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Argania Salon De Beaute
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Massage, Skin Care, Nail Salons [Edit]
1801 Martin Luther King Jr Way(between Hearst Ave & Delaware St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
(510) 883-1832
- Hours:
Tue 11 am - 5 pm
Wed 10 am - 6 pm
Thu-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Mueyana S. said: "4.5 stars! Raquel was AWESOME! I got the 90 minute massage, table was warm with a heat pad, she was warm and professional. She is definitely one of the best. She knows your muscles through and through. She's probably not the best at…" read more »
30 reviews for Argania Salon De Beaute
30 reviews in English
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Review from Alisha F.
Berkeley, CA
3/19/2012
Stephanie did an awesome job on my shellac manicure and was really pleasant to chat with. I only wish there were more colors to choose from!
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Review from Fille C.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/1/2011
WAX WARNING
So I have a friend who we shall refer to as Jane. Jane is against female circumcision.
[Enter Argania]
...Jane almost loses her _ _ _ _.
In all seriousness, the owner is so nice that I did not want to leave a negative review. But I see so many positive reviews on other services that I feel the need to warn others about my, err, Jane's waxing experience.
"Jane" went to Argania a few times noting that the waxes took longer than usual and were kind of awkward. Maybe it is the dim lighting that prevents the owner from seeing you right while she's waxing? I mean a brazilian need not be relaxing so just turn on the lights or others may end up like Jane or worse for the owner: realize later that the patch of missing skin right above the _ _ _ _ may warrant a lawsuit. There was no scar left but the pain lasted for a couple of weeks. I never returned or contacted the owner as I should have.
Positives:
1. The owner is friendly and multilingual :)
2. She does a gentle and thorough job with facials. -
Review from Emily H.
2/8/2011
I found Argania on Yelp a few months ago (way to go Yelpers!) when I was looking for a place to take my mom for her birthday/some girl time.
As it's a small place, they have only one manicure/pedicurist which means that we each had to wait for the other to be done, but we were made comfortable with tea and magazines while we waited.
The manicurist (whose name, I am embarrassed to admit, I have forgotten) was absolutely lovely. She was great to chat with and both my mom and I had some fun random conversations with her about baking, gardening, glasses, men, you name it.
Most importantly though, she was good. She took her time. She wasn't rushing us through the process. I hate getting a manicure and being sent away when it's not just right. When I very clumsily dented my freshly polished nail, she immediately offered to re-do it for me.
And boy did that baby last. This was Christmas when there were eleven people staying in my parents' house and I was doing a LOT of dishes. It lasted a full week with no chips under some hardcore conditions. It wasn't until two weeks later when I'd started picking away at it that I finally gave in and took it off.
I also got a wonderful feeling of community here, people would pop in and say hi, every single person who came in and out of the doors was a regular who was greeted as a friend by the staff. That, I think, says a lot. -
Review from Felicia C.
Berkeley, CA
6/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Words can't express how much I love Argania, my "home" spa. I don't pamper myself very much, but when I do, I go to Argania.
I first came here when I had a Spa Finder gift certificate to spend. Argania happened to be the closest listing near my place, and all these 5 star reviews on Yelp as an added bonus! I was sold.
The ambiance is nice, though it isn't a luxury spa. You won't be sitting in a spa chair with a fluffy robe while getting your manicure done, and the rooms for waxing/massage are pretty small. Still, they make a point to provide lovely decor and an comfortable, exotic, friendly atmosphere.
Stephanie, the nail technician, is wonderful. She's very easy to talk to, and I enjoy the time I spend with her. In addition, she does an excellent job. I have never found a place that does manicure better than her. She takes her time and pays attention to detail. Her handiwork is amazing, and my manicures last well beyond 2 weeks. I've done both regular manicure and Shellac - I prefer the former, as I don't really like the way Shellac feels on my nails.
Miriam, the owner and head estetician, is also very sweet. I haven't gotten any skin work done from her yet, but I've come to her for waxing. My experiences with her have been quick, comfortable, and virtually painless. There was a period of time where I stopped taking care of my eyebrows, so she reshaped them for me. Miriam does beautiful work.
I love Argania! -
Review from Erin S.
Berkeley, CA
12/8/2010
Stopped in for a polish change (fingernails) with Stephanie, Argania's manicurist. I'm happy to say that she's fantastic! My session with her was a wonderful experience on many levels. She's very personable and gave me some great recommendations for hair salons, etc in the area. She's very interested in nail technology and understanding how products work together/can be optimized. Much appreciated since I'm coming from a science background ;)
My manicure looks great, and because of her procedure, it was thoroughly dry when I left. The polish doesn't feel heavy on my nails like some treatments I've received at other locations, but it is holding up very well. It's been 5 days, and I can't detect ANY wear on my nails. I'll definitely be going back to Stephanie for future mani/pedi's, especially since she's getting a Shellac system soon! -
Review from Felicia B.
Berkeley, CA
6/22/2011
Other folks are right: Argania doesn't have the luxury, over-the-top excess of Las Vegas when it comes to its presence. The building is small and modest, but inside I took comfort in how cozy it was. I was offered water or tea while I waited.
I had a full hour massage, and the room was brighter than at other places I've been to, largely due to the window facing the sidewalk. Even with the blinds closed, it was still brighter than at most places (it was also 2pm). Still, I really dug the environment. It just had a cozy cottage feel to it. Something about it was more comforting than at other salons I've visited.
The massage was good. I don't know if it was the best massage I've ever had, but it was a relaxing massage and that's what I paid for. It did seem to help my back and neck pain/stiffness go away.
I liked the music they had playing for my massage, but towards the last five minutes, it suddenly changed to some Beethoven or something that sounded violent and was a bit disruptive for how relaxing the massage had previously been. I'd recommend that they make sure to keep only relaxing music in their CD player, or put the CDs on repeat.
Also, it might be worth it for the salon to invest in soundproofing their windows in the massage rooms. Because the window was right next to the sidewalk, several times during the massage, the peace was broken by two people talking outside as they walked by.
It was $80 for a one hour massage, so it's a bit pricey. Still, I really dug the environment, and I think it'll appear to other people more than other massage places. -
Review from Annabelle S.
Berkeley, CA
11/11/2010
I've been getting my bikini waxed since I was 13. I've been all over to get a good wax: Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Castro Valley, myself! FINALLY I have found somewhere that I have no complaints about.
This is the first place where I felt the waxer (Miriam is AWESOME!) actually cared and made sure that I left with no hairs remaining. And she went over it without any hesitation. She spent 45 mins on me, and we had a lovely free flowing chat. And the vibe and ambiance of Argania is unlike any I've been before. Miriam started me off with some hot tea and led me to a small room which was elegantly decorated. It felt like I was at a spa for my brazilian! I loved it.
Miriam was so sweet and she basically insisted that I didn't leave her a tip (because I am a broke college student) but I just had to! I enjoyed her work and company too much. Also, with her I've had the least trouble with in-growns. She is awesome!
Go to Argania for Brazilian. Totally worth every dollar. 4 weeks later and I am still thinking about my experience. Also if you mention YELP you get a discount meaning YOU HAVE TO TRY IT! -
Review from Jennifer M.
Berkeley, CA
10/16/2010
This review is for waxing services.
I'm giving Argania 5 stars because really, I can't think of how this experience could have been any better. I've been to other salons that use the hard-wax, and end up with wax all over, as well as a lot of stray hairs since that type of wax doesn't seem quite as adhesive. Miriam really took her time, gave great attention to detail, and didn't get wax anywhere it wasn't supposed to be. She is also extremely kind and has a warm personality, which is the kind of person you want to be around when you're getting an otherwise painful/uncomfortable service. That's the thing though - what should have been a relatively painful experience wasn't at all! I don't know how she did it, but she erased any hesitation I ever had about waxing.
It was my first time there, and Miriam made me feel at ease - she was conversational but focused on her work. I had such a great experience with those services that I might even trust her to do my eyebrows - something I rarely let anyone touch! What I also appreciate is that you can book appointments online - so convenient! I also forgot to bring cash for tip, and she let me add it to the bill on my credit card - which is pretty rare for a salon. Overall a wonderful experience, and I will definitely be back! The best part - only $60 for two thorough very professional waxing services! Much cheaper than I expected, and definitely a bargain for the quality of service. I highly recommend Miriam and this place. -
Review from Karri L.
Berkeley, CA
8/19/2011
I have been going to Miriam for waxing for the past 4 years. She is amazing! Brazilians are not suppose to be a walk in the park but she does such a good job, I never get that sense of dread upon walking to the salon to get my waxing. She is the friendliest person. When you walk in you immediately get greeted and asked if you would like some tea or water. I have always said no but get asked by her each time. The wax is never too hot and she is always asking you to make sure the temp works for you. She is like I said amazing! Would totally recommend 100%.
I've also been there for a massage. Fantastic. i love when you tell someone how you like it done and any problem areas and the actually listen to you!
Argania is the best waxing place I have ever been. -
Review from Elisabeth H.
Berkeley, CA
8/1/2007
They call it a pedicure. Honey, this ain't no pedicure. This is kinky sex for your feet, using honey, sugar, fruit -- foods of the gods basically. You will fight back moans. Your other body parts will be jealous. You will have trouble looking your partner in the eye when you get home.
You will want to bend over and lick your own toes. You will think "I should walk home on my hands so my precious amazing feet don't get sullied."
You will fantasize about waiting outside until Kim Do leaves the salon at dark then shoving her into your car to make her your personal foot slave.
You will wonder if there could ever be a better way to spend 40 bucks legally and feel sooooooo good afterwards.Listed in: You Can't See Me
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Review from Grace E.
Oakland, CA
2/10/2007 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Argania two times and have had a facial by Charolette and Miriem. There are not many salons in the East Bay that offer microdermabrasion services, which is why I went there in the first place. They use biocosmetics, which is fabulous, and both are very professional and competent in their practice. Both women are very gentle with their technique and I've had two facial/peel/dermabrasion visits and have had nothing but a wonderful complexion afterwards.
As someone who has 3 years of European facials elsewhere, I highly recommend Argania Salon De'Beaute. -
Review from Susan M.
Berkeley, CA
12/17/2011
I have been going to Argania for the past nine and a half years, every month, faithfully. I get wax and a facial each time, and I have always had a wonderful experience, from my first visit in 2002 until my most recent, just this morning. Miriam, the owner is a consummate professional, with a delicate touch. She knows when to chat and when not to, she is quick with the wax, takes her time with the facials, and always is friendly and accommodating. What keeps me coming back there, each and every time, is the details. How I am always offered refreshment when I arrive, even if I am late and it's a Friday afternoon and she wants to get home to her family. How music is always playing. How beautiful and soothingly decorated the rooms are. How quiet it always is. How she lets me bring my daughter with me when I can't find a babysitter. The place is always clean, and though you have to be quick to get a Saturday appointment, I always feel as if I'm the only person there because of the way I am taken care of. Miriam always accommodates my special requests, and never makes me feel like I am inconveniencing her. I have had nail care there, massage, and facials and wax from her other employees, and have always been satisfied with the service and quality of the treatments. I would follow this woman to the ends of the earth. When I am out of town, and I go to another salon, I feel like I am being unfaithful! Though this is a small business, you can book and manage your appointments online, which I like. I have never felt pressured to purchase products, which is a big peeve of mine. I have recommended many people to Argania, and everyone I have sent there has been satisfied. I can't recommend this place enough, and the only reason I haven't posted before is I kind of don't want everyone to know how great this place is - I still feel like this salon is my little secret. But, after nearly ten years of a wonderful experience, this review is long overdue.
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Review from Juno P.
ALLSTON, MA
12/30/2009
I used to live on the same street and would pass by everyday, however I never went in because it looked like it was out of my price range. Then I got to a point in my life where I _needed_ a facial. It was to be my first one ever and I didn't want to trust my face to an oppressed worker in a cheapy nail salon. At that time, I would turn to cheapy factory-like nail salons for my waxing needs. But my face? No way! Since my first facial at Argania in July 2009, I've had more facials and now feel like I have decent grounds for comparison.
Argania has a luxurious, clean, and calm feeling. It radiates once you enter the door, step onto the wooden floors, and are pleasantly greeted. While the public area feels airy and open, the treatment room itself feels cozy and intimate without inducing claustrophobia. The clean, dust-free drapes at the ceiling were a really nice touch--as if you were inside a cloth tent (not like a camping kind, but a touch of an 'Orientalist' or 'Arabesque' aesthetic. And just a touch, not kitschy at all). I love the ambiance!
I was late because of traffic on University Ave, yet Miriam was ever so patient. On top of that, I only booked a facial, but I wanted to add underarm and eyebrow waxing. She not only accommodated my request, but she did such an excellent and thorough job! After that, I just can't go to a cheapie oppressed-worker mill/nail salon for "simple" waxing. Home waxing w/ Sally Hansen or Parissa is just plainly inadequate when compared to Miriam!
As for facials, having had 2 more since my first experience by 2 different estheticians in a different city, I am particularly struck by Miriam's thoroughness and skills. She saw that my skin's breakout called for more intensive intervention and so she 'zapped' them (without charging me more). She did all her extractions manually and patiently explained its utility (it hurt, but it's always the case and in this particular case, the pain is utterly worth it). She told me what she was doing, sharing the right amount of information to keep me relaxed.
Because it was my first facial, I mistakenly thought my zits would miraculously disappear as soon as I put my clothes back on. It took maybe a week and then my skin looked really great. It was so worth it! As soon as I get back to Berkeley, I'll be making an appointment with Miriam for another Argania experience facial! -
Review from Marie E.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 7/8/2011
This salon gives a full experience of self-pampering. Myriam is pleasant, friendly, professional, soothing voice, great conversationalist, if you're in the mood to chat. Her waxes are very effective. At other salons (some higher end), I have experienced break-outs after a wax job. Myriam's wax is of a quality that I have never broken out after a wax, and I've had pretty much everything waxed here from top to bottom so.....
Another nice detail is that parking is easy in the neighborhood and free.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/7/2009
Argania Salon is a gem. Miriam, the owner, is excellent in her thoroughness, kind, a great… Read more »
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Review from Michelle W.
Benicia, CA
5/23/2008
I started seeing Miriam soon after they opened for eyebrow tinting and waxing. She's always does a wonderful job and even after a hiatus of 4 years because I moved away, she remembered me on my first appointment back.
I've also had eyebrow waxes from the other ladies. They always take their time and do a careful job.
You have to call a couple weeks ahead to get Miriam at the time you want, but I"ve had nothing but good experiences with the other ladies and they usually have more open appointments. -
Review from Tara M.
Oakland, CA
3/4/2009
I had a brazillian, eyebrow, and upper lip wax with Miriam all with minimal discomfort. She did a wonderful job and was very thorough on all three.
I will definately be back again and again. -
Review from J J.
Piedmont, CA
6/24/2011
Miriam is lovely and refined and does a good bikini-leg wax. Her place is tranquil and soothing, and she's not paying slave wages to a host of Vietnamese employees like every place on Solano Avenue. There is also no attitude, here, like some of the places on Solano.
My next venture is to get a pedicure, here. -
Review from deborah s.
Oakland, CA
12/8/2008
Love love love my facials here. I've had both Charlotte and Miriam, but I think that neither are working there now, which saddens me. Charlotte was the sweetest, even waxed me a few times when I was feeling like being a bit more pampered. Miriam gave the most amazing massages (part of the facials). So I can't vouch for whomever is there now, but it seems they've always hired the best. It's a very un-assuming salon, I used to pass by all the time and never thought it was open. Mostly by appt only.
When I love back to the East Bay (soon!), I'll be frequenting here more often. They have a series of 3 or 6 for 10-15% off for you frequent flyers... -
Review from Aim B.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2008
I haven't been in a while, but I really am impressed with the facials at Argania. The only downside is that it IS small, and there's no steam room to get your pores all nice and ready for cleansing. I've gone to several places in the past year, but honestly Argania is the best for facials (and no more expensive than anywhere else). It's very relaxing, the extractions are relatively painless, and the products are extremely high quality. My skin always looks glowing and happy for weeks after.
I think I need to make an appointment now! -
Review from Kelly M.
Berkeley, CA
9/22/2010
This review is long overdue, but I felt like I needed to write it to give props to Allison, who saw me for my very first facial. Everyone here talks about Miriam, but there is no mention of Alison.
Alison was sweet, understanding and informative. She did a great job with my facial and, after about a week, my skin was better than it had ever been. I'm allergic to berries and she made sure that all of the products did not contain any berry extract in them. Overall, a great experience. -
Review from Emily J.
Portland, OR
8/7/2009
I've had two services there, an extended bikini wax with Josie and a half-hour deep tissue massage with Diane. Both of these services were excellent. My massage was the best I have ever had (and I'm no novice!) Diane really knew how to work out my kinks and use the pressure points for maximum relaxation! Don't look any further!
and FYI, they use hard wax which is less irritating than strip wax on the sensitive bikini area. :) and waaayy less painful than it could be. Josie also helped direct my breathing so that it worked to relieve the pain of the wax. great experiences! -
Review from Shannon A.
San Pablo, CA
10/6/2010
The waxing service here with Miriam is great. She is professional, and knows what she is doing. You would think it would be easy to find someone to do a good job waxing here in the bay area. Before Miriam was recommended to me I had a number of bad experiences. I am thankful that my friend recommended her to me. Not only I do I feel comfortable in her presence but the waxing itself is not too painful. I highly recommend this salon and Miriam.
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Review from Laura G.
San Diego, CA
11/16/2010
I was in the Bay Area for a few days and stumbled upon this adorable salon. I received a luxurious and utterly relaxing pedicure from Stephanie. She custom mixes her scrubs from all natural materials and uses organic coconut oil for the heavenly massage. We had a great conversation which was such a pleasant change from most nail techs. I highly recommend Argania and will definitely be going back again.
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Review from Katie M.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/20/2011
I went to Argania for the first time today, It was my first time getting a brazilian and I was really nervous. I immediately felt comfortable with Alison. She explained everything well and talked to me throughout the whole experience. Alision did a fabulous job and I was surprised at how little it hurt. They use high quality hard wax and the atmosphere is soothing. I will definitely go back and highly recommend Argania Salon.
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Review from lana d.
Albany, CA
11/16/2010
I had waxing and facial done at Argania.... Taking into consideration the reviews on yelp and my expectations I have been quite disappointed....I would start saying that I did not have Miriam, so maybe she is great.
I had another person and although she was trying her best I felt like I could have spend my money somewhere else. She was nice and friendly but lacking experience in my view.....
Without going into too many details I will mention few things:
- i still had hair left after the leg waxing and on some areas the hair was not removed by the roots
- the eyebrow waving was ok but not excellent
- the facial.... when i came i had one breakout and i was surprised that even during extractions it was left untouched, When I asked if she could zip it I was told that it is against California law to use any device to puncture it. So I left with one big zit I came with.... Couldn't she use some d'arsonvalization? Why did I have a facial in the first place ? To have someone smother some cream on my face??? The steam was brief and inefficient. The mask was not what I really needed. I needed some clay to clean the skin since it has been long time i had a facial.
I have done many facials before and this one was very mediocre. -
Review from Marisa A.
Berkeley, CA
9/26/2008
Best waxing services ever. Painless and relaxing. I forget her name, but she's the best waxer I've ever had. (I'll update after my next appointment.) This is THE spot to go if you live in the area.
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Review from Laura S.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 4/16/2010
This is the most pleasant gem of a place. I've had waxings from Josie and Miriam, both are amazingly UNpainful, professional, and pleasant. I am now expanding to try new services at Argania. Everyone should go.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/22/2009
I got the most painless, most effective, most professional bikini wax here of my life. I've had… Read more »
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Review from Kelly M.
Berkeley, CA
2/7/2009
This unassuming storefront is truly a hidden gem. the facials are absolutely amazing, the pedicures are wonderful, etc. You will feel like you are being taken care of at the finest spa, though the treatment will probably be better and you won't get any attitude. I'm not sure how they do it, but Argania is the best that you will find,
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Review from g g.
Berkeley, CA
8/27/2009
I called Argania Salon for a last minute waxing appointment. Josie was available and accommodated my request for a late afternoon appointment. She patiently listened to my concerns and did a great job. If you are in need of waxing, give Josie a call, she is awesome.
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Review from Anne S.
Emeryville, CA
4/23/2010
I used to splurge on occasion and go to the Claremont until their prices went from outrageous to absolutely insane for anyone that earns less than seven figures annually. After that, I couldn't quite find the right spot, until I found Argania through Yelp and now it's my new favorite place to go.
It's not posh. There will be no big plush cotton robes or redwood saunas. But the atmosphere is calm, simple, comfortable, cozy and just right. Have not had any services from Miriam, but massages from Diana are the best. I'm a big girl with a stressful job and a back and neck that resemble a bag of knots, but this little Russian dynamo works them out like no one's business! I've had both a facial and a pedicure from Josie and both were also awesome (as a matter of fact, my toes look fabulous right this moment!). Both women are great and so friendly. I love it that I never feel rushed or out of place here and even better, there's never a hard sell to buy products afterward (I *hate* that at high end salons!). Also, the online reservation system is great. I can book whenever I get around to thinking of it, no matter what day or time it is. So easy! And amazingly for Berkeley, I always seem to find street parking close by.
No, there aren't a lot of frills. You won't be lounging around on chaises in egyptian cotton robes after your sauna and snacking on fresh fruit, but you know what? For the cost of one afternoon at someplace like the Claremont, I can have two or three kick-ass treatments at Argania. And now, instead of spas being a once a year splurge, it's a regular monthly event that actually fits into my budget. And that's waaaay better. If you haven't tried Argania, you really have to. Just don't make it so crazy busy there that it's hard for me to get an appointment!
