Writing this the day after my wax. I went to Proper Puss for my first Brazilian wax ever. For that matter I had never done any sort of waxing of my lady parts. I had read online that you should do a bikini wax before a Brazilian and I called and asked Tina's opinion on that and she said if a full Brazilian is what you want- just go for it. I am very happy with my experience. I read many reviews before going and all but one review was all positive reviews so I decided to give it a try. All of the other reviews I read were in regards to Rachel but I was waxed by Tina. She was very professional and I didn't feel awkward once. When I got there she asked if I needed to use the bathroom, which I did. She then showed me to my room and instructed me to remove my panties and my shorts and hang them on hooks. The rooms first come off as very small and cramped but once you are stripped and on the bed it doesn't even cross your mind. She gave me a few minutes to strip and once I was ready she came in and got right to business. I told her that this was something I had never done before and she instructed me to position my legs correctly and to move closer to her so we were both comfortable. Once my legs were positioned correctly she got right to work. I appreciated how fast and efficient she was. It was obvious she was very familiar with what she was doing, and good at it. I trusted her completely within 2 minutes of being up close and personal. She asked me frequently how I was doing and told me I was doing very well. I also expressed to her which parts I was nervous about when she came to those parts and she told me her opinion on it. She also told me before we even got started that the first time is always going to be the worst. Which I appreciated her honesty. Tina also said it would take about 20 minutes for the wax and I was out in 15. Again I will reiterate how fast and efficient she was. She seemed very knowledgeable about what she was doing and that definitely made me feel better as well. Due to the fact that this was my first experience I might try other salons just to see how the experiences differ, but I am already planning to go back to Tina for my second wax. On a side note. I read this in another review further down the page as well but I feel the need to reiterate. If you are a modest person, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR YOU. When Tina instructed me to strip of my shorts and panties and lay on the bed, I was laying on the bed with nothing but my bra and t shirt on. No blanket or towels or sheet of any sort was covering my. My whole bottom half was exposed and as I said, the rooms are pretty small and the only privacy is two swinging doors which opens to the hallway. The doors are a little flimsy so if anyone was looking, they could have easily seen my lady parts. Also during the waxing you are basically spread eagle for the whole entire time, with no covering. You are 110% exposed but with your waxer standing in front of you at that point, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to see in. It didn't bother me at all, but if you are someone who wants to be modest and 99% covered for your waxing, I would not recommend proper puss for that reason only. Other than that I loved my experience and I will definitely be returning. read more

I have been going to Rachael now for a couple years, and just realized that I've never written a review for Proper Puss! The design of the salon is fabulous. I love the "city feel", unique stylings, and especially the logo! My appointments have always started when scheduled, and its great being offered water, tea, or even wine while waiting for your services. It's a small place but she does a great job of using that to your benefit by creating a relaxed, intimate environment. I remember the first time at Proper Puss, I instantly felt comfortable with Rachael, and we were able to chat about everything like we've known each other for a while. She does a fantastic job- the most painless Brazilian waxer that I have worked with. Because I've moved a lot, this has been at least 6-7. She always makes sure that the client is comfortable, and is good at taking your mind off of it. Aside for the fabulous, and extremely thorough job, the best part about this salon is being able to chat so casually with Rachael. These things can be awkward if you let them, but even since my first with her, it never has been! Every time I go, I'm greeted as an old friend, and having that sort of relationship makes the whole experience better. I love giving business to small, local businesses, and this young, fresh, unique take on your typical salon environment is so refreshing and what drew me to it in the first place. I highly recommend this salon. There is great service, terrific prices (believe me- like I've said I've been to salons all over the country!), awesome decor, and most of all, a friendly, relaxed environment. read more

After recently relocating to Ithaca from NYC, I was pleasantly surprised to find a quality, professional waxing establishment such as this in such a small town. Having worked in the spa industry for years, and having been getting waxed myself for at least 8 years now, I have plenty of experience with all quality of work and service. The owner, Rachel, was accommodating with a last minute weekend appointment. The atmosphere and cleanliness of the establishment were impeccable, and the service was one of the best waxes I have had. I had a full leg, Brazilian bikini, and brow wax, and every step of the way, Rachel proved she was an expert at what she specializes in as well as being friendly and professional every step of the way. The waxes used are superior (she uses a hard wax which causes much less skin irritation for the most sensitive bikini areas). I have sensitive skin in general and had no reaction to either type of wax used and can say without reservation this was one of the least painful bikini waxes I have experienced, even though I had more taken off than usual. She was completely thorough, which I appreciate with my lighter hair that is sometimes difficult to see. I am always very wary of trying new people when I have to find a new waxing specialist, as I have had several terrible experiences in my lifetime, and I can assure you, this is top of the line quality of product, service, and a professional and comfortable atmosphere. I will be back regularly. Thank you Rachel! read more

Proper Puss is such a great Collegetown resource. It's centrally located, and Rachel is quick, so a stop in is super convenient. Compared to other salons I've been to in the City, Proper Puss is extremely clean, organized, and well put together. A huge plus is the array of pre- and post-wax products (including topical numbing spray!) available to customers in the bathroom to ease any pain. I've been to both the first location at Dryden Rd. and the second at Linden, so I'm looking forward to the newest space back on Dryden. It looks bigger and though it still has the same plush interior, the big shopfront window is much better marketing and lets in a lot more light! I think putting Proper Puss close to a very busy intersection and right on Dryden Rd. will take some of the taboo away from waxing, and will get many more customers than in previous locations. The online appointment system is also very helpful - but make sure you plan ahead, the books fill up really quickly for the week! And don't forget to take a Motrin (or a shot) before you go in - it helps take the edge off the wax. Rachel, like I said, is quick - but she's also very thorough and does a few checks after cleaning you off to make sure she hasn't missed anything. She also makes recommendations for lotions and scrubs to avoid ingrown hairs, something many other waxing salons fail to do. I think this is what makes the somewhat steep price worth it. read more

I have been waxed at properpuss at least 10 times. Every time has been a great experience (well as good as a waxing can get). Rachel has always been professional with me, I have always felt comfortable, she has given me great tips to avoid in grown hairs, she is diligent about removing every single hair, she even goes in with the tweezers after waxing for those stubborn hairs, she chats throughout the treatment which is a great distraction from the waxing. She is also fast! I have been getting waxed for at least 7 years, and I can tell you that out of dozens, Rachel is one of the top two estheticians I have ever had. I remember a while ago Rachel went on vacation and I ended up going to another place here in Ithaca (a "high end" spa) to get waxed, I was definitely not as happy with their service. Rachel's customer service, wax treatment and attention to detail is far superior. I also had one of her organic spray tans. OMG it was flawless, I felt so gorgeous. This is such a nice treatment for any special event, to jumpstart summer, or if you want to avoid the sun but still have a natural glow. I was not orange, or overly tan for my complexion, it gradually faded over several weeks, I didn't have any weird patchy spots. Again, she pays close attention to detail and offers great advice to make your tan last. There is a sugar scrub product that she carries, I think it is called bubalina, it smells so good! read more

Let me start out by saying that this was my first Brazilian ever! I got the half leg/underarm/brazilian package totalling $100. I have had leg and underarm wax before, but never the netherparts, so I was very nervous. I had done a bunch of research before I went and knew to take some motrin before hand, as it eases the pain. GOOD PLAN! I felt very comfortable with Rachel, she was professional and during the brazilian I was being a little bit of a baby(hey it hurts!) She did a great job of keeping my mind off of the pain though. Very cool! She was pretty busy due to one of her assistants being at wax school, she was pretty much running the phones and taking care of everyother task inside of the salon by herself. A few times she had to go out front to meet with customers, but I didn't mind, it helped me have a little more relaxing time between rippings! I paid for the service, and bc of the wait, she gave me a 15% discount which I didn't expect but didn't mind, and she absolutely would not let me tip! I wanted to bc she was so great, but she insisted that I didn't. I definitely recommend Proper Puss next time an occasion calls for one, or if you just like to be all Proper :) I will definitely be frequenting this salon for any wax related services! Good Work Proper Puss!! read more

I've had nothing but great experiences here, and I strongly recommend Proper Puss. So far I've done two sessions of full face laser, one session of Brazilian laser, and one session of full leg/feet laser with Drea. It's been great on all accounts: Drea is so kind and friendly. The machine (Candela GentleLase Pro) here is so much less painful than other lasers I've experienced elsewhere. Previously laser was something I dreaded for days, and at Proper Puss it's been very manageable. Most importantly, it actually works. I had previously done 7 rounds of face laser and ~50 hours of electrolysis with barely any progress, but one laser session here got most of it gone and months after the second session I have almost no dark hairs on my face. Similarly, I'd had no luck with 7 rounds of Brazilian laser before, but (after two weeks) a single round at Proper Puss seems like significant progress. Finally, the prices are all very reasonable compared to other places I've been. It's worth noting that I am a trans woman. Drea was totally fine with this and is so nice and accepting. She has significant experience working with other trans clients. I definitely recommend Proper Puss to other trans folk. [note: I wrote this review first on Google reviews, and I just copied it here] read more

I've had nothing but positive experiences at Proper Puss. I've never been waxed anywhere but my eyebrows and lip before coming here, and Rachael was very helpful in walking me through the process of leg waxings and brazilians. I was super nervous, so I personally enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere. So much, in fact, that I recommend going here to all of my friends. The price is steep for some people, but compared to what the going rate is back where I'm from, it's an absolute steal. Rachael does her best to make you feel relaxed, which makes the removal process much less painful and the results longer-lasting. Rachael is very meticulous about her waxing job, and it shows in the results. My skin gets irritated very easily, and I usually break out after getting waxed at my usual places back at home. Here, however, I haven't had that problem. Needless to say, even though I'm graduating this year and will be leaving Ithaca, when I come back for visits, I will be sure to make an appointment here. read more

I'm a guy who has some back hair. There I said it. It's unsightly, so I take care of business. Well, Rachel handles that. I have always had an amazing experience at Proper Puss. I've been waxed by other so called professionals that left me with red welts, bumps, and basically were totally unprofessional. Rachel woks very hard to make sure that you are comfortable, that the pain level is manageable. (Listen, there's going to be some pain!) At any rate, I have and will continue to recommend Rachel and Proper Puss to everyone I know. If you are a guy and want to get the back hair removed (as you should want to), or you are a lady taking care of your business down-town, Rachel is your gal. As I don't ever believe reviews - I want to say that I don't really know Rachel other than the 5 times I've been in over the past couple yeas to get waxed. If you are getting waxed and Rachel is not doing it - you are out of luck! read more

I wanted to start getting Brazilian waxes because shaving has always severely irritated my skin. I had tried EVERYTHING in the book and nothing helped the razor burn I would always develop. I went to a salon in my town and had a horrible experience - it was dirty and they charged me a ridiculous amount and did a very poor job. I was upset about it and a friend referred me to Proper Puss. I called them and told them what a horrible experience I had had and asked if there was anyway I could come in and have them "clean up" the botched job that the other place had done. They took me in the next day and in fifteen minutes MAX it was all over and they charged me a very reasonable price for their time. I was beyond happy with them and their services and I am more than happy to keep returning while I am in the Ithaca area. Side note - Definitely taking some pain meds before I go this time. :-) read more

Love this place! Got my first brazilian this year and have been going back for brazilian/brows ever since. The first time I was totally embarrassed, but Rachael does a great job of making you feel very comfortable. You can tell she knows what she's doing and also uses quality products. The decor is totally adorable and classy. It's a clean establishment which is also a definite plus. Love how you can schedule an appointment online, it's so convenient. I also got a vajazzle last time I went and it was a nice quick process and was really cute and sexy. My boyfriend's reaction was priceless, so if you're in a long distance relationship or need to spice things up for whatever reason, definitely do something out of the ordinary like a vajazzle. Definitely recommend this place if you're in the Ithaca area and looking to get waxed! read more

I got a Brazilian for the first time and after a good amount of research, decided to go to Proper Puss. Making an appointment was really easy. I had called and left a message the night before, and they returned my call the next morning saying I could come in that morning. I have to say, the decor is adorable! Very cute! Also Rachel was AMAZING! She definitely made me feel more comfortable and made some small talk to get my mind off of the pain. I took Advil an hour before, and that helped too, but Rachel was definitely quick and efficient. I'd say the pain for me was a 5 or 6 (10 being the worst), and I have a very low pain tolerance so that's saying a lot! Overall, I'll definitely be coming back again, no doubt about it! Best waxing place in Ithaca, hands down. Thanks again, Rachel! read more

I just moved back to town and I wasn't sure where to go for a wax. I found this place and Rachel was amazing. The first impression was of the place itself. I loved the decor and it made me feel very comfortable. When it came to the wax itself, Rachel was very professional and finished the wax pretty quickly. It was very thorough and didn't hurt as much as other waxes I've gotten at other places. I have a lot of ingrown hairs and she did the best she could to get rid of all of them and give me advise as to what to do to avoid getting them. She made me feel comfortable and it was not awkward at all, which I often have a problem with when it comes to getting a wax. I definitely love that you can book your appointments online! I can only recommend this place read more

I am convinced that there is no better place in the world to get a Brazilian. No matter how long it's been since my last wax, Rachel always gets the job perfectly, quickly, hygenically, and nearly painlessly. Sometimes her comments can come off as rude, but I am willing to sacrifice some people skills for a great end product. Again--the best wax I have ever gotten, even compared to high-end places in NYC. I moved away from Ithaca and got a Brazilian at a different location, which was a disaster. I called Proper Puss for aftercare advice to undo the damage. They were very helpful and sympathetic on the phone. It really is going above and beyond to help out former clients after they've moved away! I may have to drive back to Ithaca next time I get a wax. read more

I went with two of my friends to get our first Brazilian ever. =D It was honestly a scary thing to do since they are waxing in an area that is very sensitive and private. When we first arrived they were very friendly and it didn't feel awkward. I felt very comfortable in front of Beth and she was very professional during the session. They are very clean and Beth told me from the start that they do not double dip, which is very sanitary. The Brazilian did hurt without a doubt but I felt that Beth did a great job distracting me. She also did a great job with the waxing and I barely got any bumps or inflammation! (I tend to have sensitive skin) So, if you want to try your first brazilian, I suggest going to Proper Puss! read more

I have gone to their NYC location but I enjoyed my experience at the Ithaca location so much more because of my wax specialist Kristina! I don't usually write yelp reviews but Kristina's services were excellent and I want to recommend her to others. She was efficient and made me feel very comfortable. Brazilian waxes were my least favorite beauty regimen however Kristina really changed my view on them. She has a calming yet fun presence about her and was so fast! Brazilians in the past would feel like an hour, which added to my anxiety but this was not the case with Kristina!!! I will be scheduling my wax appointments at Proper Puss around my visits back home to Ithaca! read more

There is only a few places in Ithaca that a male can get a Bro-zilian done and Proper Puss happens to be one of them. They had come highly recommended from some friends so I thought I would give it a try. Rachel did an excellent job putting me at ease and making sure that I was doing okay during the whole process. I was impressed with her professionalism, which relaxed me while I was getting waxed. The salon is very clean and well maintained. Rachel also sticks to the single use waxing sticks so there is no double dipping. The name Proper Puss kind of gears it towards the female client but they can handle all of the guys needs as well. Great Job! read more

Listen this was my first wax experience. All my friends have told me that Proper Puss was a great place to go even if it was your first time-- boy were they right. Drea, the woman who did my Brazilian wax, was BEYOND amazing. I was very scared and needed to take some breaks between strips and she was so patient and kind. I really mean this. Like, I normally never post on Yelp (ever actually) but I felt like this experience was so wonderful and positive that I needed to share. Truly like, I was so scared and Drea really made me feel at ease. I loved how they sent me emails reminding me about my appointment, and I will for sure returning. Really great read more

Turned to this place when I was in desperate need of a brow wax. Referred by a friend and was skeptical at first, but it was totally worth it. Got my first brazilian here because of how comfortable I felt here. Excellent service, great atmosphere (it's really cozy without being creepy), and very clean. I was really nervous about my first brazilian but it turned out fine, and the staff members are just great. They're so friendly, accommodating, and give you great advice for skin care. I honestly have no preference for staff member because Beth and Rachel are both fantastic. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a wax place. Worth every penny. read more