Amazing customer service, relaxing ambiance, and a delightful conversationalist. Not to mention an abundance of skill and experience. I plan to be a repeat customer. read more

Hands down the BEST wax experience I've ever had! I've been going to my wax lady for a while now and I honestly refuse to go to anyone else. She is professional, gentle, and makes you feel completely comfortable from the moment you walk in. If you're nervous about waxing, trust me she puts you at ease immediately. She is super clean, fast (but not rushed), and really knows what she's doing. The pain is minimal, the results are always smooth, and she takes her time to make sure everything is done right. Plus, she has the best personality easy to talk to, no awkwardness, and always good vibes. I always leave feeling confident, taken care of, and already planning my next appointment. If you're looking for someone reliable, skilled, and genuinely caring, THIS is your girl. Highly recommend! read more

I have been going to Amber for the past year for waxing. She is excellent at what she does. Her location is warm and inviting and matches her calm, caring energy. I highly recommend her. read more

Since October 2015, Amber has been my ONLY waxer. I still see her every month and refuse to see anyone else. I've now moved away and I take FLIGHTS to see her, monthly! She does such amazing work and I trust her implicitly. So caring and goes above and beyond every time. She never tells me to do something I don't need; always telling me to moisturize during cold months or use certain skin treatments. Beyond caring and compassionate, the BEST quality and price. 1000/10 recommend read more

Amber is amazing! She is knowledgeable and passionate about skin. She has so many services to offer, from nail services to pedicures, waxes, and facials. I had the privilege of getting a facial recently and I just needed to rave about my results!! I left my facial, feeling brand new! My results were incredible... My skin feels sooo amazing and looks younger, brighter, and firmer after just one hour.  I went to an event the next day and got a ton of compliments on how my skin was radiating and glowing and that I looked rejuvenated.  Amber was so helpful with treating my skin. She cares about her clients and provides caring and professional services. Best place ever!!!! read more

I got a facial from Amber last Saturday, and let me tell you, my skin has been soft and glowing since and I have not gotten tiny breakouts. A facial with her is a whole experience, I felt comfortable and at home. She also let me know all she was doing to my face as well as giving me tips and practices that I was able to bring home to continue my skin regime. I left feeling more positive about my skin! I will be getting quarterly facials with her and I am excited to try out her other services! read more

Amber is awesome at her craft. I recommend her for waxing and I will be going back to try her manicures. She moved from Oakland to Pinole.

I've been going to see Amber for a while and I can assure you that, not only is she a master of her craft, but she also offers a wealth of beauty knowledge and a really pleasant experience at her lovely studio in Oakland. Most recently, I booked an appointment for a customized facial that included steaming, exfoliation, extractions, deep cleaning, massage and LED lights treatment amongst other treats. It was the best minutes of my week and I can't wait to come back. Thank you, Amber! read more

Great facial! Amber is quite knowledgeable and offers suggestions tapered to you and your lifestyle. Soft touch, soothing voice. Afterwards, It felt like I had a full body massage. Will definitely be returning! read more

My first appointment with Amber was about 10 years ago when I was 33 and had already had many a wax from many a different aesthetician but none nearly as skilled as Amber. It was a relief to have found my person! Not only does she use amazing pain-diminishing technique and natural products for best results, but she also provides helpful tips to keep you feeling great in between appointments and little sweet treats, such a nice touch! I'd keep coming for her brilliant skills alone, but I have come to rely on our appointments for both education and connection. She's an extremely insightful, strong, intuitive woman who plays a valuable role in my self-care beyond waxing. I take the slightly longer route from Oakland to Pinole past the San Pablo Reservoir to enjoy the pretty drive on my way to her beautiful salon decorated with her hand paintings and many other points of exquisite detail. My only regret is in taking such a long time to review someone who offers such a unique service and experience. read more

Amber is the best waxing specialist I've ever found and how I've searched! Now that I've found her, I truly never have a reason to go anywhere else. She is knowledgeable, fun to talk to, professional, and extremely skilled. Listen to her wise advice and you'll be golden. Thank you, Amber!!! Just here to mention that I remain a happy and loyal client of Amber - she's amazing - and I didn't hesitate to follow her to her new location which is at Serenity Skincare at 1501 37th Ave Suite H Oakland, CA 94601 read more

I've been coming to Amber for years.. service is always amazing. She really knows her craft. She's at a new location now. She's at a new location now though 1501 37th Ave, suite H Oakland, Ca 94601 Inside of Serenity Skin Care read more

Amber is the best! I've been coming here for close to 3 years and wouldn't go anywhere else for my waxing services. Trust me when I say this, I've been had my fair share of experiences with aestheticians throughout the Bay. This is the first place where I've actually felt comfortable and happy, even if I'm dreading the upcoming wax! Here are the top reasons why she's the bees knees (or the shit, like Amber would say): 1) Clean and fast service. She's not trying to do some fake/bougie ish with her services (like other places), she just wants to wax you--get in, out and done! She also uses natural products she makes on your skin! 2) Weekend appointments, and not just Saturday's! 3) Great prices, comparable and actually even better than other local places. 4) Black woman owned business. She's a badass holding it down for single moms and working class people. I like that she she didn't want to be beholden to the man/corp/boss, so she opened up her own shop. Entrepreneurship at its best! 5) She always has some sweets in the waiting rooms and cold water for you to indulge in. 6) She isn't afraid to be herself, which is not something you'll get at most commercial places, there's just no authenticity in their service. NOT HERE! Amber is loud, curses, talks about all the current news stories and tells you her opinion (even if it's counter to yours). This may not be your cup of tea, and if you just want an aesthetician zombie to work quietly on you, then go elsewhere, cuz you'll definitely get some real tea here! 7) There's always parking and she's located in a safe location (Montclair). 8) She doesn't just wax, she does facials and nails. She also gives you advice on vitamins, minerals, and oils that will do your body good. 9) She waxes males and females with the same professionalism and friendly manner. I take my husband with me every month to get his back waxed. Thanks, Amber! read more

Excellent provider of waxing services for men, which is difficult to find in the SF Bay area! Amber is very friendly, extremely knowledgeable and a consummate professional!! This was the first waxologist I'd visited, and she really went to great length to explain the process to me, make sure I was comfortable during, and to provide me with great advise for 'care & upkeep' following. Her space is very clean and hygienic! Highly recommend!!! read more

I go here to get my manicures and pedicures and amber does an amazing job on both. She spends time on making sure your nails are clean and close to perfection. This is a one on one experience with no one else in the room, so she spends as much time as needed personally with you. She goes by appointments only. She is SOO COOL and listens to your concerns concerning your body. She does nails, facials, waxing and more! Her new address is , 1501 37th Ave, Suite H Oakland, CA 94601 read more

I won't go anywhere else for waxing! Amber is friendly and funny and makes you feel completely comfortable throughout the whole process. From scheduling to the treatment to aftercare, Amber is first-rate! read more

Amber is a outstanding clinician very skilled and personable. I strongly recommend her!!!

Amber is as amazing as her reviews say. I have been to a lot of different salons for waxing, and I have to say I have had my best experiences with her. She is very calming, and very quick and efficient. She is a great communicator, and is very fair with her pricing structure. As an extra thing that I like about Amber, she knows a lot about natural remedies for some common skin problems. She always encourages me to keep my skin moisturized and exfoliated. A pearl of wisdom she dropped at my last appointment was that as skin tends to be drier in the winter months, a good remedy to combat it is to take natural vitamin E supplements. Mind you, she does not sell any supplements or tools, she is not trying to make a quick buck. She honestly wants clients to look and feel their best, especially in regards to healthy, happy skin. She is a wiz! read more

Amber is truly gifted! She makes you feel real comfortable and always satisfied with results. I totally trust her. read more

Amber's Essential Touch - Been going to Amber for quite awhile and today she took my brows to another level! Thx Amber feeling.. I'm feeling my groove - Skin Care Near Me - Pinole, California

I would like to start of by saying this is not a review on Amber's services per-say but yet her lack of professionalism that has deterred me from further rendering the aforementioned services, which are actually fairly good. I had an appointment with Amber not too long ago where we were corresponding via text. She had texted me to remind me that I had an appointment in the afternoon and that it would be me, her and someone else who's name I did not recognize but I did not think anything of it. As I arrived at my appointment, to my surprise, she was accompanied by her 3 year old daughter. We all walked into the room together and in the midst of my apprehension, I asked her if her daughter would be staying in the room while I received my Brazilian wax. Although she could sense my discomfort, she instructed me to get undressed from the waist down and proceeded to assure me that the presence of her child was nothing to worry about and that she simply did not have someone to watch her. I have a big heart, love children, but business is business and that simply should not have been my problem to endure. During my wax, her daughter was running around the table as I sat there in the most vulnerable position (butterfly), knees and elbows down, butt in air, with my private areas exposed to a child. I felt disgusting and furthermore disturbed that this was even okay by Amber. Other people may not have viewed it this way but I cannot help but shudder at the lack of professionalism this ensues and furthermore the disregard for the customers comfort level. Not to mention as she was finishing and I was quickly putting on my clothes, I stepped on one of her daughters toys. Uggg so annoying. Amber is a nice, warm woman that actually knows what she is doing. I felt it important to review her because when I texted her and told her I would no longer be needing her services after our last encounter, she did not even have the decency to respond or apologize. I have to make sure I am not being punitive in this case and strictly reviewing her unprofessionalism, which I think will deter other patrons from utilizing her services in the future as well. read more

I would give this place ZERO stars, if possible. I have been planning to attend a big bash in Vegas this weekend and purposely decided to schedule an appointment a couple weeks in advance since I wanted to receive multiple services. On June 18th, I couldn't get a hold of anyone via phone so I texted as it was recommended on the site. I texted the list of services I wanted to receive and included my name. A couple hours later, I received a response. I asked for availability for the week of July 4th and even suggested to chat via phone about scheduling since it would be easier. Amber never called but instead just texted me some dates and times. I thought that was a little weird and should've listened to my gut at that point but I went ahead and accepted one of the dates and times she gave me which was set for TODAY (July 5th) at 2:30pm. I never heard anything back. The next morning I texted again to ask her to confirm and she did. Today, on July 5th, I texted her at 1pm (an hour and a half before my appointment) to ask if she could provide me with a quote for all of the services I would be receiving. She asks me if I'm a different client and, when I give her my name, she is "sorry to say" that she doesn't have me down for services. She asked me when I booked and I let her know and even sent her a screenshot photo of our previous text correspondence. ***ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME???*** She then proceeds to ask me which services I'm receiving (which I had already listed in the first text I ever sent) and then claims to miraculously remember the appointment - just not the services I wanted OR my name, apparently. I let her know that I will NOT be using her services. The appointment I thought I had booked is supposed to start in about half an hour from now and instead I'm SOL thanks to Amber. To sum it all up: highly unprofessional and clearly disorganized. read more

My first bikini wax. I swear, I should have documented this like it was going in my baby book because it was unbelievably . . . pleasant! I am a big baby--in fact I only solicited waxing recommendations from un-painted ladies because I saw an abundance of tattoos as a sign of a tolerance for pain way beyond my own--and Amber, by using the best equipment and buttloads of skill, made the whole ordeal very un-ordeally. Thoughtful touches I enjoyed included: *Flowery mosquito-canopy thing to look at while undergoing procedures. *Excellent magazines. *Abundant hard candy. *Clean facilities. *Warm, personable, professional practitioner. Honestly, if I knew more about waxing I might even venture to say Amber is an artist. But I know nothing, butcept it didn't hurt (much) and her results are outstanding. read more

I hit my 4-year anniversary as a client of Amber's and thought it was time to update my review. I have never been happier with Amber's services! I am a regular client and visit every 4-5 weeks. I have always experienced Amber's great service and professionalism. I am confused by the two 1-star reviews; instances of a simple miscommunication that could have been rectified easily if either of the clients had simply just spoken up to clear the miscommunication. Unfortunately, some are prone to passively-aggressively write 1-star reviews after the fact, instead of using direct communication during their issue, (like capable adults), to solve an easily-fixable situation. Things happen. Help to be a part of the solution, not the problem. It will improve your life. But I digress. Since I started seeing Amber, my rugby-playing, manly-man has also become a regular client and loves the results. Ladies, consider taking your man with you for services of his own. Both you and he will be pleased! No other waxing service compares! You have only to read the dozens & dozens & dozens & dozens of high-praise reviews to know how great Amber's services are. read more

I had a great time at Amber's Essential Touch this past weekend. The salon is just adorable and really welcoming. I love the way Amber's decorated. It is super girly and very cute, with red hearts scattered about and chocolates and flowers everywhere I had come in for a massage through a TruBates deal. Amber's sister, Aubrey, is the masseuse, and boy does she know her stuff. I had been feeling really tense due to some personal issues going on in my life right now, and once Aubrey was done, I really felt so much better. She has great strong hands - just what is needed to get the kinks out. Although the salon is tiny, they do the whole gamut - facials, waxing, massage, nails, etc. Highly recommended, and I am sure I will be back! read more

I have been going to Amber for my Brazilian wax for almost two years. Last time I was there I commented about my face feeling really dry with all this cold weather. She recommended a facial, so I booked one along with my next wax session. Boy, have I been missing out!! I have had facials many times in the past but it just felt like they were putting on product letting it sit and wiping it off. NOT SO with Amber. Full steaming, Incredible facial massage, extraction, then another massage (including neck area) then a mask, then yet more facial massaging!! Followed by moisturizer and toning. It felt amazing and my skin positively glows!! Hands down best facial ever. I also got some great tips on home care. Very informative. I highly recommend Amber for painless waxing and now FACIALS as well! And Ladies... she sends out text reminders! read more

I'm here every 4 weeks; there are so many services that are offered here.. She's not expensive at all, from eyebrows, arm, facial, bikini wax .... Amber is highly recommended read more

Amber's Essential Touch - Skin Care Near Me - Pinole, California

Amber is the best. I found her on Yelp while looking for a new place to get a brazilian wax and based on the awesome reviews, I didn't hesitate to book an appointment. Here's why she's awesome: - You can book an appointment via text - I kid you not, the waxing did not hurt - She's really fast and efficient! - She is so nice, so friendly, so down to earth and easy to talk to, you forget you're getting waxed - I love that she tells you when to breath - it really helps to minimize (and in my case, eliminate) the pain - She has great tips for skin care Amber gave me my third brazilian wax ever and it was the first pleasant experience I had. There was a point in my last waxing (with someone else at a different salon) that I was ready to jump off the table and out the door - it hurt so bad! I had to get another wax before my honeymoon (very important!) and so I came to yelp and found Amber and I'm so glad that I did!! I am not longer anxious about getting waxed because I know I'm in good hands! read more

Amber is the best. I will not go to anyone else. I've had myriad waxes from all over the Bay Area. Here's why she takes the cake: 1. She's friendly, funny, and easy-going. Always a plus when you're getting your girly parts coiffed. 2. She's fast and really good at what she does. The most painless brazilian I've ever received. 3. Wax results last longer than other places. 4. Prices are competitive. 5. Her salon is clean, spacious, and relaxing. Best environment I've ever received a wax. 6. She has some evening appointments during the week - I hate to increase the competition for these timeslots, but seriously - this is a big plus for us 9-5ers! I am so happy to have found Amber! She's a gem. read more

I recently moved to the East Bay and was in dire need of finding someone to take over my B-waxes. Of course, I turned to my trusty friend, Yelp and came across Amber's page. With all of her 5 star reviews, how could I not give her a call and find out what she was about. I called her and she was able to fit me in on my next day off which was great! When I walked into her salon the day of my appointment, I found it to be super cute and adorable. She has a display of some of her favorite products in the front and a couple of chairs to sit on while you wait for her previous appointment to finish up. As soon as I met Amber, she exuded this aura from her that made me feel so incredibly comfortable right from the beginning. As though she was my long lost friend. I was 36 weeks preggo at the time of my appt so I was kind of nervous about that, but Amber totally reassured me and the whole time of my wax gave me so many great stories and advice about her own pregnancy and labor and delivery. It was great! Before I knew it, the entire wax was done with little pain. I will definitely be going back to Amber for my routine maintenance. read more

She gives you Chocolate - and, oh yeah, the BEST wax. I found Amber through Yelp and have to add my 2 cents. I've seen her 3 times and will never go anywhere else. She makes waxing NOT hurt. She is very sweet, down-to-earth and never makes it feel clinical or embarrassing. The wax she uses is gentle and does not leave my sensitive skin red and irritated like previous waxing experiences (of which I've had many; some twice the price). She never up-sells/suggests additional services and did I mention she always leaves a piece of chocolate for clients? read more

Amber is fabulous! Tucked away in between Peet's coffee and Grille One (i think) is a heavenly staircase that will lead you into the Amber's cozy studio. It has a very home-y feel especially with the beautiful pictures of her baby daughter :) She greeted me once I got there and was very friendly. She immediately led me into the "waxing room" and gave me an over view of how things were going to work. Amber is very knowledgable and skillful. She talked to me about exfoliating my skin and how to take care of my skin afterwards. DEFINITELY the least painful wax I have ever had. Its quite magical. She is extremely personable, I HIGHly recommend her! (If you go, be sure to mention Mindy H :D) Anyway, she mentioned shes moving locations soon, but not too far! Just down the street by Lucky's! Exciting !! Mindy Says: slightly on the pricier end, but definitely worth it! Parking can be tough (like always in Montclair) read more

I have been getting my monthly waxes from Amber for about five months now and she is HANDS DOWN the best waxer of alllll time. We all know that getting waxed is not the most pleasant part of a woman's beauty regimen, but Amber makes it easy, painless and reminiscent of a visit to a girlfriend's house to gossip and share stories. She is incredibly knowledgeable and confident, she knows what she's talking about and I totally trust in her skills. I absolutely positively recommend Amber's services to anyone who is looking to get waxed in a comfortable, positive environment where there's no shame at all in our bodies. Also, a fringe benefit of going to Amber's has been getting to know the adorable Montclair area. Cute little Sunday Farmer's Market and some neat little restaurants. read more

FINALLY! I have found my place! This was my 3rd Brazilian with 3 different people, I had been burned, rushed, had wax left on me etc. So, I was hesitant to try yet another person, but after seeing Ambers reviews I decided to give her a try and I am so thankful I did!!! Amber clearly loves what she does, does it well, makes you feel comfortable, extremely knowledgeable and she was really great at explaining the different waxes she uses and how to properly take care of your skin. I was a little taken back by the cost, but not enough so for it to affect my rating, because after all, you get what you pay for. :) Plus there are incentive for referrals, which is really nice, I cant wait to tell me friends about her. read more

As a waxing virgin, I was a little nervous, but Amber was great at explaining the process and completely put me at ease. She's knowledgable, matter of fact, and nothing fazes her. I am a waxer for life now... Okay, I got laser now and will never wax or shave again. But I still love Amber! read more

I've been going to Amber for Brazilian and leg waxing services since 2008 (first at Simply Gorgeous) and Amber's Essential Touch since 2010. For 25 years, I've gone to many salons around the U.S. and other parts of the world for waxing. I've gone to 4 star salons and spas as well as small local salons. Amber is the VERY BEST quality! She is very professional, warm and friendly at the same time. Amber never gives you unnecessary pain because she is very experienced and talented. Her waxing is thorough & I've never had a bad reaction to her wax (like some others have). Recently I started getting facials from Amber. I was hesitant at first because I've had so many excellent facials, and some not worth the $$. Amber's facials are WONDERFUL! She has magic hands that give you the best massage. She is very knowledgable and your skin will GLOW! read more

I came in with a friend who was receiving another service and at the last minute wanted to get my eyebrows and lip done. Although I had no appointment scheduled, Amber had no problems with granting me service. Amber was very cool and comforting. She did an awesome job with my eyebrows, she took her time and shaped them very nice. She also kept complimenting me on how nice they were! If I was to return to the area, I would definitely go to her for services again. read more

After coming to Amber for waxing for about six months I decided to try a facial. I have had a few facials from other salons and fancy hotel spa's and always felt slimy and had mask in my nose, hairline and eyebrows. I always had to wash my face as soon as I got to my room. Not the case with Amber! She is very professional and experienced and I felt that I was in good hands and I could relax. My face looked and felt great and I did not have to wash my face till the next morning! NO slimy feeling, NO mask in the nose or eyebrows! NO freaky tinted moisturizer! Try Amber you'll be so glad you did! read more

After a couple weeks of looking for places to get my first wax done, I've finally found A place I LOVE, I found Ambers Essential Touch on Yelp after reading all the reviews i thought I'd give it a shot. I made an appointment with Amber via text message which is very convenient for me. The day of my appointment I was very nervous because again it was my first time getting a wax. The location and the atmosphere of the office quickly relaxed me. The waiting area is very calming with aromatherapy scents and refreshing complimentary water. During the wax Amber gave me good detail of what to expect and coached me on how to take breathes during the process. Overall it was not as near as painful as I thought it would it be which was unbelievable ! I like the fact that throughout the process she is giving you professional information on how to maintain the skin afterwards. She really knows her stuff !! The wax was over in no time and it didn't even hurt much. I really enjoyed my experience it was a pleasure and I'm glad to say I've found my go to place for waxing !!! Thank You Amber!!! read more

Amber's Essential Touch - Atmosphere is great with the aromatherapy !! - Skin Care Near Me - Pinole, California

Amber is generally awesome! Great convo, which makes the experience much less awkward, and just good old great energy. Very professional and informative. Love her! read more

Amber's Essential Touch - How cute! - Skin Care Near Me - Pinole, California

Amber is the sweetest and very professional. Her waxing room has a warm and lovely atmosphere and she even leaves you a little chocolate on your pillow. I go to her for a regular Brazilian and the occasional eyebrow and leg waxing. Even with 3 services she is quick and efficient and everything seems a little less painful than other places Ive been to. Texting her for an appointment is best (and not weird at all... its 2012 people!) and give her time to get back to you she is a busy lady! I'm always happy with my wax and always recommend her to everyone I know. read more