Joseph Christopher for Beauty and Wellness

By far the worst facial I have experienced. Throughout the treatment (which was supposed to be 1 hour but was actually only 50 minutes) the «skin therapist» tried to sell me on products THROUGHOUT the session. I could not relax because she talked the whole time about the products she was using followed by the prices. I felt as tho I payed $ 120 dollars for her to pitch sales on me the ENTIRE TREATMENT. I have received several facials from other spas before in which they respectfully discuss their products however Joseph Christopher was so pushy it was classless and desperate. On top of that, the facial itself was subpar and I did not notice any benefits to my skin. Never will I give them business again.

Despite the incredibly high prices and not-​so-​hot reviews, I decided to go here for a wax due to it being the only nearby place in town.
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They were very accommodating with making a last minute reservation with me on the phone, which was great. The place looked clean and fancy inside, and they offered water/​tea/​coffee upon my walking in. I was seen right away by Maria, who was exceptionally nice.
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However…
They don’t use hard wax, which is a huge question mark? They use «organic» wax and strips. Like, lots of strips. I don’t know why wax would ever need to be organic. I guess that’s hip these days and they can charge more for it?
They told me over the phone prior to coming that the wax would take 45 minutes. Hahah. Yes, 45 minutes.
I was given towels to lay on and a container of Huggies wipes to pull one out from to use. This was all weird and didn’t scream «sanitary» at all. Maria was meticulous, but I do still have a small amount of hair remaining. I blame that on the lack of hard wax.
Here’s where I reallllly was put off: The owner added an automatic 20% tip to my bill.
He asked if I wanted to keep it on there or un-​do it. I told him I wanted to give her a cash tip, and he told me they don’t accept cash tips. Ummm, what? I tried to insist, but he told me it goes straight into their paychecks and that he «takes very good care of his employees and pays them well» or something along those lines. Not wanting to leave her without any tip at all, I said «yeah fine whatever» and went with it. I didn’t have much of a choice, but I find the automatic gratuity in VERY poor taste. I wonder how much of the 20% actually goes into her pocket.
I might go back because it’s the only place around, but I do hope the owner takes this review into consideration.

Prices on their site are incorrect for over a year now. Complained after the fact and got nothing. Not even an apology and that was from the owner. Did NOT have the private pedicure experience with the massage chair. Was seated in the front room with my feet in a bowl of water. I’m going back to any one of the million Asian Owned nails salons. Not worth my money.

This place is beautiful and staff lovely, and I feel bad leaving a bad review but the service provided is so not worth how much it cost.

Requested highlights/​lowlights and received undesirable results. I was highly disappointed. Certainly not worth the money spent.

Thanks for a great haircut! The girls gave me a great cut and color update. The only downfall is pricing and no promotions for hair. Also, stay away from the short woman who gives free hand massages…

What I appreciate about Joseph Christopher is the attention I receive, as well as the communication with my stylist. I always walk out of there looking like a million bucks. The only downside is that they are pricey.

Very enjoyable experience! Tried this salon for the first time for a blowout for a wedding. Very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Staff is knowledgeable and helps you achieve the look you want!

I always go here for my Spa treatments. Even though I would like to be able to go more often, it’s my local go-​to spa when I get the chance. I always book during «Spa Week!» The staff is friendly and accommodating and I always leave relaxed. Their facials leave my face looking refreshed and clean!

Been coming here for years now and couldn’t be happier! Carla and Christina are always wonderful. They keep my hair fresh and up to date with the latest trends in cut and color. I am a customer for life!

The massage at this spa is the best ever! As someone who has had many good massages, Erica is great and keeps me coming back for regular treatments. I feel great the next day with renewed energy. KRW

Two things to know about me as you read this review:
Part 1: I’m a So Cal chick who loves spas. (I even worked at one and dreamed of opening my own!)
When I walked in for my appointment, the first of the day, the ambiance was perfect. The receptionist gave a pleasant greeting and offered me water (they serve large glasses of lemon water) or tea (the delicious Aveda blend). The music was spa-​appropriate, and the ladies locker room was small but cozy.
However, within a few minutes the pop music I assume is for the hair salon was turned on, and BOOM! My soothed spa vibe was broken. Don’t get me wrong: this is not a problem exclusive of Joseph Christopher (and once you are taken to the spa-​services side you can’t hear the pop music), but it is a pet peeve of mine. When I go to a spa, I like to be reminded of that fact and feel blissed out the entire time. Yes, even when I’m merely about to receive a Brazilian wax. Which leads me to part two of this review.
2. I have only been getting wax services «down there» for less than a year.
I recently moved to NY from Mexico City, where I used to get waxed every 2 – 4 weeks with excellent quality hard waxes. I was very concerned that I wouldn’t be able to keep up the routine because the costs are higher and I haven’t found a place with the same waxes I was used to. Last month I tried a Bliss spa, and was pleased with the results, but it was pricey. I decided to give J.C. a try, and I’m really glad I did!
Here’s the low down: they do not use hard wax, but rather a soft soy concoction that requires LOTS of strips. And patience. And time. However, I don’t think I have EVER had a more meticulous esthetician. (Maria was amazing!) I’ll definitely be back, but I’ll make sure that I expect to take 40 minutes to an hour from walking in (and sipping tea) to walking out.

Had a great experience today at Joseph Christopher! Had a facial and stress relieving treatment addition. So relaxing and felt really refreshed. Angela performed these services and did a great job. Would def come here again to try a full body massage.

My husband surprised me with a massage for my birthday by bringing me here. My massage was PERFECT. just an AMAZING 45 minute «get away». I highly recommend asking for Erica. She was attentive and listened to all my requests (pressure). All in all a lovely experience…

Awesome day at Joseph Christopher Salon. Kinga’s facials are amazing and my skin looks fabulous!!! They also served me the most incredible tea! Can’t wait to go back!

Joseph Christopher Salon employees are highly trained and know exactly how to communicate the needs of clients. Monica (hair colorist) and Christina (hair stylist) listen and project their thoughts in such a efficient and professional manner. I always feel like I am well taken care of and am thankful that Joseph has such a wonderful establishment in Long Beach.

In this crazy world what a wonderful retreat Joseph Christopher’s has become… What a great team of professionals !!!
If you are in the need for some pampering, this is your escape !! It has been mine for 8years… Time flies when you are having fun!

So… Show up with my 2 friends for our reservation on time (for my birthday package) and was told We do not have reservations only I do. When I explained that I made the reservations online the snotty woman at the front desk told me that they don’t do reservations online (how did I get mine then) so when I showed her my CONFIRMED RESERVATION for 3 people she then quickly changed her story to… that’s not a real reservation that’s s request for a reservation, again, then how did I get mine. I then asked if they could just accommodate us as it was clearly their error, and she was horrified that we would dare ask and told us «oh no way! This place is the it’s and will close in this location just Ike it did in bellmore. Go to Drew Patrick instead

If I could give them no stars I would. This place thinks very highly of themselves and their policies. Well if they took a minute to listen to their customer base they would see a pattern…
1. Stop with the «can’t use the gift card during promotions». Have you ever thought to stop selling the gift cards at a promotional rate to fix this issue??? It is a recurring issue that your customers are upset when they get to check out and can’t use their gift card. Is it their fault that someone bought them a gift card at a promotional rate??? This is a clear example that they really don’t give a hoot about your experience with them.
2. prices are ridiculous and staff are not talented. I stopped using your salon after I got a perm which I asked to have done with larger rollers so that it was more of a large flowing waves than a poodle perm. I was told «no problem we do it all the time». It didn’t take and decided to have a second perm & the stylist told me she had to use smaller rollers & I got exactly what I didn’t want… a poodle perm
3. The constant up sell and product push — enough already.
4. Your indulgence club is a joke. Why should I pay you on a monthly basis & give you my $$ to be part of this club when you will send me flash sale emails and spa week promotions for the same prices I get by being an indulgence member???
5. The owner is not courteous or nice — this is a big problem. I was reading your responses to clients that gave you low ratings on another site (which you miraculously have a 91% rating — and lots of anonymous reviews) & you are outright obnoxious to them. A simple, «I“m sorry you did not enjoy your experience, how can me make it better?’ would suffice. I mean seriously you went on to explain that one of your employees left in the middle of an appointment because she just got a call about a death in the family? Really??? Why would you think that is ok to discuss with a client? Maybe you should hire a PR firm to work on your image and how you should respond to disappointed clients.
Oh and 6… you take a percentage of your workers tips? You even go on to explain why you do this (to cover credit card fees, blah, blah, blah). It’s wrong and sends a bad message to your employees even if you say you explain this to them upon hiring. Shameful. How low can you go???
Another reviewer mentioned that you need a Tabatha Salon takeover… I couldn’t agree more!

I used to come here all the time — twice a month, for about 6 years, and I always saw the same person. I’m talking, I was a strict regular, and they knew that when she wasn’t there, they would call me to see if I wanted to reschedule.
A few months ago, they fired her. I’m not going to speculate why, but instead of telling me they pretended she was sick and let someone else take care of me. It made me really mad they didn’t come clean with me and see if I wanted to still stick around. Based on that, I just find their business ethics crappy — along with some of the other things I’ve heard from some of the girls that work there. The spa was always good, the haircuts were okay — but nothing earth shattering.