I went to Merle Norman for a bikini wax after my sister suggested I try it out (er...Merle Norman, not a bikini wax). It was my first time, so I was definitely looking for recommendations! When I called to book the appointment, the person on the phone was a bit abrupt, but seemed to know her stuff when I asked a couple of questions. The location itself is very clean, and everyone seems to be very professional. My esthetician was very nice and friendly, and quite efficient - after all was said and done, I think I was in and out in 10 minutes (it was just a basic bikini wax). Overall, my experience was fine, except for a few things: - I told the esthetician (who I believe was Fran) that it was my first time, so any extra info would be great. She didn't explain anything that she was doing, and didn't give me post-waxing skin care tips, which would have been great for this waxing newbie. - The esthetician didn't wear gloves, I thought that was something people did? They do have a handwashing station though, and I watched her wash her hands before she got started. - Despite having done this for 10 years, the esthetician didn't use the same kind of technique I expected from reading up on bikini waxes (e.g. adding pressure to the area after pulling off the wax strip to reduce the stinging). Yes, bikini waxes hurt (I said damn!), but a little help to take away the sting would have been super. Overall, it was fine, and the price was right - $15 + tax and tip. And I'll probably end up going back, because I don't have any other recommendations for local places. But, considering it was my first time, I was sorta hoping for a little more. read more

Denise is the best! My eyebrows love her! Place is well taken care of, owner truly cares about the customer experience!

Visited Merle Norman based on reviews. I needed a new place to do my waxing because i got tired of the "chop shops" who always rushed me and always left my legs a mess. I received a full leg and bikini wax for $66 plus tip. Fran was really good and took her time. She gave me a little brown skirt to maintain modesty. Just the right amount of conversation to get to know me and managed to make the pain of waxing more bearable. Unlike the other review she very subtly pulled the skin tight to make it less painful. The location is very clean and attractive and staff were attentive to customers. Will be back for other waxing services in the future. read more

I made an appointment for my nails done, and when I came back for my appointment the next day, I found the woman who booked me gave me bad information, and they couldn't even do what she had booked me for. So instead I decided to just get porcelain nails and polish put on. The woman was so rough with the coarsest nail board, I now have cuts all over my cuticles and fingertips. She then repeatedly had me put my hands in alcohol and acetone. Two hours later and my fingers still hurt. She didn't listen to anything I said to her, and didn't fix any of the things I asked her to fix. When I asked for a very sharp, square edge to be rounded off, she instead just filed it in-word creating a stair-step in my nail which was even worse and STILL NOT ROUNDED. When two of the chemicals interacted and caused bubbling, she didn't stop to tell me what happened. Instead she just started to put nail polish over the now rough and scary looking area until I stopped her and asked her to re-do it. The store itself was probably fine, but be careful who you let work on you. I've used this company's products in the past and enjoyed them, which is why I went to them in the first place. I will not shop from this particular location ever again. read more

I always find it's a hit or miss with the Bramalea City Centre branch of Merle Norman. I recommend Pam for waxing and Amanda for facials. I don't recommend going to anyone else other than these two for these specific services. Pam and Amanda really take their time and they're very detailed with what they do. They're also nice and provide friendly service. Aside from these two ladies, this Merle Norman offers mediocre service and has unfriendly staff. If you're looking for something quick and don't care about small talk, it's a great place. The unfriendly staff is always off putting though and personally, it's been hard to look past. Whether it's checking in for an appointment, waiting on the chairs, or cashing out, the staff are really unfriendly. read more

I have been a client of Merle Norman's for well-over 10 years now. I tried to book an appointment with Krishna but considering she wasn't available, I got Mayuli (new employee) and was told she's very experienced so I was like "okay cool". I went in for my appointment and let me just say that Mayuli does NOT have good customer service skills. 1) I waited 10 minutes from my appointment time and when she got in she didn't introduce herself. She didn't apologize for the wait. She didn't ask me what I wanted. She didn't say ANYTHING. 2) She cut my nails SO SHORT (especially my big toes) that my nail bed was exposed. IT HURT SO MUCH WHEN I GOT HOME. I remember flinching when she did it (by the way she didn't say sorry) but I didn't feel it much when I left. It took about a week and half until I could wear socks and closed toe shoes comfortably. Might I add this is WINTER? Couldn't even wear sandals!!! 3) What she was wearing was VERY unprofessional. Im sorry? But I don't want to see your boobs hanging out, especially from where I was sitting. lol. You're supposed to be a professional SPA. Dress professionally! 4) I was told my nails were dry. When I got home all my nails were smudged. I was furious. 5) You were eating ice cream like a child in a clients chair in front of clients.. UNPROFESSIONAL. 6) She didn't even speak English. Merle Norman used to be SO good. I remember when the women there were amazing at what they did..now they hire anybody. I am a certified Aesthetician and I'm sad to say that this place has gone down the drain. You guys should learn how to keep your client base, not drive them away.I'm not only going to stop going here, I will let others know about my experience and hope to God they don't as well. Also, I got a wax job done from Amanda - wasn't pleased at all by this. It was speed waxing which was fine, but I got home with wax left over on my skin. Great job Amanda...great job. read more

I came in expecting to see Felicia so she can do my eyebrows, but I learned quickly that she is hardly there now. I should of known to text the number she gave me to find out when she works. Unfortunately, I lost her number on the card. Felicia is the best person to ask for eyebrows, she never makes them thinner. She takes her time, I notice shes pays close attention to what she does. Shes the BEST person to ask for eyebrows. I just wished businesses like this one would acknowledge their best employees more and not allow bullying that would make someone want to quit their job. When I come in to get my eyebrows done, I don't want to hear how stupid the owner and other employees are. Someone needs to speak to the new girl at the front about it because shes not professional at all. read more

Well, all I can say is maybe their staff members are nicer to men than they are to women. :/ I was a repeat customer with Merle Norman in the Bramalea City Centre for a while but I stopped going there after one of their aestheticians seriously gave me attitude. I had an appointment for a half-hour massage scheduled with her for a specific time. I was on time for my appointment, but then she kept repeatedly letting other customers go ahead of me! I waited around for a while but then I just got fed up and left! Since then, I've never gone back. I would only return to Merle Norman at that location for any service if they have had a major staff turnover. Otherwise, forget it! I honestly much prefer Aria Day Spa in Brampton for waxing, manis/pedis, massages and any other aesthetic treatment. They are much more professional in their behaviour and far more courteous toward their customers. Joe, maybe the lady who performs your services is just in love with you or something, because I certainly don't think their staff are all that great. read more

I'm going on vacation tomorrow and decided to get a Brazilian wax for the first time. I decided to try Merle Norman at Bramalea City Centre based on the review of Lata P. When I made the appointment the receptionist was helpful and polite. When the time came for my appointment it was totally different. As I walked in I saw all the girls working in the salon walk into the back room. I figured that this was momentarily, and that someone would be out to assist me. As I stood there I could see one of the girls sitting in the back room staring at her phone screen. I stood there waiting for her to acknowledge me but she never looked up from her screen. Finally I called out to see if anyone was actually working, and a second girl then came to the front. No apologies, not even a smile just "oh..." I told her I was here for my appointment to which she replied with another oh so intelligent "oh.." and "I'll be back" she went into the back room once again and as she came back proceeded to tell me it will be another 10 minute wait, as the girl who would be assisting me was not there for some reason. I was on time and this is a scheduled appointment so why should I have to wait? They were not busy and I was the only customer in the salon. Again, I thought her whole demeanour, attitude and lack of customer service skills to be very off-putting. Being that this was my first time I was already feeling uncomfortable, but the staff there made me feel it even more. I then decided that it was ridiculous to wait when there are 50 other places in that mall that I could go. I left and went to "Nails for You" located in the mall. It was cheaper, really fast and they were very skilled. I will be returning for sure! I'm soooo happy I didn't go to Merle Norman. If the service was that poor, I can only imagine how bad the skills. My advice: Save some money and go to Nails for You. It may not be as appealing visually but the staff is actually professional, act as they want your business and they do a great job! I never posted reviews online but thanks to the lovely girls at Merle Norman I just couldn't help myself. read more