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Gamine
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Cosmetics & Beauty Supply
Neighborhood: Silver Lake2845 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 413-8808
Still offering the Stimulus!
We're extending the offer through the holidays. Visit our website at http://gaminesilverlak... for info.
Announced 1 week ago- Hours:
Tue. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wed-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
50 reviews for Gamine
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
2/23/2009
11/17/2009
11/13/2009
10/5/2009
9/27/2009
9/14/2009
10/8/2009
9/10/2009
7/9/2009
4/17/2009
6/3/2009
3/14/2009
3/8/2009
5/15/2009
3/8/2009
10/18/2009
3/30/2009
7/21/2009
10/5/2009
7/15/2009
7/28/2009
7/1/2009
12/14/2008
Updated - 5/17/2009
6/27/2009
9/21/2008
8/28/2008
3/18/2009
9/2/2009
6/16/2009
5/8/2009
3/17/2008
4/22/2009
2/17/2008
7/11/2008
1/27/2009
2/26/2008
3/3/2009
1/8/2009
6/19/2009
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I used to get bad haircuts and come home with a bruised neck from the hairwashing sink. Now I go to Gamine.
Julie is gifted. The vibe is totally casual, but kinda spa-like. I never feel like weird salon judgement. It's very convivial! And there's a great pho place next door to boot.
Get your hair cut.
Get pho.
Feel awesome.
Just had a great cut from Tamara - perfect cut at her "Fall stimulus" rate of $30. I would have been happy with a decent cut at that price, but she did an AMAZING job.
Previously, I loved my old hair stylist -- I'd never had a haircut I loved til her -- but then she raised her prices to over $100/cut, plus her salon is located across town.
Well, i LOVE my cut from Tamara, she's in my neighborhood and even without her special rate, she is way less pricey than my old stylist.
Never thought I'd make the switch to a new stylist/salon, but when Tamara offered free bang trims in between cuts, she may have just got herself a new regular customer.
Highest rating! highly recommended!
After extensive research on Yelp for hair salons, I came upon Gamine. I think it's rare that I see five stars for places, especially when there are more than 20 reviews. After moving back to Los Angeles from being in the East Coast (where I went to an excellent salon- Salon 5), I was desperate to find another hair salon that wouldn't burn a large hole in my pocket.
So I made an appointment at Gamine- and thank goodness they still had the Summer Stimulus package. I signed up for Tamara and it was great because as a first-timer I got 50% off. The salon had its own parking lot (a few space right in front of the place) so I didn't have to look for street parking as it was mentioned in other people's reviews. Once I entered I was immediately offered a beverage (coffee, tea, water) while I waited (since I was a bit early) and I lounged in their front reception area (nice, modern white sofa) while browsing their magazines.
The interior of the place is very simple, modern and minimal. The color scheme was basically white, with touches of metal here and there from the mirrors to the room in the back (offices?). The main focus of the hair salon I found out from Tamara, was the hair itself, and the owner of the place did not want the architecture/interior to be distracting.
Once Tamara was ready, I was lead to the back by Preston who washed my hair (my favorite part of haircuts) and we chatted about random celebrities and concerts. The shampoo and conditioner they used smelled fabulous (always a plus).
Afterwards, I discussed what I wanted with Tamara as she combed my hair to see what it looked like in its current state (a nightmare!). We both agreed with the long layers and she advised that I forgo the side swept bangs and instead told me that I would look better with a longer length (for my "bangs"). I totally agreed with her and after chit-chatting with her about my life, my hair had been transformed into a freshly layered delight. She got rid of all the dead weight on my head and my hair felt light and airy (with a delicious swing to it!).
I was really happy with my cut, especially for the price and I would definitely go back to Gamine. I have been sold and I have found my go-to salon in the West Coast!
Though the Summer Stimulus package they were running has ended, the folks at this place do good hair. Sneaking in for a half price cut in late September, I was overjoyed to come out with the first haircut that I've really liked since 2004.
Ginger shaped up a messy but cool cut that I'd gotten at Hairroin in Hollywood. The $37.50 didn't eat up the pennies in my change purse, so I celebrated with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Hooray for economic incentives! I'll be back to pay the full bill next time, still a very good deal for a cut that makes me feel pretty.
Got praises from all over the world coz Ginger cuts my hair! Well, not the world, more like from 6 countries in Southeast Asia =D
She did perfect Asymmetric Bob!
Gamine is a godsend. I used to get my hair done at Shear, but Julie gives my precious hair all the attention it needs.
We(my hair and I) agreed that this is our favorite salon and I'm sure it'll be yours too once you visited Gamine.
Gamine is a great local salon, including for men's cuts. Tamara has been able to do everything from a french military cut to faux-hawk to clean & cropped. Everyone is friendly, they have great products, and the conversation is easy. Big fan.
I really wanted to like this place , i was disappointed to the point of tears as soon as i left the salon.
I brought a picture showing her exactly what i wanted, instead she gave me "Summer" from 500 Days of Summer style of a haircute, cute haircut i suppose but it was far from what i wanted not to mention i hate hate hate whispys.
And if you have a cowl lick do yourself a favor and stay away from front bangs.
Fuck! Now i went on stimulus tuesday thinking i could get a great haircut and save money. Fuck was i wrong i immediatly left in tears and called my regular hairstylist.
LESSON LEARNED YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Tamara at Gamine.
Sick of pricing that's totally out of this world simply because I live in the City of Angels, I went looking for a deal. And let me tell you, I found it. I hit up Lauren on one of those half-price recession days (Thursday) and got a damn good hair cut for a damn good price. I was definitely that girl that walked in, handed over a picture from a magazine and said, "I like that. But I don't care what you do." Lauren probably wanted to smack me across the face and tell me to kindly show myself out, but miracle of miracles, she did not. She worked through exactly what I wanted (even though I didn't technically know) and gave me an adorable bob that I've gotten a ton of compliments now. The hairdressers there are an honest and won't lead you astray (case in point: Lauren patiently describing why Cameron Diaz's hair sucks and why I did not, contrary to what I thought, want it at all).
Everyone there was kind, friendly, and funny. I'm still debating if I'll go back next time knowing that I'll pay full price (hey, it's a recession) but regardless-- the hair cut was great and if you're a first-timer or have the means to go at full price, I'd certainly recommend it. Oh, and don't forget to park in the lot right in front of the salon-- they have spaces reserved just for Gamine customers (I pass this wisdom on to you so you don't spend 10 minutes trying to parallel park on a nearby hill and then hiking over decrepit sidewalk like I did).
3 stars is the average for me and my mom's experiences at Gamine altogether.
Julie gave me a FANTASTIC cut. My hair is super-straight and I have a TON of it. I was her last appointment of the evening and she really spent a lot of time giving it a lot of body and movement. She tried out some goo on me, though, which she gets paid to test and give feedback for. I didn't really care for it, but was in love with my cut and felt it was a small price to pay. I got compliments on that cut for months, and it grew out beautifully.
Some weeks later, I went back for the complimentary bang trim (cos the shape of the cut outlasts the shape of the 'fringe'). I did just call on the day I wanted to stop by, but I was willing to wait until Julie had a break, and they just acted like I was asking for something excessive. I was prepared to tip $20, but when they made me feel like a jerk, I decided that it wasn't very nice customer service.
My mother loved my cut so much that she wanted to go to Gamine. My uncle gave her the cut as a birthday gift, so she was super excited. Half-way through my mom's cut, some TV news anchor drops by and she stops cutting my mom's hair tells an assistant to blow-dry it and goes to cut this dude's hair. Then she comes back to fnish cutting my mom's curly hair dry. It was no surprise then, when my mom got home, her haircut was totally uneven. My mom had to drive back and have Julie fix it. After it was fixed, it looked fantastic, but I have wondered if the amazing cuts are worth the poor customer service and have not returned yet.
Let me start by saying that Tamara at Gamine gave me the best haircut I've ever received! I have thick and unruly hair, with weird cowlicks. It has been really difficult finding the right person to cut my hair. I've tried very expensive salons in LA before, and every time, the hairstylist has gotten frustrated with how difficult it was to cut and texturize my hair and ultimately gave me a bad hair cut.
I went into Gamine with a few pictures of short layered hairstyles that I liked. Tamara asked me what I liked about each one and she really listened and didn't try to push things on me. But I felt very comfortable asking for her opinion and giving her the freedom to interpret my likes and dislikes. I ended up with a stylish hairdo, with frizz-free waves that I never knew I had! My total bill, which included the wash, cut, blow-dry, and a tube of styling creme was under 60 dollars!
I will never get my hair cut anywhere else for as long as I can help it. Thanks Tamara!
I've got OCD. And I had the same stylist for almost 10 years in SF. Then I moved to LA and let my hair grow long and stringy like a yehti, afraid to put my stringy locks in someone new's hands.
I went to Gamine based on yelp praise and told them I wanted to look like I'd been surfing in austrailia for 3 months. The bondi beach do.
Tamara was great. She put up with my overly paranoid sweating nervous energy. She was patient and together we organically came up with a cut that is touseled and sexy and makes my very thin limp hair look like it has a lot of life.
Vanessa did my color, some light highlights painted on, that look very natural.
A great place. Warm and caring staff. There's a reason they've got such great Yelp status.
Few things can be more difficult when moving to a new area then trying to find a new good hair stylist when you've been going to the same person for the last six years. I'd been reading reviews for hair salons for months trying to decide on a place to try will my hair grew all the longer and less blonder.
Then I spotted Gamine's special "Stimulus Sunday" offer. A $60-$175 haircut for $30? From a hair salon with so many five star reviews? SOLD. What a perfect way to try out a new place without spending a lot of $$$.
Verdict? Worth every penny of the $30 I spent and certainly worth the actual price for the services. Everyone is very friendly and upbeat and the vibe is very relaxed. Not stuffy like some high end salons can be. High end it is however. You can tell the products and the stylists are top notch. I was paired with Lauren who is a lovely lady who dealt with my complete lack of direction very smoothly. In the end I ended up with a great haircut PLUS styling.
Overall I really liked the vibe and atmosphere, the bright clean space, and of course the professional and talented staff. I liked it enough to book an appointment for some color with Vanessa! I think I may have found my replacement for my salon in Boston which I loved so dearly. I'll be updating after my color and perhaps giving out an extra star...
Ask for Tamara. I went in there with somewhat of an idea of what I wanted, but nothing certain. She totally took the time to keep cutting here and there until it was just right. She said she prefers to cut less, she's careful with your hair! She's also very sweet and easy going.
I even took my mom to her and she was sooooo sweet about being really clear and specific about the cut. My mom is ESL so her patience was greatly appreciated :)
Thanks Tamara!
I was amazed that this place got 5 stars from every reviewer, until I went there myself. Such a nice group of people, and very professional. They had no problem with the fact that I am watching my pennies but still wanting to be FIERCE! And they scheduled my appointment with my needs in mind. I knew I wasn't going to get hit with a $300.00 bill that I wasn't expecting and couldn't afford.
Julie set me up with Tamara. At first, I felt sorry for the poor girl because I didn't really know what I wanted or what would work for me. An indecisive client really must be the worst, but Ms. Tamara handled my wishy-washiness with panache. She asked me questions every step of the way and told me what would probably work best.
Absolutely the best part was not once did anyone try to sell me any hair products I didn't need, Tamara actually said that whatever I was using was working very well, and if I wanted to use mousse (no brand selling at all) from time to time that would probably work great for me.
I told her I wanted to look 10 years younger and 5 lbs lighter and DAMN if she didn't pull it off. Every one of my friends said it was the best haircut I've ever had and 2 of them said I looked 20 years younger (not really, perhaps, but I'll take it.) I finally found my Palace of Hair and I couldn't be happier. Do your hair and style a favor and book your next appointment here.
Love love love Tamara. She really listens and communicate with me before, during and after cutting my hair to make sure I'm satisfied and I am satisfied! Then I came back a week later for my color with Kevin and I just adore him. He's so sweet and I'm happy with his color choice. Wonderful atmosphere, excellent service, great hair cut and color.
I highly recommend this place.
look at my haircut and picture (haha)
It's really tough to find a great salon and people who treat you kindly because they want to, not just because you're a client. I felt very welcome at Gamine, and when I had to pay, I didn't feel like I was getting totally ripped off like at other salons. Sure it is on the pricey side, but you're paying for quality.
Vanessa did a great color job on my hair, and Ginger was just a doll--I really liked her vibe and she really listens and wants to give you a cut you'll be happy with. She did a wonderful job on my hair and I'll definitely be back.
Love this place, but where, oh where, did Ginger, our favorite stylist, go???
Comment from Julie R. of
Gamine
10/5/2009
Thank you very much for your review. Ginger decided to move…
More »
I think that when you walk down the street and get random compliments on your hair, the person who gave you that lovely haircut should also be complimented. Tamara at Gamine...she's delightful. Great haircuts are priceless, but they are pretty affordable at this quaint little spot.
I've gone to a lot of different stylists, and I really never found anyone that could cut the crazy, coarse, confusing mass of hair that I have on my head. Tamara is the only person I've found that actually cuts my hair with consideration, patience, and actual skill - I've had other stylists completely disregard what cuts work with my hair, face, everything and have ended up with a much more frazzled mess. I'm never afraid of taking Tamara's suggestions because she really knows what she's doing.
Not only that, but it's the first time ever I've encountered my hair still looking good as it grew out. Not only that, but getting tons of compliments on your hair by strangers is awesome. Not only that, but everyone who works there is very friendly, professional and down to earth. What a wonderful place!
Great place, great haircut, great prices. I just got my hair cut here by Tamara and could not be happier. Just like the other reviews say, she listens and tells you what is going on with your haircut the whole way through. I was never worried for an instant and thrilled with the result.
I had been searching for a great stylist after I was left out cold when my previous stylist never returned from San Francisco (can't blame her). Through the yelp vines I found Ezra at Gamine and was so thrilled since she had been, no kidding, the fifth stylist in one year! Except, I liked her work...ALOT. I am very picky with my hair since I don't have the voluminous mane I once had...now, I keep it short and need lots of oomph as in layers to give it more volume.
So it turns out I was **it out luck yet AGAIN because Ezra was gone and had opened her new spot. I decided to make my change less drastic by staying at Gamine and trying out another one of their stylists--I opted for senior stylist, Lauren. OMG, she is awesome! I got exactly what I asked for...a funky, yet stylish, angled bob. She did a "wet" cut and then a "dry" cut for added precision. LIke everyone else, I LOVE Gamine, and especially Lauren. Now I always look "put together."
Yes, its not cheap, but for me, this is one of those treats not even a recession can mess with (at least for now!). A no attitude salon dressed in minimalist chic.
I know my last rating was a 5 star, but I gotta do it again! Gamine, you are just awesome. I went to their newest stylist Ginger today and she gave me exACTLY what I wanted. AND if you need your bangs trimmed in between haircuts, they offer that for free, all you have to do is come in and ask! I couldn't believe that I had only been there once before and the owner Julie remembered me. When I got my hair washed I almost fell asleep because it felt so amazing, haha. Ginger was totally friendly and it is such a friendly atmosphere. I called to make an appointment and just happened to call in time for Ginger's first-time client 1/2 off offer, so it was only $37.50! She is usually $75, and I will definitely be going back again to her. Though $75 is a tad bit above my range, I will gladly pay regular price because they're so great over there.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/8/2009
I don't know if I'll be coming here again because the price is a little high for me (but hey, I'm… Read more »
A while back my sister wanted to dye her entire hair purple.....after speaking to the colorist (I can't remember her name) she suggested otherwise. The end result was a bit pricey $300+, but it looked sweet. The girls are super sweet and welcoming. Definitely make an appointment because Saturday mornings are off the hook!
Oh Tamara...you are a hair goddess...
I just recently moved to LA and don't know my way around much. I had been yelp/craigslist shopping for replacement restaurants/stylists/bars etc for a week or so when I ran across a CL ad for the amazing Miss T @ Gamine, offering her worthy services.
I went for it! I brought in a few pics (on my trusty iPhone no less) to give her the general idea of what I was going for re: my style. Personally I like to give the stylist a vague notion of what I want, a clear understanding of what I do NOT want and then I let them have at it. I like to give an artist their space ;)
She was friendly, energetic and very sweet :) She chatted with me, gave me a beverage and then showed me how to style it 2 different ways after the cut. Who does that??? She totally detailed how to style my new 'do' during the process so I could replicate it at home, gave me stellar tips on how to soothe my over processed locks and then offered me free bang trims...ummm can I say I'm in Love???
If you see the Stellar Miss T, tell her Sasha sends her love!
This place is the best!
Let me first start off by saying that I've been growing my hair for the last 5 1/2 years to donate to Locks of Love. So my hair was down to my toosh, literally. And, to top it off, I've never had a hairdresser...EVER. My hair got trimmed either Supercuts or my mom or the person I was dating at the time (only once! Learned that lesson haha).
About 5 months ago, I decided to get my hair trimmed yet again and perhaps even give it a couple layers that wouldn't disturb the length too much. So not knowing where to go, I came on yelp, which was the best decision ever. I saw so many 5 stars about Gamine and great reviews (and it was convenient to both my work in Downtown and home). I called that same day and was able to get a 6:30pm appointment with Ezra. The trim was subtle, but exactly what I needed. Since I told her why I was growing out my hair, she recommended I come back every 3 months. Sadly, between work and life, I kept postponing and postponing my trim.
Flash-forward to last week. I was getting antsy with my hair again and decided to actually chop it off finally and donate it! I made an appointment again with Ezra for yesterday during my lunch hour. An hour later, I came out almost 20 inches lighter with the cutest short hair I've ever had. I literally have never had my hair shorter than my chin length (which was about 20 years ago in grade school) and not once did I doubt or question Ezra. I have complete trust in her skills and now look forward to coming back now every few months to change it up.
When I woke up this morning, I only had to use like a penny sized dollop of shampoo and I let it dry on its own with a little wax to style it. No more 20 minute blow-drying for me!! :)
(And a plus: my dad who has never been a fan of short hair LOOOVES it as do my coworkers and as important, my boyfriend. He's excited to actually be able to play with my hair and it not get tangled or sat/slept on.)
Message: Go see Ezra!!
Oh my goood I need a second job. I happened upon the Gamine Yelp page because of the interesting-looking salon (read: innovative) and saw the caption they inserted about Stimulus Sunday....30 dollar haircuts....serious. Since I'm a lowly UCLA student working part-time and hadn't forked over for a haircut in a year (I know, I know, sheer neglect) I made an extreme effort to make this event. One long bus ride later, I got to Gamine and was offered tea even though this was Poor People day.
I wound up being cut by Julie, and she is JUST the way I like my hairstylists: intelligent, mildly cynical (just enough for adequate wit), creative but with a definitive precision. Basically, I let her do her thing and gawk over how thick my hair is (huzzah Italian genes) and came out of the experience with Sex Hair. I have NEVER felt so amazing after a haircut. She can tell me some people just need "a haircut" all she wants, but I needed her haircut.
I really wanted to attempt a little bang action and she did such a great job I'm going back Friday for MORE of a bang =) and the touch up is free, even though I took advantage of their services on stimulus day...really don't think it can get much better. Now I just have to win some sort of lottery/scrimp so I can afford such a great cut...I've been spoiled! AH!
side note: praise to the product wall
All the positive yelp reviews were right on this one! I really liked this place. Ginger cut my hair on one of the half price Sundays - it was both the best and cheapest cut I've had since moving to LA. Also - they were really sweet and Julie squeezed me in to trim my bangs on a day when Ginger wasn't around. I'll definitely be going back for the full price cut!
Usually, when i go to a salon, my hair only looks its best when i walk out since i spend minimal time styling it. Tamara cut my hair months ago and it's growing out in lovely ways. I credit this to the thoughtful and sincere attention that Tamara and Gamine give their customers. It's a nice atmosphere that's welcoming rather than trying to impress or be overly hip. I look forward to going back soon!
i wanted a haircut and i wanted it asap. i found gamine on yelp, called and they took me that night. they told me tamara had an opening so i took it. all her reviews on here are great, so i wasn't worried. i walked in and everyone was super welcoming. tamara cut my hair, and for the first time ever, i didn't have to go home and fix it. she also suggested some hair products (after i asked what she recommended) and told me to go home, see if i liked how my hair felt, and then come back. she wasn't pushing me to purchase anything AT ALL. i bought shampoo and conditioner anyway because my hair hasn't felt this soft in a long time.
basically, for the first time in my life, i feel like i have found MY salon! AND the prices are great for a fabulous experience.
Reason #1001 why I love Yelp. I'm one of those people who doesn't like to dye her hair and I've had the same hair cut since...geez...a long time. I decided I wanted to try someone new and branch out of my comfort zone. I started to do my Yelp research and fell upon this place with ratings no where near one. I called and made my appointment with Ezra.
I always wanted to see how I would look with bangs, but my other hair lady was very doubtful and didn't want to try it. Well I walked in the place with this question in mind. I was greeted by this very friendly lady (I'm so mad! I forgot her name!) who asked me a question that made me love the place before I got my hair cut: Would you like some coffee?!?!?!?!?! I had just woken up a half an hour before my appointment, so I responded with an enthusiastic, "YES!!!!"
Ezra came and I asked her the question I've been dying to ask, "How will I look with bangs?" She fooled around with my hair and said, "Oh my God you'd look so hot." I told her that I work with high school students and it was bad enough I look their age. The last thing I want to do is look younger than them. She assured me that I wouldn't and I gave the go for bangs. She washed, trimmed, and styled my hair. She finished my bangs, and when I looked in the mirror I couldn't even recognize myself...I LOVED IT!!!! Ezra also explained to me that bangs are maintenance, so if I liked the length and wanted to get them trimmed they do it FREE OF CHARGE!!!! I was ready to show my new look to the world, but I was more concerned about my boyfriend.
My boyfriend picked me up to go out and just kept on staring at me. Then he said, "I like it! You look really good!" That made me super happy. We met up with some of our friends, and they liked my hair as well!!! Then I wondered what my brutally, honest students would think. Well I go to work today, I walk in the office and my coworkers loved my new look. Then came time for my brutally, honest students. They walk in the door, looked at me, and said "Miss! I like your hair. You look totally cool, Miss. You look like a movie star!" (honestly, that's exactly what they said; no joke). YESSSSSSSSS!!!
So one star from me, one star from my boyfriend, one star from my friends, one star from my coworkers, and one star from my students.
Tamara was awesome. I had been growing out my hair for eight months, and simply needed a sweet trim so I wouldn't go crazy. I told her I didn't want to look younger (so she didn't recommend bangs,) I didn't want to look so boring (so she added layers,) and I wanted to keep on growing my hair (so she left some of the pieces long.) For once, I don't hate my hair, and I think I've finally found my go-to girl. Thanks, Tamara!
UPDATED 2/10/09
It's been a year since I wrote the lengthy review below! I'm still going to Julie and Vanessa. In my opinion, they're better than ever. I've also grown to like them so much -- great people (funny, real, down-to-earth). I'm a strong believer that the conversations you have and the relationships you build at a local place can be as treasured as a fantastic haircut. I get both at Gamine. It's also nice to see that Julie invests her ample people skills into mentoring young, talented staffers. Tamara was in training when I first went to Gamine and now she's building her own client list. Point being, Gamine is a great Silver Lake business. It's run by lovely people with loads of talent and lots of heart -- and they're only getting better with each passing day.
UPDATED 2/10/09
I suppose everyone thinks their hair is a challenge. All I can tell you is people always marvel at mine -- and not necessarily in a good way.
Typically when I walk into a new salon I'm filled with a certain amount of dread. What kind of beauty shop ridicule will I endure to this time? At what point during this miserable blind date will I decide to cut my losses, never to return again?
In the seven years I've lived in L.A. I've never met my hair stylist match. It's not like I haven't tried. I've trolled the best salons in Beverly Hills. I've researched the best highlights in L.A. (Props to Negin Zand, but I'm not made of money). I went to Robert at The Parlour on 3rd for a while until I heard about a tweaked-out drug related homicide back by the sinks. I began my never-ending salon search again.
So, apologies for this preamble, but I wanted to set Gamine up right. Good hair folk is hard to find.
When I went into Gamine for the first time, it was a WTH moment. I had nothing to lose. I read the website, liked the stylist descriptions, scoped out the space and made my appointment.
It's been about a dozen visits now and I have never looked back. Sure, Julie was daunted by my freakishly thick hair during that first session. But you could tell that she's worked on enough heads over the years that she would master mine in no time.
Cut conquered, I started seeing Vanessa for color. Verdict: Rockin.'
Because Gamine is so close to my house I do worry something will happen to destroy my fragile folliclesystem. Blabbing about it on Yelp probably won't help me book appointments at Gamine on the fly.
But I'd prefer to see Julie and her Gamine crew flourish. In my mind, Gamine becoming too busy is preferable to having a fantastic small Silver Lake salon move to another neighborhood.
Ezra, Ezra, Ezra
I first got my haircut by Ezra when she was a trainee at Vidal and that was some time ago. And now three years later visiting my sister again in California I'm getting my haircut by Ezra again. She is really amazing at what she does. Usually I'm a bit nervous about getting my haircut and have to put my complete and TOTAL faith in that person because I wear glasses and can't even see what the finished product looks like until I put my glasses back on.
I can not even explain in words how masterfully she handles those pair of scissors!! I have really thick hair, while not coarse, is all wavy and curly in most parts, but she handles my hair like a true PRO!! She is also miraculously fantastic at giving you a cut that you wont soon be running back to the salon for another touch up, she is VERY good at making sure that your hair will grow out well. And I don't think I need to add that I wouldn't think twice about throwing down whatever amount of money for a cut done by Ezra
I always look forward to the next appointment that I can have with Ezra! I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when I return to New York because I wont have Ezra there. And have seriously considered returning every 2 months to California so that I can have my haircut by Ezra, and so that I may visit my sister.
I've lived in LA for over 2 years and I had a horrible time trying to find a hairstylist. Finally the time came a few weeks ago when I went to Tamara. Super friendly and knowledgeable stylist. I have naturally curly hair that I mostly straighten but from time to time I like to wear it in it's natural state. I wanted a cut that would compliment booth sides of me. Well Tamara did just that. I'm so happy with the cut and price.
I have been in Los Angeles for three and a half years and until now, I hadn't found a stylist I felt I could go back to. I'm consistently met with people telling me how I should do my hair or apprehension when I say "no really, you CAN cut 4" off". So when I saw 6 reviews with 5 stars each for Gamine (which is conveniently in my neighborhood) I decided to give it a try.
I walked in and it was bright, inviting, and happy. Not stuck-up, not judging glares. Just warm happy people. They were a bit behind, and lacking a receptionist, so it was a tad hectic. But they kept on it. I had to wait a bit for my cut, but it was worth it.
Ezra is a confident and gifted stylist. You wouldn't think my hair is difficult to cut, but it is. It has a mind of its own and I have irritating cowlicks. She seemed relieved when I said it was OK to get rid of the length (it was mid back, now its at arm-pit)... I was well overdue for a cut and was well aware that I needed more than just a trim. Ezra gave me styling tips without forcing her knowledge. She didn't push products which was also a sigh of relief. I really enjoyed what she put in my hair, and I intend to go back to purchase it, so she didn't even have to.
She cut my hair quickly and we finished on time. My cut is amazing. The big test is always after you wash it and you try and style it yourself. Ezra pays attention to how you normally style it and runs with it instead of trying something new that you would never be able to accomplish at home.
All in all I love my hair. It looks 10 times healthier and thicker than when I walked in there. Truly amazing. I finally found my stylist. :)
Although I've only been to Gamine a couple of times, Julie (the owner) is a veteran in the business and a wonderful stylist who has a creative and effortless way with her scissors.
As a young professional, I must admit this is way above my budget but I splurge anyway because it is THAT good. A cut and blowdry lasts about an hour depending on what you have done, and can run towards $80-100. Every stylist is great and the products they carry work magic on my hair!
The space is clean, bright and colorful and the people there are friendly and quirky. A Silverlake gem, and worth the trip for those not in that neighborhood.
in response to a previous review: definitely salon prices (i.e. not Supercut prices...), but you get what you pay for!
The ladies are all very friendly. It's like going to visit friends (who are good hostesses): "would you like anything to drink? are you comfortable?"
Tamara has cut my hair several times now, and she's excellent. She can give you suggestions as to what hairstyle would look good with your face and actually WORK with your hair type. (Years ago, pre-Tamara, I made the mistake of getting layers, which does NOT work with my very thin, very straight hair type!) I once got there early and got to watch her do this amazing (indescribable, but good) hair cut on this brave guy whose only instructions were "do what you want, but make it stylish and interesting."
Lauren gave me hands down the best haircut I've ever had! I just moved to LA from Boston and was terrified to leave my favorite hairdresser (Wendy at Exhale Spa) who had until this point given me a consistently fabulous haircut. So naturally I was nervous to try out a new hairdresser. Lauren made it easy, with her 50% off thursday recession days, I felt confident in trying a top stylist for very little money. I expected a good haircut, but I didn't expect the sensational, drop dead gorgeous, sexy, unique and classy haircut I received. I must say, i wasn't blown away by the haircut at first, but by the weekend when I went to a wedding, I realized how amazing it was. I was getting compliments left and right. And still do, two weeks later! People have stopped me on the street asking me where I got my hair done...So I finally had to get my ass on yelp to give Lauren the credit she deserves. Thanks dudette, you're one talented woman!!!
