Hand Job

4.0 star rating
102 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Nail Salons, Skin Care, Day Spas  [Edit]

565 Castro St
(between 19th St & 18th St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Castro
(415) 863-2243
Hours:

Mon-Thu 11 am - 8 pm

Fri-Sat 10 am - 8 pm

Sun 11 am - 7 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Amy K. said: "LOVE American Laser Skincare/  American Laser Center and all the girls who work there. WOW! Exceptional service at too-good-to-be-true prices!  I started with American Laser Skincare Centers in Detroit when they were running specials…"   read more »

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102 reviews in English

  • Review from Angelica J.

    •  
    • 79 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    Who can resist a place with a name that's this clever/naughty?

    Not me.

    Found myself with a random dreary, rainy day off on a weekday with not much else to do but subject myself my somewhat newfound guilty habit of discovering new spas. I came across this place on Yelp and called to make an appointment for a package listed on their website that included a facial and a mani-pedi.

    When I arrived, I was greeted by a happy banner that advertised the same package that I saw online, but with an added massage. A weekday special, as it turned out, that was quite aptly called "Touch Me All Over".

    Seriously?

    Again, with the clever/naughty names. Kudos for their creativity.

    I was checked in by the owner, who showed me to a chic-looking bar area. He asked me if I wanted tea or wine and being the wine-enthusiast that I am, I opted for the latter. He then asked if I wanted champagne or regular white wine. I said champagne. To which he asked what kind of champagne; did I want something dry, something sweet, or something in between?

    Holy cow! A spa that offers an unusually wide variety of bubbly? Hell's yeah! It was kind of like when you're at Denny's and first they ask if you a veggie or starch side, and if you choose starch whether you want bread or potatoes and then ask what kind of bread or potatoes you want. I must admit that i liked this particular decision-making process a lot better. They also seemed to have an very extensive selection of bougie-type teas--the type that suggests that it would be outrageous to serve it  in anything else but a proper teapot.

    I had the thirty-minute massage first which was pretty good... If not for the constant pounding of footsteps right outside the door; thin walls and creaking wooden floors do not a good massage room make.

    I was then led back to the main area where they do their nail care. Interesting set-up they had there: a bunch of low, lounge-type chairs versus your run-of-mill chunky mani/pedi chairs plus or minus the built-in massager and whirlpool foot bath. I quite liked this, since it lent a cozier feel to the place. Also, all that news about nasty bacteria in whirlpool baths make germophobic me a little uneasy.

    My somewhat haughty manicurist didn't say much the entire time. Come to think of it, I don't think she said anything at all; she communicated primarily by briskly tapping my foot if she needed it. As soon as she was ready for me, she motioned for me to sit in one of the chairs which was positioned smack-dab in the middle of the room versus up against one of the walls. She brought the tub of water to soak my feet and started soaking/scrubbing/filing, etc. I suppose I should have spoken up right then and asked about choosing a nail polish color but for some reason I didn't. In the middle of working on my feet, she grabbed a bunch of polish bottles and literally dumped them into my lap. I found this a little strange but I'm not terribly obsessive about colors anyway and chose a garden variety red. Once that had been settled, somebody reclined my chair for me. "Oh, how nice of them!" I thought. Turns out the reason they pushed my chair back was because they were going to do the facial while my nails were getting done.

    Ahhhh. That explained the whole weird chair-in-the-middle of the room set-up.

    Now this would've been great if I was in a hurry and trying to speed things along, but I wasn't. Also, I wasn't terribly crazy about being positioned in full-view of the shop front window, so that passers-by could gawk at me with goop all over my face.

    Overall, a not-bad deal for decent quality services. The staff is a bit of a bag of mixed nuts, though, since the owner and massage therapist were pleasantly yet appropriately chatty but I didn't exchange more than 10 words between my manicurist and aesthetician. Would I come back? Sure, if they continued to have their weekday special and the owner continues to be as big an oenophile as I am.

  • Review from KT F.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/2/2011

    Incredible service.  We visited hand job as a large group of 10 prior to a wedding to get mani pedis.  Hand Job did a great job making sure every lady had the best most relaxing time.  They even let us play our own music, have snacks and even got the bride a cake to celebrate.

    Great nail salon and great service.  I will definitely come back

  • Review from Mark P.

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    • 19 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Eugene, OR

    2.0 star rating
    9/30/2011

    My boyfriend owns a nail salon in Oregon. We are very liberal with our spending, and after heading down to another salon in the Castro and realizing they were full, we continued down Castro to the crassly-named "Hand Job."

    When we were greeted, it must be known that we had already had a few cocktails prior. I did in fact ask for a price list, as we wanted two pedicures to kill time before Folsom Street Fair. I was informed that they didn't have any, but they explained to me the different types of pedicures that could be had there. My boyfriend settled for what was, at least in our salon, considered a "Deluxe Pedicure".

    We were given wonderful mimosas immediately, and asked to sit down in two very comfortable covered massage chairs. These chairs, if you love deep massage (as I do) were among the best you can expect from a nail salon. They were firm, but there was no mechanism to adjust their firmness. My partner found it to be too hard against his muscles.

    At this point a luxurious bath was filled; a portable sort of bath with no filter or water being added to the bath. It was very hot, but my technician informed me the heat was only temporary. It was. After a drink or so, I realized that the technicians did not prepare their pedicures in a uniform manner. While one began on one portion, another would begin on another and in another technique. He had his cuticles clipped, while I had mine filed, for example.

    At this point they continued on, with someone who I perceive to be the manager coming in and suggesting a manicure as well as a massage. We agreed to a manicure, but we were astonished when the technicians came up immediately and began to work on our hands while our feet were still being scrubbed. They only took about ten minutes to complete the manicure as other clients came in.

    Without asking us, a paraffin dip was applied by "gloves" and "sock-like" things. The wax was very hot. We assumed this was included in the price of our pedicure.

    After refilling our glass another time, the owner/manager came up again and talked us into foot massage. At our salon (and most in the Oregon area, which is where our salon is) a massage is included in the price. One gentleman came up and massaged us one at a time, for fifteen minutes. We expected an extra fee that was nominal when compared to the actual total.

    After my partner had his massage, he got up to pay while I had mine.

    The bill was 280 dollars, in addition the the generous tips we ended up leaving. We were astonished, because based on our calculations the bill should have been a hundred dollars less. The reason for this, they informed us, is because a paraffin dip costs an extra 20 dollars per hands AND feet per person. That added a questionable 80 dollars to our bill.

    We truly feel, without being cheap, that we were had. While we realize the cost of operation, especially in The Castro, these people attempted to blind us with alcohol and then shield the actual cost, despite the fact that I had asked about prices beforehand.

    If you go here, prepare for the best... but don't be surprised when they take you for granted. They DID.

    Mark & Billy Le
    Eugene, OR

  • Review from EC N.

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    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/3/2012

    Nice place, and VERY busy.  Not the relaxing spa visit I was looking for.  They should have a no cell phone policy.  The yuppy's making business deal and dinner dates, is not the way to get me to return.

  • Review from Leigh D.

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    • 31 friends
    • 58 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here

    It's a little pricey BUT keep in mind that they are extremely liberal with the champagne, mimosa and/or tea pouring. My only gripe is that I think they should upgrade to all massage chairs instead of just having 3. If you book a "deluxe" service, you should definitely get a massage chair. That being said, if I'm in the neighborhood I like going there because they do good work and are very careful (no crazy cuticle ripping or anything like that).

  • Review from Jo D.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 25 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/4/2011

    Came here for the first time while mooching in the Castro - I'll be back. Great place - nice and clean, friendly team (including the owner who really comes across as caring, really caring about how you are feeling) and great mani/ pedi (although even after a long dry time and walk back to Noe V my nails are messed u p :(). Drops one star only due to the $$.

  • Review from Saskia A.

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    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Santa Cruz, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/24/2011

    Had a wonderful time at Hand Job. Walked in for an impromptu manicure and was pleasantly surprised that they could do my nails right away. Eric, the manager, offered me a seat on the sofa or to sit at the bar for my manicure and then offered me a variety of beverages. He brought me a nice glass of champagne and Vince started on my nails.
    I had wanted the "American", but because they don't have those polishes Vince did a nice job of a more subtle "French". It turned out beautifully and I had a great time. Everyone was very friendly and it was very clean and pretty. I can't wait to go back for a pedicure, and to try one of the infused teas that another client was enjoying.

  • Review from Tellinit L.

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    • 5 friends
    • 45 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/8/2011

    This is not a $20 mani/$30 pedi place. I've gotten better manicures for $5.
    I love the look of the place, and it is very comfortable. But the staff is overly chatty and trying WAY too hard. "So you from around here? How long have you lived here? What are you doing later today? How's your burrito?" (like they had something to do with the burrito I brought in being tasty?)

    That and the staff does not seem to communicate at all. If one of them asks me if I want another glass of champagne and I decline, I don't expect to be asked four more times by four more employees! My friend and I were repeatedly interrupted almost to the point of harassment. I don't like to be grilled while I am trying to relax.

    However, I complained about my crappy manicure so she took it off my bill. But still - $30 for an average pedicure was still way too much. I won't be back - I'll stick to Silk on Franklin.

    p.s. - that was two days ago and my nails are already chipping.

  • Review from bridge h.

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    • 9 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/6/2011

    Amazing! I don't even know where to begin to talk about how fantastic this place is.
    1. my neck massage and foot massage were outstanding!
    2. the customer service of Will, Vin, and everyone was the best.
    3. the ambiance and tea/champers/water offering is fantastic.

    I'm totally hooked. I went randomly b/c I was visiting SF and my friend happened to live nearby. (My neck and feet were really hurting, so I wandered in hoping they would be decent.) I go to SF often for work, so I can't wait to go back!

  • Review from Scott S.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/12/2011

    I was a walk in and got Kathy who was very pleasant.  I was offered tea and Kathy asked me if I wanted my nails short (yes) and what kind of buff (very little).  Her massage of my hands and arms was good.  I was told if I did the "Gun Oil" manicure, I'd get  a longer massage and some special oil would be used.  It'd also cost $30 instead of the $20 manicure.

    Both Kathy and the receptionist were good at upselling which I declined.  I'd come back for another manicure and if I was feeling flush, try out some of their other services like a facial.

  • Review from Courtney C.

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    • 11 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/7/2011

    This place is AMAZING, BUT it is so expensive. I treated my mom here about a year ago- she got a mani/ pedi and I got a pedi and a fill. The bill was almost $300! You have GOT to be kidding me, right? I recommend this for an extreme treat to yourself, like a wedding! Great service though, but that's craaaaazy expensive!

  • Review from Shamiya M.

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    • 6 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/12/2011

    Worst wax ever!

    I came in for my usual appointment with Nicole for my bikini wax recently and found out on the day of that she had quit. I was never told that she left prior to my visit, which upset me because I had been seeing only Nicole for over a year.  Though extremely disappointed that I did not get a courtesy call, I got my service with Sara. I was not impressed at all !! Sara was very aggressive in the way she took off the wax throughout the entire time.   At the end of my service, my skin went from tingling to stinging which Sara told me would go away.  For at least a day or two I had to take pain killers to relieve the pain from the wax.  The following day I even noticed I had a scar!! WTF!

    I spoke to the manager, Tiffany, she apologized that I was not happy and offered me a free wax with a new girl they just hired who she claims is really good. If I had such a bad experience, why would it make sense to put me with someone brand new and how would you know that she is really good?! I let Tiffany know that I only wanted to express my dissatisfaction of the service and was not seeking any compensation from it. I used to enjoy going to Handjob to see Nicole but unfortunately, I will not be going back again and neither will any of my friends.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      10/7/2010

      Nicole is the best! I've been going to see her for Bikini waxes for awhile now and she always does a… Read more »

  • Review from Zachary A.

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    • 24 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Everyone was really nice, especially Tara, the receptionist. She always made sure we had enough complimentary champagne and tea.

  • Review from Scott M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/11/2011

    Best pedicure I have had in San Francisco.   And the space is great - the staff is super friendly, and they give you a choice of champagne, mimosas, or nice teas.  Highly recommended!

  • Review from Dung N.

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This place was featured on "Epic Fail". Aside from it's provocative name, it's a pretty damn nice nail spa!

    My brother and I were in the area and we wanted to check this place out. We walked in and instantly greeted by the fabulous receptionist, which coincidentally was his first day, but I couldn't tell if he didn't me. We told him we were both in for pedicures, French tip for me. After just a couple of short minutes, we were walked over to our station and if you don't know by now, it's not your typical nail shop. I was in complete awe with everything. From the chair to the rose petals in the huge bowl. The decor was so simple yet very chic. As I was getting adjusted in my seat, the receptionist walks over and asks me to pick which type of tea I wanted, which was a nice touch because I've yet to been to a place that served tea while I was getting my nails did. Within minutes, the cutest teapot was in front of my face. (I picked Jasmine). It was so relaxing, for a moment I forgot I was getting a pedicure. The ladies here are awesome and very well trained with customer service.

    Yes, it's a little more pricey than your average nail salon but take note that this isn't your average nail salon. Definitely worth checking out.

  • Review from ERICA G.

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    • 27 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I love this place!  Stopped in on a whim after a massage across the street.  Great way to end my day of pampering.  The staff was friendly and made the experience enjoyable and relaxing.  Being paranoid about foot fungus, this place is clean and professional.  The bubbly adds for a relaxing experience, the quality of work and attention to detail made for a great mani & pedi...

    A little pricey, but I will return...

  • Review from R B.

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    • 26 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/19/2011

    Nice place, the interior is great, the service is great...but, without a doubt, my partner and I had, definitively, the worst mani pedi of our lives. The staff just go through the motions, not thinking about whether they are doing a good job or not.
    It really doesn't have to be like this. Ugh.

  • Review from Tamy N.

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    • 15 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/5/2011

    I love coming to get my mani/pedi here, I feel really relaxed (specially with the bubbly) , the staff is friendly and speaks english, which a lot of other places the staff can barely understand what you say, in addition they are very professional and they never speak in another language while with a customer which I find to be very polite of them. The prices are a little high but definitely worth it. The nail polish stays intact for longer!
    Overall, I have only great things to say about this place, the two times I came here, I enjoyed and will for sure come back when I am due for another mani/pedi :)

  • Review from Jeff H.

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    • 4 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/27/2011

    Had a great spa day at Handjob - though the name may be provocative, the place is very professional, clean and stylish  - and was quite reasonable.
    I got the more deluxe mani-pedi and a foot and neck/chair massage from Tony that was excellent.

    Regarding some of the negative comments, not sure on their specifics, but I found Andrea and Kathy for my mani/pedi were pretty detail oriented and I was impressed not to have gotten nipped or cut - I have delicate cuticles and have a hard time with most places - even some really good ones over time  - with getting my cuticles nicked.

    Highly recommended.

  • Review from Ed K.

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    • 25 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    1.0 star rating
    2/8/2011

    After an hour and a half of sugar scrubs and paraffin wax and essences of this and that, you wouldn't think that the baby soft skin on my feet would be dry and cracked a few hours later, but yeah. It was.

    My baby soft feet, with not a callous or anything, now dry and flaky. How on earth did they manage to do that? And the manicure was just crappy. Really crappy.

    Some of the other commenters nailed it: this place is style over substance.

  • Review from Criss R.

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    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/3/2011

    This place was okay.  It was more glam than substance.  I agree with the former reviewer who said that there are probably friends and family members reviewing this place--it's not a five star experience.  It needs work.  

    The cheap champagne and choice of lotions is hardly worth the 50+ bucks they charged (I think it was more).  I was desperate for at least a manicure for Christmas and decided to get both the mani-pedi and they took me in at the last minute.  The staff definitely have a clientele that they're familiar with, but I couldn't tell if they were regular customers or former "tricks."  The atmosphere was "somewhat" relaxing, but the booze does create some loudness that cancels out the relaxed attempt of the place.  All in all, I'd probably not go there again unless they had some type of special or lower prices.  A nice treat once, but it's kind of like buying a guadi dress and regretting it later...
    ...not that I would know.

  • Review from Molly G.

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    • 89 friends
    • 135 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/8/2011

    Came here to pamper myself on my 25th birthday after a sun-soaked afternoon laying about Dolores Park.

    Super awesome! Bubbly? Yes please, awesomely precise nail techs? Yup. Gorgeous decor, mmmmhhhmmmm.

    It's a bit pricey but my advice for you is to drink up the cost difference! They are not shy about passing out drinks!

    You deserve a good hand job!

  • Review from Joe S.

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    • 6 friends
    • 46 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/9/2011

    The reviews here are pretty polarized.  I will say I've been here three times for pedis, and have had consistently good experiences each time.  As a certified louche, I love the cheap bubbly as someone goes to work on my feet.  Of course, I always bring someone along, so part of the fun is catching up *over* bad champagne *while* having someone work my feet.

    It *is* a bit pricey for what it is, but it's super convenient for me in the Castro - so I'll be back.

  • Review from Chris M.

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    • 13 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/5/2011

    These guys know I love em -- and most of my friends know I love em too -- great staff, beautiful decor and amazing place to have a bday party..rent it out..its fun.

    I am having a hard time finding a place as nice and fun in NYC...

  • Review from City W.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/6/2011

    Overpriced. I've been a few times, and my nails were chipped more quickly than from any other mani/pedi I've ever had. Cute and comfortable, with *very* big variation in how friendly the people are - some are friendly and lovely, others snotty and curt. I have had way better mani/pedi's for way cheaper elsewhere.

  • Review from Jon G.

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    • 7 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/9/2010

    It's ok. I've certainly had better mani-pedis before, but this place didn't leave me bleeding and broken. It's a clean place, and the staff is friendly, and the selection of service is OK. I went with two other friends, and they seemed to have a good time of it.

    My mani was certainly acceptable. No buffing, but that's ok.

    My pedi looks great,  but felt far rougher than I would have liked. There's no damage, but there were times where I thought that he definitely could have been more gentle.

    If you go, ask for Jennifer. And consider not going first thing when they open.

  • Review from Anna C.

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    • 9 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    7/22/2011

    I really wanted to like this salon.  I love the name and the location, but that isn't enough.  I've given it more than a year and it seems to be going downhill, not getting better.  The mani-pedis are nice, but not perfect or luscious enough to justify the price.  Most of the staff are very nice but there are a few rotten apples...  I LOVED Nicole for waxing and brows, but she's gone :(

  • Review from ennis o.

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    • 29 friends
    • 102 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    So I really don't understand the less than stellar reviews. I completely enjoyed my two hours of relaxation and total bliss. Robin gave me an incredible manicure and pedicure and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery from flight back from snowy Chicago.

    I can't wait to go back!!

  • Review from Ira T.

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    • 8 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/20/2011

    2 mimosas, mani, pedi, full face waxing and a facial+ a huge discount!! its an orgasmic hand job!!

  • Review from bebelyn K.

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    • 6 friends
    • 33 reviews

    San Luis Obispo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/27/2011

    This place is a little bit messy...but still looks upscale. My friend and I got a pedi there. They don't have the classic Jacuzzi style tub, your feet are placed in very zen style bowl with lemon slices and rose petals.

  • Review from Kelly M.

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    • 1 friend
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2010

    I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the Hand Job Spa, as it is absolutely beautiful. The staff was very welcoming, attentive, and no SALES pressure, like other salons I been to.

    I had an eyebrow and eyelash dye, treatment by Nicole. She gave me the royal treatment... a nice bed, private treatment room, that smelled heavenly. She was methodical while applying and reapplying the dye for maximum results. I was NOT rushed in and out, like other salons, so plan your time accordingly, you won't regret it.

    My eyelashes turned out beautifully, and I rarely felt the need to apply mascara, for at least six weeks, after the procedure. And the prices were the best in town.

    Next, she hand-mixed two colors to make the perfect eyebrow shade, to compliment my skin tone!! The final score was when she offered me a brow "cleanup", to tweeze and trim, ever so slightly, free of charge! Nice.

    Trust me, I've never received such a thorough, lasting procedure, ever.

    Nicole is a must!

    .

  • Review from Stephanie G.

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    • 4 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/5/2010

    This place had great, clean atmosphere and they give you as much cheap champagne as you can choke down. I love a good pun but this place was over-rated (and over-priced considering the treatment  we got).

    My sister took me here after a long day of work, so I had two glasses of Cook's (the house champagne). The woman who was doing my hands and  feet (Kathy/Cathy) really butchered me. I told her not to cut my cuticles, a few times, but I guess she didn't hear me.  

    I was trying to chat with my sister and have a good time but I kept feeling these sharp pinches on my cuticles (dulled by the champagne--the perfect scam). On the upside, I like that they use the sanitary bowls (at least I didn't get some insane infection in the cuts) and hot rocks, gorgeous rose petals.

    They did rush me and my sister while we were choosing our polish which was a bit irritating. Their selection is limited--though I realized their primary demographic doesn't use the polish (most of which was old and clumpy).

    The next day I realized my cuticles were tender, occasionally bleeding, and disturbingly red. They stayed that way for the next two weeks. Those are deep cuts! I couldn't touch anything remotely acidic that whole time (which sucks because I cook dinner every night).

    It was fun to get drunk on cheap champagne and have a foot rub, but I can't believe I watched my sister from out of town pay $200 for the experience considering the pain (and chipped polish) that I endured for the next week.

    I wouldn't go back...next time I'll just sneak a flask into a good nail salon...

  • Review from Brian H.

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    • 2 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/31/2010

    An amazing experience from beginning to end.  The staff were friendly and effieicent, the room is quiet and comfortable, and the serivces were performed exceptionally.

    Highlights were the pedicure and 10 minute foot massage from Vince - strong, thorough, and relaxing.

    Have already set up my next appointments to return,

  • Review from Shelley P.

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    • 19 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Kapaa, HI

    1.0 star rating
    6/20/2011

    My friend was telling me how cool this place was so I thought I'd forego my Marina pedi and try it out. I was impressed by the attention they gave my feet but at the end of my pedi, my poor toes were tender because they had cut too much of the cuticle and dug under my nails! In addition, the french pedi polish was streaked and didn't last even a day! I wouldn't go back again, not even for the free mimosas!

  • Review from Colby C.

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    • 38 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/8/2010

    Loved this place as soon as I saw the name and their unique marketing position.  Read their menu of services - it'll make you giggle a bit.

    I have to admit that I was a first time waxee - had a fairly large...um...'area' but Nicole (the waxer) went over and above to ensure I was comfy, cozy, and wasn't going to have any reactions.  The champagne was also a nice hit!  :)

    I was visitng SF during my first visit but I'll go back and visit again to get a 'touch up'.

    Give it a try!!!

  • Review from Stephanie F.

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    • 6 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/13/2010

    Was treated to a bday classic mani/pedi here this (Friday) afternoon. Expensive ($50 for your basic mani/pedi), but here's what you get:

    *No chemical smell, mainly natural ingredients.

    *Individual metal bowls (large for feet, small for hands) w/ flower petals for soaking. Re: no nasty, bacteria filled jet tubs.

    *Unlimited free champagne, water, tea, etc...

    *Very, very friendly, skilled & attentive staff. They had a staff member who was on the clock just to refill our champagne/water glasses. He even took my Translink card out of my pocket & put my cell phone in so I wouldn't fudge my nails up.

    *No rushing - the nail technicians take their time & let you do the same.

    *The staff doesn't try to make unnecessary & uncomfortable conversation: "Do you have a boyfriend? Where do you work?"

    *Nice, serene, quiet spa atmosphere in the middle of the busy Castro.

    *Ok, yes, the name is a bit silly, but it's the friggin' Castro...home of "Does Your Mother Know?", "Rock Hard' & "The Sausage Factory"...take it with a grain of salt & smile & celebrate the fact that such a beautiful & openly gay neighborhood exists.

  • Review from katie s.

    •  
    • 22 friends
    • 33 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/16/2010

    My new fave nail salon.  A little spendier, but a LOT more luxurious.  A good place to go with a friend.  They will make you feel like you are a PRINCESS!  Even if you are a boy.  If your priority in a nail shop is low price, there are plenty of places that will give you a mani-pedi for $30.  But for $50 at Hand Job, I got the following:

    -A HUGE glass of actually tasty champagne.  Fine teas available also.

    -Ijoy massage chairs (you know, the good kind, like from Sharper Image.  Not the unsatisfying clumsy vibrating chair found most nail shops.)

    -Lovely, serene, spa atmosphere.  No one yelling at anyone else. Not stinky with chemicals.

    -Gracious, helpful staff.  One gets the feeling they are being treated relatively well at this place.  They are in a good mood that seems genuine.

    -Comfortable and pretty foot-soak bowls with wooden foot-rests.

    -Warm lotion for massages

    -Hand and foot massages that actually feel good.

    I was so relaxed afterward from the whole thing I ended up taking a nap for the rest of the afternoon.  I blame (and thank) this place for ruining a task-oriented afternoon.

  • Review from Max K.

    •  
    • 106 friends
    • 30 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/7/2010

    This place is great!
    Four of us wanted to have brunch and get our nails done.  We called their number and it was answered by a fax machine.  After that, I figured we'd move on.  Within a few minutes, my phone rang and Nicole was on the other end profusely apologizing that she didn't catch the first call.  I told her that  there were four of us and she said that they'd be able take us.  They were even able to accommodate our late running brunch.
    The entire staff was very friendly and professional.  They didn't make us uncomfortable by chatting with each other in their own language.
    Nancy did a great job at taking care of my hands and feet.  I felt very sorry for her as three of us had just returned from Burning Man the night before!  I even gave her a 50% tip.

  • Review from Claudia M.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/23/2010

    I was very disappointed with my mani/pedi.  For $50 I expect much better than what I can get for $25 down the street. The water was cold that I was supposed to soak my feet and hands in. The mother/daughter team had just been hired and it was their first day.
    The mani/pedi itself was awful, they didn't even push back my cuticles on my fingers.
    Then to top it off two people came running after me as I was leaving asking me to pay when I'd already paid a third person during my treatment.

  • Review from Amy S.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 1 review

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/15/2011

    Great service.  Relaxing atmosphere.

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