International Salon — Local services in Philadelphia

I visited this salon after reading positive Google reviews, but unfortunately, my recent experience did not match those reviews at all. Maybe the reviews were accurate a year or two ago, but they certainly don’t reflect the current service — at least in my case.

My first visit was great — I was waxed by Natasha, and she did a thorough, professional job. That made me return. The second time, I was with Emma, and the experience was okay, though rushed and not as neat. Still, I gave it another shot since the place is conveniently located and fairly priced — this time specifically hoping to get my service done by Natasha again.

Unfortunately, when I arrived, Natasha had left early and Emma was the only one available. I went ahead with the appointment, and I seriously regret it. Emma seemed to be in a rush from the beginning. She missed multiple patches of hair on my arms, legs, and fingers. I had to repeatedly point them out — and instead of acknowledging it, she seemed irritated. When it came to my elbows, she said she “couldn’t do it because there is skin.” That made no sense to me — there’s skin everywhere, and I’ve always had waxing done on and around my elbows without an issue. I had to ask her multiple times before she reluctantly agreed to wax that area.

To add to that, she was more interested in pushing a bikini wax on me, even after I said no. Once a customer declines, that should be the end of it — pushing it again made me feel uncomfortable.

After finishing, she didn’t offer any post-wax care like oil or cream — I had to ask, and she told me to grab it myself from the counter. While I was still applying it and getting dressed, she came back into the room and told me to “make it quick” because another customer had arrived. I found that extremely unprofessional. Every client deserves at least a few minutes of privacy and time to get ready — especially when there are multiple rooms available.

Emma seriously needs to check her attitude and focus on delivering better service instead of just clocking in more customers and printing more bills. I would rather pay a bit more and go to a place where they respect your time, your comfort, and your money.

I do not recommend this salon — at least not if Emma is...

I'm ONLY giving 3 stars because the lady who answers the phone (she's so sweet) is friendly and always smile and because my braziilian was done right.

I went to Emma numerous times (4-5 times) over the cost of 1yr due to her prices. However her work is sloppy and rushed (There's a difference when someone is fast/efficient and when they rushed the work)! I have gone to others but couldn't continue because they prices were so high but their work is great.

My last experience (due to me not having enough money to go to another salon) was 2 months ago. Went in for a Brazilian and a full leg. I told her what I was getting and I didn't want a rush service. She advised me she had enough time.

She started with my legs and she applied a thick glob of wax from my knees down to my ankles and then began to apply the wax strips. One word----PAIN! She applied the wax so thick and then began removing the strip which involves the strips sticking to the wax and her having to pull extra hard to remove it and THEN BLAMED it on me having oils on my skin (which I didn't). She saw that hair was still visible but moved along and proceeded to wax other areas of my legs smh.

Oh! and no I don't shave in between my waxes.

Now on to the Brazilian. That was the only thing she did right. She got all the hair off but she didn't use gloves (which was weird and then had the nerve to brag about how she was a nurse) and doubled dipped. It was very painful and I was left bruised...skin was red and blistered where I needed to apply medicine. Like I said...she may be fast but she's rough and rush the work. I don't know how she has so many good reviews but my experiences have always been horrible every time I go. And I'm always foolish enough to go back expecting change.

What made me more upset was that she rise the price because she said I was "too hairy". So I paid $125 PLUS tipped which equals $140 in total.

I plan to budget waxing in my income and pay...

I would like people to know if they EVER heard anything negative about this establishment, it's all wrong. This was not only the fastest and most thorough experience I have ever had with getting a Brazilian, Emma was also genuine and took such pride in her work.

The shop is not all fru-fru and smelling of herbs and SPA, but it's very clean. She introduced herself, asked me what I do on a regular basis for hair removals, we talked about my career, then "we were married" as she said. And she was right. I could not believe she was DONE. It was maybe 10 minutes and NOTHING was there. We talked about care after the wax and she asked me to write a review about my experience.

Ladies, I know most of us say we want the spa experience and want to relax, but we don't have time. We work full time, we have kids and responsibilities, and we just want to get it done. This woman is experienced and understanding of not wasting the time of the working woman. Her price is very reasonable ($35) and that chocolate wax is the best thing I have ever felt on my skin.

Go and find out for yourself. This would be a great place for a first timer because the process goes so...