Los Angeles - December 19, 2005

Hip Hip Hair-ray!

Raisa Now Open

Oh, Daniel-san.

You think polishing Mr. Miyagi’s car is a pain?

Try wax on, wax off salon-style: Start pantyless on papered table, have bikini line covered in hot wax, then rip off. Now that’s pain.

Unless you go to see Raisa Ruder (you can call her Raya) at her new day spa. After 15 years in the business (the last seven of which were spent at Anastasia of Beverly Hills), she’s groomed some of Tinseltown’s best brows and bods. She offers waxing (from brow to full-body), laser hair removal, eyelash extensions, tinting, facials, and will soon add spray tans and nails to the menu — making it a one-stop shop for all beauty maintenance needs.

Ruder’s technique is quick and (practically) painless. Because she’s a pro and uses only high-quality materials, you can say sayonara to evil ingrowns.

And konichiwa to smooth skin for weeks.

Raisa Laser and Skincare, 8545 Santa Monica Boulevard, between West Knoll Drive and La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood (310-360-6500).