Joanna is amazing. She puts the therapist in massage therapist. Probably the best massage I've ever had. Will definitely be back. She focused on the problem area I mentioned (my neck/shoulder) just enough without neglecting or rushing through the rest of my body. Pressure level was perfect- strong enough to work on the knots without being too intense. She checked in enough to make sure I was comfortable without being too chatty. read more

I went here years ago and it was great. For some reason, I didn't commit and went about dropping in where ever was close, but I've not found another massage worth returning to. I found my way back to Soft Shell and hit the jackpot with Samara. Everyone involved is great from setting the appointment to leaving the building. I won't stray again! BTW, Samara has impressed me with everything from a relaxing & rejuvenating massage to what I consider almost physical therapy. Always fantastic! read more

I had a facial with Patricia H. and I'm definitely coming back. She is amazing!!! I even bought some lip balm all natural! Thank you Patricia! read more

After years of looking, I finally found a great local spa place and massage therapist! I asked for deep tissue massage and got an actual deep tissue massage. SEBASTIAN was amazing! He applied the necessary pressure I needed to relieve tightness and tension on my neck, shoulders, and back. He periodically checked if the pressure was okay and worked all the problem areas I had. I will definitely go back for a 90 minute session next time. Also got a facial done after the massage. KATALIN was super sweet. I found this place through a Google map search. It had an adorable shop. Everyone was helpful and friendly. I'll definitely go back. read more

I have always loved getting massages at Soft Shell, but the best one I've ever had was from Sebastian. I appreciated that he asked about and really listened to what I wanted to get out from the massage, and it was perfect. I made another appointment with him for a week later. read more

First time ever getting waxed here and second time overall with a bikini... had Molly and she was FANTASTIC! She was very gentle, talking me through the whole thing, and it barely hurt! Her attention to detail was appreciated. Will be coming back for sure. read more

This place is such warm, welcoming haven of positive energy in a stressed-out world. Clare is the only aesthetician I trust with my freaky, easily overgrown eyebrows and her leg waxes are always quick, thorough, and never irritating afterwards. And then there are Michelle W's massages, which are so healing, and she is the only massage therapist I've ever met who knows how to gently move lymphatic fluid, which is particularly important to me, as someone who has had breast cancer. The products carried by Soft Shell are only the best - I love the super rich body butters of the V'tae line, and the Soft Shell papaya creme enzyme polish (facial cleanser) in particular. And then there are all those beautiful, locally-made soaps to choose from - it's the no-brainer one stop shop, for gifts for everybody. So, five stars all around. And, Soft Shell is woman-owned. So, boom. read more

Best Brazilian! Made the mistake of not waiting and getting them in San Francisco (got traumatized) but Rebecca at Soft Shell always makes it better. The other waxer is good as well (I go on random days of the week so it's whoever is available because both waxers are trusted in my book). Did receive a massage as a gift for here. It was after a car accident (bad judgment on my part) but the masseuse said she could help... I ended up in worse shape. But waxing makes up for all! I always recommend them to everyone. read more

I had to go to Rio for work so I got a Brazilion. These ladies rock. Thanks again. read more

My bf and I were in Petaluma for the weekend and I found Soft Shell on yelp. After reading the positive reviews I really talked it up to him and we decided to try it. The lady (I believe the owner) came to us and told us they pride themselves on being on time, but it was 4 minutes after 2 and it would be another 5 minutes before they were ready for us. No problem!! At 2:15, she walked by us, looked at the clock and frowned. A couple of minutes later, we were called into our room. The front desk ladies never acknowledge us, offered an apology or water. Nothing. When it was time to leave and pay and I ask if they could give us a discount for being late the woman said "Are you kidding?" I couldn't believe it! Horrible experience!!! read more

I've had facials in the past and my skin reacted horribly. Peeling, bad breakouts, super irritated. I bit the bullet and decided it give it another try and I'm beyond thrilled with the results. I'm only one day out, and my skin looks amazing! I am quite literally glowing haha. Claire made me feel so comfortable, not to mention she did a fabulous job. Thank you so much!! read more

My husband and I have been here a few times. We are people who like deep tissue and make that VERY clear when booking appointments. Our last massage was very disappointing for both of us. I had to ask the massage therapist several times for more pressure. My husband thought of stopping the massage and asking for someone else. So, if someone from Soft Shell reads this review. Please do not book someone who asks for deep tissue with someone who doesn't provide it. Our previous massages have been wonderful. I am now hesitant to return and willing to try somewhere else. read more

I went to a different eyebrow place a few weeks ago asking for her to thin my brows out just a little and give me a soft arch...I walked out of there with one eyebrow looking COMPLETELY different than the other. I know they aren't twins but my brows didn't even look related. I let them grow out, called Wednesday for an appt and they were able to get me in the next day, thank god because I got two dates coming up and need my brows to be looking clean. I waited for about five minutes which gave me time to just kind of browse the store then Molly took me back. She was so amazing and personable! She explained exactly what she was going to do and just let me know that it may take some time for my eyebrow to kind of be back to where I like it. After she was done I took a look and my eyebrows looked sooo amazing. She fixed them up so well and I was so shocked because I thought my one brow was beyond the point of no return. SO THANK YOU MOLLY FOR MAKING MY BROWS POPPIN AGAIN!! This will now be the only place I got for my brow waxing. read more

I love this place. My only complaint is that it is pricey, but I think that you get what you pay for here. Massages: I've had a few really great massages here. I felt like the atmosphere was relaxing and the masseuses have always done great work. I really can't complain, especially as someone with chronic back pain. I've tried many different places to get massages in Petaluma, and this is one of the best. Wax: The waxer seemed very experienced and was very patient and good at explaining the process. I felt that she took her time to do a good job. The room was a relaxing environment as well. However, it was very pricey - the first time costs more than subsequent. However, having recently gotten a cheap wax, I do feel that it was worth the money. Cosmetics: There's a nice selection of cosmetics and other beauty products including Bare Minerals. There's some cute costume jewelery and other baubles to look at if you are just waiting around for your appointment. read more

So, I'm in town, visiting my sister and it's been like 3 weeks since I've had a lip/eyebrow wax and well, I'm Italian, so....EXACTLY My sister comes here and made me an appointment. When we got there I fell in love with the place. It smelled great, looked great. we were greeted right away and they even took me early. Corey reshaped my eyebrows just the way I wanted them. Well, I told her what I WANTED and then told her to use her judgement as far as what would look BEST on me. She did a wonderful job. She really knows her stuff. She is so sweet too! I recommend Soft Shell and I recommend Corey! read more

Let me start off with the fact that I am a regular at Soft Shell. I have had something done by almost all the workers there and have always been satisfied. Samara is my main lady for who I choose for massages and Arnica is my favorite aesthetician. I have gotten massages and facials but waxing is the main thing I go for. If you are looking for a quick and clean wax (especially a brazilian wax), Arnica is the best. Also, I love the service and I have never come across any issues. I also really the romantic and relaxing vibes that the room decor releases. The pictures they have in the rooms are beautiful. I have gone to other spas and this one tops them all. The customer service, price and results you leave with always be nothing short of wonderful. read more

I went in for a bikini wax with Joy and it was really unimpressive. She seemed distracted and asked me the same question about my family 4 times. That is not customer focused. The bikini wax was the worst I've ever gotten and they charged close to $50 for a 15 min visit. Not going back. Ever. read more

Clare is a wizard. I came in as a last resort with stressed out and reactive skin. She walked me through every product she used and what it would do. She adjusted extractions based on my pain tolerance level and was delightful to talk to. The reason I'm writing this review is because it's the morning after my facial and my skin looks and feels TOTALLY DIFFERENT. Gone are the unwieldy breakout areas. My dryness is replaced with soft, hydrated skin, and my texture is evened out. Thank you, Clare! read more

Sad to say that Soft Shell has lost my business after about 10 years going to them. The lady that made my appointment did not write it down or could not find it and instead of offering solutions (other times for me to come back) she persisted to find who to blame on the staff for the error. When I told her it was her, I had to ask if this meant there was no appointment. Then I had to ask if there were any other times to come back. She was so busy pushing blame she forgot customer service. I can't start a "tranquil" experience if I am met by that attitude on check in. Sorry Soft Shell, your massages and facials are great, but your reception/check in is lacking. read more

Great little day spa! Tucked away on Kentucky Blvd it looks like a store because they have skin products, jewelry and other items in front but the back has (I think) six treatment rooms and they have a number of estheticians and massage therapists. Prices are market rate but nothing like you would pay in spas in Vegas or something less humble... but Soft Shell is a nice little place staffed by nice, truly caring people so whether you are getting a facial for that nice extra glow or a massage for what ails you, you can rely on someone who is genuinely interested in you and not just your wallet. read more

I had a deep tissue massage last week at Soft Shell with Samantha. It was fabulous. It's hard to find a good masseuse, and Samantha was perfect for me. I hope to go back soon for an even longer massage. Soft Shell is dedicated to give their clients a good experience; they really took care of me. read more

I've been to soft shell twice for massages, and I can honestly say that I've received the best massage in town here. Staff is friendly, massage rooms are comfortable and relaxing, and the massage work is 5 stars. I will most definitely be a return customer and I'd recommend soft shell to anyone looking for a high quality massage. read more

Very comfortable and relaxing. Ive been visiting soft shell for 4 years and have been using Chandell as my regular masseuse. I arrived in Petaluma 5 years ago and tried a few massage places in town but settled on Soft Shell because of the friendly staff and quality of the massage. Chandell is very good at using the appropriate pressure to break up the "rocks" in my upper back and shoulders without causing pain which can be a very fine line with me. She is very careful and methodical when performing a 60 minute full body massage which is my regular routine. I've thrown in the hot stone massage from time to time in the winter and it's great! The staff treats me like family when they call to remind me about an appointment a day ahead or when I require immediate attention or changes in appointments. On top of everything else the location is great and pricing is reasonable. They have specials from time to time which seem to be good deals but I'm more of a routine maintenance kind of guy. The only negative I can think of is that a few of the rooms share a wall with a bar in the lanmart bldg which isn't a problem most the time but you can hear some low level noise through the wall Friday and Saturday evenings which can impinge upon tranquility during a massage. read more

Maria is amazing! I had the best facial I've ever had with her, and I didn't even break out after... I've also had waxes with Emily, who does a quick and painless job. Definitely will be back! read more

I have had acne and itchy skin and went to see Kati for a facial. She is an expert in skincare as she studied in Hungary where skincare is taken very seriously. There it is a two year program. She did a fabulous job and will make a monthly visit my new routine. read more

I have been a client of Soft Shell for many years. I am a licensed Esthetician myself and know first hand that all the therapists are exceptional in their profession. They all strive to to provide the best experience and are happy to educate you on post care and suggestions to maintain your results and benefits of their treatments. If you should have questions about any service the therapists are available to answer your questions and concerns and explain post care and proper etiquette for their services. I am always thrilled to treat myself at Soft Shell for all of their services. read more

Truly the best place in petaluma (opinion) super friendly staff(front desk and massage therapist) great products(large selection) You feel like family (at least I did) clean environment (waiting area and massage rooms) best massage and very relaxing(great aroma therapy) highly recommend:) read more

Ask for Connie! She is an amazing Esthetician. Thank you Connie. You truly made my skin feel super amazing times TEN! read more

Soft Shell - My skin still feels amazing! Connie is the best! - Skin Care Near Me - Petaluma, California

Cory is a doll and knows how to deliver excellent service by taking her time and making sure you are comfortable. I got a package deal that included a massage, facial & foot scrub and she delivered to my expectation. The prices are fair and the make up artist is patient and knowledgeable and their bare minerals products. I had a few girlfriends come with me and one of them saw Samara and she was not impressed. Apparently the massage was not that great and there's too much focus on the scalp massage and then she forgot the included foot scrub The five stars is definitely from my experience with Cory read more

I've had massage from 3 different therapists at Soft Shell. My husband has gone as well. All our experiences have been exceptional. I am a trained massage therapist, and practiced for 10 years. I find the therapists at Soft Shell are caring and knowledgeable. They never seem rushed and seem solely focused on me when I'm there. I couldn't ask for anything more. I also buy the pineapple lotion. I've given it several times as a gift, and everyone loves it! The staff are friendly and welcoming. read more

I love this place, all the in house products are amazing. I get regular wax services from Joy who is lovely. she always makes me feel comfortable and dose an amazing job. I will continue going to soft shell for the amazing skin care products and service. read more

This is one of my top favorites for Christmas shopping in Petaluma. Unless you go in and explore, you would not believe the treasures they have stashed here, at reasonable prices too. I've found gifts for the people who are hardest to shop for! Warm scarves, silk scarves, all manner of unique aromatherapy items. The staff is very helpful. The only problem is that I want to keep the things I buy for gifts! read more

Super friendly and professional. One of the best massages we have ever had. Recommend Mishy and Crystal!!

Massages here are great (ask for Victoria - her demenor and technique are perfect for a relaxing massage; she puts you right at ease and you walk out with this stupid, happy smile on your face). And I almost didn't want to tell about them b/c they're so great about last-minute appointments (which I have to make b/c my job is crazy). Prices are actually really fair as well (just around $80 for a 75min massage), and they have a range of massage techniques (hot stone, swedish, therapeutic...) and body masks. I'm a definite return customer for massages. HOWEVER... Do NOT get a brazilian here... I got an appointment last minute (which is great for my schedule), the room is relaxing, but they're almost too prude to do a good one. The best brazilian I've had are with aestheticians who are comfortable with you taking off your pants and just hopping up on the table while they're prepping stuff for your wax. At Softshell, I got a towel to cover myself with, and constant chatting... Plenty of time to change in between (in case I was too embarassed for the woman waxing me to see me... ?). But when I got waxed, it was done way too gently and slowly (I believe that when you get waxed, do it hard and fast so that you only have to do it once). My aesthetician at Softshell had to go over the same parts 2-3 times and the end result was not as smooth or thorough as I've had in the past; and brazilians are just as painful whether u do them fast or slow... read more

Omg probably the best massage ever. I found yelp coupon and was so happy with my massage. They used hot towels for the last part that made me so relaxed! read more

I had a brazilian wax here and the staff is very professional and had no trouble putting me (a first-timer for a full brazilian) at ease. The treatment room was super-clean but still had a warm comfort to it. I would definitely return! read more

I needed a Brazilian wax, I called and they had an opening that hour! Arnica was very nice and easy to talk to. She is very thorough, has very light hands, and uses high quality wax. It hardly hurt at all! I would definitively recommend her!! Excellent price and service, love it! read more

Joy really listened to my skin concerns and fixed it the best she could! I was dry and sunburned, and she used good products for each individual issue. You can see the difference already after just one facial treatment! Couldn't ask for more. read more

If I could give it zero stars, I would! I used to be a die hard Soft Shell fan. I used to go there for massages, make-up, facials, waxing of both brows and my private bits. I loved the employees and the setting. Boy has it changed, and not in a good way. Now, when you walk in the door, it is no longer a tranquil spa-esque setting. It's a jumble of over priced costume jewelry, make up, and other "stuff." The people behind the counter are friendly enough I suppose, but when you've been a customer for nearly a decade, I don't think it's asking much to get a "hello" or dare I say it... A smile. Rebekah is not there anymore, so it thought I would try out a few other people and find the right person for my modified Brazilian. Big mistake... BIG MISTAKE! I've had four more there. The ones with Arnica were pure torture. She left bits of hard wax in a place you don't notice until you get in the shower and wash... Do you know how hard it is to rip off a chunk of hard wax from your own, please excuse the bluntness- asshole??? Let me tell you it's NOT fun. Also, she left additional places with hair that didn't have wax on it at all so I don't know if she's blind or spaced out but not a good experience. I called to talk to the owner and explain what happened and that I wouldn't be coming back. It took her well over two months to "get around" to calling me back. When she did she told me that there were many complaints about her and that she would have a gift certificate for me at the counter for several Brazilians to apologize and to hopefully help me find another waxed there. I should never have been tempted by the free waxes. I tried several other people that were just okay but who obviously didn't have much experience and would forget things like the application of baby powder, prior to wax so that the hair gets stuck to the wax and not the skin. There was another girl who forgot to cool the wax and left red marks that lasted for nearly two days. And then, there was today.... I am not a hairy woman mind you. I actually have fairly little hair down south. But by the way that Mary D. ripped, tore and applied hard wax to places not normally given hard wax... You would think that she was Indiana Jones swathing his way through a thick hairsuit jungle! After the first two rips I was actually in tears. As she had already applied wax to other places I couldn't exactly say thank you but I'm done. The wax had to come off. I was literally BLEEDING when I left. Also, she took of more hair than asked for! I asked for a small landing strip and them everything else like a Brazilian and removed. She left me nearly bald except for a tuft of hair that can only be described as an eighth of a Hitler mustache. On top of it, though I am not a aesthetician, I do know that it is unsanitary to dip the same wax stick back into the big tub of wax over and over again. It's supposed to be a new stick for each swipe - otherwise, if there was any bacteria etc from the clients skin, it won't be contaminating the vat of wax that is used on everyone, To add insult to injury, I was offended when she had the gall to make casual and hurtful remarks about my body, and how I'm more "flappy and floppy" than most women she waxes. She actually said that she thought it was interesting that such a large girl would care enough to wax. How on earth anyone would think that is anything close to appropriate or professional to say is beyond me! Did I mention I was BLEEDING when I left? (I was still bleeding 25 minutes later when I got home.) When I left and went to the counter to hopefully talk to he owner, the service provider wouldn't leave the area (waiting for a tip I presume.) so, I didn't comfortably have the opportunity to talk to her. Not only did she have the owner charge more than I have EVER been charged for a wax there, she loudly stated it was because I was "exceptionally hairy." I repeat, I am not. I will be calling to speak to the owner, but I think I'm going to wait a few days to call her because I am SO mad. Needless to say, I won't ever be back. Not for a wax of ANYTHING, not for a massage, not for any of the Bare Escentuals make up that I prefer. ( I've always been a supporter of local business but from now on I'm taking my ass to the new Sephora in town. No buying from Soft Shell again.) Maybe some of this is my fault, I did in fact willingly go there after I had other bad experiences since Rebekkah left. But no one, I repeat, NO ONE should go in for a wax and leave bloody and in pain. *** UPDATE*** I have small tufts of hair that were not removed in places that it was supposed to be, as well as 5 bloody scabs from where she took skin as well as hair. Also, I made a correction to the post and I have written that it was Maria who did the wax. Maria is a delightful person who has provided good services in the past. Mary DeMartini was my service provider on the day of my day of Soft She'll torture. read more

I just moved to Petaluma and went to Soft Shell for a Brazilian wax. Even though I was late to my appointment, Rebecca was able to do a wonderful, very thorough job in the time allotted. She was friendly, I was totally comfortable, and the waxing was as painless as a Brazilian can be (it's not ultra pleasant, but what do you expect?!). I will definitely be going back to Rebecca the next time I need a wax! read more