I was lucky enough to get into Carrie's book as a customer during the early part of COVID. I've gone to her for my Brazilians since 2020, and she always makes the waxing session a pleasant time. I've only had one other experience with soft wax, as most of my other Brazilian wax sessions have been with hard wax, and I've had no problem with the soft wax. Her studio is located in the Garden Walk shopping strip in downtown Chico. The wax room itself is cozy and nicely decorated, and she provides wipes for before and a hot towel for after the session. She also sells items in front, but I haven't looked into what they are. Contrary to what the Yelp description says, Carrie had 20ish years of waxing experience--so you'll be in very good hands if you make an appointment with her! read more

Amazing experience with Carrie! I highly recommend her, whether it be your first time or not, she is going to make sure you're comfortable and taken care of. Her space is so beautiful, very clean and tidy! Will be returning again read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Carrie! I just moved to this area and decided to give her a try and was not disappointed! I went from having so many ingrowns after getting waxed from my old place to never getting them with Carrie. She's super quick too! And knowledgeable with all products she recommends. read more

Carrie is amazing! As long as she is in business I will not go anywhere else for my waxing needs, she makes it as painless as possible and I am so grateful for that. read more

Carrie is a saint! Happy to be one of of her new customers. Her place is stylishly calming and extremely clean.

Beautiful, clean, and relaxing space. Carrie is very attentive and meticulous. I appreciate that she uses high-quality ingredients and is a skilled professional. read more

I loved going to Carrie and I would continue to go to her if I wasn't moving cities. But she's so nice to talk to, always made me feel comfortable, and is really great at waxing. She also gave me some tips that other waxers I've had haven't told me, so I appreciated that a lot. I'll miss her! read more

This was the best wax experience I have ever had, the service was exceptional. The environment was really warm and welcoming. This was my first visit with Carrie, but I almost felt as if I've known her for an extended period of time(that's how welcoming she was). I highly recommend her services, she has gained a new client . I received a Brazilian wax, it was super fast (not rushed though) and painless. read more

When it came to my eyebrows I wanted someone who at least had 5 stars. Eyebrows frame your face don't forget that. I found the place and I found the person! Carrie is amazing! She did an excellent job. I have nothing bad to say. And by the way her place is SO BEAUTIFUL! I felt so comfortable as soon as I walked in. The session was quick and painless. I loved it. read more

I was finally in town and got to see the talented Carrie! Love my eyebrows!....as always! Her hands are magical with my brows! I've been to so many people in different cities and states, but Carrie really knows her stuff and loves her work! Always a pleasure to go in and see her! read more

Carrie got me to wax my unibrow years ago and I'm so glad she did! Great prices, great work, wonderful lady!!

Carrie is amazing. I've been getting waxed for years and she is the best. Her shop is so cute and comfortable and you feel welcomed from the moment you walk in. Carrie, herself, is warm, friendly, and easy to chat with. I've gotten my lip, brows, and Brazilians from Carrie. Her waxing techniques are on point. Brazilians are the best I've ever had. I love that she uses strip wax and not that hard/blue wax. She knows how to use the strips properly so it gets up all my hair and is actually relatively pain free. As for my brows, I will not let anyone touch them except for her! She listens to how you want to shape them and devices a plan with you. My brows have never looked better!! If you're looking for a new wax person, Carrie is your girl!! read more

Carrie is AMAZING. She's so nice, and sooo good at what she does. My wax was virtually painless, her space was perfectly clean, she was super professional while also being personable. I will absolutely be back. I'd give her 10 stars if I could! read more

I had my first brazilian wax appt with Carrie today and all I can say is wow! I am SO impressed. She made me feel SO comfortable and relaxed. We had great conversation and it was the least painful Brazilian I've ever had!! I am so happy I found her and I will continue to see her again and again! I told all my friends about her already too! Thank you so much! read more

Such an amazing experience, she did my first wax ever a continue to go to. Amazing service, a terrific job and just an overall fantastic experience. Highly recommend! read more

Hands down the best waxing experience I've ever had. Carrie is a gem and Chico is so lucky to have her expertise. The shop is spotless, warm and inviting. I can't say enough good stuff. Customer for life. read more

Uneven brows? Carrie's your go to - to fix what Mother Nature didn't give you... naturally. So, I don't have uneven brows, but I've had uneven waxes in my life. I met Carrie 3 years ago (OMG) and when she left the city last year, I was left with uneven, too thin brows because of who I selected as my replacement Carrie. She's so awesome. She knows what is good FOR you and on top of that, she's a great listener. The sessions are quick and painless. If I could give her 10 stars, I would. Try it. If you don't like your experience or the results, heck, I'll pay for your services! read more

I did not expect to have so much fun getting waxed, thanks Carrie! As soon as I stepped into her studio, it was evident how much she prides herself in her work, is charming, and has an eye for detail (and decor). I appreciate that she took her time and evaluated my features before getting started. I wasn't very pleased with my previous eyebrow wax (from a different place) and she intuitively made recommendations to remedy the problem, which was exactly what I was looking for. Normally I have to describe what I'm looking for, but not with Carrie; she read my mind. I had a lot of fun chatting with her during the appointment, but at the same time, she was focused on her work, caring, gentle, and attentive. I will absolutely be coming back! read more

Carrie is fantastic!! As an Esthetician myself, with almost 20 years in this industry, I have been treated and waxed by the best of the best, all over the country, including top estheticians in Paris and New York. I can confidently say, Carrie is one of the very best of the best I have ever had! I see her and refer all my clients here for waxing ( i am strictly doing facials now). Everyone is just as happy as I am. She is fast, clean, professional and sweet and easy to be around, just what you want in your waxer!! Thank you Carrie for rocking it! read more

Carrie is great at what she does and I really like her! Carrie makes my appointments such a good experience. She is genuine, caring and I enjoy talking with her. I'm also very happy with my results. Her service is high quality. read more

If the removal of unseemly hair is in your beauty regimen (or you would like it to be!) I'd highly recommend seeing Carrie Jossel. Even though I will be jealous because she is no longer in San Francisco and has left for warmer pastures. (We've got the green pretty down.) I've tried other aestheticians while she was on vacation and I've gotta tell you-- she's the best. I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you've ever had a BAD Brasilian, you know how important it is to have someone who knows what they are doing! If your eyebrows have broken out and you've had to deal a horribly embarrassing facial disaster, you know how hard it is to trust someone again with your delicate areas! You wont have that worry with Carrie because she's an experienced professional who knows how to assess your needs, physical and emotional! The products she uses are gentle-- no irritation, no pain, and no weird crazy jello-wax substances. If you have skin product questions, she has great suggestions if not a solution on hand. Best thing about Carrie is that knows what she's doing, and does it with precision, awareness, efficiency and grace-- all of my favorite qualities! Most importantly, she keeps you perfectly at ease with her warm personality. My friends and I have already coordinated an outing to try new restaurants in downtown Sac... and to drop in and have a wax and smile with Carrie. read more

I've been getting my wax done by Carrie and she super professional and wonderful to be around. She is also very flexible with scheduling and getting you in as soon as possible. I would most definitely recommend her to anyone looking for professional waxing that doesn't break the bank. I will definitely always come back to her for my waxes. read more

I followed Carrie to Dermal Essentials from Benefit back in the mid 2000's, and would follow her just about anywhere! I lost touch with her location the past year or two and tried several other ladies closer to my home (on Yelp recommendations), and have only been ultimately disappointed. She gives me the best brazilians I've had to date (years and many, many waxings later). She has the best friendly tableside manner, speedy & as-painless-as-possible method, and the RESULTS, oh the results! Carrie is truly gifted. read more

I used to go to Carrie when I lived in the area. I can't highly recommend her enough! One of the kindest, sweetest, and absolutely fantastic aestheticians I've had the pleasure of working with. Her services and products used are the best and, she really just has a magic touch about her that is not often the case with others. Love her. Miss her services and wish that there were carbon copies of her everywhere! read more

Omg. I feel like my life has changed. I know that sounds dramatic, but I'm reeling over the incredible wax from Carrie. many years ago I tried getting my legs and underarms waxed at a nail salon. Big mistake, huge. I walked out with blotchy bruised skin, after undergoing what could be a torture session. And decided never again. Fast forward to today, when I really wanted my legs stubble free, and shaving won't suit my needs. Carrie made it almost painless. I mean face it, getting waxed is going to have some pain. But this was mild and totally tolerable. It was so great, I immediately booked my next visit with her today, since she does have a bit of a wait list. I can't recommend her enough for waxing! The best! read more

Okay the previous two reviewers took the words right out of my mouth - er, away from my fingers. I've been seeing Carrie for 7 or 8 years now and love, love, love her! For the first few years, she just did my brows but then I finally broke down and got a bikini wax. I was so nervous beforehand but Carrie made me feel so comfortable. She did a great job, no bumps, no ingrown hairs - just smooooth skin! read more

I got my first ever real brazilian wax from Carrie today and she's absolutely amazing! The waxing part barely hurt and she kept me distracted with conversation. She made me feel super comfortable and all around made it a 10/10 experience!! read more

Let me start off by saying Carrie is God's gift to the female species, particularly those who are active participants in waxing! I have been getting Brazilian waxes for god knows how long, but for those who are not familiar, the pain never gets better and your nerves never forgive you. I bought a deal from Freshguide for $60 worth of services with Carrie and I think so far, this is the #1 winning decision of 2011. When I first arrived, Carrie came out to greet me and took me back to her area. My appt was for 12PM. When we finished, I stood up and looked at the clock; it was only 12:16PM! I have never had a Brazilian wax that fast, and that good! Now I've gone through all types of waxes, the hard wax, the soft creme wax, etc. - all of which are just as painful because you're talking about waxing your lady part! Not with Carrie though - she used a special type of soft creme wax with strips, but I doubt the wax is what made the waxing less painful - I have to giver her props on her waxing technique :) Carrie is an amazing esthetician and she watches out for her clients - this makes for a wonderful relationship and a permanent spot for her in my address book :) I have tried out so many places in SF and I even have my own waxing kit, but of all the places where I will put my $$$ in when it comes to any waxing, it will be with Carrie @ Union Retreat! read more

Carrie is the best! Apart from making you feel very comfortable, her work is 100! I don't know how she does it but it has been the least painful Brazilian wax experience I've had! Her studio is super cute and she provides a warm towel afterwards-LOVE read more

Best wax I've ever had. Carrie is magical! The new facility is beautiful and she's great company. She definitely knows her stuff.

Carrie is amazing. I got my first ever wax with her and she made me feel so comfortable and relaxed truly the best! I don't think I'd ever go anywhere else for a wax. Highly recommend!! read more

Carrie is SUPERB! I just relocated back to Chico (my hometown) after living in San Diego for over a decade. After seeing the same esthetician for 11 years and having many luxury spas and services available at my fingertips, it's been a struggle to find truly talented and trustworthy professionals for all of my beauty needs in. I've tried several spas in town for waxing and I am thrilled that i finally found Carrie! This is the level of service i have been looking for and i will 100% be returning for all of my hair removal needs. She is personable, clean, thorough and you can tell she is truly committed to a great experience for her clients. So excited that i don't have to stress anymore about where to go for a great wax! read more

I've never been very good at keeping up on my brows but ever since I started seeing Carrie Jossel it's become a guilty pleasure of mine. I can't imagine going to anyone else, especially now that Carrie is back in SF not to mention one of the best locations right on Union street! Carrie is very sweet, understanding and always knows exactly what you want, even if you don't! So next time you need a wax make sure to see Carrie @ Union Street and I guarantee you will not be disappointed! read more

I am an esthetician and previously worked at a waxing studio in Sacramento before it shut down. Carrie was used to train me on her AMAZING soft wax technique. She waxed me and I am dead serious- I barely felt a thing! I told her, "Carrie, youre a freaking wizard!" haha. She is very knowleadgeable, professional, and talented!!!!! I will continue to contact her and when I am in San Fran, I will only get waxed by her! read more

Carrie is incredible!! I had an amazing experience at her new shop in Chico. After bad experiences in the past with waxing I was nervous to give her place a try, but was so pleasantly surprised with the experience. Her shop is cute, clean, trendy, and inviting. She is extremely professional and experienced at what she does. Carrie made me feel so comfortable and taken care of the entire time I was there. She also is caring, sweet, funny, and an all around great person to be around. I love the result of my wax and plan to continue my services with her. I highly recommend her. read more

So happy that Carrie is back in San Francisco. When I moved to SF a few years ago I found Carrie on Yelp and after my first visit I was hooked. Carrie is by far the best wax in the city. She takes her time and really cares about her clients and their needs. She also happens to be one of the sweetest people. What more could you ask for? read more

I've always understood that there are things you don't cheap out on. . .sushi, hotels, eye surgeons. . . but until I saw Carrie, I never believed in paying more than $30 for a Brazilian wax. I bought the Freshguide deal, and I'll be damned if my Brazilian didn't hurt less than every cheap wax I've gotten in the back of a sketchy nail salon (don't you judge me). Carrie is friendly, thorough, and quick, all things that I enjoy in someone who I am spending a very intimate 20 minutes of my life with once every 4 weeks. read more

Since Carrie left to work in Sacramento exclusively, my eyebrows have started to descend into a state of ruin. Truly, they are slipping into Andy Rooney eyebrow territory. That said, it's hard to just try a new person, especially after Carrie. I've been seeing Carrie for some years now and have always walked out with consistently impeccable brows. Even when I had waited too long to schedule appointments and had taken plucking into my own hands, she would somehow always fix whatever damage I had done. On top of that, she's just cool and easy to talk to. I live in SF but i've been thinking lately that Sacramento isn't too far for perfect brows. read more

i have an amazing experience every time! carrie is so funny and easy to talk to . and extremely professional. i would highly recommend!

Amazing experience! From booking to all the thought and care Carrie puts into your visit. Even a week later I just received a thank you card. I have not found a more experienced better experience for waxing....Highly recommend read more