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Azure Salon
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
4315 Piedmont Ave(between Gleneden Ave & John St)
Oakland, CA 94611
Neighborhoods: Piedmont Ave, North Oakland
(510) 601-6600
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 8 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$35 for $50 Certificate
Eva L. said: "This is how much I love Cameron, I literally just left the salon and now I am writing a review. My hair had lost its shape. After many hours of self…" read more »
35 reviews for Azure Salon
35 reviews in English
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Review from doms k.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
Cindy is great. I travel from SF to see her and am always super happy with her results.
I'd been looking for a stylist who knew how to give funky short haircuts and Cindy is perfect for that! I'm a wash and go kinda person, so I need a cut that requires no maintenance and looks great on it's own and that's exactly what I get.
I've been going to Cindy for 2 years now and adore her work. -
Review from Diane G.
Berkeley, CA
11/11/2011
Clever haircut! Never thought of that adjective for my hair before, but Cindy totally pulled off some smart moves, to allow my hair to grow into a new style in a few months, while still being awesome now. Just terrific. Exactly suitable for my aesthetic, my hair type, and my home routine ("wash-n-go" as she determined in our prep interview).
Big + : awesome scalp massage and nice touch during cut. so relaxing I almost dozed off in the chair. -
Review from Malynda P.
Oakland, CA
11/13/2011
She gave me a great cut... If I had asked for a haircut and not a trim. My hair was to my mid back and when I left it was to my shoulders. She even said the last person who cut my hair did a great job and she's going to stick with the same cut. She pulled more hair from the back to thicken my bangs and because my hair is thin that didn't work. She got scissors happy and I was livid. I won't be back. I will keep going to Super cuts and getting my $15 cut from the person who has been cutting my hair for the last 7 years. oh and she told me she'd flat iron my hair afterwards lol that was a joke! she shouldn't even had said that because that flat iron was a complete joke, I could have done a better job blindfolded. I understand that's not her talent but she said shed do it, I didn't ask. so I'm not holding that against her.
I did love her private salon. not a million people with a million different loud conversations. if she just didn't get so darn scissor happy this review would totally be different. -
Review from Araya D.
Berkeley, CA
4/8/2011
I've heavily relied on Cindy to cut my hair for years now. She always knows what I want, even if I don't know what I want myself. She's intuitive and isn't afraid to cut my hair like I ask. I've had plenty of other hair stylists undercut, or conservatively cut my hair, leaving me feeling like I paid for a service I didn't want. Not with Cindy! She's not scared to do exactly what I ask for and I love that about her!
I've only had Cindy color my hair once and she did a fabulous job, however, I have a lot of friends who will only go to her for color and I'm amazed at what she does. I have no idea how she blends colors and color choices so well, but it's amazing! Every time I see her work, I'm incredibly impressed.
Azure Salon is always super clean and organized with great music playing. And Cindys scalp massages are incredible!
Lastly, I have to mention her as a person. She's simply great! She always makes me feel welcome and important; which is great because she is a one woman salon. I really enjoy the conversations we have and find myself feeling happy when I leave. -
Review from miss m.
Eugene, OR
Updated - 8/21/2011
Such Great Quality service and end result from Cindy! She is an Artist with Top of the line Color SkillZ!!! Thanks Puddin!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/13/2007
Ms. Cindy Lopez has a flair and a knack like no other.
She is hands down one of the most underrated… Read more »
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Review from Tori P.
San Diego, CA
2/24/2011
I have NEVER had a bad hair cut or color from Cindy! She is intuitive, an excellent listener to your needs, and most importantly has a great eye for creating the right style for you and your hair type.
I have been going to her since May of 2010, and she has been rehabilitating my hair from a damaging color correction (not of her doing). Before I went to her, I was ready to shave all my hair off. All my hair's natural body, texture, and color was gone. Not only was she able to take the horrifying orange tones out of my hair, but she worked with me to give me a cut that would allow us to cut off a lot of the damage with a look that grew out nicely. Almost all of the damaged hair is gone now and I went to her yesterday for a trim and to add bangs...another amazing result! I will sincerely miss her when I leave the Bay area, but plan to book her whenever I am in town! -
Review from goolie g.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2010
Ohmygod how could I have not written Cindy a review yet! Well here it goes. I have been Cindy's customer ever since she first opened for biz-nach years ago. She's always been an exceptional colorist, and has become my favorite stylist as well. In fact, I've even seen other people in the city (where I live now) and can honestly say they don't do it nearly as well as Cindy does. So, I traverse the bridge, yup she's that good.
Great cut, great color, great service, great atmosphere, great bang fer the buck. It's all here. Come and get it! -
Review from vanessa s.
Berkeley, CA
12/16/2010
Cindy does gorgeous dye jobs. Everyone's hair, even people with funky colors, still looks healthy when she's done with it. I'm low maintenance, and broke, so I don't get my hair professionally dyed but if I did it would be with her. I get my hair cut from her though, and love the way she cuts to flatter the way my hair naturally falls. A nice razor cut layered look that grows at well. I took my mom out to Azure to get her hair cut while she was out here visiting from New York, and sort of ruined her opinion of her stylist back home, because he just can't do what Cindy does.
If you're like me and can't afford to get your haircut more than once every 3 months, then go to someone who can cut it so it continues to look good while it grows out. It's worth it. -
Review from Anika P.
Oakland, CA
6/2/2011
Azure Salon, my 1st visit was today. I love my new haircut. Cindy has great talent and amazing skills as a hair stylist! Cindy is very hip person with great taste, so no matter what kind of a hair you have she will give you a great new fresh look. In addition, she does a lovely job on hair color too. This is my new place for my hair. I am so happy. I truly recommend this place to you ladies!
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Review from Barry E.
Berkeley, CA
11/14/2006
OK folks, Cindy Lopez, formerly of Blow, now on her own at a cozy little spot on Piedmont in Oakland, is hands-down the best hairstylist I have ever had...ever! She knows exactly how to do my hair so that it almost does itself for weeks after I've left her salon.
I just got back from another great Cindy cut, and what I realized as I was sitting in her chair today was that, when she cuts my hair, I actually end up getting two haircuts: first the "fresh-cut" look, which lasts for a few weeks, and gets me compliments from one group of people, and second the more "indie-rock" look, which lasts for the last few weeks before I go see her again--and gets me compliments from another group of people. Plus, need I mention the amazing scalp massages she gives? I feel like I'm melting...
Bottom line: Cindy is the best! Go see her! -
Review from Sarah Hope W.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2010
Cindy is the best!
I've been going to Azure Salon for over four years, and loved every cut and color Cindy has given me. From sleek and chic to punk rock prom queen, Cindy can do anything with a pair of scissors! Every time I go to Azure I spend the next several weeks bashfully blushing at the endless abundance of compliments I get on my new 'do.
Extra points for the stellar Piedmont location, which makes it easy to turn a trip to the salon into a an afternoon of self-pampering, with Piedmont Spa and La Farine Boulangerie Patisserie just down the street! -
Review from Beth K.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2007
Cindy Lopez is the most awesomest stylist in the world!
Like the other reviewers have said, she really listens to what you want, and doesn't pull punches. With other stylists, I'll end up with a really conservative 'do cuz they don't listen and don't seem to want to take the chance... even when I've been really blunt about wanting something crazy. Not miss Cindy (a.k.a. Puddin)! She'll figure out what you want, talk about how that will work with your hair type, current coloring, how processes-damaged it is (yeah, I was a self-bleach-fiend for awhile), and execute the plan of action with flair! And it's so true - her haircuts are done so well that I look great when *I* have to style it, not just when I walk out of the salon!
I like to change styles a lot and the latest style I've been blessed with has garnered sooo many compliments, that at this point I can't bear to part with it... at least for a few more months :) -
Review from Anna G.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2007
If I ever move away from the Bay Area, it will be extremely difficult to find a stylist who makes me as happy as Cindy Lopez. From the beginning, when I first went to her at Blow Salon, she's been a wonderful stylist to work with. She gets to know you and evolves her techniques as you keep going to see her in order to make your hair look better and better, which I really respect. She's professional, hard-working, passionate, innovative, and really fun to be around. Ultimately, her work on my hair has been a defining element in the evolution of my personal style. I know, crazy, right?
Also, on another note - she opened Azure Salon on her own after much hard work, and even taught a class about opening your own business at Rock Paper Scissors in Oakland. What a giver! -
Review from Thomas P.
Santa Barbara, CA
9/21/2006
Cindy from 'Blow Salon' has started her own business and I'm following her. She is one of the few people who has ever given me a great haircut that lasts! Most of the time my haircut looks good when i walk out the door with product in my hair but come the next day when I refuse to use product it looks quite boring. Then, as my hair grows incredibly fast, it quickly deteriorates and looks horrible forcing me to get another haircut.
Cindy, on the other hand, gave me a haircut that has lasted far longer than normal. Her new location is very nice, I recommend parking on the residential street parallel to Piedmont. -
Review from Scooter G.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2007
As a 45 year old woman I was looking for someone to give me a hair cut that exhibits my vibe for life and my attitude ---spicy, sharp, acheiver....
Cindy's talent with multiple colors and her hair cutting techniques I end up receiving tons of compliments on my hair.
Luv Cindy's eye for color and texture she is what a hair dresser is all about...
Thanks Cindy for making me look 10 years off younger. -
Review from Stephanie T.
Oakland, CA
12/20/2008
Cindy is a master of the color & cut.
I constantly get comments on my color, even when it a little faded people are still fascinated by the fact that my color looks great for so long.
WHat I really love is that she is HONEST about my hair and what style/cut suits me. She is not about just taking my cash and cutting my hair b/c I found a cute pic in a magazine. Many times I bring in my pics and I am told that my hair is not suitable for that cut, or that the cut will not flatter my face. Im so happy she talks me out of styles that would most likely make me cry when I got home. Trust me my last stylist never gave input on the hair cut, she just cut away to match the pic. I would go home and cry.
Cindy also practices random acts of color. She is always happy to indulge in my color fantasies and even though my hair probably shouldn't have any more color done to it. She waves her magic coloring wand and I have my multi colored pheasant hair and my hair is actually healthy. My hair is healthier than it has been in a long time. I eat a crap diet so it has to be the coloring agent she uses and the good quality products she carries in the salon.
Im sure she hates that I take 20 or so min to teeter back and forth on what color I actually want. But she is patient, and creates a perfect look for me.
Overall good magazine selection, she is very attentive to my hair needs, listens to my drama and gives great cuts and kick ass color.
If you want rock star hair then this is the place for you!! -
Review from Julian S.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2010
Cindy has been cutting my head for a couple years now. She is the only one I've found who has learned to properly tame my 'Jew Fro'. Great as a stylist, and good conversation to boot.
Also, check out her art displays. She's usually got some very interesting pieces from good local artists. -
Review from Todd W.
San Anselmo, CA
1/27/2008
Amazing Hair cuts by an amazing person...named Cindy Lopez. I have been getting my hair cut by cindy, as well as my wife and 2 kids for quite a few years now. I love her new studio location, it's in a great place and feels very cozy. My kids love her as well, feeling very comfortable as they got their first ever hair cuts from her.
From getting our hair dyed, to cuts, she does an amazing job and I would recommend her to anyone! -
Review from Valerie W.
Oakland, CA
5/4/2010
I can't comment on Cindy's skills with color and cut because I have a stylist in the City that I have relied on for over 15 years and I can't cheat on her -- so only 4 stars in total for Azure and Cindy....
BUT, I can comment on Cindy's amazing skills and great price with the "Brazilian Blowout" also known as a keratin smoothing treatment. For this she gets 5 STARS for sure!
If you have frizzy or curly hair that has been color treated and you want your hair to be straight and easy to style then the "Brazilian Blowout" from Cindy is for you. It is a great treatment for thick hair and is much less harsh than the Japanese straightening treatment.
She did a great job of explaining the process and the pros and cons of having it done.
Basically the treatment from Cindy includes a deep cleaning (she really massages your head), followed by a time intensive application of the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment, followed by 30 minutes in a shower cap, followed by a time intensive blowdry then hair ironing of little pieces at a time. You can't wash your hair, get it wet or sweat for 72 hours.
The result: this treatment has reduced my frizz factor by 95% and makes blowdrying and styling my hair myself a breeze. What used to take an hour and 15 minutes now only takes 15 minutes total and my hair is shiny and soft.
The best part about Cindy is that she takes great care to do the treatment and is a GREAT deal. I sourced this treatment at salons in the City and in the East Bay it ranges from $400 - $500. She charged just over $300 total and the result is fantastic.
BTW, her salon is super cute and cozy and she is very personable and fun to be around which is a plus since this treatment is big time commitment (3 hours). -
Review from Salsaboy S.
Oakland, CA
7/18/2008
I recently booked an appointment with Cindy when I desperately needed a haircut because the reviews here have been so positive (even though she is considerably more expensive than the person I had been going to). Despite that we had a confirmed appointment -- confirmed that afternoon for 4:30p -- when I arrived she was nowhere to be found, her salon was closed and locked, and there was a sign stating that she'd be back by 5:30p. I was confused. We had just spoken 90 minutes before. I had mentioned that my hair looked like a chia pet and needed shearing. She hadn't called before I left my home. There must be a mistake.
When I returned home, I discovered that she had left a message -- at 4:23p, which is far too late to catch me before heading over to Piedmont, park, and be on time for my appointment. There was no tone of apology in her voice -- though she did apologize -- when she admitted that she was going to pick up her car. Perhaps more offensive, however, was her (lack of) effort to make it right. "I don't have any appointments until next month."
Look, I understand that things come up. I dislike being inconvenienced as much as anyone, but life is complicated and shit like this happens. It's hard to imagine that this car-thing just came up out-of-nowhere, but I could have let that slide if she made a concerted effort to honor my business and respect my time. She did neither. To tell me that I have to wait another month after standing me up indicates she is out-of-touch. Narcissistic, perhaps? Is it all about her? She can inconvenience but can't be inconvenienced herself? This isn't the first time something's gone wrong at a business establishment. At a restaurant, for instance, usually drinks are on the house or meals are comped and a manager profusely apologizes. In some form or fashion, one is made to feel as if her patronage is important. Cindy did no such thing. No offer to fit me in; no sincere apology for what appeared to be an avoidable inconvenience. No effort or incentive for me to even attempt to see her again. So much for first impressions. At the end of the day, I felt that she really didn't give a damn about me, my time, my hair, or my business.
Even if her hair-styling is superlative, her customer service is anything but.
I continue to use the stylist near work, who is 30% cheaper and 100% reliable. -
Review from A K.
Emeryville, CA
5/24/2008
I'm actually writing a sort of response to super m, who it sounds like has a personal beef with Cindy, as much as many of the other reviews sound like they were posted by her friends, but are clearly not fake (man it would be a lot of work to fake all those profiles!).
I've had a few cuts and they were perfectly fine, but you know how it is, you have to find that stylist you click with and Cindy just wasn't the one for me. Her spot is cozy and comfortable and parking's not so horrible at that end of Piedmont ave.
nothing negative about her - she just didn't quite get what I was saying I wanted - close but no cigar. it's not for lack of skill, it's just that we didn't understand each other. I since managed to find someone I do connect with for a lower price even, or I would still be investing the time to let Cindy get to know me and my hair prefs. -
Review from Astra B.
Oakland, CA
10/15/2008
I'm not used to paying big money for haircuts, but I feel my money is well spent at Azure Salon. People are always complimenting me on my hair-cuts and color. If I have an idea, Cindy materializes it. She really knows how to frame a face. I can't wait for my touchup in a few weeks, I'm long overdue.
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Review from Kate G.
Berkeley, CA
12/30/2008
I think the reason so many of these reviews sound like they were written by Cindy's friends is... Anyone who's been to her more than once almost certainly considers her a friend. Cindy just seems to have a natural talent for connecting.
Hair-wise, versatility is really the name of Cindy's game. Yes, she rocks out the wild and crazy like nobody's business. But most of her clients *don't* look like anime characters - they range from conservative to sophisticated to celeb trend bandwagoneers to just plain stylish. She has a zillion tricks for making hair behave, and has used every single one of them to tame my thick semi-curly mop on its way from above my ears to below my shoulders.
In five years I've been "stood up" once, but the experience was just the opposite of Salsaboy's... Cindy e-mailed a couple days later saying she'd had a personal emergency and had been stuck without access to her schedule, so she couldn't contact those of us who had appointments. She worked like crazy to fit everyone in, including mornings and Sundays, and everyone affected got their service for free. Oh, and once she canceled my appointment on short notice because she was half dead with the flu. Not much you can do with that kind of situation in a sole proprietor business.
I do wish it was less expensive, and getting to Azure is kind of an annoying hike across town for me. But really... I have a stylist who remembers my long-range hair goals, is genuinely interested in feedback on previous cuts, and can make my hair not look like a mushroom, all while respecting the fact that I'm just never going to blow dry. It really doesn't get better than that. -
Review from Elizabeth S.
Berkeley, CA
8/11/2008
The best hair styling I've ever had. Cindy has an eye for color and texture, and turns hair cutting into an art form. When I was dressing more conservatively, she gave me great, cute, low maintenance hairstyles that grew out well. She never tried to impose a style on me, but was so willing to manifest what I was looking for. When I decided to kick it up a notch (the profile picture should be informative here), she was really excited to work with me on creating a new look. When she asked me what I wanted, all I could say was, "I want bright red in it. And I don't care how it's cut, but I want it to look hot!" It was her idea to make two asymmetrical streaks on each side of my head and give me a short, well textured-do that was so fun no matter how it was styled. It was a wonderful mindmeld between cutter and client. She seemed to know where I was coming in my life and was so assured in her helping role of creating the new, improved moi. So yes folks, I had an emotional haircut. I got a little misty eyed when she was done. We hugged after. It was a beautiful thing, I tell you! I've gotten tons of compliments on my new look, from both my fashion-forward and conservative friends.
I'm quite surprised to read the reviews criticizing her customer service. Yes she is very busy and often booked up, but I've found her to be accommodating to a fault. She maintains a waiting list, and always manages to squeeze me in earlier than expected. When we were going to have a particularly lengthy session involving bleaching and dying, she arranged to come in an HOUR before she normally opens to make sure she had enough time to take care of me. She's stayed late before too, making sure to finish the job thoroughly. And when one time we had a scheduling mixup for reasons unclear and I showed up and she didn't, she apologized and gave me a nice break on the price when we rescheduled.
The decor is lovely, with cool artwork and pretty purple walls. She gives such fabulous head massages while she shampoos, you'll never want to pull your head off the sink. She's also very warm and open, fun to chat with, full of interesting stories, and clearly makes an effort to get to know her customers. In short, Cindy is a fabulous stylist totally dedicated to her craft, and worth every penny. -
Review from Michie D.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2007
I went to Cindy for almost 3 years when she was at Blow Salon and had no problem following her to Azure Salon, which is her own private hair studio. She's a highly talented colorist and always cuts my hair to perfection. I love the way my hair grows out now, too. Plus she's unpretentious, friendly and doesn't overcharge for her services. Highly recommended!
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Review from Mindy R.
Oakland, CA
1/18/2008
Cindy is PRO! Great cut, in and out in under an hour, and very friendly!
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Review from jenny m.
Berkeley, CA
6/14/2010
I can't say enough about Cindy and her salon on Piedmont! She took me from a drab, dried out blondish look to a fantastic new me with a ton of bangs and dark espresso hair! I feel like a rockstar whenever I leave. Her place is comfortable and she really loves what she does and is very good at it. I moved from another city where I liked my hairstylist and am so happy to have found Cindy here! Whenever I leave the salon, for the next week I get compliments from my friends and from strangers about my appearance and especially my hair! It's great... my favorite quote from a friend of mine:
"Who needs http://match.com when you've got a great hairdresser!"
and indeed it's the truth! Thanks Cindy for making me look and feel fabulous!
Also, I'm very particular about my haircuts and color. I want it to look natural even if I get it colored and I like a good old-fashioned haircut without razors and the like. She is able to deliver all of this. The sheer mark of a great stylist... pun intended. ;) -
Review from Tyler F.
Emeryville, CA
1/21/2007
After reading all the positive reviews on Yelp, I decided to give Azure a shot. Cindy's salon on Piedmont is nice and sunny. Good music flowed from her MacBook Pro. Most important, she gave me a great haircut for a reasonable price. One that looked great then and still looks great now.
If you're searching for a new hairstylist, Cindy at Azure Salon is it. -
Review from Leslie C.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2008
I love Cindy for my hair (I promise Super M. - this isn't fake). I think that it's important to find someone whose sense of style clicks with yours and for me, Cindy does it.
My hair is currently tri-color pink, purple, with a bit of black, and cindy does an excellent job of giving me vibrant kickass color, a cute haircut, and knowing what i want when i give her a vague "do some things here and some other stuff there." My hair turns out a great color and in a punkish type cut that's easy for even my geek self to style.
I do have to agree that parking in Piedmont does sort of suck - I usually wind up parking a few blocks away on the weekends, but that's Piedmont. -
Review from matt h.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2010
Cindy is the best. She'll give you the cut you want, or more importantly, have creative ideas when you lack them. I keep going back, need I say more?
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Review from Sheli M.
Oakland, CA
3/9/2010 1 photo
My hair was growing out from a previous dye job and had split ends upon split ends due to not getting a haircut in over a year when I went to Azure.
I discussed my plan for my hair via e-mail with Cindy and was very excited to know she would be willing to take on the task. I wanted a hidden rainbow in my hair that would hide in between layers of my natural dark hair. I didn't know if this was actually possible or if it was going to look nice but I was very excited to go ahead with it.
Cindy discussed what she was doing throughout the process and was honest about "risks" that may happen to the hair color (the colors bleeding together, fading).
The final result is AMAZING, none of the colors bled together!! Cindy did an awesome job and she has great attention to detail. Depending on how I style my hair determines how much color shows. I can have it completely black and natural when my hair is down or super bright and amazing when it's up. It's been a few weeks now and the darker colors are starting to lighten up and POP! In the sun, it is absolutely beautiful!! I swear I must look crazy checking out my hair all the time, but I still can't believe how perfect it came out. The dye job was the star of the show, but my hair cut is pretty amazing as well. Easy to style, and looks great without having to put too much effort into it.
The whole process took about 4 hours, but the time kind of flew by. Cindy was very friendly and funny, it felt like a friend was doing my hair. I'm excited to send her hair update pictures, she seemed just as excited as I was to see the final result!
This salon is great, especially if you are looking for unconventional color! -
Review from Kitty D.
Alameda, CA
2/16/2008
Thanks to yelpers for bringing me to Cindy. I've been meaning to write a review since I first came to Cindy last August. She is awesome! She's really sweet, friendly, and real. If she doesn't think something will work for you or if it will do more bad than good for your hair, she will let you know. Honesty is very important in a hair stylist and she's got it. She's real gentle on your hair and cares about your hair's health. I brought in a picture of some funky, rockin' layers and she nailed it, I was still getting compliments weeks after my cut! Its hard to find a confident and fearless stylist. I'm happy to say I found her and I would recommend Cindy to anyone. Just a tip for first timers, since she's super rad and all, expect to wait a few+ weeks for an appt....but trust me she's worth it!
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Review from Derek C.
Potrero Hill, San Francisco, CA
6/16/2009
I have been going to Shag in SF for the last two years and love the cuts I get from Tom. But having recently moved from the city to East Bay, I was looking for a place to get a haircut from a reputable stylist in my new neighborhood.
I checked Yelp for a few places, and the reviews on Cindy were enough to sell me. So I made an appointment and she was good enough to squeeze me in at the end of the day since I wanted one sooner rather than later.
Azure is a one-stylist operation, and Cindy is it. The salon itself is comfortable, quaint, and clean-but-funky. The haircut/styling I received was quite good, and Cindy was interesting to talk to while receiving my haircut. However, she charged me $50 for a straightforward man's haircut (wash, cut, style), which I think is ridiculous. Add tip and we're nearing $60 for a man's haircut. I'm equally peeved that she didn't state this when I was originally making my appointment over the phone, and that I didn't bother to ask in advance.
Now let me be clear on who's writing this review; I've never been to and wouldn't even consider going to SuperCuts, GreatCuts, or any of those other bargain-basement bowl-cut emporiums, so I'm not making my decisions based on the lowest-price provider. I care about how I look and want to feel confidence in the judgment and abilities of the person whom cuts my hair, and am willing to pay for that. Having said that, I know for a fact that there are many very good stylists that will offer a high-quality mens' haircut for $30 to 40. In addition, there are literally dozens of stylists along Piedmont Avenue and in Rockridge- so I'm sure the competitive environment has created incentives to offer reasonable pricing for salon services- they just don't seem to have affected Cindy. Somehow I have the feeling that, in coming here, I may have bought a Ferrari to just go to the grocery store- if you catch that analogy.
So, while I received a perfectly good cut from Cindy, found her personable and professional, and am sure she is worth it for more complicated jobs, I'm going to keep looking. -
Review from Brian G.
Oakland, CA
3/13/2009
Cindy starting cutting my hair about 3.5 years ago, and I've stuck with her since. Though I am a creature of habit, she gets kudos for giving a good haircut that grows out well (I don't look shabby), plus she was able to cut my hair while I was starting to pass a kidney stone. 3.5 years ago I had really long hair (down to my shoulder blades) and I was about to get married, so I went on citysearch (pre-yelp) and found Cindy. On my way to my appointment I started with acute flank pain. By the time I got to the salon I was occasionally vomiting due to reflex reactions from the blockage. The pain was excruciating, but intermittent. I thought I could endure the haircut, so I met Cindy and got in the chair. One she braided my hair and cut off the pony tail, I was committed. However, the pain began to return, about every 2-5 minutes, and your body tells you to get up and move around, as an instinctive reaction to the muscles around your kidney trying to force the damn thing down. It is horrible. However, I wasn't 100% certain it was a stone, and so for some reason I didn't tell Cindy, and would just say every few minutes "I need to get up" and I'd scurry to the bathroom, and wail and wash my face with water. Once the pain subsided a bit, I would return. After about 45 minutes I had a great haircut and was good to go. When I paid they asked to book another appointment in the future. I said I'd call them, then I walked outside and vomited in the gutter. Cindy is a magician. She didn't give me any trouble during the haircut, and did really well, and even tried to be cool and friendly. Needless to say, the two of us had a funny story to exchange the next time I saw her. The rest is history. I think I'll keep going to Azure until I go bald or move out of the area. Moreover, it feels good to directly support an entrepreneur who's not part of the supercuts-industrial-complex.
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Review from Angie F.
Oakland, CA
6/30/2009
Great haircut and color. I found Cindy on Yelp and agree with all the great comments.
