On my never-ending quest for an aesthetician in DC who does not double-dip the stick, I began here, at the recommendation of some of the women from http://www.yelp.com/biz/georgetown-electrolysis-and-skincare-arlington#hrid:7Ne-n3ElmzH9BR5OD3pnLg. It took me a month to get an appointment with Tammy, and when I did, I was pleased with her personality, we had a lovely conversation about Vietnam and Buddhism, and we also discussed the importance of health/food/ingredients. I loved her as a person, and saw for full leg/Brasilian appointments on two occasions. However, I returned home to San Francisco and saw my aesthetician there (to whom I'd been loyal for 4 years while living in SF, and with whom I am now friends), and she warned me and reminded me of the extreme dangers of double-dipping the stick into the wax - especially during a Brasilian. As such, I no longer feel comfortable coming to see Tammy at Polished, since she double dips the stick in the wax. As far as her technique goes, Tammy is awesome. But given my concerns regarding proper hygiene standards and practices, I wish the Washington DC metro cosmetics board did a better job with respect to regulation, enforcement and accountability. read more

Polished of Georgetown - Don't Fall In! (literally, en route to the loo) :p - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Well. I have used their two services ( waxind and pedicure) and my experience was really good. I like their service and will continue to use their offered services again and again. read more

Although I made an appointment and didn't get waxed until 30 mins later, Tammy was amazing! So quick and professional. All the workers here are so kind! Prices are unbeatable for the area. Will be coming back! April 2018: Lisa did an excellent job at my gel manicure. She helped pick the perfect color knowing that being a healthcare professional, my hands are always being washed. She was efficient and took her time. Everyone was very polite! They accommodated me the day of. Call in for an appointment! read more

Polished of Georgetown - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Gorgeous salon!! And great location! Got my eyebrows done here while on vacation- and couldn't believe how amazing they looked! I usually never let anyone touch my brows but after I got them done here, now I don't ever want to go anywhere else! Tammy is so sweet, not rough on the brows, and very professional. I can't stop admiring my eyebrows now! read more

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I started going here based on the recommendation from a friend when I decided to start getting waxes. Best decision ever! Tammy is such a professional and gets the job done. It's affordable and they move fast. read more

I have been here 3-4 times to have my eyebrows waxed. I don't require much, just cleaning up and light shaping. Every time I come, Tammy does a nice job of cleaning up my brows. My problem is that she not once asked how I would like my eyebrows to look before she started waxing. I thought it was standard procedure to discuss what will happen before it happens. Well, I've always left with clean eyebrows, with no shape; not a happy customer, not a sad customer. Yesterday, as per usual, Tammy went right in and started cleaning up. This time, she took scissors and not only cut my eyebrows down to nothing, but literally left little cuts and scratches on my eyelids. This was a first for me. I saw it in the mirror when I left, and in retrospect should have said something, but I was too shocked. See the photo. I'm never going back. read more

Polished of Georgetown - Cuts and scratches on my eyelids. Not good! - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

To be completely honest, for the price you pay and the lovely atmosphere you will be in, it doesn't get any better than this. Tammy is the fastest, cheapest, and friendliest waxer in the area, hands down. Her salon is very well kept and the decorating job she did is great. I got lucky with making my last minute appointment, however you want to call a week ahead of time. The only thing that stunk about today's visit was that my appointment time was for 10:35 but didn't get helped until 10:50 (10 minutes before my meter ran out! Eek!) Thankfully, Tammy not only had me finished in time, she went the extra mile with the waxing too. If you're concerned about anything, she will talk you through it and put you at ease. Amazing! It's not near a metro stop and parking is a pain, but this place is definitely worth the drive out to Georgetown. Wax on! Wax off! read more

Polished of Georgetown - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

On a whim I popped into Polished on a weekday afternoon hoping they'd be able to fit me in for a mani/pedi. After descending the stairs I found the surprisingly plush surroundings. I received a friendly greeting and after picking a nail color I relaxed into a comfortable chair where a portable foot bath was placed at my feet. I wish I could say that this footbath was in some way classy or luxurious to match the well-appointed environment. Sadly it was not. It was low-quality and cheap; likely something procured at CVS or the like. This caused me to wonder, why would Polished take such care with their space but not equal care with things that matter to nail salon patrons like, say, spa chairs? Today spa chairs with built in massage controls, and whirlpool mechanisms in the attached foot baths, are commonplace. I'm not sure why Polished omitted them. To be fair, the manicure and pedicure I received at Polished was good. Both technicians that worked with me were extremely personable and very fun to talk to and they did a great job on my hands and feet. I'd definitely consider going back. Here's what Polished needs: More staff to accommodate walk-ins (several people were turned away while I was there) An autoclave to sterilize tools (this goes a long way to put customers at ease) Spa chairs (really, why NOT?) Like I've said before, it almost seems like a fantasy that once upon a time in SF I got $27 mani/pedi's (yes, BOTH for $27) that included a relaxing time in a spa chair and a hand and foot massage, not to mention NEW files and buffing squares for each client and tools that were sterilized in an autoclave chamber! And so, the search for a clean, well-priced mani/pedi in DC continues. . . read more

I've been coming to Polished for years and never felt like changing! Tammy does an amazing job and is always super nice and efficient! Lisa also does an amazing job with my mani+pedis and always goes the extra mile to make her clients happy. Love the beautiful nail art she gave me today. Highly recommend. read more

Polished of Georgetown - Thanks, Lisa! - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Tammy is crowned Queen of Affordable Waxing in the District of Columbia! $30. 20 minutes. Moments of excruciating pain. Smooth as a baby's bottom. I concur with all positive reviews of Tammy and the Brazilian wax. There was no wait (I had an a.m. appt). She did *not* talk on the phone when I saw her. She had a pleasant demeanor and chatted politely. She's beautiful and has a sophisticated air about her. She was fashionably dressed. Here are abbreviated details. If you want 100% dish, email me privately. She led me into the waxing room and asked me to remove all clothes from the waist down. She prepared the wax and donned gloves while I did that; then I got up on the high, cushioned table. She double-checked on my preferences, then started on the sides. Asked me to pull the skin below my abdomen taught. Pain was not too bad. The only truly painful moment was when she waxed the, um, front-and-center. She instructed me to take a deep breath. Then a quick couple of skilled moves. Lordy loo! I yelped uncontrollably. It hurt like the dickens! I mean, I was trembling when I got off that table. Then she moved down to do the rest, which was not bad. I was lying on my back, and she asked me pull my knees up to my chest so she could get the backside. She put wax *everywhere.* I mean, no millimeter was untouched. She waxed places I didn't know that I had hair! Before I knew it, it was over. She said I wouldn't need to return for 4 weeks. I had to pluck a grand total of 4 strays. I highly recommend Tammy for a full-monty Brazilian bikini wax. read more

Me: "Honey, how do you feel about getting a MALE Brazilian wax?" Curtis (smiling): "If you can find someone who'll do it, then I'll try it." (Words of true love ... or something like that.) It didn't take much to convince the husband to get a male Brazilian. He absolutely hates hair. In fact, he has gotten his chest and arms waxed several times. He's quite a warrior in that department. I called around to see if any spas or salons offered male Brazilians. There were several places, but they charged over $60. A little steep for our budget. Thank goodness for Yelp! I called Polished and made an appointment for a Brazilian. To my surprise, it only costs $25 whether you're a male or female. What a bargain! I was so excited (my husband on the other hand, started getting cold feet the night before the appointment.) But just how good is Tammy? Curtis was nervous, but Tammy has done male Brazilians before and didn't think anything of it (his "goods", I mean). He didn't feel a bit awkward. "It's my profession, honey", Tammy said. She has seen them all (you know what I'm talking about) before. Tammy was lightening-fast and thorough. She missed a few hairs, but my husband is the human equivalent of Chewbacca. No biggie. She certainly got to the "roots" of the problem! Har. Har. In 40 minutes, my husband was as smooth as a baby's bottom. My jaw dropped. What an incredible, almost life-altering transformation. Seriously. Oh. My. GOODNESS! The procedure was slightly painful around certain regions, but Curtis said it definitely wasn't as bad as he imagined. Steve Carrell in the waxing scene from "40 Year-Old Virgin" he was not. That scene is a major over-exaggeration of the pain you feel during waxing. Curtis and I are SO happy about his new Brazilian wax. He even wants to come back in five weeks. :-) Man up, guys! Male Brazilians aren't as bad as you think (take ibuprofen before your appointment if you have to). They aren't as uncommon either. If you're REALLY hesitant about getting a Brazilian, might I add that being bare-down-there has several benefits. (If you know what I mean.) Teehee. ;-) Helpful male Brazilian waxing FAQs: http://www.bodywaxingbykelly.com/ Update 9/17: We're returning on Saturday for his chest wax ($30)! read more

The following is a transcript of the telephone conversation between Vonetta Y and her boyfriend R, after Vonetta exited Polished: R: Hey sweetie-- V: OH MY GOD!! YOU SO BETTER BE HAPPY RIGHT NOW!! THAT WAS THE MOST PAINFUL EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!! IF YOU'RE NOT HAPPY WITH THIS, I'M GOING TO F*CKING KILL YOU!!! R: (sheepish) I love you... V: YOU SO BETTER!! OH MY GOD!!! THAT KIND OF PAIN IS SECOND ONLY TO CHILDBIRTH!!! IF YOU DON'T MAKE THIS WORTH MY WHILE-- R: (still sheepish) I'll try. V: OH MY GOD!!! MY ASS IS STILL REVERBERATING!!! THAT WAS HOT WAX ON MY ASSH***!!! R: (still sheepish) Well, I'm glad you did it.... I love you... V: YOU SOOOO BETTER!! OH MY GOD!!! Was it painful? Absolutely. It was my first time, I took 4 Advil before I went, and it still hurt like nothing I've ever experienced in all my years. That said, I'd even emotionally prepared myself for it, but nowhere near enough apparently. Actually, it's not so much the hair removal part that hurt as it was the hot wax on delicate places. Was it worth it? Ab-so-freakin'-lutely. I didn't get a Brazilian, just a standard bikini, and it feels so great! So smooth, and my bathing suit looked great by the pool this weekend. Tammy was freaking excellent, soooooo quick and efficient. After I'd stripped down, she took a look at me and said it'd only take 4 minutes, and it did. Granted, that was one of the most painful 4 minutes of my life, but she was amazing. She left no leaf unturned (for lack of a better cliche), warned me when things would make me yipe, and told me how to take care of the area post-op. But be sure to be explicit about what you want. At risk of this being TMI, I might have used the phrase "landing strip" and she took me literally. Sweet Jesus. Speaking of Jesus, I might have called His name several times and nearly started speaking in tongues, but Tammy paid me no mind, staying focused and strictly professional while I sought supernatural soothe. All that being said, if you're going to get your lady (or man) parts cleaned up, Tammy's the one to go to. She's super quick and effective, and only $30, which is super ace. Thinking back, it was sooo worth it: 30 bucks plus a bit of pain made for a fanfreakingtastic weekend. :D read more

So I did it. I grew a pair then Tammy waxed them off. My carpet is now a hardwood floor. I walked into Polished yesterday after preparing myself with countless horror stories of how much it will hurt, how awkward it is to have someone so intimate with parts of my body not even my gyno has really seen and again how it will be more excruciating than anything (in some cases worse than birth) I will feel-- yea right, get an IUD and then we can talk about pain. Honestly... no big deal. I don't know if it was the four ibuprofen I popped a couple hours before or if I am just that awesome, but it really was no big deal. Yea my body jerked involuntary and I had to gasp a couple of times, but it was so quick that it wasn't really pain I felt, just discomfort. Tammy was all business. I walk in and immediately she instructs me to take my pants off and spread 'em. I did see a little blood on the strips from my freshly shorn lady hood, but that is normal (be worried if it is excessive bleeding). I was lucky enough to get an appointment the day after I called. This is her busy season, she says, and is booked for the next two weeks. Definitely call ahead and have a couple times in your mind just in case. I love the $30 price tag, if I am going to be as smooth as a pre-pubescent girl I would prefer it fast, cheap and good. I thank Tammy for her services and after this weekend I think the boy will, as well. read more

I am a huge fan of Polished, even if I'm not necessarily a huge fan of Brazilian waxes (it's just so...so...so bare!). Tammy does them well, and believe the reviews - she is fast! Before you can even go "OUCHOHMYGODYOUWANTTOPUTHOTWAXONMYWHATNOW?" she's done. Really, done! Five minutes and you're good to go. Tammy is not necessarily chatty, but she answers your questions and has some good advice. Her tip to use Clearsil pads to prevent ingrown hairs has saved me and many of my friends from that agony (ah, first world problems indeed). A suggestion: Tammy is wax-happy, and even if you tell her that you don't want everything taken off, you have to keep an eye on her. Twice I asked for a little more....conservative Brazilian, and both times I got more taken off than I bargained for. If you want a landing strip you're going to have to speak up and remind her, because much like a Southern Baptist minister, the spirit overpowers her (or something) and next thing you know, you've got nothing left. Also yes, it is a little annoying to make an appointment but that is just testament to how good she is. Try to get your appointment later in the evening or if you can, during your lunch break or day off. read more

I've had to do some serious economizing lately. A crappy economy plus credit card debt plus student loans due this November means I've gotta cut back on some of the more costly things in my life. Like buying exercise equipment, working out in my building's fitness center, and cancelling the gym membership. And, unfortunately, finding a somewhat cheaper place to get a Brazilian. Poor me. There's probably someone living in some country I can't find on a map who only wishes he had my problems! Me: Hi, my name's Jason. I've had to quit getting a vanity treatment because I just spend too darn much money. I've even had to limit myself to one Belgian beer a week and eat NY Strips instead of ribeyes. Someone else: Hi, my name's Adil. My parents were gunned down in front of me when I was seven because they were members of the opposition party. I work 20 hours a day for slave wages in the factory of a greedy multinational corporation. I have no feeling in my hands anymore. Now I've been perfectly happy with my regular place, and would still gladly recommend it to anyone who asked, but with a monthly price tab of $90 (including tip), it was getting to be quite expensive. So I decided to take yelpers at their word when they swore by Tammy at Polished. Inflation. A crappy economy. Rising cost of living. I was thinking about all of this on the bus ride over here. Yeah, quite the justaposition, huh? Getting the most decadent, superficial treatment one can think of, and taking a bus filled with homeless people to get there. The irony isn't lost on me. I should sell that observation to Jay McInerny or Bret Easton Ellis :) If you're walking up Wisconsin, don't blink, 'cause you'll miss the entrance. If you're headed north, it's the second- or third door before you cross the street (they have a window sign, but they don't have an overhanging sign like a lot of the other shops on Wisconsin do). Go directly up the stairs and open the door in front of you (not behind, that's another shop). I won't bore you with the technical details (Jade's review is excellent and gives you a great overview on what a guy should expect), but it was super quick and virtually painless (oh, you'll feel some discomfort, but it wasn't anything nearly as bad as the 40 Year Old Virgin). There's some yoga-esque positions involved that I didn't have to do at my other place (which honestly had me cracking up at the time!) but man... I don't think I was in there much more than 30 minutes. And Tammy's very friendly and conversational. Within about five minutes we were chatting about my grad school program and how it sucked that I had to go back to work on such a gorgeous day :) And the price? $25. Yeah, you read that right. Twenny. Five. Freakin'. Bux. The verdict: if you've never had a Brazilian (man or woman), give it a shot. You'll only be out the price of a decent bottle of wine if you don't like it. But I'm willing to wager you'll keep coming back. The combination of friendliness, skill and price simply cannot be beat. Oh, and Polished is a really small operation. When I went it was just her and a manicurist. Don't be surprised if you can't get through and need to leave a message. Tammy's really good about getting back in touch! read more

Yes yes yes! I'm happily married and got waxed for the 1st time last night 7/6/10 Did it hurt- yes Did it hurt the entire time- no Would I do it again- yes Does the hubby love it- yes it hurt so good after wards lol ;-) Would I recommend a Brazilian wax to a friend- yes I want hubby to do it lol Was the wax hot- yes Was the location clean and easy to find- yes on the corner of P and Wisconsin upstairs. Notes: baby wipes in the bathroom, use them to freshen up and do not accidentally put them in the toilet because you have the always fresh cloths that are flushable at home. Then you see a sign that says do not put paper in the toilet. So then you have to reach into the toilet and pull the baby wipes out because Polished is very small and intimate that everyone will know you left the floating wipes in the toilet because you didn't care to follow the instruction of the salon! :-) This was a great place and Tammy is a riot! She is the queen of pain as she had all of her children with out pain killers!!!! I told her to have a little sympathy because it was my 1st time and she smiled and said okay! Did she have sympathy- NO. Lol I told her that the pain is worse than child birth and she said did you have your children natural? I said no. She said well you don't know what pain is! And that's when the queen of pain began read more

I came to Polished because of the rave reviews..I am speaking on two experiences with Tammy for the brazilian wax..both of which sad to say were very quick..but very bad. the first time i had an appointment...i missed it due to train delays and Tammy recommended me to go to a Nail shop right on the same street as The Walking Company...red letters..green stairs... it was run by Korean women...all of whom were very kind and spoke to me when i walked in. I got extremely nervous asking for the brazilian out loud..so I motioned it haha. the lady walked me to the basement...and this REALLY freaked me out...taking me to the torture chamber! I entered this small cold room which was clean..but..in a basement haha. anyway..despite the appreance of this place...that was the most painless first time brazilian ever ( except for the middle center) it just felt like I was getting my eyebrows waxed over and over....and most of all...there were no stray hairs anywhere..I was clean as a baby...and for almost 4 weeks I was completely hair and stubble free.......LOVE! however, when it was due for another brazilian..I finally made it with Tammy...she greeted me very cordially and was very proffesional....but here is where the problem lied...and I experienced this twice. First off, she never cooled off the wax....it burned so much it felt like boiling tar being placed on my lady parts..with no mercy. Not only this...she slathered it in a very wide section ( NOT cool) which made the removal part much more painful because she was snatching from a larger area...even on the sensitive bits. Also, she never properly got rid of the leftover wax residue...which made it extremely uncomfortable to get up. not only that..she was pretty rude to me...there is a difference between professionalism and just plain rudeness! the aftereffects.....now that is the nightmare...I followed her directions EXACTLY as she told me..and got almost 3 ingrown hairs, hair began growing back less than 3 weeks later and she even missed a few hairs...and the burning wax also left bruises... so..I will probably never go back to Tammy again, maybe she was having bad days..I don't know..but my two experiences at Polished were far from good......from now on I will continue to go the shop she recommended me to...much better service, never rude, excellent and longer lasting results...just don't let the hole-in-the-wall appearance of the waxing area put you off....sure..the price was about 5 dollars more than what Tammy charges..but it's worthit in my experience. read more

No Polished employee is ever going to win an award for best customer service... but the outcome of Tammy's bikini waxing is unbeatable. Excuse the crude visual, but she can wax EVERYTHING from your belly button around to your tailbone in 5 minutes flat! It's absolutely amazing. Expect no pleasantries, no wasted time, no waxer-client bonding, and NO allowances for prudishness or modesty; Tammy understands that we are all busy and doesn't pretend like either of us is there to learn the other's life story AND she definitely doesn't pretend that any amount of soothing or chatting is going to make a bikini wax NOT hurt... I love this. I can get in and out in 15 minutes and only pay $30! This is NOT the place for you if you expect a bikini wax to be a spa-like experience complete with soothing music, oils, and lighting. This also is NOT the place for you if you think it is possible to preserve privacy and dignity while you are naked from the waist down--except for your socks--holding acrobatic positions while PAYING someone to rip hair out of the part of your body that only your doctor/gyno and significant other want to see. Nobody at polished is messing around; Tammy gets it done quickly, and she gets it done well. read more

Amazing. That is all. Seriously. I'd heard rave reviews about "Tammy" but holy God I want to marry this girl now. She's amazing. And I don't know WHO wrote the lines about "she's not the chattiest blah blah blah" but I'm prettttttyy sure they were drunk and or high when they did. Both of which I do not condone. While she wasn't a chatterbox (which can get annoying-- trust me, I KNOW. I'm one.), she DEFINITELY kept me engaged in conversation the entire time-- which helped take my mind off of the pain (which admittedly wasn't bad at all-- I'm just dramatic in times like these). So, at the risk of exposing helpless readers to TMI (there's a vaccine, I'm sure), I had inadvertently "cleaned up" down there a few days before my appointment, forgetting the cardinal rule of Brazilian preparation. Tammy did what she could (giving me a "Cross" down there, which I'm totally okay with, being a good Christian girl and not caring what the boy thinks since-this-whole-ordeal-was-for-me-and-not-him), and then-- wait for it-- took twenty dollars off of my bill, I can only GUESS because she couldn't get everything?? WTF who DOES that today??! Tammy. That's who. That says volumes about her professional integrity and to me, that's SO rare to find these days. PLUS... IT WAS MY FAULT that I was clueless and didnt properly "let it flow" before my appointment. Incredible. Also, the staff there are wonderful. They were so friendly and conversational with everyone who came in-- it felt like a Georgetown family. Oh, and people who said they couldn't get an appointment until like a month later? Yous crazy. When I called they said they could take me that week. Overall, AMAZING and I will definitely be going here as much as I can in life. And I would recommend it to ANYone. Anyone who says ANYthing bad about this place needs to be institutionalized. Immediately. read more

First time Brazilian & I must say I'm very pleased! Tammy was more than professional & personable. I didn't feel the slightest bit uncomfortable having a conversation while "in position." It was super quick - less than 5 mins - & I can't imagine why anyone would want to make the process longer! It does hurt but c'mon did you really think a BRAZILIAN was going to tickle? Trust me once you take a look @ your carpet turned hardwood...you will quickly disregard the pain & make a follow-up appt. I know I did! The price ($30) is unbeatable & the salon is very chic! I must admit I couldn't locate the salon @ first, but it's nothing that 3 mins of common sense coupled w/ focus can't help locate. read more

I decided to give this place a try based on the Yelp reviews. I was in Georgetown on business and had some time to take care of my waxing needs so I headed to Polished. So, like everyone else has said in the reviews, the wax lady was fast. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes and the price was low. But as I have said in my other reviews, you get what you pay for. They use STRIP WAX for Brazilians. Wow... that was a first for me. I've always been told, and have only experienced, Brazilians with hard wax. That's the wax that you don't need to use cloth strips with. The reason being, hard wax is gentler for your skin, especially in that sensitive area, because hard wax only grabs onto the hair and no skin is yanked with it. Hard wax takes more skill by the aesthetician. So I guess that in and of itself says enough about this place. So the pain factor was minimized because it went fast... but I wouldn't recommend this place for Brazilians. read more

*This review is for Polished's Laser Hair Removal (IPL) Service* I hate to be so blunt about this on YELP but I have to say that Tammy is running a scam IPL business. I have been to various places for IPL treatments (In Asia and in NY) and I have never experienced anything as painful as the treatment Tammy provides. I am disappointed I bought into this scam since Polished markets their IPL package as largely needing 3 sessions -- and then every session after is touch-up. All other places i've been to suggest a longer series of sessions. The trick here is that Tammy sets the settings of the machine much higher than most other places do to get "expedited" results. And yes, it is true the results are somewhat expedited (i.e. after 1 session I already noticed a slowdown in hair growth which is quite remarkable), but expedited treatment also comes with excruciating burning sensation post treatment---- which lasts at least 14hrs snd some scarring. Imagine having to ice yourself constantly for at least 14hrs (trust me, i timed it) -- you're practically dysfunctional all day after the treatment. Sadly because I bought into a package of 3 sessions, I convinced myself to keep coming back until I finished my package. And each time when I complained to Tammy about the unusually long post-treatment burning, she had some excuse as to why that was "normal". I had also asked whether it was possible to lower the settings and prolong the sessions (similar to what other places do) just so I can avoid the unbearably long post-treatment pain, but her response was that she felt that by lowering the settings you don't see any effects. Not true --- as I have done IPL in other places which follow that prolonged system, and even though results took a longer time to be visible, at least there was hardly any post-treatment pain. Not to mention, Tammy was always half an hour late to each session, so much so that whenever Polished booked my appointment I needed to mentally add 30 minutes of time where I would be just kept lying in the treatment room waiting. I notice i'm not the only client on Yelp who has commented on her tardiness and lack of respect for time. Now that i've completed my IPL package, I definitely would not return to do it again. Even though after my 3rd and final session, I have seen a lag in hair growth, Tammy still said I needed another 4th or 5th session before I move on to touch ups ----- so much for saying 3 sessions after my first consultation! I highly encourage others to avoid Polished at all costs for IPL. Just get a pedicure or wax instead. read more

Tammy gives the BEST Brazilian wax in the universe! I have been going to her for a long time. Back then she charged $25 (amazing...right? lol), but now she charges $40 and I do not mind. She is definitely quick and will get you in and out in about 7-10 minutes. As far as double dipping, I never noticed and I have never had an issue down there. I will definitely recommend Tammy for beginners and please be sure to book an appointment in advance because her calendar gets full pretty quickly. read more

I don't get pedicures very often - usually a couple times in the summer so I am less self-conscious wearing sandals. Thing is, I spent the last two summers in NYC, where I was able to easily get a full mani-pedi with all the bells and whistles for under $30 - in most cases, way under. I've searched high and low for a similarly priced hygenic mani-pedi in DC, and it seems that if you pay under $40 here, you are asking for a staph infection. Polished, which charges $45 for a full mani-pedi, was the most reasonable bargain I found and they demonstrated excellent health standards. The nail woman (I think her name was Jenna) was very nice and talkative, and was able to suggest nail strengthener and foot-washing techniques to keep my toes in good shape. Very appealing and reassuring to somebody who takes a no-frills approach to spa treatments. The whole procedure took about an hour and included a shoulder massage and a really cool hand-waxing thing (you dip your hands in hot wax and then peel the wax off when it's cooled, leaving your hands nice and moist). Though it's hard to find since there isn't an outdoor sign (it's on the same floor as the Fringe Hair Studio), the interior is really nice and they were burning a lovely incense when I walked in. Because it's just Tammy and Jenna, it has a really friendly family-business feel to it - again, very reassuring for somebody like me. Basically, I have no complaints whatsoever about the service or the result - my nails all look fantastic and this is a very cozy salon. It's just that I know that if I were in NYC I would be charged half the price for the exact same thing. I guess that's something us DC-ites have to swallow. I went with 4 stars because I know that for DC this is a really great deal, but in my overall nationwide mani-pedi experience, it's closer to 3 or 3.5. PS: Though I doubt I'll ever be brave enough to get one myself, Tammy the Waxer is as efficient as everybody claims. Over the course of my hour, she saw at least five waxing customers, each one for no more than 15 minutes tops. And I didn't hear any Steve Carell-like screaming. read more

First time ever getting a Brazilian, and had a great experience. I called and left a message on a Wednesday about hoping to get an appointment for later that day or Thursday. They called me back twenty minutes later saying they had an opening that day. The waiting room was pleasant, and although I was taken about ten minutes late for my appointment, I was in and out of there so quickly (about six minutes) that it didn't matter at all. Tammy gave me exactly what I asked for, made sure I was comfortable, and made it as relatively pain free as possible. At $30 a pop, I'm so excited I've found a place for Brazilians that I can afford on my teacher's salary! read more

I've been going to Tammy for waxing services since 2011. As long as she is around I will ALWAYS go to her. I've tried one other place once. Never again. Nothing beats her services. She is quick and efficient. Very clean. I even went to her for a Brazilian when I was a few weeks away from giving birth years ago. It was hilarious had me doing all sorts of positions to get around my huge baby belly but she got everything and took care of me (had to feel fresh and clean to give birth ya know ‍) I always always always recommend everyone to go here. She books fast, so you need to call way ahead of time. But it's worth it. The atmosphere is always clean and welcoming. read more

Me: Straight guy, scared to death of getting a bikini wax but sick of my other options. Went out on a limb and made an appointment--the receptionist was wonderful and assured me that a good part of their clientele was guys. Great start. Once I got there, Tammy was wonderful and quick about the whole thing, as every other reviewer has already said. Minimally painful, perfectly private, and as comfortable a setting as I could have asked for. Tammy, you've made a waxing believer out of me. So, guys, if you're feeling that the whole manscaping routine isn't doing it for you any more, this is DEFINITELY the place to go. You'll be in and out in 15 minutes, it's inexpensive, and you'll leave feeling like a whole new guy. read more

I have been going to Tammy for about a year. As of June 9, 2011, Tammy has UPPED her Brazilian fee from $30 to $35. When I asked her if prices had risen, she just said "Brazilian is $35" which in my mind would mean that they had always been--which is not true. They have moved into a nicer, new location downstairs from their original one so I presume that is why the cost has increased. She does a pretty good job and is pleasant. She does not do a good lip wax though (doesn't do the bottom lip unless you ask and always leaves hair behind, doesn't pluck to get hairs she missed). Her Brazilian is relatively cheap and quick though so I will keep coming back here for that. Notes: -She makes appointments every 5 minutes so if you are not there on time (read: early) you will have to wait. Also--they will cancel your appointment if you are 15 or more minutes late. -They have stopped allowing tips on credit cards so you have to bring cash if you want to tip her. read more

I take it back. I take it all back! I mean, yes, it's fast -- that's why I give it 3 stars. Otherwise it's 2 stars. Everytime I go (which is not that often) I say, "did I really just pay someone to do this to me?!". Tammy is very quick, but this includes zero conversation and barely looks you in the eye at all. I also have been questioning the ?double-dipping. I can't be sure, so I won't accuse, but keep an eye on it... Otherwise, what can I say that hasn't been said already? Not much. In reading my previous review, maybe I was anticipating such an awful experience (it had been my first wax - TMI?), that I was so relieved to be done. But now that I've been more than once - eh - not so impressed. I feel pressured by front desk to leave a tip - what am I leaving a tip for?! Did she ask my name? No. Did she acknowledge that the nether regions were attached to a real live human? No. Did she ask if this was my 1st time or 100th time? No. Ask me about the weather or other typical pleasantries? No. Did she act like she had better things to do or wanted to be somewhere/anywhere else? Yes. The search continues...I will take my money elsewhere. read more

I can't say much more which hasn't been said already. Tammy is AWESOME, she works quickly and is very skilled. I definitely appreciate her professionalism. Although she turned me away last time because my hair in *said* area was too short, she suggested I use clearasil pads which work sort of like aftershave to prevent ingrown hairs. This was new to me and a great relief because I had been using TendSkin which runs about $16 per bottle. The salon, while a bit small, is quite clean and comfortable. Unfortunately, it seems that Tammy is the only one who performs waxes, so if she's booked you're SOL. If not for the limited number of technicians and the arcane appointment system (you have to call, leave a message and wait for her to call back -- c'mon there's an App for that), I would have given 5 stars. In any event, I'll be visiting again soon. read more

This is what a brazilian wax should be! I went in on a Monday at 4:05 (yes, the appointment times are that precise) to see Tammy for a wax. Since moving from Chicago, I have had some horrible experiences. One particularly awful experience included a woman assuring me that doing smaller spots in a very drawn out process made it hurt less...yeah right! Let's be honest, getting hair violently ripped from your skin in the most sensitive of places is going to hurt no matter what. At the very least, I would like it to be over quickly. But, Tammy was so quick that I was in and out before I even knew what had happened! The entire process from the first layer of wax to the end was probably all of 6 minutes. And, the price for such a quick, painless wax? $35 and 10 minutes later, and I was a new woman! I paid $20 more at my regular place for a much longer procedure in Chicago. So glad to have found Tammy! I will most definitely be back! **side note-you must tip in cash, so come prepared. Also, if you are more modest, there is nothing to cover up before she comes in... read more

Wow, I feel like I must have had my Brazilian at the Polished on Wisconsin Ave. on an alternate universe. Background: I used to live in Brazil. I've been having Brazilians since before many of the people on this website were born (contrary to popular belief, it's not new). For the past six years I've had the most amazing waxer in the world. She uses an array of cold and hot waxes and customizes which one she uses depending on your skin and hair type. She was truly an artist and a perfectionist. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford to move her with me to DC. The first time I got my Brazilian on in DC, I went to Bliss Spa. I was very satisfied with everything, but felt the price was a little high. So I was happy to see the reviews on Yelp for Polished and looked forward to the fabulous Tammy. In lieu of greeting me, Tammy complained about how long she'd been working that day and how many customers she'd had so far. I understand that she probably sees more assholes in one day than any of us ever has to in a lifetime (ba-dum-bum), but really, this is your occupation...you chose it, and you're about to get pretty pal-sy with my most intimate body parts, so how about a nice "hello!" Yes, she is cheap. Yes, she is fast. But I much prefer the hair to be pulled out of my nether regions rather than boiled out. Holy hot-hoo-hoo, Tammy, could you turn that wax down a few degrees??? When I asked her to blow on it to cool it, she sighed like I was being unreasonable and did it a few times, but after that kept "forgetting." I think she may have secretly enjoyed the screams of excruciating pain which ensued. If it was just me saying the wax is too hot I'd chalk it up to my sensitive skin, but c'mon, lots of folks on here have mentioned it as well. I had read the reviews and knew to take my tip money in cash, but frankly, that's a ridiculous policy in this day and age. I almost never take cash with me anywhere anymore and a lot of other people apparently don't either. I think I'll go back to Bliss. It may be twice the price, but the atmosphere is much more pleasant, the staff is nicer and I won't have to worry about getting blisters on my va-jay-jay. read more

If you can bear the trek to Georgetown, Polished is a great, affordable waxing salon. Following the tradition of most Americans near Valentine's Day, I came in here for some below the belt grooming. Tammy is definitely one of the most efficient waxers I've met. She's quick so, there's minimal pain and the worst is over before you know it. They also do mani and pedis. You have to make an appointment before and it gets booked pretty quickly, so plan ahead! read more