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Blow Salon
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
2112 Berkeley Way(between Shattuck Ave & Walnut St)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhoods: UC Campus Area, Downtown Berkeley
(510) 644-1971
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Thu-Fri 11 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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49 reviews for Blow Salon
49 reviews in English
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Review from Kelly M.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2012
If you only want to spend $20-30 on a haircut, then head to Supercuts because a salon like Blow is not for you! But I think that a quality haircut and color is worth spending some money on and I am always a happy customer at Blow.
Blow salon is hip and a bit edgy. I have been seeing Jil for over eight years and she does a fabulous job with my hair and Amina is great also! Don't tell but on two or three times over the years, I've decided last minute to have my hair done for a special occasion at other salons & those stylists all commented on how much they like my color - so Jil's work is even recognized as exceptional by other professionals. Everyone at Blow is really friendly and you'll come out with sexy hair. -
Review from Kerri N.
Berkeley, CA
1/21/2012
Amina is my HERO!!!! I had an appointment with my stylist at another salon only to find out that he was "no longer with them". I then went to three other salons who rolled their eyes when I asked if they could take a walk in. When I arrived at Blow Amina asked my schedule and said she could squeeze me in. She understood exactly what I wanted and pulled it off perfectly in the most casual way. She never acted rushed even though her next client was arriving any minute and my hair is PERFECT. I have found my new stylist...and her name is Amina!
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Review from Andi C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/3/2011
They do a good job but I've never walked feeling like I have $200 hair. You will spend at least that on just a cut and minimal highlights! I love my hair and I definitely don't have a problem spending money on it, as long as I get what I'm paying for.
Everything else about this salon is super cool. You can go in for free bang trims. It doubles as an art gallery and has parties on the weekends. The products they use are AWESOME. The owner definitely knows what she is doing when it comes to healthy hair and she even showed me how to trim my own bangs.
Bottom line: I would go here to indulge but just get trims somewhere else. -
Review from Maria Z.
Downey, CA
8/18/2011
This salon is pretty chic, they do good hair, and the girl that worked on me was really relaxed and totally got what I wanted her to do. They also cut bangs for free, which was super convenient for me. And they take walk-ins, which was good because I am pretty impulsive with my hair.
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Review from Christian C.
Oakland, CA
10/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
i never knew how great "fancy" haircuts could be!
I have always been going to supercuts, but after coming here, i realize now that cutting hair is an art and you get what you pay for. Jil cuts my hair and she really understands how to cut your hair that that it grows out naturally and beautifully. she taught me things about my hair that i never knew, and i look at it every day of my life!
Good job. -
Review from Mary B.
Berkeley, CA
11/11/2011
I have mixed reviews about Blow. Becky was fantastic, but alas no longer works there. Cindy, who's also not there, gave me such a bad haircut, she threw in a cut and highlights for free. Recently went to Jill to correct a bad haircut and she did a fantastic job, but her rank, bare armpits in my face completely turned me off. I kept smelling BO mixed with cheap deoderant for several days in my hair. While she did a good job fixing the bad haircut, it took about 5 minutes and I was still charged her regular rate of 75.00. Today I went in for a haircut with Tyler. When you have to tell a stylist about the techniques she should use to cut your hair, that's a bad sign. My hair looks like shit. Blow is basically a higher end Supercuts.
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Review from Dana J.
Oakland, CA
11/26/2010
I'm a huge fan of Blow Salon. Both Jil and Amina give amazing hair cuts, massage-y shampoos (LOVE that!), and these ladies KNOW how to color! They are a total blast to hang out with and there is some of the best local art to be seen on the cool industrial-chic walls. The art changes every 9 weeks, in fact. My home is filling up with some of it as I find it hard to resist supporting local artists who show their work there.
I've been getting A LOT of compliments on my hair and "look" since I started going there a couple of years ago. These gals know hair!
I DIG BLOW! -
Review from Eric B.
6/16/2009
Gayle and I came here last Saturday evening for the opening reception for the "Art of Ideas" exhibit. Apparently, the Blow Salon is quite active in supporting local artists and their well-appointed space and enthusiastic staff certainly showed that off very well. The works of Erin Middendorf, Lorie Tinfow, Shannon Frederick, and Dina Gould Halme were nicely presented and attended by the artists.
The event was also kind of like a Yelp function, except with more emphasis on a more darkly dressed neo-hip artsy crowd. It was a lot of fun, with tasty snacks (by Habib Cutolo) and a delicious Triple Rock IPA to help the conversations flow. The salon chairs themselves were also great for sitting, lingering, and people watching. -
Review from Pucktart T.
Portland, OR
5/19/2006
Do not go to this salon if you want a traditional nice hair style.
I wanted to say NO STARS but you can't.
After having a DISASTEROUS "body wave" experience with a very nice stylist there I went to request a refund (the stylist told me that the work was guaranteed), the owner was visably angry, although she tried to stay calm, the stylist wanted me to let her try to fix it. When I explained that I just wanted to have a refund and that I would deal with my hair myself the owner said that I could have a refund but then added, "Make sure you give her a big tip because it took a long time, and she was sick."
FIRST OF ALL - It is in no way my fault that the stylist was sick, frankly knowing that only made me more mad.
SECOND - Why would I tip anyone when I was 100% unsatisfied, that makes no fucking sense at all.
THIRD - At no point durring the consultation or the appointment was I warned or told that some peoples hair does not "take" a perm. If I had been told that I may not have chossen to go through with it. These people are supposed to be experts, you mean to tell me that they couldn't tell or didn't have a gut feeling that maybe it wouldn't work out with my hair??
FOR THE RECORD - If you want punk rock hair, with a crazy cut and color they will do a great job, that seems to be their speciality.
Lastly - if someone is not happy just give them their fucking money back, do not guilt trip them. Totally unprofessional. -
Review from CA f.
Portland, OR
7/13/2011
I'm from out of town and I came to this salon because my friend had a coupon for a $20 haircut and recommended it. I made an appointment with Amina telling them I had a coupon.
Almost an hour late starting my haircut- they didn't have any hair magazines in their lobby to look at potential hair styles. Amina was very nice and friendly.
I only got a trim which took about 10-15 minutes not including shampoo.
When I went to pay, she said the coupon was for $20 off (which when I got home I looked at another one and that was wrong- it was for a $20 haircut), so she only charged me $30. I'm sorry, but a $50 hair trim in the town of Berkeley is ridiculous. I feel ripped off for paying that much.
The next day, when I washed and styled my hair, I noticed that my bangs were completely crooked and did jagged up and down across my forehead so I had to completely re cut them, making them very short to give them any kind of straight style.
I feel like I could have done this haircut my self and saved $35 and not waited an hour in a lobby. -
Review from Mindy K.
Oakland, CA
9/21/2006
I went here for a haircut last year, in response to a Craigslist posting offering "free haircuts" by a new Blow stylist who was trying to build up her clientele. Well, when you start out your experience by responding to a Craigslist ad for a free cut, you gotta know its all downhill from there!
The stylist didn't really ask me any questions about how I wanted my hair cut. I had to keep mentioning the style I wanted and she just nodded- I couldn't tell if she was listening or just cutting my tresses as she saw fit.
Halfway through the cut, during the "razoring" part where they take some of the weight out of your hair, I feel a big movement, followed by a gasp, and saw a lot of my hair on the ground. I ask if everything is alright- did something bad happen- "Oh no, just fine" I am reassured.
My hair is then blowdried into a big static-y mess and I am presented to the head stylist for approval. She beams "Looks great," etc etc etc..... touching my poofball head and praising the skills that have crafted it.
I tip the stylist nicely (I think it was 20 bucks) for the free haircut, even though I have to now wear a ponytail for the rest of the day. She gives me her card and says to come back in 6 weeks for another cut. She insists on getting my number so she can call me schedule it. I hve to agreesively refuse to give out any personal information.
I get home to inspect my new haircut and lo and behold- I AM MISSING A GIANT CHUNK OF HAIR IN THE MIDDLE OF MY HEAD! Not like a little bit cut too short- i mean like a big old handful of hair is now about a half-inch long and sticking out the back of my head like a bad junior high prank. It's been over a year- I'm still growing it out. Every hairdresser I've been to since laughs at it.
I really wanted to go back and take back my tip! I mean, she could have said, "Oh I fucked up your hair. Let me see if our senior stylist can fix it...." or at the very least, she could have REFUSED THE TIP. If I could give this place negative stars- not only for a bad haircut, because sometimes that happens, we're not pefect- but also for lying about it and taking my money and insisting on a follow up- this place would get negative ten billion stars.
** UPDATE ** I recieved a message from the salon owner through Yelp, and been informed that the stylist in question no longer works at this salon. The owner who contacted me was very polite and offered to help redress my concerns of the salon with complimentary services. I know the economy is rough and don't want to put anyone out of business. I appreciated her professional attitude and wish this salon well in the future. If you are looking to go here, your best bet is to make an appointment with the owner or one of the stylists positively reviewed here. -
Review from oiyan p.
Boston, MA
5/12/2008
It's been a while since my first and only visit to Blow. The service was great and the atmosphere was definitely fun, but I should have known when I walked in and all the clientle was white that I was not in the right place. My stylist had no idea what to do with my hair (I'm Chinese American) and gave me essentially something I could have gotten at a Great Cuts for much cheaper. I asked for an asymmetrical bob and even had a picture of what I had in mind to give her. I ended up with something closer to a bowl cut.
Definitely not a place for Asian American women... or at least this Asian American woman. -
Review from lily p.
Berkeley, CA
7/20/2007
Jil is the owner of said salon. she cut my hair for free after dining at the restaurant where i work and i really liked the cut. it was just edgy enough for me (i'm cool, but not that cool) and then sold me some great products that don't make my hair crunchy and gross feeling.
it is a bit pricey and difficult to get an appointment on short notice, but the girls are nice and the cuts look good. -
Review from KnowIT A.
Oakland, CA
5/15/2009
Ok, I went in there thinking for $40 they'll give me a nice hair cut. It took about a week to get an appointment and when I got there, the cutter spent about 10 minutes the MOST on my head, more like 5 minutes, I'm being generous. That's about $4 per minute and the worst part was it was a lousy hair cut!!!
Give me a break! Never again. -
Review from Olive O.
Alameda, CA
11/30/2008
Yes, this is for the Blow in Berkeley.....
I asked for a blow out...I'm not sure what I got...actually I got ripped off. My hair did not look smooth, or really straight. It just looked like a mess. I went home, washed my hair and then took the time and blew out my own hair. -
Review from Joolia K.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2009
This one goes out to Amy, who has never ever failed to send me away with an amazing cut and color, and I have challenged her many many times.
She has helped me transition from bright orange shoulder length hair to a dark a-line bob. She salvaged my hair from a crazy extremely short editorial hair show cut and color, to a short asymmetrical cut that kept the sass of the original hair cut and color, but made it conservative enough to not blast my grandmother into shock when she saw me at my college graduation. Currently I'm still working on growing my hair back from the last hair show- and Amy will be helping me along the way.
It is an expensive salon experience, but as far as I'm concerned Amy's work is well worth the price paid, especially considering the free fringe trims between cuts! Amy's a great stylist, and a fun person to talk to. She's even offered to get me a burger while my hair is being dyed!
Lastly, no one at Blow has ever make me feel like I'm a pain in the ass if I actually do want some tea or something to drink. They don't roll their eyes at you when they ask if you need anything. I don't feel like I'm in the way there, and that alone makes Blow better than your average salon. -
Review from Aromy X.
Updated - 1/16/2009
As seen in my last review, I've been going to Blow for a long time.
Juliana is my usual stylist now, and I love her! I usually bring in a photo of what I want, and I've never been disappointed. Of course it won't look exactly like the photo because she'll cater to make me feel comfortable and to suit the shape of my face. Which makes me feel comfy in my own skin/hair. She always listens to my ideas and she's fun to talk to.
Got to love the funky art on the walls too!Listed in: They Have My Money
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2007
I've been going to Blow for about two and a half years now.
I love the atmosphere!
The stylists are… Read more »
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Review from Denise C.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2007
Becky rocks. She's smart, intelligent, sweet, and easy to talk to. She's been my stylist for over a year. She cuts and colors my hair and I'm always very happy with the results. I always get compliments on my hair. I must tell you that I'm really lazy with my hair and Becky gave me a style that's pretty much wash and go. The color is even great because they are lowlights so you can't see the roots as they grow in. I can go to about six months without having to redo the roots.
Blow also is an art gallery and there is always interesting art up on the walls and/or on the ceiling. There is something new to see every time I go.
Added bonus: complimentary beverages (tea, soda, water) and great music playing! -
Review from eliz r.
5/12/2008
I had a great experience with Cindy Lopez here, but she has since moved onto her own salon.
Blow is pretty hip, the cuts are expensive and so is the color.
I did love my awesome orange and purple streaks that Jill gave me, but not when they washed out two days later.
They are having serious issues with their list-serve so don't sign up unless you want tons of spam all day. -
Review from J K.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2009
After four really great cuts with Amy, I figured I should finally show Blow some love on yelp.
I have long curly hair - it's definitely one of my defining features. Amy has always given me cuts with great shape and volume. She listens well to what I want, and makes great suggestions. She has great vision as a stylist, and I'm always pleased with her cuts.
AND I always get compliments!
Amy charges $50 for a haircut, and I always seem to take up about an hour to an hour and a half. Totally fair price in my book. Also, I've always been able to snag last-minute appointments, either same day or next day. The guy at reception is always super friendly and helpful, and they have a good beverage selection for you and anyone you come in with.
Amy is great! Get your hair cut by her! -
Review from Kasey M.
Oakland, CA
5/13/2009
Ra'Bia is a saint!
Okay, that was a bit much.
People have been telling me to go to Blow since before I moved to the East Bay over a year ago.
I was concerned with finding a hair mistress who could handle my hair that I insist must stay long, yet fashionable, yet non-mullety/non-angular.
Not only did Ra'Bia move here shortly after me, but she started working at Blow which is full of win-win situationess!
She didn't get to me first, however. After THE most horrible haircut known to man, she was able to fix it without lopping off my hard-earned locks and it looked great! And after pulling off a feat like that, she'll always have my highest recommendation and my hair appointments. -
Review from Joseph M.
Berkeley, CA
9/23/2007
I like the $35 haircut. Less than that, it's just not a good haircut. More than that, I feel like I have dropped too much dough and I get asked too many questions; the whole enterprise becomes high maintenance. VSL in D.C./DuPont fits that bill perfectly; then out here I was going to Panache for a while on Telegraph before it closed. But then there was a dark tea time of overly cheap or overly high maintenance haircuts before I came across Blow. I believe I was walking out of the Missing Link buying some bike parts, when I was like "hmmm . . . Blow Salon . . . $35 haircut?"
The first haircut was with Jil, the owner. Yeah, there's only one L there. She's a $60 or $65 haircut. She asked a lot of questions, we went over pictures. I had the feeling just wanting a straightforward haircut stifled her creativity slightly. It turned out to be a damn fine haircut - worthy of $65 or whatever. As previously discussed, though, that's more than I like to pay for a haircut.
I think maybe I asked her if there were less expensive stylists. Or maybe I just walked in another time and got someone else. But since then, I've been going back there for probably a year. They've all been $35 haircuts. One problem does seem to have been turnover. I'd have one to three haircuts with one person, then they'd leave: Becky, Patrick, and Monica and now Julianna, who will hopefully stick around for a while. But they have been uniformly good haircuts, and - more rare - interesting people. Because while I do not want to talk about my hair excessively, I also do not like sitting in silence for half an hour either.
Finally, I like the relaxed but slightly punk atmosphere. They always have interesting, local, and somewhat edgy art. Juliana has blue hair at the moment. Yet it is never a punker-than-thou sort of thing. Anyway, good joint. Good people. Right price. -
Review from Ruth S.
Oakland, CA
8/2/2008
Blow is awesome.
I went here when I was in school to dye my hair purple (ahhh, those were my crazy college days) It turned out amazing.
Now that I am a "grown up" I still am coming here, Jill always does my hair and I always get complimented on her coloring jobs. Also (the sign of a good cut) my hair always looks good in between cuts.
The receptionist (is that what their called at a salon?) is super nice.
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Review from Sherri C.
Temecula, CA
8/11/2010
Just wanted to say GO FOR IT & Congratulations HollyAnn!!! From Sherri & Angel @ Stews in Temecula... We KNOW you will do FANTASTIC! =)
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Review from Rebecca T.
Oakland, CA
5/7/2009
This goes out to miss Ra'Bia - and may it be said that Blow Salon is in for a delightful treat having her as their newest stylist!
I moved to the East Bay a year ago and it took me a good long while to find a great stylist, as I'm a little picky - but lo and behold, I finally found her!
I met Ra'Bia when she was working at a different salon, but I was so impressed and enamored with her work, that I followed her over to Blow.
Ra'Bia is not only a creative genius when it comes to your locks, she is fantastic to be around - extremely engaging, you could talk to this girl about anything under the sun, from Bowie to Bauhaus. It's awesome. But, back to her craft... She listens to exactly what you want and walks you through each step of the way - tailoring the cut to suit for your own unique style/lifestyle/etc. Her art lies in her precision of what you want - it's fabulous.
Also, the salon is great - the very relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere will make you feel immediately comfortable. The prices are mid-range - I don't color my hair anymore, which cuts down the costs - so it's very reasonable if you're only doing a cut.
I don't know what else to say other than I cannot recommend her (and the salon, although I'm a newbie there) enough and that I've never left her chair disappointed. Happy snipping! -
Review from Michelle F.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2010
I've been to Blow twice so far. The only reason I'm giving it four stars rather than five is because I wasn't completely happy when I walked out the first time (I felt my bangs were a bit too short, and I wasn't used to paying so much for a cut). However, after my bangs grew out to the right length, my rating of my experience there and my cut is five stars.
Before, I was not a girl who invested in $50+ haircuts, but Jill has made me a believer. In addition to giving me a cut that lasts, but she really spends the time to listen to my needs, both with respect to styling and budget. I mentioned that on my student budget, I just could not afford to spend a ton maintaining my cut or color, so Jill explained how she could color my hair in a way that would still achieve the contrast I wanted but wouldn't require maintenance through the year (she put highlights everywhere but my crown, so that the roots wouldn't be as visible when they grew out). Also, Jill has some sort of crystal ball or something because she knows how to cut my hair so that it still look great 2, 4, and even 6 months out.
I almost wish I had reason to some in the salon more often because it is such a warm funky atmosphere and their customer service is top notch. -
Review from Rachel S.
Sacramento, CA
6/30/2011
I have been looking for a hair stylist that would give me a funky yet classic look that I can style in 5 minutes when necessary. I went to Blow and Tyler Tobey gave me a phenomenal cut. She really knows style, and she listened to what I was looking for, and my approach to hair. My friends cant stop telling me how much they LOVE my hair cut.
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Review from siriusss l.
Oakland, CA
3/27/2007
The salon often features pretty cool artwork and they use KMS haircare products. However, do your hair AND your wallet a favor and keep it away from the owner Jil. I used to go to Cindy Lopez (who is excellent btw and has her own salon now), but she is no longer there. But I figured as Jil is the owner, and Blow is known for their edgy creative cuts and color, she must be good right? Wrong. So here's the story.
I originally went for a hair consultation ONLY. As I sat down, we start chatting about hair cut ideas and color. She puts down a photo of a pretty cool looking hair-do and says we can adjust the cut to my length (as the model's hair in the pic is much shorter). OK. She then tells me that we should get started; I'm surprised as I said that I only came for a consultation. She says I was booked for a hair appointment- that should've alerted to me an underhanded business move right there. Being that I do know how in the past one has to wait a few weeks before getting an appointment at Blow, I thought it was my lucky day! So I decided to go ahead and let her cut it.
Well, $65.00 dollars and a lot less hair later, suffice it to say that while my hair wasn't completely butchered it looked mediocre- like a bad version of Joan Jett's hairdo in the 80's. Choppy and uneven, 2 different lengths almost. I had to wear my hair up alot afterwards.
She basically did a half-a** job and it hardly looked the model's hair in the photo that she was trying to sell me on prior to her snipping away at my hair. I also noticed that she kept having to answer the phone quite a bit while doing my cut- no big deal really, but after the underhanded "We have you booked for a hair-cut appointment" and also realizing that neither Cindy or Becky work there any more, it's obvious that Blow is scrambling to re-build their clientele. As I was paying, the gal behind the counter kept insisting that she could book a follow-up appt up to 5 weeks advance and kept insisting that I really should get an appt as they "fill up fast".
In anycase I still did tip her; but hopefully by my having spent over $65.00 at Blow I can now tell you all to stay away and that your money will be better spent elsewhere. The good news is I was able to track down Cindy who was able to rectify my hair. -
Review from Cat P.
North Las Vegas, NV
9/16/2009
10/16/09 update:
I received a very nice, genuine email from the owner of the salon, who offered to cut my hair for free (!), and asked if I could please remove my review.
I would gladly talk with these folks in person, and perhaps give them another chance with my hair, if I were in the Bay Area. The email was lovely and heartfelt.
I do stand by my initial review, as that was my experience. I do wish them well, and hope others have a good outcome with them.
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I had a terrible experience here. I give them 2 stars for the humorous aspect of the situation.
I arrived with appointment and waited for the stylist to show up. I saw a punky woman with multi-colored dreads having a tearful fight with a guy out in front of the shop. A minute or two later, sniffling and wiping her nose on her arm, she walked in, put on an apron, and - voila! - meet your stylist!
I wanted all-over color and a cut for my pretty short hair. A few minutes into setting things up, she decided she was too upset to continue, so, without talking to me at all, pawned me off on another stylist. Okay, I'm chill with it... I think.
The haircut was AWFUL. If it's possible to give someone with short, wavy hair an atrocious, assymetrical, unstylable bowl cut, that's what I got .The color took hours to process, and the "highlights" pulled through didn't show up. I ended up with mud brown mullety-bowl-cut hair.
As I was processing, my stylist took care of a friend of hers who was shaving off all her hair a few feet away. Besides the horror factor of it all, perhaps that would have been a better option at Blow. -
Review from Christian F.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2010 6 Check-ins Here
I've gone through three stylists at this salon with each one of them moving away. And while I do have my favorite, all three of them have done great jobs. I can either give them lots of requirements or just give them a general idea to work with. While I prefer the latter, all of the stylists have worked well with what I've given. You also have the option of getting follow up touch-ups for no additional charge which is a nice little bonus. They have a different set of art hanging on their walls from local artists which is always fun and monthly art shows. I like both the atmosphere and the style of this place. Just be sure to bring plenty of change with you for parking cause the meter maids in Berkeley come often.
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Review from Bc L.
San Jose, CA
1/23/2010
My rating is a mix between my experiences at this salon twice so far. Amina was the first to do my hair when I came to this salon and is absolutely funky fabulous. I love her hair, and she is the greatest fringe trimmer on earth! She also informed me that in between cuts and coloring they offer free fringe trims... this is the best news for a girl with long straight across bangs to begin with because after a week or so you cant really see anything unless you get them trimmed up.
My second experience at this salon was for a fringe trim and blow out by the owner Jill. Jill is the nicest woman on earth, but oh my gawd don't let her within 10ft of your hair. I explained to her that i wanted to keep my bangs below my eye brows and rather messy not a straight across blunt line. THEN i showed her a picture of the bangs I wanted as a further example..... This didn't help. Jill trimmed my fringe wet despite my concerns about them then being too short.. She cut them above my brows and bluntly across. This was the exact opposite of anything i had asked for or showed her in pictures.
Basically, go to Blow salon and get an appointment with Amina because she's a rad girl... and give Jill a nice smile but stay out of her client chair!! -
Review from konamichan k.
Berkeley, CA
4/12/2009
Amy's my girl, and my partner in crime goes to Jill. We walk away happy. what more can I say.
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Review from Jeff S.
New York, NY
10/25/2007
Great haircut with Julianna. $35 - she knows hair and she listens. Insists on using a razor instead of shears. I'm in love.
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Review from Marck n.
1/19/2007
I've been going to Becky for almost a year now and she is the best. I totally trust her with my hair. Every time I go in, I ask her for suggestions in how I should cut it, due to the length I want to keep my hair, plus how I should style it. Which is actually the most important. She is very receptive and makes many suggestions that fit my goal and facial structure. Before I was going to supercuts only because I couldn't find a good hair stylist, but now I think I a good fit. I walk out feeling like a million and 1 bucks! Yeah, I'm hot...sizzle....
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Review from Kelly T.
4/7/2009
If you are looking for a salon, I say with confidence that this place is great. You can't go wrong with Blow. Not only are the stylists friendly, but they're cool people to be around for the 30-40 minutes you're there for your appointment.
Although I usually can't partake because I'm in en-route to work, they offer wine while you wait, or for us of the boring variety, sparkling and bottled water. The salon also hosts cool events and if you put yourself on their mailing list they have art shows with free beer and update you on events they recommend locally.
The first time I came in I delt with the owner, who sold me on the feeling of the salon. Later I trusted their newest stylist, Amy to cut off 12 inches of hair (!!), and they are my regular stop for bangs and updates on my grow- out process.
Amy is my stylist-for-real now and she knows me from the moment she picks up my call. Impressive, since I take months between cuts (bad habit, but I tend to overbook my work/school schedule). -
Review from Michie D.
Oakland, CA
3/24/2006
Blow is a great, unpretentious salon with reasonable prices and a friendly staff. I've been going to Cindy for almost 2 years now, and she finds ways to impress me all the time. She's innovative with her cutting and coloring techniques and clearly loves what she's doing. Plus she always gives me an incredibly relaxing shampoo. I also had my hair done for my wedding there by Becky-- she did a lovely job. I highly recommend this spot for people who eschew the snooty salon vibe and want to have fun with their hair.
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Review from Olivia W.
Oakland, CA
1/22/2007
I love this salon, it's great! I've been a customer for a full year now and I've never been disappointed. Also the prices are great for cuts and colors. You can't beat the unique feel of the place and the people are totally fun!
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Review from Beth P.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2008
great low-key salon with fun staff. Juliana does wonders with color, and can really interpret a client's desires and what will look amazing on them. I have had more compliments on one haircut with Juliana than with literally my last 20 cuts! Two people actually stopped me on the street to ask about the cut. In addition, the free bang trims really help add value to the service.
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Review from Sanja C.
Oakland, CA
10/10/2008
I went here to deal w/ a bleach job that had been growing out for months- not an easy task. The new stylist there Lotus was amazing- first time I was in a rush, she did a good job blending it but it was not what I wanted at all. So she offered to fix it if I come back. I came back, first she counseled me for like a half an hour about both what I want and what is possible, including talking me out nicely and patiently out of several bad ideas. Then she did an amazing job. The atmosphere and decor is great.
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Review from Miriam L.
New York, NY
7/3/2008
I was kind of worried to try this place because it gets kind of awful reviews, but my roommate was brave enough to go get her haircut there and report back. Juliana gave her a great cut and my roommate came home raving about her and saying she seriously knew what she was doing.
So I went to her, for a dye as well as a cut. Juliana seriously knows what she's doing, she's very understanding, really tries to get things right, and has an impeccably good sense when you just aren't into what she's doing, which is helpful because sometimes I feel bad speaking up when things seem to be going awry. She also explains the whole process and why she's doing what and when, like a doctor or something
Also, I have curly hair, very curly hair, and every haircut is a very scary experience. I've had stylists who have curly hair themselves not give me as good of a cut as Juliana.
Yeah, it's expensive for color, but the thing is, in the wise words of my old stylist "your hair is like an outfit that you have to wear every day. If you had to wear the same outfit every day, You'd spend a lot of money on it. "
I'm going to be sad when I move next month and have to find a new Juliana. tear.
