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Body Restoration Spa
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Tue. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wed-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
33 reviews for Body Restoration Spa
I have recently delved into the world of Brazilian Waxing and based on Yelp and friend recommendations I chose to do so at Body Restorations. I am really glad that I did. I have done it twice now and wanted to wait until after the second visit to review since I'm still a little clueless in this process.
I have seen Pam on both occasions and will most likely only see Pam for the rest of my occasions, she kind of rules. If I'm going to have my hoo-haa splayed out I want to feel comfortable and Pam makes you feel comfortable with her friendly chit chat and explanation of events to come. She also remembered a lot about me on our second visit so she was actually listening. Thanks Pam!
Now let's get down to it- Brazilian Waxing is no joke- it hurts like a mother and it is very embarrassing. I wish I had known a few things before I went in so I'm going to share them now.
1. You have to grow your hair in for about 2-3 weeks before your first appointment. Pam instructed me it should be soft like when you let your leg hair grow too long in the winter months and it feels soft to the touch. This will ensure maximum hair removal and will hurt less.
2. Pain levels will be different on different areas and apparently vary person to person. Thigh meets crotch is my oh my god I'm going to die area.
3. The first waxing might not remove every single hair, especially if you haven't let it grow in properly. Do not freak out, do not give them bad reviews, wait for the next appointment and it will all be gone. When you get waxed it's bad to reapply the wax to the same section over and over again so when hairs don't come out some will be tweezed. My first waxing left behind at least 10-20 random hairs since mine wasn't long enough to start.
4. The second waxing hurts way less than the first one, at least it did for me.
5. Eat yogurt for a few days after your waxing. It's like a safety net for your junk, as if you were on antibiotics. Introducing any foreignness to your junk can cause problems so just be safe and eat the yogurt.
6. The waxing lasts about one and half to two weeks and then the next two weeks are all about growing it back for your next waxing. When I originally called and asked how long they last I was told 4-6 weeks which is not the case. They were referring to your next appointment which will be 4-6 weeks after your initial waxing. There is a big difference in my book but I'll chalk it up to a miscommunication.
7. The more you do it the finer, softer and sparser your hair will become.
I now want to try some of the other services offered here and hope to do so in the future. The prices are average for the services offered and the waiting area is adorable and soothing.
Thanks for all your help in my hoo-haa hair removal Body Restorations!
For my birthday, I received a gift certificate for $95 dollars for Body Restoration - this covers exactly the cost of a 75 minute massage. I cashed in on this wonderful gift yesterday after work and, although $95 isn't cheap, it was worth it. The staff was accommodating and friendly and my massage therapist was excellent! The place was spotless and comfortable. My massage was great. I regret not getting a deep tissue massage, but I didn't want to end up regretting getting a deep tissue massage the next morning. In the past, when I've had massages, I've been able to handle more pressure, so I probably could have gone for a deeper massage. But either way, I feel loose.
After my massage, I felt so loosey goosey loo that when I almost run over by a blonde mom and her ugly kid in a novelty size Lexus, turning right at 17th & Chestnut at about 50 miles an hour while a man on the corner yelled at her to stop since she wasn't looking, I really let her have it. There's something about being completely relaxed to that point that makes screaming and cursing in the middle of Center City so easy.
Julila was attentive, asked questions and listened. I felt very much at ease. It's hard not to when you're wearing jelly slippers and a giant robe. I absolutely plan on returning to Body Restoration in the future.
P.S. Did anyone else notice that the mirror in the changing room was one of those magic skinny mirrors? I love that.
P.P.S. I edited this review and moved the rating up to five stars because I appreciate that Cara, the owner, reads what people have to say on Yelp. Great!
After bouncing around to a few other places in town for massages that weren't that great and short on the allotted time, I gave Body Restoration a try. After my first massage with Carla (no longer there), I was hooked. I now go to Hope (she's only there on Thursdays) for deep tissue massages when I'm feeling really out of whack. She does a great job (make sure you tell her if it's too much pressure) and is hilarious to boot. I also recently went for a regular swedish with Clara, who was also great. I really recommend going for the 75 minute massage over the 55 minute version--the extra time is noticeable and allows for a greater focus on your problem areas.
I got a bikini wax here a few times a few years ago, also, but it wasn't something I really cared to maintain so I haven't been back (sorry, TMI?). However, I would still recommend Body Rest if that's what you're into.
The spa is clean, the lockers are convenient, and although sometimes the massage rooms aren't the quietest thanks to the hallway right outside, it's an overall relaxing experience.
I got a very personal wax by Alyson--I've got friends on here who don't need to know the extent of my services, if you know what I'm sayin' (and so if you know me, please proceed directly to my restaurant reviews), but suffice it to say, I was incredibly pleased with the results and the professionalism with which the services were provided. Alyson rocks.
I've had 'said services' elsewhere, and just assumed the awkwardness and the discomfort were part of the deal. Massages are relaxing; getting up close & personal with hair removal is not. However, there was zero pain--to the point of not even realizing that I was finished with my appointment! Alyson is not only a pro with the hard blue wax (which, contrary to what my previous spa told me, is MUCH better, in terms of results & comfort), but she is so natural at conversation, I completely forgot that I was half naked on a table with a stranger.
They're on the higher end of the price spectrum, but not unreasonably so--especially given the combination of location + quality. The spa is easy to overlook--the entrance is a bit too discreet, immediately next to (west of) the American Apparel store entrance. The building's entrance & elevator feel cramped, but worry not: once you're inside the spa itself, it's roomy & relaxing. Completely worth the indulgence.
I was really interested in getting a very close waxing, to say the least. I booked back in May of this year. I remember the young lady sounding very friendly over the phone, so that was a plus. I really tune into tone of voice.
When the time came, I was late, but I was still greeted in a friendly manner. There was a locker to hang my things. Came out of that area and there were nutrition bars and tea to sip on. Bathrooms were nice and clean.
The owner performed the waxing and it was a very nice experience, although, I wish she could have talked to me more to help ease my anxiety. I think I remember asking her to talk to me. But anyhow, I know I didn't waste my money there. My first waxing lasted for about a good 2 and half weeks. I really loved it.
The owner was def a business woman who took her job seriously, I left satisfied. I will go back again.
This was the second time I've been here for a deep tissue massage. I am a web designer who is 5' tall, so my body is constant pain/tension. Both times I had Trilisa. She is rather skinny, so I was afraid she wouldn't be able to do anything. However, that little woman sure knows how to work it! Trilisa got (almost) all of my knots out! (And I say almost because I have about 50 REALLY bad ones.)
Everyone there was very nice and very professional. They even provide you with a robe,slippers and a locker! It may sound weird, but there a lot of spas in the city that have none of those. The prices are reasonable compared to most other spas. I will definitely come back regularly.
* Pros: Ambience, staff, price, quality of service, ease of appointments
* Cons: location is hidden, but not really a "con" persay
After all the hype this place has gotten I have been wanting to try this place out and finally I did a month or so ago. The girl who gave me a brazilian was extremely sweet. The place has a great atmosphere and is very clean. With that said... dare I say... not the best wax I've ever gotten. IT'S SOOOOOO EXPENSIVE!!! OMG! and she definitely missed a huge spot. It wasn't that painful so anyone who has that as a concern should check this place out but it's not for me. Definitely never coming back.
Comment from Cara S. of
Body Restoration Spa
10/1/2009
Hello, This is Cara at Body Restoration Spa. I am sorry to…
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I went here again for a massage and facial - and met Allyson. She, along with Jennae, Pam, Cara & Hope are all terrific.
Allyson did a facial and selected Dermalogica and Vintherapy Products that work with my skin. She never pressured me to buy anything, and my skin looked great (not red) when we were finished.
I also love massages with Hope (when she's there - which is only ceertain days) or Cara - who is the owner and not always available anymore.
I love Body Restoration. It's classy, low-pressure, relaxing and just alot of fun to go there.
Oh - and of course, their waxing is terrific. No more cheapie-Asian brow waxes for me. Pam or Jennae do my eyebrows and they both do a great job.
Prices are still very moderate - especially for this neighborhood. You can get a package 3 massages for $200 - which is an awesome value. I never knew that - and now that I know I will buy my massages 3 at a time.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/29/2008
Cara, Jannae, Pam and the rest of the Body Restoration staff are wonderful. I have been a client of… Read more »
So, ladies (and some gents), you know that body waxing is an experience that's on par with a regular tooth cleaning; necessary (for some) but entirely unenjoyable and uncomfortable no matter how you slice it.
Body Restoration is like my dentist of 14 years. Dependable, reasonably charges for services rendered and makes the experience as pleasant as it can possibly be within the circumstances.
I go to Body Restoration exclusively for all my waxing needs. Pam and Jennae are the best, thorough and so friendly. Like my dentist, they chat to you during the process as to distract you from what's going on. I've also gotten massages and facials here, and they've both been top-notch (and super relaxing).
Waiting area is lovely and soothing. They provide comfy robes and flip flops and 2 change rooms.
My only gripe are the size of the rooms. Aside from the typical waxing room, the massage and facial treatment rooms and the change rooms are quite small - I wish they were bigger and airier. Also, as it's been mentioned in almost all reviews, getting to Body Restoration is a bit of a mystery and the teeny-tiny lobby and elevator feel industrial.
Otherwise, Body Restoration scores high on all fronts. Definitely in my top three for spas in the city.
I had the very first bikini wax of my life ever today and it was fast, and surprisingly pleasant! Pam did a great job describing the process and we carried on very easy and comfortable conversations through the session.
It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would.
It took me years and years before finally deciding to get waxed and I can't believe I waited this long. I will definitely go back and I hope I can find another place that uses blue wax if I moved away from Philly.
Simply the best!
After a ton of research on where to get a bikini wax in Philly, I decided to test the waters with Body Res & their fancy blue wax. Four years later, I'm still very happy with the results, the facilities & the staff.
Jenne (pronounced juh-nay) is the go-to girl when it comes to waxing. I find myself able to carry on a decent conversation with her throughout the process without jumping off the table. Cara also does a great job.
I'm always surprised by the relaxing ambience of the facility given its location. There's a comfortable waiting area that feels like a lounge with calming music & warm lighting. Body Res sits directly above American Apparel & below a Yoga studio on Walnut St.
The service is definitely worth the extra few bucks.
My sister very recently got married...
Her wedding was extremely untraditional, which may or may not have anything to do with everything also being very last minute.
I called Body Restoration on a Wednesday to ask if they could accommodate four of us for Friday.
Tina helped us over the phone and was a complete sweetheart. She told me to call her back with what everyone wanted done and she'd find a way to get us all in together. And she did!
Fast forward to Friday when we actually went... A+!!! We were warmly greeted at the door. She got everyone's names from me on the phone before we went, so it was kind of cool that she greeted all of us by our names.
I got the deep tissue massage, two friends the stone massage, and my sister a sensitive skin facial and body burner wrap. All of us only had great things to say of the services we received.
I had Rachel for my deep tissue massage and she was wonderful. Asked if I had any areas I needed focus on, and took care of them. Checked throughout the massage how I felt about the pressure she was giving me. Very helpful. :)
We all walked out feeling great, and I walked out feeling even better because I knew how little time I had to try to make it all happen... Thanks to the staff at Body Restoration for making it all work out!
:)
And actually, the prices aren't that bad considering what you are getting!!!
Well. I am conflicted.
It's in a nice location on Walnut. Both times I've gone for a bikini wax, the people have been very nice and I've gotten appointments fairly last minute. Prices were not too terrible at all.
The blue wax concept is pretty remarkable (doesn't hurt nearly as much as normal wax!) However, I found that it wasn't nearly as effective as normal wax either..... so is it worth it? A little less pain but less pay-off? I'm not sure, but I'll probably go back.
Way cool...
I went for a wax today and I was very pleased. The wax they use is really interesting... It didn't even hurt! Well a little bit... but not as bad as a regular wax. After regular wax your skin feels all irritated. But with the blue wax they use, I felt all relaxed after. I'll definitely go back. The people were very friendly too,
Ah. Zen has returned to my life. Cara's deep tissue massage has to be the most painful-in-a-good-way experience I've ever had. There were moments during the massage where I wanted to repeat, like a mantra, "I love you I love you I love you." People, the woman climbs onto the table! I felt like I was in a boxing ring.
Call me a spa-ho, but I also got a facial. Also excellent.
On massages:
WONDERFUL. Super friendly staff. Relaxing environment. Very clean. Enjoyable massage. Free water and snacks in the waiting area (and lots of magazines for your sig other to read). Would really like to try a couples massage. 80$/hour for deep tissue. SIGN ME UP.
I'm also in love with the robes they provide. They're amazing.
All of the reviews about this mystical blue wax brought me back to try their bikini services. It was a little more than I'm used to paying, and while I couldn't really feel a difference pain-wise, the girl doing the waxing was very nice, and managed to hold a conversation while doing a really thorough job. While I doubt this thing we do to ourselves could ever not hurt, I did notice no sticky or irritated feeling walking around afterwards, so points for that =)
PS There was a different front desk receptionist and she was very friendly and helpful.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2008
It was Spa Week, we were in Philly, and couples massages were in order!
The guy at the front desk has… Read more »
Now I love a good massage, and have experienced enough of them to know the difference. When I get one I expect 2 things.
1. to feel good.
2. to be relaxed.
This place achieved neither. When I walked in, the receptionist was cocky, pretentious, and incredibly unfriendly, he didn't acknowledge my presence when i came in, and ignored me still when I tried to pay/leave. There was more that occurred to give me this impression, but it's not worth wasting my time on the details.
I received no direction as to the location of the lockers, what to do next, or that there was complementary tea and water...all of these i discovered on my own
Needless to say, the massage was mediocre, the place seemed cold, and when I woke up the next morning i was in incredible pain and couldn't move my neck/ turn my head for over a week.
I will never go back.
Comment from Cara S. of
Body Restoration Spa
5/5/2009
We privately messaged this client and apologized for the…
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UPDATE: I accepted Cara's offer of a free touchup, and she could not have been nicer or more professional about it. She took the time to do it herself, and I was really impressed by how seriously she took it and how hard she worked to try different combinations of solutions. And she was even friendly and gracious after I posted mean things here about her salon! So, it remains to be seen how fast the hair will grow back this time, but this was still an extremely positive experience.
I wish I could share the love here. It's true that they're very nice people at Body Restoration, but the blue wax is about as effective as scotch tape. I did a back/shoulder wax for the start of summer, was amazed at how little it hurt, and had a very pleasant waxer who was able to keep me chatting the whole time. It's now two weeks later, and the hair is pretty much grown back. For $65 + tip, that's a ripoff, no matter how pleasant the ambiance.
Comment from Cara S. of
Body Restoration Spa
6/6/2009
We privately messaged this client and offered to a touch up…
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So after a traumatizing bikini wax at Body Restoration I was kindly asked back by Cara for a wax on the house. My friend decided to do a bachelorette spa day here so here I was fearfully booking another waxing appointment. The eyebrows were a little unruly so I thought what the hell. I was so so glad I returned! I was with Pam and thought she did a fantastic job! My eyebrows are shaped just how I like them and the bikini wax was way less painful than I remember. Pam was super professional and kept me talking the entire time to take my mind off less pleasant things. She was fast but did a fantastic job. My friend was raving about her massage as well. Pam did such a great job that I didn't want to mention the free wax and ended up paying for everything which was fine with me. I'l definitely be back!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2009
So I have been going to this salon for years for a bikini wax. They use the blue wax that does not… Read more »
So, I had my appointment with Jenne. She was very nice and loved to talk which made it easier, as easy as a brazilian can be, I guess. Great waxing...the receptionist was a sweetheart. Very nice place, clean and comfortable. Pricey, but we all knew that already. Thanks!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/4/2009
Let me first say I don't know what star rating to give this place because I haven't actually set… Read more »
I cannot say anything about the quality of the ACTUAL massage, other than to say that Bry was quite pleased, but I can say that this place has one of the most relaxing waiting areas of any of the spas I have had the luxury to wait around for 30-60 minutes in.
I can't say enough good things about Body Restoration. The owner/manager, Cara, is fantastic. She's really considerate and observant of her clients needs. The receptionist is always really nice and accommodating for my changing appointment times on the fly.
I've been going here for over 2 years and have had massages and waxing done. This is the best Brazilian that I've ever had. I think they've gotten the "Best of Philly" award for it a few times. They use a special kind of blue wax that's gentler than the honey-colored stuff that most places use. And with the blue wax, they don't use the white strips to peel off the wax. It makes for a much cleaner and less painful waxing experience.
Also, the entire place has a great ambiance. It's on the 3rd or 4th floor above Walnut Street storefronts, and feels like an oasis away from the busy city streets. They recently redid the place (maybe a year ago at this point). They even have Rothko prints in the hallways - how random and cool!
One downside is that they don't accept gratuities on credit card (cash only).
I definitely miss Body Restoration now that I've moved to the west coast. If anyone reading this knows of a comparable place in SF, message me!
Truthfully, this is the only place that I've been to for any kind of below-the-belt waxing but they made it a great experience. Pam has done my waxing every time and she's joking with you the entire time. She remembered me from my first time there (which I guess is good since I now have no secrets with her!)
The blue wax works well and while it's not the most comfortable thing I've ever done, it's really not that bad and I'm definately hooked.
I have to say I think I have been to about every salon in the Philadelphia metro area looking for the perfect bikini wax. Amazingly I've only found two go-to places, and Body Restoration is one of them. (For the other, send check or money order to Caitlin Connors, or check out my other reviews).
Although the establishment is small, it's clean, spa-like and quite. The only service I've ever gotten here is a bikini wax, but usually that is a good way to judge a salon and the personnel. This is the most pain-free bikini wax you will find as they use the expensive and hard-to-find hard blue wax, which is peeled off without strips. Be sure to ask for Cara Solomon if you can, and do insist she used the blue wax if she doesn't reach for it initially.
This was my second visit to Body Restoration. My first visit was less than stellar- it involved a very painful and half-hearted wax by Alyson. But because I know how wonderful the "special blue wax" can be I wanted to forgive and forget. This time around Cara did my wax and it was spectacular. Fast, close to painless and very thorough. The stars off are for a couple of things. 1) my appt was for 11:30 and i wasn't seen until close to noon. it was a tuesday morning and i didn't see anybody else there. 2) i was taken to the treatment room that is right off the reception area. i should not have to be spread eagle on a table and hear the receptionist greet other people or answer the phone. this also means when i was bottomless and Cara went to leave the room, she opened the door directly into the entryway. If i was in another area of the room, a person checking in could have gotten a free show.
Comment from Cara S. of
Body Restoration Spa
5/17/2009
We emailed this client and thanked her for her feedback. We…
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I can't agree more with all the reviews posted. This is the place to go for a bikini wax in Philly. The place is so tranquil, the staff is warm and friendly and put you at total ease when getting treatments done. The blue wax really makes a difference verse the old fashioned wax and strips. My only minor complaint which is not really their fault but mine- somehow some of the blue wax got onto the dress I was wearing and stained it so be sure to wear something that you don't mind getting stained
I went here for my first - and only - Brazilian wax. For some crazy reason, I decided to get one. So I shelled out 60 bucks and went to Body Restoration, on a friend's recommendation. First, the blue wax was great. It was gentle and did not cause any sort of irritation or allergic reaction or anything. And the end result of the wax was amazing. The actual waxing part was not so fun, but the lady who did it (Jenae I think - she was pregnant, so I don't know if she's still there now) was kind, gentle, and talked me through it. She didn't even mind when I almost jumped off the table in pain a few times. I'd recommend this place to anyone who wants any sort of waxing because I had a really positive experience. But I'm too much of a chicken to get a Brazilian ever again.
I had never heard of this place before until I started looking around to get my first bikini wax and I am so glad I went here! It's in a location where you wouldn't pass by it every day, so it's less obvious if that's how you try to find spas. The elevator taking you up is a bit sketchy, but once you get up there, it beat any expectations I had for it. It was so clean and refreshing. They have a quiet area to sit and drink water with lemon and look at magazines while you are waiting. Their website offered a lot of information to prepare me for what to expect as far as the waxing procedure and then when it was my time to go in, the woman who waxed me (darn it, I forget her name!), explained every step of the process and how much it might hurt, especially being my first time. So, even though I took 2 aspirin, it still hurt, but not nearly as much as I thought it would. It turned out great and I will definitely go back!
Cara is the best for bikini waxes. She is calm, makes you feel completely at ease and waxes quickly but thoroughly, making it as pain free as possible. The atmosphere is serene, cozy and no frills. I hesitate to go anywhere else, truly!
Ditto to all the other reviews! Highly recommend...
Great deep tissue massage and not too expensive. The spa is nice and not pretentious. Definitely recommend going here.
Great massage!! Felt so much better for weeks after. Front desk staff ok. A bit pricey.
