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Appropriately situated in the basement of funky Salon V, there’s something distinctly underground about this neighborhood spa, a favorite of the offbeat design duo behind Heatherette. Since 1996, clients have traipsed down the stairway to get waxed, zapped, wrapped, or bronzed. Hair removal is the biggest draw here, but the menu is also peppered with microdermabrasion, turbo-spray tans, fanny facials, holistic body wraps, and a host of deep-tissue massages. Uncharacteristically brawny spa owner Richard Cacace is largely a one-man band, and exhibits an enthusiasm for his laser hair removal technology that can only be compared to that of a computer programmer eager to share his inside knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons. This may partly explain the many men who entrust Cacace to smooth their backs, chests, and, yes, nether regions. Body Beautiful’s laser services also cater to dark complexions, using techniques that alleviate the risk of scarring or discoloration. For those gun-shy about going Brazilian (or waxing anywhere else), Cacace uses a liquid organic wax that’s somehow less painful than the gummier synthetic variety. Although, distraction could have something to do with the additional comfort level, since the chatty waxer carries the conversation right through uprooting the final strip. — Molly Noonan