About Face and Body

Recommends

perelgirl

Joined 6 years ago

About Face and Body. I have been a client at About Face and Body for over fifteen years and am consistently impressed with the qualitity of services. I appreciate the technical and interpersonal skills of both the practioners and receptionists, who are often busy with several customers. There are very few salons which offer such a wide range of services and excellent products. In addition, I am drawn to the warm, spacious ambience of soft colors, and serene background music. I will continue to recommend About Face and Body for high professional standards.

Doesn't Recommend

harleyhhh

Joined 6 years ago

Worst experience ever. he only reason that this place gets one star is for the facial I received. I was in About Face and Body for both a facial and a massage. The facial was good. The massage was totally unrelaxing, the male masseuse was unpersonable, rude to his co-workers and not accomodating. I found myself trying to make excuses for his rudeness when I really should have just walked out and demanded my money back. I could have possibly excused his behavior if his massage skills were even above average, however they were not. It was a horrendous experience and I hope that no one ever encounters this person as their masseuse. I was left feeling emotionally violated and uncatered to after the massage. To make things worse I found out from the front desk that he has been a problem in the past.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Focusing on the basics, this day spa specializes in walk-in waxing, facials, manicures and massage.. In Short
Receptionists stand ready to schedule appointments at this corner space in Berkeley's Rockridge neighborhood. Featuring an abundance of product-lined glass shelves yet minimal red cushioned seats, it's apparent sales and speed--not splendor--are king. Booths with tissue-lined pine benches provide just enough privacy for waxing every body part imaginable. Basic facials and massage treatments satisfy anyone's need for last-minute pampering. MD Formulations, a glycolic skin-care line, is a Bay Area favorite.

Recommends

octobercapa

Joined 6 years ago

ehh. there's other places that are better.. I bought one of the bikini waxing packages, and I thought I was getting a good deal for a great service. Turns out it was just that the first lady who waxed me happened to be extra-thorough. I haven't had as good an experience since. When the package is done, I won't be back.

Doesn't Recommend

busterbluth

Joined 6 years ago

For real reviews, check out yelp. This place is not good. They go through staff there like yuppies go through disposable starbucks cups. They have these really sweet ladies who wax, but it is clear to me that they are underpaid. Staff seems sooooooooooo unhappy and that is probably why they leave so frequently. What's the deal with no hard wax. OUCH!

Doesn't Recommend

amandac2

Joined 7 years ago

Speed Waxing?. I don't like waxing, but it sure beat shaving every or every other day. Well this place does it fast (in their brochure it says speed waxing). Not bad, unfortunatly they don't have the option of hard wax. It was a little overpriced for the atmosphere, but left satisfied--I might try it again. I got home and took a look at the wax, and there was still a LOT of hair left over, and not just the hair that is too short to wax. I understand the previous reviews now. I called and they offered to do a clean up within a few days with the same esthetician (sp?). I came back and she cleaned it up, but they wanted to charge me. I worked it out 20 minutes later, and didn't have to pay, but it was a hassle--will return only as a last resort.

Recommends

bay_area_native

Joined 7 years ago

I've received their services since they opened.... I've used services at About Face and Body, most often their waxing services, since their opening in 1989 (remember the Mercedes repair shop and gas station that was on that corner?). Occasionally, I went somewhere else because of my own time constraints, but I like this salon best. They are professional, courteous, attentive staff, some who have been there many years. The atmosphere is relaxing; prices are competetive, and the quality of service is always excellent. I read another review and wondered who would want a "slow" wax? I've recommended About Face and Body to people over the years, always with positive feedback. It can be a challange to find a business that continues to provide the same quality it did more than fifteen years ago. Thanks to hard working, quality staff (and an obviously dedicated business owner), About Face and Body remains my favorite!

Recommends

tinaisrad

Joined 7 years ago

Definitely Recommend. I love this shop. I have had waxing and massage here and enjoy both services. I recommend Dao as the wax technician. She was not too talkative, but very thorough and good. I have read other reviews in this section and can assure you that I have not had a rushed or unprofessional experience in any of the dozens of times I have been there. The staff is pleasant, though busy. You can make reservations and you will be seen promptly. This place is much better than salons, but isn't necessarily a spa experience. Also, there is a parking lot around back (but I'm not sure if I am actually allowed to park there).

Recommends

svh

Joined 7 years ago

Great place. This long time established business has served east bay men and women for years.

The owner is dedicated and hardworking and provides a great place for people to work and clients to be served.

Doesn't Recommend

traceymay

Joined 7 years ago

Not so "spa".... I haven't tried the waxing yet, but I have gone there for a facial, and I was dissapointed. It was a really loud and somewhat "cheap" environment to have a facial. I saw it advertised as a neighboorhood day spa, and it was definitely more of a salon. Definitely not a place for skin care. The staff was nice however, and I told them I was dissapointed, and they were very understanding--although they did not offer any sort of discount for my discomfort and dissapointment. Definitely go to the Claremont or most spas in SF--it's worth the extra money not to hear everyone chattering and the phones ringing.