Get Merrie Monarch Ready, From Your Eyebrows to your Toes

The first week in April is such an exciting time on Hawai’i Island! On the Kona side, triathletes are gearing up for the Lavaman Triathlon at Anaeho'omalu Bay, on Sunday, April 7th. And starting on March 31st, thousands from all over Hawai’i and the world will flock to Hilo for the 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, honoring King Kalakaua and the perpetuation of the art of hula.

For the hula dancer, everything needs to dance when you step onto that Merrie Monarch stage. “Your hair, your toenails, your eyelashes, all need to dance,” said Kumu Ke’ano Ka’upu of Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua. 

If you’re about to give the performance of a lifetime (or just watch it), your eyebrows, lashes, and skin are also taking center stage. Whether you are part of a hālau competing in the festival or you’re a hula enthusiast, this is the week to think about getting festival ready… And I’m here to help! 

At my studio, I offer a ton of services to help you glow from the inside out! For anyone prepping for Merrie Monarch, however, here are the services I recommend booking before the big week:

Underarm sugaring

Who has time to deal with razor burn or in-growns when you’re about to be part of  an internationally acclaimed hula competition? Instead of shaving or even getting an underarm wax, consider underarm sugaring. It’s just as effective as waxing but uses a mix of lemon, sugar, and water to remove hair, making it gentle enough for even the most delicate skin. Plus, it lasts longer than shaving!

And waxing and sugaring aren’t just for your underarms. Both are excellent for removing any body hair (including those toes).

Eyebrow tint

Eyebrow tinting is a semi-permanent way of changing the color of your brow hairs. Tinting enhances your eyebrows, giving them a stronger pigment. Since tinting lasts from four to six weeks, you can ditch the brow gel and enjoy fuller-looking brows long after Merrie Monarch is over. 

Eyelash lift and tint

With an eyelash lift and tint, you can wake up and head to the Hoʻolauleʻa, the craft fair, a hālau hula performance, or the Royal Parade with naturally long, thick lashes. A lash lift is a semi-permanent uplift and curl of your eyelashes, giving your natural lashes a boost from the root for a thicker, longer look. I recommend pairing a lift with an eyelash tint. With a tint, a semi-permanent dye will be applied to your eyelashes to really make them look more defined! 

A facial

You’ve been practicing for months and you don’t want break outs or dull skin to get in your way of shining at Merrie Monarch. For smooth, clear skin, treat yourself to a facial. Festival week stressing you out? Facials can also be the relaxing experience you need right now! 

Feel confident stepping out on Hilo town or onto the stage this year at Merrie Monarch. Book an appointment with me today!