy to get an appointment. And the locale is super grungy--I applaud their effort to go into a not so nice part of the Hill, but it creeped me out when I was in there. Can't recall the name of the employee who worked with me. Never been back. read more

Love this spot! Great shop, perfect ambiance. Paige is incredible at both facials and waxing. Her technique is top-notch and she's such a sweetheart, it was always fun to go get hairs ripped out ;) Thanks High Maintenance! read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVVVVVVE this place. EVERYONE is amazing at what they do. As soon as you walk in you are at peace due to the citrus smell and relax environment . Services are done quickly but always perfect! highly recommend to anyone needing any lady service done. 5Stars all the time read more