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Hair Salon
updated: Jan 04, 2011, 2:12 PM

I'm looking for a very low-key, small, hair salon for basic cut and good color. Don't do well with the uber-hip, catty-gossip atmosphere. Will trade chic for serenity.

Places People Are Talking About:

Head to Sole	About Faces Salon	Adela at The Salon
Bamboo	Color Room	Cosmetology Academy
Elan	Fantastic Sam's	Highlights Hair Salon
Hilda at Classic Hair	Janine at Great Lengths	Marci at Salon Marceline
Michelle Pintor	Molly at Headwest	Nicky at Legends
Rosa at Hair Select	Sabrina Bernardi's Salon	Studio One
Venus and Mars	Vera Salon

What People Are Saying:

PIXIETANGERINE	2011-01-04 02:20 PM
The Color Room on State Street.
COMMENT 133263	2011-01-04 02:21 PM
Venus and Mars on Canon Perdido. For color you'll want to make an appt with Debra.
COMMENT 133264	2011-01-04 02:23 PM
I love Victoria at Salon Patine. Since I work I am usually the last client there, one or two may be there when I first get in but I am usually the last to go. Monday is their quietest day as well. For a very small salon I recommend Adela at The Salon, 218 W, Canon Perdido St. Phone 962-1755. She is a great lady and one of my best friends has had her hair cut from Adela for years.
EZ2	2011-01-04 02:47 PM
Highlights Hair Salon..the best!
COMMENT 133274	2011-01-04 02:50 PM
Nicky at Legends. Formerly located where Crushcakes now is. Very homey and Nicky is low key and fun.
JAZZEE	2011-01-04 02:54 PM
Another vote for Adela at The Salon.
COMMENT 133279	2011-01-04 02:59 PM
I can't speak highly enough of Molly at Headwest at 21 w. victoria in the back. She is incredibly gifted and no nonsense. 453-3782
COMMENT 133281	2011-01-04 03:04 PM
Jazzee, any chance of getting a typical price range for The Salon?
COMMENT 133284P	2011-01-04 03:08 PM
Marci at Salon Marceline on Chapala is great. I would not go anywhere else. 962-8937
COMMENT 133288	2011-01-04 03:17 PM
"Will trade chic for serenity" sounds more like "who will do my do for under $30?"
COMMENT 133293	2011-01-04 03:31 PM
Highlights (805) 563-4626 for sure !... they're edhat supporters as well !
JAZZEE	2011-01-04 03:32 PM
I'm a longtime client so I'm not sure if her rates would be the same for new customers. My hair is slightly below the shoulders. A perm is $65. A color and trim (I usually have both done at the same time, bringing my own boxed color), is $75.
COMMENT 133310	2011-01-04 03:51 PM
Juanita, owner of Vera Salon on Milpas and Ortega. I've been going for a year and consistently very happy with my cut! And, I only pay $35, and it's not a 'farty' style. I used to go to Marisol at Salon Patine, paid more and the cut was always mediocre...never walked out satisfied. For color, I love Gabe at The Color Room on State and Calle Laureles. Color runs about $75, but again, I always walk out satisfied! Most of the folks there came from DeCut Int'l formerly located in 5 Points.
COMMENT 133316P	2011-01-04 03:59 PM
If you want really tiny (3 chairs with super cool decor and fun, down to earth hairstylists), a good cut and color I really like Studio eclips, 1911 State St., just down from Mission. I pay $135 (before tip) for a partial weave and a cut with blow dry.
COMMENT 133318	2011-01-04 04:03 PM
133310 - Can you explain what a "farty" hair style is? I'd like to know so I can warn my wife.
COMMENT 133324	2011-01-04 04:10 PM
Pantine is not low-key they want to be high heels and attitude.
COMMENT 133325	2011-01-04 04:12 PM
@318, LOL. Hard to explain in words, but you know it when it happens to you! Basically a style that makes you look like you haven't changed the style in 20 years and makes you feel older....even if you are older, you don't need a style that makes you look or feel older....bouffants, poofy page boys, and other helmet like styles... although not a helmet, mullets would probably qualify ;)
COMMENT 133337	2011-01-04 04:43 PM
Call Michelle Pintor, she's near DPHS and has her professional salon in her backyard. 961-1132
STARGIRL	2011-01-04 06:01 PM
@288. I disagree. It isn't about the cost, but finding a place that does good work without the soul-draining background chatter that characterizes many salons.
COMMENT 133358	2011-01-04 06:02 PM
I like Bamboo on Montecito Street, between Neighborhood and the Brewhouse. It's a small hidden oasis, with a very peaceful feel while still being a little trendy. I haven't had color there, but my haircuts run about $45.
COMMENT 133362P	2011-01-04 06:13 PM
Rosa at Hair Select on the Mesa is very good.
COMMENT 133366	2011-01-04 06:24 PM
See Eric at Highlights, of course.
COMMENT 133370P	2011-01-04 06:43 PM
These are my favorite threads. I love the open, yet anonymous (dontcha love the internet!) discussion of such an important, individual and intimate resource as a hair professional. Only in edhat land....
COMMENT 133373P	2011-01-04 06:59 PM
133337: Michelle's space is seriously a professional salon but at a smaller scale, with the sink, chair, dryer chair, products - even a roof. ;-) Yes, it's in her backyard but she worked at Moira's next to the Arlington for years and we followed her to her own place. You will be the only client (usually) during your session. I only see others if my hubby and I get back-to-back appts, or if I get color and she is busy, she'll sit me in her dryer chair while the other client gets a cut. I think I get a trim and eyebrows for $50? It's been awhile since I've had a color and cut, give her a call and ask for her rates.
COMMENT 133375P	2011-01-04 07:08 PM
Venus & Mars.
COMMENT 133391	2011-01-04 08:02 PM
I would recommend About Faces Salon ( corner of Los Positas & Modoc ) in small shopping center . Plenty of easy parking . Nice ladies, low key and all are talented . I go to see Ajira who is great with cut and color .
BECKY	2011-01-04 10:02 PM
I love the gals at Turnpike Hair Studio (near Vons Turnpike), and have followed them to 3 different businesses. They're all experienced, professional, not chatty or snobby hair cutters and colorers. A cut is about $40-50. I don't know how much coloring is, because I don't. They just do a good job in a friendly way without snooty attitudes.
HATTIE	2011-01-04 10:02 PM
another shout-out for adela at "the salon" on w. canon perdido--she's great for color, cut, & styling/blow-out. reasonable rates & a super-nice person. the salon is very low-key, no-frills, but friendly.
OOHLALA	2011-01-04 10:59 PM
JAZ salon across from trader joes on De la Vina Street. No nonsense - walk-ins - 3 chairs max...I always go to Johnny [se habla espanol as well if you want!] but the other 2 ladies there are great. i have a very modern cut and always get compliments on it... and I watch the other ladies do everything from pensioners' perms to mens cuts to kids to trims... color, highlights, makeup, brides...they are easy-going,cheap and VERY GOOD PEOPLE!
OOHLALA	2011-01-04 11:00 PM
I should add that my haircut sets me back $25 wth a $5 tip added.
COMMENT 133406P	2011-01-04 11:40 PM
$40-$50 for a cut sounds high to me; $20-25 plus tip is good for what really, with a skilled person, doesn't take too long.
COMMENT 133407P	2011-01-05 01:58 AM
Eric at Highlights is good and fast, but not necessarily cheap. (not expensive either). The Salon on Canon Perdido is great. I go to Jerlynn. She is efficient and professional for basic cuts and color. I pay approx $25 for a cut and a few dollars more if I get it washed and conditioned, She is usually done with me in 15 minutes for a trim (rinse, no wash). Good luck. Reading this thread has given me some good ideas.
COMMENT 133414	2011-01-05 06:28 AM
Elan on Hitchcock
HCMURDOCH	2011-01-05 06:37 AM
I'd like to recommend Sabrina Bernardi at Sabrina's (corner of Victoria and Chapala, across from the old Vons)
BECKY	2011-01-05 08:31 AM
I gave you the wrong info on price. My basic wash, cut, and dry is ~$30-35, including tip, but that's all I have done. (Von's Turnpike). The women I see paying $40-50 are obviously having more done.
RAINE5360	2011-01-05 08:33 AM
Color Room near Petrini's. Small and they know what they are doing.
FANCYGRL	2011-01-05 08:36 AM
I had a terrible experience at The Salon. I will never go there again. I highly recommend Salon Jia Rae on the Mesa. Small, calm, beautiful salon with an extremely talented staff. They specialize in color. Krista is amazing and well worth $50 for a good haircut.
COMMENT 133475	2011-01-05 08:41 AM
Lydia Munoz at Head to Sole Salon in El Mercado. One chair, one dryer, one wash basin, outstanding cuts, colors, service and serenity. Her associate does massage, facials (hence the salon's name). Have been going to her for more than 10 years and absolutely love Lydia and her warmth and professionalism. $55 for a shampoo, cut and blow-dry. Worth every penny!
COMMENT 133489P	2011-01-05 08:53 AM
Anyone have a good recommendation for someone good at cutting curly hair? I don't have super curly hair but I've found it extremely hard to find someone who can consistently give a good curly hair cut.
COMMENT 133498	2011-01-05 09:05 AM
I am the owner of About Faces Salon. Our tag line is "About Faces, offering exceptional hair, skin and nail care in a relaxing environment." I have an friendly, talented staff and we pride ourselves in making all of or customers feel welcomed and at home.
COMMENT 133501	2011-01-05 09:09 AM
Magnolia Center SBCC Cosmetology Academy if you want cheap, but careful for basics. They love doing color.
COMMENT 133509	2011-01-05 09:17 AM
I have naturally curly hair, and I have been going to Gina G for over 20 years. She is currently at Ibezia Hair on Anapamu next to Milk and Honey. I have gone to less expensive people in the past to save money, but never get the cut, so now I always go to Gina, she is worth her price for my hair.
COMMENT 133510P	2011-01-05 09:22 AM
Fantastic Sam's, upper State, near Gelson's.
COMMENT 133520	2011-01-05 09:33 AM
Hilda at Classic Hair on Carrillo St., near corner of Bath and Carrillo (next to gas station). Excellent color, prices very low.
COMMENT 133525	2011-01-05 09:38 AM
The best kept secret for a quiet salon experience is with Vivian at the Color Room on State Street on Sundays. She's excellent at cut and color and you are normally the only client in the house because she lives up the coast and only cuts on the weekends. Highly recommend!
COMMENT 133535	2011-01-05 10:14 AM
JAZ Hair Salon 3008 De La Vina 687-8600 Maria De La Torre, very good and very cheep, I have been going to her for several years, and I have recommended her to my best friends who are all so still going to Maria
COMMENT 133537	2011-01-05 10:16 AM
Alicia at Legends! She gives an awesome cut, takes her time and is so friendly.
COMMENT 133540	2011-01-05 10:23 AM
475, your recommendation of Lydia is spot-on.If anyone wants serenity, interesting conversation (your choice), and a truly good person, it is Lydia. Nice but not always stylish cut but her presence is the draw for me.
COMMENT 133551	2011-01-05 10:42 AM
Studio One, Robert or Michael, 2612 de la Vina, 682.5759. Low key, reasonable, excellent quality.
COMMENT 133557	2011-01-05 10:48 AM
Salon Jia Rae on the Mesa. Small, calm, friendly. Good hairdressers there.
COMMENT 133577	2011-01-05 11:25 AM
Jules at Elan on Hitchcock right next Bicycle Bobs ste 101. She is amazing, whether I go lighter or darker it is perfect everytime. Very low key only 2 chairs, very peaceful over lookinh a creek and trees.
COMMENT 133588P	2011-01-05 11:39 AM
Stay away from Fantastic Sams near Gelsons unless you are fluent in Spanish. I went in there for a cut, said I wanted to keep the length but wanted it thinned. The "stylist" nodded, and proceeded to scalp me. It was a terrible experience. I highly recommend About Faces. At the Aveda salon, you'll get a good cut, but with a lot of attitude. One stylist rolls her eyes when you do not want a lot of product in your hair or do not want to purchase their products. All seem to be well trained and skilled, but the attitudes keep me away.
COMMENT 133599	2011-01-05 12:06 PM
Tuan and Suni at RiverBlue Salon are the best! Some of the nicest people you've ever met and EXTREMELY experienced....Tuan for color and Suni for cut (they are married). It is extremely reasonable too...
COMMENT 133605	2011-01-05 12:17 PM
I love Brian at Avia Spa. Super nice guy, does awesome color. And listens to you. A bit on pricey side but worth it. Doesn't try to sell you shampoos and all that crap. Maybe you could have a consultation just to see if he's what you're looking for. I've been with Brian for almost 5 years. Heard about him from friends. Would not dream of going to someone else.
HDB	2011-01-05 01:36 PM
Even though I don't live in IV, I still make the trip to see John at John Edwards Salon- Catherine does color there. John has been in business in IV for over 30 years! Very affordable and "low key".
COMMENT 133655	2011-01-05 01:50 PM
Believe it or not, you always get a good cut (haven't done color) at PAUL MITCHELL, THE SCHOOL at 525 Chapala 966-1931. Totally supervised students! Being a senior, I pay $5 for a wonderful wash & massage, cut with blow dry styling. Give them a try ;D
COMMENT 133660	2011-01-05 01:57 PM
Agree about Nicky at Legends--the shop's on Calle Laureles between the Honeybaked store and Peabody School, just north of State.
COMMENT 133677	2011-01-05 02:27 PM
A good cut to one person is not always a good cut to another. I have very short layered/choppy hair so I need somebody who really knows how to do a good short cut. Any suggestions?
COMMENT 133706	2011-01-05 03:22 PM
Another vote for Nicky at Legends. He's a good guy.
COMMENT 133739	2011-01-05 03:56 PM
Does anyone know if there is a bulk dry cleaner in the Goleta area. I know about the excellent place at Loreto Plaza but it is no longer close to where I live or work. Thanks!
COMMENT 133748	2011-01-05 04:11 PM
Nicky at Legends is one of the most delightful guys you will ever run into so while you are getting his professional, low-key services you will also not be bored to tears listening to unintelligent clap trap. His ego does not get in the way of your hair.
COMMENT 133754	2011-01-05 04:17 PM
I went to the Paul Mitchell Beauty School on 525 Anacapa, and for $10. I got a wash, cut, dry.... Just give the cutter really specific instructions and it will go better for you. I love the cut I got and my daughter loves her cut too. It's all supervised by several professional instructors. Just plan on around 2hrs for this and possibly longer for color.
COMMENT 133771	2011-01-05 04:44 PM
Michael at Studio One. It's a grandma beauty parlor and reminds me of when I was little and went with when my mom when would get her hair done. Prices are very reasonable!!
EDSUP	2011-01-05 05:56 PM
If you live in the Goleta area, Tracy at Shear Artistry (OSH shopping center on Fairview) is top notch!
COMMENT 133812	2011-01-05 07:05 PM
For those in Carp and vicinity, Dan'ell at Sea Rose Salon...She's great and has reasonable prices.
SPLASH	2011-01-05 08:03 PM
NIcky at Legends- I always like my haircut, and over the years I have had different lengths and styles.
COMMENT 133850P	2011-01-05 10:33 PM
133677 - see Janine at Great Lengths. She has been cutting my short hair for about 20 years. I have total confidence in her.
COMMENT 134031	2011-01-06 01:18 PM
-754 thanks for correcting the street name for Paul Mitchell School ~ I just got home after getting a great wash, cut & blow dry with 'Victoria'. Her supervisor today was Sarah (who has her own shop in Ventura). It costs $10 ~ no appt needed, but a good idea! It only took a little over an hour. ;D
COMMENT 198185	2011-07-29 03:33 PM
Salon Lucia, she's adorable, very personable and does a great job! Very genuine person! located in a cool part of Victoria Court.
COMMENT 198202P	2011-07-29 04:01 PM
Unlike most things in life, you really sort of do get what you pay for in haircuts. If you want a good cut, paying $20 or 25 just won't get you much. If you're a man, maybe, but if you have medium to long hair or want something more than a blunt bob, you're going to want to look for someone who costs more because nobody that is any good will cut hair in this town for less than $65 or $70 minimum.
COMMENT 261382	2012-03-02 07:50 PM
Bella Duran Salon and spa!!!!!!!!!!
COMMENT 270197	2012-04-08 09:22 AM
Sammi at RiverBlue is the very best in Montecito! Best blowouts, Brazilian blowout, color and cut! Not pricey. Low key. 805-565-1999. Also sammi does the best shampoo / scalp massage ever!
COMMENT 272240	2012-04-17 12:59 PM
RiverBlue-- the very best haircut I've had in SB in 13 years. Very professional, excellent job!
COMMENT 331559	2012-10-15 01:08 PM
Hair Studio 404 Don and Mary have been styling hair for 30+ years in town. 5276 Hollister ave #404 805 680-4420 Mary 805-692-5350 Don