I've never had such an awful experience with a facialist in my life as I did today. I was scheduled with Laurinda; I've never met her nor had I been to the spa. When I walked in there was no introduction or greeting, she immediately asked me who I was seeing and I didn't remember her name since it was my first time there. She laughed when I said I didn't know and then asked if I needed the bathroom. I said yes, and turned to my left (which was the treatment room) and her response was extremely condescending about that not being the bathroom. Again, I've never been there. A quick "hello, my name is Laurinda, this is where you will receive your facial today" is all it would've taken. It was a very negative first impression. About ten minutes into the facial treatment she ripped my nose hoop out and claimed she didn't know I had it. It's a large gold hoop, it's very obvious. Most facialist ask me to leave it in because with it out, my skin is technically "open" and it's a liability, so I was relying on her professionalism to handle that request. She didn't apologize but just stated, "If I would've know that was there I'd have asked you to take it out." If she would've introduced herself to me at the start of my appointment and looked at my face, she would've seen my nose hoop. But somehow it was my fault. I'm a little worried that she was less than foot from my face during the treatment and claimed she couldn't see it. Ten minutes later she proceeded to rip out my earring on my right ear. She then blamed that on me (again) saying that my earrings were weird because they had a back post. I'm pretty sure 95% of earrings have posts. She then proceeded (without my permission) to aggressively rub my ears. I asked her to stop because it hurt and she said "I'm trying to feel your earrings to understand what I'm working with." I realized when I got home that my ear was actually bleeding. Overall, the whole experience was extremely uncomfortable and quite frankly painful at times. I regret not leaving sooner. This was a Mother's Day gift and it left me more stressed and upset than when I walked in. When I left the treatment room after getting dressed she was no where to be found. 0/10 for customer service. read more

Jen is amazing and is so talented at what she does. If you're looking for a spa that cares about the products/ingredients that they use and the services they provide, then this is the place for you! It's always such a treat when I am able to come in! read more

Celia is a GEM. I scheduled myself for the signature facial. This was my first time at Oakes and Alder. It is a cute little place with plenty of free street parking around. When coming in, the place was warm, inviting and clean. We went into one of the rooms and once I was settled, Celia looked over my skin so she could tailor my skin to what products she was going to use for this service. I am on Accutane (Isotretinoin) so my face was on the dryer side. She talked me through what she was putting on my face and checked in to make sure I felt fine and not irritated with any products. She also gave a face and neck massage which was just what I needed. Overall, it was a relaxing experience and would go to her again for multiple services. She does waxing, dermaplaning, microneedling, LED therapy, eyebrow tinting and lash lift on top of doing these amazing facials. She has years of experience and to top it off, she is hilarious, kind and caring. Go see CELIA NOW! read more

Oakes & Alder - This room is super relaxing and it's perfect with the vibing music and mood lighting. - Waxing Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Here is the email I just sent to Oakes and Alder: Hello. Today I attended a 90 minute massage with Laurinda. About 50 minutes into the massage, she moved from my neck down to my left leg. I noticed that the deep pressure felt on my neck became surprisingly light and she had one a on me instead of two. She was working on my inner thigh. I also felt a light rhythmic bounce of the table. I looked up and saw the blue screen of her phone reflecting on her face. She was texting. I said "are you serious?" And she gently told me it was an issue with security and the front door. She said because there isn't someone to cover the desk she was making sure somebody locked the door. She asked me if I understood and then I told her I was very uncomfortable with her being on her phone with one hand on me and while I was naked no less. She asked me if I wanted her to stop and I said yes. She said it would be no charge, apologized and then I burst into tears. She left the room. I got dressed and left. To be clear, in my mind, there is no part of this that was acceptable. If there is a front door issue, then that is some thing that should be addressed so that a therapist does not need to be on their phone mid massage. And if this is not the case, it is just bottom line unacceptable to assume it is OK for any practitioner to have a phone on in the room during a treatment. This was the first time in well over a year that I have tried to have a massage. My husband died five months ago, and I've been carrying around a world of stress. This was an appointment that I made in an attempt for self-care and I am extremely disappointed in how much it feels like it backfired. I have literally not been touched in by anybody in months and months, and this was an attempt at working through some of the muscle tension and grief that I have been storing in my body. I find the use of phones in this space not only a privacy issue but also potentially dangerous. A practicioner, especially with hands on a person's body, should not be multi-tasking while treating. I'm not sure if this is an industry issue but I am certainly done with massage. I hope you will address this at your studio. Lucie read more

I have to come on here to reiterate... Celia is a true gift! I am coming up on my one year facial-versary... can we believe?? My skin has improved in ways I didn't know were possible. I always get horrible acne around my period but it has reduced so much and heals in record speed any time I see her. My skin is brighter and, although I'm happy to embrace my 30s, I feel truly blessed that she is helping me stay hydrated, appropriately exfoliated and prepared (spf check points) I'm writing this yearbook post because I just spent a week+ in Texas and I can't tell you how many compliments I got on my skin.... I'm talkin daily... and not just small compliments, people were wanting to conversate about my skin... I was almost embarrassed from the attention but was like ...let me tell you about my esthetician Follow her insta to see when she is taking clients... esthetics.by.celia read more

Oaks & Alder has to be the cutest spa in Tacoma! Celia is the AMAZING esthetician who does my waxing. Her attention to detail is incredible. If you're needing more than waxing, she's your girl for facials, too! I've known Celia for years and it's always a treat when I get to see her. She's so much fun and there's never a time that we're not laughing. I can't wait to try Oaks & Alder's additional services (massage this weekend)! If you're in need of a new spa, try them out! read more

I received a Christmas present from my daughter to receive a facial and I was super excited and made my appointment. I show up on the day of my appointment to find out that they had moved my appointment to another day without letting me know for 2 weeks later. The owner treated me like it was my fault without even knowing what the circumstances were so I left. I went to my car and pulled up my appointment confirmation from my email that showed I in-fact had an appointment that night like I said and they wouldn't answer the door. I knocked for about 3 minutes to try and show the owner my appointment confirmation since she tried to make me feel like an idiot by talking down to me when I was in there and then I contacted the person I had the appointment with. The owner goes on to tell my wife that I was being very aggressive banging on the door and making a scene and felt unsafe when that was not the case. I don't know how many men get facials but I felt like I was treated with total disrespect. And for them to say that I was aggressive and they felt unsafe is a total cop out and I'm so offended. I have never been accused of any type of aggressive behavior like they claim in my life. I am a Sales Manager who oversees 10 states and 20 sales people, who I have trained on customer service and how to resolve issues like these. The owner takes no responsibility for her business and has terrible customer service. Worst I've ever been treated in a retail setting. Also this is the first yelp I have ever written and I don't believe in leaving bad reviews but they left me know choice when they started slandering me as a person.. read more

After weeks of blah winter skin I treated myself to a Signature Facial with Celia, who is an absolute gem. The treatment room was cute and cozy, and Celia set some relaxing music and listened to my skin concerns, evaluated my skin condition, and explained to me the products and treatments she would be doing for me (enzyme treatment, mask, extraction, etc.). I was impressed by her in depth knowledge of skincare and products, and her overall skill as an aesthetician. Not only was the facial and shoulder/arm massage SO relaxing and amazing, but Celia was also absolutely lovely and had the perfect balance of fun conversation and skillful work on my skin. She gives the impression that she's been in the industry for decades! I'm so glad I took the time to treat my skin to a facial, now that my dull winter skin is gone I'm glowing again :) read more

Great service. Sugaring and tinted lashes were easy and professional. Calm and clean environment

Had a wonderful massage by Laurinda. It was so relaxing, but she also seemed to read my body and work hard on all my high tension areas. Highly recommend! read more

I am a lash tech at a nearby salon and Jessica is the only artist I'll let do my lashes in Tacoma! They are never glued together and she nails the shape every time, whether they be volume lash extensions or classic. read more

I just had my first sugaring session with Celia & I'm so happy I found her & this spa. Great experience & such a professional & caring person! Recommend for sure! read more

I am so in love with Oakes + Alder! I had my eyelashes done for the first time and Jess was so professional and knowledgable. My eyelashes look AMAZING!! When I wake up in the morning I feel ready for my day with no makeup, ok maybe some gloss on a good day, and I still feel pretty and put together. I get compliments all the time and they are easy enough to care for. Why did I wait so long to do this? I have also been looking for a more local place to get a massage so I was thrilled to find Jen. The entire space is so cozy and has such positive vibes that it is easy to relax, but how is the massage you might wonder? Jen did not disappoint in any way. I have to admit that I have had a lot of massages in my life, I am hard on my body, and she is up on the top! She really listened to my needs and obviously knows her profession well. I immediately booked another appointment. I also have to mention the classes. So many wonderful classes that I wish I could attend all of them. Between dying with natural materials, macrame, natural cold and other remedies, how do you choose?? Thank you for being such a wonderful space for people to share their talents. Oakes + Alder is more than meets the eye, it is a place where woman can go to share knowledge, be educated, find support and feel pretty for many different reasons. You are really creating a special place, thank you! read more

I had my first facial ever and it was perfect! Celia is super sweet & professional. She was extremely knowledgeable and helped out a ton with the targeted areas I've been concerned about, lately. She took her time and I felt really-at home. Great experience, thank you! read more

This is a fantastic spa. I just moved to the area and really wanted to find a calming, friendly, efficient, and good quality place! Oaks and Alder is definitely it! Celia waxed me and was not only professional and skilled, but also super nice and bubbly. Already booked with her again! read more

Celia is an absolute queen, and a master esthetician. Do not sleep on the opportunity to book a facial with her - it was the most decadent, soothing and attentive facial experience I've ever had. My skin felt dewy and oh so glowy after. I am determined to book another appointment with her asap! During the session, Celia made keen note of my skin goals and appointment priorities, and gave me expert product and treatment recommendations. She confidently assessed my skin type, and thoughtfully curated the session accordingly. Let me ya, I felt so cozy and cared for throughout our time together! She gives an incredible temple, décolletage and arm massage. The whole experience was nothing less than magical. I could go on and on, but you should experience it for yourself. Thank you, Celia + Oakes & Alder! read more

Celia is a complete freaking gem of an individual! She makes you feel like a goddess! My skin has never looked better! Beautiful shop super good vibes incredible service! read more

Laurinda is awesome! Check this place out if you have been looking for a professional and high quality experience. You won't be disappointed! read more

Jessica is amazing! She is so talented at lashes and they look so natural too! I have had so many compliments. The space is beautiful and inviting, I always look forward to my visits. I recommend Jessica for any of your aesthetic needs! She doesn't just stop at lashes she does facials, treatments, waxing and microblading too! read more

Celia is the best at facials. She went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable with sanitation practices during this unique time. She did not let that get in the way of creating a true spa experience. I did derma-planning with an LED and my skin has never felt better. Her massage was literally the first time I have been touched in over 5 months! It was so relaxing. I did not expect to be able to enjoy these things the way I used to, but Celia made it even better. read more

Recently moved to Tacoma and was searching for a new sugaring esthetician. Jessel at Oakes & Alder was fantastic! She was professional, fun, and skilled. Definitely my new go to for hair removal! Thanks, Jessel! read more