The Refinery

The Refinery is by far the best place to go for a full brazilian wax. The staff is very professional, friendly, and they care about you as a customer. Waxing was nearly pain free and absolutely the best I have ever received. The cost is definitely a plus too. I would highly recommend The Refinery to everyone I know.

Pros: Friendly staff, professional demeanor, cost

Cons: none

Posted 11/19/09

I would like to tee this up by saying I have been getting Brazilian waxes for over six years, every six to eight weeks or so - not a novice with the service, and have definitely experienced varying degrees of quality & (unpleasant) sensations during them from service providers all over the country. Some degree of pain comes with the territory, but I have never been prompted to write an unfavorable review until now.

I have been in MN about two years, and after trial and error, found the Refinery. I was pretty happy with the Refinery - you see a different esthetician each time which means inconsistency, but the wax they use worked well with my skin for both Brows and Brazilians and the price cannot be beat. The Brazilian waxes are over in 15 minutes so you do not get the precision (tweezing, etc.) that you do with a spa, but I wouldn't expect it for the price and time allotted.

I had a routine Brow & Brazilian booked at the Refinery in April '09 and was seen by a esthetician new to the Refinery. While I was happy with the brow shape she did, the Brazilian technique she used did not feel right during the service, and I was in so much pain afterwards I had to waddle for two days. The second night after the service, I inspected the situation with a mirror and found that my private area was an angry looking purple and red - and still in enough pain that I needed to take Advil through the third day after the service. My significant other of several years confirmed that I had never looked like that before following my Brazilians. There were no unique factors on my side (I am a natural blonde whose hair is very sparse down there after years of this service and was mid-cycle; I know having your period can make skin more sensitive - not the case here).

It was an awful, traumatizing experience - especially after contacting the salon to report what hat happened. The receptionist said that someone would contact me to discuss this, but they never did. No replacement (repeat) service was offered, and they didn't even seem to be concerned with the level of service they provide and the fact that broken skin in such a wax is what I would consider unsanitary and risky. In the future, it may cost me twice the price, but I won't ever entrust a Brazilian wax to the Refinery again.

Pros: Cost

Cons: Inexperience + Brazilian = Traumatized delicate bits

Posted 09/15/09

I agree with the other posts that say you can't beat the price for a Brazilian but I also agree with the variability of service. I've been there many many times for waxing and this weekend I used a gift certificate for a facial, a body scrub, massage and paraffin dip. The woman doing the facial clearly didn't know what she was doing. It was absolutely awful. She used the wrong products for my skin type. Many of them burned when applied. When I asked her why she was doing what she was doing she had to consult a sheet and read me what it said. Two days later and my skin still looks raw and splotchy. During the body scrub the technician had me sit up instead of flipping over. It was all very awkward and at one point he even said out loud - I am so confused. The massage was more like an application of lotion. And he missed many spots all together. He didn't even massage my legs at all. Additionally the towels they used in both the facial and the body treatment are so old and scratchy they are painful! They also look dirty. When I asked him the benefits of the paraffin dip he said "I don't know." Then, the worst part was he said, "Lucky you - looks like you get out of here early!" I probably was lucky - but a rushed spa treatment isn't a benefit -- it's a ripoff.

Pros: great prices

Cons: Variable service, lacking experience or technicians

Posted 03/29/09

Okay let me start by saying I've had about 10 brazillians done at this salon, which was recommended to me by a friend. Overall I think this salon is a treasure, I always find a parking spot right in front, they can always fit me in the day I call, and I'm in and out of there in 10-15 minutes. HOWEVER, I have noticed some major differences in the quality of work done by the girls there. Chris is by far the best I have seen, she takes a minute or two longer than the others but it's totally worth it. Not all of them will ask if you'd like to flip over but if you ask them they're, in my experience, more than happy to do it. Avoid Angelica, who doesn't take pride in her work and makes you hold your own skin taught. Oh, and remember to ask for a packet of Finipil if they forget to give you one, that stuff is the best. So soothing!

Pros: Affordable, fast, friendly, professional (sometimes)

Cons: Inconsistency between waxers

Posted 03/19/09

Experienced high quality service in a laid-back environment... usually a service like this at a salon would intimidate me, but the Refinery was down to earth and I felt totally casual there. I, too, watched for any double dipping and even asked about it and they definitely use a new stick every time... I've been there several times and NEVER seen anything different. I've been to overly expensive places for my Brazilian, and nothing has come close to the satisfaction and customer service I've gotten from the Refinery. I wouldn't recommend any other place!!

Pros: Quick Professional Service, Great Service Providers, CASUAL environment!

Cons: Gotta love street parking in MPLS...

Posted 02/15/09

I appreciated the quick and low key service. I read the reviews about the double dipping and was watchful . Happily I did not see any of that! I was pleased with the service and will go back!

Pros: fast

Cons: traffic

Posted 02/15/09

I've been frequenting The Refinery since May of last year when I decided to take the big plunge and try a Brazilian. They were recommended to me by a friend and I am very glad they were. Not only was the price right, as I see has been mentioned by many others in these reviews, but they made the whole process comfortable, thorough and quick (much appreciated as having hair ripped out of any where is always best when made a speedy process). I have gone to two different girls there (including Autumn the owner) and each time the service was great. Each girl kept up a pleasant conversation with me (Yay for distractions!)and was very sure of their process and technique. I felt I was in good hands. Every visit the result was very clean (no strays for me), very hygienic (I have NEVER seen double dipping) and consistent (both girls recommended the same aftercare to me).

I have also had my hair cut there twice now. Jenna, my stylist was wonderful! I have very thick long "in between" hair (not quite curly, not quite straight). Not only did she manage to chat up and distract my five year old (magic!) she managed to give me what remain to this day as some of the best haircuts of my life. She even managed a very fashionable side sweep fringe for me which is quite the feat considering I have a widow's peak on top of my hair's normal "I'll do whatever I want" characteristics. When I came back 3 mos later for another haircut with her she remembered my daughter's name and many of my stories. She also remembered how badly she had wanted to straighten my hair the last time I was there but hadn't had time and insisted on doing it this time around for free! Any girl with my type of hair knows how incredibly awesome having someone else do that for you is. Saves time and arm ache!

The Refinery has a great relaxed atmosphere with a very beautiful calming interior. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I've already recoomended it to friends and coworkers and will continue to do so.

Pros: Great service, great price, chill atmosphere, excellent staff, validated parking

Posted 02/15/09

I felt like I definitely needed to leave a review. I've been to the refinery probably over 15 times. The first few times I went I saw one gal for a brazilian. Every single time I've had a brazilian done at other places I've at least been offered the option of turning over and um....doing the "back". Not so with her. A bit confused but I just thought that maybe it wasn't their policy to include this. Saw her once more and then saw a different girl the next time I went. This different girl asked if I wanted to flip over and do that area as well. I said yes and was glad to have found someone willing to do the whole area. Went back to her quite a few times and had no complaints. She no longer works there and so I decided to try someone else because seriously? can't beat the price. Not only did the third girl leave hair but she didn't offer to do the back. I mean, come on. I understand if that isn't included in the service at this salon, but some consistency between waxers would be nice. All three even had different aftercare techniques. With one I was treated with a cream directly after and with another I was just handed a botlle of oil. But anyways. If the back is a part of the service that you're expecting I'd advise calling and asking ahead of time if your waxer will do it.. Back to expensive brazilians elsewhere.

Pros: prices, free parking with validation from a specific lot

Cons: waxing services aren't consistent, results differ between waxers, hair left over

Posted 02/05/09

I wrote the review awhile ago on the Double Diping, here is the thing. I know they have done it, even if your waxer is not it does not mean that someone else hasn't. Different waxers also use the same tub of wax, so maybe your waxer didn't double dip but if the girl before her did..then whoa your exposed no matter what. It is also pretty obvious that the wax tubs have been around for awhile, just look at them they are nasty. I will not return to this place until I am garanteed that all wax has been disposed of and that ALL employees have been properly notified to stop double diping!

Pros: they are quick

Cons: you could pick up an STD

Posted 02/01/09

The Refinery's prices can't be beat, truly, they have the cheapes brazillian in town. The experience and results, however, differ.

I have had about 10 brazillians at the Refinery, some have left me with good results. Most of the time, however, there are small patches of hair remaining. The experience is typically unpleasant because of the rushed appointments (each can only be 15 minutes long) and the ambiance is poor (feels unfinished, like the walls have gone up, but painting remains). Also, parking in that area is a bar and if you have to pay for parking, it adds to the overall cost.

Overall, its a case of you pay for what you get.

Posted 01/14/09

Oh Refinery. I want to like you, I do. I like your staff, I've been back about 4 times now, trying to get it right. I recently got a Brazilian and an upper leg, and wouldn't you know it, I got home and noticed a huge spot that was missed on my leg. I should have known better--it happens every time, but d@mn it, I don't want to spend 15 minutes looking over your work!

I am going to call tomorrow, and give feedback directly, but buyer beware: check the work before you leave carefully.

Pros: Cost is reasonable.

Cons: You get what you pay for--and the rooms could be much cleaner.

Posted 01/13/09

I went here for my first brazilian and they were awesome!!!!! They talked me through the whole process and made me feel super comfortable! I also got my nails done and that was really awesome too it was just an express but still they spent the time to make sure everything was right! The customer service was also excellent making sure you felt comfortable and relaxed!

Pros: Excellent customer service and awesome brazilians

Cons: parking

Posted 10/10/08

Applying their email specials, The Refinery is the cheapest salon Brazilian wax in town, so I keep going back. The experience is good (efficient, friendly, comfortable) but the result is lacking (full areas forgotten despite my warning that "my last wax here was a little spotty." I've worked with three different gals and have twice gone to Autumn, the salon owner who has great reviews...and I still get an unsatisfying wax.

I think The Refinery Brazilian is good for girls who don't mind strays poking out their bikini bottom, but I am really picky and want a flawless wax. For my next wax, I'm returning to twice-the-price but twice-the-value with Dana at Jon Charles Salon.

Pros: Friendly make-you-comfortable staff

Cons: Spotty results

Posted 10/05/08

This was the best and most affordable $30 Brazilian wax I have ever got. Chris was super fast and professional. It took her less than 15 minutes to get the job done. I couldn't believe it since at my previous salons, it took about an hour. This was so fast and Chris helped me with breathing to ease the pain. I am coming back and recommending this place to my friends.

Posted 09/26/08

This was not my first brazilian, however it may be my last, (at least at The Refinery). Definitely the cheapest price for the service but I think the products show for that. My skin is not super sensitive but I had a bad reaction after my brazilian. A nurse said irritated hair follicles. Whatever it may be, I won't be going back there. People were nice, but the skin itchy and irritation is so not worth it.

Posted 09/17/08

I have been in the beauty business for 14 years and have had many services, including waxing done over the years. I went to the Refinery today for the first time and although the environment is comfortable, it is not fancy, by any means. I have paid $75+ for a brazilian that wasn't half as good as the one I had today with Chris for $30. She was very nice, greeted me when I came to the front desk and got me in early. She was very fast, thorough with very minor discomfort and made conversation (no awkward silence) which is important when having this type of intimate service. If you are uncomfortable being completely exposed, I wouldn't recommend it, but then again, I wouldn't recommend having a brazilian bikini wax! She was exceptionally professional and got the job done quick and very well.
The salon was very clean, busy and comfortable. I wouldn't call it an upscale spa atmosphere, but in Dinkytown, I wasn't expecting that. If you want a fabulous brazilian wax for only $30, this is the place to go. I highly recommend seeing Chris, she was awesome and I will return and send all my friends!

Pros: Price, quality, friendliness

Posted 08/22/08

A few weeks ago, I went to the refinery for to get a few things waxed. I did not know where it was located, so I arrived a few minutes late. They REALLY don't like it when you are not on time. The woman talked most of the time about the fact that I was late and that she had to rush because she was completely booked the whole day. It only made me tense and was anything but relaxing. She was very efficient (read hurried) and did a sub-par to decent job. She waxed three areas in the time it would take another salon to do only one and it showed in the quality of the service. Maybe that is why she was so rushed, they don't allow adequate time to do the job well. I mean, I will admit that I was late, but it was just a couple of minutes and most salons would have booked about twice the time for the services that they did. I wasn't terribly impressed and will not return.

Pros: Cost

Cons: Missed hair, rushed, not friendly service

Posted 08/12/08

I was referred to the Refinery by a friend. I was very scared as I have never had a wax or anything before. It was over so quick that I didn't even have time to be scared. Autumn was awesome and I'll be going back in 4-6 weeks! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Also, it's easy to find parking on 15th or 14th with a meter, or in the ramp. My only negative thing is that the receptionists were really snotty, didn't look you in the eye and answered the phone very rude. Watch out for them!

Pros: Awesome waxer, inexpensive!

Cons: Snotty receptionists

Posted 07/30/08

I have been to The Refinery several times now - twice for bikini waxes and most recently for a massage. In each case, I have had a wonderful experience. The staff, especially the service providers themselves, are very friendly and nobody is ever pretentious or snooty. The bikini waxes (one from Anne-Marie and one from Chris) were both the least painful I have ever experienced, and my massage, from Stephanie, was great. She checked in on me a couple times - but not too often! - to make sure I was comfortable and that she was using the right amount of pressure, which I appreciated. I had a great experience.

The only change I would make is that it would be nice to be offered a glass of water upon arrival...just a small detail that makes me feel so much more pampered. :)

Posted 07/13/08

Went to the Refinery for my first brazilian wax ever. I opted to leave a triangle in the middle which turned out to be off-center and not very straight. there was lots of random hairs left over as well. Also got an abdominal wax. I think the girl was in a hurry because instead of having no hair, it's just very patchy. I can see why this place is so cheap. I really didn't plan on going through all that pain for a crappy looking wax job. Next time, I will gladly pay more somewhere else to have it done right.

Pros: Low cost

Cons: Low value

Posted 07/10/08

I was referred to this spa by a coworker and was extremely pleased with the service. It was my first time getting a brazilian and the staff was wonderful! She walked me through every step and made sure I was comfortable. I would highly recommend this spa. Great staff, great atmosphere.

Posted 06/02/08

I had the best experience at The Refinery where I received my first braziian ever. The girls were very nice at the salon and the girl who gave me the wax was very informative and helpful. She did a wonderful job and I went back the following month for another.

Posted 06/01/08

I got my first brazzilian wax ever here. I was so scared, but the staff was awsome. She was very quick, and it turned out great. I will go back every month, and maybe get a massage too while i'm at it. : )

Posted 06/01/08

I had a great experience at the Refinery in MPLS. I went there right before a vacation to get my first ever tailored bikini wax, leg wax, and underarm wax. Daniella was my aesthetician and she was so precise, so gentle, and so quick. I had no rash or skin irritation. I had the best vacation and did not even have to pack a razor!

Pros: friendly, charming, inexpensive, excellent results

Cons: can't really think of one...

Posted 05/26/08

Front counter help was nice and cordial. Ambience is okay - give it a 2 out of 5 stars. Too much noise for a salon/spa - I could hear the conversations of between clients and aestheticians during waxings, etc. Just a bit much for me. The woman who did my pedicure was horrible. She hardly touched my feet. I was like, "Is that it?" I get much better service at the small, cheap Asian nail salons that are everywhere. I was actually mortified that I paid $33 for this service! Trust me, I won't be going back. I have no idea what their other services are like but I would NOT recommend the nail services there :(

Pros: Nice location; couteous staff

Cons: Bad pedicures; some staff that just don't seem that into their jobs!

Posted 04/23/08

I have been to the Refinery about 10 times. Sometimes I come out satisfied, other times not. It mainly depends on the service provider so ask for a recommendation from someone who has been there before. I have had a good massage and a bad one. A great brazilian and an AWFUL one (I have never had one more painful!!! I was seriously almost crying). An amazing facial and a really crummy one! So, it seems their level of training is not really consistent. It just depends who you get, so it's kind of a gamble. But, the prices are about the cheapest around. I guess there's a reason for it!

Pros: low cost

Cons: inconsistently trained staff

Posted 02/25/08

I went to Refinery for a massage. That was a waste of money. The receptionist on the second floor was very unfriendly and looked annoyed...I was told when making reservations that I would fill out a form if it's my first visit. I arrived 5-7 minutes, they didn't even give me any forms and rushed me into the massage room. My massage therapist looked like a college student with no experience. Her skills matched her looks...That was a lousy massage.
I don't know about their other services, but don't go there for a massage...

Cons: staff, massage threrapists

Posted 12/18/07

I love the refinery!!!! I get all of my waxing done there, they are able to get you in and out in 10-15 min. I've seen all of the waxing people... Amy, Ann Marie, Christine & Autumn... everyone does such a great job! I highly recommend the refinery!

Posted 11/15/07

I've been going to The Refinery for about a year for waxing, and after moving here from out of state, I can assure you that they offer the fastest and most affordable brazilian waxes. I've been seeing Amy my waxing, and she is really good, but once I had to get in last minute and saw someone else, who was also great. Make sure to sign up for their weekly emails. They send you discounts every week! I recently had a massage, and it was fantastic. I'll definitely go back for massage. Next I'm going to try a facial. Because I had only ever done waxing on the first floor before my massage, I didn't even realize that they have two floors above the first one! I think this place is the best find in town.

Pros: Fast waxing, great staff & prices

Posted 10/12/07

I have been going to the Refinery for over a year, and have had every type of service, except for hair. The waxing is amazing, quick, quick, quick! And CHEAP! Because of this, they don't have time to mess around, so you can't be even 5 minutes late! I have had almost every esthetician wax me and they have all been great. Over the past few months, I have been getting facials from Kelly, and she is fantastic at really customizing, though every facial I've had has been effective. Massage is oh-so serene up on the third floor. They use warm stones during your nail services.

Pros: Cheap, effective services.

Cons: parking, can't be late.

Posted 10/11/07

I noticed that over half the reviews are from a year ago or more! I wanted to let everyone know that The Refinery has a fantastic staff committed to serving the client, and great prices! Be it nails, hair, facials, waxing, or massage - I've NEVER had a bad or poor experience and I've been using the salon since 2004. The massage therapists are very in tune to what the client wants, working out every part of the body requested. The facials are phenomenal, leaving my skin better than ever and giving me a great maitinence plan so that I can keep it looking radiant. I have my choice between Express and Spa manicures and pedicures so they can always fit my schedule! Not to mention I wouldn't trust another place for waxing! The esthis do between 15-20 Brazilian waxes a day (or more!) andI can't even compromise how comfortable I feel putting myself in their skilled hands! I am a proud regular client at The Refinery, and I've had great experiences with all staff from service providers to reception staff, I've referred all of my friends, and they feel the same way. If you are looking for a spa experience, look no further!!

Pros: Staff, Service, Timing!

Posted 06/04/07

The Refinery is an excellent place for pampering and relaxation. The staff is professional and efficient. The facials are delivered in a comfortable and informative manner. The atmosphere is zen-like and I was made to feel comfortable since my first appointment. The prices are reasonable and the sessions are enjoyable. Definitely a place for a well-deserved treat at the end of a busy week and good service!

Pros: Excellent service, atmosphere, great facials

Cons: Need to give credit card number for a first time appointment

Posted 01/05/07

The Refinery is good... depending on what type of service you get there. Waxing is excellent-- they do a good job and are very friendly with first-time waxers. The massage I got there was disappointing... more of a back rub than a massage. I have not had a good experience with hair there... the first time I got lectured for coloring my hair, because it makes hair "unhealthy" and the second time the stylist actually insulted me (when I commented that I needed to get in for a touch up on my hair color, she scoffed "Uh, YEAH!" in a snobby way).

I will continue to go there for waxing, but that's it!!

Pros: hair removal; free parking; cheap

Cons: rude/snobby staff; lame massages

Posted 09/29/06

I picked this spa to get waxing done based on price and how close it is to my apartment. For my waxing i give them an A+, the appointment started on time, i was afraid it wouldnt all get done because they scrunched me into an open time slot, but it did. i would go there again for waxing any time and would definitly recommend it to my friends. I got my haircut there as well, and that wasnt really what i was looking for, i would prefer a full salon. I probably wouldnt take a group there for bonding and relaxing but i would definitly go alone for quick and efficient service. Parking in the dinkytown lot was really easy.

Pros: waxing, price, staff

Cons: not luxury

Posted 09/05/06

First off, when I called to make the appointments, which I had to do twice, the staff was not very friendly like others have pointed out. I had a facial which was fine but I had a better one in the Denver aiport. The woman who I worked with was fine. But instead of being an hour, because they were ten minutes late to start my appointment, my facial ended up being 50 minutes because of course they have to close on time.

The main problem was that I had made 2 facial appointments for my friend and I as a gift to her. While I got started ten minutes late, we were told that the other person would be ready shortly to start my friend. Never happened. As a matter of fact the woman working the desk tried to say that they could squeeze my friend in for a quick facial because apparently the woman working there was having problems with a client and it was now 30 minutes into her appointment time. I thought not our problem, management should step in if someone is having issues with a client and running into our appointment time. End of story is that my friend waited about 50 minutes for me to get done, never got her facial, and after much going back and forth between the person behind the desk was given a $80 gift certificate good towards a massage, which was nice but also something they should have done for wasting over an hour of my friends time. Had we missed our appointment or been that late, we would have been charged the service fee.

Pros: after they made a mistake, the staff did try to remedy it

Cons: Not nice when making appointments, expensive for the quality of service, late starting my appointment but didn't make up the time

Posted 08/26/06

Some friends and I booked a "spa event" and had express pedicures, facials, and massages, shampoo and style on a Saturday. I chose The Refinery based on affordability and the location. We were pleased with the quality of the services, but the atmosphere was not very relaxing. If you book a spa event here, make sure you understand whether or not you will be charged for using the private spa lounge. If you do not book enough services, or have a cancellation, you may be charged up to $50 an hour to use this lounge and I did not think it was worth it. We were all approached for payment mid-way through our services, during our time to relax, in the "private spa lounge." I didn't understand why we couldn't pay when we were finished, as we were not in a hurry. I asked the event coordinator about this afterward and she said they would review their method of collecting payment. Recommended for the services, but not for the atmosphere.

Posted 07/09/06

I received a gift certificate from Spa Finder and found that this location accepted them so I made an appt. When I called the receptionist was a far cry from warm and fuzzy. She immediately informed me of their 24 hr. cancellation policy and that she needed a credit card to hold the appt. Since I called that same day to make the appt, the appt was going to be in less than four hours. I told her I had a gift certificate and she apparently didn't care. You'd think that spas would realize the importance of being nice to clients, especially new clients. When I showed up for my appointment I was early and asked if I could see the upstairs spa area, apparently that wasn't in the receptionists daily plan so I didn't get to see it.

I had a manicure and pedicure. The services themselves were ok. My nails looked good. When seated at the manicure station I noticed that the fan mounted on the table was covered in dust. YUCK! Then looking around I wondered how often they actually cleaned the place.

The pedicure was ok too. Quick. I was done with my manicure and pedicure in under an hour. They didn't have anything fancy (no fancy pedicure chairs or anything.)

I did get to hear some complaining from the staff there while they chatted away about things while there were in a room across from my pedicure bath. Apparently this spa doesn't offer relaxation as one of their selling points either.

Overall, I don't think I'll ever go here again. I was disappointed that I had wasted a gift certificate on this place. I was also surprised that Spa Finder would let a spa of this calibar be associated with their brand. I would be embarassed if I were Spa Finder.

Three Words...FIND ANOTHER SPA.

Pros: They pay for 1 hour of your parking

Cons: Dirty, Unfriendly, YUCK

Posted 06/19/06

I would say if you want a pedicure - go somewhere else. There isn't anything special about this "spa" pedicure except the price (too expensive). Experience completely grossed me out. Feet went into a patina looking trouth/bucket of water with no stones in the bottom (unlike my friend that was with me). Feet came out of the water, wiped down, nails trimmed, and painted. No scrub, no buff, no lotion, nothing...45$ plus tip. I mean, I could do that at home! No thanks.

Posted 06/15/06

For years I have been waxing, Brazilian, basic bikini or some where in between (no pun intended). The staff is ALWAYS professional and ALWAYS on time. As a matter of fact, if you're late, they do their best to work you in but otherwise, you are S-O-L. When I can afford to treat myself to a facial...AH, the best. Plenty of samples of the products used are given to you at the time of facial. NO PRESSURE. I moved way across town recently and I tried to move my services to another salon. NO CAN DO. I just keep coming back to The Refinery.

Pros: hour free parking, friendly, educated staff

Posted 03/28/06

I went in for a manicure about 45 minutes after open. I had to wait 30 minutes for someone to attend to me. The manicurist complained throughout the process about my nails ("Has anyone told you that you have narrow nails? It makes them very hard to paint") and screwed up several times. Every mistake was followed with an "Oops, my bad!" and a giggle. Even after retouching, I left with polish residue on my fingers. The manicurist used a scraper on the flat surface of my nails. I've had manicures at half a dozen other salons and I've never seen anyone do this. A few days after my manicure, three of my nails cracked.

The atmosphere was nice, though. I noticed the other employees showed more professionalism toward clients. I'd try them for hair or skin services, but I won't trust them with my nails again.

Pros: Atmosphere, Parking, Inexpensive

Cons: Unprofessional, Poor expertise, Slow service

Posted 01/27/06

As an Esthitician myself, when refered to the refinery i thought i'd give it a try because the prices were very competitive. have done many brazillian waxes on clients so i kind of know how things should go. I was disgusted that the girl didn't prep my skin for waxing and didn't go over the waxing questionaire i had filled out which clearly stated i have sensitive skin and allergies. when i asked for her to apply pressure after ripping the strip off she said she cant that the service has to be under 15 min. i was done in 10 min and i appeared to be hairless. when i got home however i noticed obvious patches of hair still there, so i had to drive 30 min the next day to have another girl fix it..... i'd rather do my own bikini waxes after visiting the refinery

Pros: inexpensive

Cons: poor service, rude employees, bad wax

Posted 01/17/06

I wasn't too pleased with my brazilian wax- there was obvious patches of hair. After the owner assured that she herself would be sure that I left pleased, I agreed to a free complimentary visit for a re-touch. The owner was more accurately friendly, professional and I did leave pleased and more at ease; feeling like I got my money's worth. I will probably consider scheduling with the owner in the future, but will definitely browse ratings for a place that I don't have to have doubts about... another good thing about Refinery: they validate your parking ticket up to one hour if you park in the 5th Street parking lot in DinkyTown.

Pros: free parking, owner is great

Cons: satisfactory service, with certain employee, s

Posted 11/20/05

I had the absolute worst experience at the Refinery. Not only was my manicure botched (bubbles all over my nails), when it was redone, it was messed up again. Instead of providing me with a full refund, I was given numerous excuses. After the second polish job was removed, the manager refunded only a portion of the visit. I left with red stained nails with no polish on them, being told by the manager that she hoped I had dark polish at home to cover up the stains to fix the nails myself. I will not return for any other services and am telling friends and coworkers to avoid this salon after this time consuming, costly, and very disappointing experience.

Posted 09/20/05

This is a funky place, but twice I was shorted on time--the first time by my long time facial provider. She admitted it when I mentioned it while paying. I went to another person after that and the same thing happened. I haven't been back, though I had been there numerous times prior.

Posted 06/25/05

The services are great, the staff is friendly, and the prices are fabulous! It's only downfall lies in the fact that you can blatently hear what is going on in the room next to your own- be it a brazilian waxing or chatting employees. It's not fancy, but definetly worth visiting. I know that I'll be back.

Pros: great prices

Posted 01/04/05