Although a well known name in London, New York and Singapore, STRIP: Ministry of Waxing has finally come to Hong Kong, much to the delight of the ladies and gents in the city. Their funky landmark store on Lyndhurst Terrace, decked out with waxy artwork, wax-coated furniture and pumping house tunes, is definitely a world away from your usual spa experience.
Kat, one of STRIP’s therapists (or Striperellas as they like to be known) told me they’re ready to defuzz Hong Kong one bod at a time after over one month of intensive bootcamp training in Singapore, home to STRIP’s headquarters. STRIP has made waxing an art form and all their therapists have been taught to do it the STRIP way. Key to this is their HSQ mantra: hygiene, speed and quality.
Hygiene means no double dipping. In my individually-sealed hygiene pack were disposable gloves, spatulas and everything needed for a wax. Speed – their Striperellas promise to have even the most hirsute of homosapiens stripped in fifteen minutes flat. And quality – their pre- and post-care products and in-house berry chocolate wax have been specially formulated to ensure an almost painless experience. Made from pine resin with a beeswax base, this hard wax can remove short, stubborn hairs easily and smells good enough to eat!
Kat told me that their lavender soft wax is more suitable for use on large parts of the body, such as the legs, while hard wax is better for sensitive areas such as underarms. You name it and they can almost certainly wax it – from fingers to toes, back, shoulders, midriff as well as the more conventional eyebrow and upper lip and even…take a deep breath guys…boyzillians. They also have IPL available for men and women looking for a more permanent hair removal solution. For nervous first timers, they provide a friendly stress-ball orangutan, Bach Rescue Remedy and then it’s time to, well, strip.
And they live up to their promise – in the gentle hands of Kat, I found the waxing was virtually painless. Cynthia Chua, who set up STRIP eight years ago in Singapore has now expanded to 27 branches world wide, attributes this to their constant innovation. By improving the tools and techniques used in the waxing process, STRIP’s reputation as the global authority in hair removal has been secured.
On your way out, don’t forget to pick up a tub of X’ed Out Cream (HKD 300) as well as Ice Cream (HKD 300) to soothe those tender, post-IPL and waxing spots. They’re also the only store in Hong Kong to stock the full range of Malin and Goetz goodies – I’m a huge fan of their B5 Body Moisturiser (HKD 330) which sinks in quickly and smells lovely and fresh.
Cynthia also revealed that she’s bringing Browhaus to HK in September, STRIP’s sister eyelash and eyebrow grooming bar. Given the trend for eyelash extensions that’s taken over the city, she’s no doubt got another winner on her hands. Keep an eye out for more information!
For more information on STRIP: Ministry of Waxing, please visit www.strip.com.hk.
17 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
