D-Zire Salon

4.0 star rating
25 reviews Rating Details

Category: Hair Salons  [Edit]

2946 College Ave
(between Ashby Ave & Russell St)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighborhoods: Elmwood, Claremont
(510) 848-8828
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
$60 for $80 Certificate

meg S. said: "Adrian did a great ob.  I used a now groupon.  He covered my grey and then added a little punch the ends.  His blowdrying technique is also great. The…"   read more »

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25 reviews in English

  • Review from S. S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/16/2011

    I'm persnickety about my hair, and it takes me a while to find a hairdresser I trust ---Nick's done a great job on my locks for several years now.  A sweet guy too.  I was distressed to recently discover (Nov 2011) that his landlords have refused to renew his lease and have forced him out, probably to rent his space to expand the summer kitchen store next door.  Boo for crappy landlords!  Never fear, though, Nick can still be found across the street at his brother's salon, La Tour....

  • Review from Eli Y.

    Santa Clara, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/3/2011

    D-Zire (especially because of Nick) is a GREAT place to get your hair cut.

    I've been going to this hair salon ever since it was called Great Lengths and before it changed ownership. D-Zire is as good, if not better than it's predecessor.

    Nick, the new owner is the only person I've gotten my hair cut by and he's always done a great job. He washes your hair and then proceeds to sit you down in the comfy chairs they have in this salon. Whatever you want him to make your hair look like he'll do. I've never left this place without a perfect haircut.

    Nick is also super friendly and is fun to talk to. The music in the place is also pretty good. They usually have a good mix playing.

    A haircut costs $50 which isn't cheap. But at the same time you certainly get what you pay for.

  • Review from Jan Tristan G.

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    • 39 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2011

    NICK is the guy to go to when you need a professionally done haircut. Nick and his pair of scissors can create wonders as he has never failed me when I ask for a new style or something that suits the event that I'm attending.
    If you're uncertain of what haircut best suits you, Nick knows what to do based on your complexion, shape of face etc.
    One time, I called Nick to make make an appointment on the same day, since I'm leaving for DC the next day. I completely forgot that he was off that day, BUT he told me that he's willing to drive to his salon to give me a haircut. WATTTTA nice guy!!!
    I've tried  D-Zire's neighboring salons like P^&*%^e and guess which one is best..... Nick's salon... D-ZIRE

  • Review from Cali L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/14/2010

    RUN do not walk away from this salon.  This is the WORST salon I have come across in years!

    I must say that I am very disappointed because I live in the neighborhood and like to support our local businesses.  I also LOVE College Ave. and was intrigued by this place mainly because of its location and cute storefront (who has not seen it when standing out in front of ICI?).  That old saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' comes to mind.  

    To give it a try I came in for a simple blowout (wash and dry) to get a feel for the salon.  I am grateful I did this.  The person who did the wash and dry had NO CLUE how to wash/dry hair!!!  This is a main 'stylist' at this salon though I will keep names out of this review.  I thought things were going oddly but did not really catch on to how badly things were going until about 1/4 of the way through the 'blow dry'.  I left there looking like I dried my hair by sticking it out the window on the freeway and then added 'volume' by rubbing my head with a balloon.  The real kicker is that the prices are equivalent to five star salons I have been to ($35-50 for a blowout) where I left looking like a Hollywood star.  I was honestly in shock after leaving because I thought it would be hard to mess up a blow-dry.  I was wrong.

    PROS:
    -The staff is nice
    -Location, location, location

    CONS:
    -Staff is not highly skilled or trained
    -Equipment and tools are substandard
    -Messy interior

  • Review from David N.

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/4/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I've been growing my hair out since the beginning of the year. At my age, I guess us men want to grow it long one more time, just to see if we can still do it. In my case, my long and wavy hair became pretty big. I felt like I was a combination of Micheal Landon of Little House on the Prairie fame, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. My waves were so huge, looking at them will made you sea sick.
    It was time again to see HKg Nick at D-Zire. I told him that I wanted it mowed down, yet still wanting to keep it on the longish side. Nick's idea: Go with the Asian Robert Downey, Jr. Golden Globe look!
    Nick whipped out his ginzu razor and with a few well placed cuts, he slashed my do into something manageable. A dab of hair wax and I looked and felt like Iron Man.
    I told Nick, this is a great hair cut! Nick replied, "This isn't my first rodeo, Mr. Stark."

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/21/2010

      Took my son to see HK (Hong Kong) Nick. We've been a client of his for many years, even though I've… Read more »

  • Review from Stefanie L.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/19/2011

    Nick has been there for me and my curly mop ever since I stumbled into his shop three years ago, in desperate need of Bad Haircut Repair, and I haven't gone to anyone else since. (I trek over from San Francisco!) He's skilled at any length, and I know this because I've had both long and short hair myself, and he's styled both 'dos effortlessly. My straight-haired friends have also been pleased as punch with their results. He's not cheap, but he's definitely worth it, and he's a genuinely fun guy to talk to, too. Thumbs up.

  • Review from regina M.

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    • 29 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    I get my nails done here with Leann! She is awesome. What I like best is that she honors her appointment time, she is very detailed and takes great pride in her craft.... BTW, they just recently moved crossed the street to La Tour Salon! Go see here there!

  • Review from Tony H.

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    • 110 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/20/2007 9 Check-ins Here

    D-Zire salon - what a great place. The setting is nice, love the music. Most importantly I love my hairstylist Nick. The guy is nice, easy to talk to, very professional and funny.

    I was recommended by a friend about Nick and once I met the guy (about a year ago), he was awesome, he gave me a thorough consultation, offered me several options with my hair, but recommended the best one. I still have that same cut now. I love it!

    As for color, he helps me choose it, he knows what's in, add some highlights and bam, I look very good.

    Nick is a good guy, has two beautiful sons and one of the coolest stylist I know. Give him a try, you will enjoy it as much as I did.

    -Tony

  • Review from Masha K.

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    • 17 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2008

    I totally agree with the previous reviews. The salon is a very nice place to be in, beautiful design and clean as well.  The music is always great - the second time I came in I actually asked Nick to put in his Buddha Bar cd and he switched it out for me.

    In terms of hairstyle, I've had mine done once by Rina and once by Nick. They both did an amazing job of making my highlights look very natural and lively at the same time. The haircuts were both in style AND most importantly made my uncontrollable fuzzy mop look styled and modern without my having to do anything in the morning.  They both took the time to ask what I wanted out of the style, didn't use a ton of heavy products and made me feel beautiful.

    The price is hefty, but if you want good service, attention, and an awesome haircut for months to come, it is totally worth it.

  • Review from Angela S.

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    • 28 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    2.0 star rating
    7/5/2009

    I hate to rain on the parade...but I got a horrible haircut here. I have super thick, straight here. The guy who cut my hair waaaayyyy overthinned it. To give you an idea - I went from a ponytail that was about the width of a quarter where the hair is gathered in the elastic - to about the width of somewhere between a dime and a nickel. It took months to let the hair grow back in before I could truly get a corrective cut. The hairstylists I went to while I was letting it grow back in all agreed that there were weird "holes" in my hair where chunks of hair were taken out.

    I gave 2 stars instead of one. Reason is because the shape of the cut was ok. So while I was growing my hair thickness back in my hair didn't look awful. It was just kind of thin - and didn't really move.

    I've also got to say that I went here on the recommendation of a friend - who got a fabulous cut here. She has thick wavy hair. Maybe it was just a bad day for them that I happened to stumble into?

  • Review from Dulce L.

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    • 21 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/13/2007

    I went to D-Zire to get a cut from Teresa B. as she came highly recommended from a girlfriend. I went in, also, with the intent to cut my long hair short-short-short, so I was a bit apprehensive and nervous.

    Teresa was so awesome. She made me comfortable by asking me all of the right questions about what I wanted out of my new cut. Never once did she seem rushed nor did she once rush me. The thing I loved the most? She helped me realize my hair's potential and to work with it's natural texture. For once, I am loving it and not fighting it (cue the tears and sappy music). Sounds like total bullsh*t, but it wasn't a gimmick associated with up-selling any services or products - just pure professional advice about how to play up what I've got.

    Teresa also took the time to really walk me through the styling process (I'm still trying to get the hang of it, but don't allow my inept hairstyling ability to detract from her commitment to her craft).

    Teresa is an independent stylist though, so she rents her chair in the salon (I haven't had any services rendered by Nick, the owner, but I saw him do a good job on someone else and he seems nice). So if you call the salon, they'll redirect you to her cell. No biggie. And personality-wise, Teresa's a worldly chick with a sweet and down-to-earth personality. What kind of stylist checks up on you days after your appointment to see how it's working out for you? I'm totally going back to her for my next cut/trim. Absolutely...

  • Review from Eva C.

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    • 10 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/8/2009

    I have been seeing Nick for 3 years and I have never been dissatisfied with him or the cuts. I typically give him a picture of what I want and we also discuss it because I value his opinion. He is the first hair dresser that I allowed to cut bangs on me, so needless to say we've been through a lot :)
    He can do just about anything, always remember to be specific about what you want because he can truly do anything.
    Nick is awesome! Extremely talented and friendly. Go check the salon out!

  • Review from Rosalee R.

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    • 17 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Portland, OR

    1.0 star rating
    8/15/2011

    horrible experience. brought my terribly ill friend in for a hair cut. her hair was thinning from her illness and when i asked if he could make it like this picture the hair stylist said only if you can give me more hair. OW. the haircut was horrible and then instead of charging us $50 he charged us $65. My friend cried in the car.

  • Review from Deb S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 38 reviews

    CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/18/2010

    Nobody but Nick is allowed to touch my hair. His cuts can seem a bit too short and thin at first but in a day or so, my hair puffs back out and looks amazing. The cuts hold up well over time. They keep their shape and grow out in a flattering way. Highly recommend and his music selection and scalp massage always relax me. If you have straight hair that lacks pizazz, Nick is your man.

  • Review from MyHanh T.

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    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/2/2009

    Liann cut my hair and I LOVE IT. Here are reasons why my visit was over the top GREAT:

    1. Liann came in to cut my hair on her day off
    2. She sat with me for 1/2 hour flipping through books b/c I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted.
    3. Was very willing to take baby steps (cut little by little until I was satisfied)
    4. Cut my friend's bangs for free
    5. listened to what I wanted- low maintenance, flowy
    6. did not give me a mommy- bob
    7. made my straight, thick Asian hair not puffy
    8. gave me a "transformation"
    9. gave me a customized cut based off of 3 photos.
    10. saw me 3 hours after I had left, because I decided I wanted it shorter
    11. didn't charge me for it.
    12. gave me her personal supply of "hair grease" for free
    13. was so nice about it all!
    14. and she's from BOSTON!

    yahoo.

  • Review from Jill E.

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    • 17 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/21/2010

    Nick is very consistent with his haircuts. He is a "mind reader" ..... he knows exactly what I want.  I always walk out very happy!

  • Review from Happy C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    1.0 star rating
    6/26/2011

    PLEASE go to another place for your haircuts! I got my hair cut here and after saying a BILLION times that I wanted a TRIM and that I did NOT want to go ANY shorter than here *specified location around where my armpit starts,* the older lady cut off FOUR INCHES MORE than that! I left with a haircut that really aged me and was a horrible length! SO BAD i was in a horrible mood the whole day and cried...several times. Now that my hair has been in a bun for the last couple weeks, I'm considering hair extensions.

  • Review from McLane M.

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    • 11 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    5/15/2010

    I really enjoyed my cut here. Nick did a great job and took his time to make sure I was happy with the results.  I will definitely be coming back.

  • Review from Natasha N.

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    • 9 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/1/2011

    Went yesterday for a french pedicure - called about 30 minute before they were closing and the manicurist (Lianna) was more than happy to wait for me to come in. 10 minutes later, I'm sitting in a massage chair getting one of the best pedicures ever! Lianna was very accommodating to me and spent a lot of time on the pedicure (even though they had to open past their 7pm closing time). Overall very satisfied with the service, reasonable price, love the ambiance of the store, and would definitely come back.

  • Review from Minnie G.

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    • 6 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/12/2010

    I still have not received any compensation from this salon. to date the total damages are $285

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      9/7/2010

      RED ALERT! AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE BLACK DEATH!

      CONSIDER YOURSELF EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE… Read more »

  • Review from A. P.

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    • 4 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2008

    Even if they didn't cut hair I would still come in to hang out and talk to Nick.  It doesn't hurt that he also happens to give a great hair cut.  I can't recommend him highly enough - the best.

  • Review from Erik R.

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    • 51 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/10/2009

    Let me first say that any place that goes out of their way to buy me ice cream is already getting muchos brownie points. That said, I've had my hair cut here twice in the past 4 months by Nick, and both times i have been very satisfied with my hair cut. Before going to D-Zire, i used to get my hair cut at this little barber shop up in Davis, so I wasn't quite sure what to think when Nick first washed my hair and then gave a scalp massage, but now, in retrospect, I'm sure that it was AWESOME. Who knew being pampered was so much fun? D-Zine gets 5 stars for the great haircut, friendly service, and especially for the ice cream. Thanks Nick!

  • Review from t j.

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    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/27/2008

    this was one of the worst haircuts ive gotten. I think the salon generally must be good, hence the the other great reviews. If you choose to go here, I would recommend not going to the East Asian guy with long black hair. I asked for an assymetrical bob (short in the back and longer in the front) and he proceeded to give me a blunt cut without any layers. The cut looked terrible. Realizing that the haircut wasn't nice, he proceeded to burn my hair with a flatiron with the hope that the very straight hair would mask how terrible the cut was. I was disappointed and within a week, I made an appointment with Eric at Panache on College (literally a few doors down from D-Zire) and he gave me a lovely haircut. If you are thinking of going to D-Zire, save your money and just go to Panache. Read the reviews on Panache....they are far more glowing.

  • Review from Nancy W.

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    • 3 friends
    • 1 review

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/5/2007

    Nick is an amazing stylist - since I got my hair cut by him a couple of years ago, I haven't gone anywhere else! He's has an intuitive sense of what will look great, but also is listens carefully to what you want.  Nick definitely takes his time working on you to make sure that his customers are satisfied.  I always look forward to my appointments and leave feeling like a new person.  I've recommended a number of friends to him and no one has been disappointed.   You can trust him to do a great job!

  • Review from Dre D.

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    • 2 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/6/2007

    what they say about theresa is true. i walked in hoping for a cut and color and walked about with exactly what i wanted.  theresa hooked my hair up and she is super friendly, too!

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