HABIT

HABIT was founded in 2005 by Carrie Maxwell and focuses on personal grooming. The studio calls itself San Francisco's first wax-only establishment and describes itself as the city's most trusted waxing studio; both are the studio's own claims.

Every team member works as an independent esthetician and holds an individual certification in sanitation protocols from Barbicide and OSHA. Instruments, workstations and devices are sanitized and disinfected before the next client is seated.

Waxing is done with hard wax and with strip wax. The wax is brought to a controlled temperature before it goes on, and the method suits thicker or coarser hair, less sensitive skin and precise work such as brow shaping. Sugaring uses a room-temperature sugar paste applied by hand, with no fabric strips. It suits all skin types and body areas and is a common choice for clients who get ingrown hairs or find waxing painful. Sugaring only needs 7 to 10 days of growth, so it can be scheduled between regular waxing visits.

The studio is off-street, so the access code arrives in the appointment confirmation email. Muni lines 22, 30, 43 and 45 run close by. Hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 to 9 and Saturday and Sunday 10 to 6. Online booking runs through a Vagaro page and requires a credit card, and payment can be made onsite by another card or cash. Hair should be about 1/4 inch for waxing and 1/16 inch for sugaring. Late arrivals are charged the full booked service and may have it shortened or be asked to rebook, and appointments can run past their estimated length, so extra time afterward is wise.

Changes or cancellations need at least 12 hours' notice; later changes and no-shows incur a 100% cancellation fee. Waxing and sugaring are not done over open wounds or rashes. Clients are asked to avoid these services within 14 days of Botox or Juvederm injections in the same area, to stop acid-based products 14 days before an appointment, and to pause acne medications, generally at least a month ahead or a year for Accutane.

The studio's philosophy centers on personal grooming, with two hair-removal methods offered so clients with different hair types and sensitivities can choose.

Treatment rooms are designed for comfort, and the studio displays a gallery of vintage curiosities.