I had a groupon for an anti-aging facial. The groupon stated that there would be an arm and…read moreshoulder massage and a 50 minute facial. The facial was close to 40 minutes, and 20 of those were spent with a face mask on and with the technician out of the room. There was no massage, the woman just rubbed lotion on my arms. The woman tried to sell a 50$ facial peel, which I probably needed, but obviously would not buy because I had purchased the Groupon in the first place for the discount. It was a little awkward to offer the facial peel while she was putting the mask on my face, and I felt odd after that. The woman was very nice, but I think I'll stick to the facial place in my town.

As a first time client at Belle Image, I was initially pleased with the facial experience. I also…read moreagreed to have my eyebrows waxed as I was overdo and would not be seeing my regular person for at least a week. I felt obliged to buy the products the owner offered. I purchased a cleanser and mask. Once arriving home and looking in the mirror I was aghast as my eyebrows were NOT even in the slightest. One was in a perpetual arch and the other a straight line with 1/4 of the end totally missing. I know - great! Then the next day my right cheek broke out in a horrible rash, which was small the day before, but was now a little worrisome. I have never had an issue like this before. So I emailed the following to the salon: "I left a message shortly after I returned home. I have to be honest - I am quite upset. My eyebrows - both of them - are a mess and I am embarrassed to leave the house. I am also having a reaction on my cheek, from what i am not sure. With that said, I would like to return the products as I am no longer comfortable with the thought of using them. They are unopened/unused and still in their bag. Please let me know when would be a good time to bring them over." Three days later I received this scathing response via email: "I am sorry you were disappointed with your brows. Compared to their prior bushy/unibrow appearance, I thought they looked excellent. They certainly are not a "mess". They were a mess when you came in. I have been doing brows for 22 years and have a Strong repeat following. You would only be able to get a store credit for the products. I cannot resell them once they leave. The bottom of the receipt states this policy. Store credit would be good for skin services or any products I carry. Teas, bath & body, jewelry, hand cremes." I was APPALLED and responded: "Honestly I am shocked and appalled by your response. Disappointed, is an understatement. While I acknowledge that I was overdue for a wax, I am far from pleased with the result. One brow is arched and the other is straight with a huge piece on the right just missing the brow completely due to your ineptness with waxing, regardless of your 22 years of experience. Your scathing comment about the bushy unibrow appearance is a total exaggeration and highly unprofessional. People make mistakes and admitting to this one would have gone a long way. As you do not have the courtesy to part professionally, I will be throwing out the products as they have caused me to break out in a full rash on my cheek 3 days later. With your unprofessional response, I would certainly not be returning to your salon for any product or treatment and let others know how I feel." So make your own choice on whether to frequent this establishment.

I'm from NYC and I've been to a bunch of "fancy spas" in my life. I have to say the best facial…read moreI've ever had is from Skin Forensics with Katerina. I first went here when I was in college in Albany and now I still travel back upstate specifically for the purpose of seeing Katerina. Most spas focus on quick results and making someone look "glowing" when they walk out the door (instant gratification = happy customer and better tip) rather than long-term, lasting results. I recently had a $400+ oxygen facial from a spa in Vegas but the effects only lasted 4 days and then everything went back to normal. Please don't waste your money on fancy treatments at some of these other places that don't last long. With Katerina's facials, she applies a scientific approach and I've noticed a real and easily noticeable long-term improvement in the quality of my skin. My pores have decreased in size, I have reduced outbreaks. Plus, Katerina is able to give personalized advice regarding nutrition, what products to use, and how to use them. She understands that everyone's skin is different, so she does not apply a one-size-fits-all approach. In summary. at Skin Forensics, Katerina focuses on long term outcomes and I really think she's brilliant at what she does. So happy I found this skin care expert! HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend meeting with her. It has been a game changer for me.

I had a really disappointing experience at Skin Forensics…read more I came in during early pregnancy after having already experienced back to back miscarriages, and my skin was in terrible shape. I explained that I believed I was dealing with hormonal acne, but the owner repeatedly assured me I was wrong. Instead, she diagnosed me with dermatitis and insisted that I was likely having an allergic reaction to my laundry detergent. She recommended an oil-based cleanser that she had formulated herself, which I personally believe made my skin significantly worse, and I also spent money replacing all of my laundry detergent based on her advice. Throughout the appointment, I felt unheard and dismissed. After my skin continued to worsen, I later saw a dermatologist, who confirmed my suspicion that I was, in fact, experiencing hormonal acne. What concerned me most, however, was that despite knowing I was pregnant, she encouraged me to take cod liver oil supplements, saying the high vitamin A content would be beneficial. I later learned that excessive preformed vitamin A during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, and I was incredibly relieved that I chose not to follow that recommendation. I understand that everyone's experience may be different, but based on mine, I would encourage anyone--especially if you're pregnant--to be cautious and to discuss any skincare or supplement recommendations with your OB or healthcare provider before taking them.

First haircut in 10 months... Super thick hair that was in desperate need of shaping! Jennifer gave…read moreme one of the best cuts of my life at 67. My age doesn't matter because she is so talented.

I came here on the recommendation of a friend for a haircut and highlight with the stylist Rachel,…read moreand it was an excellent experience. Having recently moved to the area within the year, in my hunt for a forever salon I had had several bad experiences with a stylist who just didn't listen and wanted to use my head as a canvas for their "edgy" (Read: Impractical and plain ugly) cuts and colors. My friend assured me that Rachel excelled at listening and interpreting your hair wishes. She was right on! Rachel took upwards of 10 minutes on our consult - examining the prior color in my hair, its texture and weight, looking at pictures I had brought. She advised me in what was and wasn't practical with my thick, wavy hair. I felt valued and trusted her to give me what I wanted. I am on a tight budget, and I appreciated that she went to real trouble to ensure that my highlights would look natural as they grew out - buying me a few extra weeks. The prices were competitive with other salons in the area, a little over $100 for a cut and highlight. So, actually on the low end pricewise. It was entirely worth every penny. I couldn't be happier. I will be a client there as long as I live in Albany.

I would highly recommend this place. The owner is super upbeat and positive. Her level of skill…read morefar surpasses any place around here.

From the owner: Have you ever wanted to be pampered from head to toe without leaving your home? Or desperately…read moreneeded a massage but couldn't get away from the office? You're in luck! I come directly to your home or office to provide you with unparalleled service at affordable prices. Let me pamper you and your guests on your birthday, bachelor/bachelorette party, day of your wedding, anniversary, gals night in, or just because. Some of the services available are facials, waxing, body scrubs, back facials, vajazzling, glitter tattoos, and manscaping. I am also a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. .

Would not recommend!! My appointment was rushed and the hair dresser (Dana) was extremely rough…read more Overall I was not happy with my results , could've went to Sally's and did a better job myself. Sometimes I feel like YouTube is a better teacher than the schools these people went to. Guess that's what I get for being lazy !

I loved my experience at Premier , my stylist Maria was super sweet and professional and took the…read morebest care of me ! She cut my hair exactly how I wanted it and I love it ! Thank you , and I will definitely be back !!

I have been seeing Kim Heritage for therapeutic massages for over 7 years now. She is truly the…read morebest masseuse in the Capital District! Other masseuses in the area have been OK for frou-frou pampering type massages, but If you're looking for actual pain relief and mobility, no one matches Kim! Donna's facials are heavenly as well. These ladies definitely know their stuff and it shows.

I have used both massage and facial services by Kim and Donna. I have shared my experiences with…read moremy family and they have also bee very happy with the services Donna's organic locally made skin care products are excellent. I highly recommend

Great place. Highly recommend it. Darlene is very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.read more

I first started going here from a Groupon I bought to try getting a Brazilian. I'm so glad I did!…read moreIve been going for 4 years now and haven't looked back. She makes the process so quick and easy. She is so easy to talk to that it distracts from the process. I highly recommend going to Darlene!

I went for a deep tissue massage today with Erin. I have never been so pleased with a massage!!…read more I am by no means a massage snob, but I do work on my feet a lot being in the service industry and working with a residential painting company 40+ hours a week. I also suffer from severe migraines and sciatica. Every masseuse I have been to always asks where I want extra attention but I've never had anyone deliver like Erin! She has a lot of knowledge in the area and has taken extra courses to provide AMAZING relief for people who suffer from pain like myself. She not only focused on problematic areas through massage, but she also helped me with stretching. Erin is super friendly and spectacular at her job. You can tell she takes a lot of pride in her work and really enjoys it. She went above and beyond for me today. I can't thank her enough. I will be continuing to book with her. HIGHLY recommend seeing her!

Sadie is an amazing massage therapist. I highly recommend her. And wow! The spa is so nice!! The…read moresauna and the general vibe is super relaxing! Love love love it. Will definitely be back

Best place in the Guilderland/ Altamont, NY. Mikaela does all hair types. She is a really great…read morehair stylist!!!

From the owner: Hair coloring and makeup artistry including airbrush makeupread more