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American Male Salon
Rating Details »
Categories: Barbers, Hair Salons, Skin Care
560 Showers DrMountain View, CA 94040
(650) 941-9994
After Thanksgiving Special
Purchase an American Male Gift Certificate for all the guys in your life. Mention "Yelpme" and you'll receive a 10% discount. Call now!
Announced 3 days ago- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
31 reviews for American Male Salon
I have to say this place is amazing and well deserved as my 100th review.
I frequent this place every 6 weeks and I go to Lynn for my haircut and Sharee for wax. Prices are reasonable for the haircut, well worth it. The waxing prices are actually really good compared to other places in the bay area and Sharee goes a great job. She is also entertaining which reduces the overall pain.
The place is nice despite being located in a strip mall. I moved 40 miles away to Alameda, yet I still make the trek out here every six weeks because I feel it is worth it.
I highly recommend this place. I tried deviating from Sharee once and it was so not worth it. Value for money, and customer service, and entertainment is great. They make you feel right at home.
Loses one star for the following:
A) Male only, weird concept which I have never understood. I personally think it limits the services you are able to get ie. facials, etc.
B) Location: strip mall probably not the most ideal place. Could have been some where more quaint.
Otherwise, great place. And have always been happy with results. Haircut and wax runs a little in the $120+ range with tip, reasonable.
I moved to the area this past summer and have been in search of a good haircut. Tried a few local barber shops and although I didn't technically get scalped - it was pretty close. American Male Salon to the rescue! Great customer service, convenient location, a TV with CNBC (was a weekday afternoon - no games taking place) decent music playing, good magazines and most importantly - someone that really knows how to cut hair. Susan cut my hair and did a really, really nice job - knows how to use the scissors as well as the clippers - hallelujah! They also use good "product" - American Crew among others. Left feeling good about a haircut for the first time since I have lived here. More expensive than the local corner barber shop but you definitely get what you pay for. Will definitely be going back.
I can be obsessive about my hair, but at the same time, I don't like paying a bundle at a high-end salon. This place works as a nice balance for me. The haircuts are typically good; not always perfect, but usually quite decent.
The staff is always nice. The receptionists complement my haircut afterwards, which I guess goes with their territory and thus may not be substantial, but it's always nice to have my vanity stoked.
I've gone here a few times, and as with most haircut places, I feel like the best reviews are given after trying them more than once.
I used to go here out of convenience of location and friendliness of the staff. After I moved, I kept going since my haircuts had been pretty solid. They beat cheap-o places like Supercuts since they actually took the time to do stuff like washing and layering. But they're not as expensive as some of the crazy indie salons. Had I reviewed this place previously, I would have given them 4 stars since my haircuts had been good. After last time, though...they're getting 2 stars from me.
I always used a different barber (or stylist...? whatever) since I really didn't care that much and I like variety. So yeah, punish me for that last time...The woman I got last time was pretty bad. I asked her to shorten the sides and leave the rest somewhat long. Well she did about the opposite...brilliant idea for guys. I asked her to do some layering, which resulted in her just using the razor throughout. Uh, what? She then recommended this putty stuff that wound up being useless -- it's basically like trying to rub candlewax in your hair.
So in the future I don't know what to do. I'd rather not go to Supercuts and get a buzz cut. But then I'd rather not spend $80 at an indie salon. (If you read this and have any recommendations, please message me!)
I've decided to downgrade my review of American Male Salon. What a difference a few months makes. My latest experience was horrible.
I had a scheduled weekend appointment with a stylist - who I will not name for the sake of this review update. I was called and was asked to reschedule the appointment. I obliged and showed up on the new date. Unfortunately, the stylist didn't show. It was chalked up to the receptionist not informing the stylist of the change. OK, no problem. I was asked to come in the following day. OK, no problem.
I showed up again, on time, but guess what? No stylist. Apologies were extended, a discount offered if I come back, I said OK. I even received a call from the owner later that day. I thought things would be fine.
I showed up the next day, got my haircut from a different stylist, and guess what? I saw the stylist who 'ditched me' working on another customer. No explanation about why she didn't show up to the two other appointments, no apology, no nothing. Ugh!
I go to pay for my haircut, then I realize after I left I didn't even receive the offered discount! Well, sad to say, they need to get their act together here.
Never again.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/13/2008
I have been to a salon twice before I got married. The salon was Atelier Aveda on Santana Row. Aveda… Read more »
When my husband went in for his services, he was very pleased. He enjoyed the overall feel of the salon and got a great hand and foot detailing. If we lived closer, I'm sure this would become "his salon!"
All in all I'd say that this turned into an extremely pleasant experience!
__________________________________________________ ______
When I called this place to schedule a group of guys for hand/foot detailing, the receptionist was so incompetent that I never would have gone.
HOWEVER...Just a few weeks after I posted my irritated review, I received a kind email from the business owner asking for details on my experience and also offering some free services to my hubby to compensate for my bad experience.
My opinion was treated both professionally and respectfully, and I also learned that they have recently hired some new staff to man the front . :) Just based on that, I'm giving four stars. My husband is planning to go in soon for the services offered, so I'll make sure to have him add that in for an accurate review. :)
Ding ding. Next stop: Metrosexual Station.
This place is tooo funny. It's a concept: a MANSALON. Sure there was a twelve year old boy with his face wrapped in a towel, and some sort of beauty gloves on. And sure, they mention Redken products more often than Padma mentions Glad containers on Top Chef. But in case you couldn't tell from the name, it's not poofy ... it's manly. They have golf clubs on the wall and football on the TV to remind you. They do "hand detailing" - not manicures. What's wrong with MANicures I ask? The hairdressers all look like someone's mom, which is fine and comforting for the MAN clientele.
They squeezed me in on short notice for an express cut, which took about 45mins. Yessica did a great job actually. Best non-SF haircut I've had. It's about the price I paid in SF too ($42 + tip).
Despite trying a bit too hard to make tough guys feel OK about getting a facial toner treatment, I'd say it seems like a decent place. Most importantly, the cut was good.
I can ALWAYS appreciate a place that has great customer service.
After submitting my bad experience of my eyebrow waxing, I was contacted by both the lady who waxed my brows and the manager of the salon. They both apologized for my bad experience there and even offered me a refund. When all is said and done, my burns will slowly go away, and American Male Salon will be a place I would consider going again, just because the people who work there are so customer service oriented.
I've worked in the customer service ever since I was 15 years old, and the level of service they provided me after the ordeal was something that I really appreciate and respect.
So, I'll up my review!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/23/2009
I really wanted to like this place - who wouldn't enjoy getting relaxing massages, a free drink,… Read more »
So, went here yesterday for a haircut...looking for something above and beyond based on the fairly high prices ($42) for a quick cut and ($50) for full service.
Overall, I got a nice cut...all scissors...very courteous service...can't complain too much.
But I just didn't love the atmosphere (very ron burgandy if you will) and didn't feel it was worth $40 - $50 price tag. Nice, but not above and beyond.
I prefer something a little edgier with a more vibrant atmosphere and cutting edge stylists if i'm going to pay that price.
Would give them 3.5 stars...
I've been coming here for around a year. I usually get the express cut. This place is a great salon. Nice interior, comfortable setting. Free drinks and snacks available.
It's hard to find a male salon so I'm lucky to live so close to this place. Be warned, not all of their stylists are good. Ask for Linda
I've been getting my hair cut here for almost two years. I see the same stylist every time (Yessica), so I don't know about any of the others, but I've liked every single haircut.
Oh, and the leather recliners and wide-screen TV are nice too :-).
I had a haircut at American Male back in the Fall of '05. I had been having a hard time finding a place for a good haircut at a reasonable price. I moved back to the Bay Area after being in the DC area for over a decade and I was used to paying about $35
for a good cut that grew out very nicely. When I started looking around Palo Alto, Menlo Park, etc, I was shocked by the costs (some places starting around $80 and without a happy ending!!) even for a men's cut. There are some cheap shops around that do $15 cuts, but those really don't hold up well after just a couple of weeks.
I hadn't been to a salon that provided the extras like the wax hand dip, the mini-facial. Those were nice extras, but not necessary and they drove up the cost of the visit.
American Male caters to men, including their decor. I liked the
big screen TV, but I think that it shouldn't be just for viewing while sitting in the waiting area. It would be cool to be able to watch while sitting in the cutting chair.
Also, the salon really didn't feel that masculine. It seemed a lot like any other salon, expecially its layout, with a TV and some athletic decorations/sports equipment thrown on the wall.
Overall though, it was a good experience, and I'll likely go back. However, at about $50 I think it's still a little pricey for a guy.
I got a gift certificate for this place a few years ago from my coworkers for my birthday, so I checked it out. The concept is great, but the value is just okay.
The target audience for this place is the guy who envelopes himself in his work and forgets to take care of himself. With the emergence of the "metrosexual", this industry has had to raise the level of their game. American Male, unfortunately, has not made the adjustment quite yet.
Their hook for the "American Male" was to name their services with the male ego in mind. It's not a "manicure", but rather a "hand detailing" (like detailing your car). It's not "coloring" you hair, but rather "camouflaging" it. They decorate the wall with sports equipment and even have a picture on their web page of a sexy Jessica Simpson type girl in a denim jacket cutting the hair of a would-be "American Male". I'm not sure if this is still the practice, but when I came in the guy at the front desk asked if he could get me a beer.....AND DID! And when I got a pedicure, the chair was a leather recliner that had a receptacle for my beer and the the remote since it was facing a TV.
This idea is really fantastic, but for the male experienced with self care, the services are sub par.
I used to go to this place regularly, but haircuts there are so expensive! They do a decent job, but I recently tried out Imagine Hair Salon and they do the same job, if not better for more than half the price! The hand waxing service they have is nice though.
I've been going to American Male for about a year and a half. I like the experience, and the Quality Grooming Experience is great as a lunchtime break or an after work treat. $49 and one hour gets you a haircut, paraffin hand dip, mini facial, and scalp massage...all good stuff. They start out with the paraffin hand dip and afterwords cover your hands in cotton mitts. Then they wash your hair, rub some oil on your face and put a hot towel on top, and then massage your scalp. After a few minutes, the towel comes off, a little toner is sprayed, and the mitts are removed. You get your haircut, then back for a wash and styling.
There are times, however, that I wish they offered a haircut only option for a little less - my hair grows out pretty fast, and spending $59 (including the tip) every 3 weeks quickly adds up.
But I keep coming back because they get the job done. I like the end result way better than the Great Clips / random cheap place I used to go to, as well as the occasional $30+ salon visit. Pretty much haircut I've had here has been good and I've never been like "WTF?", and I've been to four of the stylists. Sharee is my favorite...overall she's been the nicest, done the best cuts, and is great to converse with (you're gonna be there for an hour every 3-4 weeks, so you gotta be sure you're gonna get along with who you pick). I've found that the other stylists do a good job as well, but were kinda quiet and not very fun to talk to. I guess this is a personal thing, so it might be a good idea to try the different stylists your first few times here.
I also purchased the hand detailing once. Since this was my first and only manicure I've ever done, I don't have much to compare it to. It was nice though, and I'd recommend it.
The decor is pretty nice. The only time I ever watch the TVs is when I'm waiting (which is rare, they are very good about keeping appointments), or when getting the hand detailing. For some reason there are tennis rackets and skis hanging on the walls, which is really awkward and seems kinda out of a place with the rest of the styling. Its like they made a nice, modern, clean looking studio and decided to slap some sports equipment on the walls.
They offer you a drink when you get there, and they have some mixed nuts and Hershey's kisses around the place. Also, they have a pretty good selection of magazines around that look up to date, but like I said I'm usually not waiting. Good for your girlfriend if she comes with...
Also, they keep pretty good track of what you had done in your previous visits and have the printouts ready when you arrive so they can stay consistent. A nice touch.
Overall they've been good. Minus one star for the occasional awkward conversation I've had with the other stylists and for the price/options.
The ultimate haircut indulgence - you start off with dipping your hands in paraffin wax, which is good for your hands and cuticles. I'd have believed anything they said, though - it felt great.
Then you have your hair washed and receive a full on head and face massage. I'd be lying if I said I'd never come close to falling asleep on more than one occasion, particularly when I go after work.
FInally, the haircut - which is ironically the last exciting part of the experience yet is the impetus for going to the salon in the first place! The haircuts I've gotten there have all been well done, although I'm not especially picky when it comes to my style.
The price tag is admittedly high but I'll glad shell out the money once per month when you consider all the other elements of the experience. But if a haircut is all you want, I'd recommend heading to your local SuperCuts.
In response to my negative review I was contacted and offered a refund. This place obviously sticks up for their reputation and cares for their customers. I cannot go back to this salon since I don't live in the vicinity anymore, but would certainly reconsider going back if I did.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/6/2008
I get the whole idea of what they are trying to do there. But I think that the location and skill of… Read more »
Just arrived in the area and went to this place as it caters to men and is close to me. I had phoned up an hour before my appointment but when I turned up was made to wait 30 minutes. It was my lunch break and I had asked specifically that I would be out by 12:30. Not a great first impression. Surely the other staff could have covered for thier colleague who was running late and started washing my hair. They did do the hand treatment thing (which is a nice gimmick) for her but how hard is it to show somebody how to wash hair and give a head massage... its better than leaving a customer waiting watching the clock.
The haircut was good, but agree with a few of the other reviews that it doesnt match the price tag. Although they do offer a tidy up for free later on so will wait and see whether that tidy up doubles the life of my haircut. Stay tuned for the follow up in a month or so.
Went here a few times after having just moved in to the area. The nice part about it was that they do pamper you a bit by giving your hands a nice wax bath and a nice facial massage. The staff is also nice and helpful.
However the haircut was nothing special at all. It was ok, but at around $50 I had expected something out of the ordinary.
So I've got nothing really bad to say about this place other than that they charge way too much. But if you've got the money to spend this is an ok place. Just don't expect greatness.
Myself I went somewhere else as soon as I took the time to look around.
This was my first visit to this salon and I've enjoyed the experience. I always wanted to try this place out since I work close by. The service I had was the hand and foot detailing. The person that I enjoyed talking to is Rae. She made me feel comfortable and did a fantastic job on my hands and feet. I would definitely go back and ask for her again. I'm glad there are places like this for guys.
A far cry from what is offered at the bargain places (i.e. Supercuts) in the form of a "male salon." I frequent AMS every 5-6 weeks and normally go to Sheree for the haircut, hand wax and facial. She is very talented and is a joy to be around. If youre willing to shell out a few extra dollars for a good haircut and a relaxing experience, this is definitely the place to go.
American Male is great for hair cuts. my partner and i have been going to American Male for years now and plan to stay for years to come. its the best place in the area. everyone is nice and its a clean and fun place to get your hair cut!
Great concept - terrible execution.
I couldn't get in to my normal place, so I thought I would give it a shot.
Clearly AM is outfitted by second hand IKEA furniture, and nothing could be cooler than a 20 something inch CRT.
I heard everyone talking about the hand wax dip but of course the heater wasnt working the day I was there and apparently no one realized that Target and Walmart are next door to get a temporary replacement.
As for the haircut, well I think even Supercuts would be superior!
Hubby went here after I had read the reviews and suggested he try it. We weren't stunned by his haircut, but on the flip side that's probably a good thing. The stylists are friendly and the salon is open with lots of light from the outside. The big screen TV and lounge chairs are great for all, even the gals waiting for their guys! They also offer soft drinks, coffee, and snack mix from a jar.
I just moved here and wanted to see where I can go to for haircut,since I've been going to someone great for 8 years.The experience was good,I spent $49 without tip for their basic haircut,head massage and they put stuff on your face and hand.Very different but can see they try to pamper.You can spend more for body massage,etc.It is good to have a place just for guys.
I used to get expensive ~$100 haircuts and was looking for an alternative that didn't cost as much as a month of DirecTV service. I did the $50 full service haircut with the face wrap and thing where you dip your hands in wax. (I didn't need that, but, uh, OK. ;-) The haircut was very good. The stylist actually took notes on what I wanted and how she did it so they'd know the next time. The cut wasn't the edgiest or most detailed I've had, but it looked good longer than the expensive haircuts I got. The best part was that the price included a free "touch up" which amounts to a second haircut without the extras. I scheduled mine a full month later. And won't be going back for another month. With the touch up, I'd say the price of their haircut is about $25 which is a great deal.
Excellent. Had the sports package -- 125$ for an hour massage and haircut with all the extras others mentioned as well. The message was very professional and expertly done.
I got my first haircut at AM last saturday, it was my first time at a salon. I decided to try out a salon since I had longer hair this time around and was in need for a good trim on the edges plus I was hoping to get some advise on how to style my new medium length hair. My stylist was Raehan, she was nice and friendly. I didnt want to make her job hard so I was very detailed of what I wanted. I was clear that I wanted to shorten my bangs, trim the back and keep the length of my sides since I am growing them out so that they would cover my ears. I asked her to thin out the top since it was pretty thick. She did a good job with the back she cut it the perfect length but once I got home and examined my front and sides more I felt as though she could have cut more in the front and was disappointed on how much she cut off on the sides. I think in the process of thinning things out she unfortunately affected the lengths of my sides. I'm not sure if she could have avoided this but it would have been nice to know how much she was going to cut on the sides since I was clear that I wanted to grow them out. Overall while I was at the salon I enjoyed myself, I was welcomed w/ a drink, didn't have to wait too long past my scheduled appointment and was treated very nice by my stylist.
I found American Male Salon searching online for a new place and have been there a couple of times now. I have my hair cut, back and brow waxed. Plan on trying the massages sometime soon. Very nice place & people (speak English and listen) I get the cut I want and I can get the other things done there and not feel real weird like going to a beauty parlor with women smirking as I walk to the back room. My girlfreind likes how I look and FEEL so hey...nuf said.
This place is a glorified supercuts...save your money. service was poor. They do not know how to treat customers. If you have been to a real salon you will be sorely disappointed if you patronize...Go elsewhere.
