Fama's African Hair Braiding & Nail Salon

364 Grand Ave
Oakland, CA 94610

Gracie B. writes: So I've been on the quest for tight, small braids that wouldn't cost me my first born child.  Especially since I don't want to have children.

So I found an ok person in DC right before I moved.  She charged me $45 and did a $75 job.  Little did I know…

Steph's Room

2617 Pleasant Hill Rd
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Sarah S. writes: Steph is an unpretentious woman who knows her skin care.  To look at her face you would NEVER guess her real age which is a testament to her knowlege.  She doesn't make what she does a mystery, she makes it no non-sense "here is what you do and don't…

Church Nails
Neighborhood: Noe Valley

1211 Church St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Vikram A. writes: I was getting this ingrown toenail that was slowly cutting off all circulation in my big toe and was becoming, shall we say, painful. Seeing as how I'm bad about making doctor's appointments, and would otherwise need to find a podiatrist, I decided…

Shiseido at Nordstroms
Neighborhood: Union Square, SOMA

865 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Pamela B. writes: Annie at the Shiseido counter offers a refreshing change from over-enthusiastic commission-hungry sales person. Instead of pushing products on me that MIGHT work, she took the time to listen to my concerns and examine my skin before putting together…

Shell House Studio Massage & Yoga

Sausalito, CA 94965

Aaron K. writes: Feeling tense, worn out, or just in need of a little relaxation and rejuvenation?  Lisa at Shell House Studio is just what the doctor ordered.  Whether it's private yoga instruction, or Swedish, deep tissue, Thai or Shiatsu massage, you will leave…

MAC Cosmetics

Nordstrom San Francisco Centre
865 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103

andy r. writes: Item # umpteen on the Scavenger Hunt:
25 pts. - Makeover at a cosmetics counter, 15 pts. bonus for creativity

*Why is my all-femme team nodding toward me like that?*
"OK, I'll do it, for the bonus."

*What's so funny? They must really like MAC cosmetics.*…

Pure Day Spa

91 Gregory Lane
Suite 12
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Meranda B. writes: Hot stones between the toes.  Need I say more?  Very relaxing 1 1/2 hour massage with the added sensory twist of hot stones (which feel like warm lotion) being rubbed into your joints.  Many different massage, peel, and facial choices of varying…

Maggie Kerr - Make-Up Artist

San Francisco, CA 94117

Karen C. writes: I went for a wedding make-up consultation at Maggie's apartment. By the way, she is very sweet and cute. Overall I liked the way my make-up turned out. However, I wasn't completely satisfied to book Maggie for my wedding. First of all, I thought she…

Ginger Springs Day Spa

147 W Richmond Ave
Point Richmond, CA 94801

Hannah W. writes: Great, fantastic spot. Easy to get to right off of 580, easy parking and incredible friendly. Its a lovely relaxing place, that is comfortable and welcoming. They do a great job and have great prices, highly recommend Ginger Springs.

Elliptical Bodywork
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

999 Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA 94109

chris t. writes: New masseur in SOMA area loft. Great deep tissue Massage!

Helen's Nails
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset

2301 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA 94122

van ness d. writes: Helen is the standard by which I compare all nail persons to.  She does such a good, thorough job, and her pedicures last for WEEKS.

(Hmm...still debating if I should post this review...?)  On the one hand, she deserves the kudos.  On the other hand,…

Tania Goulart
Neighborhood: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin

55 Grant St
Level 4
San Francisco, CA 94108

Jill K. writes: Tania rocks in a major way.

After reading all the fabulous reviews, I thought I'd give Tania at Patrick Evan a try and was extremely impressed - she more than lives up to her reputation.

One thing about Tania that really stood out was how she took the…

The Mission Lotus Center
Neighborhood: Mission

2601 Mission St
Ste 201
San Francisco, CA 94110

Amy T. writes: Denise Bowden, L.Ac., at the Mission Lotus Center, is an amazing acupuncturist!! I send patients to her with total confidence that they will be taken care of and they are. She truly has her heart in her work!

Salon Fantasy

6 West 25th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403

hello kitt y. writes: Becky, Becky, Becky.  Where have you been?!  Been following this lady since her days on Irving, then Ocean, and then Westlake.  Lost her number, but finally tracked her down to San Mateo.  

This place is quite nice. A nice upgrade from the other…

Hi-Tech Nails
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2007 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Hannah Q. writes: Got a pedicure here a week or so ago, mostly because I needed my nails trimmed (can't reach my toes at the moment because I'm wicked pregnant, hey). The paint chipped within hours*** and my nails were not trimmed shortly enough (I like 'em REALLY…

Nails by Lily

1410 Fairmont Dr
San Leandro, CA 94578

brenda b. writes: Nice quaint neighborhood shoppe with friendly manicure/pedicure attendants.  I usually go for the "spa" pedicure so I could sit in the massage chair.  They remember the names of the "regulars" and make it a point to remember what's been going on…

Kim's Pro Nails

5282 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94112

Michelle H. writes: I've been a regular customers of Kim's Pro Nails for ten years now. I love getting my nails donw there. Everybody is so nice especially the owner Kim. I never have to worry about sanitation problem, there are so clean there.

Hair Dimension
Neighborhood: Inner Richmond

4355 California St
San Francisco, CA 94118

Stacy J. writes: My Asian hair veers toward the thick, wavy, "ethnic" type and looks pretty Wookie-like if I let it grow out too long. So, I asked the stylist to basically keep the length and to give it more layering and shape.

Considering the shop's proximity to all…

Kaiser Permanente Cosmetic Dermatology Department
Neighborhood: SOMA

450 6th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94101

Kristina R. writes: Oh how I hate medication.  More specifically, the side-effects of medication.  And if you want to get really graphic (and I know you do, you sickos)...FULL BODY RASH.  Charming.

I went to the dermatology department and begged for relief.  I pleaded…

Hydra
Neighborhood: Financial District

4 Embarcadero Ctr
San Francisco, CA 94111

P K. writes: This soap store is a cute little addition to Sacramento Alley and probably has the largest selection of rubber duckies I've ever seen (outside the Fillmore Street location of course): we're talkin devil duckies, leopard duckies, zebra duckies, pirate…

Perfection For Hair
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

1785 Lombard Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Smruti S. writes: Helen is fantastic. I went slinking back after cheating on her with another stylist.  She took back  my sorry-ass head of hair and transformed me from a medusa-like creature into a beautiful hair model-type girl with shiny, touchable, swingy hair  I…

Nailphoria Day Spa
Neighborhood: Downtown Oakland, Oakland Chinatown

1212 Broadway
Suite 910
Oakland, CA 94620

Nicole R. writes: Ok, so I was a little nervous receiving another Brazilian waxing from a new place.. However OVERALL great experience the wax was a little ho, however the Skincare person reminded me that the temp was low (and continued to test her skin) and after…

111 Maiden Lane Salon
Neighborhood: Union Square

111 Maiden Lane
Suite 303
San Francisco, CA 94108

Va-va-voom m. writes: MLS is great under its new ownership. I come here for everything...massages, facials, waxing, cuts but my indulgence are the manicures and pedicures by Katia. They are above and beyond any mani/pedi in San Francisco. It truly is a magical experience.…

Professional Skincare
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset

1651 Noriega Street
San Francisco, CA 94122

Maggie C. writes: Good rates, good skills, excellent cosmetic procedures (e.g. eyebrows tattooing etc).  I'm too chicken to try, but my friend's eyeybrows look great and so au naturel.

Minus one star b/c they have you share rooms with other patrons.

World School of Massage
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

401 32nd Ave
San Francisco, CA 94101

Jonah L. writes: Ok you know when you're trying to figure out a problem and you take a page and divide it down the middle, pros on one side, cons on the other?  So that's kind of the deal with this place.  On the plus side, the massages are very affordable $30-$40.…

Effleurage Day Spa & Massage Therapy Center

237 Estudillo Ave
San Leandro, CA 94577

Mitchie M. writes: I've purchased gift certificates here for my Mom for a quick get away (from us, hahaha). I love that it's convenient; so if you're in a rush to relax and in need of getting rid of those knots that's built up from work... GO! They prefer appointments,…

Center Stage West Salon
Neighborhood: Lakeshore, Lower Hills

3227 Lakeshore Ave
Oakland, CA 94610

Ralph C. writes: 12/23/06 UPDATE
Today, no guinea pig experience, Mike cut my hair, no burns, made look good.  And while it still freaks me that I am getting my hair cut at a co-ed place, I am beginning to appreciate more XX in in the mix.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Had I yelped…

Rendez-Vous Nails
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

3247 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Jessica B. writes: I have been going to Rendez-Vous (and Gina who runs the place) since I moved to the city six years ago, and I think it is the best deal going. Quick and cheap mani-pedis (although I always get suckered into extra massage time).  Waxing sucks anywhere…

Structure Hair Design

40 Park Plaza Dr
Daly City, CA 94016

Paulina C. writes: i've been wanting to cut my bangs cuz they gettin' long, but i haven't done my research.  based on previous experiences, that is an absolute no no - i definitely learned my lesson many times the hard way.  luckily, today one of my friends recommended…

Lilyan's Beauty Salon
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights

3820 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Cynthia C. writes: I was in need of a trim, but didn't feel like paying $40+.  Through word of mouth i discovered Lilyan's Beauty Salon, which isn't too far from where i live.  Best of all they only charge $15 for a haircut and $25 for shampoo, cut and blowdry.  Pedro…

Dario Cordova, MPT

San Francisco, CA 94166

Jim S. writes: Our boss bought us all 15 minute massages for the holidays.  I know I know.. what a sweet thing to do!

Well, I haven't had a massage in over ten years.  I was eager to get one because I've been experiencing back, shoulder, and neck pain ever since I…

Avalon Salon
Neighborhood: Piedmont

6117 La Salle Ave
Oakland, CA 94611

mark w. writes: Quinn is great.  I don't have much hair, but what I have, she does a great job with.  Always willing to squeeze me in.

updated 4/15/08:  I have never seen Quinn mistreat any of her employees.  To the best of my recollection, most of the employees have…

Supercuts

2895 Ygnacio Valley Rd
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Steven G. writes: I've been to many Supercuts in my lifetime but hadn't been in one for quite a while.  Yeah it's a chain and it's overpriced for what you can get at independent shops but when in a bind, they come through.

Walked in quite on a whim and was seen fairly…

Body Rhythms Therapeutic Massage & Wellness Center

775 Tuolumne St
Vallejo, CA 94590

april b. writes: Dominga is awesome! I love this sweet lady.  Besides I was her first ever customer at her location.  She is always available whenever I need to de-stress....oh my gosh I can use one right now....

Rainbow Nails

1361 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010

Vivian K. writes: I was searching on yelp for a nearby inexpensive nail salon and didn't like the choices. I found a review of Rainbow Nails on another site and decided to give it a try.

I called to make an appointment for 3 manis and pedis for later in the afternoon.…

Parkview Hair
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

629 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Nicole S. writes: Christine is incredible! i have been going there for 2 years and she never fails to impress me!  I always ask for something different but the truth is i want something that just makes me look unique, but totally sophisticated. I am amazed with her…

Simone Skin Care Salon

1111 Alpine Rd
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Alicia Y. writes: I am a facial expert..... I've had facials in Walnut Creek, Danville, Concord, San Luis Obispo, Clayton... at Acne Clinics, Day Spas, you name it....

Let me tell you, SIMONE IS THE BEST! She was trained in Europe, so her experiences are different than…

Exotic Faces Lash and Brow Bar

1515-A 63rd

Emeryville, CA 94608

HsuMeow L. writes: I went there for lashes extensions, and here is what I think...
Pros:
*It's right off the freeway; less than 1 miles off 880.
*Easy to find.
*Great staff; nice, friendly, professional, knowledgeable, etc.
*Wonderful results!!!
*Better pricing than most of…

Inside Outside Fitness
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Piedmont Ave

4444 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611

Miss L. writes: Great childcare area. Nice small gym with lots of classes. The nicest most helpful girl in the world works most evenings at the desk. She even taught me some excercises because I didn't know what else to do besides eliptical. Her name is Melissa.