The new location was easy to find and they had a shared parking space with other vendors inside the building. Check in was easy, the lobby was chic and relaxing. The rates are affordable and a quick in and out! read more

The Refinery - Waxing Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I have been going to Afton for waxes for the last several months and I am very satisfied! She's very nice and makes the entire process quick and easy. Seriously, i don't know how she does it. I'm in and out within 15 minutes, maybe less? Super good prices and clean studio. Excited to see what the new studio will look like! read more

I had my first Brazilian wax here and I was so scared but it went so well! Stephanie was awesome! She talked me through it and I am so glad I finally conquered my fear and did it! Totally worth it and wasn't scary at all! read more

AFTON! Always THE best! And-the new location is fantastic! It's gorgeous, spacious, very open and inviting, and GREAT parking! You all so deserve this updated space! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! read more

Amy is a superb waxer and made me feel instantly comfortable! She's fast, thorough, and does an all around fantastic job.

Holly at The Refinery is my go-to Brazilian wax person! They have the quickest and most professional waxers in the twin cities. I'm talking in and out in 15 minutes quick. Picture perfect every time! I am planning my next visit in 4 weeks. I would recommend! Very zen vibes for the bustling streets of Dinkytown. read more

I still like this place a lot, convenient location for me and BT is the best. I only see her and it's almost always painless even for a Brazilian. I have seen 2 others in this location and I almost cried out of pain for the same thing. So highly recommend BT. Will cost you $45-50. Fast and courteous. You'll be in and out the door in 15 mins tops. Parking is available in metered spaces, but won't recommend coming during rush hour, including any time after 4. Parking will be impossible then. read more

After a friend recommendation, I booked an appointment for a brow and bikini wax with Corinna. The prices are the most affordable I've seen in the cities. It isn't a fancy spa, but I wouldn't expect that for a fast and very well done wax. I go because I want a good wax. Another reason I love Corinna at The Refinery is that she saved my sanity after a brow catastrophe from a different salon. I'm currently trying to regrow my brows in after a terrible experience elsewhere and Corinna was there for me. She gave me advice and helped my realize that there was hope at the end of the 90's brows that I was left with after the other salon mishap. Book with Corinna. She knows what she is doing and she won't waste your time. read more

The Refinery - Waxing Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The refinery is the best!!! It may not be the fanciest, but wonderful employees and a good price. I originally went for a facial before my sister's wedding and haven't stopped going! Holly is amazing!!! She is very personable and great at identifying issues. I have suffered from acne since puberty and it's finally clearing up!! She worked with me to try several different skin care routines before we found the one that worked. She never gave up! It's now like going to see a friend, who happens to be amazing at keeping your skin care routine in check. Highly highly recommend the refinery for facial, chemical peel, massage, waxing and skin care products. read more

If you don't mind a no frills experience - you will LOVE this place. $35 for brazilians!! I am a natural redhead and my 'down there' hair is stubborn. I have been getting them for years and have had terrible experiences with trying to get rid of it... until the refinery. Keep your modesty skirt at home, but they will have you in and out in 15 minutes- don't be late! They do have a revolving door of customers- but are as kind as you would could be. Five stars for the waxing ladies here- if you expect all the little thrills of the high end salons - don't. If you want a affordable, don't mess around way to keep your waxing fix- call and make an appointment today!! read more

It's been several years since my last lady waxing, and with the reviews all over the place, I was a little nervous going into my appointment. They asked me to arrive early to do paperwork, but the receptionist didn't have me fill anything out. My waxer caught the paperwork, and we got on our way. I'd never been in to see the set up with curtains and the lack of privacy that others have complained about. I thought their current layout (rooms with doors) was rather nice! The fluorescent lighting could use a revamp, but all in all, it was a decent set up. My waxer was pleasantly chatty but focused on her work. People are right that the waxers at The Refinery seem to be on a tight time schedule. I felt like she was efficient, but not rushing things. They just lowered their prices in the last couple of days, so with the $5 off, my wax was only $25! Their weekly specials rotate, sign up for their email newsletter for great deals. :) read more

The Refinery - Waxing Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

See all

10/10 recommend prenatal massage by Leo. My session today was a small miracle. Leo was sweet and professional. My back/shoulders/arms/legs felt a million times after this massage. I will definitely book with Leo again if I don't have this baby soon. Can't thank him enough! read more

If you are looking forward to a nice, relaxing, and most importantly an afford place for a facial then I would highly recommend this place. I've been coming here for the past five years and hands down a place I would always return. I've tried many estheticians here but my go to person is always Alyssa. She is very detailed, educated about skincare, and is great at giving head and neck massage. The only complaint I have is the poor customer service for the receptionists. There has been many unpleasant interaction with the receptionists that I would say stopping me from wanting to come back. Receptionists are the face of the business. Greeting customers with a must and please act like you want to be here as much as I do. read more

I work with Afton or Holly when I come in and love this place! They do such a good job with waxing. I mainly get my eyebrows done. I'm getting compliments for the next few days after my visit too! They also have a a customer points system is you precook read more

Emily is the best spray tan applicator in the state! So nice and gives great service! I keep coming back for her!

I had a not so pleasant experience here last summer after getting a Brazilian Wax. My esthetician accidentally ripped off some skin down there, at the time I couldn't see it without a hand mirror, so I just let it go and said no big deal, it happens. She was nice enough to apologize and even call me later that day to see if I was okay, I said it was fine and that was that. She never informed me how to take care of the tear or what to do about it. I was at work, so it was a short conversation and goodbye. Unfortunately, days later I had formed a bacterial cyst 'down there.' Uncertain of what it was caused from, I didn't bother to contact The Refinery, instead it was more important for me to go straight to the ER and get this painful thing removed. It was a little bigger than gum ball size. After 7 hours in the ER waiting to get treated with a throbbing pain down there, I was finally put under and operated on. It was the worst pain I have ever gone through, and quite embarrassing. On top of that I was sick from the anesthesia after wards. After a week I go back to the hospital for a follow up and ask her what could have caused this, she says "do you shave or wax down there?" DING, my light bulb came on and I remembered my experience at The Refinery a few weeks back. In the end I got a $2,533 (hospital bill) Brazilian wax from this place, humiliation and extreme pain, along with recovery which wasn't so pleasant (a draining cyst, sorry, gross...I know). I'm currently dealing with the owner to see if their insurance will cover my bill, there is no way I can cover it or feel that I should. I now go to a waxing educator out in Edina, she's amazing and affordable. read more

After getting my second wax here I have to take away a few (by a few I mean all) stars. My latest wax was horrible for several reasons. Apparently the experience here is completely dependent on the waxer and methinks the ladies coming here should not have to surf through them all to find a good one. I'm also irritated that I saw two different people in two visits. I would think that the receptionist (who I'm pretty sure is incapable of a smile, direct eye contact or a non pmsing attitude) would let you know if you are seeing a different person than the last time....nope. Not sure about the rest of the Yelp female population but I don't usually show my who ha to random people so a little heads up or at least an offer to try to see the last person that waxed me would be appreciated. Anyways, the most recent wax I had here was awful. Highly unprofessional with the way she would talk with you. I'm about as potty mouthed as they come but in a business relationship I know how to put a cork in it. Plus she had me in and out of there in 15 minutes and I never saw her for a thank you or a come and see me again afterwards. A thorough wax should not take 15 minutes. My eyebrows take longer than that. That right there should tell you something....they are running a Brazilian factory with the highest concern being numbers over quality. Secondly the wax itself. It was THE most painful wax I've ever had. My first one was like a back massage from a hot Swedish guy compared to this agony. I also don't think she heated the wax enough or put it on my skin closely enough. (This might be a little too detailed but hey this place specialized in Brazilians so you guys should know). I've been having this done for over a year so I know how to properly care for the area afterwards to prevent issues. My regrowth is terrible. It's like the hairs broke off instead of being pulled out by the root and it's created an uncomfortable situation...ingrown hairs in places I've never had them before. Plus she missed certain areas that, at least at my old place, were taken care of as part of the bikini area. This was just the worst experience and the repercussions are not fun. If you do decide to come here read the reviews and find someone who has been mentioned by name. The last person I had never even offered hers. read more

Week before wedding, I try this highly rated place for the first time. These folks have a heavy hand, beware. I ask the lady to just clean up my eyebrows that are naturally thick the way I like them. She creates pencil thin lines and waxes half my forehead. I don't have a hairy forehead. I ask her to wax my upper lip. She waxes half my face. Well, I guess I'll have to have a pretty talented makeup artist to fill these suckers in. I don't even feel like I look like myself...just days before my wedding. ... Now that I'm home with better lighting and mirror I see that one eyebrow is pencil thin and the other one is close to normal. This may just be the worst wax I've ever had. read more

Affordable waxing for your hooha. Like Kat W says, sign up for their email newsletter and you can get a few dollars off, which is always great. However, you do risk getting an appointment at their preference, which is still ok because as a student you can just skip class in order to get your wax on! Customer service is efficient and friendly. The private rooms for privates waxing are a bit clinical, but at $30, I'm not going to complain. Plus, the staff is experienced and just-chatty-enough and I didn't leave with any pain. I don't really consider this a spa-spa, where New-Age pan-pipe music flows softly in the air, everything smells herbal, and your Brazilian wax comes with a side of acai berries. But for quick and inexpensive spa-services, the Refinery is my go-to place. read more

Disappointed at customer service experience. This used to be my go to place for brow waxing and facials. I liked the location and prices. Also the no fuss and efficiency. I felt as though as though I was really building a relationship with the staff. Then about a year ago I went in for my usual brow wax and informed the staff person I was going to be booking a facial. To which she replied, " I don't really like doing facials." What? ?? So you have been doing my facials and brows for over two years now and you don't like it? So anyway I haven't been back since. I don't know about you but I took this to mean that she didn't really enjoy me as a client. Shame. read more

To call The Refinery a "spa" would be a major overstatement. It feels like a bunch of hippies who got together and decided to open a waxing parlor in a storefront. I made an appointment for an express mani-pedi, and the service by Natalie itself was great. She was really sweet, good and the pedicure was better than I anticipated. However, it is the environment that gives me the heebee jeebies.... I walked in and the floors were either linoleum or cement, it reminded me of a rundown elementary school, complete with a faux-wood desk that had not been updated in what appeared to be about 15 years. As I sat and waited, I noticed that the paper paneling on it was peeling off on all four corners. It was musty and the place needed a good dusting around the baseboards. The curtains/sheets hanging in the front window were dirty and yellowing. As I waited for my appointment I could hear every word going on in the waxing stalls, including "OK, now pull your knee forward and out".... I myself hate getting waxed, and it isn't very relaxing to hear the play-by-play of it happening to a stranger. I have no doubt the Refinery staff are good aestheticians, but The Refinery environment makes me want to run fast. read more

I hadn't been waxed since before I gave birth, so as you can imagine, my underarms and lower legs were beginning to look rather, ughm, masculine. I had received a newsletter from the refinery that said half legs were 5 bucks off today, so I carved out some time and zoomed over to Dinkytown. For 40 bucks (plus tip) I got both my pits and calves waxed. I appreciated that my ethetician, Crysta, was friendly but quick. As I've said before, I'm not looking for a "spa" experience here; I just want the job done, and well. And now my legs look like I lost about 10 lbs (yes, that's how hairy they were.) Not bad for a Jackson. read more

I visited The Refinery for the first time this past Saturday for a Brazilian wax. I am relatively new to waxing that very sensitive and personal area of my body, and had only done it 3 other times, all at Juut's New Artist Academy in Uptown. The first time I had it done it at Juut it turned out fine (other than of course hurting like a muthaf**ka), but the second two times I broke out right afterward with an awful rash and ended up with a lot of ingrowns (sorry, it's gross, I know). Because of this, and because of the fact that Juut had just started a brand new class of aesthiticians and I didn't want to take any chances on a newbie butchering my lady bizniz, I decided to give The Refinery a shot. Wow! The whole process took only 15 minutes (compared to the 30-45 minute process I had to endure at Juut). Lorie kept the conversation flowing, which is always a welcome distraction. She didn't tweeze any strays at the end, but when I got home and took a closer look I realized no tweezing was needed--which means my hair is probably all on the same growth cycle now (it takes a few regular waxes to get this). $30 for a Brazilian is an amazing deal, and I got amazing results. Sadly, I DID break out with a little rash again, but I think that's just my sensitive skin and something I'll have to endure if I want to continue waxing that area. I will definitely be back in 4-6 weeks! read more

Not the ritziest spa experience ever, but uniformly competent and reasonably priced. (Not Korean nail joint at the strip mall reasonable, but good for a "spa environment") I go here for pedicures and massages. I've also had a facial here. My masseuse deserves to be thanked if I ever win any kind of award for any sort of achievement. Really, getting through a month without Sarah to rub away the pains and cares is no longer an option. The atmosphere is very friendly and casual. My husband and I frequently have couples massage, which is not as dirty as it sounds. A lot of people think a good couples massage is romantic and maybe it is, but as was pointed out by a recent episode of Rock of Love, you are pretty far away from one another while this is going on. I have tried both the spa pedicure and the "express." Both were LONG treatments that were very pampering. I would definitely recommend the express because it's cheaper and the spa isn't that much more detailed. I love the woman who does my toes. We always talk about organic food and stuff. One thing I really appreciate about all the services I've gotten here is they never push product. I hate it when you go to get a supposedly relaxing treatment that you pay through the nose for and they act like you're at a Mary Kay Party. My friend actually gave me a gift certificate to another spa and I've yet to use it, probably because I'm so happy with the Refinery. Maybe I'll go there and get some crazy service they don't do here. Himalayan mud dip, perhaps? A quick update: I went here for a manipedi spa outing with my mom and it was awesome. Angelique who normally does my nails did my mother's. She was just so nice and gentle with my mother who was a spa first-timer and has never in her 65 years of life had her toe nails painted. read more

This. Place. If you're looking for a Brazilian, this is the place! Daisy did my wax and if was very quick and thorough and it didn't hurt too bad. I've had the wax that you rip off without the strips and that hurt so much more than what they used, hot wax with the strips. They will definitely see me again! $40 for a Brazilian. read more

I saw Holly for an express facial. She did painless extractions, and a hydrating facial. She gave me genuinely helpful advice, and the service she gave greatly exceeded the cost of the service. read more

Best brazs in town - in most towns actually. When I was 18 (wow, it's been a while...) I decided to try my first brazilian. I went to what was Scot Lewis school at that time. I paid an inordinate amount of money, and it took about an hour! It was all I knew, and it was the cheapest (ringing in at about $65!!!) I could find. After my fifth or so time there, the student pulled me aside. She told me to try this place downtown that is cheap, quick, and quality care. Enter The Refinery. I started going here before they opened the new waxing studio. It was nice to go to the actual salon - but given their volume I understand the need for a waxing-only area. It is directly next door, and very minimal. Go in, get yanked, get out. They used to validate parking which was super nice, but for some reason they stopped doing that. I have never been in here longer than 20 minutes, so I just use street parking. I have a latex allergy, and they are usually pretty good about it. I mention it every time I make an appointment, however this time the girl (who I have never had before) just started to go to town with latex gloves. I am glad I noticed before she got started, but it was unprofessional. I have never had hair left, and they take special care to remove ingrown hairs with a tweezers as well. They give finipil afterwards which is soothing and slows hair growth while thinning as well. Nice touch. I moved to Milwaukee a couple years ago, and regularly make trips back to Minneapolis specifically for this salon - grade A work guys! read more

I love this place. they've been keeping me smooth for years, and i'm a very satisfied customer. Ok, I'm going to be really generous right now and tell you who my favorite waxers are, knowing this might make it more difficult for me to get timely appointments. AnneMarie and Alea are both fantastic. Great personalities, awesome job every time, and they never make me feel like a wuss, even though i can be sometimes. (hint: do NOT go more than the recommended time between waxes. stay on a schedule, and it won't be as painful! trust me on this. you do not want to go for, say, 7 weeks without a wax, or it's like starting all over again) I don't feel rushed, but i do try to dress quickly and arrive on time. Of course they are on a schedule and want to fit as many people in as possible. I can't believe people write and complain about this! I don't mind the efficiency at all: i appreciate it, and the job is always done well. Care is clearly taken, and I leave satisfied. The prices are extremely reasonable, too. drink lots of water during the days before your appointment, and exfoliate daily. (thanks, alea, for helping remind me of this!) your first wax is the most painful, but they get much better after that, and your hair grows in SO much lighter, sparser, and thinner. good wax, great employees, efficient system, and smooooooooth body. thanks, refinery! read more

This was the scene for my 2nd Brazilian and similar to my first experience, it was not as scary or painful as I always imagined it would be. My appointment began right on time and took at most 20 minutes, was relatively painless, and CHEAP! ($30 without a huge tip) The waxer (Angelique?) was nicely talkative and somehow told me when to breathe in and out (pain control) while carrying on a conversation. Lack of that fifth star? The room I was in didn't have floor-to-ceiling walls; there was a finished 6" or so gap at the top- kind of like we were in a cubicle. Not that I'm discussing my SSN or anything, but it seemed strange. The "lobby" at this place is a bit sterile, and the receptionist a little brusque, but I'm not paying for leather couches and an ass-kissing, so... read more

Tried out the Refinery today because, as usual, I was looking for a last minute Brazilian wax. I've gone to a number of different places and gotten the 'goods' cleaned up so I do have some experience with this type of thing. I saw Krista, who was all business. She was very nice and easy to talk to but she got that taken care of. I arrived about 15 minutes early anticipating a small wait but she got me in right away and I was walking out the door at my scheduled appt time. The Refinery is not super fancy but was clean. Krista used gloves and a fresh dip stick every time she put on another swipe of wax. She was quick and not shy about asking me to get in not so lady-like positions so she could do her job the best way possible. I'm a huge fan of that. In addition to Krista generally being awesome and good at what she does, it was super cheap- $30 + tip. Overall, I had a great experience and will be back. _____________________________________ Update: This has become my go-to waxing joint. Even though I live in Northfield, I make a special trip to Dinkytown every few weeks to get smoothed and pampered. Okay, so not pampered since they are ripping my hair out with hot wax but it is great once it's done! The service is consistent and I have always been able to book services a day or two in advance. Did I mention that it is also very reasonably priced?? read more

I highly recommend Alyssa for anything you may need! She makes the waxing process near painless and always does a wonderful job. Prices are also super reasonable! read more

Getting a Brazilian is not really something one looks forward to but at The Refinery you might actually leave happy. For $25 this is a deal and a half. Plus, the staff is uber nice always talking and making that embarrassing position you're in surprisingly almost pleasant... or as comfortable as it gets. The massages and everything else are also very reasonably priced but you get high class ambiance for that low price tag. The whole atmosphere of the place is young, clean, soothing and very professional. Think Zen with a modern twist. Unlike the usual delays at spas, I've never waited for more than five minutes for my turn at The Refinery and metered parking is fairly easy to find on the street close by in Dinkytown. Finally, if you sign up for their newsletter through their website, every Monday you'll get an e-mail with the week's specials so you can plan an even cheaper appointment. . read more

The primary difference between spending $70 at a spa for a Brazilian and $30 at The Refinery, is that YOU pull YOUR OWN butt cheeks apart when they wax your backside. That said, I recommend you save the $40 and become better acquainted with yourself. Secondary difference includes not enjoying a hot cup of herbal tea prior to the procedure, followed by a soothing 'cold stone' genital rub. If you're sad or lonely, I recommend a spa, as it will also help you retain some dignity. If you're just looking to get some gnarly pubes taken care of, The Refinery will not disappoint. read more

Look - I don't know if everyone is as uncomfortable as I am with the concept of having a stranger remove hair from "down there" - but I sincerely cannot believe how amazing and professional Afton was. She put me completely at ease, was thorough, answered all my questions, and dealt with my needing to hide behind a towel. Yes. I am an adult who hid behind a towel during my wax. Anyway, I've been to the Refinery before for pedicure and tanning services and have been pleased with the cleanliness of the facilities and professionalism of the staff. The only caveat I would include with an appointment at the Refinery is to make sure you've left yourself adequate time to park and get there - they are for real about being on time for your appointments, and parking in Dinkytown is difficult on the best of days. read more

I hate hate hate brazilians. The only two things I might hate more are shaving and having to worry about pubic hair with a swimsuit. I've been to a few places and I've had some good ones and some bad ones, but Ashley is the only person who consistently has been phenomenal. She is so crazy fast! And it actually barely hurts - every time I see her I'm in and out in a few minutes with a great wax and almost no discomfort. I can't review anyone else here but if you're looking to book an appointment, book Ashley! read more

I go to the Refinery to have Melissa cut my hair. She is great with curly hair, and is fun to talk to as well! I recently got married and she and another girl gave 5 of us great-looking hair for just over $200. They don't raise the prices just because you are "bridal" that day! Melissa only works Sundays normally, so call ahead and book her! read more

I would highly recommend Chris for a brazilian! She was super nice and thorough and quick. The tables are not he most comfortable, but the price is right. Be careful with the oil they give you at the end to soothe the area. It stained and ruined my new tank top, but that's my own fault. UPDATE!!! So I found out that Chris moved to Honeycomb Salon in Minneapolis. http://www.honeycombmpls.com/. Go see her there!!! The prices are very similar to The Refinery, but her new space is so much more welcoming. read more

Been coming here for a few years now and felt like I should update. Still seeing Karina, and still love her. I've seen some other gals there and they're fine, but I just prefer her. It's always fast and doesn't hurt too bad. My only complaint is parking. It's a hard area to find parking and at times makes me want to find a new waxing spot. I just don't think I could find this type of service elsewhere. read more

I have tried many waxing places, this place does the best job and has the best prices. Corinna is personally my favorite and I will only go to her. She's fast and great at what she does! read more

I have gotten a manicure, three haircuts, and multiple waxes from here and I literally can't say anything negative about any of my experiences!! I first got my nails done here. Slightly more expensive than my nails 2001 in chicago, but I didn't mind because they don't rush through the manicure, and their nail polish selection is very nice! they use essie brand which I didn't usually buy, but I find myself in their on saturdays 15% off products skimming over their colors! As for my haircuts, they use Soma products on me every time, (I LOVE IT!) I bought the shampoo and conditioner and even my boyfriend uses because it's so good!! They listened to me every time I said what I wanted. And I didn't leave the place with my hair curled out like I usually do (idk why women do that to me but it always happens!) As for my waxing experience... best place ever. Literally. Not to get TMI but 35 dollars for a Brazilian is literally unheard of, I wish I could go more often to get it! Like people have said you don't feel rushed, never embarrassed. Especially when I'm the one who laughs when their going to be pain, really awkward. I've had a few different girls all great, sadly don't remember their names. The only thing I wish they still did was give you those little packets of ointment stuff, I loved it, but I haven't gotten it the past three times. Also if you like them on facebook they have their specials listen, and usually offer free massages and waxes(usually bikini) from their new employees. Pretty sweet deal!! Also all the girls up front are always super nice! read more