Shobha -- The Hair Removal Guru

Underarm freedom is essential in the steamy summer months -- but no antiperspirant for 24 hours after hair removal is the pitts! So feel pitt-pretty all that day and next with Leela, Shobha's own Indian Jasmine Talc Powder, that will keep you dry and flirtatiously scented! It's a great way to stay smoothe and dry all day!

Shobha will be hosting weekly Pitty Parties every Wednesday this summer (valid thru 8/31/06): Simply get your underarms waxed/sugared on a Wednesday and receive a FREE Leela Jasmine Talc Powder* ($20 value)!

*Restrictions apply: While supplies last, no substitutions available. One Leela per client thanks!

Wedding season is in full bloom and so I offer some helpful tips for getting your brows in shape for the Big Day, even if it's not your big day...

Since there are so many last minute things that you need to remember before the Big Day, it is a good idea to get into a regular maintenance regime early, especially for your hair removal needs.

In your final month of eyebrow preparation, it's all about time and shape:

TIMING

Whether your brows need a fine-tuning or a complete overhaul, timing is the most crucial element. We strongly recommend leaving enough time to schedule around hair re-growth.

Keep in mind that once removed from the root, eyebrow hairs take 1-2 months to grow back to their maximum length. So, If your brows are too thin or too short, it will take at least 3 appointments scheduled 2-3 weeks apart to get brows to the point where they are ready to be re-shaped and perfected.

Once re-shaped, to maintain your shape, we suggest making an appointment at least once every 3 weeks to maintain the shape and definition.

The week of the wedding, try shooting for hair removal 2-3 days before the Big Day, to ensure any redness or irritation has dissipated, and your skin is photo-ready.

BROW SHAPING

Here at Shobha we use the Threading technique for eyebrow hair removal because of its precise results; allowing eyebrows to be shaped as distinct, dramatic arches or soft curves. Threading achieves a defined shape, and unlike waxing and tweezing, also removes peach fuzz so skin has a smooth texture for makeup applications and looks clear in wedding photographs.

Shobha also favors threading over waxing and tweezing because waxing runs the risk of burning the skin around the delicate eye area, and tweezing risks ingrown hairs and pesky black spots that appear after the hair starts to re-grow.

The shape of the brow is determined by shape of the face and eyes:

For oval or round-shaped faces, Shobha recommends a rounded eyebrow shape to soften facial features and make the face look less angled.

For square or round-shaped faces, Shobha recommends a high arch to make the face appear rounder and slimmer.

For long-shaped faces, Shobha suggests a straight brow shape to make the face appear shorter and more oval.

If you have any questions or seek advice about hair removal or skincare, please drop us a line at thoughts@shobhathreading.com !">

Do you suffer from the unibrow epidemic? Are you an over-tweezer? Do you have two different eyebrow shapes?

If you (or someone you know) answers yes to any of the above tragedies, you are in luck! Shobha, the reknowned threading salon is offering a rare opportunity where our skilled specialists will be tested on their ability to create miracles out of disaster brows! The sessions will be on January 2nd and 13th, 2006 and is free! If you are interested you must contact us at the teamsters@shobahthreading.com to register. Hurry!!! The session is very limited!

Life is full of firsts...your first word, your first tooth; your first apartment, your first 'time', and now your first Brazilian!

What was once a social mystery now has its own chapter in pop culture. There are already so many maintenance options for the hair on your head; it is only a natural progression to offer more choices for your other parts!

Like many styles, the Brazilian bikini wax has evolved over time. At present a true Brazilian can best be described as the bare bikini; leaving you just as hairless as the day you were born. However, not everyone wants that newbie feel; some prefer to leave a little or a lot. Here at Shobha we offer a variety of options so that your bikini area can be just as unique as the rest of you! Keep in mind that the Shobha Brazilian bikini always includes removal of hair in the lip and 'back' area, the rest is your call!

Preparation for the Big Day (for freshmen and alumni alike) - So, you are finally going to do it, your appointment is set, now all you need to do is...

Be clean - bathe like you would if you were going to your OB/GYN.

Be dry - cleanliness is appreciated, but please skip the lotion, you'll get better results if your skin is less oily.

Be hairy - your hair should be at least 1/4 inch in length (which makes it long enough to lay flat on your skin). Please don't shave for at least two weeks prior to your appointment to ensure that your hair is long enough! Also, if you've 'let it go' down there and it seems out of control, don't worry! Our specialists will trim any longer hairs to the proper length prior to the removal process.

Be menstruation free - It is the Shobha policy; our specialists will NOT perform bikini treatments on a menstruating client, period.
Generally, it is best to get a Brazilian at least one week before or after your period. The closer you get to your actual period, the more sensitive your body becomes, so be nice to your body and schedule your appointment around those ultra sensitive days.

Be comfortable - If possible, wear loose clothing that day to prevent irritation in the post-wax phase.

Be relaxed - Reportedly the more relaxed your muscles are, the better your hair removal results will be!

Here at Shobha, we have created an inviting atmosphere to make you feel at ease and worry-free. In each room we offer a comfortable bed and plush pillow to make you as comfortable as possible during your treatment. There is also an oscillating fan if you prefer a gentle breeze during your visit.

Since the bikini area is very sensitive, we have done everything possible to respect this delicate territory. For your safety, we use disposable spatulas and never-ever double-dip!

'Doing the Deed' - Your specialist will greet you and guide you to one of our private rooms. At this time you will be asked to remove your undergarments. She will ask you a few questions about your preferences for hair removal in each region involved; top, lip area, back. And if it is your 'first time', she will talk you through the entire process!

Prior to any hair removal, your specialists will always cleanse the area to eliminate potentially dangerous bacteria that may exist on your skin. Then your specialist will examine the hair length, and trim accordingly to prevent injury. Next, she will perform the actual waxing. After you are as bare as you want to be, you will be rewarded with a bikini facial!!! Finally, your specialist will present a mirror for your viewing pleasure and the approval of your new 'do'! (Oh, please remember to dress before leaving the room!) If this is a new 'thing' for you, treat your 'Brazilianized' bikini like you would any other haircut, try it out for a few days and then decide!

The After Wax

-Expect to be sensitive (especially if it is your first time) for 24 to 48 hours after your Shobha visit. Do apply a cold compress if your skin is especially tender.

-Hold off on taking hot baths for at least 2 hours, but we do recommend bathing after waxing to further clean the area, just go easy!.

-Avoid ultra-violet rays from tanning beds and sunbathing for at least 48 hours.

-Resist the sauna and steam room for at least 48 hours.

-Refrain from the use of any products containing acid, i.e. alpha-hydroxy, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, etc. for at least 48 hours

-Abstain from sex. Medical experts recommend waiting for 24 to 48 hours after any type of bikini wax. This time period is when your body can be most susceptible to outside bacteria which can potentially cause an infection. For your safety and health, it is better to abstain, but not required. It is really a personal choice, so remember that your skin does need some time to recover!

Shobha SoHo

594 Broadway, Suite 403 (between Prince and Houston)

In honor of winter and all of its nasty little friends (i.e. grey slush puddles, frost-bitten fingers and chapped, dry skin) give a warm welcome to Shobha's new menu of All-Natural Indian Herbal Facial treatments, including an amazing Hydrating Masque! These treatments offer skin solutions for those looking to detox their skin in the New Year. All of the facial products are homemade at Shobha SoHo using unique combinations of essential oils, Indian herbals, and natural ingredients like milk and honey. Shobha offers supplemental treatments that can be added on to the basic Shobha Clean-Up or Shobha Facial.

Accompanied by comforting warmth, the Hydrating Masque coats your face during the application, then soothes and molds to your unique shape as you snooze! After the un-masking, you'll be touchably smooth and soft! As the newest Shobha Supplement, the Hydrating Masque can be added to the Shobha Clean-Up or Shobha Facial! The moisture from this masque will meliorate your skin's melancholic symptoms during this chilly season known for its 'Dry Spells.'

Shobha SoHo is offering a January special (1/4/2006 - 1/22/2006) on its entirely new menu of All-Natural Indian Herbal Facial Treatments! To figure out which facial works best for you, visit www.shobhathreading.com and use the Facial Finder to get a personalized Shobha recommendation!

To redeem this special, please use promo code: SQF0106.

Links:

For Shobha Facial Treatment information: http://www.shobhathreading.com/shobha_services.html#fc

To use the Shobha Facial Finder:
http://www.shobhathreading.com/facialfinder.htm