Nice environment. Comfortable & soothing. Kayla is very well-informed & knowledgeable. The chairs she has for Yoni steams are top tier! Coming back regularly if possible! There's a tea she offers that you MUST get with the ginger honey! I felt so pampered and taken care of! Really great experience. read more

My skin is feeling fresh and glowy as always after my facial with Cayla. She consistently provides a wonderful facial experience and provides education as she describes the products that she uses. She has a kind spirit and genuinely wants her clients' skin to thrive and for her clients to feel pampered. Breathe Day Spa is so calming and peaceful. It's a self care regimen that I maintain monthly through the membership. Highly recommend! read more

Breathe Day Spa - Client holding Welcome sign. - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

Amazing, relaxing, therapeutic.....literally everything I needed and more. I booked for a 60 minute massage and 50 minute facial and both services were phenomenal. My body feels super relaxed and my face feels rejuvenated. The level of professionalism is really unmatched. Throughout my massage, the masseuse made sure I was comfortable and the pressure was just right. The addition of the hot stones, really took my massage over the top. Carla was fantastic with my facial. I love how she explained every step and product throughout the service! I will definitely be back. Thanks Ladies! read more

You know, there is so much I can say about the services I receive at Breath Day Spa! Not only do I enjoy my steam sessions, the hospitality Cayla shows is genuine and comforting. I have visited BDS three times so far and will continue! Thank You Cayla! read more

Pros: vibe, no sales-y overselling, understands brown skin, customized treatment (because they listen!!). S/O to Cayla who is the gem that owns this gem! Cons: signage! I drive by this spot all the time; with more obvious signage I likely would have become a client sooner :) Do yourself a favor and check it out!! read more

Went to Breathe for a Facial & V-steam as a b-day treat to myself, and I was not disappointed. I struggle with rosacea, my skin is very sensitive to most products, but Cayla is awesome, she is patient and gentle, very knowledgeable regarding skincare (she has a line of skincare products). The spa is quaint and intimate, whether you're on a solo vibe, girls day or couples situation, Breathe is a neighborhood gem. Go check it out!!! read more

We've done a year's worth of couples massages with Raine relerford & Aliana Gomez. The experience was nothing short of amazing each time. Great service and in depth massages. The attention to detail in the massages are really amazing and caters to your body's needs. They are sure to ask each time of problem areas and they give great detail to trying to ease that area without leaving out the rest of your body. I really can't say enough about how excellent the services are. The ambiance is lovely too! Always have fresh cold water and mints available. If I wasn't moving away I'd continue to see them for years to come. 6/5 experience every time! read more

I had an amazing experience at Breathe Day Spa with Cayla. It was my first trip to thr Bay Area and Breathe Day Spa was my first stop after landing in the area. I reached out weeks in advance to make an appointment for a facial and a V Steam. Cayla was super professional and accommodating. When I arrived, she literally met me at the door. The Spa is clean and welcoming and Cayla took the time to explain services and also get to know what I was seeking in the experience. I have had many facials at different places and the experience with her was top tier. This was my first V Steam and it was an interesting experience. I enjoyed learning about the process and also experience the authenticity of the service in her unique Korean chairs. After the services, Cayla provided me with recommended products and the opportunity to purchase. That was also something new for me with a facial service. I highly recommend booking your next self care appointment at Breathe Day Spa in Oakland. I will certainly be back on my next trip to the Bay Area. read more

Cayla really listens and cares about the client's well being. She knows skin! She's also a delightful person, so it's easy to kick back and relax. read more

Cayla is wonderful! She does such a good job with facials and is very knowledgeable about the skin. I appreciate the head and neck area massage and the calm environment. I always have a good time, and enjoy treating myself. I am glad that I now have skin routine. My skin has improved a lot. Highly recommend! read more

Had my massage by Rain and my facial by Cayla (Owner). All I can say is Wow!! I was super satisfied when I left. They're both very personable, people-oriented. If you want a facial/massage done right, I'd schedule with them as soon as possible. Ruuun ... don't walk!! read more

Auuuuuhhhhhh relax.... this hidden gem.... perfect! I really enjoyed myself here. The place is nice clean and dainty. The staff here was auhhhmazing!! Top notch customer service!! Very very hygienically aware!! ESPECIALLY for what I went for.... (dun dun dun dunnnnnn) the V Steam!! Yeah baby. It was hot... pun intended. Lol. What I really enjoyed was the fresh organic herbs used. No smells but that smell would be smelled...ya smell me, get my drift? Second the Owner knew her stuff! Explained every questioned I had thoroughly! We wondered about the sweat like is it going back into the fresh herbs to be recycled?? Gross I know right. But the way her seats are set up the herbs and a "catch pot" are on two separate locations. There are different levels of steam and infer red light settings. I tried to be Ms. Billy Bad Girl and go in at a seven which was fine for a while until.... huntay I had to turn it down from that to a five to a three. Momma. Was. Lit. Literally. Lol. I just love that you sweat all these toxins out of your body. My skin felt real soft. Also this Spa has nice jewelry and merchandise to purchase. There's also a mani and pedi section. A section for facials and massages. The whole place was just clean and adorable. Especially the pedi area. Very unique. I will say the owner maximized her spa and turn this into a full on spa! The only thing I didn't like which is totally out on this spas Control is where the restroom is located. All the adjacent business have to share this restroom which is outside. I think that's the way this property was set up since the building was built. The owner of that bathroom need to upgrade it stat!! Other than that there are no complaints. This establishment is perfect. Oh did I mention they're 100% certified Green by the City of Oakland??? Yasssss read more

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I loveeeee coming here! I followed the owner from her previous location and her service has remained consistent and amazing. Getting a v-steam is one of my top favorite self-care activities and is also a relaxing way to spend time with friends (double sessions are offered). The owner is extremely knowledgeable and accommodating and truly provides exemplary customer service. I've brought different friends with me and they always comment on how wonderful the service is in addition to how great the owner is and how comfortable she made them feel. Her space is extremely clean, comfortable and she does a great job of explaining the process and benefits of v-steams. Can't wait to try a facial or massage as well! 10/10 read more

This establishment is the BOMB!!! OMG I experienced my very first V-Steam with my daughters and a best friend and it was awesome! The atmosphere was perfect, the air smelt absolutely wonderful, and the overall "V-Steam" was one of the most rewarding experience of all!!!! I wanted to do this as a 'Special Birthday treat " and hon-Ey! It was just that!!!! Can't wait to go back, think I need to make this a monthly treat for myself! So worth it! Thank you Cayla!!!!! read more

Breathe Day Spa - Private birthday party! - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

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I made an appointment for a pedicure. Arrived on time, but was kept waiting about 10 minutes before the nail technician was ready for me. Had the lobby been a nicer environment the wait would have been more tolerable. However it only offers hard wood benches and cluttered shelves overstuffed with junky displays of too many products--costume jewelry, Havaianas flip flops, makeup, skincare and some random dusty glass vases. The pedicure experience was just okay. The nail tech was friendly and gave me a very thorough lower leg and foot massage. However the application of the polish was absolutely subpar. She applied the polish messily and even though she tried to remove the polish from my skin, in the end I still walked out with nail polish on my cuticles. During the pedicure I was instructed by several signs to be "Quiet" in the "nail pampering area." Whatever relaxing environment this signage was supposed to create was disturbed by being treated to the funky smell of a staff member eating her lunch in the front of the shop. Even though this supposed "spa" is not really all that spa-like, I could overlook the clutter if the service was stellar. But it wasn't. Front desk staff were merely perfunctory, not all that warm. And the pedicure looks bad enough that I don't want to leave the polish on; will probably go to another shop to have another pedicure tomorrow. Won't be going back to Polish. read more

Breathe Day Spa - Yep, at Polish this is the quality you can expect: messy, uneven color and nail polish on your skin. - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

Important to note that nail services are for NATURAL NAILS ONLY! (I.e., no gel or acrylics done here) This is a cute, peaceful little express spa in the heart of the Piedmont district. The atmosphere is always pleasant and relaxing and the ladies here are really nice. The owner* (and sometimes hostess), Cayla is a sweetheart and is always patient with me when trying to get appointments scheduled. Every time I've visited, I've been offered tea (with fresh ginger!) or water, of which I always enthusiastically accept. :-) So far, I've had manicures & pedicures done by Mai and Hue, who are both very patient and pleasant. You can tell that they cares about the work that they do as they'll check in with you throughout the process to make sure you are happy with the service. I've finally found a shop that I actually enjoy sitting in. :-) And one in which the nail techs don't make me feel uncomfortable by talking about me in another language right in my face. There must be a no tolerance policy for that here, which is how it should be. UPDATE: still love this place and wanted to add my V-steam and facial experiences. 1. My friend and I purchased a Groupon for a side-by-side v-steam, which is essentially and herbal cleansing (steaming) of the v-jay jay. I'd suggest reading up on the many benefits of this practice if you're interested in trying it. You're escorted to a private room and given a very pretty garment to wear, which helps to guide and lock in the steam while you're seated on the v-steam throne. I'd suggest asking for some cold water as the room does get very warm and it is likely that you will sweat. Not to worry about feeling any discomfort as you're able to control the temperature of the steam. All-in-all, it's a very relaxing experience that I think all women should try at least once on their lives. 2. Facials with Jasmine are always a pleasant experience. Not only is she super sweet, but she is very knowledgeable and really cares about the health of your skin and gives great advise on how to care for it. read more

I had a Living Social voucher which was expiring so I made an appointment and went in today to get a green tea pedicure. I went right in and they ask you if you want cucumber lemon water or green tea. I chose the cucumber lemon water which was refreshing as it was a warm day. Mai was my nail technician and she was friendly. The salon has been open for 13 years and she has been there for 6 years but this was my first time there. I hardly ever get myself a pedicure so this was a real treat for my feet, being that I dance at least 4-5 times a week! It was a great way to be pampered, someone washing your feet, scrubbing and massaging, as well as trimming your nails and cuticles. And they have a large selection of nail polish and I chose Zoya which safer for your nails and you. I came out feeling relaxed and renewed read more

Breathe Day Spa - The front of Polish on Piedmont - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

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I only go to Polish once a year as a special treat since I don't normally trust people to touch my nails. This was only my 2nd time, but I love it for the cleanliness and that all services take place in the back space instead of up front where people can see you from the street. That said, I had a manicure and cucumber pedicure. It was all very relaxing. If you are in a hurry, then this isn't the place for you. The technician who did my services was great. As she was working on me, every so often she would answer a question from another client or technician. She definitely knew her stuff and I was glad that she would suggest things for me to do as well. It also seemed as if there were many clients who keep coming back as everyone knew them by name. That was great to see/hear. I am definitely considering other services so I can return. And my nails still look great. read more

I loved my First V-steam experience. The steam pressure was perfect and the chair had temperature options. Cayla(owner) was super nice and accommodating and very informative of the V-Steam process and benefits. Overall, my favorite part of the whole experience was that I had the option of being in the room with my friend so, the experience turned into a true girls day! I will definitely be back in one month. read more

Breathe Day Spa - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

I went here hoping to detox my body from using birth control which was drying me out. My last period little to no cramps. And my boyfriend is back to swimming. Will be back. read more

What an incredible experience. My birthday treat from my bestfriend was a V Steam. The natural herbs and Spa experience was amazing and the owner is such a doll, she welcomed us into her sanctuary read more

Breathe Day Spa - Sanitary Steam Room - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

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I had really good service at the Breathe Day Spa. Pros: - The place is super cute. The pedicure area has a spa feeling. - My pedicure and manicure were so properly done. - The spa pedicure and manicure includes hand/feet scrub, massage, and location. Cons: -They only had two technicians on the day that I came. They were not able to do pedi/mani at the same time. 1 hour of spa pedi + 1 hour of spa mani = 2 hours. Please factor the time when you are planning your visit. - The spa is located in piedmont, parking can be difficult. Reminder: Tips can only be paid in cash. Please bring cash with you! read more

I love this place. I first came here with a group of friends and now I'm hooked and come repeatedly by myself. The v-steams help with minimizing period cramps and the overall balance of the vagina. Great experience and even better customer service. read more

Breathe Day Spa and Boutique on Piedmont Avenue is an Oakland treasure. Imagine a spa where you feel relaxed from the moment you enter! Now, imagine that the spa personnel place you, the client, at the center of a relaxed, unhurried and truly positive spa experience! YES, THAT! There are the usual spa services ranging from brows (perfect) to nails ( detailed, relaxing, awesome) and waxing, to extras like custom facials, citrus lemongrass pedicures with essential oils, and summer hydrating masques. Make an appointment you will be pleasantly pampered, and unhurried while receiving professional services from experts who care about their craft. The owner is there to make sure you receive the best services possible. It is nice when a spa owner understands that the business is about making people happier. Breathe Spa is an Oakland Green Certified business, which shows you that they care about people enough to care about the products they use. You literally have time to breathe there. That says it all. A relaxing spa where you actually have a moment to recharge. The salon itself is extremely relaxing! Just sitting in there will take some of the stress out of your day. The mani / pedi station is a super comfortable bench with a cozy nook that just feels like you have a comfy place to be away from it all. The icing is the boutique, which has many treasures to add to your life. A five-star establishment from top to bottom. When you go to a spa, you want to leave refreshed. And Breathe has just the right atmosphere and attentive professionals to make that happen. I tagged along with a mentor who was getting a mani/pedi and had recently added perfect brows. While I did not have an appointment, I was able to add a brow session. The reason I tagged along in the first place was that I had to learn the secret of these perfect brows. The secret is in the staff and the business. My consultation for brows was perfect, and I left with the exact perfect brows I was after. I also left less stressed and more relaxed than when I walked in. That is exactly what a spa is supposed to do! And I didn't even have any of the other services, yet! If you can get your brows done and leave relaxed, you are truly in the mellowest of spas. I will return for a mani-pedi when I have time to make an appointment. I will continue to return for the perfect brows and visit when I need a time-out from my busy life. read more

Such a great experience can't wait to book my next appointment!!! I had an amazing me time!

I loved it . I had a great experince . The owner was so nice and her place was very clean .

The terrible truth: My nail polish came off in 24 hours. It would've stayed on longer if I'd done it myself!! I'd also like to point out that in my experience, this space is NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE. I went here for a bachelorette party, held after regular spa hours, and when I first heard about going to Polish, I was excited. After all, I rarely treat myself to getting my nails done in a spa environment! Because a girl can always use a pedicure, I decided to get the spa pedicure. I had the misfortune of having a chatty spa employee who prattled on endlessly, interrogating me about the wedding, weddings, my wedding, her wedding, everyone's wedding!!! I just wanted some peace and quiet...after all, this was supposed to be a spa experience, right??? While the description on the website had told me of all sorts of therapeutic things to come, the reality was a lot simpler: they put a microwave-reheated bean bag behind my neck that was uncomfortably warm and smelled musty and old. They put my feet in what resembled the foot tub I have at home, rather than one of those big, relaxing massage-and-soak contraptions. There was no extensive massage, as it was in reality no longer than the one I receive at my usual pedicure spot, where I pay $22 for a mani AND pedi! I'm not a trained pedicurist, but I HAVE had my toes done routinely for years. In my experience, this pedicure was almost identical to the low-cost ones I'm used to. And I payed heavily for it, over $40 before tip!!! The kicker? It started chipping almost immediately (which pedicures seldom do for me) and one entire nail's paint came right off in less than 24 hours! I paid so much for this??? As far as the atmosphere, the women working there were obviously DYING to get out of there, and probably cursing whoever'd agreed to let us have a bachelorette party there. Lights were turned off, employees were hustling around cleaning, and it felt as though we were in the way. This will obviously be a different experience from anyone who goes to this spa during their regular hours (I hope!). But I honestly feel that if you are staying "open" to host a nail party for a bachelorette, you should treat it as though you're still open inside, even if the front door is locked. Otherwise, clients feels rushed, ignored, and generally in the way. I was definitely underwhelmed by this experience, and I'd never go there again. If I'm going to spend that much for a "spa pedicure", I want to feel really pampered and peaceful during and after the experience!!! That was, sadly, not the case here. read more

2 stars because Polish is *ridiculously* overpriced for what you get. I would have no problem what so ever paying $66 (not including tip) for a true 'spa' manicure/pedicure - but the quality of the treatment was truly no better than what you get at a standard walk in $15 nail place. In fact, I would say it was even slightly worse. The girl treating me got polish on my sandals (because she insisted on painting my toes with my shoes ON), and my manicure was a joke. I had to refile my nails when I got home because she did such a sloppy job. I also don't wear nail polish, so I generally expect a little more time buffing - she spent probably all of 20 seconds buffing my nails. All this and I had to make my appointment 3 days in advance! So why 2 stars and not 1? Polish is incredibly cute, and the people who work there are actually genuinely nice & friendly. Also this place is clean, clean, clean. The have foot sinks which are both very cute and way more hygienic than those spa chairs. My recommendation: if you're a stickler for cleanliness, then Polish wins hands down over any of the other nail spas on Piedmont. However, the 'spa' mani/pedicures are definitely not worth the extra money. Just go for the express version. read more

I'll admit that I have always been attached to the mani/pedi. I went to work at age 15 just so I would have enough money to afford regular manicures. Fast forward 20 years and I still am working to afford regular treatments. But I am so sick of smelly, dirty, crowded places to get nails done. So I haven't gone in a while and my poor students are suffering (who wants a yoga teacher with ugly toes? Who wants a raw food instructor with ugly hands?) I'd been eyeing Polish since they opened. When my husband offered to take me there for some deluxe treatments I thought perhaps there was divine intervention. How could I say no? The bottom line: I would and will go back again. I already booked my next treatment to take advantage of a great discount they were offering. What I loved: No tv. No loud music. No electronic chairs or gizmos. Just me, quiet music and trashy magazines. Just the way I love it. I really wanted eco-friendly products and here they were (at least the polish). I LOVED the pedicure - the best overall treatment I can remember getting. The pedicurist was great, and so was the lady who waxed me. My husband looked great after his first facial (ever?) and he looks great. The service was very quick, friendly and not too chatty. I loved that there are so few stations - not too many people in there. I loved the wood, the tubs and the fabrics and the stones instead of plastic everywhere. I loved the crazy long menu and all the options just for a pedicure. What I really didn't like: The place is just too cluttered. Someone with a fresh eye (I would do it myself) needs to go through the place and through out all the junk - the boxes, the old papers, the duplicate and/or half shredded signs. Give all the products a home so things aren't lying about like this is someone's basement den. This place should have a true zen feeling if they are going to charge such high prices. Also, please redo the menu. There are three prices for everything. I asked for clarification and was told "well that is for junior and senior and owner prices, but while there are three prices there we don't actually have a junior, senior or owner to do it so it is just the cheapest price." Ummm. ok. The package we purchased included green tea and champagne but none was forth coming. Sorta of a bummer to sell something but then not deliver. It would be so great if Jinny and her team just went through the whole place from top to bottom and asked "what would a brand new client think of this?". Then keep it, change it, or toss it. But don't ignore it. I appreciate the much of the experience was great. Thank you. read more

Facials don't get any better than this. I've gotten my face taken care of by Jinny for years and she's really good. Jinny is knowledgeable, professional and really understands your needs. I had a big fat zit when I went in for my facial and she was not only gentle but very thorough. True to her words, the blemish healed perfectly and no scar. How awesome is that? I've gotten waxed by Dumi a few times and it's always been a great experience, too. Highly recommend! I like that there's always a personal attention and service at Polish. I always say you get what you pay for and I really believe services at Polish are worth every penny! read more

Honestly...I don't know how this place got so many stars!!! I'm going to keep it brutally real...I have been trying to get into this place to do a mani and pedi for about a year. Between them being totally booked and me having to always reschedule I've been patiently waiting. I felt like a pig in sh*t when livingsocial had a deal to this place and couldn't wait to use it. That day finally came!!! When you first walk in, the place is nicely decorated and they have tons of products to pick and choose from to buy all around. You get greeted by the person behind the counter to check in and she asks if you would like any water or tea while you wait. At least that's what she asked when my Cali BFF and I walked in :) As you walk upstairs to start your treatment (mani, pedi, waxing) there are TONS of colors to choose from. OMG...they even have them color coordinated. NICE :) PROS ***Great location - Right at the heart of Piedmont ***Great colors to choose from ***The staff is friendly ***Variety of flavored lotion to choose from ***Great celebrity trash to read CONS ***Upstairs looks like a different place than downstairs ***Only 2 benches allowing the max 4 people (depending on how many people work there) to get your nails done. No wonder their always booked!!! ***Lotion - we chose mango flavor. Once it dried, it smelled like vomit and all we wanted to do was gag!!! ***Massage - instead of her massaging my legs/feet she basically just rubbed in the flavor vomit ***My livingsocial coupon offered champagne. They slyly tried to act like they didn't hear us asking for our champagne then quickly started speaking their language. Once we asked the girl in the front for our champagne she tells us well I asked if you wanted something to drink. NO CORRECTION...YOU ASKED IF WE WANTED WATER OR TEA. If our coupon says champagne, you should just bring me a glass of champagne ***They used some "for lack of better words" buffer thing that consisted of a worn out/needed to be tossed out 100 people ago buffer ***The tools they used on our feet they claimed were sterile. HOW DO WE KNOW THAT??? They were already sitting out and were rusty. WTH??? ***Nails were only mediocre ***After we vowed to never come back here and how we were so disappointed we still were very cordial, shared laughs with the ladies doing our nails, tipped them and didn't even get a good bye while we were leaving and in fact, before we both got out the door they had already turned off the lights. SMDH!!!!!! In all...I've had wayyyyy better mani/pedi's and was very shocked at this place. I don't know about some people but I inspect EVERYTHING when I get my mani/pedi's and having rusty/crappy tools is a NO NO in my book!!! read more

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It has been a while since I went here and I only just once. I was here in 2010 a few days before my wedding. This was my first manicure and pedicure. I enjoyed it and it was nicely done though I was looking for a more peaceful hour. My manicurist was a very chatty grandmotherly sort which was fine since I am chatty but she insisted on talking about the negative aspects marriage that I did not need to or want to discuss. Anyways she was well intentioned but I found this to not be to my liking. The part that bothered me most was the behavior of the receptionist who was a young women. She spoke to my manicurist in a really disrespectful and rude manner, and it made me hugely uncomfortable because the manicurist could have been my mother. So I never returned after this and I was glad that I tipped the manicurist directly. I have not had a manicure since I don't feel like I have missed out. read more

Polish on Piedmont is such a lovely place. There are a variety of services to choose from and the employees here are friendly and accommodating. I love the exotic, Asian-inspired decor with the dark-wood benches, green plants, and stone floor. Everything about this place just makes you feel so relaxed and luxuriously content. For you indecisive females getting manicures and/or pedicures, just brace yourself because they have an entire wall of various nail polish colors and brands. No joke, it took about 20 minutes and numerous tests for me to choose my new favorite shade, OPI's Glove me Tender. During your pedicure foot soak, they give you these satin, scented, neck-pillows which they warm up and it's just heavenly. And I like that the 4 pedicure sinks are so close together with extra seating which is nice if you have a group of chatty friends with you. My technician was extremely careful, using almost surgical precision when trimming my cuticles and applying my polish. I love that you have a choice of sugar or salt scrubs and the massages they give you are divine. I have been to a couple of places where they kind of just wiggle your arm around and slap some lotion on you, so I was grateful for the extensive hand and foot/leg massage. All in all, it was a great experience at Polish. The only negatives are that the prices are a bit higher than what I normally pay and even though my friend had made an appointment for our group of five way ahead of time, there were only 2 technicians on hand to do our mani/pedis. Now I have been hearing that the sinks they use are more hygienic, and you can call me crazy but I just missed the bubbles from the typical spa tubs. Still this is a great place for a luxurious spa date. I wouldn't come here for my regular mani/pedis, but I would come back again with my girlfriends for a bit of a pampering escape...I would just have to save some extra bucks first!!! read more

Service was 2 but I went there for a pedi. Worst EVER!!! Even the living social deal isn't even worth it. Complete waste of time! read more

Oh...my...gosh. That was the WORST 'Spa' experience there ever was. Granted, they had a facial opening available last minute on Sunday, but that's the extent of the plus' First, the loud conversation and giggling (women getting mani/pedis) right outside the treatment room was not very relaxing. Secondly, the aesthetician kept leaving the room (I mean, 5 times during my facial?) Thirdly, as she did not cover my hairline with a band, I have a ton of dried snotty stuff in the hair on the back of my neck and IN my ears. Finally, for $130 at a nice spa, I would receive something other than a quickie cursory face massage/extraction, and maybe a hand/forearm massage. What I paid for was having different things painted on my face and then wiped off. I was willing to give the place a try but now I know better. Such a disappointment. read more

Update 3/19/08: I tried the LED facial at Polish and I am hooked. I bought the 6 series LED lunchtime package. Not sure if you're aware of the benefits of LED, but it works. I had my doubts on whether a light treatment can really change the texture of my skin, but it does. It does wonders. After my first LED session, I immediately saw the difference. My face looked and felt more contoured. I swear, I looked like I dropped 5-10 pounds (too bad it just looked that like on my face and not my body though). Just thought I would share the great experience of LED treatments at Polish on Piedmont. Polish is great! I've been going to Polish ever since it opened, but not on a regular basis since I was living in the city up until April of this year. Since I've been back in the east bay, Polish is my preferred nail spa. I took my niece there for her very first pedicure and the nail technicians were great with her. She is only 3 1/2 and they treated her like a little princess. I felt just as pampered if not more so with my spa pedicure. I've had numerous facials at Polish and always leave a happy customer. The estheticians are well trained and will make your face glow. One warning...it gets booked up fairly quickly on the weekends so plan on making an appointment at least a week in advance. read more

This is the place where my super hygienic friend gets her nails done regularly. I had to check it out after hearing about the importance of having sinks for pedicures as opposed to the traditional spa tub. So prior to our recent night out, we made appts for spa mani/pedis at Polish. The receptionist was very accommodating and able to offer us morning appts together by moving their schedule around. Thanks! The shop is really cute, with jewelry, bags, and makeup items for sale in the boutique up front. First we were seated at the nail station which consists of these large rustic wooden benches with plush pillows. The ladies who did our nails (Bianca and Phoebe) were really great. We were chatting, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying our sugar scrubs and polish. Next we were taken to these elevated benches with foot sinks beneath them for our pedis. It was very relaxing, sitting on the plush bench with pillows, getting my feet worked on. Note: if you are one of those people who looks forward to the massage chair when you get your pedi, this is not the place for you. However, if you are looking for a cute place to get a nice (and clean) mani/pedi, this place is really great! Parking is difficult on Piedmont Ave, so make sure you arrive early enough to circle around the block if necessary. Also, make sure you bring cash for tips, they don't take tips on credit. The price is comparable to other salons, spa mani/pedi for $60 + tip. read more

I've only been once, and it's been a while since I went, but this place is still my standard for a great mani/pedi. Luckily it was a gift from my mom, so I didn't have to pay. But it probably would have been worth it anyway, it was so good. I always have a hard time picking out a color, and the pedicurist told me what was particularly popular and good for the event I was going to. The foot/leg massage was FABULOUS and I loved the aromatherapy lotion they used. They created good shapes for both my fingernails and toenails, and the polish was even and smooth. Plus they didn't criticize my crappy care of my nails, but instead provided helpful suggestions for how to take better care of them in the future. Hm, according to my review I guess I should go back! 4 stars because I remember the prices being high. read more

I'm just all kinds of happy over this place. It is a little on the expensive side, but now that I'm completely freaked out about getting some weird infection from pedicure spa baths, I really appreciate the extensive measures they go to to prevent that and think it's well worth it. They regularly have good deals on combined services and seasonal offerings (chocolate/rose flavors around Valentines Day, pumpkin warm milk pedi for Fall...) I have gotten my brows waxed here and also tried the threading. This is a great option for people with sensitive skin, though it's a lot more money than a regular brow wax. If anyone experiences prolonged redness or soreness after waxing I'd recommend this. I also get uh...other places waxed. While not my favorite activity, I can vouch a-OK. read more

I have to be going to Polish for years for facials. I always see the owner Jinny and she never lets me down. She is such a pro and SO talented at what she does. The facial is very thorough and most of it very relaxing (other than those darn extractions that are a necessary evil to any good facial). I do the LED facial and the results are spectacular. Jinny is also wonderful at educating me about my skin and the best regime for it. She is very patient about walking me through what products to get and how to use them. I highly recommend getting everything she says, as it all fits together and makes sense when you are start to use the products. My total Polish experience has always been so positive, even from the beginning of the process when I make my appt. (they are always so good about working with my crazy schedule), to their follow-up confirming appointments and being flexible the few times I have had to re-schedule. Don't walk but run to Polish if you want your skin to look amazing :-) read more