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Posh n' Polish
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Hair Salons, Skin Care, Nail Salons, Hair Removal [Edit]
3979B 17th StSan Francisco, CA 94114
Neighbourhood: Castro
(415) 626-2315
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for Posh n' Polish
44 reviews in English
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Review from Tobi G.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012
+5 stars. Terry D writes the truth. I've known MaryAnn for 15 years. I followed her around my neighborhood to 2 other salons. She is my unofficial family. I've gone to her for pedicures for years. On a whim I had her cut my hair. Love it. She's has a good eye for styles. She even helped teach me how to blow dry my style perfectly. The whole salon feels like a corner store/cafe/vibe. I also know Mario, charming and like a bartender I've heard people admit their darkest secrets to him while he cuts their hair. It's located in the heart of the Castro. They are the HEART of the Castro.
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Review from Nick S.
Western Addition/NOPA, San Francisco, CA
5/2/2012
I came here based on it the "Highest Rated" in the neighbourhood but I agree with Nikki M. This is not the first place I'd recommend someone go for a pedicure. Admittedly, if I'd taken stock of the place before sitting down to get my feet did, I'd have been able to gauge that. There's no bait-and-switch going on. As noted by Nikki, there are no spa chairs. I'd add that the ambience is not as conducive to relaxation as I prefer. Yet, I have to acknowledge that, due to there being a lull in business, I was given ample attention by the nail technician. I might try them for other services but for pedicures, there are ample and better alternatives.
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Review from D M.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2012
I am sorry to have to do this, but Posh n Polish has completely lost my respect and patronage. I have been going here sporadically over the past four years for waxing and brows by MaryAnn. Generally, she does a good job, but is almost always off on her time quotes. I would stop in and she would tell me it wouldn't be long, and keep me waiting up to half an hour. I started calling in to make appointments, understanding that walk-ins are unpredictable (but at least be honest about my wait). I would come in on time and still be kept waiting. Basically, I feel that my patronage is taken completely for granted. My business is not at all valued anymore. Although the staff is undoubtedly friendly, no one ever took the time to learn my name, despite the fact that I had introduced myself several times, so they all defaulted to calling me "boy," which is degrading and obnoxious. I am young, but I always tip very well and certainly deserve respect.
The other day I went in to get my chest and back waxed. Fortunately, on this day, I didn't have to wait too long, but MaryAnn kept leaving me to converse with someone on the floor and do another client's hair. I would literally by laying on the table in the middle of a waxing session while she worked on another client. The good thing is that she has used her multi-tasking abilities before to sneak in a brow wax for me without appointment while helping another client, but at the same time, I feel it is wholly unprofessional and inappropriate to leave me there for minutes at a time with a waxing job unfinished! Like any normal person, I had other things to do that day and wanted to be on my way. I didn't want to lay there on the table with hot wax on my back while she colored someone else's hair. Furthermore, because of the fact that she was helping multiple people, I feel that she rushed with me, degrading the quality of service. I have so many ingrown hairs and pimples all over my chest and back after the waxing, which I have never had before. We finished up the session and I vowed never to return. I believe they mean well at Posh n Polish, but do not deliver. It doesn't matter how young I am, if I have been spending my hard-earned money on you for years, you had better know my name, be on time and deliver quality service. Again, it's unfortunate that I have to write this review, but I abhor anyone who takes my business for granted. I have been nothing but a loyal customer and I deserve better. -
Review from Peggy L.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011
Hair:
I was wandering the streets of the Castro in search of a new hairstylist. After being turned down from numerous places that were "booked up" or places that were completely empty, i was about to get on the MUNI and head home when i spotted Posh n' Polish. It looked like a cute little place and was not empty--a good sign.
I walked in and asked if there was anyone available to give me a hair cut. Billy took me in right away, sat me down, and served me a cup of hot green tea. He asked me exactly what i wanted, listened, and asked followup questions.
He cut my hair exactly the way i wanted it and styled it just as i had asked: 2 inches shorter, layers, and very full with a lot of volume.
I loved it! Not only did he style it very well, but it was easy to maintain. It was exactly the hair cut i had wanted: Hair that looked good that did not require a lot of work.
A month later . . .
Waxing:
I needed some waxing done right away for a formal event. i called around at the places near me and they said that (1) they could not fit me in and (2) that eyebrow waxing would take 45 minutes to an hour.
So...at 2:30, i called Billy to see if he could squeeze me in for a waxing. Billy took me in right away without any fuss. He sat me down, worked his magic, and in about 10-15 minutes, my eyebrows were waxed and so was my upper lip. I saw my mom immediately afterward and she complimented me on the shape of my eyebrows. My boyfriend agreed. My mom explicitly stated that she thought Billy did a much better job than the woman who did my last wax.
Fast + Beautiful + Affordable= a WIN!
This place is wonderful! Billy is a fantastic stylist and very receptive to the needs of his clients. This place is also a great value! I don't remember the exact price, but i do remember being shocked by the bill--it was so much lower that i had expected. The quality of work and the care and attention you receive is well worth the amount you are paying. -
Review from Jason D.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2011
This place is amazing. Billy, Mario, and Maryann are great at what they do. They're extra friendly and try to make sure you're comfortable. Best part is the more often you go back, they give discounts. I'd had many mani and pedi by Maryann and she does a great job! Billy is the first stylist I've had cut my hair since moving to CA that will actually cut it the way I want it.
The only major hang-up I have is that every time the phone rings, they have to stop what they're doing to answer it. I've mentioned for the last few months, a receptionist is majorly needed. This way someone is there to answer the phone and customers still get the attention they came in for with no waiting. -
Review from Lauren W.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2012
Found this place while I was looking for somewhere I could get my bangs trimmed and my eyebrows done. Chose Posh n' Polish due to the positive remarks on yelp. My experience was just as positive! I called on a Saturday morning and made an appointment for later that afternoon. When I arrived at the salon I was met with a very friendly welcome. I was a few minutes early but Billy took me almost right away. He did a wonderful job of trimming my bangs and even noticed the spot where my bangs tend to get heavy (my regular hair person doesn't even notice that sometimes!). After he finished doing a wonderful job on my bangs he took me to wax my eyebrows. He was very quick and responsive to how I wanted them to look. And it didn't even hurt that much!!
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the service I received at Posh n' Polish. They could not be more friendly. I would certainly recommend them to anyone! -
Review from Jasmine M.
Berkeley, CA
3/25/2011
I was visiting some friends in the city when on a whim we all decided to get our hair done. My two friends got their hair cut and I decided to get partial highlights (I have dark brown hair and wanted some red streaks). We were planning on being in the Castro so we looked around and decided on this place after reading the favorable reviews on Yelp (and because they could schedule three people at the same time!) We called in the morning and all received afternoon appointments.
First off, I want to reiterate the already stated fact that Mario is a fun albeit scandalous man! The first question he asked me was how many boyfriends I had and then went on to talk to me about what type of guy has the biggest penis. I found his remarks fairly harmless yet completely ridiculous and entertaining. Also, after a bit of a coughing fit I had, he asked me, "Mm, where was YOUR mouth last night?" I could barely stop laughing.
An entertaining hair stylist would not warrant a four star review, however, if the highlights didn't turn out as well as they did. Mario helped me choose a color based on what I wanted and offered valuable feedback without being pushy. He definitely catered to what I was looking for and the color turned out perfectly. Also, based on the other hair places I was looking at in the area, $70 for a partial highlight for slightly longer-than-shoulder-length hair was more than fair. My friends who received hair cuts also commented on how well priced the services were (I believe it was $40 for a shampoo + hair cut + blow dry for one friend and possibly $15 for my friend who just got her bangs trimmed). All in all, great service. I'm moving out to the Bay Area in a few months and if I'm in the area and need a trim/touch up, I'll definitely stop by Posh n' Polish again! -
Review from Terry D.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2012
There are so many awesome things to say about this place, but I will keep it short and sweet. Billy, Mario, and MaryAnn are simply fantastic people. Great customer service, reasonable prices, and really good at what they do. In fact, there are few places around the Castro that actually treat their customers like family; these three do just that. I have know all three of them for nearly six years, and MaryAnn has done her best to keep me pretty over those six years (hard task!). I highly recommend everyone I know to go to them at least once while living in SF. They make the place a fun and inviting atmosphere, and really get to know each and every one of their customers. In fact, a couple of years ago, I took my mother there for a mani/pedi. She to this day still asks about MaryAnn. Kinda reminds me of Saturday mornings growing up visiting the black barbershops - chatty, fun, warm, welcoming, and a great cut! Keep up the excellent work PnP; love you guys!
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Review from Sean B.
3/23/2009
My nephew was visiting me from out of town. Straight. Seventeen years old. From a small town. But he was adventurous and a very good sport about hanging with the 'cool gay uncle' and when he wanted to get a decent haircut while he was in the city, we went everywhere trying to get a last-minute, Friday afternoon appointment. We struck out at five places and finally, walking past, decided to pop into Posh n' Polish.
So glad we did. We happened upon the very well and oft-referenced Mario (I discovered his reputation ten seconds ago when I came on to write this review), who took good care of my nephew the whole time. We joked with him about having a brief gay "bro-mance" with Mario, who was flirtatious in a very appropriate, fun, non-threatening way. My nephew thought it was great and was very amused by their interactions, which lasted over two hours since it was a cut and color and very doting the whole time.
In fact, the service was so good and vibe so pleasant that on a whim my good friend and co-worker decided to get a haircut too... and ten minutes later my boyfriend (who was a good sport about sharing my avuncular duties) got one as well.
I would have... but had to take off and go work that evening, I was just the driver. But I'll go in sometime this week and get one too, they're our new place! A+! -
Review from Matthew D.
Tempe, AZ
2/9/2008
I have gone here about five times and my fiancee once. The stylist did a wonderful job with her hair and I have no complaints there. However, the nail tech tends to be VERY ROUGH with the file. The final result of a manicure with her is quite nice, but she appears to be in so much of a hurry that she will either bang the pad of your fingertip with the file or slice your skin with the file edge. Both my fiancee and I had this experience. In five appointments, she made me bleed twice and the scab hurt for a week.
It is really too bad. She does an excellent job, but I don't want to sit in a manicure chair cringing and tensing up because I don't know which stroke of the file is going to cut my finger. This is supposed to be a relaxing experience. At this point, I can't bring myself to go back. -
Review from Wendy L.
San Lorenzo, CA
11/4/2010
This is review for mani-pedi service I received..
Super friendly staff, fun to talk to however, one of my cuticles got nicked, bled and was infected...with puss and took over a month to heal. From this experience I will never get manicures ever again. The pedicure was fine and great for the price. -
Review from Nikki M.
3/6/2009
5 stars for the $12 manicure I got in the big comfy chair. Polish selection is a bit small, and I wouldn't really recommend a pedi here (they don't have spa chairs or nail stations or anything)...BUT for $12 you can get a good quality manicure with a lovely lady! And if you have an interview the next day you can also get interview advice.
I keep meaning to stop in and tell her thanks for making my hands look so polished. It must have worked because I aced the interview and got the job. -
Review from Sarah K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/24/2010
When I moved to the neighborhood the first thing I needed to find was a non-franchised nail place without germ pool chairs. I walked by this place twice a day to and from the MUNI for about a month before I read the yelp reviews. I just decided to see what it was like...come in without an appointment.... I can never go anywhere else.
Maryanne is your funny, sassy, endearing, sometimes potty mouth, matchmaking Auntie who happens to do nails. She is warm and sweet and really good at what she does. She is the only one who does hair, nails, wax, eyelash tint and curling....basically she does almost everything on the menu. She will let you know when your choice in nail color may not be right or may chip easily. It's just fun to sit in the big comfy chair and have her chat with you or not chat with you depending on your mood. I was coming home one day and decided that I could not wait to see my eyebrow girl in LA so I walked in not expecting anything but some light clean up and walked away with a new eyebrow Auntie.
Pricing: A Mani Pedi will run you $30 which BTW is the cheapest I have seen in SF. Eyebrow shaping is $15. Call ahead or do what I do....walk in and see when she is available next and come back...I usually head home and come back flip flops in tow.
The guys in the salon do hair and from the noise in the salon...they do a great job. -
Review from Amaranta C.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2010
Pro's: cheap bikini wax ($25), friendly staff (Maryann is so cute!), easy to get to location. Maryann definitely tries to take your mind off the pain by talking and telling funny stories the whole time (baby!)
Con's: the waxing area is literally a curtained off bed. When you are half exposed, it's a little disconcerting to think someone could open it at any second. That's the only reason I took off stars. -
Review from Roth E.
South San Francisco, CA
11/24/2009
I've been to other salons where I'm running late just so i don't miss my appointment (I'm always late). But here, they are willing to adjust their schedule a bit to fit me in.
Honestly, I don't know why i need to schedule an appointment or have them call me the day before my appointment. I could probably walk in and get a fantastic hair cut and be on my way. Billy's a whiz, a whiz I tell you, cutting male Asian hair. Since I don't go for the set and spike it look (any more), I need something a little more mature. Billy tames the Asian Fro that is my hair and adds the right amount of texture and layer. Mario, from what I hear is amazing and friendly too!
Want a warm towel on your face? Tea? Your hair shampoo-ed before it gets cut? It's all included.
And this is all coming from a guy who's completely neurotic about how his hair looks.... -
Review from Peter K.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2008
Posh n' Polish is kind of the best place ever. If you have asian hair and you're male, please go here. Billy know how to handle it and it is dirty cheap.
I've gone through many of stylist who claim how to cut "asian hair." The result is usually disastrous and disappointing. Billy knows what he's doing.
Don't ask, just go! -
Review from Anastasia Beaver Housand J.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2007
Prices here are extremely reasonable and the owner Mario is the loveliest guy. I've known him since 2005 -he's so entertaining and funny, as well as being a precision cutter and a caring human being! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place to anyone! I've always been happy with the results and it feels like going back to see old friends. In fact, I don't live in America anymore, but save my split ends up for Mario to cut when I know I'm coming to California on business. In between cuts, the style and color grows out so gracefully.
You always leave feeling great on the inside and outside, regardless of how you felt when you walked in. I wish Mario, Maryanne, and Billy the best with this place, I really do! -
Review from Luis A.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2008
I have been going to Mario for years to get a haircut, even before he opened Posh N' Polish! I have wavy crazy hair and Mario has always managed to give me great haircuts! He is actually a pretty funny and scandalous guy! The service is great, especially when booking an appt. I always call the same day that i want a haircut and he always somehow manages to squeeze my appt in! The prices are also very reasonable!
Billy and Maryanne are also super friendly! -
Review from Erik M.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2011
Great staff with a good location. Fine service and a friendly attitude, never disappointed.
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Review from Javier C.
El Cerrito, CA
9/24/2008
I was walking around the Castro with my pup and I walked by and noticed the place was clean and the staff was super friendly. Mario was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He made me feel at home-he even gave my pup a treat and allowed me to let him loose in the little back yard so he wouldn't feel bored while i was getting a haircut. I have been going to other salons and they always screw up my hair which is really IMPOSSIBLE to since i always gett it buzzed cut-but then again-maybe not all "STYLIST" get trained properly on all types of hair styles.
I would recommend this place to anyone who is interested in getting not only a haircut, but a place to vent and have a pleasant experience. And if you get hungry once you are done--just walk around the corner and you're in Restaurant mecca. -
Review from L. Renee D.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2008
I really really like this place. Basically, Mario-my stylist- always does a great job, the prices are reasonable, and there is just an overall good vibe about the place.
Everyone who works there always has a smile on their face and seems like they actually genuinely enjoy what they do for a living. As a customer, it's nice to see that. It definitely creates a laid-back and friendlier atmosphere than some of those other salons where the workers move around like depressed robots.
The actual salon itself is nothing special. The layout is a little weird. I think it used to be an old office or some kind of store and you can definitely tell that they turned it into sort of a make-shift salon. Another cool thing is that they always feature local artists' paintings on the walls. There's something new to look at and ponder every time.
As far as their services....so I have had my hair both dyed and cut here on a few different occasions. I always see Mario (I highly recommend him) and I always leave feeling satisfied. Prices are also pretty good, especially for being in S.F. I got my hair cut today and it was $45 since my hair was pretty long, but compared to other salons in the city, I think that's pretty good, and well-worth it. -
Review from Sara W.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2009
I adore this place. They are reasonably priced & their location is fab and very convenient. Maryanne is hilarious and the other male co-owners are adorable and SO nice!! It is a no-frills salon, but very clean and super duper friendly. I always have so much fun when I go--lots of chatting, laughter and great company. I have always been happy with my mani/pedi, eyebrow wax, and my once-or-twice-per-year bikini and leg wax. There is something to be said for the fact that the people who work there are all owners, if I'm not mistaken. It is very apparent that they deeply care about their business and their clients. I highly recommend this place.
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Review from Philip D.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2009
Been getting my hair cut here for over a year and love them all! Billy, Mario and Maryanne.. what a team! Always lots of fun and great work too! And if you're lucky, Maryanne might just set you up on a date too!
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Review from Eddy N.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2010
I was on my way home from work and I needed a last minute haircut and saw this place. I decided to try this place out and I think i found my new hair salon. Place is great. Very warm. Prices are fair. All three of the people that work there are VERY friendly and great to talk to. I felt very comfy here. I'm going to take my friends here over the weekend.
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Review from Hao N.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2010
Mary Ann by far gives the best haircut I have EVER had, she great and I can't say enough great things about her =D
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Review from Criss R.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2009
I've been going to P & P for a couple of years for mani/pedicures. They are by far the best I've ever received in the City. As for the "salad bowl" they use to soak your feet (I saw a comment down below). This is actually more sanitary than the jet tubs in salons. The nail tech actually buffs my toes, something that I have never had done anywhere else. The atmosphere is very relaxing, fun and well worth the effort. I've never felt like they've rushed through my appointment.
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Review from Adriene c.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2007
When I called, I was treated warmly and in a super friendly manner and was able to book an appointment for the next morning.
The atmosphere is pretty simple - a nice touch is artwork for sale on the walls - I always love a gallery/salon. I'd probably paint the walls something darker than white, to make it feel a little cozier but that's splitting hairs (har har) and doesn't effect my experience at all.
I was given a cup of green tea (yum) before we discussed what I wanted to do.
I have slightly unruly, curly hair and Billy cut it dry. I was a bit skeptical at first but know my mom will only get her curly hair dry cut so I went with it - it does make sense since curls are very different when wet. I did fear, however, that this meant no shampoo (a favorite part of the haircutting experience). Billy did a superb job shaping my hair to match my very specific (slightly whiny) request.
He washed my hair afterwards, told me I should try not rinsing out my conditioner all the way as it'll help keep my hair moist (that's a no brainer that I've never even thought of... so it was super welcome advice since I'm not much of a product girl. I know, curls + no product = frizz but it's just so hard to find the right product), and then he applied a touch of pomade and left it wet (as I do) so it wouldn't be frizzy.
Perfect.
My short in the back (nape of the neck), long in the front (chin) cut was $30 before tip. The only part that is a challenge is that they charge by hair length so long layers might be a lot more than that. But probably not. Great prices and fun location and Billy does a great cut. Simple. Straightforward. Well done.
Again.
Perfect. -
Review from Scott M.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2010
Mario is amazing! He listens to exactly what I want and then makes me look even better than I imagined! He's a hidden treasure in the city!
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Review from Nick C.
7/11/2010
Awesome place to get your hair cut. Everyone is friendly and knows how to cut hair that blows away your expectations. The inside decor is constantly changing with the different paintings and flowers, which makes it a new experience every time. Keep it up Mario, Billy, and Marian. Love all you guys
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Review from mike b.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2008
This is the best deal in the city! I don't venture to the Castro ever except for my haircut - not that theres anything wrong with it. Bobby, Mario, and Maria are super friendly and always leave me looking sharp! Recently I had my hair butchered by another "stylist" because I needed a quick fix before a wedding. I felt like I was cheating and Karma caught up with me as a result. My hair was ephed up! Luckily Bobby was cool with taking me back and he fixed my doo right. I highly recommend this place to anybody that wants a great haircut that is guaranteed to be right the first time.
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Review from Steve S.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2010
Marianne for waxing is great - she's funny, efficient, and has a good aesthetic sense.
I'm upgrading my review because she cut my hair recently, and she really knows what she's doing. -
Review from Thomas L.
Alexandria, VA
7/15/2010
Friendly, expert staff. Mario rocks!
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Review from Heather L.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2007
This is a very brand new salon that just opened up about 3 days ago. Mario has been my stylist for over 3 years and he is fabulous. Prices are totally reasonable and they are really close to Muni. Across the street from the Castro Street Station. Check them out. Reasonable prices and great service. Doesn't hurt that every time I visit, I get yummy wine while get my hair "did."
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Review from Ninad G.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2011
This is a real neighborhood business. Mario, Maryann and Billy are very friendly and skilled. They have pride in their work and the results speak for themselves. Mario is a perfectionist and I have never been disappointed by one of his cuts.
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Review from Willie A.
Washington, DC
9/3/2009
I love these guys. Maryanne can wax a mean pair of brows. Mario is sweet as pie. I used to go over to the other place around the corner when I first moved here so I followed when Mario opened his own place. Love em.
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Review from Johnny C.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2010
Great hair cuts! They actually use SCISSORS to cut your hair, instead of clippers (of course they use clippers to do the detail work....) The only thing of which you should be aware is that you should NOT take the chance of walking in for an appointment. Make sure you call first to ensure they can accommodate you. Also, my experience is that anyone there gives a comparable haircut: at least Billy and Marilyn..... Hope this helps!
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Review from Michael D.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2007
Mario is truly a really nice guy.He gas been my stylist for over 2 years now. Prices are reasonable and service is always great. Anyone should give him a try.
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Review from Brian M.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2008
I moved to the city about a year ago and have been traveling to Burlingame to get my haircut for a while because I didn't want to go through the process of finding a new place to cut my hair. My friend recently took my to Posh n' Polish and i'm definitely going there from now on. If you want a $50 haircut for $25, this is your spot. I also got my eyebrows waxed there and the women did an excellent job, probably the best anyones ever done. I'm a straight guy and live all the way in russian hill, but it's well worth the drive for the quality and the service that I received!
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Review from Jessica R.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2011
The people working here, whom I also assume were also the owners of this small business, were very polite and hard working. They booked too much stuff all at once though for just 2 people to handle. I called for an appointment for me and my friend for her birthday and they gave me one 1hr from the time I called, that was great!!! They were so nice and helpful in helping me get there when I got lost on my way there. Once I got there I ended up not being able to get my manicure because it took the lady so long to get around to us (we waited 30 min into our appointment time while they serviced other people). I just watched and paid for my friends mani/pedi. I had hoped for us to both be getting them done at the same time and be able to talk and laugh together. The pedicure procedure was nice and relaxing and my friends mani/pedi looked good, but didn't hold up long. I would give this an honorable mention if someone wanted to know of a nail place in that area, but when it comes down to it I probably won't personally return. I probably caught this place on a bad day/bad time.
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Review from Ziggy P.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2008
I have tried many salons in SF and nothing compares to Posh N Polish for service, efficiency and style. I am so glad I found them.
Marianne is excellent and always aims to please. I used to dread getting my hair done, now I thoroughly enjoy every visit.
They deserve 5 stars for hair cuts alone!
