The Wax Shack

Great Brazilian wax experience for less than I have paid elsewhere and my eyebrows look amazing too. Angie was very personable and made everything comfortable and easy. I will definitely return.

Best wax in this town! Angie and Maisie are two of the most genuine and caring people ~ everyone who comes through their door will get excellent service. They go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable, as well as happy with the results. Can not beat the price, as well as the wax. The wax LASTS FOREVER. Seriously best wax in this town. I’m a forever client… And the friends who I’ve shared this place with have become too.

Angela is awesome! She is no nonsense, does an exceptional job, and is the fastest waxer in the west! ;) It is a bit of a drive for me and is worth every mile! If you want a Brazilian, I HIGHLY recommend these ladies! The only down-​side is that there is no dedicated parking, and street parking can be a bit of a hassle, but again, still worth it!

They do a great job there but the customer service was really terrible. I have been to them twice before and had excellent service with a Brazilian wax. I scheduled a new appt about a week or so ago. Between thanksgiving and all the craziness, I figured I had scheduled it the next week since I hadn’t gotten a call and was mistaken. I get two calls and a text from Angie about missing my appt within 20 minutes. I would not characterize them as friendly. When you schedule through Unilocal they don’t require you put in your credit card information and when I scheduled a year or so ago they did not have the current cancelation policy in place where you would be charged for missing an appt. I had a very passive aggressive text conversation where she basically was saying it was my fault and that I should pay the fee. I would have, and I would have rescheduled if the whole interaction wasn’t so insulting and rude.
Below is the conversation.
«I know you have been here befor so I know you know about our policy???»
I was never required to provide card information so no, this was not something you had in place when I scheduled in the past and I didn’t think any policy of payment was in place when Unilocal did not ask for my info.
«The bottom line is that you scheduled an appointment and missed it? Im not sure why you didn’t get a reminder, but it doesnt mean you shouldn’t have kept track of your appointment time? Please understanding I’m just trying to run a business and it becomes very costly when people dont show :(that is why credit cards are required and we have a 12 hour cancellation policy in place.»
If your appt scheduling system on Unilocal required credit card info and you actually had set up reminders, that would be fine. But this is both a personal error on my part and a clerical error.
I’m mostly just insulted by how passive aggressive this conversation is. I’m taking my business elsewhere. I recommend you do too if you want to be considered a human being rather than a source of income.

I noticed some bad reviews on here but frankly I have no idea where they are coming from! Angie is extremely pleasant, clearly knows what she’s doing and made my experience completely comfortable. I will recommend her to anyone who will listen.

I had a great waxing experience with Angie. She was able to get me in on very short notice and did a fantastic job. My legs look and feel great and Angie was such a great conversationalist that I barely noticed how fast the time went by. I don’t live in Portland, but if and when I ever do, I’ll definitely be seeing Angie again. I’ll be letting my Portland friends and family know how great she was!

I love going to Angie for my monthly wax! I have been going consistently for 8 months now and I don’t have a single complaint. Angie is efficient and very knowledgable about waxing. She’s basically my therapist and is great to talk to as well :) I gave her a great rating after my first visit with her and wanted to update and say that 8 months later I still love going to her for waxing!

I came to Angie for the first time several years ago. She immediately became my new washer in Portland. I’d been trying to find a great one for awhile. Angie gives the quickest, safest, most thorough waxes and it is with as little pain as possible. I went to her forever for Brazilian waxes and for brow shaping. She is always on time and always the best. I’ve never trusted anyone with my brows more than Angie.
I moved away for a couple years and came back recently. I no longer live anywhere near the wax shack so it’s time consuming to get there. I went to other of the most highly rated waxing establishments in town and was dissatisfied again and again. I go out of my way to go see Angie because she is the best. No question.

I’d give less if I could. I used to go to Angie before she expanded her salon to include another aesthetician. She is the best deal in town if you can deal with her attitude. This is a belated entry as I was so flustered when I got my Brazilian quite some time ago. But, this is the only forum where I can say something and I have to support the other women who had a rough run-​in with her. I have never had a merchant make me cry. Basically, she was mad that I showed up late. I called ahead of time asking if it was still ok that I show up because I was going to be 10 – 15 minutes late. She said it was ok. I showed up 5 minutes late and thought it was a win! But I was met with such a horrible attitude. I walked into her room and immediately she snapped, «Take your pants off!» in a very abrasive tone. I looked at her in shock and muttered something through tears and immediately she chilled out. During the waxing session tears just fell. She tried to lighten up the situation by talking about her ex boyfriend and what a loser he was. The truth is I didn’t care. When she was done with the Brazilian it was time to move on to my eyebrows. I declined. She offered to comp it for me if I came back but I never did. And I never will.

Angie was AMAZing. She talked me through the whole thing in a triumphant marathon of fantastic conversation that had me leaving without hardly noticing the perfectly done full leg/brazilian/underarm/eyebrow/e’rthing wax. Your skin will be as smooth you can imagine, and you’ll leave with a grin in your face. Loved it! Thanks :)

Angie knows what she is doing. She provides a raw experience when it comes to waxing. When you enter the wax shack you know you are here for one thing and no one can provide it better than Angie. I’ve tried other places closer to my side of town, and every time I have said … I gotta go back to the wax shack. Angie is elaoqatious (talkative) but that’s just to distract you from the experience of hundreds of hairs being ripped from your skin and possibly some dead skin being ripped off also. Don’t be quick to judge her tuff exterior, underneath this spicy blonde is a heart of gold lovely Portlander helping to make this city known for the artesian crafts people specialize in… Like keeping your skin hair free and smooth as a babies bottom.

I just created a Unilocal account solely so I could leave this review. I have been to Angie 2 times, and both have been the best wax experience and best waxing job of my life. She doesn’t use hard wax – thank god! This is truly the most PAINLESS experience. Each time I’ve been anticipating the first rip and am always shocked at how little it hurts. The space is clean and open and Angie is experienced and down to business; both times it lasts 10 – 15 minutes tops and no hair is left behind. Quick, painless and bare = happy brazilian hunter. Oh! and the price is right.
I would absolutely recommend this waxing salon and Angie specifically to anyone.

Angie is such fun and so good at her work! Didn’t miss a thing. She also gave me a great discount because I am so tiny, she thought it was totally unfair to charge me the regular rates. Wow!

This is a tough one. My first few visits to Angie were ok. I went for a brow wax, she never asked what I wanted, just dove in. I went back a few more times and it was hit or miss. One time she did the best brow arch I’ve had, then the next time not so much. Seemed to be based on her mood. I do not review services like this on personality, but this one I have to. She wears her stress on her sleeve, if she is having a bad day you WILL hear all about it. From the time you walk in, until you leave. And it will show in the job she does on you. So it has to be part of the review. I like a «strong bitch» type personality, I have one. But when you own your own business you must be aware that not all people appreciate that style. Act with professionalism, out of respect for your business and your client. Waxing is a luxury purchase. I don’t want to hear about how you’ve been wronged on Unilocal or about the crazy lady you had in earlier. Just do a good job, make me happy I spent my money at your place and ask me back. Being an esthetician/​hair stylist/​nail tech is like being a good bartender. If we get to know each other well enough over time to go for Happy Hour together, then you can tell me all about it. Until then, make it about the client.
Overall-​not worth the drama.

Firstly, I am SHOCKED at some of the negative reviews on here. The first time I went here, I simply couldn’t stop thinking about how great the appointment was. I am so excited to have found Angie! She is such a fun personality! I have super sensitive skin, and my skin has never reacted badly.
As far as the arriving late, and making you still pay — most salons do that now. It’s a way to protect themselves and their time — they are super kind and understand life happens but it is by no means an uncommon practice. (In fact, if you get waxed regularly and check out the top-​rated salons in Portland, let me tell ya — they all ask for your credit card.) The place is a little tricky to find, and it even gives a mildly lengthy description on their site because of this — so just give yourself some extra time to find this place — just like you would to try and find parking anywhere else.
When I first started going here in March Angie and Maisy had nearly ALL FIVE-​STAR REVIEWS. I’ve been treated pretty badly at some waxing salons, and they’re just a dream. Don’t let statistical anomalies sway you from such a fun, welcoming place considering you’re there to get hair ripped off! :)

My sister and all her friends guided me toward Angie, and I’ve been going to her for 2+ years now. She is hands down the best waxer I’ve ever come across. She’s incredibly thorough and QUICK! And she never miss-​pulls! Her matter of fact attitude made me feel significantly more comfortable with laying on a table half naked. Angie is incredibly sweet and kind.
When looking for the link to the appointment booking site, I saw the low reviews and felt compelled to finally write a review. It makes me sad that people find it necessary to passive aggressively try and undermine somebodies business. She is fantastic at what she does.

I’m sad to see all of the disappointed reviews on this page, considering I only discovered this place when I relocated to Portland due to the overwhelmingly impressive Unilocal ratings. And I happen to think this place is wonderful.
I started seeing Maisie when I first moved to Portland in 2012. She is absolutely the sweetest and most adorable lady; always makes you feel comfortable and safe and does a great, thorough job. I had only ever had one other brazillian wax (in Los Angeles), and it was twice the price, half the time, and not nearly as good of a job. I began to go to Maisie regularly (about once every 6 weeks or so), and I have recommended at least five other friends of mine to this business, who now also go regularly.
New Years of 2013 – 2014 I had booked an appointment for what I thought was December 30^th, and showed up on that day. I walked in and heard Angie (whom I had never met) yell out from the room with her client, «I’ll be with you in a minute, do you have an appointment?» and I yelled back «Yes, with Maisie.» She replied «Maisie isn’t here today… oh well, we’ll figure something out!»
After she finished early with her client (she is VERY quick and thorough), she settled the bill and then turned to me, checking the calendar and confirming that in fact, my appointment was for JANUARY 30^th, which wouldn’t work for me as I was leaving on a trip on the first of the year. She looked at her clock, smiled, and said «I can get you in right now.» I asked if she had a client after her last one, and she said, «Yeah, in about ten minutes! I can get you done before that!» and I jumped on her table. Sure enough, she was done in about ten minutes, and I barely felt a thing. I was so grateful that she was able go get me in there on such short notice, and I thought her spunky attitude and great sense of humor was refreshing.
After that, I saw Angie at the grocery store where I work, and realized she is a regular (it’s close to her house), and we started becoming friendly. I can understand how some think her personality is brash or critical, but I come off that way to people, too, so Angie and I get along pretty well. I don’t find it excessive or mean — she’s just a no-​nonsense lady! I’ve been making all my appointments with her since that day she snuck me in. She gives me flack for being late (I’m the worst), but she’s always forgiving and always gives me a thorough and perfect wax (even gets my happy trail without me having to ask). She also does a tweezing afterwards to make sure she gets the strays (even ingrowns). So efficient.
I love the wax shack. There’s always magazines and candy in the waiting room, and funny stories and a smile waiting for you behind either of the waxing rooms. Those ladies probably know more about my intimate life than most of my friends. I can’t recommend them more highly, and if you want the best wax in Portland, you know where to go!

This is a bit of a late review, but I finally have some free time and decided to do it.
My wax was with Angie, on New Years Eve2014 into 2015.
I arrived on time as the email from Wax Shack said something about being on time or else? I dunno. Anyways I show up exactly on time, even call a minute before because I thought I was going to be late and was horribly worried about it, no one picked up.
Finally, I found it. I come inside and Angie is not yet done with her client, no worries, I can wait.
She finishes about 5 mins into my schedules appointment, is very personable with the client and even gives her a free brush for exfoliating. So I think okay, this chick *Might* be cool.
So it’s my turn, Angie doesn’t introduce herself or anything, just ushers me into the room. I AM A FIRST TIME CLIENT HERE. there was no signing of any paperwork, or anything. First time of that. They always have you sign a form in case you break out and want to sue them (extreme I know but pretty sure that why they do those.)
Before I go inside the room I ask Angie her name, it’s my first time and being in customer service for 10 plus years I know she should introduce herself. I ask her name and instead of being sweet and just shaking my hand, Angie says, «didn’t you get the email?»
Uh, yes, but I don’t remember what your name is (maybe I do but what about a proper introduction, you are about to see my private parts and you can’t even say a decent hello). great start there.
We go inside the room and while I’m undressing she asks if I have any specific concerns.
I tell her, as I WROTE IT WHEN I BOOKED MY APPOINTMENT, (with MY CREDIT CARD,) that I have sensitive skin and prefer hard wax only.
Angie’s response is, «Well I only use soft wax.»
I ask her if she had read my comments, which her website asks for when booking the appointment and she responds with «If you knew how busy I am, I don’t have time to read that.»
Now, I’m getting kinda pissed. You have time to accept my appointment and money but not read literally one line? You’re joking right?
She goes on and on about how she has asked the website to remove that portion because she just doesn’t have the time to read that stuff.
I’m a little irritated but continue with getting on the table.
I’m an emotional person and her attitude while my pants are off is so shitty, I start crying. She instantly gets pissed and says I don’t have to do this.
But damn it its NYE and I need a wax and my pants are off and she already rubbed oil on me. It’s like come on let’s do this and just get it over with.
She offers that I leave and I tell her I don’t want her to charge me for the appointment, she says she won’t do it, but honestly I don’t believe her and stick it out.
She still proceeds to be rude and pissy while waxing me even though I thought we were going to be adults and just move past it. I pretend like I’m not annoyed so I can just have a decent wax and get the hell out of there.
She starts talking about her bf, how happy she is with him, well, WAS until I showed up and ruined her day.
OMG. I CANT.
after the wax she does an extreme job of tweezing too which I was grateful for until she pointed out how she was doing me this huge favor and had anyone ever done such an amazing job for me.
You’re kidding right, lady?
I pretend like nothing is bothering me. I leave her a $ 5 tip and jet out, with her telling me she will call me tomorrow and see how I am and make Sure I don’t break out. (Since it was soft wax)
She never calls or texts the next day (I wasn’t surprised) but the day after sends me a text saying she left her phone at work. Whatever.
ABOUT THE ACTUAL WAX AND MY SKIN:
it was a good wax. She got the hair out and I actually had very very minimal break out even though it was soft wax. The hair especially didn’t grow back fast so that was GREAT.
BUT,
the emotional distress I had to face, her rudeness even after we had agreed to LET IT GO was way too much drama for me. I think Angie is full of herself and acts like a child.
Would NEVER return.
Unless you are a hard ass chick and can take military verbal abuse, don’t come here. She has plenty of clients she loves and love her and I think you can find something better. Look for my other reviews of AMAZING WAX PLACES IN LOS ANGELES AND SAN FRANCISCO!

This place is the hardest «shack» in the world to find. If you’re on your way there for the first or second time, good luck to you. If you live in the Portland metro area, I suggest you leave at least an hour ahead of time. I live downtown and 45 minutes wasn’t enough. And if you don’t get there RIGHT on time, expect a total aggressive shakedown. These people are insane. I was late for the appointment due to trying to find this place and they refused to see me and made me pay anyway. And they weren’t nice about it. They were awful. I can’t believe I was spineless enough to comply. I should’ve made them sue me. My guess is that others have had the balls to tell them where to go because I got this «friendly» email in my inbox:
«Due to the recent and overwhelming number of clients who have not provided us with adequate notice or just don’t show up for their appointments at all, we have had to make some hard decisions.
After much thought and discussion, it has become necessary for Maisie and I (Angie) to now require clients to provide a credit or debit card when scheduling their appointments. This credit card information is strictly to hold your appointment time and the ONLY time you will be charged on your card is if you do not make it to your appointment (to see all our missed appointment fees and policies please visit
click book online. Otherwise, you will pay for your appointment afterwards, per usual.
If you are unable or are uncomfortable with entering your card information, please call us at 503.241.6405
While we hope these fees and changes will not effect most of our wonderful client’s, (please know we do recognize sometimes life happens!) we want to make sure everyone is aware of the changes and comfortable with them. Again, please always feel free to call us with any questions or concerns.»
These people have no concept of how to run a business. Stay far, far away. I cannot wait to block their email address as «spam» and hopefully never hear their name again. I have PTSD just writing this.

I started going to the Wax Shack back in 2008, six years ago and I can’t believe I haven’t written a review! I normally just write food reviews, however, I love Angie (Angela Carver) that I needed to add another 5-​stars to her rating.
Angie is good at what she does, her bikini and french waxes not only look good but it doesn’t hurt. When I wasn’t living in Oregon, I had to go elsewhere and the experiences were not the same. It was painful, itchy, and a lot of ingrown hair. That never happens with Angie and I was thrilled to go to her when I moved back to the area. Affordable, bikini ($ 30) and french ($ 40) – it used to be $ 25 and $ 35, I’m glad that she is able to keep the prices reasonable through the years. You are looking at about $ 60 – 85 other places. Now she sells homemade sugar scrubs and pomegranate lotion for $ 10/​each, love it!
Not only is Angie professional, she is easy to talk with and very personable – she remember details about your life that you’ve told her years ago. Who needs a therapist when you have an awesome esthetician? Angie recently told me some good news about her life and I hope she doesn’t have to move away! If she does, I am going to have to fly to North Carolina every few months.