Haisai

Haisai takes its name from an Okinawan greeting that expresses warmth, openness and hospitality, and those ideas shape how the studio presents itself. Kelly DeMauro founded the studio.

Kelly DeMauro's beauty work has included treatment rooms, editorial sets, music videos, indie films, print campaigns, advertising and special events. Her background also includes events management and floor work for a New York-based restaurant group, and she describes hospitality as timing, flow, atmosphere and care rather than performance.

At Haisai, technicians act as each guest's host for the whole visit, not only as estheticians. Guests can settle in before a service with wifi and beverages in the space. The studio also hosts occasional pop-ups and in-studio events.

Waxing removes hair from the root with a resin-based wax, applied and removed against the direction of growth. Sugaring removes hair from the root with a sugar paste, applied and removed along the direction of growth. Red light therapy is also offered and can be used after waxing; the studio describes its red light as top-of-the-line and medical-grade, and it is not applied over fresh tattoos, where an alternate area is treated instead. The studio uses professional-grade products selected for performance, skin health and comfort, and sells a curated retail selection that includes aftercare essentials and goods from local makers. It describes itself as built on expert technique, clear pricing and thoughtful service, and as meticulously clean with strict sanitation protocols.

Services are open to all genders and bodies, and some are priced by anatomy because of time, technique and sensitivity. Appointments totaling over $200 require a credit card on file at booking. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time, and missed appointments without notice, are subject to a 50% fee; cancellations made 24 or more hours ahead are not charged. Minors need a parent or legal guardian present for all minor services, and minimum ages are 13 for non-intimate services, 16 for bikini services and 18 for Brazilian services. The studio recommends waxing every 4 to 6 weeks, with hair at least 1/4 inch long, and clients who have shaved should wait 2 to 3 weeks before booking. Clients should avoid retinol, Retin-A, Accutane within the last 6 months, AHA/BHA exfoliants and prescription creams for at least 48 hours before an appointment. Children and pets, except ADA-recognized service animals, are not permitted.

Technicians serve as each guest's host for the entire visit, with the studio aiming to combine Okinawan hospitality and modern beauty.

A small studio with a space to settle in before a service, along with wifi and beverages.