The Castro Day Spa

Kim is absolutely amazing. I was able to make an appointment right away, and was able to text her…read morequestions and ask for a specific shape for my Brazilian wax. She is super knowledgeable and said that it would depend on the hair growth (luckily, it worked out!). Her studio is extremely clean, and I felt as if I was in great hands. She had nice music playing, spoke with me to distract from the pain, and was extremely quick and precise with the shaping (thanks to her previous work as a graphic designer). It didn't really hurt at all due to all of her preparation beforehand and after. She even tweezed loose hairs and offered to do the happy trail, both of which I was not offered at other big chain stores. Her services are so cheap for the level of care and expertise she gives you. Definitely will be going to her for all of my waxing needs! Thank you Kim!

Amazing spa - best eyebrow wax I have ever had! She has wonderful facials. The space is very clean…read more I can't wait to go back to see Patina for an appointment.

2.0 mi•Inner Richmond, Laurel Heights

Patina Skin & Wax, a welcoming and relaxing skincare studio for all.

Hi, I'm Kim. Look forward to seeing you for skincare and waxing treatments!

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Wowza...Handsome before and after! Express Facial and Brow Wax

Victoria's Nail Studio

4.7(304 reviews)

Victoria's is still a solid five stars for hair removal!…read more Since my first review over a decade ago, a few things have changed - the studio moved (just a few blocks east, with better parking in my opinion), I've moved (a few times!), I tried laser hair removal (meh), and Dao has upgraded her electrolysis machine (making her process even faster). Through all the changes, my rating and loyalty remains. I can even walk across the street from where I currently live to get waxed instead of driving across the Bay Bridge and halfway across the city to get to Victoria's, but I still prefer Dao! Dao's efficiency, excellent work, affordable prices, and sweet, chatty demeanor keep me coming back. Although my first Brazilian electrolysis session was over 7 years ago, I have only booked/been able to tolerate 30 minute sessions, 1-3x per year. Certain areas of the body have more stubborn hair that requires more sessions, and Dao is very upfront about all of this. A few weeks after each session I notice less and less hair regrowing; there are certain areas where hair has never come back, and the areas that she continues to work on gets smaller and smaller. I look forward to my next session with Dao and I'm thinking I will ask her health/beauty tips, because she doesn't look a day older than the first day I met her!

Great work and nice person. Quality work and respect for patient…read more And nice company, Sadie the puppy.

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May's Beauty Skin Care

4.8(196 reviews)

2.3 mi•Inner Richmond

Amazing place! I have been going for several years for an eyebrow wax. She takes her time and does…read moreincredible work every time. Highly recommend!!! Plus she is just the nicest person!

May was amazing! I got an eyebrow wax with her and she was so kind throughout the process. She…read moreworked quickly but also made sure to take the time to ensure my eyebrows were perfect! Would totally go back again!

Lash lift

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Post treatments. Brows waxed and lashes curled (the little missing gap on my right eye is a previous thing)

European Wax Center

4.3(266 reviews)

1.7 mi•Anza Vista

The fastest waxing experience I've ever had. In and out in 15 minutes every time. Every waxer is…read moreprofessional kind, and genuinely nice to chat with! I highly recommend, I wouldn't go anywhere else!

This was my first time here & I absolutely loved it! I got a full Brazilian wax. Kai is exactly as…read moreshe sounds based on other reviews -- friendly, chatty, and completely nonjudgemental. She constantly checks in to see how I was feeling and the temperature of the wax, etc. Her breathing cues were also very helpful & she set me up perfectly for any & all aftercare. I will definitely be coming back and asking for Kai again :) The front desk staff are also very nice and knowledgable, answered any questions I had about some of the products they had on the shelf.

1.3 mi•Alamo Square, NoPa

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reWAXation

4.7(634 reviews)

Such a good spray tan!! It looks so good and natural. Myiani was so nice and made me so…read morecomfortable. She did an amazing job couldn't recommend enough!! Will be back every month! Thank you

5 stars hands down for both the quality of the waxing services and the amazing experience this team…read moreprovides. I've always been super scared about getting a Brazilian despite my relatively high pain tolerance. I decided to bite the bullet by booking with Erin after a long day at work. In all honesty, she made the experience so much easier and relaxing even despite the pain and discomfort that comes from these waxes specifically. Upon walking in, she instantly greeted me and was super welcoming. I used the bathroom before my wax to calm my nerves and walked into such a pretty and pink glittery bathroom! Not gonna lie, it was a pretty good distraction lol. Like any person would, I was pretty nervous but I decided to go for it because of the results. It was so worth it. It does hurt, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be. Your first wax always hurts the most because obviously you don't know what to expect, but it does get better after the first strip. I have to say though, what really helped ease my nerves was how chill the whole environment was. The staff makes every client feel welcome, and in my case Erin was super friendly, thorough, and overall such a vibe. It made the entire experience feel a lot less intimidating. They also have complimentary snacks and drinks and initially I passed on them because of how nervous I was, but after my session, best believe I ran to the snack station. As an SF native, I am proud to say that I will be returning to reWAXation as a regular! I am so glad I found this gem. Thank you to Erin and the team for making this experience so much less daunting and a bit more fun!

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Salon makeover!

Hong Kong Mona Hair Studio

4.8(152 reviews)

2.6 mi•Inner Richmond

My new go-to place for haircuts! I have long, thick hair and my haircut was about $30 - not…read moreincluding wash & style. Usually other places charge me double and cut more than I want. I love that it's so affordable and not too far from my workplace. Mona always cuts it at the perfect length that I say, and never more than I ask. I always leave happy with the results. Highly recommend! CASH ONLY & metered parking. Highly recommend booking an appt via phone.

WOW! I got a $25 haircut here and it took less than 30 minutes. This did not include wash and style…read morebut I was okay with that! Mona was super sweet and has been cutting hair for 20+ years. I made an appointment via the phone about a week ago. CASH ONLY!! Will definitely be returning back here.

Hours

Haircut

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Hair highlights

HL Organic Skin Care

4.5(37 reviews)

2.1 mi•Inner Richmond

Helen gave me my first spray tan ever! I found her by looking on yelp and saw the great reviews…read morepeople left. I'm leaving for Mexico tomorrow and for the last two weeks I've been sick, haven't worked out, haven't eaten well, I figured a spray tan might make me feel better about my upcoming trip. I was pretty nervous and I didn't know what to expect, but Helen was so sweet and made me feel very comfortable. Comfortable enough to just wear small disposable underwear and let her work her magic! My tan looks so good and so natural and she gave me very clear instructions on how to take care of it. I highly recommend going here to get a spray tan. I will definitely be back and definitely be recommending this place to others.

Just left HL Organic Skin Care--my skin's glowing after a Bright Skin Facial with Helen! She's very…read morewarm and professional, her products are high quality, and her space is clean and conveniently located. This is going to be a new part of my routine, highly recommend!

Window display.

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Eminence Organic products.

Ultimate Hair & Face Figure Salon

4.5(53 reviews)

2.2 mi•Inner Richmond

Maureen has been taking care of my hair for decades. I have her phone number, so wherever she goes,…read moreI follow. So right now she is Ultimate Hair salon. This place is located on Clement, between 3rd and 4th avenue. Plenty of parking!!! Meters, and if you are lucky to score a free spot on the avenues... The place is bright and clean. I like to call ahead and make a reservation, a perm usually takes 3 hours. With Maureen, she knows my hair texture and how I like my hair to be cut, so I don't end up with frizzy hair! I like the fish tank, huge koi are swimming in there.

Love this place. My gal Maureen does an amazing job on my here everytime. Prices are great too…read more Such a. Relax place. You must see her.

Face-framing layers

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Prices as of 5/29/19

Salon Belle Linda

4.1(440 reviews)

2.4 mi•Inner Richmond

This has been my neighborhood go-to for a few years now! The staff is welcoming, quick, and does…read moreexcellent work. The salon is clean, comfy, and cute. I always get gel manicures and pedicures; this is the only salon I've found that my nails aren't damaged or chipped after weeks of wear. Tre and Helen are my girls and I'm thankful to have found them, they take pride in their work, are kind, and make great recommendations for colors. Thank you ladies! I see a couple reviews complaining about regulars getting special treatment, the fact that they have so many regulars is a testament to their work. There are multiple salons in the area but there's a reason a lot of us choose this one. Pro tip: call and make an appointment, they will fit you in. If you vibe best with a certain technician, you can request her.

If you go to Salon Belle Linda, ask for Tia! I've been coming here for years, and she's seriously…read morethe best. She's a true artist! Just show her a picture of what you want, and she'll make it happen. She's so talented, patient, respectful, and professional. Her attention to detail is amazing, and her prices are very reasonable. My nails last so long, and I always get compliments! I honestly want to gatekeep her, but she deserves the recognition. Love her work! Highly recommend Tia!

Gel manicure with Tia

Uneven

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Tia is my favorite and does an amazing job every time.

Bewitched Wax And Sugar Studio

5.0(6 reviews)

2.6 mi•Inner Richmond

I've been seeing Briana for my brows for years, and she is honestly the best! She is a true artist,…read moredetailed and so sweet! Her kindness and salon vibes are a huge plus. Always, happy to see her for eyebrows and all other wax related services!

Briana is great - I highly recommend! I've been looking for a new eyebrow place and lucky me,…read moreBriana is in the neighborhood. I came in with out-of-control brows and she made them beautiful!! I will continue to come back. It's a cute suite as well.

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Carol F.

17 years ago

i met sandy before she started her own business in '89 at a different spa in the castro. she moved from there, across the street to another place, i followed her. when she moved from there to the second story on the corner of 19th and castro, to an office of her own, i happily followed her. ten years later i left san francisco and whenever i come home, i make an appointment with her because, though i've searched in all the places i've lived since then--new orleans, milwaukee, portland, oregon--i haven't found anyone who can do a facial like sandy. she knows exactly what products to use on my difficult skin, cleans me up, hydrates me, and gives me an hour and a half of pure relaxation. she's as good as it gets, for sure. plus, she's hilarious. read more

Denise S.

877

16 years ago

As for the comment below here is what is stated on the Castro Day Spa's web site and written brochure: About Your Appointment All spa reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. In order to make your spa experience as relaxing and enjoyable for you as it should be, we do not practice "double booking". Instead, your scheduled appointment time will be held just for you. For this reason, we require a 24 hour notice if you are forced to cancel. Should you cancel with less than 24 hour notice, your credit card will be charged for the missed treatment. read more

John C.

12 years ago

The Castro Day Spa is a wonderful place where you can go to relax and feel revitalized. The environment is really pleasant and well taken care of. You walk-in and are greeted in such a welcoming manner that you can already start to feel that extra spring in your step. And Sandi...allow me to gush. She is just the most charming, funny, kind person you would EVER want to meet, let alone give you an incredible facial! I have been coming back to her for years and plan to continue for years to come. In short - this place is a gem. read more

NATHAN M.

20 years ago

I was recommended to Sandra by one of her sisters who is a patient of mine. Sandra is the owner of the Castro Day Spa and the main esthetician(I don't know how to spell it). I am very particular about my skin, and have had numerous bad experiences (bad eyebrow wax, no black heads removed, not gentle) with different esteticians. Sandra was wonderful! She was gentle, explained everything she was going to do, got every black head on my face (I don't know how she did it) was fun and I see her every 6 weeks for facials. read more

Nancy F.

11 years ago

I LOVE The Castro Day Spa - I have committed to coming in once a month for a facial, brow shaping and lash tint. I feel like I'm aging backwards without resorting to surgery or injections. Sandi is an expert and only carries quality products. Do yourself a favor and let her pamper you in the day spa, truly a transformative experience. read more

The Castro Day Spa - skincare - Updated October 2026

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Retreat is wonderful! I've been going to Michelle for skin facial services for the past 1.5 years…read moreand my wife has been going here for the past 2 years and both of our acne and rosacea have significantly improved. They also support other local businesses by offering Lira products. Their products and techniques are great. Michelle asks holistic questions about health to really get to the root of the issue which I really appreciate. The vibe inside is very cute, bright and welcoming. They often host special events throughout the year too to get the community together. Highly recommend you support this LGBTQ+ owned business!

I've been getting my facials, eye lash perms (lifts) and brow waxing for 5 years now. I only use…read moreLora because of Kim & Michelle. The Mystiq Iluminating Polishers clears my pores. The ambiance is always comfortable, the art brings personality. Recommend your friends, everyone needs a SPA DAY.

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I got a lash lift here and was very happy with the results. It lasted 6-8 weeks, (well worth!!)…read moreespecially for the very reasonable price. I will definitely be back.

Been going to Sussana for a few months now for Brazillian waxing. Also had my collagen facial…read moretreatment arms and legs waxing done with her. She is detail oriented and knowledgeable about her work. She has one of the lowest prices with excellent services that she delivers. Would highly recommend going to her for facial and waxing services.

Candice Sardella Skin Care & Wellness

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Candice is exactly the kind of aesthetician I have been looking for…read more I've struggled with acne for the last 12 years and had not been able to control it nor give my skin the nutrients and moisture it needs (acne regimens can be so drying and harsh). When I met Candice and saw her glowing skin, I knew I was in the right hands. She showed me a cleansing and moisturizing method of only natural ingredients and sent me home with a toner, face balm, face oil, and scrub. Her toner is life changing. Her face balm is life changing. These two products are the only products I've ever used that have effectively addressed acne while also calming my sensitive skin and providing intense moisture.

My friend recommended Candice. As her studio is close by in Potrero Hills I had my first…read moreappointment yesterday. One thing is for sure: I will be back! Candice is not only a good esthetician, she gentle and precise and the studio atmosphere is relaxing, light and welcoming. One more thing: Candice does not try to sell you products or change you to her preferred line. When asked, her advice seemed genuine and honest. I can only recommend her.

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Alessandra is the absolute best!! I've been seeing her for facials consistently over the past 6…read moremonths and my skin looks amazing. I've even had several people compliment me :) I look forward to my appointments and always leave feeling refreshed and glowing. I've also received amazing product recommendations from Alessandra. 11/10 would recommend her to anyone!!

Alessandra is simply the best. I recently had a facial at her cute spa, and couldn't believe how…read moreshe transformed my skin! I went in with a tired dry old face and walked out dewy and glowing! She is gorgeous and so fun to talk to. She is so knowledgeable about skin and has such a passion for what she does! I highly recommend her!

Rejouvenance

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•$$$

kudos, my friend! I got a nice, thorough underarm waxing here yesterday and they were able to take…read moreme as a walk in. This makes for a nice experience! Good value too.... an under $20 waxing is one to keep on the list as far as I am concerned... Now, I will let you know should anything bad happen to my pits in the next few days.

UPDATE: 9/30/07 Booked another facial through Goldstar and…read moregot Yukari again! She's amazing. She rejuvenated my dry, hungover skin and took 10 years off my age. (If anyone asks, I'm 24.) She also gave me a rock-star massage that my weary computer shoulders desperately yearned for. I also have such a good time talking to her. I shouldn't let 3 months elapse between facials again. **************************************************************************** Because I'm a cheapskate, I use Goldstar for massages, facials, any beauty treatment I desperately need but rarely get due to my skinny piggy bank. So last week I finally get PAID (freelancing sucks), and once I paid off MasterCard, Visa, and all the other serfs who own me, I reserved myself a nice little microdermabrasion facial at Rejouvenance. Recently refurbished, the space is beautiful, tranquil, and serene. Yukari, the cutest Japanese esthetician ever, massaged, moisturized, tonerized, and microdermabrasionized (which feels like a cat licking your face) away a year of drinking, sun damage, caffeine, fatigue, and drunk ciggie smoking. Call me a sicko, but the idea of sandblasting grime and gunk from my face is heavenly. My face is glowing and radiant now. At the end of the treatment, there was surprisingly zero sales pressure to buy products. In fact, I had to ASK for their menu of services. So today I'm resigned to no drinking, no sun, lots of sleep, and vitamins. Yeah, I'll ruin it by tomorrow, but then I'll just have to return for more facials!

Anita B Spa

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I am a first responder and former military. I had the mindset that skin care was a luxury and a…read morefeminine thing. After many years being out on the field and exposed to the elements, and stress from the job, my skin took a beating. One of my lady friends told me that men have skin too and therefore should take care of their skin. Well I can't argue with that. I decided to give Anita B Spa a try because 2 of my friends rave about them and have been going there for skin care for a long time. I did not know what to expect. When I arrived, I was greeted by Anita Chan, who owns the business. She was very friendly and supportive. There was a procedure that hurt so much but felt so good and left my pores cleared. I cried a little. When the session was done, my face felt refreshed. The ambience was relaxing and the prices were fair. I decided to keep going. Btw both Redwood City and San Francisco locations were great and finding parking wasn't too difficult. I can't wait to see what Anita has in store for her Redwood City location. After 6 months of visiting Anita B Spa and Anita B Well, my coworkers tell me I am as ugly as ever, but my skin looks great. They commented how it looks moisturized and glowing. My neighbor asked my younger sister if I was her younger brother. I am glad I set aside my misgivings and visited Anita B Spa. While they can't perform miracles, one thing is for sure, they can make one's skin healthy and glowing. Regardless whether you're a man or woman, young or seasoned, taking care of your skin is never too late and worth it. Treat yourself and make an appointment. You'll thank me later!

Spent $200 on a lash lift and literally look the exact same - absolutely no difference. Very…read moredisappointed with the outcome and premium pricing.

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I recently came here for a Microdermabrasion facial with LED Light therapy. The space place isn't…read morehard to find. It's across Trader Joe's on California street. The space is bright, more like a lab feel than a spa. This was my first time here and my first Microdermabrasion. Megan did my facial and she did a wonderful job. She was prompt, thorough and informative. Her professionalism and service level were superb. We started off with a consultation to discuss the process and my specific needs. From there she mixed up a custom serum and massaged it over my face and neck. She then used a diamond Microdermabrasion pen. We finished up with a 10 minute LED light treatment. You have 3 different light options (red, blue and green).

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