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    The Upper Hand

    4.2 (220 reviews)
    ModerateNail Salons, Massage
    Open 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Services - The Upper Hand

    Foot massage

    Massage

    Nail fill-in

    15 More Services

    Toe nail fill-in

    Hand nail fill-in

    Hand and toe nail fill-in

    Manicure

    Manicure and pedicure

    Pedicure

    Nail polish change

    Toe polish change

    Hand polish change

    Hand and toe polish change

    Nail polish removal

    Toe polish removal

    Hand polish removal

    Hand and toe polish removal

    Nail repair

    The Upper Hand Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - The Upper Hand

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    Reviews With Photos

    Nails by Vivian
    Sahar N.

    Vivian saved my nails! I had been going to the same salon for 6yrs in my old neighborhood and was disappointed with my last visit. I popped in and made an appointment for later that day not only because I couldn't stand looking at my current polish but conveniently wanted a new and closer salon in Noe. Vivian did such an amazing job!! The overall experience was fantastic - clean, efficient, great customer service and reasonable prices. I am so happy to have found my new spot!

    Sharine d.

    End results.. very nice nails. Would love to give 5 star, but just uncomfortable overall experience. I was randomly driving by this shop and decided to call to see if could schedule a fill. First thing was couldn't get a clear answer on the cost. Second thing, I really appreciate when same person handles my hands from start to finish. That's not what happened. Third, between switching technicians two nails missed the needed buffing. Couldn't see this until polish was set, but when I brought to the techs attention... the first response was to blame the color I chose. Then the second lady comes and blames my thin cuticles on why the buffing wasn't done correctly. No!. turns out original lady was able to file/ buff out the bumps and all was fine. It shouldn't have required me repeatedly saying, "look these two nails are bumpy". And the techs shouldn't try blaming the customer for their mistake. I do appreciate the end results, but was a bit of a pill process. The women are working hard as the customers were non-stop, just need to take responsibility when there is a break down in the communication between techs. Sharine

    I  my Gel nails from Joann at The Upper Hand in Noe Valley. Check them out after 10 days. Just booked my next appointment.

    I my gel nails by Joann at The Upper Hand in Noah Valley. Check them out after 10 days. Just booked my next appointment!

    False advertisement
    Jason F.

    If I could give zero stars I would. My love went in as a new customer and was treated like a nuisance. The workers didn't help pick out the colors and made her feel like she was not welcome. We booked online and the classic manicure said it included aroma therapy and they didn't honor this. It was an overpriced and not pleasant experience. Avoid this place at all costs!!!

    ombré + design by Joanne
    Chloe K.

    Had to visit again because I loved the nails Joanne did for me last time! I honestly didn't know what design I really wanted, just had an idea of a color I kind of liked and Joanne came up with this really cute design for me! She was so kind & patient with me, and was very fast. So happy with the outcome, can't wait to come back!

    Meticulous work.  Love my nails.
    Sherri S.

    Based on the great reviews I decided to get gel refills at Upper Hand rather than a much less expensive place in the same area. I was a "walk in" and happy they could take me right away. The gal that did my nails was meticulous with her work. She spent quality time on each and every nail. I was there for an hour and a half. My place on the east coast completes me in 1 hour. However, as mentioned this nail girl took her time on each and every nail. Beautiful job. It is an interesting concept as they don't sit you opposite from them on a table. You are seated in a big oversized comfy recliner type chair. A pillow is placed on your lap with a hand towel draped across. The technician sits on a lower stool to the side of the chair and kinda uses the arm of the chair to do the work. This is very different than what I am use to on the east coast. I saw a lady getting a pedicure and a big giant bowl filled with water was placed on the bottom of the chair where the base of the chair slides out like a drawer. I think I like this set up better than sitting at the table. Felt more "spa like" and personal. So the reason for 4 star rather than a 5? Price. When I called I could have sworn I was told $50. The other place nearby quoted me $45 but as mentioned earlier I figured with the great reviews the $5 dollar difference was ok. When I went to pay I was told $60. Hmm. Jeez. Now that is rediculous. I know I am in Noe Valley but even at $50 is a bit much for refills. Based on that I will try a different place next time. There is no shortage of nail salons within a five mile radius. Who knows I may circle back bc my nails are beautiful.

    My go-to nail spot in SF! They treat their clients like family

    Love love love! Beautiful work every time. Everyone is so sweet. They really look out for the health of your nails too.

    Best manicure I've had in a while

    I'm here for a week for work and was desperately in need of a manicure. I'm staying close by and looked at a bunch of different places and this one stood out for its no-nonsense website and ease of booking. Let me tell you - the service was better than I could have imagined. Everyone was nice. I showed the woman my inspiration photo and she went and picked all the colors for me so that I could rest after walking. They were absolutely perfect. Now my nails are nice, I got a little people time in, and I am more relaxed than ever. Cannot recommend the folks at Upper Hand enough!

    Jaee M.

    On Saturday evening right in the midst of the rain my friend and I decided to give this place a try. It wasn't what I was used to - spa chairs and sink bowls. This place was nice. They provided extension comfort. Big chairs - lots of pillows. My nails were a mess I was embarrassed by how bad I had let them get. The ladies recommend switching from acrylics to dip powder and now I'm reminded the reason I like dip powder. My nails look cared for and very natural. The color was perfect. The service was amazing. They were attentive and provide quality services. They were also very quick and efficient. I live in Oakland - but would come back here. So glad we stumbled upon the

    COLOR:  24 .  Cat eye effect.
    Maria G.

    Joanna was fabulous! I love my new nails. Scheduling the appointment online was super easy. An hour and a half was allocated for my appointment. There was no rushing and my nails have never looked better! The Upper Hand is definitely my new nail place!

    Ombre nails!

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    2 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Nice salon, helpful staff. Kim is wonderful. Never hurts and does a great job on pedicure and massage.

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    1 year ago

    My feet should not be rough, dry, and peeling a couple of hours after a $80 mani pedi. They also hurt me and made me bleed.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Upper Hand

    Do you do gel x or hard gel?

    I just got gel x done today!

    What's the price for nail and pedicure?

    $50 for standard mani/pedi. All prices are listed on their website for services offered.

    How much is a full set of acrylic nails?

    Sorry we don't do acrylic nails

    Do you have organic dipping powder?

    Sorry we don't do dipping power.

    Do they have bowls or electric tubs for the pedicure?

    We have bowls for the pedicure

    Do they have chrome nails?if so, how much do they charge?

    Hi there! Yes, I have chrome gel i charge $15 up depends on how is your nail

    Does Upper Hand do gel fills/gel color changes if you already have a full set on? If so, how much?

    Yes, we just do gel color manicure.

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Upper Hand

    I can't comment on the pedicure because I had to cancel, unfortunately, but I was very impressed with Ann and will reschedule!

    Mentioned in 53 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Suchada Thai Massage

    Suchada Thai Massage

    4.5(701 reviews)
    1.9 miMission Bay
    $$

    I was feeling dead and exhausted after weeks of working 12-15 hours in a chair with no support and…read morehosting an intense party for 40 people. It was my day off, and I was on the verge of tears with my back/neck pain and aching feet. I've never paid more than $50 for a massage in NYC, but I was desperate and I needed something close by that I could get an appointment at today because I've literally been non-functional all day. Suchada answered my phone call and offered availability within 30 minutes. I didn't know what to get from their long list of options, but explained that I had back/neck pain but I'm very sensitive to pressure. I was recommended the Swedish massage, and I opted to get it for 1.5 hours. They told me there was a first time customer discount ($149 instead of $185). The space is very calming and there was a station with orange-infused cold water, which was nice. Jess, my masseuse, was professional and amazing. All the stress and tension in my body melted away, and I tried to fight it but fell asleep during parts of the massage because it was so relaxing. I did find it a bit colder than I would've liked (but I run cold; I prefer temperatures of 74-78 degrees) but it was fine. I liked that the warm towels used to wipe my body of oil were scented. Now that I'm looking at these Yelp reviews, I'm sad that they did not tell me that there's a dry sauna I could've used :( But I otherwise had an amazing experience and I walked out completely rejuvenated. Very worth it. As a note, they apparently offer 15% off Mondays to Thursdays currently. I saw someone in front of me get upset that they do not stamp the loyalty card if there's a discount on the service.

    Got a deep tissue massage from Manee and she fixed a huge knot in my shoulder that no other massage…read moretherapists have been able to conquer. The massage was intense but I've felt great for the last 5 days since. Thanks, Manee!

    Photos
    Suchada Thai Massage - Wall live plants

    Wall live plants

    Suchada Thai Massage
    Suchada Thai Massage

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    Pearl Spa & Sauna - Waiting area

    Pearl Spa & Sauna

    4.8(1.3k reviews)
    2.4 miJapantown, Lower Pacific Heights
    $$

    Was staying across the street at the Hotel Kabuki and saw Pearl and looked it up. Around 11pm on a…read moreSunday night found 2 openings for a Korean Body scrub (7:30am and 9am). I booked the 9am and got there about 8:25, which gave me time to get oriented/tour facility and do a soak to prep. The reviews were accurate. I glad I was solo, made it easier being comfortable being nude. Lots of amenities to glam up before leaving. It was calm and quiet when I arrived, and got busier as I was leaving. Staff was great, and made me feel comfortable and welcomed. They explained everything and answered questions with a smile. The place was super clean and staff actively removed used towels/swept throughout my stay. A good scrub, felt like a symboloc ritual for shedding the old for the new. I now have baby soft skin!

    Absolutely loved my spa day here. Came around 9:40am for a 1030am appointment…read more We did a 90 mins milk and honey treatment. After the body scrub they wrap your body in a foil while they shampoo your hair and apply a face mask. The spa is small but has the essentials: sauna room, steam room, cold plunge, and jacuzzi. Upstairs there's a clay ball room and the salt room. My absolute favorite was the clay ball room. I was so relaxed after my 90 mins treatment when I went into the clay room I almost fell asleep. I will definitely come back. Only thing is it is in japantown so parking can be hard. But it was very convenient to go across into Japan Center for lunch afterwards

    Photos
    Pearl Spa & Sauna - Waiting room

    Waiting room

    Pearl Spa & Sauna
    Pearl Spa & Sauna - Room to dry hair and get cleaned up.

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    Room to dry hair and get cleaned up.

    Bhuddha Raksa Traditional Thai Massage - 10% off first time with us

    Bhuddha Raksa Traditional Thai Massage

    4.9(204 reviews)
    0.6 miMission
    Certified professionals
    Walk-ins welcome

    New review entry May 2026:…read more Had a massage with Anya today and wow. I didn't realize how tight my shoulders and back were until after. I walked out feeling so mobile and relaxed... on an extreme note, I also want to add that I feel like I was on a different planet. Anya is seriously skilled and talented. Every touch, movement and amount of pressure felt intentional. At one point, I felt like I could walk on water because my body became liquid. No-- that would mean I felt like I BECAME water!! It was somehow a physical, mental, spiritual and emotional experience. This sounds really dramatic but Im being so for real!!! Definitely the best massage I've ever had, and I've had a lot. I'm on my way home after 10 cups of their bael tea and still don't know what sorcery I entered. Was I massaged or reborn? Maybe I'll keep adding to this review log to track my journey at Bhuddha Raksa-- everyone needs to know about this magical little oasis in the City. Is there a character count on here Feeling: zenned OUT ‍‍

    Came in for a deep tissue massage and Mia was great. I had problem areas in my shoulders and lower…read moreback - also from stress and being overwhelmed. This session brought me back to life and although a deep tissue massage isn't the most comfortable it is the most beneficial for what I needed. Mia was able to get address my tense left shoulder and knots throughout my body. The establishment was also very clean, calming, and accommodating. They had a snack bar with healthy options and Mia made me tea after my session. Overall a pleasant experience. I can't wait to come in for a swedish massage

    Photos
    Bhuddha Raksa Traditional Thai Massage - American Massage Championships

    American Massage Championships

    Bhuddha Raksa Traditional Thai Massage - World Massage Championships

    World Massage Championships

    Bhuddha Raksa Traditional Thai Massage - Neck work

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    Neck work

    The Upper Hand - othersalons - Updated May 2026

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