look at me (Lash Extensions and Russian Manicure) — Local services in San Francisco

Wowow.

TLDR – Lives up to the hype. Manicures done right. Clean salon, pro techs, amazing results. 10/10 highly recommend.

I was raised in salons and have been getting manicures since I was young. The dry/Russian style is what I grew up with as the standard norm for manicures and pedicures, long before they blew up on TikTok or Instagram, but once I moved to the city I realized they're never actually done like this at most salons.

Unfortunately, almost all nail salons don't come close to what a thorough manicure should be.

I was skeptical about the trend aspect and price tag of the Russian manicures/pedicures because cuticle work and proper filing should be the norm everywhere, but I totally get it now.

After trying to book at another Russian manicure spot in the Marina (and failing for months), I stumbled upon Look At Me Salon and lucked out with a next-day appointment.

⭐️ Booking Experience

Booking online was super easy. Initially it showed a 2–3 week wait, then I switched from “Top Tech” to “Regular Tech” and I saw multiple openings.

You do need a card on file (not my favorite), but with their cancellation policy, it makes sense.

Text reminders and a link to fill out the waiver/form. I missed it, but the front desk was super kind and helped me handle it when I arrived.

🧼 Salon Environment

CLEAN. Like, actually, clean and cute. Modern, airy, natural light, decluttered, well designed, and chill. No chaotic energy, loud convos, or dirty counters and floors. TV was on mute, background music was current and mellow. Overall great vibe.

The restroom was clean, and I noticed their lash area was dimly lit and more private.

All of the stations, equipment, tools, and instruments were pristine, labeled, organized, and sanitized.

💅 Service

Angel did my nails and was incredible. Super detailed, professional, and efficient without rushing or skipping steps. I felt like she genuinely cared about the result.

The receptionist was also lovely — gave me clear directions, checked me in, asked if I wanted a beverage (coffee, tea, water, bubbles, etc.) introduced me to my tech, and walked me through the checkout process. She also let me know about their 7-day guarantee and a promo they were running.

✨ The Result

Soo, so nice. Clean cuticles, smooth shaping, and even polish.

I stopped getting acrylics and gel a few years ago because of the time in the salon, upkeep, cost, and honestly underwhelming results or getting home and refiling. Buttttt this? Truly, 100% worth it and my new go-to.

10/10 would recommend.

Side note: While I was wrapping up, the woman next to me mentioned she was getting married the following week. Her nail tech immediately congratulated her (thoughtful) and then offered to test out a few different polish shades so she could find the perfect one for her special day. I thought that really spoke to the level of care and professionalism here — the bride-to-be trusted the tech without having met her before, and the technician anticipated her needs without being asked. That kind of service says a lot.

If you’re looking for a top-tier, clean, and professional Russian manicure and pedicure in San Francisco...

Sharing my lash experience- the only service I received here.

My first appointment, the lash artist essentially rejected the model picture I provided, saying it will not work well. I always go for classic- for a natural look. Since what I requested was somehow not possible, I said I wanted classic and something more on the natural side. When she was done, I was not satisfied as it came out heavy and looked like strip lashes with chunky glue, but I paid + tips and went home. Management reached out a few days later via text asking how was my experience and because it was via text, I felt comfortable to be entirely honest. They made it right by offering for me to come back in to get it redone, no charge, with their top lash artist which I agreed.

The top artist initially said what I had looked fine and they didn't see anything wrong but after some back and forth, she agreed that she will take off the entire set and redo it herself. The new set was what I exactly wanted and I was very happy with the service. Even though I didn't have to pay for the service since it was a fix-it appointment, I tipped the lash artist the usual amount.

Then my 3rd appointment...I tried to book with the lash artist that I really liked (there is no way to book directly with a person, just for the service) but she was not available so they assured me another top lash artist can do my refill since she will have my "lash map". I came in to get my refill and unfortunately, the lash map did not matter. The refill was not classic or natural, but very heavy and full of clusters/glue (which I strongly dislike). I paid + tips and left since I had to leave on an international trip.

I appreciate the effort to make it right but I wish it was easier to book with a specific artist online without having to call or text in. It feels like they want to fill as many slots as possible and you're at whatever lash artist's mercy. I spent a total of $500 in 1.5 months there and would be nice if it was more consistent (which is allowing to book with a specific...

I deeply regret getting my lashes done here. They took 2/3 of my actual real lashes off my eye lids when removing the fake lash extensions. It was so bad my eye lids actually hurt from where the hair used to be. I don’t know if I’ll ever have them grow back. They chipped off my lashes using force rather than a liquid to dissolve them, with the logic that it was safer since I got an eye infection while having the false lashes in. I paid a ton of money, thinking a more expensive treatment would be worth it, but I would’ve got a better job done by finding a lash technician more experienced on Instagram. I thought they would know the basic hygiene practices like not touching one eye and then touching another if there was an eye infection but they did that as well.

Wisdom learned:

1. if you already have naturally beautiful lashes don’t get false eyelash extensions. False eyelash extensions are for those that don’t have thick long natural lashes.

2. trust your gut when a technician starts answering your questions in circles saying they “already told you that” and makes you feel annoying for wanting to understand the process more fully. This is usually a defensive sign of lack of knowledge on their part. Even if you spend a lot of time and energy to book the appointment or are afraid of losing your money, tell them you don’t feel comfortable going any further with treating your body under the care of their hands.

3. interrupt a treatment and let them know while you’d like to trust them, you’re anxiety is indicating this isn’t the right process for you.

4. many beauty services backfire. You’re already beautiful, and you risk having “less” of your natural beauty after their service. Discernment is key and requires your whole...