In my 20s and 30s, Annahita was my expert bikini waxer. Now in my 40s, facials give me the youthful edge. Thank you for still being here as my local aesthetician in Berkeley all these years, Annahita . She's located now on College Avenue in the bustling Elmwood shopping district, with parking lot in back for easy parking. Super accessible - and easy to book by phone for a quick service, or stay and chatter. You'll see why she has so many loyal clients. It's not just about the services she offers, but the camaraderie and relationships built over time. read more

I went here to have my face waxed - did my brows - chin - neck and upper lip and Mina was amazing. She had a good firm touch and was quick about it. Nice and fast and firm. She uses excellent quality wax (I can tell as my skin had no reaction to it) and she is extremely nice and kind. I really enjoyed my time with her. I will be trying her facial services as well. read more

I have never experienced something this unprofessional during a service, especially one as intimate as a Brazilian wax. This was my first Brazilian, and instead of creating a calm, supportive environment, Meena became visibly agitated and began loudly ranting about political issues related to her home country, then she began yelling. Her tone escalated to the point where it felt aggressive. I was lying exposed on the table during this. I expressed that I was uncomfortable, and I had to be the one to regulate her emotions, while she stopped speaking so loudly and intensely, the energy in the room shifted in a way that felt tense and hostile for the remainder of the appointment. A Brazilian wax requires a high level of trust. Clients are physically vulnerable and often anxious, especially the first time. Emotional regulation and professionalism are not optional in that setting. At the end of the service, while I was still in a vulnerable state, she took out her phone and began showing me graphic videos, including footage of people being killed. Being shown violent content during a waxing appointment is completely inappropriate and deeply distressing. I did not consent to being exposed to graphic material, and it was extremely uncomfortable. I was also given zero aftercare instructions despite clearly stating this was my first Brazilian. No guidance about heat exposure, friction, exfoliation timing, or what to expect post-wax. Within 24 hours, I developed significant redness across the area. Without aftercare direction, I was left anxious about whether this reaction was normal. This experience felt emotionally unsafe and lacked basic professional boundaries. A service that intimate should feel calm, respectful, and supportive -- not tense, aggressive, and unpredictable. I hope this feedback is taken seriously, because clients deserve safety and professionalism in spaces like this read more

If you like cheap... Cheap like you think you're getting a deal because she calls you pet names and charges less than other places - but she gossips about other clients and rages about politics. Cheap like more than one of her tiny table lightbulbs are usually burnt out so she can't see what she's doing and you for sure can't check her work. Cheap like if you say she missed a spot once she'll blame you for having light-colored hair. If you say it twice, she'll tell you not to come back. Cheap like a lousy CD-player stuck on repeat, soft wax still all over your skin, and body-shaming. Cheap like you'll feel after walking out of that studio more than once, because it's available, convenient, and inexpensive - just like your ex. You know? Babe, BELIEVE - your bits deserve better than this. A-VOID read more

I have been coming to Mina for more than a decade. She is extremely skilled and always able to schedule quickly. Not only does she do a great job, she is empathetic and a joy to be with. I highly recommend this fantastic woman owned and operated small business! read more

Went here awhile back & frankly the wax job was great. Very political (she's a Trump supporter). Talked about some in inappropriate stuff that made me very uncomfortable. Lectured me about why I shouldn't be voting for Biden. I normally don't like to leave reviews because of politics, but totally inappropriate conversation. You're a captive audience, and she showed me a video of an Iranian woman being SA'd for reasons I still cannot understand. She means well, but I would avoid discussing politics at all costs. read more

Mina has been my esthetician and eyebrow/body hair waxer for more than 20 years. She is professional and delivers quality service every time. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about her as a skin care/waxing professional as well as an overall great human being! Moreover, as a Black/African American woman who has been her client for more than two decades, I can attest to her expertise with melanated skin, and my skin is always better under her care than without! read more

Annahita Waxing & Facials - Eyebrows and Facial @Annahita - Skin Care Near Me - Berkeley, California

What a gem! Anahita is the sweetest person, with a salon that is centrally located, has PARKING, and she knows her business. I called and was amazed to get an appointment for the same afternoon . She made me feel so welcome and comfortable during my wax (which didn't take long and didn't hurt much at all). Reasonable price, too! Highly recommend! read more

I loved Annahita! I have been looking for a good waxer since coming to college here and decided to try Annahita because I live in the area. She did such a thorough job and made me feel really comfortable. It did not hurt at all and I am going to go back again soon! read more

Annahita Waxing & Facials - Outside of salon - Skin Care Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is my go-to business for waxing. Professional, great service and very fair price. Thank you!

Annahita is the BEST of the best! Mina magically makes waxing quick and painless, while keeping you entertained with humorous conversation. A true pro! It's aways easy to schedule an appointment. Her salon is conveniently located; her private lot makes parking easy. read more

Mina is the best ever! My skin GLOWS after one of her facials! She is meticulous and quick with body waxes too- and makes the dreaded Brazilian as painless as possible!! read more

I've been coming to Annahita for nearly 2 decades and have recommended it many times over the years. Waxing and and facial services are excellent. read more

Soooo after 1.5 years of being Meena's client and referring two other girls to her, I had to find a new place to get my monthly Brazilians. The main reason being that I was running late for an appointment and thought that I should call to let her know that I was going to be maybe 5-10 mins late. I was never late to my appointments before this instance (sometimes I would come 30 mins early!) and this was also an appointment right before closing, so I thought I'd let Meena know in case she needs to reschedule. So I called, and ahhhhhhh she definitely lectured me on the phone about respecting other people's time and why am I choosing to take the bus instead of ubering it was definitely a weird and invasive conversation, I offered to reschedule before all the aggression came out. I can understand what she said and if she was having a bad day that day, but given that I was a very loyal client for so long, I was just surprised at the reaction Meena had. The situation could have been handled a lot more professional in her part. Despite this experience though, I would still recommend Meena for several reasons: its conveniently located if youre a student in Berkeley, she is soooo nice when she wants to be, and its easy to get appointments as shes usually not booked. I had my first wax with her and shes definitely made me commit to it since! I also liked the idea of supporting a small business like hers instead of going to a chain, which is why I stuck with it. But, as other reviews have said, Meena tends to be hot and cold when it comes to conversation topics and dealing with clients. You have to be the one to set the tone if you want a friendly vibe. if good ole unwavering professionalism is something you want, definitely look elsewhere :) read more

Annahita has been providing excellent waxing services for me for over 30 years. She is skilled, pleasant, fast and thorough. I wouldn't dare go anywhere else. read more

Not only is the service excellent. The absolute fastest and most painless bikini wax I have ever had. Annahita is the sweetest kindest soul and a joy to be around. read more

Annahita is very skilled at what she does. I come in for Brazilian wax and she always makes the experience less painful with her amazing personality and fun chit chat. If you want to book with her, get ready to make a friend and have great conversation read more

Great service & great prices! She is amazing, very kind and thoughtful! I prefer supporting small business owners, I've been going to her for a year now and I enjoy her professionalism and kindness very much. Would recommend her any day . read more

I have been a client since 1997! When she moved her location I followed her. The owner Mina, her services, her skills, and her amazing personality are the reasons I have returned to her for 25 years. Her facilities are impeccably clean, her products are of first quality. Now my 15 year old daughter is a client too. Mina accommodates us. We love her facial and body wax treatments. Waxing is painless. We leave her spa with silky smooth skin. Mina works for herself. She is no nonsense and does her work with professionalism. By appointment only. read more

Wow, I have never had a wax go so quickly! I called the morning of Halloween (because I am a procrastinator) and had an appointment ten minutes later. Mena was very sweet and lovely. She kept me talking the whole time about politics and life so I didn't pay attention to the fact that I was baring it all on her table. Her technique is great. Not only did it just take ten minutes, it hardly hurt at all! The shop is really easy to get to and there is parking right up front. read more

I have been getting waxed at Annahita Waxing for over 17 years, Minna is professional, efficient and uses great products. She is attentive, personal and a delight, the only person I entrust to remove my unruly hair. The space is quiet and clean. She is a real Pro! I highly recommend her services. Her prices haven't changed, best deal in the Bay and the quality speaks for itself! read more

I really wanted to be able to write a rave review. Really. I went to Annahita for my first-ever Brazilian bikini wax. I expected to come home with just a little hair you know where, and that's it. After the excruciating and bloody (is this normal? I dunno) wax , Meehna showed me the job in the mirror, I paid and thanked her, feeling happy and satisfied. When I got home, I took a closer look in my well-lit bathroom and could not believe what I saw. There were entire patches and strips of my blond hair that I was unable to see in the mirror in Meenha's dark room. I called Meehna the next day and asked if she could do a touch-up job. She sounded pretty ticked off but told me to come over. I was not prepared to be yelled at (in front of other customers) after she sweet talked me the day before (I was no longer her 'sweetie'). She scolded me for not seeing the hair in the mirror the day before; she said that I should expect those results for your first wax; and repeatedly told me not to be picky and to be patient. I've heard from friends that waxers are normally so precise that they'll pluck the hairs they missed. This technique obviously did not cross Meehna's mind. She did not do the touch-up job b/c she didn't want to damage my skin. Fine. I respect that. I do not respect being yelled at. Also, she knew that it was my first wax, and did not tell me how to care for it (ie. loofah). When I showed her the large population of ingrown hairs, she blamed shaving. But I hadn't shaved for a least a month prior to the wax. If all this was explained to me, then I would be fine with it. Instead, she yelled and said that I need to "use my brain." I'm not a friggin aestitician for christ's sake. Thorough and soothing are not adjectives to describe the woman. I will not go back to this place, even though others have had a good experience, it's cheap, and right across the street from my house. read more

Okay, if price is your main concern, then maybe this is the place for you. And if you can't be bothered to plan ahead and make appointments, well, then this could just be heaven! But remember, that means that you will be left alone in the middle of your treatment because the owner can't let a call go unanswered. Love to be bombarded with personal questions? Appreciate unsolicited advice? Like to have it pointed out to you that you are gaining weight? Again, you are in the right place! Enough said. read more

I tried Annahita's because of some good reviews I'd seen. It sounded clean and reasonably priced, so I thought I'd check it out. While her place was clean, the services were definitely not reasonably priced ($75 for an hour) for what I got: 1.) The facialist was on the phone when I got there and didn't get off until 5 minutes into my appointment, and while she did my facial, she took two more calls...one personal, and one to schedule another client's appointment. She keeps a phone facial room, so I don't think this was a unique situation. 2.) The products she used burned my skin...all of them, not just the one that she warned me about (a glycolic peel). To make matters worse, she insulted the skin products I'm currently using as "cheap" and then tried to sell me on the products she was using. She got the products into my eyes and mouth, and they burned there, too. 3.) She did the most excruciating thing to my skin with extractions...where I didn't have pimples, now I have big red welts. It was so painful that I was grimacing and convulsing on the table...to which she told me "don't escape." Suffice it to say that I won't be returning to her for another facial. But, I have had wonderful, soothing, healing facials in the past...on vacations in other towns like Carmel. read more

Lovely lady and very professional. We became instant friends and I walked out with great eyebrows. She is a great stylist and a great person

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. I called at 10:30am to make an appointment at 2pm that same day. At 12:30pm I had an emergency and needed to drive to Walnut Creek right away. I called them at 1pm to cancel my appointment and you know what she said to me? "You are a SLOPPY person and I don't need you" and HUNG UP ON ME! Wow. The rest of the reviews for this place is right on... this woman is NOT nice. No business is worth your money if they are going to treat you like scum and call you names. Who does that? Wow... read more

I visited Annahita for my first facial and was so happy with my experience. Mina was kind, very personable, and practiced safe COVID protocols. She made me feel welcome and did an amazing job -- my skin felt great after the facial and Mina helped me clear up some stubborn acne. I'd highly recommend for anyone looking for a facial treatment in Berkeley. read more

Now, I've done some crazy things with the old kitten and caboodle in my time, but either its me (totally possible) or this Brazilian waxing thing actually is a form of torture, or chicky owner waxer lady is a MEAN mean sadist! Worse than the dentist! I mean, she got visually upset when i almost kicked her in the head after she tore up my bum holio spread eagle in the air. Thats right- in the air! There was blood oozing everywhere- everywhere!- and its not my first time... Is this normal? Well, it was my first time but it was totally not my first time and I just didn't think there would be blood just from a little waxy pad and phwip after I've already endured some real phwip! And for all that lost blood and torment, all the hair wasnt gone. I was pricklier than a pringle with no pop. So sad. Not to mention, i was a little put off that she was on the phone with other clients the whole time- get a receptionist! read more

Swift, nimble, and exact, are most prized attributes of the skilled waxer. When Natashka does not have time to zip down to LA for a brazilian, Annahita is Lifesaver! This is the second time I have made emergency wax appointment, and already I have formed strong bond with Annahita, who, during first visit informed me not to wax for a man, but for myself. Her ability to make amusing conversation while doing delicate hair-removal would make this process enjoyable even for someone who doesn't like pain. read more

Annahita Waxing & Facials - after trip to Annahita Salon! - Skin Care Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great experience! Mina was very kind and sociable. She made me feel very comfortable right away. I felt as if I were talking to a friend. I got a Brazilian and full leg wax. I am really happy with the results!!! Mina is very thorough. I will definitely be going back! read more

So my squeeze is coming home this weekend after being gone for a whole month. Needless to say me and my lady parts are super excited and want to look our best. So I went and made an appointment 2 weeks ago over at Cloud 9. Today I shlepped over there right on time only to find a little hand written note saying she was closed unexpectedly. I was in a bind. So I turned to Yelp and found the lovely Mina. She saw me a mear 20 minutes after I called her. A small miracle if you ask me. I got a brazilian, and it was really not that bad. Yeah it hurt, of course it did. But she was super quick and efficient and she talked to me the whole time keeping me relaxed even while in some very compromising positions. Mina is a fire cracker for sure, funny and openly political. On top of seeing me in a blink of an eye and doing a great job the price can't be beat. Provided I don't get a bunch of ingrown hairs or something equally gross I am for sure going back to her on the regular. read more

While Mina was a sweet lady, I definitely don't recommend her waxing services. Abnormally painful, left hairs all over the place, and took forever. Also - this may sound weird, but I swear that everything grew out way faster than it ever had before. It almost seemed like the extra pain was caused because the hair was getting pulled and broken off rather than yanked out at the root (which, after years of waxing, usually sort of gives me an endorphin rush). Just to be clear: no, I was not on my period. And yes, I was good on the whole 1/4-inch thing. To give her credit, she did take a same-day appointment, which helped me out of a bind that day. But I'll still never go to her again. read more

Stranger, no more!!! It's always awkward to have a new esthetician bald your privates, but with Mina, it was easy to let my guard down to allow her to do her job. She's funny, and smart, and REALLY knows how to wax! As she says, Iranian women have never shaved. Instead, they used a process called "sugaring" for hair removal. Boy, any of the pointers handed down through generations certainly did work!!!! Mina did an AMAZING job on my trip to Brazil! I've been doing that process for MANY years, and this, by far, has been the most efficient, thorough, and nearly painless EVER! She talks with you to get you to relax, because as she says, "When your muscles are relaxed, it's not as painful." She's SO right! I didn't have any soreness afterward!!! I heart Annahita and will definitely be returning! read more

I've been seeing Mina for years and I refuse to get waxed by anyone else. Mina does a wonderful job at waxing. She is the self-proclaimed "Enemy of Hair." And she's FAST. What I love most about Mina, and mark my words, I LOVE HER, is that she is so honest. Sometimes, when she greets me at the door she says, "You want the pain? Come, I bring the pain." And then she laughs. And it's beautiful and amazing and so very true. She does not pretend like she's doing anything other than what she is doing. I've been to some other salons where they ask you to contort your body in weird ways and they don't look directly at you and they treat bikini waxing like it's shameful. Let's be honest. You're going somewhere and paying money to get the hair ripped out of your wog. This is no place for propriety or manners. Shut up, pull the fat of your stomach up with your hand, and get your knees behind your ears because Mina is going to get every last hair that has ever thought of growing below your waist. I will drive/fly/walk/run from any corner of the earth to get to Mina's for my waxing. I don't care if in the future I end up living outside of California. I will not go anywhere else. read more

After reading every single review on this page, I decided to give Mena a shot and get a Brazilian. I called Annahita a few weeks ago and was able to make an appointment for right when I wanted it. I popped two Advil's ahead of time to prep my body for what I knew was going to be pain. I love Mena! She was kind, funny, gentle and motherly. I was expecting to feel embarrassed by being completely exposed in some pretty awkward positions. But she went about her business down there like it was nothing! She was very professional and praised me for my courage. Since it was my first wax in a veeery long time she was honest with me and said it would hurt because of the hair roots that were firmly in place. She was not lying! Although it hurt very much while she was waxing, once I walked out of there the pain went away. The results made me very happy, because I was sick and tired of razor burn, and I was smooth like a baby. I give Annahita 4 stars because I had wonderful experience and will continue to see Mena on a regular basis. She is also very quick! I was in and out in fifteen minutes! I recommend going to Mena because $50.00 for a Brazilian is gold, and because she made me feel super comfortable. read more

I love, love, love Mina! I have been going to Mina for several years and have always been happy with the results. She does the best eyebrow sculpting I have found and I am consistently complimented on my brows and asked who does them. Her bikini waxes are thorough and her running commentary helps take my mind off the discomfort. I highly recommend letting Mina take care of you! read more

Mina is a total doll, and the best eyebrow shaper I've ever visited. I am consistently impressed with the results of her work, and pleased with the prices she charges. I started seeing her when I lived two blocks away from the salon. Now I have to spend 45 minutes on BART to see her and I gladly do it rather than find a replacement. When I started seeing Mina I was about 90 pounds overweight. She always mentioned it without attacking me, and was very encouraging about sharing details on her nutritionist visits and making recommendations to me. She only stressed the health and wellness angle. I wasn't ready to hear it at that point in my life, but when I DID start listening to her (and many other people in my life) I really appreciated that she had not hesitated to be honest with me. She could tell that I needed help, and even though she could not be the catalyst for me to make change, she did mention her concerns. I can understand why that would be off-putting to some clients. But I love her for it. Mina returns my loyalty tenfold. I was recently stuck at work and arrived for my appointment 30 minutes late, and found out when I arrived that I was her only client that evening. Despite this being terrible behavior on my part, Mina didn't complain. When I called her ten minutes before my appointment to say I would be late, she responded that it was no problem, and that she would wait for me. I don't imagine that she can do this for everyone, but it goes to show that she appreciates loyalty and returns it in kind. As long as Annahita is open and I live less than a plane flight away, Mina is the waxer for me. read more

I've been waxed on a regular basis for the last 5 years. I have to say that Mina is the best! I just went to see her for the first time last friday and it was SO WORTH IT. She is really fast which makes all the difference in the world. She gets EVERYTHING which I expect when I'm paying a good chunk of cash yet with other waxers doesnt always happen. The place is clean and sells Yonka skincare from Paris. On a side note, you must be prepared to engage in some very awkward positions if you expect the wax to be successful. Dont go if you're having a "shy" day. However, Mina will make you as comfortable as possible. Trust me.....it's worth it! read more

Annahita is wonderful!! She was super accommodating of my same day appointment request, and she is just a very nice person. I came here for a Brazilian before my wedding last weekend, and I had a great experience. (As great of an experience anyone could have while getting a Brazilian, at least). There's free parking behind her salon, and her lively and interesting conversation made the time go much faster than I anticipated. Believe me, even if you are shy or don't typically chat during salon treatments, you will appreciate her kind distraction! The salon is clean and private- despite it being only one room and her locking the door for your service, it's on the back side of the building, and I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. The wax was efficient and as pain free as possible. Payment is via cash or check only, and her prices are reasonable. If you're looking for a facial or wax in Berkeley, look no further! read more

Meena is a great waxer with good prices and a sweet salon. I had a full leg and bikini wax done. It took only half an hour and the price was excellent. The wax was the right temperature right off the bat, and she has swift and sure hands. Know that you're going to have to help out a little for a bikini wax, pulling your skin taut for her, or holding your leg at funny angles. She runs the business by herself, though, so be prepared for her to flit out to open the door for the next customer or answer the phone to schedule an appointment. This doesn't detract from her great waxing skills, but it does spoil the relaxing spa mood. Meena and I talked the whole time, which was very fun and more relaxing to me than any scented candles. If you need to feel like a pampered princess with soft music and candles, this isn't your place. If you need a good waxing, Annahita is the place to go. read more