Beauty: European Waxing Center

Generally it’s nice to receive a comment about your hair — unless said hair is in your nose, on your ears, or connecting both eyebrows. It’s nothing a bit of wax won’t fix, however. And while there are DIY, over-the-counter waxing kits, an expertly trained follicle remover may be your preferred method. Fortunately, there are many waxing facilities to choose from in Santa Barbara — and we are about to get one more.

European Wax Center (EWC) has found a home in the Five Points Shopping Center and will open its doors mid-April. “We’ve looked for quite a while,” said owner Kristin Frank of the new shop location. “We’ve had this license since 2011, but it really took us until now to find what we wanted and where we wanted to go.”

EWC was started in 2004 in a salon in Aventura, Florida, where siblings Joshua, David, and Jessica Coba honed their waxing techniques and business prowess. In 2008, the trio expanded their company by selling franchises and experienced an exponential growth — EWC now has 553 locations, of which Frank and her husband own five.

The popular company adheres to strict standards, focuses on customer service, and employs a four-step process of their own design to remove unwanted hair. “[First] we cleanse the skin, and then we use this amazing lavender oil that stops [the wax] from pulling on the actual skin,” explained Frank. Next up is the compound itself, which is a hard wax that’s made in Europe. “It’s much less painful,” she continued. “The wax just adheres to the hair and not to the skin so that you are not pulling and ripping the actual skin; you are pulling and removing the hair.” The last step is pampering the now-bald space with products developed by EWC, such as a calming cream and serum to prevent ingrown hairs.

Frank, who bought her first franchise in 2008, is passionate about the EWC corporation. “I love that it is a family-owned business. … that the owners take care of and love the brand and believe in the brand,” she said. “It’s not just a business to them; it’s really a life for them. The actual wax and the locations, the procedures, and customer service is amazing.”

The company is serious about their employees, too — everyone hired goes through a seven-day training course. It’s a boon to customers, as well, as treatments are free when done by a trainee. “I love that we can bring in girls who are just getting their licenses and get them directly into the career they want to because we train them our way, and they love it. I have girls that have been with me since day one,” Frank said.

Frank expects to be in operation by Monday, April 14, with the first seven days devoted to employee training. The grand opening is slated for Monday, April 21. “Hopefully Santa Barbara will embrace it,” said Frank.

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EWC treatments are free during training week. Call ahead because spots fill up quickly. To make an appointment, call (805) 683-4929 or visit waxcenter.com.