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Solemates Nail Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Beauty and Spas Day Spas Nail Salons, Day Spas [Edit]
1483 Shattuck Ave(between Rose St & Vine St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighbourhoods: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley
(510) 649-8828
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$50 for $100 Deal
Sflady D. said: "What a fantastic place to spend the day! Went yesterday, Tuesday, mid-day so there were very few people, which is what I'd hoped for. Was greeted…" read more »
81 reviews for Solemates Nail Spa
81 reviews in English
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Review from Adrienne F.
Berkeley, CA
3/14/2012
I love this place for the wax services. I get my eyebrows done here. I've tried several places in Berkeley, and they do the best job. I like my eyebrows to be full, but shaped. They don't go too thin which is *really* important; I've had other salons screw that up.
It's easy to get an appointment if you call ahead, at least for waxing. I often get same-day Saturday appointments. -
Review from Kym B.
2/28/2012
I'll preface this review by saying I'm not really a mani-pedi type of girl. I rarely (if ever) paint my fingernails, because I work with my hands and it just seems kind of pointless. I can do my toes on my own. I don't really enjoy having my nails filed, and I have a hard time rationalizing spending my hard-earned ducats on something I can do just as well myself! However, if it's a special occasion (i.e. somebody wants my digits to look good for their Important Event and are thus footing {ha! FOOTing} the bill), I guess I'm game.
Suffice it to say, while I'm nobody's mani-pedi addict, I'm not exactly a rookie either.
This isn't my mom's usual go-to place. She's more likely to patronize a simple, no-frills establishment over on University (can't remember the name), but because she wanted to get my sister and I all mani-pedi'd up for my sister's wedding, she opted to book us into someplace a little more chi-chi and posh and... well, you know.
Solemates is really pretty. It's simply-decorated and classy-looking and sits in a nice part of town. It's also pretty darn expensive compared to the no-frills place over on University. So, we figured we'd be getting the full-boat classy-girl treatment, right? Ehhhh...
At a place like this, you kind of expect to be offered a complimentary glass of wine or champagne. You won't be. You won't even be offered water. Weird, 'cause there are cup holders in the chairs! TWO cup holders, actually.
I know there are pros and cons regarding the sanitary-ness of the swirly jacuzzi footbath things, but hey... I kind of like them. I can put my feet in a tepid bowl of water at home, you know? I also like massaging chairs. Solemates offers neither. Again, this is just a personal preference thing for me, so I'll try not to ding them too hard on it.
What really bothered me was that I felt like the nail techs (or whatever you call them) were really rushing through my sister's and my treatments. Like, one girl kept looking over to see how fast the other girl was going, and then tried to play catch-up. I don't know where that coconut oil soak (pictured in the Yelp photos) was supposed to come in, but neither of us got it. And, most unforgivable of all, the massage part of the mani-pedi was all but nonexistent. That's the ONE THING I can't do on my own, at home! The ONE THING I'm happy to pay for! Really? You're going to just gloss over it? For shame.
Oh, the other thing that really bothered me was that the woman doing my nails only used the clippers on my right hand. The left, she shaped with the file alone. Is that weird? I like symmetry. And in retrospect (a week later, with the polish removed and back to their natural state)... each nail, left-to-right, isn't really straight across either.
So... to sum it up, the overall experience is just not really worth the money. Sorry.Listed in: Run Away...
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Review from Nique F.
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
There is no such thing as a 3-star pedicure. An A-OK pedi is a pointless pedi in my book.
My experience at Solemates was lack-luster through and through. I've found that I'm just not a fan of the metal foot tubs - the water gets lukewarm and there's no relaxing massage feature. I know, I know, the mechanical tubs that cheap salons use are supposed to wreck fungal havoc on your feet, but the old-fashioned tingly tub just feels more luxurious to me. Ask for extra hot water, I suppose.
I expected more of a posh experience from Solemates, with their prime location and pretty facilities. Maybe I've been spoiled by other salons, but offering water or tea would be a nice touch (or take a tip from Coccoon in SF and offer mimosas!) Even a friendly, professional reception would have been appreciated, but the staff seemed to be tired and bored. It made me feel the same way.
As for the pedi itself, the technicians were sweet, didn't chat with us too much which is fine because I prefer to doze off during these treatments. I thought the filing and clipping was on the painful side - certainly not relaxing. The mini leg massage was nice, but only lasted a quick 5 mins. The whole experience just felt very clinical.
Most disappointing though, was the paint job. They could have been much more thorough removing my old polish, because when I got home to inspect there were streaks of my old red under my new pink, which wasn't even painted to the edges. C'mon...a decent paint job is the least I expect from a pedicure. Chips ensued shortly after.
Can't say I was happy to dole out $27 plus tip. Still on the hunt for an honest to goodness pedi, where a thorough massage and perfect paint job comes standard.Listed in: Get Purty, Sadface, Treat ya'self!
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Review from Joyce C.
Berkeley, CA
10/11/2011
Bought the deal on living social and was excited because there were previously some good reviews on here. I got some glitter polish done on my nails and toes and both came off within 2 days. Yup. 2 days. I got them done for Vegas and my nails and toenails were bare by the time I landed at LAS. Not cool. The surprising thing is that I've gotten my nails done with similar polish elsewhere and it lasted longer... so something must be off with their product or clear coat they use... or something... I don't know how they make it so easy to take off glitter polish (even on my TOENAILS).
+1 for the lady who waxes eyebrows. She was super sweet and knew how to shape my eyebrows just how I like them - shapely but still full. Sharpie eyebrows are soooooo 90s. -
Review from Macey N.
Alameda, CA
10/9/2011
What a nice surprise! Lovely and attentive service, washable pedi bowls, every color nail polish in existence, no chemical smells, and they sterilize their instruments! It seems they autoclave all the instruments after every use and dispose of anything that cannot be autoclaved or disinfected.
I have no problems paying a little extra knowing I'm going to get a nice hand and foot massage, a GENTLE exfoliation and clipping, and wonderful service.
I think my manicurist was a lovely lady named Anna, and pedicurist was a wonderful and charming girl with glasses and short hair, but everyone there seemed talented and polite.
I'm so glad to have found my new neighborhood nail salon!!! -
Review from Sandra S.
9/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My livingsocial coupon to this place paid off!!!!\
I think I found a new spot!!!
Yes...it's a pretty penny but you get what you pay for. I'm tired of going to these bootleg places that mess me up.
Solemates was great!!!!! It took me weeks to get an appointment but once I got in I was super happy. They have an array of excellent colors and I even found the perfect color for my french pedicure.
Never had I had my nails filed to perfection!!! My cuticles on my feet and hands were GREAT!!!!
And finally a place that isn't scared to scrub your heels!!!!
I'm sorry...I know it's expensive but at least you get quality!!!
FYI - the massages were GREATTTTT!!!!
Ohhhh and one more thing to note, there's metered parking :) -
Review from Erin G.
Berkeley, CA
9/30/2011
What I enjoyed: Freshstart mani/pedi
Visit date: June 19, 2011
First time? For nails, yes (never again for a wax!)
Solemates has a wonderful ambience. I want to model my livingroom like their mani/pedi room. :) This was definitely one of the nicest mani/pedi massages I've had. I used a Livingsocial deal for this visit. I would consider paying full price at this spa. -
Review from John D.
Berkeley, CA
1/26/2012
I can never get a same day appointment there even when I drop by and the place is empty. So, my one star is for lack of availability even when the place looks deserted.
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Review from Jennifer C.
Newark, CA
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Thanks Living Social for the $20 mani/pedi deal. This was my first time getting a manicure and i must say, Solemates didn't let me down. My nail tech did a great job on my fingers and toes. A week later, they're still intact and looking decent (hardly any chips). I was hanging out in a pool for rmost of Sunday afternoon too.
Normally, I would feel a bit overindulgent if i got mani/pedis on a regular basis, but for special occasions, it's a must!
My only gripe is that my nail tech left me under the finger nail dryer for 20+ minutes. She did say sit there for 15 minutes, but she never came back to check on me. So i just sat and waited and waited and waited... :( -
Review from Sonia M.
6/27/2011
I've had manicures at budget nail salons, fancy schmancy spas, and everything in between. No place has pleased me as much as Solemates.
When you walk in, you're struck by the clean, welcoming feel. Even the artwork (real paintings, not generic prints) is lovely.
Second, the nail polish options are the largest and most current I've ever seen. And the brands are OPI, Essie, Sparitual, etc.
The employees are very friendly and GOOD at their work. The foot/leg massage I received was fantastic. And, of course, the most important part is the nails- they came out beautifully shaped and lacquered. Four days later, my nails are still in excellent shape.
A few more bonuses: Their foot "tubs" are large bowls with some aromatic things thrown in. These bowls are obviously cleaned after every use. Also, the nail technician does not sit below you when you get a pedicure. You know how you sit on a thrown-like chair at most places? That makes me uncomfortable, so it's nice to have someone literally at my level.
If you have the time and a budget to splurge a little, go for it. -
Review from Abdul Hamid R.
Berkeley, CA
2/5/2012
I've passed this salon for awhile and finally decided to make an appointment. I'm so glad that I did! I had an amazing foot massage/pedicure called "Sole Surviver." I highly recommend it. Just don't take my chair :)
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Review from Ada T.
5/30/2011
I've only ever had one professional manicure in my life, and it was a number of years ago, so I guess I don't have much to compare to or base my opinions on, but I really enjoyed my experience at Solemates (which I got to via LivingSocial).
They're very busy so I would highly recommend calling a week in advance to make an appointment, if possible. I called on a Tuesday for a Saturday appointment, and only late afternoon (like 5pm) appointments were still available.
I was immediately impressed the cleanliness and serenity of the salon. It's very quiet, and the minimalist/Zen-ish interior lends an additional peacefulness. There's also a wide variety of magazines (current ones, not from like, October 2009) available.
Both my manicurist and pedicurist were very nice and thorough in their job. They soaked my fingers and toes, cleaned up the cuticles, cut my nails so they were even, massaged and rubbed oil into my hands/calves/feet, buffed my feet. Then they carefully applied the color I selected. I accidentally bumped my big toe nail not once but TWICE so that some streaking occurred, and both times, the pedicurist kindly retouched (the first time, she actually completely removed the polish and redid it).
It also makes me feel a lot better that they use natural products here, as I know that a lot of nail salon products are very bad for employees' health.
The pedicure/manicure here is $42 typically, which sounds like it's a bit out of my price range. I enjoyed the indulgence though, so maybe I'll treat myself again some time.
My one little quibble is that I wish they offered a greater palette of colors. I mean, they have a lot. It took me quite awhile to choose. And yet...I feel like 80% of their colors are red or pink. I was thinking about a summery coral, but there were only a couple and I didn't like either of them. -
Review from Paige E.
Berkeley, CA
6/29/2011
Four stars for doing a great job, but didn't give them 5 because I think $55 is pretty pricey for a mani/pedi.
I enjoy the lemon-scented stuff they use for pedicures, and the girls do a very good job. I've also done waxing here and thought it was very well-done, and quick.
Also, the music they play is great. It's a Pandora playlist but I really love everything that comes up on it. Very cool.
Just wish it were possible to find a decent mani/pedi in these parts without having to pay through the nose. Guess it's just another cost of living in the Bay Area. -
Review from Catherine P.
Berkeley, CA
3/19/2012
Very nice nails! I love that they offer a variety of natural nail polishes, and that they serve tea if you ask them. It's a bit cold in there, however - I've asked if they could turn up the heat, but I guess they have no central heating. All in all, a nice place though.
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Review from Nikki C.
Brooklyn, NY
4/14/2011
I had the best pedicure of my life at Soulmates yesterday. I found them via Google while visiting my old neighborhood and stopped in on a whim. The guy at reception is kind of heart and wonderful with clients. I opted for the most luxurious pedicure they offer (Sole Survivor) as my feet were in need of a post-winter pamper. It was fantastic! My pedicurist, Lisa, was incredibly friendly and gentle, but also was a pro at scrubbing away some tough callouses. She gave me a fabulous foot and leg massage. My favorite part was the foot mask she put on (some sort of soothing lemongrass cream). While my nails dried she came back to check in on me and make sure I had everything I needed, including bringing me extra magazines. I've never experienced such great service at any other nail salon.
Seems like this place has a lot of regulars, and if I still lived in Berkeley I would definitely be one of them. Will definitely revisit on my next trip, this place is tops. -
Review from Layla L.
4/20/2011
I am the PICKIEST person you will EVER encounter when it comes to my cuticles. The whole point of a mani or pedi in my opinion is the cuticle grooming (and massage)- i want my digits to look like they belong in a magazine ad, and to my pleasant surprise, after this mani/pedi they did. I mean PERFECTION on the polish and cuticles.
AND on top of it, I forgot to feed the meter so the receptionist ran out and fed it for me, and then when i forgot cash (i had a groupon) he ran my card for just the tip. Seriously the best service ever.
The techs who worked on me were super friendly too and they didnt talk to each other while they were working, which is classy.
Loved the ambiance and especially the fact that it didn't smell like anything... ahhh fragrance free!
I haven't been this happy with a nail place in years. -
Review from Felicia C.
Berkeley, CA
4/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I found Solemates because (1) I live across the street and (2) as a life-long nail biter, I needed some help before my wedding.
I've since gone to Solemates a number of times over the past year. The staff is very nice and sweet, and do a beautiful job. My pedicures have lasted close to a month, and my manicures last about 2ish weeks before very minimal chipping occurs.
The first time I got a french pedicure, the white tip chipped on one of my big toes. The second time I got a french (for my wedding), it lasted for a much longer duration.
Their arm and leg massages are relaxing but always feel too short. I also really like their tea (burnt rice? barley?). As a typical Berkeley-ite, I only go to nail spas that are all natural - which means no nasty chemical smells and no gels or fake tips (which are ugly anyway).
Also, my husband received a MANicure before the wedding (just buffing, no polish) and loved it. He almost fell asleep during the arm massage.
Compared to other nail spas I've frequented, Solemates is definitely rated at the top of my list (second only to Argania on MLK). -
Review from Arianna B.
Fremont, CA
5/9/2011
I just realized that all of my reviews of places thus far are negative so I wanted to leave a positive one. And when thinking about where to leave a positive review, Solemates was the first to come to mind!
Firstly, I never even heard of this place until I got a discount through http://livingsocial.com for a mani/pedi for $30. And it had pretty great reviews thus far so I decided to go for it.
I bought my deal on a Tuesday and called right after to make an appointment for my friend and I. They easily made one for both of us at our requested time on the next day.
When we came in, the atmosphere was great. It was quiet, clean, and had relaxing, yet modern music. Great nail polish selection too.
The pedicure was awesome. You know their equipment was clean because they don't have the typical massage pedicure chairs. Instead they use a little bucket for your feet and never double dip into any of their soap/liquid containers. Anyway, the massage was excellent and the women doing it were also incredibly friendly. They also offered us water and books while receiving the pedicure.
When it came to my manicure, they did a great job as well. I have really crappy cuticles that tend to overgrow and often bleed when i go to have them done. But here, she did such a nice job that not only did they not bleed but by the time she finished they looked like I've never had problems with them.
I also really appreciated that the women working there didn't complain when my friend and I decided to use the same polish color on our fingernails. They worked it out really well by rotating the polish between them to do it.
Generally, I have a lot to complain about when I get my nails done...I feel like I'm not only really picky but also have just had a lot of bad experiences at nail salons (infections, cuts, rudeness, etc.). This is the first place I've ever been to where I can truthfully say it was amazing in terms of the quality of the service, the atmosphere of the place, and the helpfulness/politeness of those working there. I will definitely be going back! -
Review from Rachel N.
11/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
A refreshing break from the sleazy nail places that pepper Telegraph and Shattuck -- Soulmates is completely clean, calm, and professional.
Demographic was myself and North Berkeley housewives, so I was right at home-- standard set up with 8-10 leather chairs (not massage, no whirlpool, but still comfy) -- $27 will get you a thorough pedicure, and I think my bikini wax was around the same -- the same woman, Thuy, performed both and was gentle, communicative, and friendly.
A great place to relax for a few hours -- oh, and they have all the trashy magazines your heart could ever desire. They often fill up, so it's best to call a few days ahead of time. -
Review from Lily C.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 9/26/2011
Anna is amazing. She did both my mani/pedi this time. It was pretty much a 1.5-hr process but she made it soooo pleasant (: She poured me hot tea. And she helped me pick out colors (she remembered the color I liked but did not try last time so she went back to the wall and grabbed it for me). I love her! I wouldn't go to anyone else as long as I live in Berkeley! ye-uh!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2011
I rarely write reviews here.. but hurrying home and writing a five-star review for this place was… Read more »
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Review from Maryam R.
Berkeley, CA
6/19/2011
I'm pretty disappointed. I was super super excited to get my nails done from here, and i had the living social deal (pay $20, get $40) for a mani/pedi.
I'll start with the positives:
First: The place was really beautiful AND clean. I appreciate that.
Second: the lady's doing the nails were very sweet and kind.
Now, negatives:
First, the receptionist was so cold. She was not mean or rude, but just cold. I didn't get a single smile, and I stood there awkwardly after I told her I wanted to get a french Manicure and didn't need to pick out colors. Granted, I only lingered for about 3 minutes waiting to be seated, but it was so awkward...
Second, I am really disappointed in my mani/pedi because a) there is a hair in one of my nails b)it looks like I could have done it better. It is not super glossy and really beautiful, but kinda dull and they skimped a bit on the polish.
third, They do not tell you how long to dry. I got up after 10 minutes.
Fourth, they have 2 people working on you, so you feel OBLIGATED to pay double the tip. You can't just split it, since it is two different people. I guess that is a good business strategy, but my 20 dollar mani pedi, quickly turned into a $36 investment ($6 french tip, $20 mani/pedi, $10 tip) of which I was disappointed. I have no problem tipping if I am happy, but I almost feel resentful.
I hope the owner contacts me, since all these other reviews are so good, but I just feel SUPER disappointed by the receptionist and the quality of polish I got. -
Review from Alex L.
Berkeley, CA
7/16/2011
I used a LivingSocial deal for my mani/pedi (otherwise it is way too expensive here!) and was very unpleased with the experience. They asked me two or three times if my friend was on her way, because she was a few minutes late. The atmosphere is nice and the technicians were fine (not overly friendly or extremely rude), but my polish job was SLOPPY! There was nail polish on the skin surrounding my nails on both my toes and fingers, and I felt as if they were doing it in a huge hurry and not very thoroughly because I used a pre-paid coupon. Their service was not worth even the $25 I paid for the voucher, much less the enormous amount they charge normally.
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Review from Christine C.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2009
The search was a long and strenuous one but my approved and highly recommended nail spa in Berkeley is, drum roll please, Solemates Nail Spa!
With a mix of light jazz and Bossa Nova music playing in the background, I sink into the leather chair and soak my feet in a metal pedicure bowl (bonus star for no germ laced spa chairs) for an hour of relaxation. The space itself has a calming decor and color theme. Sheer curtain gives me a little bit of privacy from the other clients.
Cherri, the best manicurist I have ever encountered (and I have been to a lot of nail spas in the city and beyond), is impeccable when it comes to nail. I never have to worry about her cutting/shaping my toenails funny (as a lot of the older manicurists tend to do) or going after my cuticle like a madwoman. She is meticulous with her work and patient. If polish is out of line, she cleans it off with an acetone dipped brush. She has an exceptionally warm personality and will engage in a conversation if you are in the mood. The owner, who is also the receptionist, is friendly and accommodating.
This is, no doubt, the best nail salon in the Berkeley area.Listed in: Berkeley Dwellings, Spa-ing: To Be Highly Well…
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Review from Nancy C.
8/30/2009
Organic pedicures?! How does that work?
Quite well, actually.
The products in the beautifully presented foot bath are organic; the polishes are not. I was happy to see that my favorite polish brand, OPI, met Solemates' Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP-free requirement.
Anna was the technician who did my basic pedicure, and she was attentive to every detail of the pedicure process. The foot massage was the best one I've ever had. If you've seen my other reviews, you'd know I am a pedicure junkie and know what a good foot massage is. The environment was soothing, without the usual chitchat between the technicians. I even managed to get a good amount of reading done for one of my classes during the 45 minutes I was in that comfortable lounge chair.
Afterwards, Anna seated me in the back so I could dry my toes in this automated fan thing...no UV lights here! Ah, time to catch up on celebrity gossip by reading all those up-to-date magazines.
Lovely decor, lovely staff...definitely worth my first 5-star review for a nail salon!
TIP: For weekends, it's best to make an appointment at least one or two days before to get the appointment time you want. -
Review from Meg H.
Berkeley, CA
1/12/2009
I came into this place for a pedicure with reasonable expectations. I've been going to Joi on Solano for awhile and have generally been very pleased with my pedicures there.
This place...is another story. I arrived for my morning appt. and it seemed like everyone was still in that fuzzy, sleepy state of mind. The water to soak my feet in wasn't hot enough and the room itself was on the chilly side. Everyone was nice enough, but the place seemed a bit disorganized.
Here's the main kicker...when using the callus-busted pad (or whatever it's called) on my soles, the technician literally buffed a chunk of my skin away!! Her response was something akin to "Ooops, I've never done that before! Most women wear high heels and have tough skin on that part of the foot." Well, not me...you'd think she'd pay a bit more attention. Additionally, the callus buster pad they use is a crappy synthetic hard sponge-like thing, opposed to the lovely and gentle terra cotta scrubbers used at Joi. The foot/leg massage was too hard and overall uncomfortable, of course that was influenced by the pain of being scrubbed raw.
So, for $30 I left with pretty, toes, yes, but also a band-aid covering my missing (and hurting) chunk of skin. Not relaxing and not worth it. I guess I'll have to find my "solemate" elsewhere! (And I recommend you do the same!) -
Review from Shirin S.
Oakland, CA
11/10/2008
Awesome new nail salon that opened in the North Berkeley less than a month ago.
This is the sister location to Joi Nail Spa in Albany and has the same mellow environment and non-chemical smell (yay!). The technicians work in both locations, so you can expect the same great level of service and prices are comparable -- though the basic mani/pedi that runs $40 at Joi is two more bucks at Solemates (not 100% sure why, but they probably pay more for the space, so I'm cutting them a break).
This place is going to be super popular, so I wouldn't count on a walk in after the first couple of months -- I usually had little trouble getting a same day when calling Joi. -
Review from S. N.
Berkeley, CA
10/8/2011
I got a pedicure here. I really appreciate the minimally toxic aspect to the place, and every aspect was very professional.
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I noticed later that one of my toes got cut slightly while my mails were getting clipped. Not enough for me to feel it at the time, but enough for it to feel like a paper cut afterwards.
I suspect this is a very rare thing, so I'd go back . -
Review from Jasmin F.
San Pablo, CA
12/8/2008
Joi's was busy so I called their new sister salon Solemates. I got an appointment for 2 pedicures on a Sat morning with no problems. They also use non-stinky natural polish which is better for your body.
The space is beautiful, very relaxing and well decorated. They offer complimentary tea.
I actually like this spa better than Joi's. Their chairs are super comfy and you can almost lie down when they extend the leg rests. The brass bowls with cucumber water were really nice.
My pedicure was great. Very thorough and the massage was generous. My polish looks great. Staff were gracious and professional.
This is my new favorite nail spa! -
Review from Anna M.
Berkeley, CA
2/1/2010
Yes they really are that good! I just moved up to the Bay Area from LA where I had been going to my manicurist for 8 years. I am that picky. After trying several salons in the Berkeley/Oakland/Piedmont area I was hesitant to try Solemates because it is a little more pricey than I am used to and I am pretty regular about my manicures - every 2 weeks. It's my little treat for myself that I can't give up.
I went in willing to spend the money and hoping that I wouldn't get sucked in to wanting to always go there. Well I am now going to be a loyal patron because Cherri is amazing and thanks to all the yelpers for pointing her out. I got the BEST MANICURE EVER! She is actually even better than my manicurist back in LA (I can't tell her that I'm in love with a new manicurist!). I was able to make my manicure last past 2 weeks and even after 3 weeks, my cuticles are still in beauteous shape. I am hooked on Solemates and my nails are so happy to have found them. Be sure to make an appointment because they book up quickly on the weekends and you won't be able to walk-in. -
Review from Jessica L.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2009
Super cute spot in the North Berkeley 'hood. The design of the place is chill and streamlined. It's bright and cheery and a place to really let yourself relax.
I first came here after being given a gift certificate. The certificate was made out only for a pedicure, but I don't like people touching my feet, so I called and asked if I could apply it to something else, and they gladly accommodated my request. I had a waxing and my aesthetician was helpful, friendly, and most of all, did a good job.
As others have said, it's not a cheap spot, but one worth checking out. -
Review from Katie F.
Berkeley, CA
10/5/2010
I love that they use natural materials. there is rarely a chemical smell. it's always spotless and their tools are always sterile. they don't have a lot of pedicure chairs (8 or so) so that can't do manis/pedis on a bunch of people at once. it's a nice, relaxing environment. they give fabulous foot and arm massages with the pedicures and manicures, respectively. they do a great job of cleaning up my cuticles too, no matter how torn up they are. i hate polish and it never sticks to my nails anyways, so i always get a shiny buff.
the employees are friendly, nice and professional.
fyi, they fill up quickly on weekends. don't expect to walk in on weekends at all. make an appointment. -
Review from Emily H.
Berkeley, CA
1/5/2011
I really like Solemates. I've been going for a couple of years now and everyone's been great. The atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing and the people who work here are all skilled and considerate. The receptionist is also great- patient, helpful and kind. He's often helped me chose the right shade of polish.
I'd have given them five stars, but I've called several times to make appointments and never received a call back. Still, I recommend this place, especially paired with a trip to Cesar. -
Review from Gia S.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2010
Solemates is the best mani/pedi I've ever had and I've visited some pretty high end places in San Francisco and beyond. Thuy, the manicurist was so lovely in her handling of my hands I felt like I was on a tropical vacation, not in a little storefront in Berkeley. She carefully placed my hands each time she moved on to the next thing. The massage on both hands and feet were fantastic and I felt completely relaxed when I left.
Speaking of storefront it smells great in this place. Not chemically at all. In fact there was just a subtle hint of citrus in the air.
The price is only about $10 more for mani/pedi than most places in the Bay Area and it is well worth it. I would highly recommend this place to family and friends. -
Review from A C.
Berkeley, CA
8/29/2011
Nice pedicures and very clean. They are really busy so make an appointment ahead of time.
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Review from Jessie S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/26/2009
Well, it's four days later and my nails are already chipping. Bummer! I usually get a good ten days out of a manicure before this happens. I'd like to give 3 1/2 stars instead of four, so count this as such :-)
Oh well. Good enough for a weekend date though.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/22/2009
Very clean, beautiful decor, and super comfy chairs (not massage chairs though). My nails look… Read more »
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Review from Natalia B.
Berkeley, CA
3/16/2009
I must have come on an off-day...
I am a fan of Joi Salon, so was delighted when Solemates opened up in our neighborhood. My friend and I had a mani-pedi for $37, which is a good deal for the quality of the place overall. My friend loved her experience, but I left feeling a bit grouchy. We had received a call to warn us that they were running 15 minutes behind schedule, which I appreciated. But when we arrived at the new time, they didn't tell us they were still behind schedule, so by the time we started it was almost 40 minutes after our original time. Given that we'd schedule this to happen before lunch, that made our lunch much later than my tummy wanted!
There was a very nice selection of nail polish, and I love the no-fumes environment. The place is attractive, but I found the chairs were not comfortable - no support in the small of my back. I kept writhing around trying to get comfortable. But my friend (who is a few inches shorter) was fine.
The nail technicians were very nice. The brief massage pleasant too. My nails were cut too short, though, and some cuticle areas felt tender for a few days afterward.
The thing we were most confused by was the manager disappearing for long periods of time. When we arrived, there was just one other customer, and three technicians, and yet we were told to wait - and not escorted to our chairs, just waved in the general direction (so it turns out we went to the wrong ones). The phone would ring, or a customer would come in, and he was nowhere to be found. Maybe he was trying to solve some behind the scenes issue, but it was a bit odd.
We love the tuolene-free, fume-free environment, and I think the nail technicians have their heart in the right place. And the cup of tea was nice. So we'll probably try again another day! -
Review from Misty S.
Berkeley, CA
2/26/2010
I love this place so much! I've tried nearly every nail place in my neighborhood (and quite a few beyond) and Solemates is hands-down the best experience--so much so that I am guilty of scheduling my mani-pedis a little more frequently than I strictly need them. The space is clean, comfortable, and relaxing, and I always leave soothed, happy, and with perfectly painted tips and toes. My favorite service is the wonderfully indulgent mint condition pedicure, but even their basic pedicure leaves one feeling thoroughly pampered, and for a much nicer price than the other nail salons in the area.
Everyone there does great work, but Lisa and Winnie deserve special shout-outs for going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to indulge my need for multiple coats of colorful, sparkly polish. -
Review from rachel p.
12/13/2010
i think i had the most skilled pedi ever this weekend at solemates. as a temporary resident of this hood, i was super exited to find a natural nail salon right around the corner from my new place. it's so nice to walk into a nail place and not be assaulted by toxic fumes.
the salon is adorable and so clean it literally seems to sparkle. i grabbed a stack of US weeklies (they are up to date! yay!) and settled into a comfy spa chair to enjoy a foot soak before my pedi began. thank god i could bury my face in trash and pretend i was oblivious to the fact that my toenails had basically grown into claws. my technician graciously went to work on my funky toes, and that girl had a seriously tender touch. i could barely feel her filing or working on my cuticles. and when she was done, it was the most flawless and even polish job i've ever had.
my whole experience here was divine, i'm only docking one star for the massage portion, which i felt could have been better. (still haven't found one to rival silk's massage in the city. sigh.) -
Review from Michelle C.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2009
Everything about Solemates is relaxing and casually luxurious. I used to like the vibrating chair pedicure thing but now I'd take Solemates version anyday:
*soft chairs and cute purple pillows,
*feet soaking in bronze bowls and flower petals floating in fluffly bubbles.
*Tea while you lounge? sure. . . sometimes with rice puffs in it and always delicious.
*pick out a color? ah, maybe a little more difficult with all of their high end labels in the best, coolest hues.
*Great music,
*great conversation with relaxed patrons and nail professionals
*an impeccable paint job - lasts several weeks
*Waiting to dry but comfortable and don't feel like getting up yet? No problem, never rushed or overcrowded.
Reservations almost always required. They don't pack them in. You definitely pay more but its worth every penny. -
Review from Paz N.
Berkeley, CA
3/5/2010
If I could give a half star, it'd be four and a half.
This is what I like about it:
-It's close, it's literally a five minute walk from my house. Which also means pre/post mani/pedi I can grab a cup of Peets, have lunch at Saul's, get a French macaroon from Masse's, or find cute kid clothes at Kid Dyamo.
-The foot massage is fantastic. Really one of the best I've ever had -- and I've had a lot of pedicures in my day.
-The atmosphere is serene, the staff is kind. Everything is super clean, without nasty smells. The chit-chat between nail ladies is kept to a minimum and the music is often surprisingly good.
-The waxing room is comfortable and sanitary.
Why I left off a half-star:
-It's freaking cold in there, especially in the mornings.
-Twice, even with appointments, I've had to wait 10 minutes.
-The quality of my mani/pedi polish is good not great.
-The waxing of eyebrows really is an art -- and I've had mine done better elsewhere. That being said, I'm not discouraged enough to make the trek again to my further away waxing places.
