Frequently Asked Questions

First visit to our studio? Yay! Check out some of our frequently asked questions below.

Is your skin care studio kid friendly?

Unfortunately, our skin care studio is not kid or puppy dog friendly. We hope you’ll take the opportunity for a quiet, relaxing experience to take care of yourself and your skin. Please turn off your phone and just chill out. 🙂

How long does my hair have to be for sugaring?

While sugar can remove hair as short as 1/16th of an inch, 1/8th of an inch or more is best (similar to the size of a grain of rice).

I’m on my period, can I get sugared?

Yes! While you can totally get sugared on your period, your skin will likely be more sensitive a few days leading up to and during your cycle. We just ask that you wear a tampon if you will be receiving any bikini sugaring services. Some clients like to take a pain reliever prior to the service.

Is sugaring during pregnancy safe?

Yes!

Who can’t do sugaring?

  • Please have a doctor clear you for sugaring if you are taking medications that thin the skin (such as Retin-A), blood thinners, or medications that cause you to be sun-sensitive (Example: Acutane, Differin, Renova).
  • We cannot sugar over moles, cold sores or broken skin (ouch!)
  • Did you just get a light peel on your face and now you want to be sugared? We ask that you wait 7 days before getting sugaring on any area of your body that has experienced a chemical peel or microdermabrasion.

Any instructions for after sugaring?

  • For 24 hours after your service stay clean, cool and free from friction.
  • 24 hours after your service refrain from strenuous activity that might get sweat/bacteria on the freshly sugared area. This includes working out and or sexual activity. Doing these things will increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs (and those suck!)
  • Please don’t suntan for about 48 hours after you’ve been sugared. You are freshly exfoliated and we want to avoid sun damage and burning.
  • 48 hours after being sugared begin daily exfoliation on the sugared area.

What is your cancellation policy?

The time you schedule is reserved for your exclusive use. When appointments are missed or cancelled without sufficient notice, we’re often unable to fill them. The financial impact of these late cancellations can be substantial. As a courtesy, The Portland Girl sends appointment confirmations forty-eight hours in advance, however, it is ultimately your responsibility to notate and remember your reservation with us.

Should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with us, we request twenty-four (24) hours’ notice. If you don’t provide notice (or miss your appointment altogether), you may be charged a fee in accordance with the following:

  • Cancellations with less than twenty-four hours’ notice will result in a charge equal to 50% of the scheduled services.
  • No-call no-shows will result in a charge equal to 100% of the scheduled services.
  • Guests who repeatedly cancel without adequate notice and/or fail to appear to their scheduled appointments will be asked to pay for future appointments in full at the time of booking.

Thank you so much for your understanding!

What if I'm running late to an appointment?

We want you to fully enjoy your time with us, so please arrive promptly for your service. Treatments at The Portland Girl are designed to deliver the most benefit within the time allotted. As a courtesy to our other guests, we’re unable to extend service times or issue refunds for late arrivals. While we make every effort to accommodate late arrivals, if you are more than 10 minutes late, your service may have to be rescheduled (and you will be responsible for the associated late cancel fees).

What is your product return policy?

Client safety and product integrity is important to us, therefore product refunds or exchanges are only accepted on a limited basis. Only sealed, unopened, unused products will be accepted when accompanied by a digital receipt dated within 30 days of purchase.

What is your policy with minors?

Clients under 18 years of age MUST have a parent or guardian present for their first appointment. Parent or guardian will be required to sign our minor waiver form and check all approved services before any services can be performed.

Any other policies I need to know about?

  1. Your health and safety are of paramount importance to us at The Portland Girl. We trust the information you provide to us on your client intake form. Successful service execution requires your full disclosure during all pre-service consultations. The Portland Girl will not be responsible for any adverse reactions to services rendered in circumstances where a guest has failed to inform us of contraindicating conditions.
  2. Trust our professional judgement! The Portland Girl reserves the right to refuse services at our discretion when necessary.
  3. To maintain a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere for all guests, we politely request that cell phones be silenced or powered off in the studio’s treatment areas.

Does The Portland Girl have a rewards program?

YES!  Make sure to opt-in to our loyalty program to start earning rewards on all of your purchases at The Portland Girl.  

Login to your MindBody account and hit "Rewards" to sign up OR ask our Guest Services team to sign you up when you come in for your next appointment! You will automatically earn 1 point for every dollar spent on products and services at The Portland Girl.  You can use your credit towards future purchases!

Last time I got a facial, I broke out. Should I try again?

There are so many factors that could have impacted your skin after your last facial service. While most our clients do not have breakouts or irritation after a service, it is possible (especially if you are doing our advanced peels). What that being said, not all breakouts are “bad”. If it has been awhile since your last facial, the skin might have a great deal of “purging” to do. If this happens, you can always call or email our studio to troubleshoot solutions.

Are your products vegan or gluten free?

While most of our products are vegan and gluten free, not ALL of them are. If you have an aversion or allergy, simply let us know when you are filling out your skin care intake form and we can accommodate your facial to suit your needs.

What facial should I get?

If you are struggling to pick, feel free to give our studio a call, email us or set up a free 15 minute consult to discuss options.

What are LED Facials?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and was first developed by NASA. LED light therapy is a non-invasive skin-care treatment that that treats the skin by using an array of bright light-emitting diodes. This energy is measured in nanometers. If this wavelength (i.e. nanometer) is in the correct wavelength, the cells in the dermis layer of skin will convert that light energy into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the fuel that the cell uses to do its job. It is painless and usually quite relaxing to most clients. These diodes send low-level light energy into the deeper layers of the skin and work especially well to combat acne and the signs of aging. Best results are seen in 6 treatments about 2 weeks apart with monthly treatments after.

What are the contraindications for LED therapy?

  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Pregnancy
  • Panic Disorder / Claustrophobia
  • Hypersensitivity to light or “photoallergy”
  • Tendency toward phototoxic reactions
  • Taking of photosensitizing or phototoxic medication
  • Do not use with heat inducing products
  • Do not use with chemical peels
  • Do not use if under a physician’s care

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a very effective treatment for fine lines, dull skin and scarring. This form of exfoliation uses vacuum pressure to lift skin up to the diamond tip exfoliating “head”. This combined with targeted products will help improve skin texture, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, pore size and blemishes. While some microderm machines leave clients feeling “raw” and uncomfortable, the machine that we use is cutting edge and effective while also being gentle on the skin. It feels similar to being licked by a kitten tongue (it might sound odd, but it’s our best way to describe it). You’ll leave this treatment with extremely smooth skin and a beautiful glow that will last for at least a week!

What are the contraindications for microdermabrasion?

  • Any contagious disease
  • Blood transmitted diseases (HIV, hepatitis, herpes)
  • Retin-A • Isotretinoin (Sotret, Claravis, Accutane-no longer made)
  • Any drug that causes sensitivity to sun exposure
  • Hemophilia
  • Skin irritation or rash (wait at least 48 hours after waxing)
  • Diabetes (insulin dependent)
  • Pregnancy
  • Currently under a physician’s care for any injury, illness or disease

What do you recommend for post peel care?

  • Stay out of the sun for the next 24 hours, and make sure to always use your SPF any time you head out for the day!
  • Peels provide a LOT of exfoliation, so skip your other exfoliating products (acids, retinols + scrubs) for the next 5-7 days.
  • Feeling dry or experiencing mild flaking for the first week is normal, but you must keep your skin EXTRA hydrated during this time. Drink lots of water, use moisturizer and work more hydrating and healing products into your daily routine.


Contact us

The Portland Girl entrance
Central Eastside
Mon - Thu : 8:30am - 8:30pm
Fri : 8:30am - 2:30pm
Sat & Sun : 10:00am - 5:00pm
Pearl District
Tue - Fri : 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sat : 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sun & Mon : CLOSED