BORN + BORROWED

Born + Borrowed is open Monday through Friday by appointment. The studio welcomes clients at any stage of their beauty routine, whether they are coming for the first time or returning.

The studio's signature is the Custom Apothecary Facial, available in 65, 80, or 95 minute sessions priced at $150, $190, or $225. The 80-minute option skips extractions. Each session is adjusted during the appointment to the client's skin, mood and aims. Treatment centers on hands-on massage across the face, neck, shoulders and upper chest, paired with warm towel wraps and Botnia Skincare oils, serums, balms and botanical preparations. Brows and lashes form the second core service. Brows are shaped with hard wax and tweezers toward a natural look suited to each client's features. Brow and lash tinting uses Refectocil Intense Brown, which the salon says is the only FDA-approved tint permitted in California. Tint results generally hold for up to six weeks, and clients can wash their face, swim and wear contact lenses as usual afterward. Waxing is offered for the upper lip, chin, cheeks and underarms. Clients are asked to let roughly three weeks of regrowth come in first. Waxing isn't performed on anyone who has taken Accutane in the past six months, or who has used antibiotics, acne treatments, chemical peels, topical vitamin A or hydroxy acids in the past two weeks. Sun exposure, hot water and active products should be avoided for 24 hours after a wax.

Booking is available online, by email at bornandborrowed@gmail.com, or by phone at (510) 868.4245, and a waitlist is offered. Cancellations need 24 hours' notice. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows may incur a missed appointment fee equal to 50% of the booked services, and arriving ten minutes late will likely mean rescheduling. Gratuities are declined. Payment is by cash, check, or major credit card, due at the time of service.

Street parking is available, and there is a small parking lot just south of the studio. The curb directly in front of the building is red. Gift certificates can be bought online for email delivery on a chosen date, or as paper certificates in person or by mail. Gift cards are transferable and not refundable. Unused products can be exchanged within 30 days of purchase, and opened products can be exchanged within that window if they cause a skin reaction. Refunds are not given, and discounted items are final sale.

Treatments are relaxing and mindful, aimed at encouraging natural radiance and a sense of renewal.