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5 Color Cowboy
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
1445 The AlamedaSan Jose, CA 95126
(408) 869-3542
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Say Yelp and get a 50% discount* off all services for new clients! Open Sunday and Monday by appointment! Bellezza Cristali's of Pleasanton is a… read more »
150 reviews for 5 Color Cowboy
150 reviews in English
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Review from Flora M.
3/13/2012
Bless me hair stylist, for I have sinned. It has been six months since my last hair color.
I decided to come to 5 Color Cowboy to be absolved of my sin: my really terrible roots and white hairs showing. There is only so much hat- and beanie-wearing a girl can handle before she has to suck it up and make an appointment. What can I say? I put the "pro" in procrastinator.
I have heard great things about this salon, so I walked in a few days ago to make an appointment. The receptionist greeted me and I told him what was up. He asked if I could wait 15 minutes to speak to Valarie, the stylist he was setting me up with, for a consultation.
Valarie and I talked about my long-neglected hair and what I had in mind. She said it would be easy to do and, since I tend to lag with my hair maintenance, it would look good even if I went a long while without touching it up.
I made an appointment for a few days later and got exactly what I wanted: a natural looking ombre coloring, that will lighten up at the ends. My hair looks really good and luckily will continue to look good as my hair grows out.
Amen to beautiful hair! -
Review from Dune N.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/9/2012
I wish I paid more attention to read the reviews on this place instead of going by the number of stars.
I bought a groupon for a single process color treatment and a hair cut. When I showed up for my appointment they said there was some mistake about the groupon offer and it's not for an all over one color treatment and it was only for a touch up and I could pay an additional $20 for an all over one color treatment.
So I had to pay an additional $20 to color my hair. I don't think customers should have to pay for that mistake.
Then I tell my stylist that I don't like to have thinning shears or razor used on my hair. I prefer only use of scissors to cut my hair. She starts saying that she just had her hair cut and they used a razor and she also didn't like it. Then I say I want about 1 inch off my hair.
Anyway, she ends up using a razor to cut my entire hair AND cuts off over 2 inches. Huh?!
I give one star for the color turning out nice.
But as for the razor cut and cutting off more than I asked and telling me to pay an additional $20 because of a mix up between their salon and groupon, they get a bad rating and I will never go back. -
Review from Missy L.
San Jose, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have a major girl crush on Thanh and am officially declaring her my hairdresser. She knows hair, and she's super CUTE--way mellow and easy to talk to. I come at her with my thin dry hair from excessive perming/coloring, and she manages to somehow make it look healthy, full and WAVY! For an asian girl that wants nothing but voluminous, wavy hair, this is pretty epic.
Her cuts are wonderful and grow out well. I'm awfully picky with hairdressers too, so I'm really stoked about Thanh. Ignore the girl further down totally hating on her.
The place has good vibes all around. Everyone's got style. Good vibes! Good vibes! -
Review from Debra C.
San Jose, CA
5/24/2012
Buckle up Cowboys and Cowgirls! I had THE most unpleasant experience I can still hardly believe it happened. I am going out of town for the holiday weekend and decided I need to get a haircut before I go to correct the botched job I got from the last place I went to. I went on Goupon Now to see who was offering haircuts for a decent price and I came across one for $37 for a haircut at 5 Color Cowboy. I decided the price was right and I was excited to try a new place in hopes that I would eventually find someone I truly like who I could go to on a regular basis. The first thing I did was call the salon and spoke to David. I told him I was going to purchase the Groupon Now, but wanted to check to make sure that I could get in for a haircut between 12 and 3 which was stated on the Groupon Now. He seemed a bit confused about what Groupon I was referring to, but when I assured him that it was indeed being offered today, he booked me with "Cowboy" Steve at 1 p.m.
I had an appointment in Los Gatos at 12:30, but was able to move that appointment to 12 so I would not be late for my 1:00 haicut. At about 12:45, I had just arrived outside the salon when my cell phone rang, It was David apologizing to me that they would not be able to honor the Groupon Now that I had purchased and they were cancelling my appointment!! Really, can you imagine any business doing this to their customers? He mentioned that they could take the $48 Groupon or something but not the $37. He was talking in circles. I said so you mean to tell me that you won't honor this to which he replied, No. I said well how about giving me a discounted price for the haircut since I had arrived and was parked outside. He said they could not do that. I then asked, well, how much would a haircut cost me with Steve? I was told $70 and I said again, you're sure he won't discount his price since I'm a first time customer and don't know his work and again the answer was NO.
This salon is never going to stay in business if they continue that kind of customer service. I guess they have way too much business and don't need any new customers. They should've just said that in the first place instead of all the crap they threw at me.
My lesson learned is no more Groupons for hair anything--cut, color, conditioning. I have tried a few in the past and I should've learned my lesson that you get what you paid for and most of the time not even that. I have never gotten a good haircut using a Groupon with the exception of a gal who cut my hair at Limon Salon. I continued to go to her for a long time after that until she moved to a salon in Fremont.
So all you professionals out there that charge $70 - $90 for a haircut better be REALLY, REALLY good. I don't mind paying more for a FANTASTIC cut, but I have always had short hair, How can you screw up cutting short hair? Well, it happens all the time.
If anyone knows a GREAT hairdresser who charges a fair price, I'm open for suggestions. -
Review from Kelley F.
San Jose, CA
5/17/2012
Thanh has cut and colored my hair several times and I LOVE her. She managed to strip out years of bad home color without destroying my hair and actually listens to me when I explain how I want my hair cut. She has great suggestions for changes and is very easy to talk to. The salon itself is fine and the guy at the front desk could be more helpful but Thanh absolutely makes up for any short-comings.
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Review from Corazon D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I know I live in LA, but with a friend/great stylist like Thanh, it's totally worth the trip up to San Jose to come visit and have her work magic on my hair. I was introduced to her through my boyfriend and I seriously will not let anyone else touch my hair! She treats it like a canvas and you walk out looking like a work of art!
Okay, so I know that was a little biased, but I really was impressed from the very first time I walked into the salon. I love the old building it's located in! The way I would describe how the place looks is funky, trendy and classy. I love the zen little pagoda-like stations that you sit at with huge mirrors. The entire is staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. -
Review from rod b.
San Jose, CA
1/3/2012
Way to dupe your Groupon clientele!
My fiance got her hair done here a while back after reading some positive yelp reviews and was very satisfied with her do for the price. She was looking forward to go back for a second visit. They recently had a Groupon offer for that my fiance saw and almost at the drop of a hat, I went ahead and purchased it for her birthday.
She called to schedule an appointment today but they wouldn't honor the offer as the Groupon denoted that the offer was only good for new customers only. Sure, I let the fine print fall through the cracks, but why even narrow the offer itself to new customers and how in the world do you enforce that? Don't you want to treat repeat customers well? Way to bait and switch your customers through Groupon! -
Review from Katrina T.
Cupertino, CA
Updated - 1/6/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Reasons why I decided to come back here again was to cut off my long, dead ends anddd I had purchased a deal on Groupon. The Groupon deal was pretty deceiving if you ask me! Basically only certain stylists accept the groupon. Sadly, the girl I go to doesn't accept the Groupons. It is OK though, because after I got out of the salon I was a happy camper.
I really wanted a hair style that was fresh, sort of edgy, and easy to maintain. I was debating whether or not to cut it super short, keep it at a shoulder length (at the same time there is always that awkward length and I didn't want that awkward length to grow out so soon!). Prior to coming in, I had saved pictures on my phone of celebrity hair styles I thought were cute. When I met up with my hair dresser, Angel she knew just what I wanted! I didn't even have to show her pictures! She knew what style would frame my face and she kept it at a good length so that it wasn't overwhelming since I was cutting a lot off.
I have never been with her for a hair cut (just updos), but I don't think I have ever smiled so much afterwards. The reason being was because she knows what she is doing, she is cool to talk to so it's not awkward and I really like seeing how she cuts hair. She is really careful. Some places they just cut, but you can tell she is passionate about her job.
$70 bucks well spent.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/1/2011
5 Color Cowboy deserves 5 stars, hands down. Anytime I need to get an up-do done, I go here and have… Read more »
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Review from Heather S.
Mill Valley, CA
11/15/2011
Val does AMAZING color- I drove from SF to see her and she was worth it! I wanted a corporate woman's "ombre", funkier than your everyday baleage- the key is finding someone who can give you a rich base and beautiful blonde- SHE DID IT! Shiny, rich beautiful hair accomplished!
She like the salon is a perfect mix of funkiness and cool- all without being intimadating- Gotta like the person and the salon as you will be in the chair a bit when doing cool color!
Prices wherre spot on for a high end, qualified salon- I did not think they were overpriced at all.
I will be back!!! -
Review from Gina T.
San Jose, CA
9/5/2011
I absolutely loved the my experience at 5 color cowboy. I was a first timer so it blew me away.
Honestly I hate going to regular salons because im always complaining about something at the end. So I decided to try a very chic high end salon.
I would say go to LAN she's super cute and a real hair docter! She not only gave me the cutest most edgy hair color/cut but she taught me how maintain it and keep it healthy, unlike other salons.
Lan also helped me pick out hair colors that would compliment my skin color and would look good on me. I thought my whole trip to 5 color was awsome. Oh and the peole who work there are so chill and super nice. So don't be intimidated.. :)
i gave this place 4 stars. although its "the place" to go to. its just so god damn expensive... -
Review from Lupe V.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
I have been coming here for about 2.5 years now I used to live in San Jose, now I live in San Francisco, and even with all the amazing stylists that I have met here in the city, NONE can compare to my stylist JASMINE.
I LOVE HER!!! When I first started going to her, I was super psycho, I was very picky and was super scared, because I had been going to my last girl for over 7 years.
But I quickly became really comfortable with Jasmine. She was super patient, because I am a crazy! lol She understood the looks I wanted, and she always gets them right! But the part that impressed me, is that she is constantly taking courses and learning new trends, techniques, products, etc... and, you can see the passion in her cuts, and color. I love it! Now, I go in, tell her what tools i'm into using at that time, and she hooks it up! I totally trust her now, she is the BEST! She teaches me some of the techniques and recommends products, and my hair is always ON point! She makes it easy and simple.
And not to be conceited, but there is not ONE day that goes by, that I don't get complimented on my hair, even when it's up! Whether it's on my color or cut, but EVERY DAY I'm reminded of what an amazing hair stylist I have! -
Review from Sunrise D.
7/26/2011 4 Check-ins Here
After finding Rhoda at 5 Color Cowboy, I never looked back. And my hair has never looked better.
This salon's ambiance is hip, modern and artistic. The staff is always friendly and professional. If you're looking to try a new look, the stylists here will help you achieve what you want. I highly recommend 5 Color Cowboy to men & women who want to have their hair look & feel its best!
Remember to bring cash! (Credit cards not accepted.) -
Review from Lauren S.
Mountain View, CA
7/2/2011
I actually DESPISE when reviewers name people in yelp reviews but here it goes anyways. I'm more than happy to bash an establishment when it's deserved but calling out someone specifically is just in bad taste in my opinion. People have off days, maybe you're just an idiot, whatever.
Anyways, I've been going to Thanh for probably 2 years now. I have never, ever had a hair stylist spend so much time on my hair. She is extremely meticulous. I used to have to get color all the time, now I go 4-6 months between coloring. I have never walked out of 5 Color Cowboy feeling even a tad bit disappointed or that I spent more money than the service I received. Thanh is also really easy to talk to you and very sweet.
My hair has looked healthier and more stylish than it ever has in the past - and no I was not getting my hair done at Supercuts. I actually used to spend double or triple what Thanh charges and while my hair was always looking ok it was never phenomenal. I am frequently complemented on my hair now - and to be honest, i don't naturally have great hair.
I think something everyone should remember when getting their hair done - you may *want* a specific style or color but it may just not be best for your hair type. So while you may show a picture to any stylist it may just not be in your cards. I would and DO often recommend Thanh to others. -
Review from Carrie T.
San Jose, CA
6/16/2011
Just had the worst hair cut EVER from Thanh. It took over 2 hours and we fought about it the ENTIRE time. I ended up leaving almost in tears.
Before she cut, I showed her a picture of what we wanted and we talked about what I liked/didn't like. Great. But as she was cutting I could see that it wasn't quite what I wanted and I tried to explain to her what wasn't working for me. She proceeded to argue with me and make bitchy comments.
Now I have to walk around looking like an idiot until this stupid hair cut grows out.
If you have curly hair stay away from her, unless you want to leave looking like it is 1987 and have the dreaded 'triangle haircut.' -
Review from C. G.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/2/2012
Wow! An honest hair salon who honors their consult prices!!! Do you know how RARE that is??? Most salons in my experience have the mantra of screwing the customer as much as possible and upping the price while holding them hostage in the chair and then add insult to injury by trying to up sell unnecessary product before they let you out the door. Not this salon. They not only are NICE with zero attitude, but they communicate well and clearly and follow through exactly as they told you they would. The exceptional service at 5 Color Cowboy began with the initial phone call which was immediately answered by a knowledgeable human being rather than the lazy answering machine that even so-called high end salons now employ. He listened and asked if he could check into who the best person would be and call me back - which he promptly did. He made me an appt. with the owner, Johnny for a consult. I showed up and was met by Johnny's wonderful assistant, Laura, and taken immediately to a chair where both Johnny and Laura listened and talked to me about my hair and suggested a plan and named a price. I had been to a salon in Saratoga that nickled and dimed you for combing and drying your hair after a service ( honestly I'm shocked they didn't charge mirror rental for the time you were in front of it) so I asked about that and they just looked at me like I was crazy and told me 'of course that's included'. Johnny is the owner and is funny, unpretentious and direct. I immediately felt comfortable and trusted them and my experience at my appt. just confirmed that initial impression. I had to call back and move my appt. an hour forward and they were fine with that, and, I can't emphasize this enough...NICE! They were AWESOME all around! They took the time they needed to on the first appt. to get it right while always keeping communication open and clear with me. It impressed me that Johnny was very collaborative and respectful towards Laura too. That told me a lot. about him. I've been in salons that order the assistants around like slaves without feelings which always made me uncomfortable. Both Johnny and Laura were professional, respectful and very very competent. Laura and Johnny are a great team and compliment each other beautifully. I don't much like annoying chitter chatter while in the chair, and they are just real and calm and to the point. It was relaxing experience all around and I should also mention how gorgeous the place is too. It's a loft like building with high ceilings but the special treat is that the walls are painted with murals by David Choe!!! Choe, one of the most respected artists in SF - and the artist Mark Zuckerberg chose to enhance the Facebook offices - has done some of his best work for 5 Color Cowboy as he is an old friend of Johnny's. Sitting with the art was a bonus on top of the fact that my hair hasn't looked so good in years. Even though they took a little extra time, they didn't hesitate to honor the price they quoted me in the consult. Because of their integrity and my happiness with the experience I did end up buying some incredible Shu Uemura product but it was because I wanted to, not because they pushed or forced me to. I also promptly made an appointment for my daughter and husband. This is an established, well respected salon and the appt. Johnny had after me was a Dad and little boy who was laughing in the chair as Johnny gave him a trim. It was sweet. I"m ecstatic to have found a salon that takes pride in their excellent work as well as puts a premium on their relationship with their customers. Its nice that its also a relaxing, fun salon to go to. You would think that those salon attributes wouldn't be a difficult combo to find but I assure you they are - at least in the South Bay. I don't know what happened with the Group On problem mentioned in other reviews but I do know other businesses who've had Group On fails that weren't their fault but because of Group On's issues. I can only tell you that in my experience 5 Color Cowboy is phenomenal and I will remain a loyal customer. First impressions are everything and these guys got everything, absolutely right!
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Review from E W.
Fremont, CA
3/4/2012
This 1 star is mainly for the Groupn advertised price and service. I bought a $50 haircut & treatment from Groupon . When i tried to call "5 Color Cowboy" for Appt . I told the Receptionist that I have Groupon and then he told me that I have to make Appt only on Wednesday and Thursday only as that are days the Salon are less busy.
Friday, Saturday are for "regular" customer not Coupon holder. So I had to make Appt on a Thurs I already felt i'm being discriminated.
More When I showed up for my appointment the Hairstylist told me there was mistake on the Groupon offer and This $50 is only for Hair Shampoon , Hair Cut and Hair Treatment (which is simply just Conditioner on hair for 5 minutes nothing fancy) only and I could pay an additional $20 for a Blow Dry!
I was like -What? No blow Dry? $50 is not a discounted price at all. What a cheater (I guess its the owner issue). I did not want to pay more I'd rather blow dry at home as I did not know if this hairstylist Thanh would do good job.
I never had any haircut without blowdry except those cheap $10 cut from SuperCuts.
Thanh is pretty good listener However I did not like her using razor to trim my hair.She is patient and spent 30 mins on cutting my hair. But at the end screw it by using a razor overall she is lack of skills and my hair cut was just a very plain one not too stylish. -
Review from Mary C.
San Jose, CA
8/22/2011
I've been meaning to write this review for a while now.
Been going to Than for years and she is wonderful in every way!!! I'd give her more stars if I could.
She's direct about what you need if your looking for her opinion and won't do it if she thinks you wont achieve the right outcome. My hair feels and looks very healthy thanks to her. She will take the time to explain what she's doing.
I found her through Yelp. Bravo Than! -
Review from Stephanie L.
Santa Clara, CA
11/14/2011
I was quoted $45 for a haircut over the phone, then when it was time to pay it was $65. Then I was told they take cash or check only and to use the ATM at the shady gas station across the street. Pretentious staff.
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Review from Jae M.
San Jose, CA
1/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
5 stars for 5 Color Cowboy and a gajillion stars for Rhoda!!
Ladies and gentlemen, I think I have finally found a place that understands the woes of my hair. This was by far the best hair cut experience. I came to know of this salon when I asked my friend who cuts her hair. Her hair is similar to mine and after my last experience at a salon in Stanfurd (I should have known....Go Bears!) I was in desperate need of finding a place that would take good care of my head of fierceness. I called in for an apt with her stylist, Rhoda.
Rhoda was really nice. Before she did anything, she took the time to sit down and talk about my hair and what I would like to do with it. From there she washed, dried, straightened, and cut my hair all the while giving me excellent tips on haircare and gave me suggestions on which products would be good for me. I was very happy with the end result and I will definitely go back.
I like the decor the have going on at the salon. I feel like it's a mix of urban/old building character. I like how they give you a smock to wear during your cut. It's like being at a hair spa! -
Review from Kelly T.
10/29/2010
Seriously 5 stars all the way. I called in to dye my hair back to blond after I thoroughly had it messed up from a crap-tastic dye job. The receptionist set me up with Val and thankfully calmed me down from my rant about my new "red" hair - I don't want to be a Ginger!!!!
I came in the next day and met with Valerie and told her what I was looking to get done. She was very honest on what would look good and what she could do - basically watching out for my hair as if its a prized trophy - which it should be, but I hate dealing with it.
I ended up with perfect highlights and wonderful new 'do. Val was completely amazing and I LOVED the work she did - I was impressed I called up 3 of my girl friends and raved about her and how they need to go see her NOW. I plan to stay faithful to Val and can't to go back in for a new cut! -
Review from may l.
San Jose, CA
12/1/2011
I never thought that I would be able to find my replacement salon. Valery was a great stylist. She listened to what I wanted for my haircut and she executed beyond my expectations. Definitely coming back for my next trim.
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Review from ri h.
Boston, MA
Updated - 2/22/2011
I still see Angel at 5 Color Cowboy! I love this salon. She cuts my hair, and it's fantastic every time, even when we're doing something new. The cut grows out well and she shows me how to put all that stuff and blow dry it so I can get it to look awesome every time. To be honest with you, great hair takes time and prep work...you can't just wake up and expect your hair to look great if you don't blow dry and put product into it. You can't expect a $75 cut to look like it's worth $75 when you put zero time into it after you leave the salon. It just doesn't work that way.
Angel listens, like really listens to what you say! However, don't go to her expecting to look like Reese Witherspoon when you have Demi Moore's face. You have to get the cut that works for you, not for some star or some model in a magazine. She's great with retro looks as well or taking retro looks and modernizing them or doing what you want with them so it's great for your face. She's got a great soul and great sense of style! If you find it too hip here, then maybe you need something more conservative and this is not the salon for you. The interior of the salon might be a bit intimidating for a first timer, but don't let it deter you if you like it! The stylists here love hair...why, because hair is fun!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/5/2008
My favorite place to get a haircut! I absolutely LOVE Angel. I've been going to her for over a… Read more »
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Review from K M.
San Jose, CA
8/21/2011
I have been here twice in 5 years. Once for a haircut and once for color. Not a bad place, but it has never impresses me. The stylists seem to be "too cool and hipster". I will not go back when there are much better places. I really wanted to love this place since I live so close. I recommend Umbrella that is just down the street or if you can get into SF go to Cinta. All are the same price, but the other 2 are far better!!!
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Review from Heather Z.
Campbell, CA
Updated - 6/21/2011
Not really sure what happened here, but after almost 4 years of great haircuts and colors I had a year of one disappointment after another. The final straw was when I asked for a previously awesome cut and color and received an awful cut and the wrong color. This was the FIRST time I asked for a correction and though she fixed it this is what she said to me.. "I'm not going to charge you for this, but I don't feel like I did anything wrong." Umm, hell yeah you are not going to charge me for fixing YOUR mistake and what kind of thing is that to say to a long time client who has never so much as complained about anything?!? Needless to say, I have not been back and though it saddens me.. I have moved on.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2007
This place is great and Angel is a hair godsend! She's young, but super talented and absolutely… Read more »
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Review from Bridget G.
San Jose, CA
4/20/2007
This place SUCKED. I was totally wooed by all the rave reviews I found on this website. On top of that, I spotted a girl with a totally adorable haircut at Nordstrom and she said she had it done here. By Johnny. So obviously a good haircut has come out of this place at least once...
However, when I went to get my hair done there, the prissy receptionist was completely dismissive of me and sent me to sit at the side of the salon, but never bothered to tell my stylist that I was there. I sat in that chair for 45 minutes! I was livid. The receptionist didn't even apologize. My stylist did, but it definitely wasn't his fault.
My haircut was in fact his fault. Yuck. I have fine, straight hair that tends not to hide mistakes. Add to this fact that I like my hair in a neat, clean bob. Apparently professional hairdressers find this difficult. There were large chunks of uneven hair that I had to go home and cut off myself. I sucked it up and dealt with it and not wanting to go try yet another salon for a full haircut, I went back to Johnny to get my bangs trimmed. I did this twice. Both times were worse than the prior. My bangs got more and more f*ed up. My hair looked like total crap. I gave this guy 3 shots, and all I got was a lousy haircut and lots of super awkward conversation.
Boo this place. I would never recommend it to anyone. -
Review from elaine l.
6/13/2008
I have to give up on 5 Color Cowboy. I've been going there for about a year, but needed to make a change when Vanessa went back to school and was less available. She recommended I try Angel.
I had a consultation with Angel during which we discussed various options, my preferences for styling, and the unfortunate fact that I have chemical allergies which severely limit the type and amount of product that can be used on my hair.
I came back later for a cut and decided to go with Angel's recommendation for the style. As promised, she called about a week after to see how I liked it, and I had to tell her that it wasn't really working for me, and I didn't think my hair looked very good in this style, but that I was hopeful maybe I could come back and she'd know just what needed to be done to get it to fall into some kind of shape.
When I went back, the result was a bizarre circular conversation in which she insisted I wasn't using product or bothering to style my hair, that went a little something like this:
Angel: I don't know what to do if you want to just let it air dry and aren't willing to use product.
Me: I *repeat*. I'm using the products that I can use. And styling per your instructions. And...it looks like this.
(repeat)
(repeat)
(repeat)
Finally, I gave up and left because there was no point in continuing this frustrating conversation. Angel was pleasant, but was not hearing what I was saying.
Ultimately, I returned to my old-old hairdresser, who was gracious enough to fix what was on my head. Suddenly, instead of my new haircut being greeted with studied silence and averted gazes, I started getting compliments.
It's just sad that I had to pay for two upscale haircuts in one week because the first stylist wanted to blame the client rather than fix a bad cut.
I don't write 1-star reviews lightly - this was a VERY bad experience. I've never gotten poor treatment at a salon with a reputation this good. -
Review from William A.
Healdsburg, CA
8/15/2008
I was browsing thru Yelp reviews of places as I need a new hair joint, and observed men never review these places.....so I pondered long and hard...(which takes 12 seconds) as to whether I should or not, and risk perma branding of Metrosexual, a label I don't like
- 1/3+ the patrons were male when I went
- I haven't been able to figure out yet how I can sleep my way to the getting Elite status early, and reviewing gas stations seems rather gauche, so this was a reasonable step to buff my review count
- I am secure enough in my masculinity, I don't really care :p
So the place.....
I had gone to Aveda in Santana Row 2x (I just moved here remember.) No complaints at all...but I mean look at how much hair I have...I am never accused of being cheap....but $70 just seems a bit much to cut what hair I have, ya know. I think a cut, highlight and one product cost me north of $300....I think it oughta come with a back rub, happy ending, or a pasta dinner for that much 0ooo.
So, did some Yelp digging, liked the reviews here, made an appt.
My last highlights were near gone, so I scheduled for that as well.
The receptionist was very friendly, laughed when I emphatically insisted I wanted my hair cut by a female, and made me an appointment.
I was assigned Blair, and was with her for 2.5 hours....longer than most first dates. Luckily she was fun, lively, cute, interesting, so the 2.5 hours wasn't bad.
Blair was consultative, and listened with patient amusement with my desire to make me hot looking, unique and interesting, with little feedback on how she should accomplish this. Bemused she began.
In keeping in my tradition of falling asleep in an MRI chamber, military tracked vehicles moving at 35 mph, recently in a dentist chair while drilling in my mouth, and sitting in the chair waiting for my antenna like head to highlight, I fell asleep in the chair, awakened by the rude sounds of some cad snoring...sadly that being me as it turns out.
By the end of the experience I think we actually did know more about each other than a recent first date, so this is good practice in communication skills, something most of us males need badly.
The end result....the cut was good. I gave her free reign on the highlights. She disliked the last specs of the lighter colors of my last one...(um surfer poser, gimme a break) so she went with...brown. Isn't your hair already brown you ask...? Why yes, thanks for looking at my pics. So for the most part I can only blame myself...
Cool place, great service, very attentive. I think 50ish for the cut is still a bit high for my diminished locks, but the damage done by the $15 places is far worse.....and Blair didn't stick her finger in my nostrils when I snored, which she confesses she does to sleeping partners, so I think I am intimidated enough to return :p -
Review from Miriam W.
Santa Clara, CA
10/30/2009
The people are REALLY nice, from the assistants to the receptionists to your technician. The pricing is really reasonable. First time - highlights with gloss, $120 or something. Second time, all over color and touch up - $85. Not too shabby.
ISSUE 1: CURLY HAIR
I found this place specifically for two curly hair aspects - yelp reviews saying they're good at curly hair, and the fact they had a Devachan technician (curly hair salon and methodology based in NYC). The receptionist scheduled me a consultation with her. I noted in my request the whys of wanting a person with curly hair experience, and that I wanted to color.
Thanh was nice. Asked, so what are you looking to do? I found this odd, considering my consultation appointment details should have made that clear, and made it clear I wanted a Devachan person. Then she was like, "oh okay, and why?" I'm a black woman with curly hair sitting in front of you saying I want a person experienced in curly ethnic hair and I wanted a consultation for a color. What do you mean why? But I roll with it.
Suffice to say, through the course of this color and all that, the way she handled my hair, some comments she made, lead me to believe she may have taken the Devachan certification or courses or something, but she took them a long time ago and really doesn't seem to have a particular ... skillset, interest, or awareness of how to deal with or style curly hair. Ie, I had to bring up that she should be using a large tooth comb, and she didn't ensure that the assistant who worked on my hair with her to use one. I had to say something.
I DO think she and the rest of the salon are totally curly hair supportive based on their reactions to my hair. They're kinder to my hair than standard salons. But I think perhaps they're more capable of dealing with non-ethnic curly hair.
ISSUE 2: COLOR COMMUNICATION
I know what I like, I know what I look good in. I made very clear statements. Statements such as, "I don't like blonde. I like my highlights dark copper and red and I like variations like auburn and dark auburn in the base."
What I ended up with was blonde on top of brown. A good technical job - but not an interesting one. Also explicitly what I'd asked to NOT have. I asked questions and raised issues along the way and it became apparent that Thanh, was not listening, or had chosen to ignore clear statements. This is similar to the person who said they asked her to part their hair one way and told them she likes to change it up.
The point is - if I ask you for red, give me red. Do not think you heard blonde and give me blonde. I'm the client. I was very deliberately quiet, respectful, and patient because I was new and she was new and I know I was asking for something quite specific. Despite all that - I still didn't get it. I pointed it out. "It looks kind of blonde." "Yes, that's what you said you wanted!" She was adamant. "No. I asked for red." She backpedaled and said, "there was a lot going on" I think to basically say she might not have heard me or there were multiple steps to doing my hair so she forgot or mistook the color I really wanted to have on my head. Sorry that's kind of a critical detail.
She saw of course I wasn't thrilled and she insisted she wanted to fix it. So I came back later for free and got some red added. I appreciate that. But I still didn't have, overall, the color I was after.
**
Went back for my touchup yesterday. Decided the day I confirmed my appointment to turn it into an all over color. Showed up. She says so we're doing your touchup? I say, I changed the appointment and the receptionist said she'd write it down. Thanh says nope, I don't think so, that's not what she told me. (I really felt last time and this time that this is part and parcel of any discussion with her - you're hearing no, the thing you know you said she says you didn't say; the thing you asked for got forgotten or ignored or not transferred to her and therefore, you're wrong, you got something wrong or didn't do what you are claiming you did.) It's not my fault if I asked for it and it didn't get told to you - assume I'm telling the truth, not that I'm lying or made a mistake for something I want.
Picked the colors. Back and forth. Suitable, the job is done. But the color is still just not quite right.
Summary - nice salon, poor lighting (that was another issue that bothered me), not the best floor space design, there are communication issues. I did not experience inspired coloring. I think this is partly due to the lack of real experience with ethnic colored hair - I don't think I got the depth of tone I should have and I think that was because she didn't act on the reality of how curly hair EATS the light.
Two strikes, I'm out. Sigh. It's no one's fault really. -
Review from EB L.
Oklahoma City, OK
Updated - 6/16/2008
I found a new stylist here: Maritza. She is pretty much amazing. She is the ultimate Master of Bobs and Bangs.
I have had long hair for most of my teenage/young adult life. Long, thick, sometimes scraggly hair that went down my back (I say scraggly because I NEVER brush my hair or comb it. I firmly do not believe in brushing/combing my hair, dont ask why...just a weird quirk). Anyways, I wanted a change. A BIG-ASS change. I decided on a Rhianna Bob cut. Basically in lamer terms, an A-Line cut with long front layers and short layers in the back.
Was I nervous? What a dumb question you ask. Of COURSE I was nervous. Wouldn't you be if you KNEW you looked good with long hair and you were slowly creeping up on an Unknown? An Uknown that you would be stuck with for months? Maybe if you get REALLY screwed and your life REALLY sucks, you could be stuck with for a YEAR?
Anyways. It turned out freaking wonderfully. Everyone in my family, my best friend and Daniel were really against it. But surprise surprise, it was the best change I've had in years. Maritza cut the difficult layers in the back to perfection and the longer layers hit my chin JUST the way they were supposed too. Now my hair is growing out because after keeping short hair for about a year, I've decided after seeing Keeping up with the Kardashian's....if I don't have my long hair back I will kill myself.
So why 3 stars now? I went in for colouring. I wanted only ONE colour done (Originally I wanted like 5, I don't know what I was thinking). At first yes, I did want the whole freaking rainbow, and she gave me a quoted price of: $160 for 3 colours. I was like okay great. And so One colour would amount to $130. I decided to do one colour. Yes I am asian and my hair is a really dark brown, I KNOW the colour isn't going to lift in an hour, and I thought she would know that too...it's out of my control! But at the end of the process, the colour wasn't EXACTLY what I wanted but I was still pleased. Then...
BAM! POW! KAPOW! CRASH! BOOOOOOOM!
I got owned. $160 tab. w...t....f....HOW MANY COLOURS DID I GET? 1 right?!! ANyways. I got owned by a higher price then quoted. I didn't argue. (Read my reviews im unconfrontational remember?) But I was really really really disappointed in Maritza for doing that to me. I felt like I got played by a good friend. We bonded over my 3 hair sessions with her that amounted to like 10 hours total, so why would she play me like that right? I don't know. I still love the way she works with my hair so 3 stars is still deserved. I'm just disappointed...and everyone knows being disappointed hurts more than being mad.
oh, and I had a hair consultation 2 days before my colouring appt. She never showed up. She "forgot". But she still charged me full AND extra price for colouring my hair. Hm. Even after a couple referrals. I don't know. I want to go back....but I just don't know if I can pull myself to do it.
LONG update, I am sorry for writing a novel. Take it to heart though.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2007
my mother used to go to lisa, so continuing the tradition, i started going to lisa. although the… Read more »
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Review from Elizabeth M.
Dublin, CA
4/27/2006
After growing my stick straight hair out for 3 years or so, I did what most girls decide to do after all that waiting-- I cut it off.
My previous hairdresser wasn't too edgy; I'd bring her magazine pics and encourage "angrier!" styles, but I almost always ended up with the same cut & a barely noticable shape. When I met a stylist who worked at the 5 Color Cowboy through a friend, I made an appointment based on her great bangs a& her friends equally awesome color. I took the drive from Berkeley to San Jose with fingers crossed.
A renovated bank from San Jose's early days, 5 Color Cowboy oozes style, from the mural'd walls ala David Choe and Asian inspired furniture, work stations and potted bamboo. Being beautiful & stylish must be a pre-req. for working here, but talent is not overlooked.
Blair Carson asked what I was looking for in a cut, & took my paltry description (imagine a lot of "ums", "sorta likes" & "ya knows?" in this outline.) and gave me exactly what I had been wanting for so long!
Rarely picking up plain old shears, she razored and textured my fine, lifeless hair into an edgy cut I coveted on other girls for so long.
Despite being all the way in San Jose, I will gladly make the drive regardless from now on. Trips to more local salons have left me devestated with a butchered mop for a haircut. Blair sweetly fixes these blunders, even when there wasn't much left to work with!!
The Bumble & Bumble products they use round off the entire awesome experience, leaving me coiffed and sweetly-scented when I leave. -
Review from Kim D.
San Jose, CA
6/25/2009
So story goes...
Let's preface this with you know that you have to be faithful to your stylist. It's essential. It's like having relationships with your bartender, your drug dealer, your ice cream truck man, the tamale lady... you get the idea.
I was faithful to Vanessa, when she was at Faux. And then she left the country because she wanted to go on an amazing journey. And then that's when we broke up.
But one day, she came to my work and we were reunited. And then that lead me to 5 Color Cowboy... and oh, did it feel good.
Vanessa really knows what she is doing, I just am able to come in and sit down and it's not planned but it's more a contrived work of art. And that's fun. Your hair is your personality... kind of like that India.Arie song.
The building itself is cool, it's a landmark. The old bank touches are fun to be in, with the high ceilings and cool vaults. I wish I could throw a party here. So if you were willing to spring for it - come to 5 Color Cowboy, be ready to drop some cash and see Vanessa.
Trust me, on this one. She definitely brings the grits. -
Review from Michael W.
Manhattan, NY
1/4/2009
My cut was with Angel.
She was obviously skilled, but halfway through the cut a friend of hers, who had the appointment after mine, came walking right up to her and began chatting about the two of them getting dinner tonight. Angel should have said, "I'm with a client now, please wait." Instead, Angel talked freely with the other girl while cutting my hair. Then the girl asked what color she should dye her hair, and Angel began discussing it with her, etc., etc., all the while, snip snip snip. Then the girl went away (thank god) and returned a moment later with a big book of different hair colors, and she and Angel discussed various base colors, highlights, etc., snip snip snip. Finally, Angel was done with me, and my hair was shorter than I had wanted and lop-sided!
If you read this, Angel, don't be insulted: You have a lot of talent. But please keep it to one client at a time, even if you have to be stern with your friend. I think that's not asking too much. -
Review from jill p.
Wallingford, PA
3/17/2007
I am very attached to my hair and very scared to have new stylists cut it - but BLAIR CARSON - did not fail me and I walked out of the salon thinking, "this is pretty cute" rather than the usual "OMG I hate my hair cut and I am not going to get it cut for another year until it grows out."
Blair was patient, responsive, and performed a great cut. First, she cut my hair while it was wet, then she flat-ironed it so that she could more effectively snip and trim into an edgy-yet-classic long mane. She took off the damaged ends without sacrificing length and she was fun while she did it. Blair cut my hair a little more blunt and less razored edgy than I have had it in the past, which looks nice, but I was not used to it - she was so accommodating that she genuinely offered for me to come in any time for a quick razor if I felt it wasn't enough edge.
The reason I am giving 4 stars rather than 5 is because my appointment was at 12:30 on a Saturday and I did not leave until 3:00PM, which is a really long time to spend for a hair cut on the first beautiful weekend of spring. The salon called me around noon to tell me she was running late, so I arrived at 1PM. I think that the salon is ultra-busy on Saturdays so I recommend going during the weekday if you can swing it. It was also a bit toasty in there and they could benefit from some air conditioning.
All in all, I'll be back to Blair. -
Review from squishy bearcat a.
San Mateo, CA
4/27/2008
The worst haircut I've ever had. And not only was it terrible, but it cost me $50 to boot.
As an Asian male with straight, stiff, black hair, I requested their best stylist as I continue to search for a salon that can add style and substance with character and competence.
After reading Yelp reviews, I took the risk, made an appointment and was sorely disappointed. My stylist (I can't recall her name) did not know how to use clippers to sculpt my hair, and she spent the good part of an hour picking at it with her scissors. The end result was too much hair cut, and I looked like a fuzzy egg. Not exactly an haute couture look, much less a professional and respectable image at the office.
Ashamed and embarrassed by my poor excuse for a haircut, I went to another Salon in Milpitas for a 'rescue cut'. Granted, it looked much better after spending another $35 on it, but Color Cowboy had done just too much damage (and cut too much hair) to achieve a full recovery.
I'm still on the quest and am worried that it's an impossible one. Does anybody in the Bay Area know how to cut straight black Asian hair for men? -
Review from Melissa T.
Livermore, CA
Updated - 8/31/2008
I went to 5 Color Cowboy for a year and a half, religiously. While I think the girl I saw is super sweet and her cuts are usually good... I do have to knock a couple stars off and point out some consistently less-than-fab points:
1) I'm tall. The chairs are high. The stylist I saw is short and usually wears flats... This means any color/highlighting that is being done requires me to crane my neck back in a very uncomfortable position for 30 minutes or so. This is more a knock on the salon's choice in furniture than the stylist... but it's still my least favorite part of every appointment.
2) Sloppy color around the hairline. Most visits result in pretty large permanent brown spots on my temples/forehead/ears/neck that take weeks to wash off :-/ She does use this remover stuff to try to scrub it out in the shampoo bowl but it never totally does the trick, and the scrubbing gives a bit of forehead rug burn action. The only time I've had a totally clean color job here was when another stylist stepped in to help her out (and did my color)
3) Cancellations/tardiness are a regular happening... and every appointment is super long, since she doesn't have an assistant and is usually running behind schedule.
4) Lack of change. She did different versions of the same 'do, every time, despite repeated requests to switch it up. It got a little old.. and the latest twist on the layers was a bit too short for my liking.
All in all, I still think this salon is better than most and I like my (former) stylist pretty well... but I'm not feeling super satisfied for the money spent, so I'll be shopping other salons.Listed in: maintaining the sexy
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/8/2007
It has been years since I got a haircut that didn't make me feel ripped off or blah about, on my… Read more »
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Review from Cindy P.
San Jose, CA
5/23/2008
Yep, one star, and only because the design of the salon is really chill.
(I even waited a few months to post this, to see if perhaps the 'trauma' would fade ha)
I went in with long hair, and was hoping to get a full-bodied mohawk. (I know, having straight fine hair makes it hard, but the stylist assured me she could pull it off)
First, she barely glanced at the reference photo I brought it. Then, she took her sweet time getting set up, after arriving late for our appointment.
Not a good impression.
So, she proceeded to snip off most of my hair, while chatting to her coworker, AND THEN decided she ought to wash my hair.
?!
Her excuse: fine hair is easier to cut when dry. Um....I'm not an expert, but wouldn't it be wise to get my product out, so you can see the ACTUAL length you're cutting away?!
Anyway, to make a long story short; I left with a tiny tuft of hair running down the back of my head, ending in a rat tail. Yes, I kid you not...an actual flashback-to-the-nineties-freakin rat tail.
She even tried to 'spike' it up, but used hair wax, instead of hair glue.
I went home, gave myself a chelsea, and have now grown it out to a proper 'hawk which I've styled myself.
This place is far too focused on 'trendy' instead of quality work, and way overprice for what they do. -
Review from Jennifer H.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2009
I love this place. I've had Thanh cut my hair a few times and she's just wonderful! Very attentive and does your do exactly the way you asked her to do it. She analyzes your hair and asks a lot of questions about it. That's good! She really takes her time to give you the perfect cut, and she's friendly and chatty. I'd go back to her!
I also had Rhoda the last time I went since Thanh was busy the day I made my return back to my hometown. Ha. I was a little scared, but I read great reviews on Rhoda! Rhoda did a fabulous job with my a-line cut. I love it, and she layered my thick hair just perfectly! She's easy to talk to and is quite attentive too. She suggested I go shorter and I was scared to . . . but now that I think about it, I should have followed her advice. Shorter would have been nice too! Next time!
I love 5 Color Cowboy so much that I haven't really found another stylist since I moved up to San Francisco almost 9 months ago! -
Review from Nicole M.
5/15/2008
Before I started coming here, I had a stylist from Regis for 4 years. I trusted no one else with my head.
.... things have changed.
Thanh owns my head. No, no. Really. I may walk around with it, but she decides what it looks like. Let me tell you.... I get compliments on a regular basis and I've handed out all the business cards I stole from her. hehe. (Sorry, Thanh). All kidding aside - she's equally as skilled with men and women. Color seems to be her specialty though.
I suppose my only critique would be the long (aka: thorough), luxurious (aka: fall asleep in the wash station) and honest (aka: wont let you leave looking like a moron) experience that she offers.
If she's busy (which happens pretty frequently), the rest of the staff is fee-nom-e-NAL! Technique, style and skill spill past you as you walk in the door. You will be taken care of. I swear it; I've never been disappointed. The proprietor works magic with his own hands and is not some fat cat collecting a check. Plus he's hilarious. ;) People leave with smiles..... I think that's 'nuff said. -
Review from Vanessa y.
San Jose, CA
2/15/2008
I went to Steve once and just can't go back because of the price vs. my time issue.
The way I see it is that any hair dresser that needs an assistant doesn't really value my time. I have had plenty of hair dressers that blow dry my own hair and wash me for the same price in about an hour's less time.
I feel like I spent a lot of down time here.
In the end Steve gave me a great cut, a nice color but was just too overpriced. If you are patient you can find just as good of a do for a better price and less the time.
Time is valuable to me, I work hard!
On one last note, Steve also does real estate and that came in handy more so then his expensive hair skills. -
Review from noelle y.
San Mateo, CA
10/26/2008
Short hair, long hair, highlights, color, bangs. Thanks to Steve for giving me pretty hair for the past 4 years (has it been that long?).
Thanks to Johnny for my husband's faux-hawk and for introducing him to Cool Grease. I don't think he could live without it.
I was a B&B addict, but haven't touched my thickening spray in months. Thanks for bringing us Shu Uemura hair products, they are simply the best! One of the few salons in the US that carries Shu. My favorites are the white tea polishing milk (for blowdrying) and the irondesign thermal protective spray (for flatironing or blowdrying). Also, couldn't live without B&B's Brilliantine. Thanks for the great products and beautiful hair!
