Athena Ellen Esthetics

Athena will not let you down. When I first moved to Noe, I was in search of a good esthetician that was close by. Athena is not only my esthetician, she is my go to girl for anything skin/​beauty related. Let me tell you why.
First and foremost, when you arrive at her cute cottage she’s created an atmosphere where you can relax. She has a warm personality that matches her ambiance and is a very good listener who truly tries to understand your beauty needs. Her products are not harsh, but very gentle and effective, and she will always have your best interest at heart. When she suggests new approaches to your skin care (or now I do eyelashes as well), she’ll make sure it’s within your comfort zone and within reason. All her products feels calming and natural, it’s a nice change from some of the harsh facial treatments I’ve had in the past. After seeing her for over a year, I fully trust her with any suggestions she has and have not been disappointed. I’m a happy loyal customer and definitely recommend her services.

Athena is the best– I now travel to see her in Noe from Oakland because I won’t trust my eyebrows to anyone else. I always feel and look fantastic when I leave her studio. She is wonderful to talk to– a total San Francisco treasure.

Athena gave the most wonderful facial! I’ve been struggling to find an esthetician as good as the one I had in Chicago (miss you Adam!) But obviously, due to my being busy, I’ve neglected to find one until now. Athena is a hidden gem that I’m surprised more people don’t go to. Her studio is located in a very cute cottage in the back alley in between a flower shop and Noe Valley Bakery. It is pretty easy to find, and you just have to buzz and she’ll let you in. It’s very light, clean and the design has the aesthetic is exactly what I want to replicate in my personal life. In any case, Athena provides a very warm, calm and relaxing environment. She is very personable and will chat with you during your appointment, though she also knows when to keep it quiet. She makes suggestions and recommendations based on analysing your skin type (as well as her asking about your skin type and your routine upfront so she has a better idea of what to do)
I bought the «Fancy» but I actually received a Restore and Renew facial with her, which included a glycolic peel (fit for my skin, it is a custom peel for your treatment) and dermaplaning, which she explained, is similar to microdermabrasion, except for using the microderm tool, she would use a scalpel instead to literally shave and slough off the top layer of dead skin cells– I promise, it may seem scary, but it was virtually painless and I’d equate it to like, yes, shaving. There was a little redness post-​peel, but I’ve had peels before and obviously, with any acid there will be redness, and yes– even peeling, like the treatment says. She did make my skin as soft as a baby’s bottom though, which was amazing! Dry no more!
One thing I noticed before I even went into the treatment room is that Athena has her own product line that she makes herself, and I’m sure uses in her treatment room! She is a little more holistic than other estheticians I’ve had, which is not a bad thing at all! In fact, it’s nice to know that she cares about others health by using natural ingredients :) She also doesn’t try to push her product line onto you after the appointment, but only makes recommendations for post care and will ask you about your routine and how often you should come to her for her services (and also what she recommends!)
I will most likely be back, and I’m so happy to have found a new esthetician in San Francisco!

Athena is the kindest, most comforting person you will find for your beauty maintenance. She’s gentle, thorough; she’s excellent at reading you to know if you’re happy with chatting or would like it quiet. Her studio is calming and warm… a true reflection of the owner. Price per service is extremely reasonable. You won’t be sorry.

I got a standard facial as my first service. During the facial, I requested to add a $ 20 additional mask which would exfoliate my skin, Love this place. The owner Athena is awesome and very friendly. The place is really clean and decorated very well. She took the time to analyze my skin, share with me some tips/​suggestions and write me down some home remedy stuff I can do. I would definitely visit her again.

Athena is amazing! The best wax I’ve ever had. I’ve been to multiple places in the city and was never full satisfied with the results until I went to her. I trust her skills so much that I had her wax my eyebrows for the first time. She kept them thick how I like them and made the perfect arch! She creates a really comfortable environment and is so sweet. I refuse to go to anyone else!

Athena is an amazing esthetician. Her facials are incredible and her hair removal techniques are effective and long lasting. I have been going to Athena for 4 years and I would never try anyone else. The last time I was there she had a client who flew up from LA just to get her lashes done. Athena is very knowledgeable about skin care and her products that she makes by hand contain only the finest organic ingredients. I can say that without hesitation the Athena is the best esthetician I have ever encountered. Plus, she is quite friendly and engaging. I look forward to my monthly visit to see her. She is the best-​no doubt about it.

Amazing, thorough, soothing and nourishing facial. I found Athena on Unilocal and live in the neighborhood so her location was very convenient for me. She is in the heart of Noe on 24^th at Castro next to a flower shop. When I entered the space I was transformed as the place is calming and smells great. She got right to work on my face and also gave me an incredible shoulder, arm and hand massage. The facial was transforming and I feel great, it almost looks as though I got a facelift! Thank you Athena, I will be back and will be telling my friends about you!

Athena is the best! I just had a facial from her last night and today my skin looks brand new! I can’t wait to book my next facial with her. Thank you so much Athena!

I have been going to Athena now for 2 years! She is one of the most friendliest and down to earth person you will ever meet! Her waxing is meticulous and she takes her time and never rushes you!
I would never let anyone else touch me after her!!!

Athena is simply awesome.
She’s truly gifted + super sweet to boot!
The space is tucked behind a little flower shop on 24^th. It’s adorable + always clean.
Ever since I started seeing Athena, my skin has been noticeably healthier + pretty much blemish-​free. (I see her every 2 – 3 months.) Every time I see her, my skin totally glows!
She incorporates a neck massage into the facial service, which is incredible!
She’s pretty much the best kept secret in SF.
I couldn’t recommend her highly enough!

I got my eyebrows waxed today with Athena. I never let anyone touch my eyebrows because most people want to take a lot off and thin them. I like my eyebrows natural but shaped and cleaned up a bit. She did a phenomenal job and she was very sweet! I am excited to have met someone who understands how I want them to look and executed it perfectly. I highly recommend her and especially if you are timid about having you eyebrows done.
Jasmin

Now that I’ve found Athena, I won’t let anyone else touch my eyebrows ever again! I have thick brows, so when most aestheticians see me, they just want to make them thinner. But Athena listened closely to what I wanted, asked questions to help clarify, and has worked with me for months to get my brows to the perfect shape and size! She is precise, thorough, and great to work with — which is saying a lot cause I’m picky! Athena is always focused, but also manages to chat and get updates on my life. I’ve come to view Athena as a friend, and look forward to my eyebrow waxing sessions!

This is my first and probably one time I’ll write a review, all because of Athena’s AMAZING waxing abilities. She’s very professional, the waxing is practically painless, and she’s an awesome person all around. She’s the only person I’ve gone to for bikini waxes after my sister recommended her to me, and she’s the only person I trust to do a great job. She’s super nice, friendly, and just simply amazing.

I had an amazing spa day today with beauty expert Athena Hewett. I love what she did. I had my eyebrows and my eyelashes tinted, and a facial. I think it looks great and my skin is super refreshed. The address is 4077a 24^th street/​corner Castro, San Francisco.