White Ginger Day Spa and Art Gallery

I discovered White Ginger about a year ago when I was looking for nice spas in SF that use Spa Finder certificates. I was living in inner Richmond so I liked the location of this spa (it’s also one block away from the delicious Q restaurant).
I was greeted when I walked in. The place seemed empty, but inviting, and since I arrived for one of their happy hour specials, was pleased with the sangria I was offered while getting my pedicure. For the same price as a fast and not so clean pedicure at some mall I was given a clean bowl of water with a flower petal foot soak, a warm neck pillow, sangria, and brand new tools were used on my feet.
My pedicures and manicures never last long when I get them done, but every time I have gone here they last the longest they ever have.
I was also pleased with the amazing massage I had here. I actually received a discount for getting a massage on a weekend, and it was the cheapest and best massage I have ever had.
I really enjoyed this place, and so though I live in Fremont now, I just called them to book another appointment. The bad news is that I waited too long to make this call. I haven’t been there in about 8 months, and when I called the number had been disconnected. The Web site is also not working. It appears that White Ginger is out of business. Anyone know for sure?

Eh. Nice atmosphere… but the pedicure was shit for the amount I was paying. It only lasted about a week and a half and it was around $ 30.00 with tip.
Also they don’t have the seats with the massage… they just bring a little tub to where you’re sitting. For the price I expected more…
I’m going back to Divisadero nails… may be a bit grungy looking but those pedicures last for days!

I was pleasantly surprised and very mpressed with this place. I have another nail place I usually go to but lately I’ve been increasingly dissapointed with their service (and I’m sure they’re breaking child labor laws) and they seem to keep bumping up the prices while decreasing quality.
Anyhoo — I was in the neighborhood so decided to get a mani (I would usually get a mani/​pedi but had been out walking so had on close-​toed shoes and am trying to cut back on pedi’s esp. as it’s winter). There were no other places open, but it was Sunday afterall. I came across White Ginger and was pleased to see they were open — and empty. I was immediately relaxed by the atmosphere in there — very open/​clean and feng shui, plus they were playing nice mellow music a la Sara McLaughlin and Norah Jones, so was immediately a fan.
The guy — yes, guy — at the reception desk was very polite and told me they can see me and then, get this, asks me if I would like something to drink! I say, «why yes thank you, I would love some tea». What a breath of fresh air from the usual greeting of «how can I help? Ok pick your color». I was seated in one of the über comfy chairs and out comes my manicurist with a little station on wheels that she brings to ME. She gives me a nice smile and greeting, then dissapears again only to return with a warm lovely-​smelling neck pillow. HELLO!
She did a great job with my nails and did not feel the need to engage in unessary awkward conversation, which I really appreciated. I opted for the $ 15 «express» mani, expecting her just to take off my polish, pretend to do a little filing, then paint. But no, she gave me the full treatment — file, buffing, lubed up arm/​hand rub, and hot towels, all the while I’m relaxing with my cup o’ tea. She took her time and did a great job with the color.
Now, I have never been there before and like I said, it wasn’t a busy time when I was there, so this may have been a one-​off experience. But for $ 15 I’d say it went way beyond my expectations. Would definitely go back and am considering other treatments next time. I hope they are consistent in their service & quality…

I really, really wanted to like this place. It is a beautiful spot, but for the service I got I really wasnt impressed.
I walked in the afternoon needing a mani/​pedi and brow wax. It was totally empty when I walked in, including the reception desk, which shouldve been my first warning. I looked around briefly before the receptionist finally came out front. I asked if they had time for a mani/​pedi and brow wax. She told me that they only did waxing on Thurs/​Fri/​Sat but could do my mani/​pedi and I would get their mid-​afternoon special (15% off my service) so I figured why not.
I got their spa radiance mani/​pedi (includes hot oil hand and foot massage), but was nothing spectacular. My person wasnt very friendly and when she spoke to me it was in short, curt questions (you want cut? square or round?) I couldve gotten the same treatment at my usual place, with friendlier service, and paid half the price (this package was originally $ 45). I didnt get the lavender neck pillow everyone Unilocaled about. My pedi came out fine, but my mani looked like I did it myself. My nails were not filed the same, some were squared off, others rounded. The polish was a great color, but just looked sloppy and was all over my cuticles.
I would only give them 2 stars, but the receptionist did make sure my tea stayed hot and I did get the 15% off, so I will give them a star for that though I doubt I will be returning for those prices.

Great space and great customer service! I went here to get my eyebrows waxed first and was treated to an actual aestician, not just a person who does nail and eye brow waxing on the side. She spent at least 15 minutes on my eyebrows, and mine are simple and easy. My eyebrows are PERFECT
The next weekend I decided to go try them for a pedicure. I made an appointment for 2pm. I showed up on time, but they were running behind by 15 minutes and they let me know. Then the big surprise came… they gave me a 20% discount off of my services for the wait! WOW. That was great customer service move. Was not expecting that and it made a difference to me. The pedicure itself was perfect and great. Wish they had the spa chairs though or recliner chairs, but all else was perfect!
I will be back again for mani-​pedi and eyebrow next time.

Walked in was immediately greeted by Christine and two other workers who gave my posse & I heated pads for our shoulders, and hot tea. The décor inside was gorgeous and zen; perfect for relaxation. My mani lasted for what seemed to be a lifetime and the price was reasonable for such a fun experience!

This was a perfect place to come to today after my long weekend in the SF sun.
I had spent the day saving the oceans … ok, not really but saving the Pacific Ocean from more trash tourist, locals and everyone in between leave behind after they leave the beach. I wore flip flops and the sand was all up in my toes to the extreme. My feet were tired and frankly, needed a little TLC. What better than pay someone else to give them a little pampering?
Santa (aka, mom & dad) gave me 2 gift certificates via
to use towards any spa type treatment. I like getting pedicures and since I hadn’t had one in ages, today was the day. I recall looking up places that accept
gift certificates and wanted to go to this place because they had good prices and it wasn’t all the way downtown with extra jacked up prices.
I made an appointment online 2 hours or so before my appointment. I decided to leave early thinking it wouldn’t take me that long to get over to the Richmond. I spoke too soon when I arrived in the Haight waiting for the 33 and proceeded to wait around 45 – 50 minutes for one to arrive. Well, one did arrive, but said that it was the last stop so they booted everyone off which pissed me off because the next one wasn’t for another 22 minutes. I rang the spa letting them know what was going on and they said it was totally fine if I was running late. Phew. When the 33 arrived, I missed my stop and ended up at the end of the line. Grr. Luckily, the driver was cool so he took like a 2 minute break instead of some long ass break. I arrived almost 20 minutes late and the front desk girl was so cool. She told me not to worry and just to relax. Sweet.
I picked out my color and Kim who was going to be doing my pedicure was super sweet and had me all set up at a chair. There was one other woman getting a mani-​pedi while 2 other women I think were just hanging out after their treatments. Kim was a total rock star. Very gentle and thorough. All the tools are prepackaged so I didn’t need to worry about getting some crazy infection. And to top it off, she wore gloves during the whole thing, except when she was applying the nail polish.
They kept me happy with a complimentary glass of champane (Bring on the alcohol, it’s been a long weekend!) and water. Considering I was staying past their closing time, they didn’t rush me or even make me aware they were closing up. Even when I had to pay, I was still drying and the girl said I could hang out as long as I wanted.
I had Kim give me the Pamper Me Pedi which is basically the works. Exfoliation, oils, paraffin wrap … she had me totally relaxed. It was just a me and Cosmo magazine telling me all the things guys wish women knew.
I’d definitely come again. I gave Kim a bigger tip than I would normally because she did a great job even though I was keeping her late and the place open late, and also because they didn’t boot or rush the treatment. I love places that are very considerate of their clients. I wish more places were like this.
Great place in the Richmond to get some R&R.

Today’s experience left me with nothing but love for this place! I have been looking for a good nail salon to become a regular at in the city and *fingers crossed* I think I can look no further. Not only did I get a fantastic french pedicure, but the quality of service and attention to customer satisfaction was icing on the cake. Oh, and the zen-​like ambiance is perfect — yes, I have to study hardcore for the next two months, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take a bit of time to take care of myself.
White Ginger? Yes, PLEASE!

Ok, so I cheated on Recharge and went to White Ginger last Wednesday b/​c it’s a couple of blocks away from my place.
I had the Happy Hour Special Mani for $ 20 which has the warm oil massage (as opposed to the regular mani for $ 15).
Nail Color Selection: Limited; Zoya and Spa Ritual (Go Green!) and some OPI. I’m a dark polish kind of gal and they only had about 3 – 4 several colors available. Just to note: I picked a Zoya polish and notice it’s not as smooth as OPI or Essie which I normally use. It maybe b/​c it’s free of chemicals?
Manicure: My nails were shaped well (square), cuticles cleaned and cut, and a good hand/​arm massage with good pressure. Nails were painted very well until I hit the dryer. Apparently, the previous customer left the dryer on «high» which caused my nails to have air bubbles on every nail. The nail tech tried to salvage it, but unfortunately, they had to be repainted.
Ambiance: Props to the decorator! I LOVE the décor: very zen-​like. Love the day beds in the back and the Buddha in the center. Totally serene with the waterfall in the background. RELAXING!
I refuse to go to nail chop shops where the nail techs talk in their native language and make it so obvious that they’re talking shit about you. No problem here; White Ginger is far from a nail chop shop.
I totally believe in you get what you pay for. At White Ginger, you’re paying for the experience and the ambiance. When you’re pampering yourself, why not right?
Although I like White Ginger, I much prefer my normal spot, Recharge b/​c:
1) COMPLIMENTARY Shoulder Massage
2) I always leave HAPPY and RELAXED
2) I Love Daniel (he’s such a sweetheart)
3) Selection of Polishes
So, I’m likely to return only when I can’t get an appt at Recharge or for the convenience.

For (1) love of Genevieve Y’s format, (2) influences from my recent Industrial Org class, and (3) to write more useful reviews, I’m going to start writing my reviews as «SWOT» analyses.LOL. Yes, I’m lame, that’s why you read my reviews.
Strengths: Furnishing, large Buddha, and water fountain created a very relaxing and soothing vibe; Service was very courteous; Keffie, the esthetician was extremely cheerful in personality and careful with her work.
Weaknesses: Massage room walls appear a little a little flimsy, bathroom vents extremely loud – creating a little bit of a relaxational disconnect. Parking sucks and meters max out at 2 hours, so it is difficult to have multiple treatments without asking for meter help… which I hate to do because I think its degrading (am I crazy?).
Opportunities: Making a last minute reservation could be more seemless. I prefer an immediate response rather than a call back. Nevertheless, Keith was extremely courteous and quick to reply back.
Threats: Similar places where you can experience a similar experience – Lavande Nail Spa, La Nails Spa, Mani Pedi
Total: $ 84.00 ($ 60 basic facial; $ 24 Cucumber beaded facewash)
**Facewash deserves 5 stars.

I’m a fan. White Ginger is all about the experience and I’m an ‘experience’ kind of gal.
I went on a whim– a Friday afternoon just after 2pm. The very sweet hostess got me in right away and even extended the ’15% off Weekday Afternoon Special’. Loved that.
I got the Express Mani & Radiance Pedi.
White Ginger offers key elements that make me very happy:
–Zoya & Spa Ritual nail polish (tough to find & ‘green’)
–A variety of tea choices AND alcohol!
–Lavender neck pillows
–Nice lotion (not that nasty aloe-​mango stuff at the chop shops!)
–A clean space with plenty of zenned out ambiance
After a delicious pedi massage, my hands & feet looked perfect and I left relaxed and happy. All good.

Finally a nice spa in my n’hood… is what i thought when they opened few months ago. I made an appointment for a «mini» facial but unfortunately they were running late and the esthetician finally saw me 20 minutes later. I wasnt in any rush so being late was fine. Except the hostess said ‘we wont charge you for the extraction”. It would’ve been extra $ 15. WHAT! whats a facial w/​o extraction? Seriously does anyone care about all that mask and cleansing? I dont… I go to spas for the extraction. I can do the rest at home myself. They were offering a free brow wax with facials. She did an excellent job but she must’ve used too much wax because a day later i saw that my brow was burnt… took 3 days to recover. As for the extraction, she spent about 5 minutes around the nose area and that was it. I seriously doubt my skin was so clean that it didnt require more time.
Despite it all, the esthetician was a sweet young lady, but i wouldnt go there again.

I have been to White Ginger spa a couple times when my regular nail place down the street was too busy to take me.
This place is very new and the owner is a sweetheart. They also have art exhibits and gallery shows in the evenings, which I think is phenomenal. It’s beautiful relaxing, and I’ve had great service both times I went in.
The only reason I prefer my other place (Aqua) better is because White Ginger doesn’t have the spa chairs, which I really prefer. But it’s less pricey and just as nice, so I can’t really say anything else bad!

These guys have been docked three stars because although I’ve always been super thrilled with the waxing and pedicures, one of the girls running the place has the worst attitude. And I hate being referred to as «the 3:30» when I walk in. Customer service!!! Unfortunately it’s time to find a new place.
I LOVE this place. Ping did my waxing and pedicure and was excellent at both. The toenails are completely gorgeous and neat. The bikini line was done exactly to my liking. She checked with me frequently to be sure everything was as I wanted it down there. I did the happy hour pedicure– complete with warm wrap over shoulders, warm oil leg massage and white ginger sangria. Even the music was classy. We’ve got an upscale salon in the middle of clement street! Clean, nail polish without formaldehyde, completely natural body products and gorgeous jewelry for sale. Try it!!!

The last time i got a pedi and it was chip-​free for 3 weeks! And the polish was still shiny. So a couple days a go I went back for a pedi again, got the same quality treatment from the girl. The massage was so good and lasted longer than any other nail salons i’ve been to before. I love this place.
The body massage felt really good. I fell asleep towards the end. The room was neat and had a heater to keep me warm. Soothing music they played helped me relax. But the acutal massage was shorter than 45 minutes. I guess the time it took for me to get undressed and the pre massage consultation all counted towards the time. But the massuse was really sweet.

Finally got to use my Spa Finder gift certificate here– had a facial, the White Ginger Pure. I’ve had many a facial to compare it to: relaxing atmosphere, although a bit on the colder side– she had to give me an extra blanket to keep me warm. The facial was decent, not as much extraction as I’d like, she mainly focused on my nose alone, which of course was congested, but usually they go to town, and she didn’t so much. Maybe if I had the deep cleansing facial it would have been… deeper.
Anyways, overall, good facial. the neck/​back massage was exquisite and the paraffin hand treatment a nice touch. The facial massage was okay, not enough pressure, but still, pretty good.
Overall, great facial after the 25% off friday special and the spa finder gift certificate. Don’t know that I’d pay full-​price here in the future though.

White Ginger is a serene and peaceful sanctuary. It’s the perfect place to get away from a hectic schedule and indulge in some well-​deserved pampering. My friend and I were the only patrons at the time of our visit one Sunday. We were seated promptly and graciously offered a beverage. The manicurists were very polite and attentive to detail. I loved my color which lasted an amazing 3 weeks without a single chip!
You guys are wonderful.
I’m hoping to return for a facial… Can’t wait!

I found White Ginger through the spa finder website. I did a comparison with the price of their facials relative to other spas, looked very reasonable. I had the White Ginger Pure facial. I arrived at my appointment on time. I was immediately offered a choice of beverage. The aesthetician gave me a form to complete and asked me to change. She left me in the room for 10 minutes. The facial was pretty good. She was very nice, explaining all the different products she was using. The shoulder massage felt really good.
The 70 minute facial was only 60 minutes. Did the 10 minute form filling and changing part of the facial? If yes, then that’s not very cool. The ambiance of the room wasn’t very relaxing. The lights were too bright, and music was too loud. With so many day spas in the city, and a quite few around the Richmond area, I think I’ll try else where.

Warning: This review is written by a runner w/​nasty feet.
I came in for a pedicure on my day off so I was able to get the happy hour special which is $ 5 off the regular $ 30 price. I’m pretty low maintenance and ordinarily would think this is pretty steep for a pedicure, but John did an amazing job. I told him my feet and toes are sensitive and I hate when technicians dig under my toenails or go crazy on my cuticles. He didn’t flinch when he saw that one of my toenails that fell off months ago is half grown in (it’ll never be the same) or when he discovered my ugly big bruised toe (black toe) when he removed the old polish. He gently filed my dry, cracked heels that I inherited from my mama. I normally squirm and cringe during pedicures, but I was so relaxed that I didn’t realize until he was done that he’d spent 1.5 hours on my pedi (the free sangria helped!).
The space is gorgeously decorated (check out the pix). They offer fancy facials, waxing, and eyelash extensions as well. Try to make an appointment since they’re brand new and still hiring help. John did me right so I’ll def be coming back for more!

My regular pedi place was closed today, and I was so sad. I need a pre-​Pride pedicure! Lucky for me, I found White Ginger.
The lovely Kim was so sweet and friendly, and gave a darn fine pedi to boot. If I could throw on an extra star just for the foot massage I would.
The salon is very pretty and spa-​like, and it has a nice relaxing vibe. Sometimes the fancy spa/​nail places feel kind of snooty, but not White Ginger!
I got the Happy Hour pedi, which came with a glass of white sangria. Yum!