Ida, I was one of…read moreyour first patients when you started using the Altus Laser back in 2003. I received approximately 4-6 treatments with the laser and I have not had any razor bumps since and my skin is remarkably smooth. The treatments worked so well that I don't look my age of 60+ Thank you so much! Johnny

I scheduled a consultation with Ida, very hopeful after years of looking for an aesthetician…read moreexperienced with brown skin. The consultation room was a bit shabby and the lights were turned down very low, which I found strange. I asked why it was so dark and she said it's like this in all treatment rooms, so we spoke for 20 minutes in extremely low light. As we went over my skin concerns in the dark, I requested a treatment with 3 goals: reducing PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), clearing congestion, and general nourishment of my skin. Ida suggested using arbutin and kojic acid for the PIH. I asked if these were bleaching agents, because I love my skin color and am not interested in making my face lighter. She assured me that these were gentle and not bleach. But then later Ida referred back to our treatment plan as "bleaching", which obviously alarmed me. I said "bleaching?", and she again reassured me that was not the case. Very strange. She then told me that because I have sensitive skin that I needed to cover my entire face every time I'm in the sun, with a wrap around mask that reveals no skin. I balked at this, expressing reluctance and confusion. I'm from Jamaica where we have equatorial sun exposure and people still have clear complexions. I said I wasn't sure I could commit to that. She just kept insisting that it was the only way to prevent hyperpigmentation. She said that the skin color on my chest (which is lighter than my face) is my "true" color. I always thought that just my un-sun-tanned color. Hmm. After the session, I researched arbutin and kojic acid and read that the latter requires users to avoid the sun or it increases melanin production. So maybe this is why she was saying I would need to hide my face from the sun? I was confused. At that point I decided that I didn't want to use the kojic acid. So I texted Ida saying I didn't want to do the skin lightening treatment but still wanted to get a facial for the other goals (clearing congestion, nourishing my skin etc). She texted back that that was fine. But the next day I received a text from Ida saying that because I was "rejecting" her treatment recommendations that she could no longer work with me. I was changing my mind about skin lightening, not rejecting her advice. I was still looking forward to working with her. This was a strange and disappointing experience. I was really rooting for Ida as a black female small business owner, but I think she needs to work on a few things including misinterpreting a client changing their treatment goal as a rejection of her expertise. If you go to a restaurant and order a meal, then change your mind and ask for a different dish, they don't refuse you service. ‍

I've been seeing Alexandra for years now and I cannot believe I've never written a review. I had my…read morefirst facial in my mid-twenties, and now almost five decades later I've been getting regular facials no matter where I lived or where I traveled. Bottom line: I know quality. Alex is amazing. She is a true healer. Her potions and lotions smell fantastic, are pure and truly make a difference. She has a range of tools and techniques for whatever your skin needs. Put yourself in her capable hands and drift into bliss. If you can, splurge for the 90 min Belizean Rain.

Alexandra's Muse hosted part of my bachelorette party and I'm incredibly grateful for this…read more Definitely one of the highlights throughout my whole wedding experience. Alexandra (the owner and esthetician) and her colleague, Kari (the massage therapist) were both so thorough, gentle, and attuned to what my friends and I wanted and needed for our facials and massages. They took such good care of us in a way that I can't put into words. Did I also mention how they closed down their whole shop and provided drinks and snacks for all of us for the day? They really went above and beyond--not only in the services they offered but also their overall hospitality.

Bloom Facial Rejuvenation is amazing! They combine acupuncture to fill lines and skin texture, with…read moreEminence organic facial products. Ann and Eileen ask questions about your whole health and really get to know you before giving you a treatment. The acupuncture is very relaxing, and the facial is wonderful- the combination together results is MUCH younger looking skin, less wrinkles and a glowing complexion. Honestly, this is revolutionary skin treatment. Wrinkle reduction without toxic fillers!!

Eileen is very kind, attentive and highly skilled. The space…read moreis beautiful and relaxing. If you are in need of waxing make an appointment. You will not be disappointed.

I can't say enough great things about Arva at DermaSmooth Electrolysis! From the moment I walked…read morein, Arva made me feel completely comfortable and confident in the process. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about her clients and their results. Arva is incredibly thorough and gentle, and she takes the time to explain everything so you always know what to expect. The results have been amazing, and the experience was far more comfortable than I anticipated. Her space is clean, calm, and welcoming, which makes every appointment feel stress-free. If you're looking for an electrolysis technician who is skilled, patient, and truly passionate about her work, I highly recommend Arva. Supporting DermaSmooth Electrolysis is an easy choice--I'll definitely be a long-term client and will continue recommending her to everyone I know!

I finally found the best electrolysis studio in Berkeley. I give RAVE reviews for Arva who is an…read moreimpeccable electrologist--extremely conscientious with a detailed approach and notable technique.. and to top it off, she is a warm and lovely professional who makes her clients feel comfortable and confident in her services. I lucked out and highly recommend DermaSmooth Electrolysis Studio.

There's a reason this place has such high reviews. Everyone here is experienced, professional, and…read morethey go the extra mile. I've had filler once, Botox once, and two RF microneedling sessions and it's like the technicians are OCD. Three full passes, every patch of skin is covered, and the results are the best I've had. They give you time to numb, and they do a great job distracting you from the discomfort if you do decide to go for a more intense setting. Also, really helpful with the GLP, clear labeling on each syringe, and easy FaceTime with the doctor. I've never had to wait past an appointment time and there's always parking. Really grateful I found this spot. Note: Sheila did the rf microneedling if you end up scheduling that service. I normally have some white spots but after the service with her my entire face is covered and it shows in the results.

I want to start with the negative. There's barely any but one that pushed my button a little. That…read moreis to say that I wish the NP who saw me virtually had a little more etiquette. Coming from a healthcare setting myself, I am big on treating patients as people and not a box one has to check. Suffice to say, introduce yourself. I had to ask her "Who are you? Because you never introduced yourself." I believe that is basic etiquette. Second, I was quick to notice the lack of patience with which my call was handled hours after my visit, the one where I had a chemical peel. (There was a whole lot of information to remember before the visit and they don't all sink in until you're done and you get the kit.) Otherwise I had a pleasant experience getting my first peel with Sheila/Shiela. I'm now on my 4th day post-procedure and looking forward to the results. I also want to acknowledge the wonderful experience I had weeks before that with Joy, who did my Dermplaning Facial, although I wish I had known sooner that if I did both at the same time, I could've saved a lot more.

I was able to book an appointment online after a quick Google search for medical spas in my area…read more I'd never been to a medical spa before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was a little anxious walking into my appointment, but all of that melted away as soon as I was greeted by an incredibly kind concierge. She was warm, attentive, and welcoming, and I felt comfortable from the moment I walked in. The environment was relaxing, clean, and inviting. I didn't have to wait for my appointment and was escorted to a private room, where I met with a very kind physician assistant. She simply asked me what had brought me in. As I explained my concerns, she asked thoughtful follow-up questions about how I was feeling, what I was concerned about, and what I hoped to achieve, rather than trying to just sell me some "magic solution". She walked me through all of my options and provided a lot of helpful information that made me feel confident in my decisions. I had mentally prepared myself for a sales pitch, but it never came. Instead, she listened carefully, explained how she could help, and let me decide what would best fit my goals and lifestyle. I left feeling relieved, informed, and genuinely excited for my next appointment. Most importantly, I felt heard.

I've scheduled an appointment here twice a few months apart and both times they cancelled on me…read morewithin a couple of days of the appointment.

Couldn't have been more pleased with my experience here. The staff were wonderful, the environment…read morewas inviting and the service was excellent. I needed a wax for an upcoming trip and refused to go back to the "chain" wax establishment. On a whim I booked the service here as I LOVED the name and the price point! Best decision. The wax was explained to me, the technique was as painless as a wax can be and I felt extremely comfortable with the esthetician. Oh and the ceiling art while getting my service was lovely!

I absolutely adore the Yoni Temple! I've been coming here for a little over a year now and I can…read morehonestly say that this has been the best waxing salon that I've ever been to. The salon is bright and inviting and the staff is incredible. I'm always greeted by Elliott's big smile and super charm. She is always so sweet and I love chatting with her in the waiting room. Shymell is an absolute doll and one hell of a waxer! I've been seeing Shymell since last October and every experience has been wonderful. Of course this isn't a painless experience, but Shymell makes the environment really comfortable and quick. Shymell is so fun and easy to talk to. It really feels like I'm chatting with an old friend during our sessions. She is clean, thorough and articulate. In the past, I've found that previous waxers have left quite a bit of hair from time to time. Nothing will ever be perfect and there will always been fine hairs left behind, but Shymell makes sure that there is virtually no hair left. I love that the salon carries many of the products that are used as well as other trinkets like greeting cards. You might be able to find cheaper prices elsewhere for the same services, but you won't find this kind of high quality service and care anywhere else. Ashley and her team have done a swell job with this waxing studio. I'm so grateful to have them around. Thank you for all that you do!

UAfter years of searching for the right esthetician for me, I was introduced to Jenny through a…read morefriend. In just a few months, Jenny helped me overcome some of the toughest issues with my combination skin. As a woman of color, it's been hard for me to find someone that can work with my skin type. Since seeing Jenny regularly for the past 6+months, she knows all my skin issues and how to correct them! I get compliments on my skin at least once a week! Love her and highly recommend! 5 stars for clean space, amazing customer service, accessibility (close to transit, no stairs), and AMAZING results. Only downside is Jenny gets booked quickly so book in advance! In the photo, on the right is with NO face makeup!

White Rose Skin Care is a place I love to spend an afternoon. Jenny has taken good care of my skin…read morewith her caring hands and thorough knowledge of skin and products. She took years off my appearance and has helped me maintain great skin!