So very Thai Spa

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a massive beauty buff. Sure I'll slap some mascara on in the morning, but I bite my nails, rarely get my haircut and can't remember the last time I had a mani-pedi (if ever!). However, after years of torturing myself with an epilator, I have recently begun to treat myself to salon waxes, and it's opened up the whole beauty salon world to me.

So, it made sense to get to know the places on my doorstep, starting with So Thai Spa on the Wandsworth Bridge Road. So Thai manages to strike the balance perfectly between cheap and cheerful (just £25 for a full leg, that's good, right?!), whilst maintaining  a semi day-spa feel through the use of great Asian decor, lots of dark wood, incense and music. The space is light and airy, with the treatment rooms arranged across the ground-level and off the mezzanine, leaving a gorgeous double height reception that gives a clean and sunny feel to the place. The welcome is with a cheery smile and the service is really swift, although still super-friendly.

Although my waxer for the day gaily referred to me as her "new wictim!" there was really nothing to fear - she was a total pro. Within just 20 minutes, both legs were as smooth as a late-night Jazz FM mega-mix, and I had (almost) enjoyed myself chatting away about our shared love of Thai cuisine and penchant for fried chicken (don't ask!).

So Thai provides a little Asian sanctuary right in the heart of Fulham, with gap year prices to match. Since it's just a hop, skip and jump away from my home I think I may have found my place! Perhaps I could get into this beauty malarkey after all...

So Thai Spa
118 Wandsworth Bridge Road
London SW6 2TF
http://www.sothaispa.co.uk/
0207 731 6543

Back to Wax

Having abandoned waxing in my impoverished, straight-out-of-uni days in favour of chronically slow, painful but, most importantly, cheap hair removal with my not-so-trusty Braun epilator, I had long been on the look-out for an inexpensive wax bar in Fulham. There are loads of flashy options out there, but the prices always far exceeded what I had been used to paying at my small-city university (isn’t it always the way) and I’m afraid I balked at paying £40 at more for a leg wax when I knew I could do it for free, if painfully and imperfectly, at home.

But home hair removal is a pain, isn’t it? The wax strips don’t work, epilation is painful (and patchy), and shaving and veet creams are just too short-term. Going to a salon is quick, easy and despite the pain you feel like you’re being pampered, and when you get into a good natter with the beautician time just flies. I was reminded of all the beauties of salon waxing when I visited the Wax Bar Fulham last week. 

Haseena, the warm and chatty beautician, has been practising around Fulham for almost a decade and a few months ago set up her cosy salon on Jerdan Place. Tucked away above a male grooming parlour, stepping off the cobbles it’s a mini sanctuary from the bustle of daily life. A real wax enthusiast - Haseena also teaches beauty students locally, so she’s a bit of an expert – my legs were as bald (and soft) as a baby’s bottom before I knew it. The environment was warm, clean and cosy and Haseena is incredibly easy to get along with, as well as being very professional. She makes sure you’re comfortable, gives you lots of friendly advice on aftercare and generally makes you feel pampered. Wax Bar Fulham also offers eyelash and eyebrow tints, so Haseena can cover many of your beauty needs in one appointment.

Best of all, the prices are incredibly reasonable – a full leg wax is just £25 – and for SouthWestSix readers your first appointment is 25% cheaper again! Just quote the code SW601 when you make your booking. For a full price list visit www.waxbarfulham.com.

Wax Bar Fulham

1^st Floor

19 Jerdan Place

Fulham

London SW6 1BE

To make a booking you can get Haseena’s contact details here.