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Chroma Salon
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
1049 Solano Ave(between Adams St & San Pablo Ave)
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 526-6722
- Hours:
Tue 9 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Now $45 hair cut for the 1st time clients!! $200 Brazilian Blow outs! $300 for 2 Brazilian Blow outs back to back !!!
22 reviews for Chroma Salon
22 reviews in English
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Review from Janani S.
Berkeley, CA
3/23/2011
I had a groupon for a cut and style at Chroma Salon, and I have nothing but positive things to say about Terri's professionalism, expertise, and service.
It's apparent that Terri has dedicated herself wholly to the studio - she's the owner, and gives each client her 100% attention (there's only one at a time - you get the whole salon to yourself). Located in this cute spot on Solano ave, the salon is beautifully arranged (it looks like it comes straight out of apartment therapy or something similar) with this cute, bohemian-chic-meets-anthropologies-meets-CB2 vibe. I think there's even a jukebox somewhere in the kitchen! The icing on the cake is this most beautiful, giant poodle Ivan, who looks like a moving alabaster oriental rug. Possibly the most gorgeous dog I've seen.
Terri spent nearly 15 minutes going over what I wanted from my haircut, and it was very clear that the client's preferences would supercede any "artistic inspirations" she might have had (i.e., no "let's just try this mohawk cut because I think it's just perfect for your facial structure). For example, I specified I was pretty attached to my long hair, and that I didn't want it to be too short. She echoed this back to me, showed me how much she'd trim off and got my approval, and reassured me that the cut would literally only involve "baby steps" in terms of length removal. Reassuring!
The cut itself was fab, and Terri's styling/blow-out is one of the best I've ever gotten. Seriously, my hair didn't have that weighted-down over-product-y feel produced sometimes by overzealous stylists, and it was so shiny - not a hint of frizz. I *actually* felt like a Pantene commercial. The blow-out was so amazing, I actually scheduled another blowout a week later with Terri before a special formal event.
The best part about the cut was Terri's extreme attention to client satisfaction. She taught me tips on how to dry my hair properly, and even mentioned that if I wanted to bring my tools in and practice, she would guide me - free of charge. In addition, she promises all clients that if they aren't satisfied with any aspect of the cut 1 week post-appointment, she'll alter/fine-tune it for free. Who does that??
Terri is an experienced, highly professional and very talented hairdresser. Highly recommend checking her out if you want an excellent cut - and a blow-out to die for. -
Review from Jana S.
3/2/2011
Terri is a very kind stylist, don't get me wrong.... I mean, she was personable, real, kind...but we don't patronize salons to meet great folks who can't cut well, now do we?
Now, having to go over to Edo Salon in the City to correct all the amateur and incorrect ways that she did botch my rather simple, straight-forward request...
Same impressions and would concur with many a reviewer who has taken the time to post. I am always uncomfortable with a stylist asking me to please pick out a photo of what I would like....If I'm the initiator of said process because I am the one seeking to be clear on a style, fine. But immed. I got some willies because I was musing, "So hey.. like, ya can't do it without a photo or something?"
Next: doggy gate to welcome one into the room (can't quite call it a 'salon'). Be prepared, if the weather permits, to step over a doggy gate to get into the place. I'm a pet lover, and own many myself....but to those who prefer not to be greeted by dog, or have dog hair on the chair while they are awaiting their appt. time--detracts from the salon experience, in my opinion.
She gave me bangs too!!!!! (something I did not desire, as did multiple other customers) Now, a few months after the visit, they are still growing out to blend with the rest of the strands....disappointing. She kept on cutting, and I'm too nice a gal.
I'm getting a very distinct feeling that her forte is in coloring, and not necessarily stellar with the shears. I must have scanned at least 10 reviews before braving to post one of the lowest ratings I've ever penned on Yelp (also accounted for why I waited so long as well).
Still tipped $10, but I know that I won't be returning....she's in need of more experience before she can fly with her own accolade and salon, and I say this with lots of conviction! -
Review from Amy W.
12/12/2007
Terri is fabulous.
I now have a head of glorious red hair that is commented on whereever I go.
The Chroma Salon is a great experience. Great art on the walls, great music and great products!
Would absolutely recommend -
Review from Diana K.
Oakland, CA
10/24/2010
I chose to try out Chroma because it was a Groupon deal and I read several Yelp reviews that gave Teri a good or great review.
I, however, did not experience the same fabulousness that some other customers raved about....
Overall, it was a poor experience for me, because from the beginning, I felt like Teri shot down everything I had to say in the way of what I wanted, what kind of haircuts I'd had in the past, and how best to give me what I'd like to have done on that particular day.
I have VERY thick hair and it is customary for me to have it thinned out pretty dramatically with each haircut, to remove a large part of the bulkiness of my hair. (The thinning-out is actually the best part of a haircut for me.) I asked Teri to do this, and she immediately informed me that the fact that other hairdressers had done that was "irresponsible hair-cutting," and not something that she would be doing for me. I didn't really know what to say to that.
Additionally, she all but forced me to show her a picture of what I wanted - apparently me just telling her explicitly that I'd like a shaped trim, showing her where I'd like my hair to fall, didn't work for her. The picture I finally found (after she hovered over me flipping through magazines feeling frustrated) was a good version of the style of cut I wanted, but I made a request about the length being LONGER than the picture.
Fast forward to the end of the haircut, when she turned me around in the chair, and my hair was significantly SHORTER than the picture, and no less bulky. Of course at that point, i couldn't very well tell her to re-attach my hair, so...
Disclaimer: I DO receive compliments (even now, two months later) on the cut itself, but I was not a happy customer, and would not recommend Teri to anyone I liked. I didn't feel heard or respected as a customer.
Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, I suppose.Comment from terri v. of Chroma Salon 3/24/2011
Hi Diana, First of all i welcome your views. I am… More » -
Review from Ellen O.
Oakland, CA
4/27/2007
After moving here 2 years ago, I never thought I could replace my stylist of 15 years, but I was wrong. On a recommendation of someone (who is the most annoyingly pickiest person i know) I decided to get a haircut from Terri. I've had several haircuts since moving here, but honestly, but haven't had a cut that lasted so long or grew out so nicely.
Terri has tons of books for you to browse through for choosing cuts and colors. She understands my personal style and what I like and has never tried to convince me to chop my hair off. Even the last time I came in she had magazine clippings saved for me, knowing exactly what I wanted.
Also, plan a little extra time for your appointment because Terri is very precise and an obvious perfectionist and she'll take the time to make sure it's right.
Terri is awesome, sweet and fun to chat with. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a funky new style.
I've had so many compliments on my hair and I'm going to keep going back! -
Review from Jen Z.
9/15/2010
This is a confusing rating for me to give because Terri gave me a haircut that everyone loves and compliments me on which is pretty amazing. She has an amazing amount of talent and vision for hair and her salon is really awesomely decorated.
However, I was bummed out because she recommended that I get shorter layers on the top of my hair which I agreed to but it ended up a lot shorter overall than we had agreed upon. I guess I can understand how that could happen and everyone else did love my haircut but the problem here is that I didn't LOVE it. I usually walk out of a haircut feeling like a million bucks but this time I was pretty unhappy with it for about two weeks!
She's really cool and is a great stylist but just not for me I think. Maybe I play it too safe with my hair but thats just me! -
Review from Doa M.
Berkeley, CA
9/29/2008
I had my first hair cut with Terri last year and was ecstatic about my hair. My hair looked amazing as it grew after my cut.
Six months after getting my haircut with Terri, I decided to stop at a salon near my work in San Francisco to get a quick trim. The hair cut was not bad, certainly not fabulous but overall it felt good to get my hair trimmed. I started to see the problem with the cut as it grew. My hair looked absolutely boring and it made me look as if I hadn't had a trim in 5 years.
Finally, after days of searching for a hair band every afternoon to hide, calm my screaming for rescue hair , I decided to make an appointment with Terri.
I told her I was bored with my hair and voila, I have an amazing haircut, I am ecstatic again,and yes my fiance noticed enough to say without being prompted: your hair looks great! I really like it.
Now I am confident that my hair will still look great as it grows and will look wonderful in January on my wedding. Thanks Terri! I promise I won't go anywhere else, no matter how tempting a walk in. -
Review from meg b.
Berkeley, CA
2/22/2011
I got a very good haircut from Terri and I still have a coupon for another $40 cut with her... so why haven't I been back?
I think it's because the overall experience in the salon was such a turn-off. There was hair on the floor from a previous client, a dog barking, and the smell of the chemical products was strong. I couldn't relax and I kept wondering, is the large nude portrait behind me of the woman cutting my hair? Is it tactful to ask? -
Review from elena g.
Oakland, CA
11/21/2010
I find it very hard to find a hair stylist who I feel comfortable with. Most come across as being bored, don't listen, or are just not interested in helping me find a cut that works (I guess cutting long hair is not interesting enough). Terri did an awesome job and I have the best haircut I've had in a long long time. I only style my long hair minimally and she gave me a cut that totally works for me. Thanks Terri!
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Review from Catherine A.
Oakland, CA
1/5/2011
Teri was awesome. She listens and gives her suggestions. She definitley works with her clients and builds trust! Gives you good examples of why a style is good or not for you. Wish I had her talent with styling my hair afterwards though :-/ Will definitly return.
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Review from Tiara S.
Richmond, CA
8/13/2010
Terri at Chroma Salon is a coloring genius! My webcam can't even begin to do justice to the vibrant spectrum of oranges to reds to burgundy to dark purple to electric purple that she achieved. I told her my vision for my Burning Man hair and she made it happen!
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Review from m l.
El Cerrito, CA
7/3/2008
Teri knows what she does!!!! I got mad compliments on the hair and the husband, who is usually oblivious to these kind of changes, couldn't stop raving ab it! thanks Teri!!
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Review from Rebecca S.
Albany, CA
9/16/2009
Terri is amazing. She takes her time. This is what everyone says and it's true! In this hectic world it is a joy to go into Chroma, relax, and know Terri will take care of you and have you looking fabulous. I love her work and will continue to use her services.
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Review from Kaitlin D.
Rockville, MD
8/17/2010
Just had my first haircut from Terri (thanks, Groupon!)
I was a little reluctant to try a new more interesting style with a new stylist, but Terri is great. She has very helpful look-books that she goes through with you to find the best cut for you. Really happy with my whole experience! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Berkeley, CA
4/18/2009
Kathy was great! She gave me the best cute I've had in years. Made it work for my low-maintenance lifestyle and also taught me how to make it look fabulous when I have the time. I can't wait to come back!
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Review from danielle b.
El Cerrito, CA
9/14/2010
Chroma salon appeared on Groupon a few weeks back at a resonable price and there were very good reviews on yelp so I thought what the heck I'll give it try. When I came for my appointment Terri was very nice and personable and spent a lot of time going over with me what
I wanted. She even showed me several pictures to get an idea. I had told her I want to keep my length and I liked the length of my layers and did not want to go to much shorter. So I pretty much just want a trim of no more than inch off all the ends. She repeated everything back and I
felt very comfortable.
However, after she was done, everything was much shorter than we talked about. The layers were about 3 inches shorter than I wanted and the total length much shorter than a simple trim. My hair before the cut was half way down my back and now is just a little past my shoulders.
The haircut turned out nothing like we discussed and I felt like in the end she cut it how she wanted to. It will take months for me to grow this out and I'm left to putting my hair in a ponytail until then.
I really wanted to like this salon. Terri was very nice and it's located so close to my home and work. But, in the end haircut was a disaster for me and I will not be going back. -
Review from J H.
Berkeley, CA
4/27/2011
My experience has been very hit or miss. Sometimes I've been happy with the results of cuts and color, sometimes not. I have one major complaint though that I hope Terri sees: No one likes to wait an hour for their "appointment". If you don't intend to see me at the time I reserved, then let me know! But for goodness sake! At least SAY something when I show up on time sitting there like an idiot while you cut someone else's hair! Sorry? That's super unprofessional, and it's happened literally every time I've come in. She's always at least 40 minutes late and never says a thing about it.
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Review from sonia g.
Albany, CA
2/24/2010
Terri gives great haircuts and highlights. I've been happy with my hair every time I've visited Chroma. Only problem is it is very hard to get a hold of her, if you have a busy schedule...you'll be stuck playing phone tag with her to get an appointment. Lastly, last time I went my cut and partial highlights went from 140 to 195 with no explanation! ouch...If you can afford it, and have time to play phone tag then I'm sure you'll be happy with Chroma!
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Review from Ruth C.
Berkeley, CA
2/5/2011
Terri was a nice stylist and easy to talk to! She gave me great recommendations on how to style my hair. I'm excited to get my next haircut from her again :) The only negative was not having enough time to talk more about styling tips.
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Review from Jenna H.
Oakland, CA
10/18/2007
I had previously declared allegiance to another stylist in the area, but I had a friend who went to Terri in the past and swore that she was just awesome, I figured I'd give her a try. I went in wanting something completely different, and after about a half hour of sorting through pictures & styles in the big books she has available, we decided on the cut that I was looking for. I really was clueless, although I kind of knew what I was looking for, I didn't know what would look best with my face & figure, and what would work best with my low maintenance hair upkeep routine. Terri helped so much, and my hair looks perfect. Then after the long cut (she took a LONG time to make sure that everything was perfect), she showed me all different ways I could style it and wear it, and exactly how to do everything I needed to. I have never had that much personal, concentrated attention from a stylist. I actually couldn't be happier, Terri gave me the cut that I have been wanting my whole life & have unsuccessful in or afraid of getting.
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Review from Tes E.
Albany, CA
8/18/2010
Ok, I see I'm the outlier here, but honestly I am just not happy with my haircut. I am giving Chroma 2 stars - 1 for the cut and 1because Terri is a really nice person with a really cute salon.
I walk in 5 minutes before my appointment. I sit down and wait patiently until my presence is acknowledged. When I am finally greeted (about 5 minutes later), I mention that I have an appointment. She says that she is running about 30 minutes behind. I say ok, and head out to grab a snack down at El Cerrito Plaza. On my way back, I run into horrific traffic on San Pablo, and my usual 3 minute drive, turns into closer to 10. So I'm late...by 4 minutes. My bad.
I sit down in the chair, pull up a picture and explain to her what I want. A seemingly "easy" cut I assume - simple straight across bangs, and trim about 1" off the bottom. She agrees that keeping the length would look nice, as the juxtaposition of the bangs and long hair would suit me well. So I happily relax, and put my trust in the hair guru. As she's cutting away, she asks, "do you want layers?" Me thinking about the same long layers I have at the bottom of my hair, quickly say yes (particularly given our most recent conversation about keeping my hair long as a nice juxtaposition to the bangs). So she cuts, she styles, and before you know it...I'm done. I look in the mirror, and it's doesn't exactly look like the picture. Bangs, yes. Long sleek hair - no. Instead, I have an overly styled, ends rounded in cut with layers starting at my ears! Now mind you, the rest of my hair runs about 6" down my back, so the top layers aren't even half way down my hair! What happened here? What happened to keeping the length long, as a nice backdrop to the bangs. Instead I have layers at my ears framing both sides of my face (not in a good way), and then no layers again until the bottom 2 inches of my hair.
Long story short, I have these utterly disappointing layers, that not only start at my ears (so I cannot hide them), and but were cut bluntly and look like stairs in my hair (2 cm sections cut straight across, and then another section slightly higher cut straight across again).
Needless to say, I CANNOT WAIT until these grow out. Now unfortunately my hairstyle of choice is a ponytail--the only way I could figure out how to hide these dreadful layers. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Richmond, CA
8/27/2010
At first I was a little put off....I wasn't welcomed, I had to crawl over a doggy gate, she was running late. But once I sat in the chair Terri gave me her complete attention. I felt like she really listened to what was important to me as we discussed what I wanted in a haircut. I got nervous watching my hair drop, but was amazed with the results. 48 hours later and I am in love with my haircut!
