One time overseas I booked myself a waxing appointment at a cheap salon I found, promising “pain-free waxing and flawless results.” Spoiler alert: neither of those promises was kept. 

One minute I was making polite small talk and the next I was gripping the table like I was on a rollercoaster, while the aesthetician ripped off strips with the enthusiasm of someone unwrapping Christmas presents. 

After slinking home and applying enough aloe vera, I wondered if Auckland’s waxing scene was any better. 

To find out, I tried some of the city’s top waxing salons. If you’re tired of taking chances with your waxing appointments—and want to avoid the mistakes I made—keep reading. I found Auckland’s best waxing salons. 

1. Beauty Refinery

Beauty Refinery has been a trusted part of Auckland’s beauty scene for more than 25 years, offering expert care from its convenient Queen St location. Rooted in care, designed for confidence, the studio is known for professional treatments and meticulous attention to detail.

The space is clean, welcoming, and designed to help clients feel at ease, with a strong focus on hygiene and safety. As an appointment-only studio with flexible hours—including evenings—clients can enjoy a calm, unhurried experience.

Waxing services cover a full range of facial and body areas, with gentle, fragrance-free waxes used to minimise irritation. Some male waxing services are available, with the full list outlined on the website.

Beauty Refinery works holistically with the skin, considering skincare, diet, lifestyle, and supplements to support long-lasting results. Product recommendations are never pushy—only suggested when they genuinely benefit the client, often followed by a gentle, no-pressure email.

High-quality skincare and premium waxes help ensure smooth, comfortable results with reduced irritation. Supplement or product advice is offered when relevant, and clients also receive personalised guidance for post-treatment care.

The updated loyalty system rewards consistency, with 10% off treatments after five visits and 15% off after ten. Off-peak pricing is also available on selected services, offering extra value for regular clients.

Beauty Refinery’s services include Facials, Waxing, Massage, Electrolysis, and Lash & Brow Enhancements (tinting, lifting, shaping, hybrid brows). With its central location near Viaduct Harbour and Commercial Bay, the studio is easily accessible for both locals and city workers.

Appointments are generally available throughout the week, though the studio is closed on Sundays and occasionally on Saturdays or Thursdays. Checking the booking site or Fresha app is the best way to confirm upcoming availability.

To keep bookings seamless, a card is kept securely on file. A 50% fee may apply for changes within 24 hours, though all cancellations are approached with understanding and flexibility.

Wonderful experience from beginning to end

“Wonderful experience from beginning to end and my skin feels incredible. Ella was super thorough and patient in giving me recommendations and additions to my skincare routine. I would 1000% recommend!”

• Jeremy Wang, Google Review

Ella was amazing! Super friendly, and easy to chat too.

“I got my eyebrows done here, Ella was amazing! Super friendly, and easy to chat too. I left with the best brows I’ve had in ages, and that’s saying something because I have been to lots of places before coming here! Definitely will be coming back! 🥰”

• Caitlin Rolston, Google Review

2. Glow Up Lounge 

Glow Up Lounge is quickly becoming a go-to spot for quality waxing that doesn’t cost a fortune. I was honestly surprised by how affordable their services are—getting both my brows and upper lip tidied up only set me back $10 each. 

From the moment I walked in, the staff greeted me with a smile and checked me in quickly. They also took the time to ask about my preferences before starting, which helped a lot in giving me the result I wanted.

I really appreciated how efficient they were—my appointment started right on time, and I was in and out in what felt like no time at all. For someone with a busy schedule, that’s a huge plus.

During the waxing, the technician was gentle but thorough, and she took care to shape my brows exactly how I wanted. I left with smooth skin and perfectly defined brows, and there was barely any redness afterwards. 

But I wished there was a bit more attention to ambiance—like softer lighting and calming music—to make the space feel more relaxing.

The waxing services were also top-notch

“I visited Glow Up Lounge recently and had a wonderful experience! The nail art service was exceptional, and I absolutely loved the results. The waxing services were also top-notch, with everything done neatly and professionally. The atmosphere of the salon is lovely, and the staff members were incredibly friendly and accommodating. Overall, a fantastic experience, and I would definitely give them five stars for their excellent nail art and waxing services. Highly recommended ❤️😘”

• Shefali Patel, Google Reviews

Waxing by Vicky was thorough

“Beauty treatments were excellent.  Waxing by Vicky was thorough and the least painful I’ve ever experienced. Pedicure was also excellent with the best massage chair ive ever sat on !. I can highly recommend”

• Leonie Lowe, Google Reviews

3. Sugar Gloss

Sugar Gloss has a welcoming atmosphere and expertise in sugar waxing. I really appreciate how inclusive they are—offering full body waxing, Brazilians, and bikini waxing for both women and men. 

The therapists are true pros too. Their gentle sugaring techniques make the whole process much less painful than traditional waxing.

I got my legs sugared here, and I appreciated how the technician took her time to explain the process and made sure I felt comfortable throughout. 

The sugaring paste was warm and soothing, not hot or sticky like some waxes I’ve tried elsewhere. The process was surprisingly gentle—way less discomfort than I expected, and my skin felt super smooth afterwards, with barely any redness.

Another thing I really loved was their tips for aftercare to keep my skin soft and bump-free. 

If I had to mention a downside, it’s that Sugar Gloss is incredibly popular—especially on Saturdays. When I tried to book my appointment, the earliest slot was two weeks out!

The place is amazing 

“I love sugar waxing! The place is amazing and Elena knows how to make your skin feel good 😊 …”

• Natalia Pastushenko, Google Reviews

Highly recommend this form of waxing

“Amazing! I’ve been to Lena twice now and everything from our first time communication to the actual wax is informative and comfortable. Highly recommend this form of waxing over any of the other ways of waxing i.e wax ripped off with cloth strips that also feels like it’s taking a layer of skin with it. Sugar waxing is less painful and doesn’t leave the area red for so long after. Ingrown hairs aren’t as much of a problem either if at all. Make the change “

• Jo Clearwater, Google Reviews 

4. Rubywaxx

Rubywaxx has built a bit of a cult following for their Brazilian waxing—and honestly, it’s easy to see why. 

Their famous Brazilian wax guarantee is pretty unbeatable: if your monthly Brazilian isn’t done within 15 minutes, it’s free! That promise alone is enough to win over anyone who dreads long, awkward waxing sessions.

What really impresses me is that even though they’re so speedy, they never cut corners. Every time I’ve been, the results have been flawless—no stray hairs left behind, no wax burns, just super smooth skin. 

Rubywaxx isn’t just about Brazilians, either. They offer everything from basic bikini and underarm waxing to full-body packages for both women and men. 

I really appreciate their clear pricing and the option to bundle services for a bit of savings—it makes planning (and budgeting) so much easier.

That said, if you’re looking for a pampering, spa-like vibe with soft music and candles, Rubywaxx probably isn’t the place for you. Their focus is on efficiency and getting you in and out quickly.

Exceptional waxing experience

“Ruby at Rubywaxx provides an exceptional waxing experience. She has done my waxing for nearly 4 years, she is just lovely, fast, and thorough. Despite the potential discomfort of a Brazilian wax, Ruby’s sensitive and efficient technique ensures the process is quick and as painless as possible. Highly recommended!”

• Amori Olivier, Google Reviews

Did an amazing job at waxing my eyebrows 

“Lovely straight forward and honest woman. Did an amazing job at waxing my eyebrows to get them in a good shape for the first time in a long while. Quickly done and almost painless”

• Vivian Aerssens, Google Reviews

5. Rejuvena Beauty Therapy 

Rejuvena Beauty Therapy’s wax techs are true experts in both women’s and men’s waxing, and you can really tell from the moment you walk in.

What I love most is their flexibility—they offer everything from quick facial waxing to full-body packages. They even have combo options that are super convenient. 

I’m a big fan of their full-leg and bikini combo, which makes it easy to get everything done in one go.

During my last visit, I was really impressed by the technician’s skill and speed. She managed to make my Brazillian wax as comfortable as possible. 

I appreciated the little touches, like using high-quality disposable wax and providing disposable undergarments—it made the whole process more hygienic and less awkward.

That said, I do wish the prices were a bit more wallet-friendly. Specialty waxing like Brazilians can get pretty pricey here. 

But honestly, my biggest gripe is the parking situation. Their lot is tiny and always packed—I ended up parking a few streets away and walking, which was a bit of a hassle.

Even the waxing is quick and painless

“I have no hesitation in recommending Rejuvena.

I have been going to Rejuvena for just over two years and would go nowhere else for any of my treatments. All the treatments are undertaken with professionalism and care.  Even the waxing is quick and painless.   I have very fair hair, which has caused problems with other salons, and I have had to spend time showing them places they have missed as the hair is hard to see (except by myself).  Not a problem at Rejuvena – they need no prompting and hunt them down themselves and remove them with ease!

They are always professional, friendly and welcoming, and my treatments are enjoyable and perfect.”

• Jacqui Bensemann, Google Reviews 

Made me feel relaxed and very welcoming

“First time getting any waxing procedure done, and I couldn’t have gone to a better place. Krystal made me feel relaxed and very welcoming, very bubbly too. Easy booking appointment, highly recommend. Will definitely come back. :-)“

• Rachel, Google Reviews 

---