Sofia Skin Care & Electrolysis Clinic

Hands down the best electrologist you’ll ever find!
While laser only takes care of very dark/​highly pigmented coarse hairs that are contrasted against a super light skin, electrolysis takes care of all hairs: fine, light, gray, dark, etc.
I suffered for years in search of an electrologist that delivered results.
Within two months of seeing Sofia I saw excellent results. It’s been three years now, and I see her twice a year for a quick clean-​up.
The space is very soothing and relaxing. like a cottage in the city.
Your sessions will be very entertaining, as conversations range from political and social issues, to what films are playing where, to the latest food trend out there.
Furthermore, her online booking is by far the most convenient I have ever dealt with. You can book appointments online any time, even an hour or 30 minutes before.

I know what you’re thinking: But Adena, you’re flawless in every conceivable way, why are you reviewing a facial specialist?! (Did you catch the sarcasm there? Good.)
Look, Sofia gives it to you straight (and so will I): beauty takes time. It’s also expensive. Oh, and did I mention painful? Like, «holy Batman, that smarts!» painful. And you come out of your electrolysis session looking like you’ve been stung by 10,000 bees. At least I did.
I’ve been a loyal client for ten months now; going once every two weeks in the beginning, then tapering off to once every three weeks. Honestly, the results speak for themselves. I have fairly sensitive skin, so I look like death after each session, but fear not: it clears up after a few days. Beauty takes time, ya’ll, so be patient.
At $ 50 for a 15-​minute session (CCs accepted), this is a pricey venture. But think of saving your sanity (and personal time), and add the benefits of never (ever!) having to tweeze, thread, or wax again. That, for me, was enough reason. Also, love the online appointment system. And the cooling cream she slathers on after each session. Oh, and the thoughtful ice cube in a Ziplock bag to pat on your (now) sore and rubicund face.
There’ll always be reasons not to go: it’s too expensive! I’ll tweeze for free! It hurts (*wah*)! But the feeling of your moisturizer (or makeup) gliding on with ease and perfection really trumps these excuses… in my book.

I had been getting very regular facial electrolysis for about a year prior to moving to SF (after I tried everything else and nothing worked since my hair is actually quite light in color & laser wasn’t an option) so as soon as I got here I started searching for someone I could trust to continue my treatment. I found Sofia through Unilocal and am SO happy I did. She has absolutely been one of my favorite things about the city from day one. She does an incredible job, is very thorough with her treatments, has a beautiful, clean, private and relaxing spot in Noe Valley– technically across the city from where I live– but well worth the trip every time (and very easy access from J Muni).
I started on a weekly basis and now only need to go every 2 – 3 months and even then the hair is barely noticeable & mostly for touchups. I have noticed an incredible difference in my skin and rarely experience any irritation between treatments (which prior used to be a huge issue for me)! I owe so much to Sofia for clearing my skin and for being such a wonderful person and friend! Something that others might consider a painful process Sofia makes so pleasant and easy. She’s so positive and kind I really do look forward to electrolysis day on the calendar every time! At this point I think I go just as much for the touchup part as I do getting to chat and catch up with Sofia!
I couldn’t recommend her or her services more highly. She’s the absolute best! I only wish I had posted this review sooner!

From a neighborhood salon to a destination one.
I first found Sofia’s quaint salon on the corner of Chattanooga and 22^nd street when I lived just down the street. It was a place you’d only find if you were looking. I took a lot of comfort in its understated interior — «this lady is in the business of doing treatments and not decorating cutely». I’ve seen my share of Greek busts and Buddha heads — take your pick — but I’m positive those features have no bearing on the quality of the service.
I’ve now come here for a couple of years. Even as I moved out of the city and it now requires a special trip, I take comfort in coming to Sofia for my facials. She knows her stuff and has a great touch! And I should know — used to be a guinea pig at one of the Bliss spas.

I’ve been seeing Sofia for electrolysis treatments since I moved to the city several years ago. Before that I was having treatments back east on a regular basis. I’m so happy I found Sofia. In the past I found it so painful it was challenging to stay still. She is sensitive to my tolerance and makes adjustments for me. For those who aren’t aware electrolysis takes time and commitment. Unlike laser and waxing it is the only way of destroying the root so hair does not grow back. I went from going weekly to only having to go a few times a year. It took time but was well worth it and I am thrilled with the results. Sofia has been doing this work a long time and knows her craft. Her office is beautifuly painted and relaxing with an open reception area. The location wedged between the Mission and Noe Valley is quite convenient. A huge plus is always getting a good parking space.

I can not speak highly enough about Sofia! I have battled for years with dark facial hair and have tried everything out there. I’ve done years of lasers and gone to other electrolysis practitioners and nothing worked. When I started coming to her she gave me a very clear understanding of what I’d need to do to get rid of the hair. I followed her instructions (and came regularly) and it worked! If you have stubborn hair, and have tried other methods and failed, please please please try going to Sofia!

I’ve been seeing Sofia since 2009 for electrolysis of the face and body. Electrolysis is painful and costly, but it is worth it! It does take time (sometimes up to a year), but it’s the only way to permanently remove hair. Laser sometimes only reduces it.
Sofia is extremely warm and sweet, which is very helpful when she’s electrifying your hair follicles. She’s fast and precise with hair removal. Highly recommend!

A few months ago I’d written a long review after I left Sophia. I hate being mean to people so I never posted it. I’d rather not relive every detail of my trip here so I’ll keep this simple.
Worst brow wax and shaping I’ve ever had. Worst brow and lash tint I’ve ever had. Worst electrolysis I’ve ever had. Bad/​damaging advice. Bad attitude. Overpriced.
There are so many other options in this city. Please, don’t go here.

Sofia talks a lot as if she knows everything in the world, sometimes extremely pushy and a bit argumentative. She does a bad job with electrolysis. Zero results after 6 months. As it is electrolysis is painful, on top of that annoying sofia says it does not make sense to her for a woman to have little tolerance to pain… WTF???
I moved and I have seen better results with just 3 treatments. Sofia’s work is useless!!! Oh and then she acts super pricey. If you are late for whatever reasons, she will charge you some random high fee for the little time she does it on you.
Alicia is however much better. She is kind, nice and helpful

It works! Sofia and Alicia are skilled technicians, and my unwanted hair has all but bit the dust.
I mostly see Sofia, and she is friendly and quick when dealing with sensitive areas that require electrolysis.
I should have done this WAY sooner. No more embarrassing hair. It’s worth the investment.

I’m a true fan of electrolysis. I don’t want to use painful lasers on my face for those errant facial hairs or when I want to thin my brows. As hormones cycle, new hairs crop up (ugh!), making a return to electrolysis necessary. I, too, tried one of the kooky electrolysis women in the Union Square area, but the results just weren’t successful even after a year of visits. My hairs were returning too soon and stronger, when they should regrow thinner, finer. Beside this, her bedside manner was defensive and forgetful.
Sofia and Alicia are a welcome relief for my trouble! Both are charming and friendly, they work swiftly and their equipment is in great condition. The technique they use is far less painful than any laser or electrolysis I’ve had in the past, yet it is highly effective. I noticed great results immediately. I left my two visits with no visible redness or swelling (wow!). Hair regrowth is inevitable but it took a long time to regrow and it was so fine that I could barely see it. Now that’s the result I was seeking!
Avoid laser on your delicate skin and go see Sofia and Alicia for professional, painless and effective hair removal.

This review is quite overdue! I’ve been seeing Sofia since last July and lets just say she has saved me! I used to spend time plucking daily but since I’ve been seeing Sofia I have said goodbye to my tweezers!
Sofia is truly a professional at what she does. She works quickly and efficiently. Her clinic is clean and very welcoming and there is plenty of street parking! And unlike many of the wackos who do electrolysis in the city Sofia is the sweetest most genuine and experienced I have found.
Sofia you know how much I love you! Thank you!

Fastest and least painful electrolysis treatment I’ve ever had (and I’ve been through many). Sofia is a true electrolysis professional!

Love everything about stepping through this door. A real spoiler kind of place.
Sofia loves what she does and she takes care of you. Her work is educated, intuitive, experienced, and she pays attention. Meanwhile, you are home!
I crash-​landed to SF from the east coast 15 years ago, and my skin for a wreck! Had never seen it that way, and I was looking for jobs and home, etc.. . eek.
Found Sofia’s ad in SF Weekly, and she looked so pretty and real. I didn’t want some kind of über-​glam thing, and I really needed help with my skin, and sense of well-​being.
Had to get my face back into the light, and so took a chance and went to see her. Everything was so comforting and fragrant. I really relaxed, and within 2 – 3 sessions, my battered skin was shining!
I keep coming back for more, and recommend to my family and dearest friends.
This is the real thing.

Thank you Unilocal reviewers! This was an excellent visit. I was in a jam and had a few hours in the city. So glad I went here. Her treatment was SO thorough and effective! She treated me so well and gave me lots of extra attention. I highly recommend Sophia Skin!

Just got home from an appt here. Alicia is A-​MAZING!!! She is very consistent, thorough and her technique is great. I recommend her to everyone!

Thanks to my gene pool, I have pale skin, extremely dark hair, and a whole lotta hormones. Sofia tamed ALL OF IT!
Waxing was quick and efficient.
Facials-don’t even get me started. She not only cleared up my skin, (which not many people have succeeded at-​actually NO ONE has succeeded at) but also left it feeling like the gluteus of a newborn.
Her sunny disposition also adds to the ambiance, and frankly, if I would want anyone to work on me, it would be her!
Great place, great time, and great results! Thank you Sofia!

What happened? One night a demon came and changed my fine, fair, facial fuzz into a random field of coarse and dark spiky sprouts. At first a pluck or two seemed to suffice but after awhile me and my magnifying mirror were enmeshed in a nightly ritual of shame.
To the rescue: Sofia and Alicia, angels of hair removal! These women have been in the skin business for decades and have seen it all. They are highly skilled and caring professionals who completely understand that moving from secret plucking to electrolysis is a process and are there to make it work for you. I can call them in a panic just as I’m about to resort to self mutilation, er, self help, and they fit me in ASAP. Truly a godsend. My skin looks great! Thank you.
(From time to time, I get a scab or a little white head at the site where a needle with an electric charge was just inserted. They don’t just wave a magic wand over your face and the hair magically disappears.)

I needed to find a closer electrolysis, so I did a little research and decided to go to sofia.
I was very happy with the service, although it took almost 3 weeks to completely heal. now i know i have to go there way before my trip.
The power seems to be a bit high, but at least i know the hair won’t be growing back.
if you have a trip coming up where you are hanging out by the beach, make an appt at least 3 weeks before the trip, so your skin can heal completely before your trip.

I’ve been a regular customer at Sofia’s since I moved to San Francisco in 2007 and I can’t say enough about what great work they do!!!
I have had Sofia’s associate Aleisha do my treatments and she does wonderful work! I never have to shave my armpits ever again thanks to her: D WooHoo!
This is the BEST place to go for electrolysis and facials (they have other services as well like waxing but I’ve only done electrolysis and microdermabrasion facials).
Both Sofia and Aleisha do such great work I would very HIGHLY recommend trying them out– you’ll never want to go anywhere else! Oh, and they are EXTREMELY accommodating when booking or rescheduling appointments. Two thumbs way up!