Shobha SoHo

some technicians lacking professionalism

by stickycandy

This place is known for their Brazilian waxes, and I've been going here for the past year for that service.

Overall, it's a very good experience. It's in a great location, the ambience is relaxing, I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes for my appointment, even when I show up early.

The technicians for the most part are friendly and comforting through this rather uncomfortable experience. Everyone I've had knew what they were doing, and were efficient---you're in and out of there in 15 minutes. If you can get the sugaring done instead of the wax, it cuts down on the pain factor considerably.

However, the service and professionalism is hit or miss. Most of the technicians are nice, but today I had a rather unpleasant experience with Reshma that I think should be shared. She knew what she was doing, and it did quickly, I'll give her that much. But she was condescending and borderline rude to me throughout. She made no secret she was annoyed that I was tensing up during our session. I, in turn, became annoyed also, "It hurts." And she replied, "well, it's a Brazilian!" Yeah, and so? I'm not allowed be anxious or tense because I knew about the pain going in? There's a reason I come here and drop more than $80 (including tip) for this service. Because I want to be treated nicely during this delicate task! If I wanted to be treated like cattle, I'd go elsewhere and pay much less---there's no lack of salons doing Brazilians in Manhattan.

To add icing to the cake, as we were walking out, she rolled her eyes at the receptionist, like the way you'd roll your eyes at a friend after dealing with someone annoying. I'm right behind you! It was unprofessional, not to mention uncalled for.

I'll return, but will be requesting NOT Reshma.

great experience

by danizup

i came here for a brazilian last week. the best brazilian i've had to date. they knew their stuff and treated me well. everything was clean...very professional. i will be back.

Horrible experience

by Vanessa01

The first time I went there I was so please. Maybe I got an poorly trained threader, but they hardly left any eyebrows on my face. I asked her to leave them thick it took me so long to grow back. I really regret going there,

Go elsewhere!

by Josie R

To be fair, I used to think the services provided at Shobha were excellent. A friend recommended Shobha for eyebrow threading to me when I moved to New York last year, and I loved it.

But now, I can twirl my growing mustache and stew, since I won't return. The same friend recently told me about Shobha's new "policy," if it can even be called that. I understand the 24-hour cancellation policy, but was not informed that one would have to pay in full for a rescheduling if it was over a certain amount. The woman taking the order was very condescending and tried to bully my friend into coming in for at least a $10 appointment. This makes no sense, considering that whomever was scheduled to do the rest of the work would be out of an appointment. Apparently, Shobha now needs 24-hour notice to cancel an appointment--even if you schedule last-minute when it's impossible to give such notice.

The condescending person at the Soho location said that Shobha had her credit card info and would charge her anyway for a reschedule. She asked to speak to a manager to figure out what to do. Someone called her 15 minutes AFTER her appointment would have started to tell her a replacement had been found and she wouldn't be charged. The bottom line: Shobha wants your money, not your business. The women answering the phone were very evasive about giving her the managers' names. I was going to go there tomorrow, but I refuse to return. I was thinking about being a bearded lady this Halloween anyway. Shobha lost not one, but two, customers.

• Pros: Good threading
• Cons: Rude desk service

Great!

by newyorkspagal

I was nervous! Trying a new spot for a Brazilian is terrifying. I've been going to Bliss which is efficient and relatively painless. However, had gotten my brows threaded at Shobha before and was happy so I gave it a try. I am a BIG wimp and she did a great job! In and out in 12 minutes, really fast, no going over the same spot twice, very pleasant conversation to distract me, and all around pleasant! Her name was Kanjeet, I think, and she did my bikini and brows--I highly recommend! As with most places, ther might be some less qualfied folks so as with all things, get a recommendation from here or elsewhere for a specific person to request.