San Francisco - December 09, 2005

Ritual de lo Habitual

Habit Waxing Salon Opens

You’ve kicked your fair share of bad habits through the years: smacking gum in class (junior high), making out in public (college), smoking (just last year, thanks much).

But cultivating the habits you want has always been tougher. Flossing (yawn), eating fiber (blech), waxing (ow).

Meet Habit, a wax-only spa on Union that offers ten formulations, each for a specific skin type. Lavender means fewer breakouts, chamomile is great for sensitive skin, and French wax with glycerin takes care of coarser hair.

Owner/esthetician Carrie Maxwell custom blends extra-virgin coconut oil with ultra-pure essential oils for personalized apres-wax soothing and pays attention to details like whether you’ve just come from a Bikram class. She can teach Brazilian virgins breathing techniques to minimize discomfort and plays mellow music on the stereo. Vintage 1940s furnishings, artsy knickknacks, and a heated aromatherapy neck wrap comfort your body while unwanted hair is gently whisked away. Still jittery? A glass of wine or cocktail is in order.

That should get you back to some habits you know a thing or two about.

Habit, 1905 Union Street, suite 1, at Laguna Street (415-441-3332 or waxhabit.com).