HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS
Hands down, for me it has to be STRIP. Why? Definitely because of hygienic reasons! I am a stickler for good hygiene and impeccable cleanliness when it comes to your personal zone--especially for us girls! You have to go to a place where they value these things as top priority. STRIP does NOT double dip their spatulas, which is their pride and joy, which is absolutely true. Throughout my stay I never once saw the "Striperella" (term used for the strippers, er, the waxing technicians rather) use a spatula twice. Also, each customer is given an individually sealed Hygiene pack, which includes latex gloves, spatulas, wet wipes, cotton pads and buds.
LAY BARE, on the other hand, was not high for me on the cleanliness part. Sure they use a different towel for you to lay your privates on, but I couldn't help noticing a few unswept hairs still remaining on the bed. They also use a single spatula throughout the entire process. The scissors they also use looks really used--if you know what I mean.
WAX USED
Both STRIP and LAY BARE use hard wax, the latter using cold sugar wax jelly made of sugar, kalamansi, and honey which looks like a clear, yellowish wax. STRIP uses a Strip Wild Berry Chocolate wax, which really looks like chocolate you can eat! Both are also applied directly to your skin using a spatula, then the technician waits for a few seconds, and uses that wax to yank the hair out.
PRICE
LAY BARE has to win in this category. Its really no wonder a lot of people choose to patronize their branches because of the price. A bikini wax (which I got, yes I'm still not brave for the full-on Brazilian!) is a mere P250, compared with STRIP's P650. LAY BARE's brazilian is even cheaper than STRIP's bikini, which is for only P450. STRIP is a whopping P1250, which isn't much different from their Bikini Line XXX, which is take everything off except that part.
For a full list of their services, you can check out LAY BARE and STRIP with these links.
FACILITIES and LOCATION
STRIP wins again. The interiors of both their branches are eye-catching but most important of all, ensures maximum privacy. Privacy has to be on top of your list for your waxing experience. STRIP has a room just for you, the client and you will definitely not hear anyone on the next room. Sure there's an occasional laugh or talk or footstep outside your room but that's it.
LAY BARE, on the other hand, only consisted of "cubicles" wherein you are only separated by a curtain to the next customer. I found it very uncomfortable because I like to talk to my waxing technician through the entire process because I want to know what she's doing. But then I get distracted and I can't concentrate because I can hear the client beside me! Very nerve-wracking really.
But when it comes to branches, LAY BARE has over 18 branches nationwide while STRIP only has 2, found in Greenbelt 5 and Serendra.
THE "OUCH" FACTOR
I have to admit STRIP was more painless than LAY BARE. STRIP was quicker and I felt that the Striperella knew more about what she was doing than the waxing technician in LAY BARE. I also didn't have much time to feel pain in STRIP because she did her work really fast.
In the end, I really do prefer going to STRIP for waxing because I value hygiene and cleanliness above everything. I do think the price tag is quite hefty compared to LAY BARE, but you get what you pay for. Who knows, maybe someday I'll be able to brave the Brazilian and I'll let you guys know when that day comes. Until then, I'll be sure to be a patron of STRIP anytime I need their services.
Any experience on other waxing salons? What are your thoughts on the two I mentioned? Did you have a different encounter?
