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Randee Elaine Spa and Laser Center
Categories: Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Laser Hair Removal Nail Salons, Laser Hair Removal [Edit]
180 7th Ave S(between 11th St & S 7 Ave)
New York, NY 10014
Neighborhood: West Village
(212) 229-1389
- Nearest Transit:
-
14 St (1, 2, 3)
Christopher St - Sheridan Sq (1, 2)
W 4 St (A, B, C, D, E, F, M)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 8 pm
Sun 10 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Carolyn O. said: "It took me years to admit that there were interlopers on my chin in the form of stray, dark hairs. Eww. Eww. Eww. Anyway, once I did I quickly discovered that laser hair removal was the easiest way out of my secret shame. Now I don't…" read more »
48 reviews for Randee Elaine Spa and Laser Center
48 reviews in English
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Review from Michael B.
New York, NY
10/3/2011
Ok this place is not a luxury spa but its not exactly a dump. If you want a great wax at a great value, this place is heaven. I have been waxing for years and was very impressed with the waxing service I received.
Not sure why there are so many blah reviews here but people need to set their expectations when they come here. This is not a top luxury spa but you will leave just as smooth without the high price... -
Review from Heather G.
Jamaica Plain, MA
12/8/2011
I almost don't want to reveal one of the best kept secrets in NYC, but her name is Ala. Book her for any waxing (including brazilian) and you won't be sorry.
As everyone has said, there's no frills to this place, but that's the beauty of it and the reason it's so affordable. -
Review from Denean P.
1/2/2012
I've had laser hair removal on quite a few parts of my body at different salons / dermatologist offices. When it comes down to it, laser sessions don't vary widely... you put on something to protect your eyes, they put on cold gooey stuff and you're hair free... For this purpose, I don't need luxury; I need attention to detail, focus and being cost effective helps with the budget... Simply put, Randee fits my needs.
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Review from Sara D.
Manhattan, NY
8/7/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Update to last review:
Laura offers amazing deep tissue massage. Package is a steal $45 ea for 4 treatments
Renovation looks great! Definitely can't beat these prices.
-----
You can't really complain when prices are so low. Mani/pedi rarely last more than a few days. Massage rooms need updating. Again, this is a no frills place, but one of the better low cost salons in town. Management is good and staff is for the most part friendly.
They do offer amazing deals on packages ($75 for 4 mani/pedi sessions, $176 for 4 60-min massages). Recently, however, I had my second massage there with Laura. She does an awesome deep tissue, however it was a bit weird that she used gloves and sanitized me with alcohol spray! Nonetheless, she was great and very good at the massage.
The salon is almost always busy, service is average, depends on who you get. If you a deal come here, if you want to be pampered go to the Setai (amazing) -
Review from May L.
5/7/2011
This review is for a mani-pedi only. It's so weird. Perhaps it's the time of day that you go that makes all the difference. I usually go in the mornings on the weekend or in the evening on off days. The instruments have always been fairly clean. I've also always been very lucky to have technicians with a lot of experience. When I've spoken to them, they seem to have really good things to say about the place, how they treat employees; and for me, it has shown in how the employees treat the customers.
They are by far the cheapest and most consistent place to get a mani-pedi. If you need razor, this place rocks. I brought my brother who desparately needed the razor, and I didn't want him to go someplace that they didn't know what they were doing with it. Because of this spa's location, they are quite accustomed to men's feet and know exactly how to take care of it. They also used a new razor, which many places do not take the time to do.
I don't know that it's the dirtiest spa I've been in, but it's not uber clean like a high end spa. This place is more like the Walmart of spas. You go, get it done and you leave.
The rooms are quite small. I probably would not get a wax here on account of that, but have never tried it.Listed in: Spa & Related Services
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Review from Janine C.
6/9/2011
I've been undergoing laser hair removal at Randee Elaine Spa for the last several months now and have been very pleased both with the price and the technician Veronica's work.
Although the salon itself is not impressive (on the messy side), I have seen extremely good results within a very short period of time. I bought six leg treatments, have only undergone four and no longer really have to shave! Veronica is always extremely thorough, which helps to achieve good results. -
Review from Soraya S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/24/2011
I must agree 90% of the reviews are accurute about this place. This is NO spa!!! Its filthy and choatic!!! The customer service is HORRIBLE! However, The prices are great, and theres only ONE person allowed to wax me MARIAM! Shes friendly, and knows what shes doing!!
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Review from Robert Z.
Maspeth, NY
4/12/2011
Hi there are some outstanding features in this lo budget Spa,, some of the technicians are truly the best in the business,,
ask for C j for laser and Nadia for other work and you will get the results you are looking for with a smile and a good price -
Review from Jennifer N.
New York, NY
10/11/2010
Worst laser place ever, should be avoided at all costs.
I can't speak about their other services since I've never tried them. If you are looking for a laser center, DO NOT go here.
I bought a laser package at a decent price using the ads I found in the AMNY/Metro newspapers. They have a pretty high turnover rate of laser technicians who are NOT very knowledgeable about the practice and are deceptive. You either end up getting burned or they put the setting so low that you don't reap the full benefits. As a result, you are suckered into buying additional sessions.
The receptionists are sometimes rude and not very helpful. -
Review from S A.
Brooklyn, NY
7/1/2010
As a master cheapo, I am never one to pass up a good deal. When I found this place online and saw how cheap their prices are, I had to give it a try. I had a full arm wax done by Miriam. She's a lovely woman with a lot of energy and spunk. She did a fantastic job and at 1/2 the price other salons charge. Sure the place is a bit stinky, loud and chaotic, but whatever. As someone who has shat in holes in rural Africa, I am not one to really give a shit about these sorts of things. Pardon the pun. I was in and out pretty quickly and all in all, it was a pretty painless experience. Miriam is great and very funny, which was good because it focused my attention away from the whole hot wax being poured on my skin thing.
Highly recommended! -
Review from roberta k.
New York, NY
6/18/2011
This place was recommended by a friend but I should have read the yelp reviews first. This was possibly the worst pedicure I've ever had. Everything the "technician" did hurt ( including basic cutting and filing my nails) . It was so bad I had to ask her to stop and now have cuts in many areas around my toes. On top of it I found the front desk person to be rude. I can't imagine this place does anything well.
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Review from Darbi W.
New York, NY
4/22/2008
YOWZA!!!!
Do NOT let the Russian woman with the crazy red hair anywhere near your hoo-hah!!! She waxed the ENTIRE thing. "Button" and all! I was like, "Lady, don't you have one of those!??! Don't you know how they work!?!?"
I mean, a Brazilian is never a pleasant experience, but this was brutal. To add insult to injury, every time I squealed, she said, "I do not force you to do this. This is your decision." Really!?!? I'm being chastised for my pubic hair decisions!?!?
I'm giving two stars because it's uber cheap and I have received good waxes from other technicians. But run from the red-headed Russian!! Trust me on this! -
Review from David S.
Champaign, IL
10/18/2007
Lying half-naked on a table in an attic in West Village with a 60 year-old Russian babushka hunched over me and extracting blackheads out of my nose is an experience I won't forget for a while...
Arnab M. and I decided to take advantage of a spa week special to get our first facial ever at Randee Elaine. We really picked the place mainly because of the cheap prices, which are hard to beat in NYC ($50 for a 1-hour facial when most places charge $100+), so my expectations were pretty low. The experience wasn't as traumatizing as I expected...
The special we got included one session of microdermabrasion together with the facial for $50. My micro was done by Emily, who was no 60 year-old babushka but was actually quite friendly and charming. She was really chatty and explained everything in detail, complimented my skin (it takes so little to boost my ego!), and subtly tried to get me interested in laser hair removal.
I was then directed to this other employee (the babushka), who gave me the facial. After instructing me to take half of my clothes off (wtf, I'm just here for a facial!) and to lay down on a table in this tiny tiny room, she went to work on my blackheads, with New Age zen pseudo-Japanese music playing in the background... I had a hard time at first stopping myself from smiling at the ridiculousness of the whole situation, but quickly went into a coma and actually quite enjoyed it. Considering this was my first facial, it's hard for me to assess the quality of the work objectively, but I feel like I have the skin of an 8 year-old today... not bad!
Would I go to Randee Elaine if I were loaded with money? Not very likely. Will I go again considering I'm broke and live in Manhattan? Probably.Listed in: Funnies
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Review from Mark T.
Brooklyn, NY
2/20/2009
'vessel for sego and snitches'
Save the penny and loose the dollar.
Outrageous all around.
It looks like people are forced to work there, the atmosphere between the employees is disgusting and definitely reflects on your service.
A butcher shop.
Always angry people waiting for their "scheduled appointments".
Never prepay for any packages, they are filthy thief's.
Employees change like disposable plastic gloves.
Be warned. -
Review from Dorim L.
1/19/2008
Okay, I've learned my lesson. Having read most of the women's bad reviews, I went anyway for a massage.
First, they make you pay as soon as you get to the reception desk. Bad sign! I overpaid. It was actually supposed to be $50 but they charged me the regular price. I didn't realize it and let it go.
The butch women masseuse they assigned me to was a hoot. Like Kenya M. said, it was just a rub down. Come to think of it, the oil smelled like Crisco, I kid you not! She would rub up and down monotonously until she felt my body was flattened enough. You'd think the next step is to just throw me in a frying pan and deep fry my ass.
It was obvious, she was not trained to be a masseuse. She had a methodical system of rubbing my body. She rubbed too hard in the sensitive areas like under my armpits pressing her fingers against the bone. And I swear, she was going ballistic on my upper thighs. So much so that she was rubbing vigorously and quickly making me burst out with laughter. It was soooo ticklish. Usually trained masseuses rub slow yet with a firm touch so rarely do I get ticklish.
But I had to give her credit. She gave it her all. I gave her a $13 tip and as soon as I got downstairs, I cancelled my slimming body wrap session for Monday. I wouldn't revisit this place even if it was free. It may be cheap but you get what you pay for.
All's not lost. I still have a reliable facialist I'm going to on Monday and that's for $60.Listed in: Places I avoid...
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Review from Cat P.
Sleepy Hollow, NY
7/23/2008
I had a full body wax done here and I have to say I am definitely going back again. Everywhere is so wonderfully smooth! The prices were very cheap ($99+tax for full body) and the woman who waxed me was exceptionally nice. It was my first time getting a Brazilian done and she made me feel very comfortable despite the fact that I was letting someone I had just met peer into my intimate parts. The Brazilian also didn't hurt as much as I expected it to. It was somewhat uncomfortable, but nothing I wouldn't do again.
I have to agree with Lanya B. You definitely do not go here for a relaxing spa experience. The room was very small and bare, however, I was not there to relax so it did not bother me in the least bit.
I would recommend going if you want a good waxing. If you can, get Sara. She was absolutely wonderful and I plan on returning to her again for all my waxing needs. -
Review from Eileen M.
New York, NY
2/19/2008
Randee Elaine Salon
I have been to Randee Elanie about 6 times for a Brazilian bikini wax. The place is just Hit or Miss, every other time I went I got a great wax for a super low price 30.00. And they let you reuse the online coupons. Just keep printing them out and no one will tell you, you can't use them.
The rooms are small and they can some times rush you. I plan on going back to try the laser hair removal. I can't help myself the prices are so low.
If you decide to go just know there is a chance you will get what you pay for. -
Review from Joshua C.
Brooklyn, NY
12/3/2008
Before I start sticking up for my girls at Randee Elaine I must qualify this review by saying that I'm poor as hell. If had an option to go elsewhere, I just might.
That said, Randee Elaine is THE cheapest place I've found in Manhattan to get waxed and still feel even a little bit comfortable as a man. I say "a little bit" because I've never gone to Randee Elaine without being yelled at or otherwise pushed around by a taciturn Eastern European woman. Also, they tend to announce the service you're getting at reception, when I'd prefer a little discretion.
"YOU GET BACK WAX?"
That said, it has elbowed its way into my little raisin heart and now I find the mean Russian women kind of charming. This is nothing but the basics, folks. But it's the basics at a minimum cost and you can usually stroll in without an appointment and be out in fifteen minutes without hurting your wallet. -
Review from Lanya B.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2008
Don't go here if you want to be pampered. It's definetly not a spa but the girls here get the job done! (Depending on the service you want ).
Faina is the best at ear candling ! Mani /pedis are good. Don't get a body wrap done here. The wrap is done is a freezing cold room, no measurements are taken and the whole experience reminded me of something teen girls do at slumber parties.
Make sure to check the internet, they have specials on everything! -
Review from Taiyo O.
5/20/2008
In this neighborhood, this is a good choice for the money that is if you can get a good technician. It's a supermarket treatment with business mind only staff at front desk that needs a training of customer service.
I got a good result from one session of Photo facial. I had full face. Since she (Gina) did a great job, I also had laser hair removal on my lip and chin. She spoke really fast but paying close attention to what she was doing. She offered two bags of ice cubs to cool down after the treatment. She explained thoroughly after what I need to do and what to expect. Yes, it comes with some pains but huge gain later.
After few hours later, my face was on fire (not really but more like deep hot heat). I got an ice pack and placed on my face for while. After couple hours later, my face was fine. I noticed more pronounced sunspots. It is a good thing. Gina really targeted the spots. I know I will have much better outlook on my skin later.
The prices - I went to their website, fist page is all about how great deal for the money. When I checked in, they sold me a package, Photofacial for $99 x 4 sessions = $412.83+tax and laser hair (lip & chin) for $99+tax. It is a great deal and pay as you go. I paid $207.47 and a tip.
Update:
10/09/08
Because of disorganization at the desk (my appointments), I decided not to go back. In total, I had 2 Photofacial. The result, it's fine.... -
Review from Jule S.
Manhattan, NY
8/10/2009
I've been going to Randee Elaine for over a year now, and I guess you get what you pay for. I've done laser, photofacials, mani/pedis, and massages there so I can speak to the quality of the services.
The photofacials are very good--I've noticed sun spot reductions and tighter skin. As for the laser treatment, I think it's reduced the hair growth by 50% but I'm not sure if that's standard for laser treatment--practitioners warn that it is "hair reduction". The mani/pedis are fine. But do NOT get a massage there. They use paper towel-like covers for the massage beds and I am not convinced that the massage therapists are experienced/certified.
Overall i give this place a 3. It's not bad, but it's not perfect. My pet peeve is the turnover in the employees--I don't always get the same person each time. If you're concerned wth price, then go here. If you have a little wiggle room in your wallet, then try a higher-end place, or even better, go to a dedicated laser hair removal center. -
Review from Mei Y.
New York, NY
4/4/2010
I kept seeing their ads in the AM and Metro New York so I decided to check it out. I forgot my esthecian's name, she was OK, nothing great.
The walls are thin and I was nervous taking my pants off because the door could be opened by anyone and ANYONE outside and on the street would be able to see EVERYTHING lol.
The lady complained that I have thick and uneven hair and told me I shouldn't have shaved. But the thing is I DIDN'T shave, I had gotten a French bikini and even told her that but she acted like she didn't even know what a French is (UGH!)
The customer service is lacking, I stood at the counter for 5 minutes before one of the THREE girls noticed me.
It only came out to $15 but I'm not going back because the environment wasn't great. -
Review from Di M.
Manhattan, NY
4/5/2011
I have been going to Randee Elaine for the past few years for lower leg waxing. Now let's go over exactly what this place is: It is by far the least expensive waxing salon in NYC. It is not a Spa in any shape or form. The place is huge, they are always busy, and they get the job done FAST. If you are looking for super hygienic salon/Spa, this is not the place for you. They do not wear gloves and they double dip. This is why I only get my legs waxed there.. The staff is exceptionally skilled, they do the job faster, and generally better than 90% of the places in the city. I have been to the best and the worst in NYC. I have had different women every time and I have never been disappointed. I haven't tried any of their other services but they always seem to be busy. If you are sick of shaving and want to spend $15 on both legs waxed, Randee Elaine is the place for you. They are open till 10pm which is also a huge bonus for me as I usually work really late. Just purchased a package for 3 leg waxings for $30!! How do you beat that???
A lot of my girlfriends go there and love it. They get their bikini's done too and are very happy. (I stick to completely bare for that).
Pros: Super Cheap, Skilled Employees, Fast Service, No Wait
Cons: Staff needs to wear gloves and not double dip -
Review from Najah P.
New York, NY
12/28/2008
I was feeling a tad run down, a bit more broke and a lot more adventurous so I took advantage of the body wrap and mini facial special for spa week with some threading thrown in.
The receptionist seemed nice enough but for some reason put me down for teeth whitening. When I corrected her she still asked me if I wanted it instead. After yet another negative response, she asked if I wanted it in addition to everything else (do they have a peroxide usage quota or something?).
After about 10 minutes, I was directed to one of the waxing rooms. The technician casually asked me why I wanted my eyebrows threaded instead of waxed. I informed her that I heard good things about it for people like myself with sensitive skin and that it was gentler.
She denied those facts and told me I should just get them waxed. I said it would be my first time with the technique and I just wanted to try it. The threading made me flinch a little, but I used to get my brows plucked, so it wasn't bad. She did listen to my requests to keep my brows shapely but full, so I didn't have anything else to complain about until...
She decided to segue back to insisting on the superiority of waxing to me and when I said I was satisfied with the threading results she took it upon herself to use wax to clear up the edges anyway. Of course I looked fine but some time later I glanced in my compact to see what I expected: thin edges of pink, inflamed skin. If I had wanted waxing I would've gone elsewhere and opted for sugaring instead.
I decided to let it go, being satisfied with my brows otherwise and figuring by the time I was done with my wrap, my skin would look normal again.
The second technician was very nice and lead me up the rickety staircase into another tucked away room. I went through the typical strip down procedure only for my skin and hard nipples to dictate to me about half a minute later that the room was indeed FREEZING.
So there I was, being haphazardly basted in seaweed in an attempt to cover me up ASAP so I could stop shivering. I warmed up again quickly and did manage to relax in that state. The mini-facial was nice, and did soothe the skin around my brows. When I was finally done, I dreaded stepping out of the foil onto the cold floor again, but it had to happen.
I was trembling and attempting to clean myself off while she proceeded to help me by rubbing my shivering, clammy and naked body with cool and lukewarm washcloths and apologizing profusely on behalf of the genius management for placing the laser machines upstairs, thereby forcing them to keep the A/C on.
I did appreciate the honesty concerning the equipment and the knowledge that if I ever went back for a wrap, I would have to freeze again. That's why I rated this place 3 stars instead of 2, but I doubt I'll return. -
Review from Frank Y.
Locust Valley, NY
9/21/2009
Great bang for your buck! I live on Long Island, I go for a butt wax 3 times a year, when visiting Manhattan. It's only $20, (the joys of being Italian) Agreed, it's not fancy, and sometimes rushed, I guy couldnt get a butt wax on Long Island, the Korean/chinese woman would call the cops! lol
This place, mostly mature Russian attendants had great prices! This place will wax any part of your body. Neli does my waxing! a butt wax hurts, but Nelli talks you through it.
Ive also had a massage there from time to time. Paid $35 for 30 minutes. Nothing special, Had better, had worse.
Give this place a try.... -
Review from Tani H.
Bronx, NY
10/28/2009
I went here for a laser hair removal service, and for the most part I was satisfied. The technician I had was understanding, and she explained the process of it enough to make me feel comfortable.
As previously stated, these people are all business... I think Im going to hold off on purchasing any packages until I go for another couple of times. -
Review from V J.
New York, NY
12/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
* A pretty late review for this place... Came here a couple o' months back for a full body wax (I know its a bit strange for guys)... For some reason, I wanted a smooth hair-free body... So initially I checked out their website, printed the discount coupon... When I checked out the place,a Russian lady attended me. And yes it 'literally' was a full body wax... I was groaning when it hurt... she told me "the next time you come honey, drink some vodka first :)"... will come back when I need that hair-free skin again... a good place to get something done quick, without hassles...
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Review from Arnab M.
New York, NY
10/18/2007
Small, clean salon and spa next to this psychic reading place, I almost missed it. It is deceptively big once one goes upstairs and walks through the maze of rooms. I got a manicure, pedicure and a facial with microdermabrasion here with David S. and I must say, it wasn't bad at all. Excellent prices, excellent service and a clean, hygienic atmosphere. Apparently, this place has the best deal in the city for laser hair removal, which wouldn't surprise me, since all their prices are really good. Manicure and pedicure was $25 (though they don't have the pedicure massage chairs I'm so used to) and a $50 one-hour facial with microdermabrasion which was the spa week special. Apparently, facials alone are $50 and microdermabrasion is another $70, so we got a steal! YAY spa week!
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Review from Lisa K.
Amityville, NY
9/13/2008
Well I've been here 6 times (part of the package deal) and I think it's been different every time. If you can get JOANN, then I'd say the laser hair removal is definitely worth it. But since she's so popular, they often tell their clients that she's gone or no longer works there... she told me in advance that they make s@#t up to give their girls a chance at getting clients. Well they switched on me, instead of Joann, I got some Indian woman who BURNED me. Yeah, with the laser. Thank goodness these things heal. I don't think you can get Joann anymore, hence the 1 star.
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Review from Neha S.
2/12/2010
This place is a total shithole, but a great place to go if you want to get something done on the cheap and you know WHO to go to. I LOVE Miriam - I go to her at least monthly for waxing.. and she is the best. She is very honest and will tell you exactly what is necessary and does a remarkable job. And it's dirt cheap. Print out the coupons on their website and you get such a steal! But if you're coming here for pampering, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a great no frills place.
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Review from Laurence D.
Floral Park, NY
8/3/2008
Make no mistake, this is NOT a spa! They are very business like. In fact they are all business. Having said that, this is a great place to get work done. I go there for the waxing services, which are cheap and well done. I took off a couple of stars because I have had the door opened in the waxing room while I am laying there naked getting waxed. Kinda embarrassing. Also have been there for facials. Very good job but no pampering going on. I like it and would recommend it
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Review from Jessica F.
New York, NY
5/30/2007
I don't know how I feel about Randee Elaine. It is small and cramped, and even with a renovation that improved things somewhat, it is still a strictly "my way or the highway" kind of place, run by a taciturn bunch of young Russian women. The costs are under the rest of their competition's, but even in this place, I am skeptical of whether or not I am really sacrificing quality for price. I can't really recommend it since every time I go I find myself completely confused by their lack of customer service skills, the archaic way they keep track of appointments and the odd request to have you write your name down on a receipt when you come and check in for your appointment. They are excellent about reminder calls, though.
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Review from Janice W.
NY
4/8/2011
I came here on price, the fact that they accept walk-ins, and that they're open later than the usual place I go to. The waxing was quick--but if you're into privacy, don't come here--the room I went to opens right up into the waiting area, which is right in front of the glass storefront--meaning that if your aesthetician decides to open the door to step out when you're dressing, then...it's possibly that nosy onlookers might get an eyeful. Additionally, afterwards, I found lots of stray hairs--and had a lot of ingrown hairs and bumps. Definitely the worst waxing experience I've had. I'm never returning.
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Review from Ashley S.
New York, NY
3/3/2010
I have been going here for years for waxing and mani/pedis. The brazilian waxes are cheap and fast! I love Faina!! I have a standing appt w/ her every 5-6 weeks and she's just personal enough w/out making me uncomfortable. Also, the mani//pedis I've had have lasted about 2 weeks w/out chipping which is more than I can say for other bargain places I've been to. This places is usually busy but I've never had to wait as a walk-in. The staff can sometimes be clueless, but they're always friendly.
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Review from Pam R.
New York, NY
12/18/2009
I wasn't expecting a lot from this place, to be completely honest.
I was gobsmacked by the amount of services they offered, but I worried that with soooo many options, they weren't likely to excel at one certain thing.
I'd been expecting a bonus from work, and I didn't get the bonus, so...I'm po, and I'd seen in the paper a special for brow/lash tinting and a brow wax for 15 dollars so you BEST bet I jumped on that. I got seen right away, which is probably because I went at 3:30 on a Thursday.
The lady who did my service was totally nice and she did the quickest eyebrow wax I have ever had, and it came out perfectly. I look like a woman now and not like Martin Scorsese. My lashes look great too. She put some Vaseline on my skin so the tint wouldn't get on it. A little got in my eye but I can see, so s'all good.
The only thing that kind of bugged me was that while my lashes were being tinted, she left the room and left the door open. I didn't mind the leaving the room part, as she may have had another client to attend to, but the leaving the door open kind of bugged me. Not only was it freezing outside but what if I'd been having a more intimate/embarrassing procedure like a chin wax or a hoo-hah reshaping? Nobody needs to see what everyone else is having done.
That being said, I will keep going back as long as the service is being offered. -
Review from Paul J.
Brooklyn, NY
2/21/2009
so you are on a budget, ok but you gotta b on top of your game and make sure they do what you hired them 2 do. don't go/pay for packages until u tested them for a min. of two sessions, they only allow their technicians limited time with each client. technicians don't last they come and go which tells you alot about the place.
i went there for laser service spent a whole lot of money and didn't get the desired results. -
Review from landry j.
Bronx, NY
3/7/2011
ive been here a few times for the eye lash tinting. its never been done twice by the same person. i dont have anything to complain about as far as the eye lash tint goes. although ive never had it done any place else. the results usually last about two weeks.
i will say my experience with thermage sucked and was a waste of money. ive read the other reviews that says randee elaines laser treatments are no good, as it turns out thier radio waves ( or whatever its called thats used in the thermage treatment) is no good either.
also i would suggest, from my experience, not to get mani, pedi. the workers acted as if they didnt want to service me. (and i actually have pretty, little feet for a black man. so its not like i was presenting her with corn chip-like nails). i felt she was particularly rough, rude and too much in a rush to be done with everything. plus in the end i cant even say that my nails looked any better.
this place is good on the wallet but i wish i wasnt so damn cheap!
love yall. -
Review from Nicole S.
Astoria, Queens, NY
11/2/2009
So yea I really wish I would have checked out the yelp reviews before I went here for the deep pore cleansing facial with oxygen treatment (it was a pretty in pink special for breast cancer awareness month). This place is a sorry excuse for a spa! Really I mean I started getting nervous when "laser center" seemed to be the prominent component of its business name, but for a $32 facial, I decided to chance it.
First, I waited 40 minutes on a sat. night for the facial...and I had made an appt.! Really annoying, although the young woman who was in charge of the appt. computer was nice and apologetic.
The facial itself was disappointing for the following reasons:
1. The extractions were weird...I didn't feel like she was doing enough or in the right way (hard to explain, but it's just a feeling of something being done the "right" way or not);
2. the oxygen treatment was a joke;
3. no neck massage while the mask was on; and
4. by far the WORST PART...i don't even notice that my skin looks better now that it has been a week since the treatment (which always happens even with the facials that i thought were the worst during the actual facial part).
I'm depressed.
Anyways, on the upside, the extractions didn't hurt as much b/c i think b/c of my ridiculous adult acne, they put some numbing strips on my face so they weren't that painful and umm, well that's it.
Again, thoroughly depressed that i am not loving my skin right now, one week later, which is my usual result.
Won't be coming back here, even for a special. Maybe for the close in proximity two boots pizza (which could account for the sh*tty results of the facial, now that i think about it). -
Review from Sasha N.
4/17/2009
my bff who looks hot in every hairstyle and every dress she puts on her gorgeous body got a haircut here...
i must remind myself i am not her.
therefore i don't look hot in any hair do... in fact i looked awfulllllll! (i have before and after pics if you want them!)
randee elaine is the place to go to if you are willing to experiment with hair
i have not tried laser treatments
i have not attempted the nails or waxing treatment (she swears that its perfect)
i will never go back! *shuddddder* -
Review from Dubba D.
Anaheim, CA
6/23/2009
Avoid getting laser treatments (or any other services, for that matter) at Randee Elaine. I was told before starting that 6 treatments should give about 90% reduction in hair growth. This seems plausible since I have light skin and dark hair. After more than a dozen sessions (maybe 14-16), there was at best a 50% reduction. Needless to say, I was angry and disappointed, especially considering that the treatments are $200 to $250 per session. I got a couple of additional treatments elsewhere before giving up altogether. There's now a lot of regrowth, and for all intents and purposes I spent $3000-$4000 to get shaved a few times. I have it on authority from somebody on the inside that Randee Elaine uses laser systems that aren't intended for hair removal. If true, this would explain the poor results. It is also something the department of consumer affairs should consider. I think Randee Elaine knowingly oversells this procedure at the customer's expense, and I now believe this part of the business is a complete scam. As a final note, be aware and fully informed before getting this procedure elsewhere.
P.S. Ignore anybody who gives Randee Elaine a 5-star rating. Based on my knowledge of this place, I don't think it would get glowing reviews for any services. If you see a perfect rating on Yelp or elsewhere, it's probably an insider shilling for the place and trying to drive up the average rating.
P.P.S. Since writing the original review, I talked to an RN who performs laser hair removal in a doctor's office. According to her, Randee Elaine not only uses the wrong laser systems, but they are wrong to schedule clients for treatment at regular 6-week intervals. Since individual hairs grow at different rates, sessions should be staggered. The combination of incorrect equipment with bad advice shows the level of incompetence and/or corruption at this place. AVOID!
