I had a really excellent experience at Nitty Gritty! Was greeted warmly upon arrival as a nervous first timer, and Julia is an absolute superstar. I love the vibe of this salon - super bright, trendy, and conveniently located in the Village Gate Plaza. The website answers any and all questions about your cut, color, or wax in advance, with a demystifying FAQ page and a full before and after care list. My service was ~30 minutes long and I felt totally comfortable for the duration. Nitty Gritty goes out of their way to ensure their salon is an LGBTQ+ safe space - there's specific information on waxing if you're transitioning, an ask for pronouns at the time of registration, and a truly welcoming atmosphere for all. This alone will keep me coming back and supporting, but the fact that the service is so top notch is a nice added bonus. The reviews don't lie, Nitty Gritty is the best. Looking forward to my next visit and grateful to have this awesome shop in town! read more

Nitty Gritty Hair and Wax - Hair Stylists Near Me - Rochester, New York

Nice people and spot. Julia is the best in the business. I keep my appointments for about three years now. I haven't had an issue yet. I'll recommend anybody to go there who has class and sense. read more

My first Visit today was great. Everyone was professional, courteous, on time and flexible. Panda, who provided my service did an incredible job. I can't imagine a better experience!! Thank you!! Sue Sullivan read more

I didn't think I would ever be in a place where I would want to get waxed. Then my wife suggested it. I found Julia when someone suggested Nitty Gritty because they will work with men (Brazilian). I have to say I absolutely LOVE her. She makes it as comfortable as it possibly could be. Talking to her is like talking to an old friend. It's truly LGBTQ+ friendly there. I highly recommend Julia for anyone looking to get any waxing done. She's the best! read more

I have been going to see Cidy on and off for over 2 years now and let me tell you, I will NEVER go to another waxer as long as I live. Not only is she super professional, super skilled, and super thorough, but she's also one of the most genuinely fun and amazing people I've ever had the pleasure to know. Despite seeing dozens of people between my visits, she always remembers the conversations we had and is genuinely interested in whatever I have to say. Waxing is generally unpleasant, putting hot wax on your body and ripping the hair out is always going to be painful whatever anyone says, but Cidy brings laughter into the situation, making it much more pleasant. I highly recommend her for your waxing needs, any and all of them! read more

After extensive research, I found Julia at Nitty Gritty for my bikini wax needs. After several years of on and off okay service in DC, I was hesitant to try a new place, but Julia knows her stuff. She used soft wax for our first appointment which made me nervous, as previous experience had left me sore and with ingrowns galore. Not the same with Julia. Super quick, nearly painless(I have a REALLY low threshold) and I wasn't left with a "meh" feeling. Three days later I still couldn't find anything wrong... a good sign, I'd say. Our second time around was even better and she had a great playlist, too. The place can be a bit difficult to find the first time, but it's totally worth navigating the maze. Go see Julia! read more

I couldn't get to my normal wax place, so decided to check this place out after looking at all the amazing reviews. I was not disappointed at all! This place was kind of hard to find because it's hidden in an old, mall-type of building. There's plenty of parking in the back though. The staff was super friendly from beginning to end. I got a Brazilian wax with Cidy, who was great. It wasn't the quickest wax I've had, but she was very engaging in conversation which took my mind off the wax itself. Plus, I received a student discount. :-) Definitely recommend this place for waxing services. read more

I am beyond ecstatic with how my first appointment went at the Nitty Gritty! Brooke did an awesome job with my hair! Backstory: I had tried out another salon for baylage in the ROC and though I liked what the stylist had done to my hair, the customer service was just terrible. I waited for a long time, the stylist never introduced themselves (I had to introduce myself to get her to say her name), I'm really particular about what I use on my hair and in fact brought my own shampoo and conditioner because I am that particular. She kept trying to push products on me ( which I get, you're a salon), but when I'm liking what my hair is doing and have voiced it, please listen! I went back to my car and just cried because I felt like my voice wasn't heard. There's more that went wrong, but it's in the past now! After long research, in comes the Nitty Gritty! Angela was awesome in getting me in (even though they were booked pretty solid) and even called me back to let me know there was an opening, she kept checking on me to see if I wanted things to drink... I just loved the vibe of it from the get-go! Then enters the fabulous Brooke! She asks me right off the bat what I love about my hair and what I don't like about it? What do I do to my hair? And we just spoke through everything of what she was going to do and made me feel so at ease. She totally understood that I love my wild lion mane of hair and didn't want to change that in any way. She also explained to me what layers could do to my face (ultimately I decided not to change up my hairstyle as I just wanted to ease into everything and she totally respected that and never tried to push). I never felt like my hair was sub-par (I left feeling that way after leaving the other salon), Brooke explained to my why she picked the colors she picked and why it was more of a gradual change and not an "OMG you completely changed your hair". By doing this, she said I can always choose to brighten it, but I'm also not a person who loves to keep up with a ton of hair care, so the gradual approach was perfect. I felt like I was listened to, respected, and just all in all, left feeling so incredibly happy where my inside beauty reflected on the outside. The Nitty Gritty will definitely see me again :) my hair on the bottom is a day after the visit and on the top what my hair looks like on a normal day, just for reference. read more

Nitty Gritty Hair and Wax - Hair Stylists Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I just started working at Village Gate, and while moving in, kept passing this really lovely salon. There are 100's of salons in this area, and figuring out where to go has always overwhelmed me, but it had been ages since I'd had my hair or eyebrows managed by professionals so I made an appointment. I am so happy that I did. Bonnie Hahn did a great job taming and shaping my wild, unkempt brows. I'm very happy with the outcome. Brooke Matz made me look like a new woman--something I desperately needed. I haven't felt this good or happy about my hair in a long time. Brooke is a miracle worker. I brought in pictures of models with hair color and cut that I liked and she did a masterful job of interpreting the looks on me. I don't think I've ever brought pictures to a salon before and had the outcome so closely resemble the pictures. I'm thrilled. Both the cut and color, which took a lot of time and care on her part, came out beautiful and look good no matter how I style it. I love the salon itself too. It's quirky, but still feels high-end/posh. Everyone who worked there was welcoming and I was impressed with the work the other stylists were doing as well. The place is the perfect mix of quality and character. I 100% intend to be a regular for both Brooke and Bonnie. I'm so grateful that I stumbled on this place. read more

Best Brazilian wax I've ever had. I've been to quite a few places in Rochester just haven't been that impressed until I came here. Cidy was fantastic, quick and painless. She made the process so comfortable! Highly recommended read more

I STILL LOVE CIDY YOU GUYS And they recently remodeled! It's so cool/funky/industrial/urban/welcoming! :) read more

I was in town for a few weeks and needed a full brazilian before going away on vacation. I didn't know where to go but am SO GLAD I stumbled upon this place (thanks to other Yelpers). Cidy is ADORABLE, personable, full of energy, and most importantly, thorough. There is nothing left behind (which happens from time to time) and I walked away completely satisfied. She is so easy to talk to and she stays so focused to give you the best. It is more expensive than what I'm used to but it is worth every penny! I can't wait to go back...now that I have a place in Rochester I can use if/when I need to again. :-) You won't be disappointed! Oh, and the woman at the desk is extremely friendly and helpful. I couldn't figure out how to get to the Nitty Gritty, and she helped very patiently to explain. Bonus points for true customer service. :-) read more

After having a couple Brazilians at another place in Rochester (where the woman told me after she finished that if I didn't already have a boyfriend, I should go out and get one), I am so glad that this place exists. I made my appointment with Julia after my last wax in NYC, where the woman made me promise not to shave in between and, for some reason, I felt an obligation to keep my promise to her. The salon is bright and inviting. Julia was incredibly kind and warm for an experience that has the potential to be awkward as hell. She totally put me at ease (and had on Janet Jackson Pandora), and then proceeded to give me the most painless wax. EVER. I was mentally prepared for it, and then...nothing. Less pain that having my eyebrows waxed. I felt weird being so enthusiastic about it, but a great wax is hard to find and she made me a Nitty Gritty convert. Price-wise, it's about where it should be, and a Brazilian isn't really the time to be pinching pennies. read more

The most welcoming and comforting experience. Highly recommended. I am so happy I found Nitty Gritty! Julia is amazing at what she does -- I only have good things to say about her and her services. read more

I absolutely love coming here! It's not far from my job, so it's easy to jump in the car after work for appointments. They are also very flexible when it come to availability. I've gone in the middle of the day as well as after work. The atmosphere at Village Gate is also pretty unique, which I love. I often find myself strolling to other places after my appointments. Cidy is a waxing expert. She's very thorough and makes sure to check in with you before she does anything. On a personal note, she's really great at remembering personal details and getting to know you. The space is also very relaxing. I also just started going to Nitty Gritty for haircuts and color. I wanted a new radical color (think: fire engine red) and Jen had great advice about how to put the color in, how to maintain the look and loads of experience working with "non-traditional" hair colors. She was a great balance of good and helpful conversation without being overbearing. I don't get my hair cut that often, but when I do I will definitely be coming back! This place is such a gem. They are also committed to supporting local non-profits. (ex: a recent fundraiser for Trillium Health) I have nothing but great things to say about this place! read more

Honestly I was *super* nervous to get a brazilian and only did it because I was wearing a Jane-Birkin-Nearly-Naked-Dress and, hey, it was my wedding day. But Julia eased my nerves with her sense of humor and then gave me a truly gentle wax. She may have even swayed me from being a (usually) hairy hippie. read more

Beautiful salon with a very welcoming and relaxing setting. All employees were very nice and attentive and everything is very clean. I came in for an underarm and bikini wax. Bikini was great and much less painful than other places I've been. Paid close attention to detail and took the time to pluck any strays. My underarms had a lot of strays that I'll have to shave but I think that's due to the hairs being a little short and my first time getting them done! Will definitely return! read more

Nitty Gritty Hair and Wax - Waiting area - Hair Stylists Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Great place, great esthetician! First, whoever decorated this place, please pay me a visit! Right down to the mason jars they serve you water in, to the local art advertised in the restroom, just perfect! Cidy? Super cute, friendly, and helpful! And that lady knows how to hold a distracting and hilarious conversation. And I don't know the area and she walked outside the building to greet me! Being a Brazilian virgin, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. I'm no pain enthusiast by any means, but not a curse word was spewed! Now my only complaint is the hard to find location! Maybe because I'm unfamiliar with Rochester as a whole, and it's probably more of an issue with the building as opposed to the salon but a little more clear signage would be great! I'll definitely be back! read more

So accommodating with scheduling, so pleasant on the phone. They can always fit me in that week(sometimes the next day).Bonnie is fantastic. Always a treat to come here. read more

Julia is the only woman who can make me laugh and keep me 110% entertained while ripping my hair from the follicle. She is remarkably skilled with A++ customer service. Always willing to work with my schedule and always remembers what we've discussed even though appointments are 5 weeks apart. She is totally awesome - easily the BEST wax I've had or will ever have! read more

The ladies here are amazing! The service is professional and quick! I love the easy flowing conversations and how comfortable that make me feel each time I'm there. Thanks for being awesome! I will continue to send friends your way!! read more

I was here in April but just getting around to writing a review. Great experience and highly recommend! This was my first full Brazilian and I felt very comfortable and assured. Very happy with my results and fair price for the time and quality! read more

Bonnie is A++! Highly recommend this place, made me feel so comfortable and had an amazing experience

This place is so awesome!! Really friendly staff which creates such an inviting environment. Hidden in a old building a little tough to find but once I did it was definitely worth it. I had a appointment with Amanda for a Brazilian, I must say she did such a great job. She distracted me with great conversation and made me feel completely relaxed which is quite the task when receiving this type of wax!! I will definitely be seeing her next time I'm in town. read more

My cousin referred me to this place to get my hair done. I scheduled an appointment just a couple days out with Char (Charlotte). She was awesome. She did a great job on both cut & color. The price was right. The ambiance was comfortable. And all the ladies that work there were a total hoot. I'll be back, certainly. read more

I always come here for a Brazilian wax with Amanda. She's great. It never hurts and she does a perfect job. Love here and will always come. They also have student discount. read more

I was so happy to finally get a chance to stop down to The Nitty Gritty Hair and Waxing Parlor for a facial with Cidy. The salon is incredibly cute and everyone that works there is fabulous! It was such a relaxing experience: the music was lovely, the products smelled wonderful...and my skin feels incredibly soft! I would definitely recommend stopping by for a facial. I'll for sure be coming back! read more

Great experience with Bonnie for a wax! Always kind, thorough but quick, and professional.

You couldn't ask for a better bikini wax! Cidy, the esthetician, does everything she can to make you comfortable and relaxed during the waxing. Afterwards, you will be as neat and tidy as you've ever been. The salon itself is stylish and groovy, and the location in Village Gate Square is very convenient. Highly recommended! read more

I just moved from California to NY so this is my first time coming here. The name is funny and the people all seem very happy and nice. First impression was great! I met with Cidy my waxer. She also was upbeat and nice. I was taken to a room and given a small towel and towelette wipe and was left to undress. She came back in and started the wax process. I've been religiously waxing for over 10 years and she is by far the best! I was tired so I thought I would be more sensitive to pain but the whole thing was painless! She topped it off with an oil strip and with hazel cotton pad to clean off extra wax and soothe my smooth skin. This will be my new go to place! read more

I have gotten my hair cut, colored, eyebrows waxed, and had a stellar facial here. I feel so lucky to have found these talented ladies. I'd been going to Charlotte for hair cuts before she and co-owner Cidy opened the Nitty Gritty. Charlotte gives me the hair style I have been wanting for about 10 years - I'd get close - but never just what I was looking for. Charlotte seems to have a natural sense of what is good - for example - she picked my highlight colors and they are perfect for my skin tone. Her hair cuts are consistently great. Every day for me is a good hair day. That has never been the case so I am very happy! After a hair cut, I asked if Cidy had time to wax my brows - she did, and my brows have never looked so good. She took time and was very careful and methodical in her work. I could tell she was a perfectionist - and what a treat for me. My brows looked great, which really made a difference to my overall appearance. I started feeling desperate for a facial, and after my great brow experience, I decided to schedule a facial with Cidy. I just got back from it. It was heavenly. It was the most luxurious and relaxing facial I've ever had. While masks are doing their thing (and afterwards), she massages your head, neck, face, shoulders, arms, hands and feet. She made me feel more calm and peaceful than I can remember. My face looks great, and I am so grateful for the wonderful experience. read more

I was so worried about finding a new waxer when I moved - totally unwarranted! Amazing atmosphere, cleanliness, skill, and comfort :D

Julia is awesome! I love how chill she is and makes the service so natural...she also plays great tunes! Won't leave her!!!

So, after reading all the amazing reviews - I decided I needed to try this place. I recently moved to Rochester (from Buffalo) and have been searching for a new place for waxing. I went in one day just to check it out and when I walked in I got the most amazing reception. Everyone was super friendly and outgoing and immediately catered to me. I explained why I was there and what I was looking for. My first impression was this - very clean, cool vibe, great people. I made my appointment for the following Saturday. Upon entering for my appointment - the receptionist ( I cant remember her name) immediately remembered who I was from the week prior and was super friendly. Asked if I wanted coffee or water - said Julia would be right with me. Julia is A-W-E-S-O-M-E - super sweet, friendly, easy to talk to. There was no awkwardness as you're pulling down your pants for a Brazilian. The waxing room was super clean, lovely décor and great music playing the background. I was in and out in about 30 minutes. The most painless wax I've ever had (and I've been doing this for 10 years) I truly can't say enough good things about this place - already made my follow up appointment :) read more

I visited this location for a brow and lip waxing. The customer service was great. The salon was also nice but for the price paid and an "okay" job on the brows, I'll stick to my regular spot for less. read more

I just moved to Rochester (a little over a week ago) and I searched Yelp for waxing. I am so happy that I choose The Nitty Gritty Hair and Waxing Parlor. Cidy was my esthetician and she was amazing. What can be awkward was like normal girl talk. My bikini waxing was quick and almost painless. I also, got my underarms and eyebrows waxed and was very happy with there results. This is the only place I plan on going because Cidy was awesome, I want to make her my new Rochester bestie. read more

Bonnie is so great and provides a fantastic waxing experience. She takes her time and is surprisingly not too painful. Such a friendly woman and makes you very comfortable. The brief interactions I've had with other staff there has been great, as well. read more

Beautiful location, friendly staff. I've been to several places for a Brazilian where they miss or leave several hairs or small sections of hairs. Amanda did an amazing job, didn't miss a thing! read more

Nitty Gritty is awesome! Straight-up style! Amazing atmosphere! Comfortable and casual, but also professional and decked out AF! Charlotte's easy and natural personality made me happy to spend 2+ hours in one place, and I walked out looking and feeling like a Goddamned superstar! My color and cut were exactly what I asked for and was hoping for. She took her time, and it made me understand that she takes a great amount of pride in the work she does. This place is 100% heart! read more

I happen to be in town for a family reunion and my sister-in-law suggested we go get Brazilians together. She told me to pick the place and we'll go. So I looked up reviews I did my research and decided to check out nitty-gritty. I was definitely a little leery about pursuing another Brazilian after my first horrible experience. upon entering we were greeted by the receptionist with a very warm and friendly hello. She then asked me if I had an appointment and I told her yes me and my sister-in-law had appointment for 1:30 for waxing. She then informed me that Amanda Would be the Esthetician to be waxing us and was finishing up with another client. She offered us a glass of water, tea or rosé while we waited. We went with Rosé. Amanda greeted us and welcomed us into the back room. It was very clean and comfortable. Amanda worked fast and did a fantastic job making the process as least painful as possible. It was a great experience and when I come back in December I will return. read more