I went here after sitting on a gift certificate for wayyyy too long from my man. I've become that girl who finds it hard to schedule a prolonged amount of time to do something nice for herself. This, my friend, must change! I had scheduled myself an hour long massage with Theresa on a Saturday afternoon. She greeted me with open arms and a smile after my little bike trek to the salon. She has so much passion for what she does, (being a nurse, an advocate for community health and therapeutic massage) that I really felt comfortable with her. She made it a point to let me know it was "ok to let go" of anything that was bothering me and really helped me breathe in a more relaxed way using yoga techniques. At the end of my massage I wanted to nap. So I did. She let me relax, no rush, my body was twisted and turned and she practically beat the kinks and overcrowded thoughts out of my system. Having someone around you who obviously loves what they do makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Whenever I get a massage I always think "Damn, they must be TIRED!" after I'm done-especially since I feel like I've just ran my body through a car wash after one. I'd definitely go back, as now I'm curious about their beauty services! read more

Need your brows threaded? Maybe you need a facial? Cloud Nine is the BEST!!!! a MUST GO type of place for relaxation & beauty. Alresa is one of the most nicest people I've ever met. I LOVES this place. read more

Two thumbs way up for Alresa! I've been to plenty of other places in the area, but Alresa's techniques is just outstanding. First of all, it's always going to hurt, but Alresa has a great technique that dramatically reduces the sting. She also doesn't rush through the process, greatly reducing the amount of breakage and ensures the greatest amount of hair extractions. She also take great care of cleaning afterwards, unlike other places where I walk out with wax sticking to my jeans. Argh! It took me a month and a half to get an appointment with her, well worth it! Plan ahead and I promise it's well worth it. read more

I was late to the 'brow party' game and had my first wax at 37 with disastrous results (not here!) and learned I was allergic to wax and thought "ok no brows for me", but THEN (!) my friend told me about THREADING and this awesome threading ARTIST near me (Oakland/Berkeley border). From my first visit to Cloud Nine/Alresa I was SOLD as my brows looked amazing (people commented!) and NO allergic reaction. Pain free? Well no, beauty isn't free ya'll, she is not selling miracles, BUT it is not_that_bad and if you have latex/wax allergies or sensitive skin you aren't going to walk out of here looking like you were burned with an iron. I would 100% go to an event the evening after having my brows threaded here in the afternoon. Alresa has an artist eye for brows, she can shape them to fit your face - listen to her! She knows best, she'll tell you when you want so much arch you are going to look like a scared rabbit. She also can thread your 'whole face' or any part thereof and it's quick, along with the brows you'll be in/out in 30 minutes (unless you have a beard and sideburns,then for sure book more time). I know I've been coming to A for at *least* 10yrs and for both our sakes I'm not going to do the math, but let's just say that thanks to her my brows STILL look great for a woman of 'age' and she of course is timeless in her professionalism, friendliness, humor and beauty. read more

Really great. Alresa is an absolute professional and very kind. I had no problems with my first time underarm and Brazilian waxes. Loved not having to worry about body hair for my wedding. Now I'm a waxing fan and loyal to Cloud 9! Minus 1 star b/c Alresa is so good, it's really hard to book an evening appointment less than a month out. Not so fun when we're talking hair removal. But still worth the wait. read more

1st time here & I have to say I will be coming back. Very cute salon, and not to mention She did such a good job on threading my eyebrows, my eyes kept tearing up but she was so sweat about it, my skin is very sensitive. She did a wonderful job and I thank you. See you soon read more

Cloud Nine - It's a small cute place - Hair Removal Near Me - Oakland, California

Extreamly happy i found Alresa!!! I moved recently from Walnut Creek to emeryville so the commute to get my brows done has been a challenge. I'm VERY VERY picky about my brows and she went above and beyond expectations!!! A now forever client to her!!!! P.s. her threading skills are on point she's quick and very OCD about every hair and placement I HIGHLY recommend her!!! read more

When I moved to the Bay Area a few years ago my eyebrows were abused for the first few months (I lost half of my left eyebrow and was convinced it would never grow back). Alressa is always booked (probably because she's so amazing) and I'm terrible at making appointments ahead of time, but I will wait out a month with unruly eyebrows to make sure my brows are under her care. I LOVE thick but well shaped brows and was told for years I couldn't achieve the shape I wanted. Going to Alressa in the past few years has finally made it happen! The length and arch of my brows is now perfect for my face and aesthetic. She is also just a really kind and funny human. I typically dislike small talk, but conversations with her never feel forced. read more

Alresa is so great. I'm usually such a p***y when it comes to getting mine waxed, but she somehow takes the pain away! I dig the no-nonsense, get down to it style she has going on there. Minus one star, however, for the online booking service Cloud 9 has for their appointments. It charges you a dollar for using it... sheesh. read more

I love visiting Alresa. She's super sweet and always remembers what's going on in your life, and she's laugh-until-you-cry funny. It takes what could be an awkward and painful situation and turns it into a fun experience. And she's good and thorough, too! Finding just the right esthetician is a personal journey. Maybe Alresa's not the right woman for you, but there are a lot of us who adore her and won't go anywhere else. read more

I have been getting my eyebrows threaded by Alresa at the Brow Lounge and Cloud Nine for almost 5 years now. She is so kind and her calming energy is amazing. I recently got an amazing facial from Alresa and have also had a pretty painless brazilian. I would reccomend her services to anyone. LOVE HER!! read more

Alresa is amazing! She really makes a bikini wax experience so comfortable and relaxing. Yes, I said relaxing! Yes, she is hard to get an appointment with but plan ahead, schedule online. Well worth the wait! read more

I think I made Erin go first. I won't go to anyone else from now on, I swear. I've had Alresa wax and thread but because I'm so uncomfortable crying in front of other people, I've asked her to stick to waxing for the most part. Alresa is very gentle and there's no need to feel self conscious with her. Alresa, thank goodness we've found you! And did you know her mom is Cloud Nine's massage therapist? If only my mother... Yelpers, keep on stopping by and don't forget to post your positive reviews! read more

I gotta 2nd all of the compliments to Alresa - she's amazing! Easy to talk to & very patient, knowledgeable, and skilled. After she finished I couldn't stop staring at my eyebrows - I'm definitely going back! read more

What can I say about this hidden treasure in Oakland, it's an awesome getaway. Alresa is so nice and caring, especially to those newbies to "threading." I recently had my first experience with threading and Alresa made me feel so comfortable, it was a bit painful, but so is waxing, so I can't really tell you which on is better. (I will let you know in a few weeks, because threading is suppose to last longer than.) I will tell you that I didn't get the redness from waxing which was nice, and she also spend the time with cleaning up, cutting and tweezing. I also got a 60min massage with her mother Theresa, she was so nice and comforting. Very relaxing and professional!!! Not only does this place offer threading, waxing, and massages, but facials as well. Also their prices are reasonable, which is great, you feel like you really can treat yourself to something nice every once in awhile, without shelling out an arm and a leg. read more

Three words: Painless Bikini Wax. I've never thought there was such a thing, until Alresa showed me the way. Cloud Nine is a tiny little place, right under the highway bridge. It's solely owned and operated by Alresa, who grew up in Oakland and was a former model in NYC. Aleresa is kind and easy-going and makes an awkward thing such as a bikini wax actually comfortable. read more

Alresa is AMAZING and earns MORE than just 5 stars but alas that's all that there is to give. I went for my first brazilian and I was petrified and talking a mile a minute. Not only did Alresa put me at ease, warn me when it was going to hurt more than other, she was so calm while doing it i was put at ease. her wax wasn't hot and my skin didn't get irritated. i was smooth, happy and not as awkward as i thought. even though she now knows all of my family history, probably unwantingly. then i went for my threading on my face. she did an AMAZING job here as well. my arches were great. although the threading was a little more expensive than normal but...perfection doesn't come for free. ------------ UPDATE:: I really have to stress how great Alresa is. Even though she's obviously, crazy busy, she always remembers me! I love when people do that, just increases the level and quality of service. Also, she works so hard and yet is always smiling. She must survive on air bc I don't know how else she can get through her day. I really have to commend her on being open so late. It makes my life so easy and less stressful that I don't have to leave work, even though she has sto stay late, which breaks my heart a little since she works so hard. And lastly, Alresa saves me from myself. When I suggested maybe making my eyebrows thinner she said "oh no!" and i thought "hmm they look thick" but when I got home and saw how beautiful and perfect they were I realized I should just never open my mouth and let Alresa do what she is so talented at! read more

Cloud 9 is officially, my new Brazilian wax/threading spot. I have never been a fan of Brazilian waxing but I am going on a cruise in 2 weeks so I had to do it. Alresa provided me with the best waxing experience I have had. She was very meticulous and took her time. Alresa made me feel very comfortable and chatting with her made the whole experience that much better. I experienced minimal pain and that was only on certain spots. I also had my eyebrows threaded and my brows have never looked better. Although, threading is quite painful, the pain was worth the end result. I know I raved about RB threading studio in Burlingame but Alresa's work has caused me to cross the bridge for all my future waxing and threading needs. PS As a young African American woman, it was great to find out that Alresa was also a young African American business woman. She was very professional and genuinely nice. read more

While getting your eyebrows threaded or having a bikini wax aren't the type of activities that I'd associate with anything heavenly, you can have them done at Cloud nine with an end-result that's divine. Besides, if you're in the mood for something more all-around relaxing, you can get a massage there, too! Alresa is a professional who takes pride in her work. As long as I'm stuck in Oakland, I don't plan on going anywhere else for my self-"pampering" needs. read more

After reading all the high reviews, I decided to get my first bikini wax here. It was an OK experience, but I was fairly unsatisfied with the results. Alresa wasn't as friendly to me as everyone said she was. A month later, I went to another waxing place in Castro Valley, and learned what a real five star experience is like. Cloud Nine gets two stars . It wasn't terrible...but I wouldn't go back. read more

Super awesome! Best place for eyebrows, and I've been to so many in Berkeley. Owned and run by the most gorgeous lady - Alresa. She's super nice and makes you feel totally comfortable. Careful when looking for it, the place is tiny and really easy to miss. read more

Oh hell yeah. This place is amazing! Thanks yelpers. Alresa is amazing. I've never met a waxer who really has perfected the art of waxing like she has. read more

I've been going to Alresa for almost 5 years and she is the BEST! I actually found out about her when I lived in Sacramento and drove all the way to Oakland to get my eyebrows done. All the other reviews are right on. She will literally spend 45 minutes on your eyebrows to get the PERFECT! She is also a master at the Brazilian wax. When you think it couldn't be more painful and "humiliating", Alresa talks you through the whole process. :-) I always get compliments on my eyebrows and have to give all the credit to Alresa! read more

Cute, easy to get to location, nice and clean and understated style.... Alresa is chic, puts you at ease, and keeps her appointments running on time. but does not rush you through. It is nice to see someone who can talk about a variety of topics and does this well. This is THE little studio I will go to from now on for all my waxing/threading needs. I feels especially good supporting her small & successful business. She is busy, so make your appointments in advance. read more

Alresa is excellent at brazilian waxing. I just went to see her for the first time because of the consistently good reviews she got in yelp and was truly happy I did. I'm impressed with her skill, the job was done with efficiency and was the least painful I have ever experienced, and I'm telling you... I have had many brazilian waxings done with 4 different professionals. To make it all even better her price is pretty good! So... she is professional and friendly and I left having already scheduled my next appointment. read more

Alresa is the best at brows! I get compliments all the time on my eyebrows! She has been doing all of my waxing for over 10 years and I always look forward to my appointments with her; she is so sweet and gentle! I have a lot of respect for her professionalism and work ethic. She is also fun to talk to and real; we have a lot of laughs! My eyebrows and I miss her a lot during the shelter-in-place and I know her business will continue to be successful after it is lifted. If you need some hair maintenance when this is all over, go see Alresa at Cloud Nine or The Brow Lounge! read more

There is a reason Alresa at Cloud Nine Salon has a unanimous five-star rating: she is the friggin best. I haven't been to her in a couple of years since I moved out of the area, but will always be my favorite esthetician. I get brazilians, which are understandably uncomfortable. Alresa is such a dear she not only takes your mind off of the awkwardness with her dazzling charm and conversation, but her technique is as pain-free as possible. The girl is awesome as a person, a business owner, and a service provider. I always wanted to transition from junk-waxee to friend, but never figured out how to make that leap without sounding like a total creepster. I've never had an esthetician like her since, so do yourself a favor and grab an appointment while you can! read more

I learned about Cloud Nine on Yelp, and I had my brows threaded this week by Alresa. She is an artist & perfectionist! My brows have never looked so good! She asked questions about my personal brow preferences/expectations/brow hopes for the future and then gave a really honest & thorough appraisal before she began her work. I couldn't be happier with the result. I will absolutely be booking with her again. Highly recommended. (note: you can also book appointments with her at the Brow Lounge on College Ave) read more

Alresa is an artist. Her canvass is our ________ ( you fill in the blank!). Her shops are immaculate, her presence is therapeutic, and her work is art. Even if I'm in a crappy mood and feel at my ugliest I walk out of Alresa's shop feeling better and looking great! She is my Brow Diva and I highly recommend her to everyone. When you make your appointment you'll be seen at that time and she doesn't keep you waiting because she's running late or is behind seeing clients. She obviously knows how to run her business and manage her time. Just yesterday I commented to her about how much I like the website she uses. It's fast, easy, and sends appointment reminders (which really helps me out). If you're looking to be pampered by someone who takes pride in their work and really listens to clients call her. You won't regret it. read more

FIVE STARS!!! I didn't completely realize how wrong other waxing studios were until I experienced Cloud Nine's Alresa! She showed me how gentle things could be done, no more of that "flicking" to get the wax up like at other places. Cloud Nine is a clean, modern shop. Appointments can be made on-line at cloudninesalon.biz, she will even send a email reminder of your next appointment. Try Alresa at Cloud Nine, she is wonderful!! read more

Ummm... I don't understand how this place has an average of 5 stars! I mean the woman was nice... but the place really creeped me out. I had an appointment for a full brazilian, but after seeing the tiny room, dusty stereo, and pot with wax everywhere, I told her to just do a bikini. I really just wanted to leave, but I felt bad since I had scheduled the appointment and everything. Also, she didn't even have the hard wax I love! Never going back there! read more

Alresa revived by eyebrows. She maintains your natural shape and listens to what you are going for.

Alresa is the best! She understands the architecture of the face and how the brows can either create harmony or disruption. She also knows how to work with whatever type of brows you do or do not have! If you are having a hard time with your brows and have had many horrible experiences you need to come to Alresa! The way she does brows will change your life! read more

a week or so before my wedding, i realized i needed some cleaning up. you know, feminine manicuring. so, i called around, and cloud nine was the first to actually return my call. if they could actually give me the time of day, maybe i can trust them with this all important task, right? so, i head in. altresa answers the door, sweet as can be. the place is tiny, but quaint and cozy, almost like going to your best girl friend's place. she's efficient, but extremely personable. she asks me if everything looks okay, and it does. just about as painless as can be. her prices are very reasonable, and their hours are flexible as well. five stars for altresa; i will definitely be back! read more

The Yelp Hype is real y'all.... Alresa is AWESOME!!! As a first timer with the brazillian, I was terrified. She could see the look of fear in my eyes, but knew exactly how to deal with me. She is wonderful, funny person and kept me laughing the whole time. I walked in there a chicken and out of there a woman... I will recommend her to anyone! I will make that drive from the central valley to see her, she is THAT good! read more

it has been a couple of years since i'd gone for a professional eyebrow shaping. i've gotten by with using a brow stencil kit but i felt like it was time for a professional to help. i found alresa through yelp and after reading all the stellar reviews, i booked an appointment. yelpers - you did not steer me wrong. she is fantastic - very professional, friendly, cool and down to earth. what i liked best was that she took the time to examine my eyebrows and discuss options (waxing vs threading) and her recommended brow shape. this is the first thorough consult i've ever had regarding my eyebrows and i appreciated the fact that she took in hair growth direction, thickness, natural shape, etc. soon we started the threading process and after 20 min, we were done. she handed me the hand mirror and wallah -- beautifully shaped and groomed brows. not to thick, not too thin -- just right. she didn't try to pressure me into booking for a monthly or bi-monthly appointment and went with my needs. my next appt is booked for december and her handy e-calendar system already sent me a confirmation email/appointment reminder :) her shop is clean, relaxing, cozy, comfortable, and pleasant. it's also conveniently close to the freeway and parking is decent. read more

Believe it, Alresa is the best for brows and brazilians. I've been to other 'highly acclaimed' waxers around town and was disappointed. Alresa exceeded my expectations - thanks yelpers! read more

I went to see Alresa at her comfy Cloud Nine this past weekend based on the reviews I read here, and the proximity to my house. The last place I went to totally butchered by brows (hehe, that reminds me of the next review I have to write...), so they had been in recovery mode for a while, and were pretty scary. Alresa analyzed my face, explained to me that my current brow shape didn't complement the shape of my face, and explained what she wanted to do to fix that. She definitely knew what she was talking about, and whipped my brows into shape, spending about 45 minutes on perfecting them. It's been a long time since I've been so happy with the results. She waxed them, although she kind of explained threading to me and we ruled it out for me, since I'm not that sensitive to the wax. Alresa is very sweet and very professional and very intelligent, and I can't tell you how refreshing it is to find someone local who you want to go back to over and over again. She's the kind of person who you are so glad has their own business and you want them to do really well, and can see that they will because they're so good at what they do. Also: special thanks to her for calling me back quickly and taking me as her last appointment of the day on a Sunday, later than her posted hours. read more

I have been goin to Alresa for over a year now and she is amazing. I would never let anyone else ever touch my eyebrows. She is very professional, kind and takes her time. My eyebrows are always on point. I cant recommend her enough. read more

Alresa is wonderful. I just went for the first time after reading great reviews of her on Yelp. I'm from LA and my trip up north lasted longer than expected so I decided to look for a good place to get my brows shaped. She runs the place herself and has a very cute shop with a wonderful store front. She spent close to 45 minutes on my eye brows and chose to use the threading method vs waxing because my hairs are short from tweezing. I had never had done threading, though I've heard rave reveiws. It is a bit more painful than waxing only b/c you you feel every hair coming out...but definitely barable and worth it. She is a self described perfectionist and did an amazing job. I would definitely go back and hope to be able to make it the next time I'm in town for a visit. Highly recommended. read more