Chini and Joy are wonderful. I have been coming to Ambiance for almost a decade now and I have never once been disappointed. I’ve received everything from facial waxing for special events, leg and bikini waxing for the summer season, to facials to treat problem skin as a teen, and I’ve always been impressed and comforted by Joy and Chini’s consideration and attentiveness; they go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. I would highly recommend Ambiance! Thanks a ton, ladies!
Beth B.
Place rating: 5 Walnut Creek, CA
I’ve had several facials now with Joy. Would highly recommend her to anyone seeking not just a facial but an intensely relaxing experience. She has that gift – serene vibe, skillful hands. Just so you know, I am a picky customer and am not easily impressed. Pamper yourself!
Nina V.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
Joy has the BEST technique when it comes to eyelash extensions! I was impressed with her approach, assessment and application. Joy made sure to block out enough time to provide a thorough 1-on-1 session with me. Result? I love, love, love my lashes! She sought out the best fit(and length for me), so I couldn’t be happier. Do leverage the special they have onsite: $ 79 towards $ 100 of service — well worth it. I just booked a facial with her, and looking forward to it :) Thank you so much, Joy!
S S.
Place rating: 5 Alameda, CA
Now Joy does eyelash extensions! She is the best I have tried. I have recommended her to all my friends and they agree. the secret really is in the technique. I’m totally addicted. It is my secret weapon. My bf says«your eyes are so sparkly». You will love. Facial update: the mommies at my school say I have the best skin and can’t believe I am «really that old». I have sent 3 more of them to Ambiance and they are so happy. Best part, my skin is stronger from the inside, and takes less maintenance. One more – their waxing technique also is fast and thorough(no broken hairs). My go-to place for all things skin and lash, oh yes!
Heaven T.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
I’ve been going to Ambiance for about 8 months and Chini has literally worked a miracle on my skin. When I started seeing her, I had severe periodic acne breakouts and blemishes. I actually called Chini at 1 o’clock in the morning crying because I had several cysts on my face and chest. Chini began an «aggressive» weekly treatment, and told me that her ultimate goal was to prevent me from having breakouts, hydrate and get rid of the dullness, and for me to go out make-up free if I wanted. I am beyond impressed and SO happy with my skin. I almost can’t believe it’s me when I look in the mirror. I no longer have cystic acne, NO breakouts, and my blemishes are gone, no cover up or make-up needed. And, no one else is allowed to touch my eyebrows except Chini!
Cindy O.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
When I first started coming here it was for acne control and now I come for wrinkle control… that’s how long I’ve been coming here! I see Chini, she is great. Can’t believe this, but I’ve been coming here for about 12 years… It is expensive but how much is it worth to look 10 years younger than I am? priceless. The Guinot products work. I try to go all vegan/eco groovy on beauty products and that is NOT Guinot, but it’s a concession i make for my skin. people don’t believe i’m in my mid 40’s :)
Wendy W.
Place rating: 5 Berkeley, CA
Chini provides a wonderful clean and beautiful environment with excellent services. She does the most thourough and almost painless Brazilian wax I have ever had. Her facials are amazing and my skin looks younger and smoother for weeks after I get one. I have been going to Ambiance for 3 years and would not go anywhere else for my skincare and waxing needs. She is a gem.
Kiki K.
Place rating: 5 Pinole, CA
I’ve been seeing Joy Nicole for facials and waxing services for at least 2 years. She is amazing! My skin looks and feels really good, and for 45 years old, that is saying a lot! I tell her she is my botox and facelift, cuz I’m not going that route if I don’t have to. She knows what my skin needs and does it well. This time you need a peel, then we will do a series of hydrodermie lift… she knows, and it works! I’m hooked, I go every 5 to 6 weeks for a relaxing and enlightening treat. Joy is great with eyebrow shaping as well. She is also a fountain of knowledge about nutrition and health, I really enjoy talking with her, when I’m not falling asleep from her heavenly neck massage.
Mae O.
Place rating: 5 Emeryville, CA
The atmosphere of the salon is elegant and puts me at ease. The product line, Guinot … feels, smells & works beautifully! Cheni is wonderful. I am delighted to attend my regular, ongoing facial appointments for the health and beauty of my skin. I’ve been Cheni’s client, for one and ½ years and appreciate her vast knowledge base in the skincare arena. She also helps me with a doable régime. She’s worth the wait, and … no wait if you pre-book.
Asha T.
Place rating: 5 Boulder Creek, CA
I’ve been getting facials from Joy at Ambiance Skincare Spa for a couple months now, and she IS the most amazing esthetician ever. She cares deeply for your skin and facial health, works her hands in the most fantastic ways, sends me into deep relaxation while doing so, and I can feel and see the difference immediately. I highly recommend booking an appointment with Joy at Ambiance so you can see for yourself. Your face deserves it!
Susan-Jane A.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
I have been coming to Chini for over ten years. When I have been unable to get in to see her, I have waited several weeks rather than go anywhere else. She has spoiled me for other experiences, with both waxing, where she is incredibly fast, and facials, where she is knowledgeable. I have come to respect her knowledge of my skin and always come to her for advice. She tailors each facial not only to me, but what is going on with me during that day, that specific season. So the treatments have varied over the years. I receive compliments on my skin. Her prices are very reasonable. To think that I would have to pay a bit more at most other places, and most experiences would not match up to visiting Ambiance. Her products are great and I have used these for years as well. Neither does she ever push you to buy from her. She offers advice if asked and is sensitive to pocket book limitations. I cannot recommend her enough.
Sonia E.
Place rating: 5 Emeryville, CA
I found about Ambiance Salon about 2 years ago when I moved to the East Bay and it was God-sent. Chini is fantastic, professional, clean and amazing. I am afraid of pain, but when I go every 4 weeks Chini is fast and with time it has become really easy. The product for after waxing from Guinot is fantastic and really works, I have seen less in-growths right away. The prices for the service you get is fair, the place is spa-like and feels clean and welcoming. I am thankful that I found this place and recommend it to anyone looking for a salon in the East Bay any day.
Sarai C.
Place rating: 4 Santa Monica, CA
I have a hard time shelling out a lot of cash for waxing since I used to do it myself abroad(where you could actually buy decent wax – sugar – at the pharmacy) and then had someone in L.A. who did it out of their home. Paying high salon prices is annoying and those nail places that do it always make me feel like I’m some hairy beast(hello that’s why I’m there!!) since the women are usually Asian, sportin’ no hair themselves. I needed a basic, cheap but clean place. I found Ambiance and have been going for years. It is slightly more expensive than I would like but feel like the slightly higher price is worth not having ladies walking in and out of the room while I’m in a position that rivals the ob/gyn. The place is clean and has that nice, spa relaxing feel with a hint of medical office to it. I took a hiatus only because I was traveling for a while but she does the most thorough job of anyone for even«basic» bikini waxes. Very thorough, front and back thorough. Four stars instead of five because the prices seems to alternate by a few dollars here and there(up and down) every time I go, even though I’m always getting the same procedure done, and also because she doesn’t accept credit cards for under $ 50, which seems rather high for a minimum.
Amanda g.
Place rating: 5 Berkeley, CA
Chini is AMAZING! I’ve been doing the Hydrodermy facial for 6 months, and can see a major improvement in my skin texture and fine lines. Waxing and Lash tinting as equally superb. Chini goes out of her way to make you feel at home while giving you quality one on one service. She is a true gem!
Mavourneen L.
Place rating: 3 Berkeley, CA
This is a wonderful place for expert skin care(facials), eye-brow design, and hair removal by waxing. The owner knows her craft and is quick and skillful. Chini is in such demand that you will want to book your appointments in advance, although sometimes she can ‘work’ in an appointment if she gets a cancellation. I have never been kept waiting and I am always made to feel that my time and my patronage is valued. As a result, expect to pay for an appointment if you miss it. Since this is a one woman business, I think that’s only fair. Allow extra time to find parking in the popular 4th street shopping district.