Salons for Coloring Hair
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Seeking East Bay stylist to highlight dark hair
Jan 2008
Looking for a east bay hair stylist. I am willing to pay more for a good hair stylist. I need a stylist that can highlight dark hair without making it brassy, orange or damaged. Let me know if you love your stylist. oamavel
For a great stylist in the East Bay, call Theresa Roda. She works out of Hermosa salon on College Avenue (at Derby) in Berkeley. I've been going to her for about a year and I'm happy with both my cut and color. She's honest about what styles will and will not work with my hair type, face shape, etc., and she is careful not to overprocess my hair. She really loves her job and is a very sweet person as well! Her number is 510-932-1514. Carrie
You can't find anyone better then Kipp Hamilton, at Maru Hair Salon in Bkly (Shattuck and Rose). THe salon number is 549-3610. Kipp is more pricey but well worth it. I know people who have left his salon because they wanted to pay less and have always come back cause they couldn't find anyone as good. He's the best. Cutting, coloring, styling. He works with your face, complexion, personality and what your hair will do. Kipp fan
I can highly recommend Mele Alberta of Jaujou Studio located on Grand Ave. (near the Grand Lake Theater). Mele is amazing! She has nearly 20 years experience and has even been an industry educator. Mele is a great colorist and gives me highlights that I LOVE and that look very natural. You can check out her salon's website at www.jaujoustudio.com Happy to have found Mele!!
I have been really pleased with Yesenia at Keter salon (1815 A Fourth Street, Berkeley): 510.849.0306 The colorist she works with is also great. My dark brown hair has not experienced any brassiness or orange tones. And the color really accents my haircut. anon
I suggest Kathleena Gorga, 510.710.0309 (Hopkins near Monterey), for hair cutting; she'll recommend a colorist in her salon. Many excellent hair cutters do not also do color and vice versa. My wonderful colorist is Annette at Peter Thomas, 510.843.0697 (Shattuck at Virginia, next to Yoga Kula); there are also many excellent hair cutters at this salon (mine is forever booked, so no point making the referral). Terry
Linda Chiodo and her husband Gino own the fabulous Entourage Salon in Thearter Square - Orinda, just off Hwy 24, very easy to get to from Berkeley and Oakland. Linda has been cutting and coloring my hair nearly 15 years and even though I try other places -just for fun sometimes -I usally have to go get my hair fixed by Linda afterwards. Linda will work with you to give you a style you can then do yourself without too much effort. People often compliment my hair cut and I always give Linda the full credit.
Entourage is only 10 minutes from my house in the Oakland Hills. They have other stylists who are also very good. My daughter, age 15, loves her latest haircut from another stylist there but I cannot remember her name right now. Call and tell them JM sent you :) 925-254-9721 2 Theater Square, Orinda happy with cut & color
I would like to HIGHLY recommend a wonderful haircut person: his name is Tom and he works out of a place on Broadway near college called Milagro.His private number in the salon is:510-923.0403. He is not there on Mondays & Thursdays.
I have been going to him for over ten years and have never been disappointed with my haircut. He has also mixed colour for me just by my describing what i am looking for because i can never find exactly what i want in one particular tube of colour. I have had my hair cut in London, NY and Tokyo & he remains the best. I will be most distressed if and when he quits! he knows when i am about to make a really foolish decision for which i shall be sorry later and good naturedly but firmly talks me out of it! for this i am always grateful.
PS: if you wear your hair in any sort of bob, you are REALLY in luck! his is the best i have ever had done & i have been wearing variants of this style since childhood marjorie marmorninstar [at] sbcglobal.net
I was so glad to find Patricia Lewis at La Peluqueria, 1600 Shattuck Ave. #108, Berkeley, (510) 601-0102. My hair was in terrible shape although I had been going to quite upscale hair salons. I found Patricia's shop tucked behind Cafe de la Paz on Shattuck and across from Andronico's. She is really an artist when it comes to hair. My hair is now in good shape, has wonderful color, and extremely well cut. Everyone who goes out of there seems very happy. She isn't as expensive as some places. Currently, this is a one person shop. She is funny, bright, and spirited and you can enjoy the time with her. I can't recommend her enough! Alison
It sounds like you are looking for a colorist more than a stylist. I LOVE my colorist, though he is a bit expensive and is in San Francisco. I have been going to him for more than 8 years now; and can't believe the number of compliments I regularly get (the best being when people have NO idea that my hair is colored). His name is James and he works at Au Top which is on the corner of Grant and Sutter. He charges $150 for highlights (with base color of course). He uses great products that seem to last a long time without the harshness. He does his best to use the least invasive products needed by your hair's condition. If you go see him, tell him Nikki recommended him. Nikki
I really like my girl, Tracy, at Salon L in Walnut Creek. I always get compliments that my hair color looks very natural. I also like how she always asks if I want her to put product in my hair before she styles it rather than just assuming I want a bunch of goopy stuff. She also has pretty flexible hours. The phone number there is (925)943-6737. CJ
I love Susan Ferdowski at Elixir Salon in the east bay. She was awesome and three months later i still get compliments on my cut where ever I go. Call 510 526 1700 to get an appointment. Have fun! gitanjuli
Highlights for dark hair that won't turn brassy
Oct 2007
Hi. I have dark brown hair that I like to color and highlight, but no matter how much I pay or where I go, I have yet to find someone who can do a great job. My hair always turns brassy and orange. I know that it's possible to have great highlights so I was hoping someone could recommend a stylist (preferably in the east bay) who knows how to transform stubborn dark hair into pretty blondish highlights w/o brass? Thanks! tish
Annette at Peter Thomas (Shattuck @ Virginia, 843-0697) is the best colorist I've ever had; she also does my eyebrows at the same time for no extra charge. I had used others whose highlights looked cheap rather than elegant. Peter is a fabulous cutter for my curly hair; Annette does the color. Good luck! Great head of hair
I've been following Suki Yim of Tresses on Solano for years. She's very skilled technically and artistically; she is also a painter so she can really envision a great cut for you and make it a reality. I always get a lot of compliments on my cut, most notably from other stylists I know. Mae
I know just the stylist for you! Mele Alberta is an amazing colorist and stylist (who happens to have dark hair with highlights herself). She works at JauJou Studio located at 3351 Grand Ave. near the Grand Lake Theater. I have dark brown hair and she gave me beautiful subtle highlights that brighten up my face without looking unnatural. She can definitely work with you so you don't experience brassy orange color again! Mele can be reached at (510) 208-3449. Best of luck! Loving my highlights and cut!
Hair color for the first time to cover gray
Sept 2007
I am getting more and more gray hair and I am missing my brown hair. Also, the gray is pretty frizzy. Does anyone know anything about this and if you have to color over all your hair just to cover some gray areas, and if you have to repeat this often to avoid the roots-coming-in look? Can I do this myself and do a good job? Are there any products with non toxic ingredients? Thanks for any help on this.
Kate Narron has been cutting and coloring my hair for over two years now -she's wonderful. She listens well and has great ideas and just simply rocks it when it comes to color. I was washing out my own grey for a long time and it always looked flat and frankly dyed. Kate somehow manages to make my hair look really natural and vibrant without using highlights or low lights (I have dark hair -the ones that aren't grey that is) and it feels much healthier than when I was doing it myself. I have wavy hair, but my friend who now sees Kate regularly has perfectly straight hair --we both feel like it's the best hair cut experience we've had. Kate's not only terrific at what she does, she's fun to visit with too (she's also a mom) . She's at Right Angle Hair Design in Rockridge, 510-420-8447 or her direct cell 510-499-3974.
She is formerly of Sproos in SF (you can read some reviews from her fans on YELP.com under Sproos Hair Salon). Hidden Greys
It took me 3 years after moving to the area to find a hair stylist I like. Ester Silvera is at Sherilynn Jade Salon in Lafayette (925) 283-3785 or hairstylist-ester [at] sbcgloblal.net. She is a color and cut specialist who also does aromatherapy scalp massage in a bright salon across the street from Trade Joe's - easy parking and quick access from the freeway. Monica
Colorist for natural blonde/fine hair
June 2007
Any natural blondes out there who use a good colorist to highlight? I'm asking natural blondes because most of us tend to have finer hair, which doesn't seem to be as forgiving on both cut and color. My main complaint is too few foils (even when paying for extra) and missed areas. I have fine hair, but tons of it, so stylists often miss patches that look odd when my hair is parted or worn differently and there never seem to be enough in the back when I wear my hair up (and yes, I know the back should be done less because that's what's natural-looking, but more than 4 or 6 streaks would be nice). I live in Oakland, so somwhere in Oakland, South Berkeley, Alameda would be great, but am willing to travel if necessary. Not worried about price. patchy
I have very fine light brown hair and I love my colorist: Maggie Williams at Studio 1 on Piedmont. I always get compliments. Maggie does high- and low-lights for me. And in 10 years of having her color my hair, on the few occasions where I didn't like how it came out, she immediately had me back in and changed it. Her prices are very reasonable, and I enjoy the experience of being in her one-person shop much more than times I've been at other fancier, more famous salons in the Bay Area. Her number: 510-923-1403. Julie
I have fine dark blond hair and I've been getting highlights for years, at various places. The best color I've ever gotten is at Festoon in N. Berkeley. Anybody there will give you really great looking professional highlights. They have regular classes for all the stylists to keep them up on the best techniques. I go to Betty, who is one of the trainers for color. You really can't go wrong at Festoon for highlights. Blondie
PPD-free color for gray hair
Dec 2006
I just found out that I am alergic to ppd (paraphenylenediamine) found in haircolor. I have jet black hair and the grays need to be covered every 2 weeks. I found that every color in the market is using ppd. I need serious help and soon. What should I use for my hair color? if someone else has ppd allergy- let me know what to look out for in products.
PS all you hair dying folks out there you should look up /google ppd . it seems that it is a poison that is not regulated at all. perhaps because so many beauty industries are benefitting from it poisened by ppd
This is a wild one but I've solved all sorts of ''need-black'' kinds of problems (shoe scuffs, black paint scratches, etc.) with a black permanent ink magic marker. Could you just mark up your hair whenever the grey grows out? Anon
Blondish highlights/haircolor for dark brown hair?
Sept 2006
Hi. I am looking to find a hairstylist near the berkeley area who does natural (not brassy!) looking blondish highlights and haircolor for people with really dark hair. And a stylist who can give slightly edgy looking haircuts too. Looking for someone affordable (not too highend). Please let me know if you can recommend someone. Thank you!
I love Elvia at Skye Salon in Piedmont! Elvia is the owner and she has 3 or 4 staff. Give her a call and tell her what your budget requirements are. 4385 Piedmont Avenue 510-595-7593 Cheryl
This message is for all the people who asked about a great cut, stylist, color, highlights. Kipp Hamilton, owner of Maru Hair Salon on Rose and Shattuck is the best ever. To the woman who wanted less expensive, I don't think Kipp is less expensive than what you mentioned. He's probably ''going rate''. Salon # is 549-3610. Good luck to all June
I can highly recommend Diana Simon , in Alameda and SF, for expert coloring, as well as perfect cut/styling. She travels to LA once a month for customers there who cannot live without her. Her prices are very fair, you will keep going back and she makes you look your best you. Diana Simon, SIMON SAYS, 933A Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501 Or 2305 Van Ness Ave, SF 94804 telephone for either: 510-387-7815. Tell her Louise referred you. Enjoy! LG
Blond highlights that look natural
May 2006
I'm liking my hair blond these days and am looking for someone in Berkeley who does really great blond foil highlights. Specifically, I'm having trouble finding someone who can do fine highlights that look more natural. It seems like everyone does big chunky ones (that take less time for them) and make me look tiger-striped. Any suggestions for someone great in the Berkeley or Walnut creek area? anon
I have been seeing Katrina at Peter Thomas salon on Shattuck for years. She does fantastic natural looking blonde highlights. Folks comment on my naturally blonde hair all the time (born a toe-head, now have light brown hair). She is a bit expensive, but extraordinary and I can go every 4 months because they grow out so well. If you are going for a cut and highlight, plan on spending 2.5 hours and $200. Good luck! having more fun
katrina at peter thomas is excellent with color and highlights
Shannon at Elixer does natural blond highlights. Elixer is on Hopkins St. Good grow out anon
I have been getting blonde highlights for my blonde/gray hair for 10 years now at Peter Thomas Hair Salon , on Shattuck in North Berkeley. My hair never looks stripey, but quite natural. My particular stylist is Annette, but I've had quite a few colorists there Christine
Dawn at Vine St. salon has done a great job on my mousey brown/blond hair (I used to be a tow-head as a child)...I also wanted it to look completely natural...and it really does. It is pricey ~ $110..but very worth it A natural blond again..
Try Feeny at Hair Solano on Colusa. 524-4800. She has colored and highlighted and cut my hair for 10 years and it always looks very natural! Plus she is a sweetheart! kathy
I would highly recommend Katrina at Peter Thomas Hair Salon on Shattuck. Her # is: 843-0697. She is excellent - creates very natural highlights
I can absolutely recommend someone who is one of the best at color/highlights and cuts for that matter. Her name is Lynn Johnson , and her salon is on Piedmont Ave in Oakland (worth the drive from anywhere). She has been doing my hair for years and it looks incredibly natural and I am constantly being asked who does my hair. She is hard to get an apnt with but if you are flexible she can usually fit a new client in. She has great technique and usually weaves in a few colors to give a more natural look. Lynn Johnson, Studio One #510.428.4008
M.S.
About the blond highlights in the Berkeley/Oakland area. There is a SUPERB stylist at Phoenix Rising Hair Salon in Montclair who does very beautiful, natural-looking highlights. She goes by the name ''Z.'' I'm a new client and am extremely pleased. The price isn't outrageous either. According to Z, big, bold, blond highlights are ''way out of style'' anyway. She compares it to pasta! The fettuccine highlights are over. It's time for spaghettini! Anon Anon
I've been going to a really terrific hairdresser for several years -- Angela O'Connor . She does excellent, subtle highlights, and she's really good company, too -- funny and smart. Her studio is in Emeryville. Phone number is 653-3639 sally
I strongly recommend Cari at the Moonshadow Salon (Ashby at College). I have black hair and she gave me highlights with brown and red. Yes, red! When she mentioned the color combinations to me it sounded utterly hideous, until I realized that she meant single strands of mahogany-red. She could actually highlight just one strand of hair! The end result looked completely natural and not like I had artificially colored my hair. Good luck! Palpakk
Look no further. I know a great colorist who makes my hair look naturally blonde. People are surprised when I tell them that I have highlights. They just assume that I am naturally this blonde. I was, but am no longer (sigh) due to a sequence of events involving moving further from the equator, having a baby and just plan getting older. It left me with much darker blonde hair than I was happy with. About eight or so years ago I nervously explained to the colorist that it was very important to me that it look natural, aka, just like it used to. She has been my colorist ever since that day and I love how naturally blonde she makes my hair look. She also does it without frying my hair and she uses foil. Her name is Laura and she is part owner of Vine Street Salon in Walnut Square in North Berkeley Marianne
I'd recommend any stylist at Festoon for blond highlights. I've had mine done by 5 or 6 different stylists there and have always had excellent results. They are all quite good at natural-looking highlights, and that is the default they do there Ginger
I've been very happy with my foil highlights and haircut (curly/wavy hair) from Susanne Adler at Moonshadow Salon on Ashby. (510) 841-4696. She's always busy and you have to book ahead. anderson
For any kind of highlights, you need to see Lisa at Tique . She's amazing and can make anyone's hair look great! I wanted highlights, but didn't want it to be too noticeable, so she recommended understated lowlights. I get tons of compliments. She's independent, so she doesn't have a full staff, but she is incredible and loads of fun too. I've recommended several people to her already. Everyone is a fan...510.841.0288 Satisfied Customer
Hair color and style in Alameda or Oakland
Aug 2005
I am looking for a good hair colorist and stylist in Alameda or Oakland. I want highlights and a cut. I have a pretty good idea what I want, but I like someone with a good sense of style who will tell me what they think would look good on me. (My hair is fairly thick and wavy/curly.) I have checked the website and all the recommendations are in Berkeley, SF, and Lamorinda. Also, I haven't had my hair colored before, so let me know what I can expect to pay and how much to tip too. Thanks!
--Ready to color!
Recommendations received:
- Phoenix Rising Montclair
- Salon Marcello Alameda
- Sandra's Mane Affair Alameda
- Spank Salon Alameda
Highlights & lowlights in Berkeley or WC
March 2005Does anyone have a good colorist they can recommend in the Berkeley or Walnut Creek area? I need highlights and lowlights. Sign me A Head in Need
Recommendations received:
- Entourage Orinda
- Keter Salon 4th Street
- Maru Hair Salon N. Berkeley
- Panache Elmwood
- Ratsamy's Beauty Salon Berkeley
- We Are Hair Lakeshore
Partial highlights Rockridge/Elmwood
Sept. 2004I need to find someone in either the Rockridge/Elmwood area or close to the SF financial district to do partial highlights. I basically like my hair color and get highlights in order to give a little body to my incredibly fine hair, so my main concern is finding someone who will be sensitive to my desire NOT to overcolor my hair (I've had some really awful experiences). Also, someone not outrageously expensive would be great. Thanks in advance!! Skittish about hair coloring
Recommendations received:
- Ratsamy's Beauty Salon Berkeley
Stylist who can do both cut and color
May 2004I am looking for a stylist who is excellent with cut and color; I do not want to go to one person for a haircut and to another person for color. As well, I would like the name of someone who works in the East Bay and who is not a primadonna.
Recommendations received:
- Maru Hair Salon N. Berkeley
- Moonshadow Salon Elmwood
- Peter Thomas N. Berkeley
- Today's Rave Solano
Good colorist who works Saturdays
Jan. 2004Hi- I need a hair colorist who works saturdays and does a good job. I really need someone who is good as I have had a few stylists who dye my hair and the color ends up all uneven....at this point I don't care if they are on the higher price end. Please give any recommendations. Thanks.
Recommendations received:
- Jaboh Hair Studio SF
- La Tour Elmwood
- Miller and Company Montclair
- Mr. Pinkwhistle SF
- Peter Thomas N. Berkeley
Hair Stylist/Colorist for Grandma
Dec 2003Recommended:
- The Powder Box Solano
Hair stylist for cut and color
July 2003I would appreciate any recommendations for good hair stylists in Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Concord, or Lafayette area. (I have seen the previous recommendations but they are a bit dated). Also, when you respond, please let me know if you'd consider their prices moderate or expensive. I'm primarily looking for someone to cut and color my hair. My fiance is also looking for someone to cut his hair so if you know of good recos for men, that's helpful too. Thanks!
Recommendations received:
- Circle Salon Kensington
- Elixir Berkeley
- Escape Salon El Cerrito
- Festoon Berkeley
- Henry Alexander Walnut Creek
- Keter Salon 4th Street
- On Salon-O Albany
- Panache Elmwood
- Phoenix Salon & Day Spa Walnut Creek
Nervous about getting color for the first time
May 2002I am looking for someone to cut and color my hair. I'm starting to get some gray hair and have never had my hair colored before. I'm a little nervous about the whole process, so someone that really knows their stuff would be comforting. I have read the previous postings on the website and didn't find what I was looking for. I live in Lafayette, so the Lamorinda area would be ideal, but not necessary. Thanks. Carole
Recommendations received:
- Changes Salon and Day Spa Walnut Creek
- Robert Jensen Salon (2) Lafayette
- Ultimo Rockridge
Maggie Williams at Studio One on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland is a fabulous hair stylist. She listens to her clients and her rates are definitely more reasonable than what you have been paying previously. Her number is 510-318-2444.
That is about the going rate for the salon that I go to in downtown SF, Union Square (for a cut and perm).