Getting a bikini wax is awkward. Think about it. You're ditching your skivvies to butterfly your legs in front of a perfect stranger who will rip your hair out for 15 minutes. Who actually came up with this idea? Yet we do it. Probably because the results look better and last longer than shaving.

While some folks argue that society needs to abandon its war on pubic hair, millions of women make bikini or Brazilian waxing appointments part of a regular beauty routine. If you’re part of that group—and you’re looking for the very best hair removal salons in the city—consider this list to be your waxing and sugaring lifeline. For each spot, I’ve included details like prices for a bikini wax, a Brazilian wax, sugaring treatments, and a men’s Brazilian (if available), as well as standout estheticians who make the process as painless as possible.

Good luck, and happy(ish) hair removal!

Best Brazilian WaX

520 Montgomery St #209

It's a rare thing indeed to hear someone refer to a bikini wax as life-changing, but it's a common refrain among Carla's clients at Best Brazilian Wax. While service is on the pricier side, BBW regulars swear it's worth it for the long-lasting, relatively-pain-free process at this FiDi spot. A Brazilian wax is $70 ($60 for maintenance within 6 weeks), and a standard bikini is $45.

Cocoon Bare

2435 Polk Street

If you're going to pay someone to rip hair from your nether regions, at least choose a pretty salon so you can make small talk about the decor. Cocoon is adorable, and there's a great boutique in the lobby where you can shop to distract yourself from your procedure. The salon specializes in Brazilians, and even offers a monthly subscription rate ($49 per wax if you commit to every 4-6 weeks to six months). Bikini sugaring: $50. Brazilian sugaring: $80. Man-datory men’s Brazilian: $95.

Dermaplus Skin + Body

1728 Union Street, Suite 200

This Cow Hollow skin boutique's claim to fame is its azulene-based wax, which is less harsh on sensitive skin. (If you're a waxing virgin, that could tip the scales in this salon's favor.) The estheticians use both hard wax and soft wax, and will tailor your treatment to your hair and skin type. Both Andrea (the owner) and Lizzy are aces. Bikini wax: $30. Brazilian wax: $55.

Glamour Puss

2250 Union Street, Suite 304

While you can get a topnotch wax at Glamour Puss, owner Sara Holmes is one of San Francisco's OGs of sugaring. She even makes her own hair removal sugar, which is rare in the city. Here's the scoop on sugaring: it may hurt a little more than waxing (depending on your hair type), but your skin will recover faster from post-removal bumps and the results seem to last longer. Bikini wax or sugaring: $36. Brazilian wax or sugaring: $65.

Habit

3212 Fillmore Street

While every client has a favorite at this Marina gem, Sara gets rave reviews for making Brazilian wax and sugaring as painless as possible. The salon, which is open seven days a week, offers a free 15-minute consultation to help walk you through the types of hair removal, and will even offer you a glass of wine to take the edge off. Bikini wax: $40. Bikini sugaring: $50. Brazilian wax: $65. Brazilian sugaring: $75.

La Tira Wax Studio

1301 Church Street and 2408 Folsom Street

Plenty of studios will pour you a glass of wine, but La Tira has more interesting options like bellinis and sangria. Just don't expect to finish it. This salon is fast, friendly, and incredibly efficient, so you’ll probably be in and out with a great wax in about 20 minutes. (Karen and Christina are particularly good!) If you make a habit of hair removal, La Tira offers women a 10 percent discount for a follow-up Brazilian within 4-5 weeks. Bikini wax: $28. Brazilian wax: $62. Men’s Brazilian: $95.

Marilyn Jaeger Skincare and Massage Studio

3384 Sacramento Street

An eco-friendly spa in upscale Presidio Heights, Marilyn’s staff will pamper you with “an elixir of your choice” upon arrival, and a practically-painless Brazilian. Some clients even travel across state lines to come here, proclaiming it the best in San Francisco, and maybe even the country. Bikini wax: $35. Brazilian wax: $63 ($66 with Marilyn). “Flying Squirrel” men’s Brazilian: $99+.

Pretty Parlor

483 Guerrero Street

An ultra-hip retreat in the heart of the Mission, Pretty Parlor uses organic hard and strip wax for their signature bikini waxing treatments. Do yourself a favor and go see Debbie; she’s been keeping SFers' bikini lines in check for years and she’s a total pro. Bikini wax: $35. Brazilian wax: $70 (or $60 if you’re returning within 4-6 weeks of your last appointment).

Stript Wax Bar

1764 Union Street, 439 Washington Street, and 1211 Church Street

Stript is like the SoulCycle of wax bars in San Francisco. It’s pretty, the branding is consistent, and you know that you’re going to get a quality wax when you walk in the door because the salon specializes in waxing. Bikini wax: $30. Brazilian wax: $65. Brozilian Men’s Brazilian: $85.

ReWAXation

1006 Bush Street and 906 ½ Divisadero Street

ReWAXation’s original Bush Street location prompted the salon’s slogan, “Come to Bush, leave without one.” Aside from winning at advertising, this salon offer first-rate waxing and sugaring for women, and waxing for men. Folks recommend Alex for Brazilians because she’s fast, detail-oriented, and easy to talk to—all crucial qualities in a bikini waxer. Bikini wax or sugaring: $25. Brazilian wax or sugaring: $58. Men’s Brazilian: $90.

Ensoma

352 6th Street

Clients say this SoMa skincare and waxing salon feels like a chic apartment. Marion, the owner, exudes a calming presence that puts everyone at ease during treatments. Her bikini waxes and Brazilians are famous for being almost pain-free. Bikini wax: $40. Brazilian wax: $70. Men’s Brazilian: $98.

Where to Get a Great Bikini Wax in San Francisco