About Face and Body
Categories:
Beauty Salons, Hair Removal Services, Manicurists & Pedicurists, Massage, Massage Therapists, Skin Care Specialists, Tanning Salons
Message from About Face and Body
I pioneered "speed waxing" in 1983 for working women and busy moms to be able to afford waxing services on a regular basis. "Speed waxing" is not only quicker; there is also less discomfort. Valuing my client's time and pocketbooks, I adapted my services to suit their needs. The European model, where going to the salon is a neighborhood activity, inspired me We offer face & body waxing, facials, spa mani's & pedi's, eyelash & eyebrow tinting, chair & full body massage and sunless spray tanning, plus a wide variety of high quality facial products, makeup and an extensive gift section. Our salon is man-friendly offering a variety of services catering to men. Gift cards are available. There is a discount for walk-in waxing services and other daily specials. We look forward to your visit. You will leave restored in all of the ways that are important to you. Shannon Dorsey Founder
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortReceptionists stand ready to schedule appointments at this corner space in Berkeley's Rockridge neighborhood. Featuring an abundance of product-lined glass shelves yet minimal red cushioned seats, it's apparent sales and speed--not splendor--are king. Booths with tissue-lined pine benches provide just enough privacy for waxing every body part imaginable. Basic facials and massage treatments satisfy anyone's need for last-minute pampering. MD Formulations, a glycolic skin-care line, is a Bay Area favorite.
Key Points
- Waxing Specialists since 1982
- Spa manicures and pedicures
- Facials/Massage/Men's Services
The Inside Scoop
- Skin Care - Types of facials include essential oil, MD Formulations, back and shoulder, extra extraction, and especially for men. HealthTan Technologies sunless tan is sprayed on to avoid streaks.
- Parking - Lot parking is accessible from College Avenue, but limited spaces may force clientele to seek spots on the street.
- Know Before You Go - Walk-in waxing appointments receive a price discount of $3-$14, depending on the service. Wait times generally are minimal.
- Manicures - OPI lacquers are available for basic or French polishes, which come standard with a hand massage and paraffin treatment.
Insider Pages Reviews for About Face and Body
NO. No. no. I have been there several times for eyebrow and bikini waxes. Little auditory privacy due to walls not going to ceiling. Either because of that or because of the staff, rarely does anyone speak to me. I find that disconcerting as wax is ripped from my legs. chat with me, make me comfortable. Do not reprimand me for not coming in as frequently as you would like. Do not give me straight rather than arched eyebrows. Other can do it, why can't you. do not complain about the few hairs you have to work with in my eyebrows. I can't do anything about it and I've come to you to make it look as good as it can. OH! and watch where you are dripping that wax while giving me a brazilian my friend. Sensitive parts we are dealing with here.
Posted 08/17/09 | Report Abuse
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Every year on my birthday I treat myself to a massage. Last year I stepped into the doors of About Face and Body and out of all the Spa's I've visited, this is one of my favorites. The staff was friendly, and my masseuse was excellent. He took a few brief minutes to ask what I was expecting to gain from my visit that day, were there any injuries I suffered from and then he began 45 continuous minutes of massage.
I can be a very ticklish person when it comes to massage mostly because their touch is too light, but my masseuse took note of this and didn't tickle me once.
They have competitive prices and offer discount services.
Posted 09/17/05 | Report Abuse
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The massages are quite good - no complaints. The facials are also quite good - no complaints. The pedicures are done in their front window, which quite honestly, when you're paying for a spa pedi, you simply don't want the people on the street staring at you as you're getting your service.
My complaint is simply the prices. You pay Spa prices for decent service, but the atmosphere is just lacking that of any nice day spa. I want soft music, a place to sit, a robe and a cup of tea while I wait. I don't want to wander around just looking at their products, listening to the staff discuss their weekend or evening plans.
Posted 08/15/05 | Report Abuse
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This place was highly recommeded to me by several people as the place to get a Brazillian wax. You can make an appointment, or come the day you want to get waxed and wait (it's a little cheaper, but you may have to wait a while.) I've gone to get waxed three or four times and it's always been less than 15 minutes for the entire experience, and relatively painless. It's a mid-sized salon that also offers other spa services and such so the waiting area is fairly good-sized and comfortable.
PROS: Very fast, thorough waxing.
CONS: none.
Posted 05/24/05 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
About Face and Body
by perelgirl
I have been a client at About Face and Body for over fifteen years and am consistently impressed with the qualitity of services. I appreciate the technical and interpersonal skills of both the practioners and receptionists, who are often busy with several customers. There are very few salons which offer such a wide range of services and excellent products. In addition, I am drawn to the warm, spacious ambience of soft colors, and serene background music. I will continue to recommend About Face and Body for high professional standards.
Posted 11/03/07
Worst experience ever
by harleyhhh
he only reason that this place gets one star is for the facial I received. I was in About Face and Body for both a facial and a massage. The facial was good. The massage was totally unrelaxing, the male masseuse was unpersonable, rude to his co-workers and not accomodating. I found myself trying to make excuses for his rudeness when I really should have just walked out and demanded my money back. I could have possibly excused his behavior if his massage skills were even above average, however they were not. It was a horrendous experience and I hope that no one ever encounters this person as their masseuse. I was left feeling emotionally violated and uncatered to after the massage. To make things worse I found out from the front desk that he has been a problem in the past.
Pros: The facial
Cons: The Massage
Posted 09/15/07
ehh. there's other places that are better.
by octobercapa
I bought one of the bikini waxing packages, and I thought I was getting a good deal for a great service. Turns out it was just that the first lady who waxed me happened to be extra-thorough. I haven't had as good an experience since. When the package is done, I won't be back.
Pros: some of the staff, nice products for sale
Cons: noisy
Posted 05/06/07
For real reviews, check out yelp
by busterbluth
This place is not good. They go through staff there like yuppies go through disposable starbucks cups. They have these really sweet ladies who wax, but it is clear to me that they are underpaid. Staff seems sooooooooooo unhappy and that is probably why they leave so frequently. What's the deal with no hard wax. OUCH!
Posted 03/05/07
Speed Waxing?
by amandac2
I don't like waxing, but it sure beat shaving every or every other day. Well this place does it fast (in their brochure it says speed waxing). Not bad, unfortunatly they don't have the option of hard wax. It was a little overpriced for the atmosphere, but left satisfied--I might try it again. I got home and took a look at the wax, and there was still a LOT of hair left over, and not just the hair that is too short to wax. I understand the previous reviews now. I called and they offered to do a clean up within a few days with the same esthetician (sp?). I came back and she cleaned it up, but they wanted to charge me. I worked it out 20 minutes later, and didn't have to pay, but it was a hassle--will return only as a last resort.
Pros: location, fast
Cons: too fast, quality
Posted 04/18/06
I've received their services since they opened...
by bay_area_native
I've used services at About Face and Body, most often their waxing services, since their opening in 1989 (remember the Mercedes repair shop and gas station that was on that corner?). Occasionally, I went somewhere else because of my own time constraints, but I like this salon best. They are professional, courteous, attentive staff, some who have been there many years. The atmosphere is relaxing; prices are competetive, and the quality of service is always excellent. I read another review and wondered who would want a "slow" wax? I've recommended About Face and Body to people over the years, always with positive feedback. It can be a challange to find a business that continues to provide the same quality it did more than fifteen years ago. Thanks to hard working, quality staff (and an obviously dedicated business owner), About Face and Body remains my favorite!
Pros: Quality service, Great hours, Convenient location
Posted 03/24/06
Definitely Recommend
by tinaisrad
I love this shop. I have had waxing and massage here and enjoy both services. I recommend Dao as the wax technician. She was not too talkative, but very thorough and good. I have read other reviews in this section and can assure you that I have not had a rushed or unprofessional experience in any of the dozens of times I have been there. The staff is pleasant, though busy. You can make reservations and you will be seen promptly. This place is much better than salons, but isn't necessarily a spa experience. Also, there is a parking lot around back (but I'm not sure if I am actually allowed to park there).
Pros: Quality service, Friendly staff
Cons: can be busy
Posted 03/23/06
Great place
by svh
This long time established business has served east bay men and women for years.
The owner is dedicated and hardworking and provides a great place for people to work and clients to be served.
Posted 03/15/06
Not so "spa"...
by traceymay
I haven't tried the waxing yet, but I have gone there for a facial, and I was dissapointed. It was a really loud and somewhat "cheap" environment to have a facial. I saw it advertised as a neighboorhood day spa, and it was definitely more of a salon. Definitely not a place for skin care. The staff was nice however, and I told them I was dissapointed, and they were very understanding--although they did not offer any sort of discount for my discomfort and dissapointment. Definitely go to the Claremont or most spas in SF--it's worth the extra money not to hear everyone chattering and the phones ringing.
Pros: nice front desk staff
Cons: quality, environment, parking
Posted 03/01/06
waxing for men too
by manforallseasons
My girlfriend suggested that I try About Face and Body in Oakland for removing that pesky air that grows on the ear lobes. At first, I was hesitant to go into a salon for waxing services. I have been several times. I find the quality of services to be professional, prices competitive and their staff cordial. I am now recommeding their services to my friends.
Pros: Great quality, Competitive prices, Friendly staff
Cons: Takes time to park
Posted 02/27/06
WORST TAN EVER!
by lulu146
I had a spray tan there, and it was TERRIBLE! I had dark dark brown spots all over my body and my face. They also told me it was okay to wax directly afterward, and my lower legs had all the ugly color ripped off it (so at least my lower legs look somewhat decent, but the rest of my body was all messed up). I can't beleive they still charged me! I left messages to speak to their owner (they said that she was the manager) and she never called, 2 months later. I will not send anyone there, for any services!
Pros: none
Cons: tans, managemet/owner, parking
Posted 02/16/06
5 minute bikini wax--yikes!
by sarasarah
I walked in to try this place because I live pretty close. I asked to have a bikini, which they described as a "extended" bikini, because I wanted a little more off. I asked how long it would take, and they said 5 minutes. I asked again, I thought they were kidding, and they just said "she's really fast." Fast indeed, she was done in two strips and missed A LOT. I was skeptical about the 5 minutes, they were clearly just trying to cram in as many appointments as possible. It definitely wasn't cheap either, considering it takes about 20 minutes less than other places, and they don't touch up after they rip off a strip of wax on each side. I paid the same as I do at places in SF. Don't waste your money (I would say don't waste your time, but that would be too ironic...)
Pros: friendly staff @ desk, walk-in
Cons: value, quality, atmosphere/not clean
Posted 12/22/05
User review by jmae
by jmae
I have been going here for years for bikini waxing. Compared to the other places I've been (both in the Bay Area and beyond), I've been consistently very happy with the waxing I've received here. While the quality varies from one waxer to the next, almost every time I've gone I've been pleased with the results. I hightly recommend both Dao and Annie. The atmosphere is also calm and relaxing, and the hours are super convenient.
Posted 11/14/05