Tre Balm
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

3255 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94115

Dozer A. writes: Best Massage therapist in the city. Nadja has got the strongest hands. Her massage is incredible, can be customized too. I will be seeing her soon.

diPietro Todd Salon
Neighborhood: Union Square

177 Post Street
2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108

Jeremy W. writes: My Grampa Don used to say "Zowie" whenever a cute chick entered or left a room. For particular emphasis he'd make a double six-gun with his index fingers and/or do some schticky cartoon wolf thing with his wide set peepers. I'm about five minutes…

Wig Factory
Neighborhood: Mission

3020 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Nicole G. writes: Connie and I went to visit the wig nazis today. I was a little scared, because I had been to the Wig Factory before, and I knew they could be mean. See, I'm not a big fan of rules, and they have lots of them. For example, you can only try on 6 wigs.…

Alex Chases Salon
Neighborhood: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin

166 Geary Street
Suite 1207
San Francisco, CA 94108

Julie C. writes: I'm not a Bergdorf Blonde, but nearly as obsessive:  every 5-6 weeks religiously.  Now, being a So. Cal. girl (SF, don't be a hater), I've never had too much trouble finding someone to color my coiff.  But, SF is a totally different ballgame.  Must…

Laney College Flea Market
Neighborhood: Lake Merritt

7th St at Fallon St
Oakland, CA 94607

Bob D. writes: most likely place to find the stuff someone stole out of your car last night...

I love the Laney Flea Market.

Some weekends there is some real darkside shit happening there, like the guy who was burning you DVDs of movies that were still in theaters…

Estila
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

3628 Sacramento Street Suite B
San Francisco, CA 94118

Ilana G. writes: I have had my hair cut on & off by Rick since I was a teenager. My mom and I have both followed him to Estila. He does a phenomenal job cutting my curly hair- I even trusted him to do a big chop when I donated 12" to Locks of Love.

Bare Escentuals
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin

Pier 39
San Francisco, CA 94102

michelle i. writes: really good make-up! all products are made with natural minerals so its actually good for your skin.

Patrick Richard Salon
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

3631 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94118

Brenda Kaye W. writes: I've been going grey since I was 21.  It got bad enough to merit coloring by the time I was in my mid-twenties.  I resolved then that I would color my hair for another 10 years, at which point I would accept the aging process with some grace, dignity…

Kookla
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2550 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Liz S. writes: Kookla is not one of your typical Pac Heights establishments.  It's not trendy, overcrowded, or trying to sell you beautiful things that you don't need for way too much money.

I have been getting my hair colored at Kookla for 4 years now, and will…

FLIP Salon
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2414 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94101

Jennifer N. writes: Finally, I have found my SF hairstylist!!!  Shannon was great.  I have fine, thin hair, but when she got done with it--it was amazing.  My blonde highlights looked so natural --sunkissed just as they promised--and the layers she put in were subtle as…

Chakra Aveda Concept SalonSpa
Neighborhood: Union Square, Nob Hill

256 Sutter St
2nd Fl
San Francisco, CA 94108

Linh N. writes: I had my hair color done here many times and I would definitely recommend Cara.  She saved me from going to a wedding with green/black hair.  Instead I had a beautiful warm brown with rich highlights of caramel.  I love how she would let you know…

Anubis Warpus
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury

1525 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

Skunky G. writes: The best first date ever:
Me: "Let's go get our nipples pierced."
Hot guy I ended up almost marrying: "For real?"
Me: "Hell yes. You go first."

It was raw, almost orgasmic - standing there with him in that cold, sterile room with matching Sharpie dots on…

Casa Madrona Hotel

801 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965

Claire C. writes: Edit (May 15, 2007): Ok they refunded my room, after I totally freaked on them repeatedly.  Word to the wise, I paid here with cash and someone, SOMEONE, pocketed the cash and then charged my card.  Perhaps they were hoping I wouldn't notice?  Long…

Beate Comment
Neighborhood: Union Square, Nob Hill

450 Sutter Street Rm 2341
San Francisco, CA 94108

Lelaina Pierce i. writes: After having a traumatizing experience, Beate really made me giving facial a second chance. Not only Beate did an AMAZING facial, but she also knew how to make her client felt comfortable. After my first facial with Beate yesterday, I'm a believer.…

Goldfield Tattoo Studio
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

404 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133

Skunky G. writes: This is certainly a first. I am taking smartphoning to an entirely new level as we speak, people, and YOU are the lucky bastards who get to bear witness to the technological revolution.

See, as I write this review with just my right hand, I'm getting…

Appel & Frank
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

1270 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94101

Liz S. writes: Going to local designers' trunk shows is the fashion equivalent to going to the Farmer's Market - you may pay more, you may pay less, but you get closer to the source of your purchase and thereby reduce your well-heeled carbon footprint in this…

Tootsies
Neighborhood: North Oakland

5525 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618

Joanna B. writes: Footwear motherlode for the Sasquatch footed females among us.

1. All manner of sizes available
2. Amazing service.  One of the sales lay wears my same shoe size. She led me through the looking glass to the stock room and introduced me to the wall of…

JT Nails
Neighborhood: Japantown, Pacific Heights

1848 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94115

Berna .. writes: I'd been here a few times for a mani-pedi, even bringing my little sister here to get our nails done when she last visited SF.  I used to think their work was half-assed, and their customer service was sucky...but they must have adopted some sort of…

Fruition Day Spa
Neighborhood: West Portal

339A W Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA 94127

Dorothy S. writes: The minute I walked in, sat down, looked to my right and saw fruit floating in a cold pitcher of water, warm tea, and heaping bowl of Hershey's kisses, I was content waiting and taking in the various aromas of soy candles and body lotion.  The staff…

Jurlique Concept Store
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2136 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94115

Godot -. writes: Dear Jurlique, I'm glad we met when we did... past my fickle years of getting into bed with a different facialist every time (not that I've got TOO many facials, lest you should judge me too harshly).  I now know a good thing when I see it, and am…

Elegant Nail
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

1688 Lombard Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Katie T. writes: Good magazines, comfortable digs, and high quality mani/pedis at discount rates.  

Also, bikini waxing at some higher end salons can be pricey, but I don't really need anything fancy when someone is poking around my 'gina (boys, please ignore that…

Great Tan
Neighborhood: Castro

329 Noe Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

E C. writes: I'm on my way to Cabo and haven't seen much of the sun so I thought a quick stop at Sorrento would do the trick. My girlfriend goes there and had purchased their "point system" packages. She always looks great and tan so I headed on over. Of course…

Berkeley City Club
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area

2315 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704

Jonathan D. writes: Last night was an absolutely fabulous affair.  The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Dinner at the Berkeley City Club.  It was a Great Gatsby affair and the 1920 theme was perfect for the evening.  People in costumes and swing music…

Jin Healing For Women
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

999 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

mia s. writes: This place does not smell anything like lavender or eucalyptus and they don't serve you cucumber water.  In fact, during my last massage there I heard the ding of a microwave and then smelled a very pungent seafood soup.  This was followed by a din…

In 2 Skin Tattoo
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA

646 Gough St
San Francisco, CA 94102

Richard P. writes: In 2 Skin Tattoos has to be the most professional and clean place I've gotten a tattoo at.   The staff is super qualified to create original work that'll exceed every expectation.   Jeff did my recent cover-up tat and went off on it!  I'm damn…

Pitch Salon

514 Frederick St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Quinn S. writes: I have serious trust issues with hairdressers.  I had the same barber from my first haircut until I was nearly 21 and since then have only gone to one guy.  He lives in Vermont and so,  since I have lived in San Francisco, I've only had my hair cut…

Purebeauty
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury

1560 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Crystal L. writes: What's a girl to do when she just had a ton of hair (very long hair, that took YEARS to get that long) chopped off by an oblivious hairdresser?

Get extensions, of course.

Now, I'm kind of a broke ass ho. So when I called Pure Beauty after searching on…

Optimum Skincare by Pearl Dworkin
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2660 Gough Street
Suite 204
San Francisco, CA 94123

P K. writes: Pearl knows skin.  Not to mention she's a total gem of a person and really great to talk to while you're getting that pampering you so need and deserve.  I love that there is no downtime to her facials- you get a wonderful healthy glow, and it lasts…

NVS
Neighborhood: Noe Valley

810 Diamond Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Katie R. writes: Carla has been making magic with my eyebrows every handful of weeks for years, and I can't sing her praises enough.  She is so much fun to visit with and makes me feel amazing in the short time I am relaxed in her room.  I don't know what I'd do…

MAC
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2011 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94115

Starla D. writes: I DO NOT get my makeup done before a night out at the MAC counter. I do it myself, because the makeup counter result either scares people, or makes people think I have a penis under my skirt.

That being said, MAC has a great lip gloss and  the…

The Sanctuary Spa at The San Francisco Bay Club
Neighborhood: Embarcadero

150 Greenwich St
inside the Bay Club
San Francisco, CA 94111

Enrico B. writes: One of many perks I have been blessed to receive as the husband of a very successful woman is a Bay Club Membership. So after several workouts, and the inevitable sore muscles that followed, I decided to have a "sports massage" from their Spa.
The…

AvantGard Spa

1151 Greenwood Avenue
San Carlos, CA 94070

Jenny W. writes: I really really dislike this day spa. I just get attitude when I've visited here. No one is super friendly and I may have had the worst massage known to man/womankind here. Rough, painful and just completely distracted. I don't care how much money…

Sofia Skin Care & Electrolysis Clinic
Neighborhood: Castro

3548 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

OffToRio B. writes: This is the first electrolysis salon I've visited - so I have nothing to compare it to. Right off Chattanooga in Noe Valley, it's a quiet shop with 2 attentive employees. The place is very clean and they explain the procedure and relax you before…

West Portal Spa
Neighborhood: West Portal

124 W Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA 94127

Cynthia S. writes: For the moderate prices, you can't beat it: pleasant setting, talented  and friendly staff, really clean. The warm lotion mani/pedi is well worth the $40 - pay the extra fifteen bucks and skip the cheapo nail salon. Had an eyebrow wax here once too,…

Eclipse Hair Design
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

2047 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109

YUI T. writes: "Gary" You are the best

L'occitane
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2207 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Anita L. writes: Definitely pricey, but well worth the indulgence. When I lived in Hong Kong and the pollution of the city got me down, L'Occitane products would instantly lift me up whether it be a shampoo or a bath gel. Its exquisite natural scents are simply…

The Spa At Casa Madrona Hotel

801 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965

Jane K. writes: Oh Gary, wonderful sweet strong Gary. The custom massage here was insane and Gary was great, he's big...huge guy...but those hands have POWER. I forgot my name--he is that AMAZING. I felt like I was on drugs for 6 hours after the massage...which…

Piedmont Springs
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Piedmont Ave

3939 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611

Tsada K. writes: FRIEND:  Wanna go for a hot tub?  It's a beautiful evening and those outdoor tubs at Piedmont Springs are amazing. Maybe we could even get massages!

TSADA:  I'd love to, but I'm pretty sure Piedmont Springs is all booked. It's Saturday. They book up…

Union Street Medspa
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

1612 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94101

Michele M. writes: I'm gonna get a little personal with ya'll because that's how I roll.  I started visiting USMS for laser hair removal.  Yep, I'm killing the bush.  My man likes it clean, and Spring is approaching... so I bought a package.  I thought having a laser…

San Francisco Sun Tanning Salon
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury, Cole Valley

854 Stanyan St
San Francisco, CA 94117

maria d. writes: As a person with a permanent tan all year round, it baffles me that people actually go tanning. I associate it with George Hamillton & tri state area guidos & guidettes. Does it really make you look all that better (for evidence of what I'm talking…