Sanctuary Wax Studio - Berkeley, California

Karina Decima

I’ve been seeing Katie for Brazilians for the last couple years and I wouldn’t think of going to anyone else. Katie was referred to me by a good friend who had been seeing her for years, and spoke so highly of her personality and skill, I knew she’d be amazing… and she is! Katie is incredibly knowledgeable and skillful; her expertise and professionalism are beyond. She creates a welcoming environment and experience - I always look forward to my monthly visits with Katie; she is so authentic, caring and sweet. Highly recommend for a holistic and positive beauty experience!

Melissa N

Where do I even begin? Let's start with Katie. Katie is an absolute gem. She is so sweet and kind and a great listener. She makes you feel very welcomed and comfortable. I've been going to get waxed with Katie since December 2022. It honestly feels like I've known her forever.

I was debating even writing this, as her schedule is busy as-is. But she really deserves all the love and recognition. She is a complete gem. I had only ever had my eyebrows waxed and now I'm getting waxed in places I didn't even know could get waxed. Never any ingrown hairs either. 1000% would trust her waxing me even blindfolded.

If you've been nervous or had bad experiences in the past with other waxers, to see Katie. You won't regret the decision.

Love you Katie.

Clara Alivisatos

Katie is AMAZING. I've been getting Brazilian waxes for almost 10 years now and Katie is by far the best specialist I have seen. She makes the experience as painless as possible and has helped me so much with all my ingrown hair problems I used to have. Her waxes are perfect, she never misses a spot, and she keeps the whole studio incredibly clean. Katie is also a wonderful person. She is dedicated to her work and to making her clients feel comfortable. I absolutely love going to see Katie every month. I can't recommend her enough, definitely book with her.

Rebecca Davidson

Katie was the first person to show me that waxing doesn’t have to hurt. She is so professional and skilled but at the same time calm, gentle and nurturing. Highly recommend Katie and Sanctuary Wax Studio, especially if you’re new to waxing or haven’t had the best experience where you have previously gone

Marsha Stokes

I was in need of a brazilian wax for a trip. I had never gotten one before and it had been years since getting waxed so needless to say I was nervous but I picked out Sanctuary Wax Studio based on the reviews and it was the best choice!
The studio is extremely comfortable with soft lighting, always the perfect temperature in the room, and it is always so clean! It's a great studio space for what Katie does. The studio is also in a great area. Nice and quiet with easy street parking.
But the best part is, is Katie! She is amazing at what she does and always makes me feel so comfortable. She answers all my questions and is extremely supportive! She is thorough and so quick, and gives the best maintenance advice. I have now been seeing her for over 6 months and I will never leave!

Amber Griffin

Stop. You don't need to search anymore, Katie is the absolute best you will find I promise you! She is knowledgable, professional, and her technique is on point. The entire place is spotless, and you can tell she takes pride in what she provides to her clients both in services as well as environment. What also displays the caliber of her top tier service is the wax, this stuff I swear is magic, it's fragrance free so means no irritation on my sensitive nose and not to mention no reaction to my skin, absolutely no issues post wax I kid you not! As for Katie, I can't say enough good things about her, she's personable, considerate, and is a joy to talk to, I learn something new every time we speak. She makes the whole visit feel like you're going to visit an old friend, and I recommend her to everyone!

Peter Stokes

After years of my parter recommending I wax my back, I finally took the plunge! Sanctuary Wax Studio is an adorable boutique waxing studio tucked into one of the cutest neighborhoods in Berkeley. The studio is difficult to miss and has plenty of street parking. Once inside the studio (which is shared with an extremely talented masseuse), you are greeted by the lovely Katie.

Getting waxed in any capacity is an intimate experience and selecting a waxer that will put your mind at ease makes the entire experience way more comfortable - especially as you are trusting them to make the experience as painless as possible. Katie does just this, and more.

Additionally, Katie takes all precautions to protect the skin during and after the process. As she does her thing, you can expect great company. She will educate you about the waxing process as well as make recommendations to heal the skin and avoid ingrown hairs. Katie is very thorough and my back is completely hairless after my waxing.

I have gone to Katie for 2 waxes so far (5 weeks apart) and each experience resulted in a hairless back that my partner LOVES. If you are looking for a waxer that will not only leave your waxed body part of choice hairless, but will also make getting waxed something you look forward to, Katie is your gal!

P E

It was my first time here at Sanctuary so already like a first date amirite- I was a bit anxious. Katie was super chill and took the time to make me feel relaxed. She genuinely loves to do Brazilian waxes and is really happy to meet new clients.
For newbies like me, Katie chats you up briefly to let you know that this is a safe space and that anything goes as far as conversation, wax designs, etc.
I am super curvy and I have been to places before that insensitively ask you to lift your tummy roll causing us girls to feel fat and judged as we are made aware of how are bodies aren't the acceptable norm. Katie didn't ask me to do that, she did it on her own without me even knowing!
Katie absolutely understood the nuance of my skin as a biracial woman (NDN/Black). She used clean and natural products and didn't overdo the product.
My favourite part of the experience though was when Katie said that this time was MY time and what ever I wanted I could have! As a Black woman I rarely hear this from white women, it was refreshing and sorta felt like I was finally seen. This is a safe space for sisters, POC, big girls, curvy girls, trans girls, trans boys, survivors.