Rivaage Salon & Medi-Spa

Every step I took into this place had my mind writing a bad review. I went on a living social coupon because the gal I was familiar with disappeared from my usual waxing place. Mind you, this is a painful and intimate service and I think anxiety was clouding my judgement.
The first impression just didn’t inspire confidence but by the time I was done Roxanne had me won over. She was slow and methodical and the result was the least painful waxing ever.
I just wish she had a better room that allowed her to move more efficiently. I will probably go back for a facial and eyebrow threading… and waxing if I can get a deal because I am not sure it’s worth their retail price.

I came here with a groupon for microdermabrasion and as other have mentioned, they are very pushy with other services which i didnt care for.
The parking is ok, but not great and the place is nice overall, but once you are in one of the rooms there’s nothing relaxing about it. The space upstairs is not totally closed of so you can hear everything from the other rooms and conversations, etc which sucks because this is my relaxing hour, my «me» time and it didnt happen.
The facial was ok but not great, but I agree that for the groupon price you really can’t be that picky. When I went downstairs to give the tip, they showed me some facial products and I told them that I already was using some special creams, and they said «but this is totally different, you need to take this today»…yeah, I bought it. but it was because it was a sample size and it wasn’t expensive, but I totally felt like I was very «encouraged». I don’t think I’m going to come back unless its laser hair removal but I’m waiting for a friend to tell me how its going, so we shall see…

Another GREAT anti-​aging facial by Sue Y. I highly recommend her skills as an esthetician! She switches up the products, depending on my skin need… all for just $ 50. So relaxing, yet energizing ;)
Very accessible w/​easy parking; close to everything Redmond!

Don’t come here for a Brazilian wax. I’ve been getting waxed for years and this time was left with hair still everywhere so unfortunately will have to shave. She also was extremely messy leaving wax on my skin and the wax was uncomfortably hotter than what I normally am used to. Im new to the area so I bought the service via livingsocial because Im not sure which places to go yet for my waxing needs. Im very upset that I wasted my time and money here.

For me, this salon would rate between somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but I’m prone to round up, so 4 stars it is!
With Groupon in hand, I came here for a facial. Initially I parked in the «alley» parking lot, located along the wire fence to the south of the salon, only to be told that these parking spots were not for Rivaage and I could get towed by parking there. Luckily, one of two «legit» spots on the street in front of the salon was available, so I moved my car to that spot. Had that spot not been vacant, I’m not sure where I would have been able to park. Drive around the block and park up on 161^st? I’m not sure.
The two ladies inside were super nice and friendly. I was ushered upstairs and I waited in a small waiting area, on a sofa by a tv. The place had the feeling of a semi-​cluttered dorm room, with stacks of magazines and chairs and side tables placed close to the sofa in the small space. Soon after I was ushered into a small facial room. When I say small, it was SMALL, and sterile to boot, with no color, no artwork, no soothing music or piped-​in aromatherapies. The room was dominated by the bed in the middle and treatment machines and tools and lamps and lotions and bowls on tables by the bed’s head. That said, despite the aesthetic sterility and cramped feeling, the room was clean (which is most important to me). The lady who did my facial was quite nice, and she asked me some questions and then told me what she products and procedures she recommended for me. She may have asked me once if I wanted to add on any procedures, but I declined and there was no pressure and she didn’t ask again (which I appreciated).
I loved the heated bed!
The facial itself was good. The aesthetician’s recommendations and overall techniques were good. She spent about 5 minutes extracting blackheads on and around my nose which, while not the most pleasant experience, was probably needed. In the end, my face looked and felt great. I loved the arm and neck massages! My only real gripe about the facial was how quick and fast the lady worked my face: the facial strokes and massages and the rubbing on the lotions… it was all done with quick strokes, not slow and relaxing. The overall effect felt rushed and… not relaxing. I admit it, I want my facial to be a relaxing experience. And at one point, my eyes burned a bit as the quick crisscrossing motions of the lady’s hands must have gotten some product in my eyes.
For the most part, though, the products and what the tech did was great for my skin, but for me, overall, it was not a relaxing experience. If the lady had worked slower (even if she had to omit some steps, so it all fit within the hour time frame), and if they had some soft music and warmer colored walls, all these small effects would have a big impact on making the whole experience feel more indulgent and pampering. But though I was left with glowing skin, the experience felt more utilitarian. Since the prices are so reasonable here, though, I think it’s a decent value for a decent facial.

I am in love with this place! first time to ever do a microdermabrasion and Facial, and it was the best feeling ever! Look for Sue! she made me feel so comfortable and made me want to do this treatment again! I never felt so relaxed! My face was never this smooth! Will come back! Definitely recommend?

I just moved to Redmond and was really in need of getting my hair cut and colored. I came across Rivaage and went in to make an appointment. They were very busy when we discussed scheduling but they offered me an appointment on the next day and at time before they even normally opened. I really appreciated this! My entire appointment was pleasant and everything was great! I will definitely return and recommend this salon to anyone.

I’ve been coming here for nearly a year and love this place. The staff are very friendly and the prices are excellent. My hormonal acne is finally dying down in my mid 20s and I have done a handful of chemical peels here and WOW the results are astounding! I never expected my skin to improve so much so quickly. With 3 peels my scaring was mostly gone and the rosacea is lessened too. I also get my eyebrows done (waxing and threading) and they do a great job; not too thin, nicely shaped, less redness afterwards than I usually experience.

I came there for a microdermabrasion and facial. my appointment was at 2, but I had to wait until 2:20 to start.
The lady started to applying something on my skin and when I asked what is it she seemed annoyed that I asked her. «cleanser» she replied.
She processed to wash my face from cleanser with cold water, which was unpleasant.
Then there was microdermabrasion that took about 5 min.
After that she applied something with thick texture on my skin (at this point I didn’t want to ask any questions) and massaged my skin for 20 minutes.
That seemed to me too long so I asked whether she will do any extractions since I have a lot of clogged pores and black and white heads. The Answer was «No, the microbermabrasion should take care of it.»
Then she washed my face with cold (!) towel again.
Next was the mask that she applied and left the room.
I have to mention that there was no any verbal communication during the entire procedure — she didn’t ask what I was looking from that treatment, didn’t explain any of her steps, left the room twice int he middle without letting me know what’s happening.
After about 20 min she came back, washed my face with warm towel this time and applied what I think was a moisturizer (again, nothing was communicated).
When she gave me the mirror, I saw exact the same clogged pores that I had walking in.
I let know about my disappointment and this was left unresolved.
Bottom line — yes, that was cheap, but that’s about it. I don’t feel that I got even what I have paid for and the whole deal was just a waste of my time and money.

Good luck trying to arrange an appointment with these people. Or God forbid reschedule. They have incredibly weird blocks of time open to begin with, and twice when we were forced to reschedule they had no slots open earlier than a month away?! Is that a joke? Legitimate medical doctors don’t even have that long of a wait.
I honestly can’t even really comment on their services, but I have no desire to ever give them my money based solely on the weak scheduling and customer service they have.

I wanted to like this place. My facial was with Sylvia. I asked for deep cleaning and extraction and I was told dermabrasion would solve everything. The next thing I know a little sheet comes out listing additional add-​on services. I politely let her run through the entire list and decline. I came here with a purpose and I didn’t need the décolleté treatment etc.
I get undressed and crawl under the sheet. It’s a very narrow bed but nice and warm. She returns and asks whether I’ve reconsidered the add-​ons. I decline again and thIs time the guilt trip starts with «well, I just want to ask again. in case you change your mind…». Then she goes on about how these are all very great services and I should really consider them.
That’s the first negative. I love being given the option but please understand I am here to be pampered — not guilted like my mother would do. LOL.
The procedure went smoothly until my mask was applied. At all places I have gone to, the aesthetician will wrap up their stuff and leave the room. She stayed in the room, opened a cabinet to retrieve her large handbag and proceeded to rummage through this. Texting or on her cell phone? I don’t know. By then I was convinced this would be my last visit.
Would I like to schedule another appointment I was asked. Nope.
If this place is open to honest feedback, these are improvements:
Customer service: please listen to what your customer needs. Dermabrasion removes dead skin and does not extract blocked pores. Be upfront with what the service does. Remove the sales pressure. Leave the room so that your clients can relax. Ask your clients if they need a blow by blow account of what is being done to their face. I didn’t need the commentary. Maybe others do.
My face felt smoother but I could still feel all my bumps. This facial did not do anything for me.
The room does not have soft music or water fountains. You can hear the traffic and all conversations in other rooms. I’m willing to overlook that non-​beauty salon ambiance for a functionally effective facial, which was not delivered.

My mom and I just have a facial done. Mine was absolutely wonderful! My mom had Silva. She didn’t realize both my mom and myself were getting facials so she stormed in while I was getting my facial and yelled «you stole my client!» to the woman doing my facial. That was awkward. Then once she got my mom settled, she criticized how much makeup she wore and said that she’s not going to be happy if having to take off the makeup was going to make her late for other clients. What?! My mom left with a very sore face and oil all in her hair (and I mean ALL OVER!). While I was very happy with mine, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from the other room.

I got a haircut today and was ok. I had long hair and paid $ 55 plus tip. I called before to ask for an appointment for the same day and they were available. I did not loved the haircut but it was ok. I did not like much the styling.
I am updating my review a few days later from my haircut. I noticed that my hair was not straight. One side was shorter than the other. Out of desperation I took some scissors and cut it myself. I also find it very difficult to style it because I have wavy hair and layers were just random everywhere.
Second update: (less than one month later)
I need a haircut. I have been having a hard time with my hair that doesn’t seem to have any type of shape or layers. I can’t believe I paid almost $ 70 here!

I originally came to Rivaage last summer for a facial and I have been back for hair color, hair cuts, brow threading and chemical peels and facials. All of the staff is wonderful. I have seen Selma, Janet and Sheena and they all are friendly, patient, and just great to be around. Both my daughters have also been to see them are also very happy.
The salon is very clean and the services are well priced. I am very happy to have found a ‘home’ salon.
D

WOW, my daughter Emma purchased a groupon for my birthday and I scheduled and had to cancel due to my work schedule. It was due to expire on Feb.12,2015-TODAY…Selma the owner was extremely gracious when I called to reschedule, well I just got back from my appt. and I am so glad I went! Janett, hope I spelled her name correct-​she was wonderful, great, magical etc.etc.etc I can’t come up with enough adjectives… I was nervous to begin with, having never gotten anywhere near a spa .I confess that I don’t take real good care of my skin (with 4 kids and a husband it can be tough to set aside some ME time). I feel so much better about my skin, and best of all there was no trying to sell me a whole skincare line. I ended up having my eyebrows «threaded» some more «magic» from Janett… and they’re having a special deal and so I ended up paying just $ 10.00 and I am sold on this place! Thanks again Selma and Janett you’ve made a fan out of me!

I was here for a dermabrasion facial and the lady who was helping me was very knowledgeable and did great work on my face. Afterward, I felt refresh and see immediate improvements.
They are extremely affordable and clean as well. The place is keep immaculate and I never felt rush. I enjoyed my experience at Rivaage and will definitely be back. Highly recommended.

I moved into the immediate area of Rivaage around 3 – 4 months ago. There are a variety of salons and spas in the area. I chose to check this one out as it seemed new and I decided to get my hair cut there.
Turns out that decision was an excellent one. The staff are very well trained, friendly, and they remember you between visits.
There is street parking in front and to the side of the salon and a bike rack out front. It is also one block away from the Redmond Transit center. Next to the salon on the other side of the building are dentist offices (if I remember correctly).
Inside the salon is modern with all new equipment and clean. The salon is also very quiet and I have not seen it crowded yet (mind you, I do not go there on weekends).
For a haircut, the price is comparable to all the other salons and barber shops in the area. I chose to return to Rivaage as their hair washing sinks are the cleanest in the area and the stylist did not push product on me as part of the visit. Instead it was a cut exactly as a I asked and an excellent wash.
I typically schedule my appointments in advance and get an email reminder. This helps as I’m something of a forgetful person, and showed up late once to an appointment. The stylist didn’t complain even though it crunched her schedule some (at least it seemed so).
Anyways, best place so far in Redmond I’ve found for the services that are provided there (mind you I’ve not tried all that they offer).

I came here for a microderm+facial with my groupon. The salon is clean and quiet and there’s parking on the street. The staff were friendly and polite and I had no issues setting up an appointment. As for the facial itself, I was a little disappointed — it seemed quite cursory and mainly consisted of a massage and a mask. No steam or extraction of black heads and zits. I know that not everyone wants extractions, but I would have liked the option.

Had a great facial for my oily, acne prone skin here with my groupon.
Reserving was super easy, as was locating the place, it is very close to the Trader Joe’s in Redmond. The front desk lady seems rather brusque at first go, but is actually a nice person.
The place is quiet, well lit and super clean. The facial room is upstairs and has a soothing ambience, although I wish they’d play some music. The lady who gave me the facial was gentle and even gave me some microdermabrasion on my nose for my blackheads. The signature facial was relaxing and made my skin glow for several days afterward.
My only gripes were:
1. too much push toward microdermabrasion facials
2. my signature facial felt a little underdone and even mis-​done. I know I have acne prone skin, but other places have given me a gentler scrub, but here she completely skipped the scrub. On top of it, she massaged my face and later informed me that my skin might get worse the next few days as the oil will come out to the skin, but its actually a good thing. I wish she had told me before she did that. I had to desperately dab on toner 3 times a day to avoid breakouts.
all in all, a good place, and they have $ 50 facials all of 2014, which is pretty good.

This place is great. I definitely will be back. I had a great facial and microdermabrasion treatment for a great price. They have all the same salon grade equipment but without the super high salon prices. I am excited to try some of their other services. Owner was friendly. I felt I got the same service and courtesy with my Amazon Local coupon as I would have if I paid full price.