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17 Jewels Salon + Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Beauty and Spas Skin Care Hair Salons, Hair Removal, Skin Care [Edit]
4801 Telegraph Ave(between 48th St & 49th St)
Oakland, CA 94609
Neighborhoods: Temescal, North Oakland
(510) 653-1059
Announcement
Happy Holiday! Come in today and receive 10% off any cut and color with Stephanie,to get ready for summer!
Announced one hour ago- Hours:
Tue-Wed 10 am - 8 pm
Thu 9 am - 8 pm
Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
107 reviews for 17 Jewels Salon + Spa
- A Yelpy Insight: 30-somethings give this spot the nod. See more places they like.
107 reviews in English
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Review from Joanna W.
Bar Harbor, ME
4/6/2012
My regular person was not available and I went to Kelly based on reviews. My hair was in bad shape - no style and I've not been able to find a stylist that understood my hair and what I was going for ... Until Kelly!
She really got it and came up with a great solution and a great hair cut. My hair is straight and fine but I have a lot of hair. I've had a lot of problems with stylists over layering it and looking like Jennifer Anison from Friends. Kelly looked at how my hair grows - heavier on the top and decided to layer only around the face and it looks great and full!!! Great price too.
Very pleased! -
Review from Jenny T.
Hayward, CA
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
This business is so unethical. They seems to talk nice and everything but they are unethical. I was helped to place a Kevin Murphy product order from the salon, and the lady was really nice in helping me. However, when i came and pick it up, the box of the product was unsealed, which was strange to me at the time, but I needed to go and didnt have time to check out the kit thoroughly at the salon. So when i came home, open the box and realize that the bags inside were open, the glue sealed were all messed up, there were black hair on the clips, blonde hair stuck on the glue seal of the bag, the wave clips were sticky with some kind of hair products, there were more clips in the bags than they were supposed to as said on the box, there are makeup/or color dye finger print on the box..... Everything is just gross.... I called to complain and brought back the kit right away next day, the receptionist lady said she have asked and nobody knows wat happen and said that she was not sure if i would use it and return. I said i dont care who in the salon did wat, i did not use it and just wan my money back, and she asked why i dont wana order another one..., BECAUSE I DONT WANA HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WTH THIS SALON, thats why. If u already said that ur salon's pp had nothing to do with it, then it must be Kevin Murphy's company action to sell used stuff, if so, then why would i wana buy their product again? Wasted my gas and took off my working time just to come and pick it up....
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Review from J. B.
Emeryville, CA
3/13/2012
Edwin is one of the best stylist I've ever had,and I've been through a lot of stylists (through Orange County, L.A., Beverly Hills to San Francisco and Oakland). Completely understood what kind of cut I would like ( which I couldn't explain to previous hairstylists). He also done my color and at the beginning I was skeptical but he had great vision and now I have hair like I always wanted ( cut and color). It has been 2 months since I went there and my color is still "going strong".
I am definitely going back! -
Review from Curly B.
Oakland, CA
12/12/2011
I can't recommend Edwin enough to anyone looking for an amazing haircut.
Edwin is well seasoned in all types of hair and luckily for me, can handle the intricacies of my very thick and curly hair. He adds helpful ideas each time I come in, as well as understands and adapts ideas that I bring in. He has a wonderful sense of shape and design and is sensitive how hair reacted and responded to a previous haircut. He executes each haircut carefully, making sure each curl is trimmed just the right way and that the final product is perfect. I can't imagine trusting anyone else to my curls. -
Review from Nikki E.
Emeryville, CA
4/1/2012
I love this place. For real. Online scheduling, friendly staff and latte's while you wait.
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Review from Suzie R.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 7/21/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Recently, Jessica left 17 Jewels to go back to school-she used to be my hairstylist. So I decided to steal my wife's stylist, Audrey. I got my hair cut and highlighted 2 days ago and I haven't gotten that many compliments for my hair in YEARS!!!! Audrey is a wonderful hairstylist, she takes her time, is sweet, thoughtful and thorough. I love my new hair!!!!!!!!
Thank you Audrey and 17 Jewels-YOU ALL are AWESOME!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2010
My partner and me get our hair cut here regularly. She goes the Audry and I go to Jessica. We were… Read more »
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Review from Amber J.
Castro, San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
This salon has a lot to offer. Great people, environment and location. I had been getting my hair done by Jessica Rush! (Great name) She always cut, colored and styled my hair perfectly.
I was sad to go back and find she did not work there anymore. I like the salon but I like the way she did my hair most of all.
So I did some research and found Jessica at Alexander Pope on College Ave. in Rockridge. So if you are like me and loyal to your stylist, call Jessica. -
Review from Heidi T.
Alameda, CA
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Took me in at the last minute for a flat iron appt. Loved that!!! Fast, efficient, good product. Love it! Will I go back? Sure!
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Review from Kait F.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 1/17/2011
I referred my fiance here, so he goes. When I went things were reasonably priced, like $35 for a mens hair cut. Now they say it starts at $45. He sits down, gets a cut, and goes to pay. It's $75. No one let him know he was put with a senior stylist. Terrible business to not let someone know (especially a man) that he's paying $75 (and he gave tip before getting to the register, so $85) to get his hair cut. She did a bunch of "fine tuning" to get the look in the picture so he was in for like 45 mins or more. I wouldn't think it necessary to take that long cutting a few inches off a dude's hair if you're a $75 senior pro stylist.
Fail.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/16/2008
I'm new to Oakland and I read reviews upon searching for salons in Oakland with keyword "layers".… Read more »
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Review from Apryl G.
Berkeley, CA
11/28/2011
17 Jewels is a great salon!!! Julie is amazing!!! She did a great job with my wavy hair. I got a cut, all over color, and partial highlights. Highly Recommended!!!!
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Review from Carol T.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2010
I came in here for a cut with Jessica because they were doing a Tuesday deal for $35. I've had long hair forever and was ready for a dramatic short cut but came in without a picture or a specific style. I figured she's the professional hair stylist so she would be able to help me figure out some good with my hair.. not quite. She played it safe even though I told her I wanted something short, edgy, and completely different from my long hair. In fact the cut she gave me is just above my shoulder and there isn't much style to it. When she was finishing up I mentioned a couple things I wanted to change and she recommended against it and basically didn't want to fix what I asked for (which was that the bottom felt too thick). Then when she styled it she used too much product.
So lesson of the story, if you have something specific in mind then maybe you'll have a different experience but if you're looking for a stylist to help give you professional point of view and ideas, this is not the person you might want. -
Review from Eileen R.
Oakland, CA
1/2/2011
I finally broke down and realized that I HAD to get a hair cut (so much for planning ahead). I called 17 Jewels on a Thursday afternoon hoping I could get an appointment sometime in the next couple days, never expecting them to say "how soon can you be here?" Kasia did a great job on my crazy mop and I left looking much more pulled together.
The extra bonus is that these folks organize a holiday toy drive for needy neighborhood kids every year!! Love it! -
Review from Jessica P.
Emeryville, CA
9/19/2008 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place! Why haven't I been here sooner? Oh, because I thought all the decent waxers only worked in SF. I used to live/work in SF and it's been very hard for me to let go of or find new beauty regime teams to handle all my various "needs" in the East Bay.
I had walked by 17 Jewels all the time on my way to a wine bar or the Lanesplitter, but never stopped in. I just thought they were a salon, and I'm pretty cheap when it comes to hair cuts...on my head.
When it comes to landscaping though--and you girls know what I mean-- I have traveled far and wide, paid in ranges from $7 to $55 for a bikini wax and always have the dreaded aftermath to deal with.
So far, so good here. Julie was kick ass. They use a wax I've never encountered before and the usual red bumps that explode the minute you take a strip off, never showed up. It was quick, painless and this morning I awoke with no evidence or bruising of the below the belt torture we women impose on ourselves.
That, and the receptionist is awesome, the free wine upon waiting a perk and the all around vibe of the place wonderful. I really do think Temescal is coming into it's own finally, and in a good way.
With businesses like 17 Jewels, that strip of Telegraph has hope yet to become my new one stop shop for all things I need to be happy. -
Review from Shawn C.
Walnut Creek, CA
5/10/2008
After almost 10 years of shaving my head I finally let my wife convince me to grow it out. Needless to say after a few months of not shaving, I was sporting the infamous "asian 'fro". I needed a haircut badly but was terrified of the just as infamous "asian bowl cut". I wanted to go into the City and get a haircut from one of the salons in Japan Town. I figured that if anyone knew how to style asian hair, it would be them.
My wife suggested that rather than trying some random salon, to give her stylist Amber at 17 Jewels a chance. Tentatively I allowed my wife to schedule an appointment for me and went it to check it out. My first impression was that everyone was really nice. The owner Julie is very friendly and I got a real sense that they were a part of the community. I love that random people walking down the street would pop their heads in and say "hi". One time, a neighborhood kid even stopped in to show Julie his newest toy, it was very cute!
At this point I've had several haircuts by Amber and everytime I am more impressed by her work. As my hair gets longer, she does more and more with it. She is very friendly and easy to talk to. She always give me great advice on how to take care of and style my hair. She listens to my ideas and concerns and helps to translate it all into a head of very cool hair.
The haircuts are great, the staff is friendly and the environment is inviting and not pretentious in the least. The Bumble and Bumble line of product that they carry works great. What more is there to say? If you're thinking of coming to 17 Jewels, stop in and let Amber give you an amazing haircut, you'll be thrilled that you did!
UPDATE: Unfortunately Amber no longer works here. I went in and got my hair cut by Sarah and she was wonderful! I am very happy with the job that she did. She listened to what I liked and didn't like about my hair and gave me an awesome cut. I loved how meticulous she was with my hair. I could really tell that she was taking her time and making sure that everything was even and balanced. Even though Amber isn't here anymore, I still recommend 17 Jewels for a great haircut and a great environment. -
Review from Bone D.
El Cerrito, CA
2/5/2006
17 Jewels is a brand new salon + spa in Oaklands Temescal area. Julie the owner, did my hair, and I loved it. So often i go to the barber shop, and need to go back in a couple weeks, and I never really leave feeling that special ooomph! Julie was nice, talkative, and the scalp massage was great.
Remember when it comes to a hair cut, you get what you pay for. 17 Jewels is a good price, but then again, I am a guy, and didnt have any color work done.
PS... thanks for hooking it up! -
Review from Becky C.
Oakland, CA
12/30/2007 2 Check-ins Here
My short, cute pixie cut had grown out to an ugly, soccer mom mullet and I was in serious need of some serious fixing. Unfortunately, I'm not the type of person who can plan for a haircut weeks or months in advance; rather, I wake up on morning and decide I MUST get a haircut TODAY. I called two of my old standbys only to be told the wait was weeks for an appointment; thank goodness for 17 Jewels! I could get an appointment that afternoon. The best part is, I didn't have to drive around for 30 minutes beforehand looking for a parking space or worry about getting ticketed by the Berkeley meter maids when I still had 2 minutes left on the meter (this has happened in Elmwood - effers!).
I decided I wanted a shorter version of the Posh - you know the one. My hair wasn't quite long enough, and I knew that. After explaining to Kelly that I was okay with that, just fix the back please, she set to work. The thing I liked was that she was personable without being overbearing. I don't know about y'all, but I hate it when a stylist just yaps away the whole time they're cutting my hair. Shut yer trap and focus on your work!
And focus she did. My hair looks soft, manageable, and best of all STYLISH. Many thanks to Kelly! I think I've found a new standby. -
Review from Mindy C.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2008
I would have given this 4.5 stars if I could. I live near Piedmont Avenue but have found the places to be either too old school (I don't want to get a middle aged haircut) or cheap and fast (I have too much hair to do cheap and fast). I got lucky and got in with an appointment with Julie the day I called b/c she had a cancellation.
Note, I am really painfully cheap and haven't been used to paying a lot of money for my haircuts. Which is why in my scrooge mindset I can't give it 5 stars. But I had a great haircut and am going back for highlights. (but my wallet keeps screaming... no, don't spend money!) The people at the salon are really nice and it is great to support local business. The vibe was great as well. When I went to work on Monday, I got compliments from multiple people about my hair.
I went with my husband to his haircut appointment right after mine and compared to my 1.5 hrs, it was 1.5 minutes (okay, more like 10) on Piedmont and was convinced that it was a great decision to go to 17 jewels. -
Review from nicole j.
Oakland, CA
10/11/2011
I am a fan of 17 Jewels :) . In my experience, the staff have been pleasant and professional over the phone and in person. What a perk to get coffee, tea or wine while you wait for your appointment to begin.
I get my hair cut and occasional color from Naoma - whom I love. I tend to wear my hair at shoulder length or shorter and Naoma is always very attentive and gives me ideas on what she think would work well with my hair. I get around to cutting my hair 2-4 times a year and really appreciate receiving a great cut every time that can grow out nicely when I'm overdo for my next cut. She is very sweet, skilled and genuine.
thanks Naoma! You rock! -
Review from Jasmine S.
San Leandro, CA
5/12/2007
When I first made an appointment at 17 Jewels, they didn't tell me over the phone that the hairdresser I was getting was a junior level hairdresser (I don't pay attention to this beauty salon protocol - was I supposed to assume that a new client gets a junior stylist?). Anyway, I found out only as she started cutting my hair. Not wanting to discriminate, I let her continue. But it became quickly apparent that she was a junior stylist for a reason.
I appreciated the fact that she was sweet and really empathized with my hair troubles (she had thick, wavy hair like me too), but that couldn't distract me from her hair cutting technique and method. Like me, she's left-handed, and normally, I don't bother about that in a person but it was clear that she was using the wrong scissors, or that she simply never learned to master being left handed.
I really *emphasized* to her that I did not want a razor cut or anything of the kind; I've wasted alot of money in the past for those and they're just impossible to maintain for more than a day. She cheerfully agreed with me that razor cuts aren't good for people with hair like mine and that she would definitely try to give me a cut that would work with my natural texture. Unfortunately, the way she actually cut my hair resulted in a semi-razor cut. She held the scissors very awkwardly, the way I've seen other lefties do, and dragged my hair across the blade - basically, a razor cut! Luckily, I also told her not to take too much off.
I have had junior stylists at other salons cut my hair in the past and thankfully, there was always a senior or master level stylist checking in just to make sure they were doing it right. Or, the junior stylist would actually stop and go to the more senior level stylist and ask her opinion if she wasn't sure of something. Sadly, the main stylist at the salon only looked at my hair in the beginning, before cutting even began. From then on, she was busy with other clients or across the street at the pizza place. And the stylist didn't help things either by just continuing - I wouldn't have minded if she stopped to get the senior stylist's opinion.
When it came time to styling my hair, I'm sorry to say I didn't say enough to guide her in a better direction. Instead of using a brush and a blow dryer, she used an infuser, and this was after she glopped some sticky Bumble & Bumble "curl enhancer" into my hair. She later confessed to going crazy with the product so the back of my head ended up being alot stickier than it should have been.
When all was done and I went into the little changing room to remove my gown, I looked in the mirrored and gave out a sigh - the kind you give out when you're frustrated. She cut my hair but I'm sorry to say it didn't look good. It actually looked worse than how I actually style it myself, using Vitapointe from Sally's instead of some pricey B&B crap.
During the car ride home, I couldn't help looking into my rear view mirror and fixing my "bangs" - they looked more like little tendrils. I also couldn't help but scrunch my hair, in the hopes that it would somehow surprise me and turn out fine. Looking at my mirror at home only confirmed my suspicion: my haircut sucked. A couple of days later, I actually stood in front of two mirrors, one straight on and one at an angle, and cut the bottom layer to a shorter, less "rat-tail" look. It's been about a month and a half now and my hair doesn't look any better than it did when I came in to get it cut - most of the time, I put it in a pony tail because it just won't behave the way I wanted it to.
So, I guess I won't be going to 17 Jewels anymore. It's not a bad salon - it was clean, the staff was friendly, and there was even reasonable street parking. The junior stylist herself was a nice and cheery woman. I just think that it would have been more professional to give me the choice as to whether or not I wanted a junior stylist working on my hair. Sure, the hair cut was only $40 (I still gave her a $8 tip, just because I knew I wasn't coming back) but it wasn't worth it. I remember when I was a kid, I used to get the same quality at Supercuts. There's a reason why people go to places like 17 Jewels: to get a better looking cut than Supercuts!
If you still want to try them out anyway, just make sure they tell you what level stylist they are setting you up with. Or, better yet, really *emphasize* to them that you will *only* get cut by a senior stylist. -
Review from Niketa R.
Oakland, CA
8/11/2009
I get my hair cut here, and I love it.
Kasia cuts my hair and does this rumply asymmetrical thing that looks great. Before that Sarah cut it and she did a good job too, but she doesn't work on Sundays very much. The ladies are really to earth too, not those kind who put on those high voices and ask about the weather. It's a pleasure to be in the chair :) A lot of people at work have asked me where I get it done, which never happened before I started going to 17 Jewels ... so they must be doing something right :)
They use bumble and bumble products, very nice. The atmosphere is great. There's tons of light and they keep the doors open a lot so there's none of that hair chemical smell inside. And they're open on Sundays as well, a HUGE plus for the workin folk. Julie, the owner, is often also the receptionist. I can't really imagine a sweeter gal for the job.
Prices are on the low end of high - not Supercuts for sure, but none of that $70 or $80 haircut bullsh*t. You won't regret it.
5 stars in my book. -
Review from Liz G.
Oakland, CA
6/25/2010
Okay, so first off, I did get a pretty good haircut here. But the thing is, it really wasn't what I was after. My biggest complaint though is overall how they treated me at this place.
I wanted short and edgy, and I got cute and sassy, and really, that's fine, but the way the stylist talked to me made me feel like she was kind of in the gender police. "well you don't want it THAT short do you?" "But your hair has such a nice curl when longer..." Also, she wasn't very friendly, hardly made conversation at all. I'm used to stylists chatting you up. It felt very awkward. She was nice and all, and the cut is fine, but yeah, I guess I just always expect the chatting experience with the stylist to be a bit more pleasant. She was all business.
The real complaint:
I made another appointment the next day for a waxing. okay, i couldn't make it. my bad for not calling. but they called me and BERATED and GUILTED me about it. "were you going to call us? what am i going to tell the aesthetician?" and to top it off, SUPER sarcastically: (after i sincerely apologize and explain that no I"m not going to make it in) "Oh, thank you liz"
Listen. I know you're super hip and trendy and sought after. That doesn't give you a right to talk to your customers like that. MY BAD for missing a fifteen minute appointment. Sure. But I've never had a place call me like that and put me in the dog house. WTF? -
Review from Gillie B.
Updated - 9/2/2009
I wish I could give this place six stars.
I am even happier with my hair color and cut, which I didn't think possible. I also got my hair cut this time. It looks amazing. I am dreading when I move to Boston in a year, because I know it is going to be really hard to find a salon I love this much.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/30/2009
I need to start this review off by saying that I should have visited this salon long before I did.… Read more »
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Review from monica e.
Oakland, CA
12/31/2007
I was in dire need of an easy, stylish haircut after a few years of dropping into whatever Supercuts was within dropping-in distance. Many years of long, straight, stringy hair.
I called for an appointment and was happily surprised that they cut hair 7 days a week. I walked in for my Sunday appointment and low-and-behold, the woman who saved my hair from years of bad perms a decade ago was the stylist! I had lost touch with Ari after I moved to SF. So please to be one of Ari's clients again.
17 Jewels gets points from me for the following:
- Haircuts 7 days a week
- Ari's a fabulous hair stylist (I credit her for bringing my hair back to life. I haven't stayed with a stylist since we lost touch. I really trust her skills!)
- The shop is in the Temescal shopping area
- It's right down the street from Bake Sale Betty's!
- It's within blocks of where i work
I haven't tried the spa treatments yet but will soon.
I think this will be my new spot! -
Review from Aubs J.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/14/2009
Can I just say that I am SOOOOOO sad that Ari is no longer here. I do appreciate Julie emailing me to let me know and passing on Ari's number so I could find her for my next haircut.
I continue to go to 17 Jewels for waxing though. I only gave 3 stars because the first two times I went were eeehhhhhh so so. Two different people, not consistent. However the new esthetician is wonderful. She only works weekends but she is soo professional and does an amazing job. She takes her time and is very very good at what she does. By far the best of the 3 I have had. I hope she sticks around. Way to much turn over between Ari leaving and the new faces I see every time I go in.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/24/2009
Again I love 17 jewels and Ari. While getting bang trim I mentioned that I had been considering… Read more »
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Review from Leigh C.
Richmond, CA
1/7/2012
I've followed Edwin here from his former salon. I am picky. But Edwin is the Holy Grail of hairstylists for me; cut and color in one person. He is talented at both! Before Edwin, it had been 12 years since I had someone competent in cut AND color. He is a great communicator and very, very skilled. My hair is very thick and curly and I am currently rocking a fairly severe straight style. My hair has broken lesser stylists. It doesn't scare Edwin! I get compliments on my hair all the time. I love Edwin!
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Review from Diana S.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2010
I was desparate for a haircut after getting butchered by a student at the Vidal Sassoon Hair School in SF (it's really not a good thing to have 2 people cutting your hair at once, even if one of them is 3rd in line to VS himself....)
So my motivation for going to 17 Jewels was the $25 special on Tues and Wednesdays. My expectations were middling, but Jessica actually gave me a really good haircut. A great haircut for $25, nice atmosphere, nice folks, and great views of Telegraph avenue. Oh and I think there was a cute dog there too. That's a bargain!!
p.s. apparently they give you a FREE bang trim in between cuts. hells yeah! -
Review from Lea B.
Berkeley, CA
6/24/2009
Thank you Julie! I have been going to overpriced salons for ages getting mediocre hair cuts and color for ages; I can never find a salon or stylist that I really, really like until now. Julie gave me a fabulous cut and was my teacher; she explained how I could get my hair to look like I just step out of the salon everyday and what products will work with my hair...so simple but for other stylists so hard. I walked out of 17 Jewels with a cut I can maintain on my own and knowledge about MY hair not textbook classified hair type. THANK YOU JULIE!
Plus everyone who works there is super friendly and inviting, no attitudes like some other salons. I can't wait to go back and have Julie do highlights! -
Review from Rachel P.
Oakland, CA
6/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
i can't believe i haven't reviewed kelly yet! she's been cutting my hair now for a year (or longer?), and no joke, it's the best cut i've had in my life. i wait waaaaaay too long in between cuts, but for at least 2 weeks after i see her i get, "did you get your hair cut? it looks amazing!". and many of those comments come from folks in the salon biz themselves, so there you go.
hooray, kelly! -
Review from Judy C.
Oakland, CA
8/26/2010
Alright, so I've been coming here for the last six months or so, and I love, love, love 17 Jewels! Naoma's my girl and she is best. Seriously. Is this what true love feels like?
Anywho, each time I've gone in for an appt, I've always left feeling so good about myself. Everyone there is super-nice, and the place is really cute. Great vibes when you walk in. Naoma is super communicative (which I like), and tactfully honest (which I love). She understands me, but most importantly, she understand my hair and its need to be wild, untamed, and require little or no product and attention. My current haircut from Naoma right now looks great if I want to air-dry it and run out of the house or do it up and go dancing. Because, besides loving 17 Jewels, I also love to dance. -
Review from jennifer a.
Portland, OR
4/25/2010
So I got a couple of Groupon coupons for this place after checking out the reviews and I am SO GLAD I DID. This place is awesome on so many levels.
First off, the receptionist, Jennifer is sublime. I adore her, she is one of the most helpful salon receptionists I have ever dealt with. And just super cool all around.
So I made my first appointment using my coupon for a facial with Charlotte. I had that a few weeks ago and it was wonderful. I used to be an esthetician, so I am pretty picky about my facials...Charlotte is the real deal. I am planning on getting another one with her soon, as well as some waxing. She's sweet, not pushy with sales (although she will make recommendations, which I dig) and really talented at what she does.
Yesterday I had my second appointment at the salon...with Kelly for a haircut and partial highlight. I was nervous as I have had a few hair disasters over the past few months and have had problems finding good people in the area. But after talking with Jennifer (who TOTALLY LISTENED to my issues with my hair, etc. and really HEARD me), she recommended I see Kelly. I took her recommendation and she was so RIGHT ON.
Kelly is amazing. She turned my bad haircut and color into one of the best haircuts and color I have ever had. Seriously. And I have been to some of the best salons in Oregon and California and done all kinds of things with my hair over many years. So that's saying a lot!
And just FYI, I have short hair...so while I am sure she is great with all lengths of hair, I definitely KNOW she is awesome with short hair...not a lot of stylists really are. She gave me a cut that works with my texture, my face, my low-maintenance, active lifestyle, etc. She really listened to me and gave me exactly what I wanted.
Plus Kelly is sweet and fun to talk to, but she doesn't blab your ear off the whole time. I am so happy to have finally found "my stylist" in the area. Especially as I will be growing my hair back out after a horrible haircut in November (which you can read about in my other reviews if you wish), I now feel confident knowing I have such a talent as Kelly to help me with the process. Although, I do have to say that I am not even sure I want to grow it out after the awesome cut she gave me yesterday!
And she is good with color...I often have blonde hair and it goes really brassy on me. I always tell stylists to go ashy, but the never do it right. Kelly made my hair this beautiful ashy blonde color with highlights and lowlights and she had a bleached, brassy mop to work with...truly a genius.
Oh and the salon is cute. It's small and the facial room is REALLY small and not totally soundproof, but it's not that bad. They handle the space well in the whole place and everyone is really nice. It feels like a quaint neighborhood salon with all the talent of a big fancy, schmancy one. Without the price or the egos. -
Review from Monica M.
Oakland, CA
12/15/2009
I recently moved from Marin County to Oakland. I tried my best to stay loyal to my salon in Marin but the drive was wearing on me. I decided to try 17 Jewels based on Yelp and it's proximity to my house.
I was lucky enough to have Kasia as my stylist. She listened to what I wanted to do with my hair, made very polite and friendly conversation, brought me a cup of tea and answered all of my questions about the Bumble and Bumble products I inquired about. I appreciated that she didn't push a bunch of product on me and gently offered her opinion on what I should do with the length of my bangs. (I'm anal about my bangs!)
I left with a great haircut (love my bangs), some new product and my next appointment scheduled! -
Review from N C.
Millersville, MD
6/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Audrey is the best! She's very precise, and explains everything as she goes along. Great haircuts!
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Review from Your Custom Blog A.
Oakland, CA
2/19/2009
17 Jewels is awesome. Here are the reasons why:
1) Top notch technical ability. I am familiar with the best salons in SF...couldn't find a salon in Oakland @ the same level. I have been to 17 Jewels 3 times now and will continue to visit.
2) Great environment, great location -- casual, convenient, clean.
3) Real people work here -- not a bunch of shallow snobs.
Support this local business! They will keep you looking fly. The prices are fair for the level of service. -
Review from Jennifer K.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2008
Decor - Very hip, trendy, urban. Awkwardly I think the bathroom could be my favorite of the entire Salon. From the dark, secretive color to the duck container hand soap thing? It was very cute and bad girl-like.
I called in scheduled an appointment for 2 days later with Ari. I love the way you can sit and stare out the window at random people walking along Telegraph Avenue. The mirror that you're facing is also close to you and humongous. It's framed with an old door like decor and held up by those cool metal wires. I love it. The neighborhood isn't the greatest so it's so nice to find a gem in the rough. Ari is so friendly, catering, and she gave me a fantabulous haircut. My ends are pointy (hairstylists call it wispy I think), and beautifully layered. She touched up the color I already had and it looked good. The toner didn't take all the brassiness out but I know it's hard because I have dark black Asian hair. I've only known one person to be able to get that orange-y color out my blondish streaks.
All in all, my experience here was great. It's a small space but there isn't much clutter to cramp it even more and the set up is very trendy. They also have some REALLY CUTE hairclips made by local artists but I couldn't let myself buy two small hairclips for $10.00 when I gave up $200.00 for a cut and color. I don't regret it at all though. A GREAT CUT is hard to come by. -
Review from Laurie K.
Oakland, CA
7/4/2008
I love this place! I am so fed up with salons that put on airs and are filled with incompetent or bitchy stylists. Every girl here seems like she would be a fun person to hang out with; there is none of the usual pretension associated with fancier salons.
I am sending my boyfriend here for his next cut; I will report back! -
Review from Jessica T.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 7/29/2010
It's small, but they utilize the space really well and it didn't feel noisy or cramped at all. The music can be a little cheesy, but everyone that works there is friendly and helpful.
I love all the Bumble and Bumble products and I really like that Naoma works later hours. She is an amazing colorist and really a perfectionist at cuts. I'm always super happy when I get a chance to visit her!
Update: I also got a wax from Charlotte and not only was it painless, she is friendly, it was actually enjoyable!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/21/2009
I wasn't sure I was going to love this salon. I feel like I am judgmental about a salon's name and… Read more »
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Review from Ramon F.
Oakland, CA
9/2/2010
I've been coming here for a few years now and have seen many of the cutting specialists.. Naoma is my by far favorite, just because she a good fit with me..
I think they are all great, but as most of you probably know it not just the quality of the hair-specialist, its if you have a good connection and feel with that person...
I would say that both men and women can find an excellent fit here.
The salon is laid-back and mellow, interesting background music thats not to intrusive, tea, coffee or something else... its just an al around nice atmosphere... just give it a try. -
Review from Alessandra J.
Oakland, CA
9/12/2007
Edit - 1/26/08
I just went back to 17 Jewels yesterday for a cut and high light. The person that did my hair last time no longer works there, but this time I got Amber, who is AWESOME. This is the first time I have ever walked out of a hair salon and been completely happy with the way I look - I can't find any flaws! She really took the time to look at my hair, face and skin, and figure out what would look best. Julie, the owner, was there as well, and actually recognized me from the last time I came in 6 months ago!
I definitely recommend 17 Jewels, what a find! -
Review from Emily C.
Oakland, CA
3/20/2008
Love, love, love this place. Everyone who works here is so nice and caring. Kelly has been cutting my hair for years, she is a hair artist to the stars.. well at least she makes me feel like one. I used to have what people call a "butt cut" ..no joke. I looked washed up and terrible. Kelly gave me a new look that made me feel refreshed and wonderful. I walked out of the salon with a whole new attitude, I looked amazing with my new style. All of the stylist are awesome!! The service is great and they even give you wine, can't beat that.
Try one of their parties as well, good times!
Thanks 17 Jewels for helping me to always look fabulous. -
Review from GenUwines H.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2009
As you can see from my reviews, I don't write many. I run a business and really wish I had more time. 17 jewels is a rare find in the world of salons. The warmth and cohesiveness of this group strikes you the moment you walk in the door. Don't expect any pretentiousness. This is a down to earth establishment that offers competent services. Julie, the owner, and Ari have worked together for many years and are not only excellent stylists but are genuinely good people.
So I say Hats Off to the people in the world who care passionately about how they run their businesses and how they treat others. Thank you both for your genuine warmth and welcome. Thank you, Julie, for all the special touches that I experienced at every turn in your shop. The glass of white wine was a real treat at the end of stressful a day. I'm coming back!
