Maria Bonita Salon & Spa

I went to Maria Bonita after reading the reviews and Maria is the best waxer in this town...People avoid paying over 65 dollars for your wax and come to Maria Bonita next time. You will be greatful that you read my review...

Pros: service, price

Posted 03/29/08

PERFECT JOB MARIA! NO PAIN AND I LOVE THE WAY MY LEGS FEELS, VERY SMOOTH. I WILL BE THERE NEXT MONTH FOR SURE!!!!

Posted 03/24/08

I used to be a regular at Elite Day Spa for a brazilian bikini wax because its SOO cheap but not SOO hygenic. I tried Regina on a referral and couldn't be more pleased. The place is very clean and comfortable. Regina does an extremely good job by making the experience painless and makes sure you don't leave without liking your results. I even waited 2 months while she was away in Brazil visiting her family because I couldn't imagine going to anyone else. If you need a conversation starter ask about her puppy Luna.

Posted 02/27/08

I heard about this place from my brazilian girlfriends and decided to give it a try. I had the best manicure and pedicure ever!!! The difference between a regular manicure and a brazilian manicure is that the technician removes all the cuticle which helps the mani to last longer. I am a very active person and Lucy's manicure nearly lasted two weeks!!! She was quick, efficient and upbeat. Awesome place with great colors by Essie!!!

Posted 02/26/08

Tried my Brazilian experience not long ago, saw an article about the place and was really excited, just loved and even more the idea of the idea that this place is filled with celebrities and models alike, lol, not that I was there trying to see someone. Anyway, that must be good right? The staff is helpful and efficient, did the brazilian wax with Maria, she's so cute, very quick and painless I must add. She also did my nails, I don't know what technique Maria uses but it lasted longer than other times. I highly recommend the place, good energy and ambiance, next time will go back for sweet Maria and try a new hair do.

Posted 02/05/08

After having searched long and hard for a TRUE Brazilian wax i found Regina at Maria Bonita... and THANK GOD!! she's quick and as painless as a Brazilian wax can be. if its your first or 100th wax, Regina will make you feel extremely comfortable and give you the best wax you've ever had. I highly recommend anyone to try her because you won't go through the pain (literally) of searching for someone to do such a good job.

Pros: convenient hours, clean and fast

Posted 02/04/08

Lucy is the most wonderful waxing professional I've encountered in Manhattan!!! In addition to the least painful, most thorough waxing job that highly sensitive area has ever had the privilage of receiving, she is also extremely efficient so if you're pressed for time, she's definitely the person for you to see. Her friendly personality makes you feel instantly comfortable.

Posted 02/01/08

I went to Maria Bonita for a Pedicure and Manicure and Roseli changed my toes and fingers. I ended up getting what they call Maria Bonita Pedicure and my crancked feet was soaked in parafin and ressurfaced from the dead with beautiful polished nails....it's a must do and ask for Roseli...she knows how to do it...

Pros: all

Cons: none

Posted 01/25/08

I went to MariaBonita after reading the reviews on this website and seeing that people seemed to like it. Even though it is totally out of the way for me, practically on the other side of the island, I took a chance. I went to Liliane for a Brazilian bikini wax, and it was the most incredible experience ever. It took ten minutes or less, she was totally nice, and while of course it hurt she did it so quickly that it didn't even really register. In the past when I've gotten Brazilians i've been tempted to ask the woman to stopp 5 minutes into it because it hurts so much. That thought didn't even cross my mind this time, it was just so fast and relatively painless. Definitely ask for Lily, she's great great great and a total pro. I couldn't stop raving about it all day!

Pros: lily, speed

Cons: a wee bit more than I wanted to pay but it was totally worth it

Posted 01/15/08

This place had great reviews so I tried it out for a brazilian wax. THe wax was not as painful as others but the female who waxed me double dipped the waxing sticks. I decided to go back a second time this time for a brazilian and a pedicure. The wax was decent again, she missed a few hairs but then I asked her to pluck them. The pedicure, AWFUL. So unsanitary. I saw that there was a woman getting a pedicure next to me and it seemed like the person giving her the pedicure was a bit more knowledged but I would definately say this was the biggest waste of $31 ever. Just dont get a pedicure. There was more polish on my toes then on the nail. I had to wait days after I showered to get the rest of the polish off.

Cons: unsanitary

Posted 01/07/08

It was my first time for Brazilian Wax and just the thought of the pain in that area made me nauseous. Though waxing will never be enjoyable, Liliane made the experience bearable and as pain free as I imagine is possible. I was also impressed with the speed. She did the bikini wax, underarms, and half-legs in under half hour, while being very nice. Also I did not know how I would feel about having a perfect stranger that close to my bare private parts, but Liliane's professionalism and over all pleasant demeanor put me at ease. I will definitely come back.

Pros: Reasonable prices, speed of service, minimal pain

Cons: Front desk staff lacks a little Liliane's attentiveness and smile

Posted 10/14/07

I like Maria for brazilian bikini wax. Prior to her I went to one of those nail places on 25th and Park but I like the product that Maria uses. It doesn't stick too much to the skin so despite some pain it's not as bad. And she follows up with a cold compress so it's definitely worth the extra money. She's quick, doesn't spend time blabbing on and on and you're done in 10 minutes. Even when she takes out the ingrown hairs it's not as bad as the place I used to go to. I'd highly recommend.

Pros: good location, quick and easy, keep to the schedule, hygienic

Cons: costly

Posted 10/04/07

This salon is a great find. After trying a few salons that ranged from disappointing to disastrous I finally found my favorite New York salon. I recommend RAYMOND for haircuts and color. I have difficult hair and he patiently took the time to get it right. It was my first time going darker and I was quite pleased. Whilw I was getting my hair done I also got a pedicure and a manicure, which were very good. The girl that washed my hair gave me a head massage....I will be back to try their Facials and Massages...

Pros: Ray/ manicures /pedicures

Cons: none

Posted 09/26/07

I highly reccomend this place, I've been living in the city for the past 2 years, and it was hard to find a beauty parlor as the ones I was used in Paris, an Italian friend of mine, a regular at this place, reccomend it to me, and I decided to give it a try, first tried a new hair style with Nonato, it was just heaven, he's just brilliant and lovely, then decided to try the famous brazilian wax, and I did, and been doing ever since, Maria is just fabulous and so loveable, all the staff is caring and have such a positive and good energy, Patricia is a darling, and always do her best to get my appointments as they are very busy. Definetely reccomend it! One of the best and finest place in town for a touch up. Tres chic.

Pros: The place itself, everything

Cons: None

Posted 09/17/07

I was always very afraid of getting a brazilian bikini; but decided to give it a try two months ago after a friend told me about Lily who works at Maria Bonita. Not only she has a great conversation that was able to make me relax, she was neat, fast and very professional. After some painful past experiences on the waxing table I had in other places, I had to accept that my friends were right: Lily truly has two magical hands. I had no idea that a professional could make so much difference; but I'm writing here to encourage those women who, like me, were afraid of getting rid of that undesired hair. LILY IS THE BEST WAXING EXPERIENCE I EVER HAD!!!

Posted 09/16/07

I'd been thinking about getting bangs for a while, but my former stylist told me over and over that they "wouldn't be a good look." When that salon mysteriously closed one day, I found myself in Maria Bonita. The Citysearch reviews were excellent, so I figured I'd give it a try. I went to Roger, who agreed that bangs would be a good change for me, and I couldn't be happier. He gave me a nice, simple trim, along with bangs that I can either wear as bangs or let simply blend into the rest of my hair. He was friendly and professional, and I'll definitely be back soon....maybe even go really short this time!

Posted 09/16/07

I have been to all the best brazilian waxes in manhattan. J sisters, Bliss spa and 2 other brazilian salons. MARIA is amazing!! I am usually very sensitive I FELT NO PAIN!!! She is truely caring! She also does AMAZING EYEBROWS!
I am very picky over my wax. Maria Bonita is half an hour away from where i live but it is truely worth it-- as maria leaves me hair free and pain free

Pros: WAXING, mani/pedi and hair

Cons: nothing

Posted 09/12/07

I took my friend to Regina for her first time and it was not painful AT ALL for her. Regina is a really truly nice person, and she is an expert at reducing the pain. She seems actually concerned about her clients and she is very personable. I couldn't recommend her enough.

Pros: Regina is very good at what she does.

Posted 07/11/07

I've gone there for two years now for all different services. I have referred alot of women to Maria for the most painless Brazilian wax known to WOMAN. I highly recommend her for anyone's first time and there after. She makes you feel at ease and soothes you with her techniques during the process. I have also seen very nice highlights come out from that salon. Good quality service, products and employees. THUMBS UP!!!!

Posted 04/25/07

I have been going to Maria Bonita for over 2 years for my brazilian wax and Maria is probably one of the best in the business. I won't go anywhere else or to anyone else. She's quick, curteous, friendly and as far as waxing goes, her technique is painless (at least to me it is). I referred my best friend to Maria (and my best friend has ZERO tolerence for any type of pain) and even my best friend found it relatively painless. I used to go to the J sisters and I felt like I was on an assembly line but at Maria Bonita everyone is friendly, has a smile for you and will accomodate the customer not vice versa. Also, I just started doing my hair with Carmen and I have been getting compliments left and right. To Maria, Carmen and to all the staff at Maria Bonita, thank you.

Pros: Great staff, great prices, very convienant hours and great coffee

Cons: None

Posted 04/20/07

They are the absolute best with Brazilian Waxing! I have been to J Sisters and other places in the city none of them can compare to the absolute professionalism and care as Maria Bonita. Ask for Regina, she is amazing, quick and clean and really does her best so that you feel no pain. I have been going to her for many months now and rave about their services.

Pros: Service, professionalism, cleanliness and rates

Cons: none

Posted 04/18/07

gamefor Gringo Bingo...(great place) and she was talking about brazilian wax and there was a Brazilian waitress there named Alessandra and she said that the best pladce in the city to make bikinis was Maria Bonita. Oh my god.... My girlsfriend now looks so pretty and nice.. She loved "maria" who made my dreams come true... We, Julia and I recomend 100000% this place!! Viva Brazil!!

Pros: great people

Cons: small place

Posted 04/15/07

I have been getting my Braz bik wax at MB for a long time and the girls are the best in the city...This past time I went and tried their package of the month(deep-conditioning, haircut and braz manicure). Roger layered my hair and convinced me to get some long bangs-:) what a difference, my hair looks wonderful and I can't stop getting complements...Also, Fernanda gave me the best manicure...my nails lasted looking good for about two weeks...I am now hooked...and I am very happy that I found a place that I can get everything done...

Pros: AMBIENCE/FRIENDLY AND SKILLED STAFF/ FRONT DESK

Cons: NONE

Posted 02/14/07

Maria Bonita is the only place in NYC that makes the bikini wax a pleasant experience. Ask for Liliane - she's the best - friendly and a total perfectionist!

Pros: they can always fit you in and the atmosphere is awesome!

Cons: there are none!

Posted 02/06/07

I've been going to Roger for 2 years now for color and cut. He is the best! I have never had to worry whether or not I will like my hair because Roger always makes sure he's doing exactly what I wanted. And he isn't shy to tell me if something won't look good on me. I always get tons of compliments on how healthy my hair looks. By NYC standards, I find the prices to be modest, especially because of the great treatment I get when I'm there. The staff is friendly and the salon is super relaxing. I always feel so at home when I'm there.

Posted 02/02/07

I've been getting my curly hair cut here for a few years and although it can be somewhat pricey for NYC (about $70-80 with blowdry), the stylists always listen to what you want, and if anything are conservative in how much they take off. After getting numerous cuts other places where they say you won't end up going "too short," and then you do, I'm never scared that I'll come out poodle-like from Maria Bonita.

Maybe I'm a whimp, but Maria's waxing scared the *#%! out of me, so I'm not going back for that. Let's just say that even when you don't want to get a Brazilian wax, that's what she'll try to do, so be prepared!

The manicurist is very nice, but I was surprised that my nails came out as well as if I did them myself. Ok looking, but no topcoat (?), and she sort of got polish all around the nail and then had to clean it up.

Stick with just a haircut and styling, and you'll be pleased.

Pros: Great haircuts, nice staff

Cons: Scary waxing, not so great manicures

Posted 01/26/07

I was here on Sunday, 01/21/07 to take advantage of their January package deal (deep conditioning, haircut, manicure for $80). Carlos, who is apparently only there on Sundays, took care of me. He was quick and thorough. He did an excellent job with my haircut and straightened my hair with the quickness! My manicure on the other hand, was a bit rushed and painful. The manicurist cut away at my cuticles like it was the worst thing to have. The following day my fingers were stinging from the cuts! If you want a manicure, maybe book earlier in the day when the manicurist is still fresh and alert! Overall, the package was a good deal and the place is easy-going and friendly. They served me coffee while waiting, which is always a bonus.

Pros: Quick and great with haircut and blowdry

Cons: Manicure can be painful

Posted 01/23/07

I went to Maria at Maria Bonita for a bikini wax yesterday after all the recommendations I read on citysearch. Thank you fellow New Yorkers! Maria was fantastic. She is a business woman who is all business with your business. There was no idle chatter, just a professional fast and extremely thorough job that warrented the $46 I paid. I'm originally from California and a bikini was there is only $25-$30, so this seemed a little steep to me, however it was worth EVERY penny. I made an appointment to go back in four weeks at Maria's recommendation.

Pros: Professional, thorough

Cons: Small facility

Posted 01/21/07

Wow! She's a perfectionist! You'll want to head straight for Ipanema beach or the Jerseny Shore...it's closer.

Pros: Easy to get an appointment, super friendly staff

Cons: I'm not sure I can name any...

Posted 12/04/06

I've been getting brazialian bikini waxes since moving to NYC 3 years ago and I've tried a lot of well-reviewed places in hopes of finally finding a trusted and (relatively) pain-free experience and I've found it at Maria Bonita. The wax used here is unlike waxes I've seen at other spas/ salons and the technicians seriously know what they're doing. Why don't all waxers hold a luke warm towel over freshly waxed skin like Maria Bonita?! Previous reviewers are correct: Maria is THE WOMAN to go to for a brazilian. Don't expect a gossip fest though: you're in and you're out, with minimal conversation. I've also had some of the other techs wax me at Maria Bonita, and they are very good as well, however, I think that I've become partial and loyal to Maria (who, BTW, is off on Mondays). Make an appt. if you want to go right after work or on the weekends. Maria books up pretty quick around those times.

Pros: brazilian waxes completed in record time

Posted 11/02/06

I love this place! Yes, their bikini wax was is definitely really good, a lot of reviewers already said it. Also, I love their Brazilian pedicures--and I'm VERY picky about pedicure. Last time I even decided to get a haircut--and I loved it! Ray did a great job, all my friends loved my new haircut too. I'm so happy I finally found one beauty salon I can go to for everything.

Pros: Bikini wax, hair, pedicure

Posted 10/26/06

Maria is the hands-down BEST. Making an awful necessity a great experience, shes quick and perfect every time. Best in the city.

Posted 10/16/06

I have been going to Maria Bonita for 3 years now and still love it. If you are going for a brazilian wax definitely ask for Maria!

Pros: Best waxing

Posted 10/06/06

i've been going to the salon for over a year now for everything- hair, nails, etc. but one thing i will not pass up is my bikini wax with Maria! She is the absolute best- quick, professional, and as painless as a bikini wax can be. It's amazing. I highly recommend her.

Pros: ambience, services

Cons: none!

Posted 10/02/06

All girls know how uncomfortable a bikini wax can potentially be, but trust me when I say to go to MARIA! She is really quick, thorough, and extremely nice. Most importantly is the quick part~! We want that pain over with! Also, the reception staff there is extremely nice too, all the more reason to go! Overall a fantastic experience!

Pros: Waxing! Speed, clean, and friendly staff

Cons: NONE!

Posted 09/30/06

It was a great experience .SHE IS SWEET AND MAKE YOU FEEL CONFORTABLE.NO ALERGIE OR PAIN AT ALL.YOU ALL SHOULD TRY IT.

Posted 09/29/06

Roger is excellent... the staff is very attentive and professional. highly recommended.......
.............. ................... ....................... .................... ...................... ................. ...................

Posted 09/23/06

Pedro is great! He knows what he is doing and is very professional. He retouched my bad highlight from a bad preview hairdresser and made my hair feel so natural again.

I always have manicure and pedicure with Fernanda. She is sweet, very professional and makes me very comfortable every time I go there.

Wax either Maria or Regina is always good. I won't say it doesn't hurt, but it's normal..hurts a little bit.

Most of all, everybody is friendly and makes the environment very cozy!

Pros: Friendly and professional staff

Cons: litlle pricy

Posted 08/25/06

I had my only other two brazilian waxes with Maria of Maria Bonita Salon, and yes, of course, it hurt a fair amount -- but I got the sense that it hurt a lot less than it could have with someone less skilled and efficient. Maria clearly knew what she was doing, and if you don't care for a lot of chitchat while someone's doing business around your business -- she's your woman. I certainly recommend.

That said, yesterday I went back and had a brazilian and full leg wax with Regina. She was warm and friendly and made unforced conversation that set me at ease. She also asked me frequently if I was doing okay, which was sweet, but entirely unnecessary: the woman is amazing! I don't know if I just didn't wait for the hair to grow back as much as it had last time or what, but yesterday's wax was barely more painful than a leg wax -- and I've had my legs done at least fifty times. No joke, the woman was great.

I never write reviews, but I left feeling so good that I had to log in and praise Regina. If you want to go Brazilian, do yourself a favor and do it in this clean, professional salon with this friendly, skillful woman.

Pros: Friendly, fast, professional -- as low-pain as it gets for a Brazilian wax!

Cons: They double-booked me & another customer, but were appropriately apologetic & offered me iced tea while I waited.

Posted 07/30/06

I have gone to several stylists here over the past 1 1/2 yrs and the average experience is extremely so-so. I was originally with Luciano who was super (bad highlites though) but he is no longer there, then I went onto Roger (all around bad and clueless), then onto Paulo (all around bad but not as bad as Roger although he damaged my hair), and finally Carmen. Carmen is pretty good, she is very thoughtful and listens to you and can do good highlites - the cuts are so-so. One thing I did not like was that when I got partial highlites from Paulo, I was charged for full and the owner kind of argued with me and spoke with another language in front of me and didn't seem to care. I was ripped off for more than $100 and didn't feel good AT ALL. I really like Carmen but I need to find another place that offers the whole package.

Pros: Carmen is really great

Cons: The owner rips people off

Posted 07/22/06

Ive visited Regina after losing my former Waxing lady of 10 years to Poland. I was nervous and doubtful of their services. However to my surprise I left extremely happy with Reginas expertise, friendliness and overall service of the salon. I can say honestly Ive found my permanent replacement.

Posted 07/17/06

Fernanda will give you the best manicure and pedicure in New York. I am pretty particular about my manicures and pedicures. I tried numerous upon numerous places and nowhere even touches Fernanda. It is a must to try this Brazilian wonder! (If you have been to Brazil, you will know that there is nothing like a Brazilian mani and pedi. Fernanda is the best I have found outside Brazil!!)

Posted 07/07/06

When you go to this place, make sure you get a massage with Lidis. It may hurt a little but its totally worth it. She is great and so its the rest of the crew. Very warm and helpful. Prices are a bit much but remember you are in Soho.

Posted 07/05/06

Worst experience. The woman was rushing, it felt like it was the first time she was painting nails...The result was awful and way overpriced...

Posted 06/25/06

I've gotten a brazilian done before and I had to tweeze what they didnt get done. After this bad experience I decided to try MariaBonita. Regina was wonderful, she made good conversation and sensed that I was a bit nervous about the whole thing. It lasted a long time too. I've moved to Canada since and nothing compares to the skill of Regina.

Posted 05/29/06

Ask for Regina! I used to live in NYC but now moved back to Canada. One of the thing I miss most is my brezilian bikini wax. I have tried a few spots here in Montreal but nothing compared to Regina at the salon. She is so nice and best in what she does!!!!! Now every trip to NYC includes an appointment at the Maria Bonita Salon with Regina.

Posted 05/07/06

I went to Maria Bonita for the first time one month ago (totally forgot to review till now!) for highlights with Pedro and I cannot recommend Pedro more! He is so incredibly talented- I look like the natural blonde that I say I am! ;) I went from a partial to a full head of highlights and I could not be happier- and this is after a month! My hair really has never looked so good! Make an appointment with Pedro for highlights and you will be so incredibly glad you did!

Posted 05/04/06

I read the raving reviews about Pedro and decided t check it out...I was going for a change so I did my homework on reseaching for a new hairdresser. He was so nice and we talked through what I wanted till we both were on the same page. I left there with my hair looking like the picture I brought from Jeniffer Aniston´s hair. Thank you Pedro!

Pros: good price, great music, great location

Posted 04/17/06

I went to highlight my hair for the first time there since a friend of mine do it very often with Pedro. But my deception was gigantic when I saw a good portion of my hair broken and the results didn't worth the money I spent for. Never go back there again.

Pros: Nice Music, Nice coffee

Cons: Bad Highlights, Delays

Posted 03/22/06

If you have blonde highlights do go see Pedro. He has a great eye for color and he is quick and efficient. The price is decent and the service is excellent. Highly recommend it.

Pros: Service , Highlights, Price

Posted 03/20/06