If you want a fast, affordable, and fabulous Brazilian Wax you must come here. I have had waxes in many places in Wisconsin and was nervous to try somewhere new when I moved here. I will never go anywhere else. I had a few with Amy and they were great but now I try to get Anne Marie if possible. I have had some with other ladies and they are just as good. Maybe the environment isn't as luxurious as other spas but I would rather save money on my wax than pay for the extra frills! I also used a coupon once for a massage and it was fabulous. They offer weekly deals if you are on the email list but really $30 for a wax....you can't beat that. 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

FABULOUS. I have gone here many, many times for various services with many different service providers, all of which have astounded me with their personality, skill, and overall customer treatment and service. They give the best waxes in the city, I swear. Prices are great! (35 for a Brazilian) You absolutely should go to the Refinery. Although I do love Amy the most for my waxes. Like them on Facebook to get their weekly specials! read more

This place should be much cheaper for what it is, because it is like a fast food version of a salon. The thing I'm most disappointed by is that I have been twice and have had to wait both times. I was 3 minutes late and they took the person before me. Seems like the appointments are booked without enough buffer time, evidenced by them putting the clean sheet on right in front of you when you're in the salon room. The people are also not very welcoming, something I appreciate at most salons have, which is particularly nice when you're coming in for a wax. On the pros: It is definitely the fastest wax I've ever had, but perhaps because there was no concern for the heat of the wax and the salon professional doesn't leave the room. read more

Fast and Non Fuzzy. Went here because of Yelpers reviews and the early week specials. They say 15 mins and they mean it. The service was quick and polite. The front desk staff curt and sassy. I'll go back because it's a great price and the timing fits into my schedule. Be on time or better yet, early. They will get in you and out in a matter of minutes. read more

Best place in the USA for bikini waxing. Trust me I know. You'll be in and out in 15 minutes and its done really really well. Use soft wax (not hard) and can book online! read more

I get waxed with Laurie. She is absolutely the best. She makes sure everything is clean and doesn't double dip! By the way....Brazilian waxing is only $30! Can't find it that cheap anywhere in town! read more

I've been going to The Refinery pretty much since they first opened. I get all my waxing done here by Amy - a few times I've had to schedule an emergency appointment for brows or something with another aesthetician, but Amy is my fav! You can hear other people, but honestly it just sounds like background noise to me. I'm not sure why some of the other reviewers are listening so intently to their fellow waxees. I don't think I've ever seen a double dip, although usually I'm gabbing away and having a good time, so maybe I just don't notice. I have never ever had a problem with bumps or skin lifting - this might be due to peoples' specific skin situations, maybe? Some of the mani/pedi aestheticians are a little...chatty...and strong characters. I went in with a friend who had Edwina for a pedicure and she did a great job! read more

I tried the Refinery for their hot stone massage special. When I arrived the receptionist informed me there was no name recorded for the appoinment, and kept referring to me as the "mystery client" as if this were my fault. Then the therapist informed me the stones weren't hot enough due to a testy warmer. Once the stones were hot enough, the massage began in a room that was too bright. However the massage itself was wonderful. She focused on sore areas that I told her about beforehand. For $33, can't beat it. If you don't mind it's a no frills place, go for it. read more

I was able to get a same day appointment at The Refinery which was really nice. My appointment was with Amy, who was great. I agree with some of the other reviews that you're not getting a "spa" experience here with the decor. They are quick and efficient, but also super friendly and easy to talk to. I was in and out in 15 minutes. Plus the prices are fantastic! I will definitely go back to The Refinery. read more

I went in for a bikini wax and saw Afton. She is quick and makes the experience as easy as possible, talking you through what to expect and aftercare. I scheduled my next appointment before I left. The atmosphere is very basic here and being a place for quick waxing services it is perfectly sufficient. The walls are shorter than the ceiling so it's not entirely private, but it works for what they're doing. It's clean and I was in and out in 10 min! read more

Overall I thought the experience was FANTASTIC. I have only experienced their waxing services (Brazilian), but I will certainly be returning for other beauty needs! It was quick and simple, definitely the best Brazilian I have ever had. Four stars however because I would have appreciated a little bit more professionalism from the lady who waxed me when I removed my garments of clothing. I would have preferred her to step out versus kind of watching me undress. It wasn't a big deal though! Not like she was gawking or anything. If I could rate it 4.75 I would, however I cannot. Affordable, $40 with tip, $30 without, and in an awesome location. Gotta love Dinkytown. read more

I promise not to mention "down there" or hoohas. I've been twice; both for full leg wax and tailored bikinis. It's been quite awhile since I've waxed, but I knew the refinery was speedy so I figured that at least the pain would be brief. Like a lot of the reviews, don't expect much as far as spa frills go. No one is going to offer you water or talk to you about aromatherapy. The aestheticians collecting people are wearing white aprons like butchers. I had this image of Civil War medics giving people a shot of whiskey before waxing. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the person who waxed me. It was about 45 mins in all and the process was quick and being chatty helped the process move along. My skin yesterday looked red and angry, but today it's mostly calmed down. I didn't have any skin rips, but I did notice a few misses here and there. But I have almost white-blonde hair. Overall, it's really tempting to go for their inexpensive services and prices. Like others, I'm not a fan of double dipping. read more

Very fast and affordable. No frills . My favorite place for waxing service. Highly recommend!!!! read more

Got another 60 minute Swedish massage from Stephanie and forgot that she had given me a massage before. Same great work ethic, made the hour about me, and gave a great face massage along with the rest of the body. Love her! read more

GO SEE ALYSSA!!! As a fellow professional in the beauty industry, I have to spread the word about the professional, excellent service I received. If I did not live out of state, I would be a regular! I also really appreciated the kind customer service on the phone and when I came in for my visit. I could envision a makeover of the atmosphere but still, amazing! read more

I love this place!! I've read some of the bad reviews, but I've never had a poor experience here! They are thorough, pleasant, quick and I have always received reward points. They keep track of them and always remind me to apply them at checkout. I recon this place all the time!!! read more

I normally use Yelp just to look things up but I had to give some positive feedback to this awesome place. I live in San Francisco and needed to get waxed while in Minnesota. I normally use hard wax but they used soft wax with strips and it was less painful than the hard wax and ASK FOR AMY!!! She was super friendly and did a great job. 10/10 read more

I've been here three times for brazilians with different Estheticians each time, all were great and professional. Most importantly: they were fast. These women know what they're doing, one told me they often do 25 a day. They're experts, but they charge nervous-trainee prices, could it get any better? (Well, maybe if the waiting room didn't make you feel like you were about to take an STD test.) read more

I've been getting Brazilian waxes at the Refinery for a little over a year. I was never completely won over by their services, but the great location and low prices kept me coming back. I've always had Autumn (the manager) do my waxes, she was friendly, quick, professional, and always left me happy with the results. Needless to say, I was pretty bummed when I called to schedule my appointment and was told that she no longer works here anymore. After my wax today, I can definitely say that the Refinery has gone down hill with Autumn's absence. First off, the receptionist was anything but friendly, she couldn't even look me in the eyes when talking to me, but the worst part was by far my service provider Amy. From the moment I walked in to the waxing room she made me feel uncomfortable. She was rude and sarcastic the entire time. I preferred the silence to our "conversation." Also, she waxed my entire area in about four swipes. I have never had a waxer take off such large chunks of hair at a time, and needless to say the whole 7 minutes were very painful. Also, she was picking at some ingrown hairs to the point of making them bleed and did nothing else with them. She was extremely unprofessional, throwing the f-word around, and talking about getting drunk. I was extremely disgusted with the entire experience. After I was finished and was checking out, the receptionist asked how I would like to pay for the tip. After I told her on my credit card, she then said "$5?" Seriously? That is so unprofessional, as a customer, it is my choice how much the tip is, and she has no business telling me what I should tip (unless I specifically asked her). Overall, I firmly believe this place has and will continue to go down-hill. I would not recommend this place to anyone and will never be going back again. read more

I've been here a couple times. I would have rated this place 3 stars but the last time I had a very bad experience. I had an appt and was early. it took 15 minutes for her to call me. She never introduced herself. I had my eyebrows and underarms done. She did my brows first. I felt like she rushed through them and when she was done she asked if they looked alright. They were incredibly uneven so i asked her to fix them. She proceeded to tell me that my eyebrows are sisters, not twins. OK yeah I get it. But every other time I've had them done they work with me to get them at least to my liking. She had no interest in doing anything else. She then moved on to my underarms. It went quickly and when she was done she mentioned that it was bleeding pretty bad which she said was normal. I know it is and wasn't really upset by it. I asked if she had anything I could use to wipe them or cover it, because I was wearing a white shirt. She said she didn't. I asked for paper towels, anything. She then pointed and said, well there's some over there. At this point she was halfway out the door, on her way out she said "well good luck". No thank you or anything. I know they are well reviewed for their ability to get you in and out but when I'm in the middle of dealing with bleeding armpits and asking for some sort of help, I appreciate a bit of assistance, not a quick exit and "good luck". So with that, I probably won't be returning. Anyone who plans to go here, all I can say to you is "Good Luck" read more

Not a fan. My first BZ wax there was amazing! even if i broke out like crazy after I loved the girl and she did a great job. I even waited untill she was avilble again to go back. This time my wax was supper spotty and she lifted skin in three very sensitve areas. The room was FIlthy. the wax pot haddn't been cleaned in months if not years. Plus she never sanitized my skin and double diped the stick more then once. I'm pretty grossed out and wont go back. 30 dollars is a great price but who knows what you'll pick up. read more

Pros: Affordable, fast, professional service. Can't complain about the staff at all. Go here if you want a Brazilian in 15 minutes or less! Cons: I'm on the fence about if I even want a Brazilian in less than 15 minutes, but it happened and I didn't die. I don't consider myself to have sensitive skin, but somehow I have a burn on my inner thigh from the wax. It's not painful, but still, not ideal. Also, it has been 6 days and my labia are STILL itchy as hell. Doesn't seem to be an allergic reaction, just ITCHY. I was at the doctor the week prior so I know its not an infection I had beforehand, and I don't think its a double dipping thing. I've been waxed at a couple other places in the last few months and have not been itchy ever- I think its a combo of my skin not liking the wax, and the wax being too hot. :( Beware. read more

Came here for a pedicure and had the "spa" pedicure. Well that was a total joke. For $65 I had to sit for an hour and listen to the woman doing my nails talk NON STOP to the woman next to her about very annoying and stupid things. She also spoke VERY loudly and, again, NEVER STOPPED. The "spa" component meant that she rubbed some kind of scrub on my leg and then at the end rubbed an oily rock around my leg and foot. The whole place felt dirty and unprofessional. When I tried to close my eyes during the massage they just kept on blabbing and making jokes, constantly asking me questions, etc. It was sort of like they were trying to perform and get attention in the most childish of ways. This was, by far, the worst pedicure I have ever had in my life. Anyone would be FAR better off going to one of the many inexpensive nail salons around town as this is a total rip off at $65. read more

i love the refinery! the service is excellent, the staff is friendly and the salon is quite clean....oh, and they validate parking and are located in a super convenient location at the U.....who can complain about walking over to loring pasta bar after a quick waxy waxy rippy rippy? and speaking of which, all of the waxing services (of the south american country version) have been flawless. Respectful, clean and quick appointments with staff who make you feel comfortable without even trying. I love being on their email list because every monday i get an email about their weekly specials....like five bucks off a brazilian this thursday or a discounted massage and pedi combo. LOVE IT! I'll absolutely keep coming back for all of my below the border needs...and i may even start trying out their other services as well! I'm a student now...i deserve it!........right? read more

This place is truly the Walmart of waxing spas. It's cheap, yes ($20 for my basic bikini wax), but the woman was on a MISSION to rip every hair out from my bikini line in under 10 min. I'm not sure if she barely had time to take a breath between each rip. I commented on how fast she was going and she said she does 20 a day. I felt like I was on an assembly line of hoohas. Now my nether regions are covered in red bumps that I haven't had before with other waxes. There is something to be said for taking your time at certain things! Overall, the price can't be beat and it's great if you're in a pinch for cash, but I will be spending the extra dough next time on another salon that will slow down the process and make sure it's done right. read more

This is drive-through waxing. Yeah, they're fast and they're cheap, but the adage "you get what you pay for" absolutely applies here. The jobs I've had were a touch sloppy, which makes sense since the techs apparently get paid by volume of hairs ripped daily. The rooms are totally skeevy to me. I don't need aromatherapy or Yanni or lucky bamboo water fountains to enhance the bits waxing experience, but I wouldn't mind a room that was cleaner and something besides the sounds coming from the next rooms to take my mind off the never-enjoyable task. read more

I had a Brazilian wax here and was so unimpressed. The waxing area is just some stalls set up pretty much immediately behind the front desk. I don't consider myself a modest person, but I felt a bit awkward having the esthetician command me to take my pants off and hop on the table with her standing in the room, waiting. The wax itself was extremely quick, as other reviews have noted, and it wasn't a bad job... but the experience was brutal. I can't remember who my esthetician was, but she kept repeating how it would hurt and possibly bleed. While she was waxing! I'm not new to the Brazilian rodeo - I'm well aware of the pain. I definitely don't need an esthetician reminding me of it during the process. All in all, it gets the job done, but I'd rather pay $5 more for a better atmosphere. read more

It's hard to resist because it's so close to campus and so cheap. But I would pass on the waxing there next time. Facials. This was actually really nice. But be sure to get a room that isn't next to one of the waxing rooms. If you can get the room in the back on the 2nd floor, you're good. 3 stars. Waxing! Wow, I expect it to be a little uncomfortable when I go but this is past the normal waxing pain and sketch factor. They are all about speed with thus service. I don't want someone hanging around in my area forever either but I do appreciate a little care. They use a big nasty overflowing wax bucket and go over the same area multiple times which can leave you really irritated for a couple days. Raw skin! Ouchie! I'm sure it depends on who you get. You get what you pay for and it's 1/2 the price of most places. 2 stars. Hair. You're not going to get much for ambience but you can get a nice cut. 4 stars. I'd like to see the health department check this place out before I go again, but if there ok with it, then I'm ok with it for a quick fix. Would never book a package there. Go for sonewher else if you want the spa experience. So on average this place gets 3 stars. read more

Best Brazilian wax in the cities. They get you in and out at a very reasonable price and pain free IMO!

Nobody will ever come up with a magical way to make ripping hair from your delicate nether regions even remotely close to pleasant, but if you are in the right hands it can be tolerable. The requirements of a good brazilian bikini wax are simple: you want it to be quick and clean (no do-overs!) while being distracted by pleasant conversation with a non-judgmental professional. I found this at The Refinery. read more

Granted this was my first Brazilian, it was a wonderful experience...yes, I just described a Brazilian wax (where they attack your hoo-ha with magic wax that makes you shockingly smooth) as wonderful. Amy was the wonder-waxer who had me laughing instead of crying and not feeling morbid when she had the most visual perspective of my land down under. The service was quick and not as painful as I was expecting--granted I was expecting the pain to be second only to childbirth. I was able to make it in and out in 15 minutes, perfect as an in between class recreational activity. I'll most certainly be back :) read more

Came in for a short massage but it turned out to be one of the best massages I've ever had! Leo was awesome!!! I came in with severe shoulder & neck pain and he was able to get all the knots out in just 30 minutes!!! Highly recommend Leo!! read more

I got a Brazilian from Stephanie yesterday and I loved it! I went in feeling a bit nervous, but she was very professional and did a fabulous job of explaining the process and warning me about the most painful areas. It was surprisingly quick (about 15 minutes) but very thorough. It looks great today and I will return. read more

I stopped in here for a 30-minute massage after receiving a gift card as a gift from a friend. Upon walking into the 'salon', I was less than impressed- a few pieces of used furniture and empty white walls adorned the less than friendly space. I filled out a form, and headed into their dark basement for my massage. While my masseuse did an average job in comparison to other massages I have had in the past, the ambiance of this space ruined the ENTIRE experience. I'm not sure if there was construction happening next to the salon or what, but I could hear someone hammering nails into a nearby wall for ALL THIRTY MINUTES of my massage. I could also hear every word and footstep of the receptionists / clients upstairs. On top of that, the 'calming music' that was playing was repeatedly skipping throughout my entire massage (do people even use CDs anymore?). To make matters worse, my masseuse was very short, and with the height the table was set at, I could feel and smell every breath, which was distracting, to say the least. I will NOT be returning, and had I not been using a gift card, would have asked for my money back without question. YUCK. read more

I swear I do more than wax myself: I saw Amy last time I visited the Refinery and gotta say she's supa awesome and supa personable and supa hilarious. Anyone that can make you laff while you are gettin waxed deserves to be the new go-to! read more

I've been going to the Refinery for my brazzies for 8 months now, and although I feel that the place is kind of a machine and the front desk staff aren't always the most courteous, I would like to give DANIELLA 5 Stars for her great Brazilians. She does a great job for the 15 minutes allotted, and has a very calming, grounded energy about her. read more

I wish I would've known about the Refinery sooner! I have had an awesome experience here, every time. Highly recommend Afton for a brow wax!

Worst haircut of my life - no joke. I have never in my entire life cried about my hair (not even when I was 6 and got my first perm) until my cut from this place. My bangs are so short that they won't even lay flat on my forehead and apparently me asking for no layering translates to "cut as many short layers as possible". I just styled it again this afternoon and seriously cried. It looks HORRID. Of course the stylist completely criticized the last person who cut my hair and said it would take her a long time to "clean up this mess". Right. I will never go back here for a cut and I recommend you don't either. read more