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

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

Great spa! Highly recommend it. Prices are better than Southern Cal. See Samara for a deep tissue massage--one of the best I have ever received. Got a bikini wax here as well--gentlest bikini wax ever. read more

Samara is my favorite massage I give her 5 star. Kevin c she does. great job on my musses & stress.

Went there for the first time and I loved it. The place is really nice , clean and cozy.The staff was really courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable. Me and my husband we both had 3 services and bought a couple products, it was also very affordable. Several of their products are natural and cruelty free which is very important to me. Overall a very pleasant experience we are definitely coming back. read more

I get massage on a regular basis and have for years. I recently moved to Petaluma, but I work in Oakland so I have my regulars in Oakland and SF. I decided it was time to find someone conveniently closer to home. I found myself feeling pretty desperate to see someone because I've been suffering from severe stress and my body decided to lock up on me. So I called Soft Shell late one evening and they were able to get me in the very next day. Btw, this place should be called spa michelle because there are 4 michelles that work there! Michelle Lynne did an amazing job. I had 90 minutes of relaxation and deep tissue. My headache is gone and my tension feels less than before. What I liked about Michelle Lynne's massage was that she listened to me. I told her what I was needing, what my problem areas were and she got them all. Many massage therapists neglect to do the legs very well and she did some amazing stuff to my legs......i think my eyes rolled to the back of my head a coupla times. I seriously have never had a great leg massage like that. Also, she managed to iron out the knots pretty good in my back. Stress and workouts made for some serious ouch so she really worked em out good. And the scalp. I love having my head massaged. Good stuff. Highly recommended. And for you men out there that are afraid that your massage therapist ain't tough enough for you........go see her. Seriously. 90 minutes for $89. I'm going back. There's a warm feeling in this place. I used to own a spa and it felt much like my old place. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly and I very much enjoyed my experience at Soft Shell. read more

Went to Rebecca for a brazilian wax and she did an INCREDIBLE job. She's friendly, priced right and above all KNOWS what she's doing. The wax is soft so SIGNIFICANTLY better than the nail parlors. Rebecca also gave me some tips on follow up things I can do. WILL BE BACK! read more

soft shell was my favorite massage place I miss going there samara was my favorite my message person I wish I can go back I cant because I am on tight budget every week read more

I needed a Brazilian wax last minute....I called at 11am and I asked if I could be seen at 11:30 am - no problemo! Emily waxed me, and being experienced at waxing myself, I thought she did an excellent and thorough job. She even got the tweezers out for the stubborn hairs the wax couldn't get! I was very impressed, and will definitely be back again. One of the main reasons why I went was because they were open on Sundays, as most places that do hair removal/waxing are not, but I am very happy to have stumbled upon this hidden gem regardless. Great service, and great attitudes. Thanks again! read more

Cory is fantastic. As a certified Italian, we need to be on a real personal basis with our waxers and she was great. So friendly, well trained and makes you feel totally comfortable. Definitely going back! read more

Had a warm stone massage yesterday with Michelle F. I've had a neck/shoulder issue for a long time. She really listened to my needs and gave me extra attention to my neck. I've had lots of services at Soft Shell and have always been happy. Highly recommend them. read more

i had my first real massage here when i was 19. i don't remember if it was a gift or i just wanted one finally. but i went and Michelle (i think) gave me the best massage ever! for over a year i went almost every payday. it was the best thing i could for myself besides drugs. nice dark private rooms, good music, and choice of smelly oils. i liked the citrus ones. never had a single complaint. read more

A definite hidden-gem of Petaluma. Michelle, the owner, is absolutely fabulous. She has worked out the damage in my "hairdresser's muscle" in my shoulder/neck and gives a fabulous full-body massage. They also carry Bare Escentuals.. which means you don't have to drive to Marin or Santa Rosa.. and can support a local business!! read more

Reasonable prices and wonderful staff. Highly recommend getting a facial from Emily. She has magic hands. I will definitely be going back to Soft Shell when I'm in Petaluma. read more

Joy gave me a facial and did an excellent job. I had just gotten home from school after finishing finals, so I was breaking out. The facial she gave really helped and was awesome!! Highly recommend!! read more

I love Maria.She is so wonderful and really has that healing gift. Highly reccomend

Had the best facial from Joy...... Can't wait to go back. Soft shell is clean and plenty of quality products to choose from.

I just left Soft Shell after an eyebrow tinting and waxing. I ADORE how they look! For the past few years, I've tried to do it myself and there is NO comparison to having them professionally done. Maria is as sweet as sugar with whipped cream on top -- she will treat you right! I have to say that I will never attempt to do them myself again. I've found my new home. The shop has adorable accessories, too, and unique items. I can't wait to go back for a facial. read more

I travel a lot for work and have been to salons all over the country. Maria is the best when it comes to waxing, especially eye brows! She is very kind and listens to exactly what you want. She was great about making sure that she doesn't miss a spot when doing my legs. She shaped my eye brows to perfectly match my face and the natural shape. Maria is truly fantastic. read more

My first time comming to this location was a last minute thing on my schedule to get waxing done. The only location still open and took me in! Darice is just wonderful I recommend her but as well I have not had the other ladies but I bet they are wonderful as well. I recommend this place. prices are great read more

I moved from San Francisco to Petaluma last year and they saved my eyebrows! My salon in the City made me feel pressured to try to grow out a certain part of my brows but it never filled in and never looked good. When I came to Soft Shell they immediately fixed them and I've been happy ever since. I also love their higher-end Jewelry that consists of small beautiful, stones strung on thin, delicate chains. They are super simple but gorgeous. I live in SF again now but I still come to Soft Shell to get my eyebrows done! read more

They do the job and no fuss. I get a basic service, In and Out and I'm good! Not fancy....but excellent service and results... :)

It's never a lovely experience having your Bikini line waxed but I can actually say this was a lovely experience! Claire was super efficient, friendly, helpful and made it all so much less painful! Highly recommend this adorable little hidden gem of a salon! Great service, great treatment - next time I need to go for a facial! Thanks so much Claire! read more

I have been searching for a while now for a place to get a great Brazillian wax. My search is over! Rebecca is fantastic! She made me feel completely relaxed and made the experience as pleasant as this experience can be. I will definitely be seeing Rebecca again, and I am looking forward to trying their other services. read more

I frequent Soft Shell to get massage with Michelle Lyn. She gives the best massage!!!! Whenever I leave my spine, joints, and sore muscles feel so rejuvenated. Her skilled massage technique and philosophy are earthy, healing, real, and inspired. read more

I have used Soft Shell in the past for waxing and was always happy with the results. I recently went back to Soft Shell for a massage (60 minute Lavender massage) and it was one of the best massages I have ever had. Camille Torres did a great job, even though I wasn't supposed to be her client (my masseuse had taken another client who had erroneously identified themselves as me). She used the perfect amount of pressure, was very considerate, and made me feel great. I would highly recommend the massage at Soft Shell. read more

I had a wonderful visit, with a deep tissue massage and leg wax. If you are on the road, and need a break, give them a call. I got an appointment for the next day, and walked out refreshed. read more

Cory is awesome!! I've been seeing hercfor a few years now and really enjoy her (as much as you can enjoy getting a Brazilian) she makes you as comfortable as you could be given the situation. read more

Fantastic facial!! Skin and I both feeling completely pampered! Arnica, my esthetician, was terrific. She was very knowledgeable and had a very healing touch. read more

I almost don't want to leave this great review for soft shell and michelle lynn who is a massage therapist there so i can get appointments My wife and i have been getting massages from michelle for almost ten years and she is great. I ski and mountain bike and often have injuries needing attention, and her technique makes a difference immediately. Great person too! If you need a real massage she is who you want. read more

I'd never been to this spa before, I'd always walked by it and bought things from the store but never had a chance to get anything done there. I received a gift certificate here which was a perfect excuse to check it out. The store is cute and has a lot of nice things in it. There is makeup, skin care, hair care, "intimates", soaps, essential oils, clothing, jewelry, and candles. I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting. It's also very cramped and I kept walking into things at every turn. The carpets are also kind of dirty and the shelves a pretty dusty for the amount of people who work there. The items are all crowded onto the shelves like they couldn't decide what to order so they got it all. I feel like there are some great products that get lost in the chaos. I got a much needed pregnancy pillow massage from Joy which was amazing! The pregnancy pillow massage had me lying on my side while she worked on my back, at the end she had me propped up so she could work on my feet and arms and neck. She was great at making sure I was comfortable and could handle being propped, she offered to modify it if I needed to be on my side the entire time. She was really attentive and focused on the places I needed worked the most. My upper back and hands were bothering me that day and after she took care of my back I slept better than I'd slept in months. I did have to keep reminding her that she could use more pressure on my back. My only problem was that the massage room was so tiny that she kept walking into things. The girl working in the room next to me had the same problem because she kept dropping things which was not relaxing. It also was deathly hot in there and I kept sweating which wasn't comfortable, I'm sure it's just because I was 8.5 months pregnant at the time and hot all the time. I felt bad asking her to turn the heated bed off and run the fan but she was really understanding. read more

This place is great and a true asset to Petaluma! I have gone here several times for facials and waxing and have had great expiriences each time. The esticians are awesome and very knowledgeable. My only complaint is that the front desk staff could be a bit more polished. read more

I go here regularly for facials and waxing. Been to many spas in my life, and this one is unpretentious, fair priced, and does absolutely great work! All the people are super nice, and they also have a lot of great natural products. Highly recommend. read more

Lauren gave me the best deep tissue massage I have had in at least the past two years. The room was warm and cozy. I definitely plan to return! Friendly reception. Large retail section, fun for browsing and finding gifts. read more

Located right in the heart of downtown Petaluma, this little gem appears from the front as a hippy beauty salon complete with wind chimes for sale out front. As a guy, the store front kind of put me off from entering because it is highly catered to females in terms of products and the ambiance. With that being said, I'm sorry I waited so long to go in for a massage because I've never had a bad massage here and I am up to around 8-10 at this location. The rooms are dark and quiet and the masseuses are attentive and skilled. Will definitely come back here again. read more

Soft Shell is my go-to place for massages in Petaluma. I particularly like Chandell and request her whenever possible. I tend to tense up during massages because I'm ticklish on my back, but she does such a great job of relaxing me and reminding me to relax throughout the massage, not by saying anything but by simply taking deep breaths herself. She is very zen and always works out the crazy amount of knots in my back. Last time I made the mistake of waiting until the last minute to make an appointment so I just took whoever was available and the girl (don't remember her name) just was no where near as good as Chandell. I haven't had any other services or bought any products from here, so my review is strictly for the massages. read more

Went in here to just get a refill of my favorite Bare Minerals face powder. Came out with an extra sample that the owner grabbed me. So Nice, Thanks for that. I also ended up buying this organic lotion, coconut tangerine, AMAZING. I have sensetive skin and am still amazed by how soft my feet are. Love it, cant wait to go back for the pineapple one! Which the owner even made a special note to order in stock. All in all great visit with great service!! read more

Gotten a couples massage there 2 times in the last few mo and couldn't be happier. They are professional and affordable. After the massage I always feel great. Thank you! We will be back. read more

I went to soft shell to purchase make up. Vibe was so relaxing I didn't want to leave. The girl at the front desk was very helpful and answered all my questions I had. I was impressed! I received a gift certificate for a massage for christmas and now I can't wait to go back for my massage. read more