This is my second review for Gara, which should already tell you how much I love her! I've been coming to her for over 13 years, and she continues to be absolutely amazing. She's located in Aiea above M&M BBQ and Aiea Manapua, on the second floor. Head to the end of the building and you'll find the stairs going up. She's appointment-only, so be sure to call or text to book. When you arrive, just ring the doorbell at your scheduled time and Gara will welcome you right in. A quick hand sanitize, and then it's back to her cozy beauty lounge. There's a spot to charge your phone and put your belongings, which is such a thoughtful touch. The treatment area is super comfortable--one of those places where you instantly relax and end up chatting about everything going on in life. Seeing Gara feels like catching up with a longtime girlfriend. She's the only one I trust with my eyebrows, upper lip, and intimate waxing. Skilled, gentle, and genuinely warm... Gara is the best. Highly recommend! read more

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Best service hands down! What stands out to me the most is how clean and sanitary Gara is. She provides the greatest service. If you are waxing for the first time, or haven't had a great experience in the past, reach out to Gara. She will make the experience as comfortable as possible. Best way to communicate with her is via text during business hours. She responds quickly and does her best to fit you in. read more

I love my sister! Gara is so funny, lovely, and amazing! I've been going to Gara for years now. She brings all the good vibes for a painful and uncomfortable service (brazilian)! Gara is the only one I trust to take care of me and my partner. Her place is so nice, inviting and cozy as soon as you walk in the door. She even has a mini library section if you're a reader! So thoughtful! She always got the jams going in the background and makes sure you're comfortable through the whole process. She definitely has a knack for taking your mind off the pain of being waxed in your private areas and engaging in amazing conversations about anything and everything to keep you distracted. And her prices are very reasonable and affordable! Gara is and will always be my go-to sister. Thank you Sis for all that you do! You're amazing!! read more

The. Absolute. Best. I have never felt so comfortable in a place and Gara is the kindest and most pleasant esthetician I've ever known. She takes all the extra effort to ensure you are comfortable and has the best quality results. It's weird to look forward to having hair ripped out of your body, but I actually do, just because the place is nice, haha. Check her out! read more

I used to go to town for my waxing needs but ever since a coworker told me about Gara I only see her now. She is very friendly and takes pride in her work and she cares about her clients. I admit that my last wax lady isn't as precise as Gara! Never going to town ever again! Thanks Gara for accommodating me last week Friday! Yes with both our masks on!!! As an aesthetician myself I know all about sanitization and disinfecting and she is on point! NO DOUBLE DIPPING! lol read more

Gara's Beauty Image - Front door - Waxing Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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I've been going to Gara for the past 15 years specifically for my eyebrows and removal of facial hair (upper lip, forehead). She does phenomenal work on my eyebrows! Gara was able to give them some much needed shape and definition. I've had more positive comments (ie. Where/Who do you go too, eyebrows are really nice) on my eyebrows throughout the years than I can count. She provides individualized services and is professional yet down to earth. I love the ambiance of her shop. Very relaxing, beautifully decorated, makes you feel like you're in a spa (kind of reminds me of being in Europe). I always come out feeling refreshed and satisfied. Very hygienic, no double dipping. Her prices are extremely reasonable. Services are by appointment only. I usually text her during business hours and she answers back within the day. Gara's shop is located on the 2nd floor (no elevator). Lots of free parking in front of or behind the building. Website: https://garasbeautyimage.com/. read more

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Gara is amazing. What I love most about her is her personality. If you've never had a Brazilian done and is nervous of doing it. She is your girl!!!!! -She puts you at ease and so comfortable. It's like talking to your girlfriend. We all want that. -She did my Brazilian with a combination of strip wax on top and hard wax on the rest. -Atmosphere is very clean, comfortable and smells so good. -Very sanitary and no double dipping. Wax area is separate for body waxing and facial. -Before she starts. She has you wipe with a numbing wipe. -Getting wax is not always pleasant and can be painful. It's not my first time and I was very comfortable the whole time. In my experience there was no stinking or burning just some redness that went away in a few hours. -My skin looks great! Best Brazilian experience I've ever had. -She is located in Aiea across the old Aiea Public Library. -Responds to your text message and questions promptly -She is on time with her appointments. -Accepts Card and cash. read more

Gara's Beauty Image - Little area to charge your phone. - Waxing Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Super cute place, love the decor on the inside. Top notch customer service, incredibly informative and gentle. So so friendly, kind and personable. I'm so happy she took me in, was worried about everything closing again with everything happening. Highly recommend, completely satisfied with the result of threading Appointment only, but she's very quick to respond! Definitely coming back, already started my stamp card read more

I really wanted to find a brow location that didn't involve finding parking in town, and I saw that Gara's had great reviews on Yelp. I called and left a message asking about an appointment. I received a text later that day where I received information about the current schedule and openings. I was able to make an appointment for later in the week and confirmed everything easily through the text. I even received a reminder text the day before the appointment! When I arrived at the parking lot by Gara's and found the staircase (thanks to Yelper pictures!), I rang the bell at the doorway, as requested. Gara came out a moment later to welcome me, explaining that she was with a client, but that I should make myself at home. She gave me a consultation form to sign and invited me to take a seat on the cute wicker couch. The waiting area smelled beautiful and was decorated with adorable Halloween decorations. Once Gara was done with her client (I was early), she set up and back room and welcomed me in. The electric treatment bed was very comfy and the room was nicely decorated. Gara spoke with me about what I wanted for my brows and walked me through every step of the process as a new client. She explained each item before putting them my brows and carefully cleaned up the fine shaping after the wax was done. Although I have extremely sensitive skin, my brows barely reacted to the products that she used. (Usually I look like I got mauled by a bear.) The shape looks very natural and fits my face well. The checkout process was easy (cash or card accepted) and she even gave me her card with a "loyalty" stamp for my next visit. Gara was very friendly throughout the visit and made me feel like a valued customer. read more

I've been going to Gara for my waxing needs for years now and she is awesome! Her work space is comfortable, clean and neat. She also has wipes and numbs the area before waxing. I feel really comfortable with her, she is a very friendly person. She does not double dip. She makes sure that you are comfortable and ask if your okay after every wax, even with the temperature of the wax and also counts down and tells you to take a deep breath. I highly recommend going to her and you will LOVE and feel so comfortable with her. read more

She had awesome service. Made me feel welcome & did amazing work on my eyebrows from waxing to tinting. I was very satisfied with her work.

I've been going to Gara for 3 years now and she's the only one I trust with my waxing! She makes me feel comfortable during a vulnerable, exposing time but works fast & efficiently! I always leave feeling renewed and refreshed!! read more

I've had Brazilian wax service all over the world for the past 15 years. From Germany, Philippines, Guam, Portland, Chicago, and Singapore. I needed to find my go to gal in Hawaii. My search is over! I made an appointment based on the awesome reviews and I don't regret it one bit because I've found my person for braz service in Hawaii. Gara was extremely professional and easy to talk to. She made the uncomfortable service super comfortable and explained every step of the way. With getting braz waxes as long as I have, I've never had the detailed service I was given from Gara. The space is so clean and organized and every bit of detail from a phone charging station to restroom was provided. I am so happy I've found my gal and can't believe how good my lady parts feel. If you're looking like I was, stop here and book your appointment. You won't regret it! read more

I was looking for a spa in the Aiea/Pearl City area and came upon Gara on Yelp. Unfortunately, Gara doesn't offer massages, but I will definitely pass on the convenience of getting a massage and facial at one place for one of her facials. She's such a nice, friendly person! Very easy to talk to and get to know. You can make an appointment by text which I found really convenient. She's located above Aiea Manapua in a 2 story walkup. The area (to a townie like me) is a little sketchy but she keeps her business door locked and her spa is very beautiful and clean. The first time I went to her was for a facial and I LOVED it! The massage was so relaxing. I had to fight to stay awake. My skin felt great afterwards. The next day I raved about her to my coworkers. I went back to get my brows waxed and tinted. Another outstanding job by Gara! I was very happy with both the wax and tint. Probably won't do the tint again as it didn't last too long for me, but that will depend on the individual. I will definitely go back for facials and getting my brows cleaned up. In fact, I can't wait to go back! She offers new clients a 10% discount and a loyalty card to returning customers. I love any kind of loyalty plan! I noticed she had a tv in the waiting room which is perfect for clients getting a wax treatment that bring along their children. She's great at what she does! Definitely go!! read more

I can't recommend Gara enough. She's professional, empathetic, and is always only thinking of you, the customer, to make sure you have the best (and least painful) experience possible. I had never been waxed before, but Gara made me feel so comfortable. She explained everything to me every step of the way and kept things light while chatting with me to help keep my mind off things. It felt like we were besties by the end of the appointment! She's also very easy to contact -- you can text her to book appointments, which is super convenient, or you can call and leave a voicemail and she always gets back to you. She's also really open about texting her with any questions or concerns after your appointment should you need to. To get inside her office, just press the doorbell and wait until she opens the door for you. She's most likely with a client, so if you find yourself waiting a few minutes, don't be alarmed. Once you're inside, she asks if you'd like water or tea. There's even a bathroom inside, which is also very convenient. Gara's the best -- what can I say?! I've already booked my next appointment. read more

This was my first time getting waxed here and it was an amazing experience. From start to finish Gara was very informative. That way you're not clueless and you know exactly what to expect. She has phenomenal customer service, super friendly (whether you're complete strangers or repeat customers). I'm definitely coming back for more (even if my first experience was a little painful). But I know when you get anything waxed for the first time, it'll be painful (even eyebrows). read more

Gara was amazing!!!!!! If I could give her 10 stars, I would. Her salon was very welcoming, sanitized and serene. It smelled pretty good too! The ambiance with the background music, the dim lights & the privacy was very soothing. . Her decorations were cute & very chic. Parking is also free and there's lots of it. She provided wipes and numbing cream as well as water. I would highly recommend going to Gara. I believe it's appointment only so there is no waiting period. For example if it's 4pm it's 4pm on the dot which I appreciated because waiting is never my thing. Communication is consistent and quick. She texts you all the information you need prior to your appointment. Gara makes you feel very comfortable! She's is very friendly and gives you a feeling of calmness & assurance. I am definitely going to her, from now on! She is the best! I highly recommend. read more

Gara is great is at what she does! If you are having a stressful week and want to pamper your skin while you kick back and relax your mind, make an appointment with Gara! My first facial was done by Gara and I am glad I came to her. She is so nice and accommodating to my level of comfort. She also explained all the products and techniques she would use on me before getting started. The facial was for an hour, on a comfortable bed with the lights dimmed. She even massaged my arms and neck at the end. I felt so refreshed and happy after my facial, and my skin felt smoother and lighter. Thanks Gara you're the best!!! read more

Gara's Beauty Image - Front door - Waxing Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

I usually come to Gara for underarm waxing and she's always so great! But today I decided to come for a brazilian. I was nervous because my first and only brazilian was not a great experience. Let's just say my husband was not happy on our wedding night because I was in so much pain I wouldn't let him touch me. Fast forward 7 years... I just finished with Gara and all my fears have dissapeared!!! She made this experience, dare I say, almost delightful!!! Not gonna lie, it hurt, but not in an OMG never again way! Needless to say I will definitely be coming back on a regular! Much mahalos Gara!! read more

Everything you could ask for and more. Gara is the sweetest! The salon is very clean and tidy and super calming. She uses new supplies and really pays attention to what you want done. She tinted my eyebrows and I LOVE them. I would 100% recommend her for her many services and I will absolutely be back! read more

I never had a place i go to for my waxing needs, but with GBI, Amazing! So friendly and professional. Gara is so welcoming. Place is very clean, and relaxing. My eyebrows never looks so amazing! Im keeping GBI as my go to place for my waxing needs. i recommend GARA. read more

Gara's Beauty Image - So clean and such a calm environment. - Waxing Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

Gara is AWESOME! She's very professional and knowledgeable. She's the most experienced esthetician I've been to. Gara makes you feel at ease and always checks on you to make sure you're OK. I love the decor, it's warm and inviting, just like Gara. It smells lovely and it's always clean. She has a phone charging station and refreshments while you wait. Gara definitely goes above and beyond to make sure you have a wonderful experience from start to finish. She genuinely cares for all her clients and friends. Thank you Gara for the amazing service every time! I will definitely be going to her for years to come read more

It's my first time in a waxing salon. The entire atmosphere is calming,relaxing. I was a bit nervous but...Gara made me feel completely comfortable. She's very professional in every sense of the word by assuring me I was in great hands. I can say! I trust in her,as well as her work. I have absolutely no regrets and look forward to future visits, it's truly worth being hair free and smooth in private areas. I highly recommend her! For your first experience or if you're a regular at waxing and looking to try a new Waxing professional. QUALITY! WORK! read more

Gara's Beauty Image - Absolutely This!!! On her door as you exit the salon. - Waxing Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

I went to Gara for the first time as I wanted to try someplace new to get my eyebrows done. I typically like to go and get my eyebrows done in the Halawa/Aiea area because I work around there. I was surprised that I've never heard of her store or seen it here on Yelp before considering the 5 stars she has. Let me tell you, she rightfully deserves these 5 stars. I texted her about 24 hours before my requested appointment time. I was expecting her to say she couldn't take me because it was such a last-minute notice, but to my surprise, she said she had openings! She had asked me if I use over the counter/prescribed products for my face and I said that I did and at first, she said she couldn't accommodate me because of that. However, I told her I don't use it around my eyebrows, so she changed her mind and said she could take accommodate me. Hallelujah! I had a general idea of where her shop was, but I wasn't exactly sure. Thank you to those other yelpers who posted pictures of her shop because it helped me find the place! It's upstairs from Aiea Manapua. Lots of parking as well. There are stairs on the side of the building and there's also a little sign for her business. I was greeted by Gara and right off the bat, she was super friendly and welcoming. It felt as though I had been coming to her for years. Her space is nicely decorated with cool AC. Her walls are painted blue which is my favorite color so I loved that. I showed her a picture of myself a couple of years ago when my eyebrows were on point and asked her to make it look like that. We were chatting throughout the whole time and I enjoyed getting to know her. She would also explain what she was doing thorough the appointment, which I liked. She also applied some type of oil (?) on my brows which I never experienced at any waxing place before. Before I knew it, she was all finished and my brows looked amazing. I highly recommend Gara. She's a super friendly local girl who really knows what she is doing. I can tell she's very accommodating to her clients and she really wants them to feel comfortable and satisfied, which I definitely was! I will be coming back to her for my eyebrow needs. read more

So I found Gara solely on reviews from Yelp. I contacted her after business hours and left a voicemail and she contacted me an hour after my initial call. We spoke via text message and she was extremely professional, kind, and informative. On the day of my appointment she welcomed me in her business, offered me something to drink, and was extremely kind. She talks to you like if you guys have been friends for years. She has such a fun swag to her and her personality is so vibrant. I have been doing threading for years and usually my experience is painful because getting hair removed isn't supposed to be easy. Gara was so gentle and I hardly teared up. I definitely recommend anyone who is pain sensitive and not knowledgeable to go to her because she will walk you through the process and explain to you what she is doing. I booked an appointment for my husband and I can't wait to go back to her again. read more

Gara's Beauty Image - Before Gara - Waxing Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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I had the best experience at this beauty shop. It was so peaceful and intimate that I was very comfortable. The service is awesome and the place is very clean. I would highly recommend this place for all services. The lady there is very polite and very nice. She make me feel very comfortable. I hate going to salons cause there so much people but the privacy at this salon is so comforting. Best experience read more

Love this salon. I highly recommend this place, very private and intimate and very clean. She accommodates everyone. Her waiting area is nice. She offers drinks. Her bathroom is clean. Her area where she does her services is very peaceful and relaxing. She makes me feel so welcome and comfortable. I love that she always makes sure I know what she is doing before she does it. I am always walking out very happy and satisfied with my services. You won't be disappointed. read more

Wonderful, caring service and expert brow shaping! Return appointment! Yes! If you live in this area, go here.

Felt compelled to write my review for Gara because she deserves an honest and positive review. It's been a while since I made an appt. now that I have been working. Prior to going to her, I've been researching for years on Brazilian wax and read reviews about this place so I decided to take a chance. I texted Gara for an appointment and she replied back to confirm a date and time. Thankfully for other yelpers, I was able to locate this place easily. There's a door bell to ring prior to entering. She was very friendly and offered me water, coffee, and tea. Walked in the room and explained to me the process and had me sign a form. What I really like about this place is the numbing pads. I went to another place and did not have any numbing pads. It helped me even for a little bit. Just fyi, IT HURTS a lot! Regardless what anyone says, it will hurt and it also depends on your pain threshold. I like the fact that she does not double dip and will throw out the stick once used. She would tell me when to breathe in, indicating that she will pull the wax off. I DISLIKE surprises especially when it comes to this. I want to know when it is being pulled. Lol! It took about 30 minutes but no more than 45 minutes. The payment was super easy and you get to choose gratuity already calculated. I gotta go see her again. Thanks Gara! read more

This place is a gem, a well hidden Aiea neighborhood gem. Gara is an amazing esthetician and it is obvious that she really cares about her spa, because it is spotless, sparkling clean and very inviting. She does a great job which is self-evident she is usually booked back to back. Using coconut oil before applying wax is a nice touch and it makes the experience much more pleasant and it is good for the skin. read more

Amazing atmosphere! I had a great experience with a Brazilian with Gara! I will definitely be back!

I've been seeing Gara for the past year for Brazilians since I moved from Ewa to Aiea. I would recommend Gara to anyone because she is so friendly and makes you so comfortable with waxing! She is the first person I've had the offers you numbing ointment prior to waxing, which is really nice. She is also super hygienic, everything is always clean and she always washes her hands. She explains everything thoroughly and care instructions even if it's not your first visit. I've seen a couple of people for waxing but gara is definitely the best I've had! read more

Made an appt. by phone and I felt weird that she didn't answer so I text messaged her, pretty much an instant reply (hmm weird). I asked if I could make an appt. for Saturday and she text messaged me saying sure and gave me details of the address and what not. Got a text message later in the day stating that the building was closed on Saturdays, and there would be an issue with parking. Also, Cash only. So I decided later on that night to not even try to go. I had a gut feeling something wasn't right about her. I won't go to her. I think a reputable salon would be better fit for me. UPDATE: She just text messaged me about 5 minutes ago (2/11 @ 6:50p) about my review on yelp.. Why did Gara feel the need to explain her self further..? I have no clue. This is what it said: "I did not state at all that I'm closed. The sign for cash only is so small a lot of clients don't see it. And end up going to over priced ATM in my area" she also sent me a "revised" version of my text. I was like.. ok? The lack of professionalism makes me think whether or not she is licensed in the state of Hawaii. If I were you I'd look at it before hand. Not once did she call me. I also have to question the reviews on this page. To me its odd that she gets a 5/5. I have been to luxurious places as well as hole in the walls, but this.. NO WAY. Text messaging for appointment slots is so "Exotic Craig's List adds" not professional. Gara looks up these adds, I wonder if its her or if she gets clients to give her rave reviews and gives them compensation for it (like free waxes, whatever). read more

I just read Sarah F.'s review...all I can say is "WTH?!" Gara is the best! She's very professional! And no, I'm not getting any "kickbacks" for writing this! Just look at the majority of reviewers! We all agree GARA IS AWESOME!!! See for yourself and you will be very happy with the outcome!!! read more

I'm so glad I decided to come to Gara for my first Brazilian wax. She was very friendly and professional which made the whole nerve-wracking experience much more tolerable. It doesn't look like much from the outside but once Gara opens her door and welcomes you in all preconceptions disappear. She has a waiting room where she'll pop in a DVD of your choice if you brought a friend or significant other along. In the waiting room is also a water cooler and a small table with various drink mixes (like, hot cocoa). Her workspace is very clean and calming. She offers baby wipes and numbing spray to prepare for the waxing which is really nice. I told Gara this was my first time and she made sure to explain everything that she was about to do and why she was doing it. I felt very comfortable with her and the little jokes she dropped here and there really helped too. I liked the fact that she uses both hard and soft waxes, as I feel it helped lessen the discomfort of the more sensitive parts. I highly recommend making an appointment with Gara for your first...or fifth..or tenth time! read more

I just moved from the east coast and have had my fair share of experience with salons and waxing, and Gara is BY FAR the best! She is extremely thorough, her salon is clean and impeccable, but also carries a great soothing environment. Highlights: - She uses both types of waxes popular with brazilians and talks to you about your preferences while providing her professional opinion. - She doesn't double dip - double dipping is much more common than it should be, so I was happy to see she didn't! - She provides a topical numbing spray - yes, please! - She's SO thorough - you won't be left to do any touch up work on your own, which I have ALWAYS had to do with other salons. - You won't have ANY wax left behind! - She has a loyalty program - not only do you get 15% off your first visit, once you see her 5 times, you get another 15% off. And 15% off for referrals! - She's excellent about making you comfortable - explaining what she's doing while chatting casually with you. You can call or text to make an appointment - I sent a text (my preferences) and she got back to me within the hour and we had it all set up easily. Perhaps my only complaint would be the parking lot of where the salon is - it's a bit of a tight space, so don't bring a large car! But it's not impossible and is nowhere near a deterrent to visiting Gara. For as long as I'm living in Hawaii, I will be a regular client. Thanks, Gara! read more

In Gara's own words, "waxing is my passion". While I never thought I'd hear someone say this, it's why she's great at what she does. Brazilians waxes are never pleasant, but if you're going to get it done, get it done here. I got a little lost on the way there, but since I am a first time customer, Gara allotted extra time so the waxing wasn't done it a rush. (Kudos!) She explained everything step by step as she did it, so I never felt nervous. She explained everything from the kind of the wax/instruments she uses to her sanitation process. Although it's a small shop, the ambiance is very warm and comfortable. Never thought I'd say this, but I walked away from my monthly brazilian wax feeling relaxed and happy. Bit of a miracle I'd say. read more

I'm glad my friend and elite Yelper, Melissa recommended me to Gara! I had wanted to get a Brazilian done prior to vacation and was hesitant since it had been a good while that I've gone this route. Her shop is in a nondescript building: same upstairs from M&M BBQ in Aiea. Once you are inside the shop, it is definitely a "don't judge a book by its cover" deal. You walk in and immediately feel at ease; its very cute and chill; candles permeate the room with calming scents, the lights are dim from the chandelier that hangs above and she has a seating area with a television and beverages (if you brought along the other half or friend.) It is small; office, bathroom and service room are condensed into a studio, but she makes due really well (you are the only client in the studio anyway, as the entrance is locked during your service.) I've gone to a good amount of estheticians/waxers, and she is the best. I like how she outlines what she is doing, makes sure you understand your comfort zone, is very clean (no double dipping) and makes great conversation (all the better to distract you from hair being ripping from your soul!) She also provides a numbing spray (lidocaine-based) to help ease the shock. Lots of parking and prices are competitive! read more

Love Gara. It's been a while since I've last seen her due to living on the west side but I'm do glad I went back. I texted her to check if she had any openings and she was quick to to respond back. Her prices are great and she also has chargers to charge your phone during your appointment. What more could you ask for. Highly recommend her! read more

I am so lucky to have had such great experiences with wax stylists. Located on the second floor of the same shopping center as aiea manapua, Gara is closed on Saturday because of the crowded parking from the other storefronts. Parking can be horrendous there, without any relief from nearby parking lots. However, on Sunday I was pleased to find three open spots. Gara's shop is very comfortable. You ring a doorbell and she'll come and meet you. As the only person in the shop, she can't keep the door unlocked while she is with a client. She provides you numbing spray and a modesty towel while you wait for her to enter the room. She explains everything she is doing and why she chooses products while she continues the service. This extends the service out longer than other wax technicians I have visited, but is very comforting. At the end she provides you with refreshments while you give a payment. Also, she has her own bathroom, which is really great if you need to prepare for the appointment, or throw up from the pain (JUST KIDDING!) Credit Cards ARE accepted read more