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Hermosa
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
2703 College Ave(between Derby St & Forest Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
(510) 548-1170
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Hair Types Specialized In:
- Straight Perms, Coloring, Curly Hair, Kids' Hair
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$50 for $75 Certificate
MJ S. said: "***UPDATE*** I purchased the yelp deal, got a fab-u-lous haircut! Since I still had some money left over, I came back and got a manicure today. I…" read more »
97 reviews for Hermosa
97 reviews in English
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Review from Chaz G.
Oakland, CA
11/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Brittney is great! It's hard to find someone who can do a fly short cut. She is definitely talented!
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Review from Heather M.
Oakland, CA
2/4/2012
Not a very friendly place.
Kate Narron cut my hair and she seemed to rush through the haircut and seemed distracted. Overpriced and did not love the haircut--wouldn't go back. -
Review from Marineh B.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011
My review is long overdue. I've been following Kimberly Guerrero for a few years from a different salon to Hermosa. I can't say enough positive things about Kim and the salon itself. I've been to quite a few stylists and Kim is the BEST. No exageration. She takes her time with your hair and really cares. She is a very warm and talented girl!! The salon is situated in a very cute part of berkeley on College ave near cool boutiques and cafes. Go to Kim. You will never be sorry. She has consistently made me very happy with my cuts :)
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Review from Blaze F.
Oakland, CA
4/22/2011
Because I will have to rave about Kate, I have delayed writing this review. I know you yelpers are reading reviews with your appointment-making trigger finger itching on speed dial & you know how territorial a person can feel about her sacred hair appointment & ability to get another one...right? But I found Kate through yelp & I figure, I owe her & the yelpsters; it's a karmic thing.
Kate's great. She really is. As a person she's smart, fun, charming--all that stuff others have already gone on so eloquently about.
She's been doing my 'do for...at least 3 years now. I've never gotten a bad haircut from her. Really. I have really straight fine hair & it shows every mistaken cut mark. There haven't been any made by Miss Kate.
Love her! -
Review from Alicia O.
Oakland, CA
3/16/2011
Genius.
This is the only word I can think of when it comes to Kate Narron. I'm notorious for loathing having my hair cut. My hair is curly. But not super curly -- just the kind of curls that like to dreadlock themselves if they have their way, and it's kind of flat on top (wow, does that make me sound like I have a mullet?). Also, I swim a lot. And I've had numerous hair cuts up and down the west coast that have made me seriously consider finding whoever Carrot Top is going to these days because heck, his hair looked better than mine. I digress.
Kate is worth every cent. She is extremely knowledgeable about hair, how hair works, types of hair, and hair products. I'm shocked she's not teaching university level courses on hair-cutting because she just knows so much and is so informed and aware.
Even better? She's a genius not just when it comes to hair. Our conversations span the state of education, frivolous pop culture, the sociology of image, songs that make us cry and books we love. She can converse on any topic without breaking stride. And she doesn't force conversation if her client (me) isn't feeling chatty. Sometimes I just close my eyes and sit in comfortable silence.
Whenever I leave Kate's chair, I feel like I have the best haircut on the planet, and I'm convinced no one could possibly do as good a job as her. And I get the feeling I'm not the only person who feels this way. Curly, long, straight, short -- Kate's got the right stuff. -
Review from Katie M.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2011
Kimberly is my angel. I thought I'll try to go blonde, myself, at home... big mistake. I took off the bleach too soon and my hair was a brassy yellow! It was awful and my friends were calling me the banana split. I called a few salons in town on a Monday and most were closed. I called again at 10a on Tuesday and many still were not open. Except Hermosa. I called to see if they had an availability this week. They had one today!
I came in and met Kimberly. I love her style, she definitely has spunk. After talking with her about what to do with my mess, I felt at ease. I knew I could trust her. She recommended highlights and lowlights with a toner to tone down the brassiness. After all her hard work, my hair came out beautifully! I still had some blonde, which was what I wanted, with a bit of lowlights in my natural hair color so when it grows out, it won' t be too obvious. I was thrilled she was able to take care of my hair- and keep it so shiny and soft (even after three dye jobs in one week!)
She really took the time to look at every detail. She didn't just go with what she had and "best luck." As a result, my hair is in perfection. I will definitely go back to Kimberly from now on for touch-ups and haircuts!
Oh, and I have thin hair and so does Kimberly. So she knows how to cut it right to give it volume. My only concern (hence the 4 stars) was that my bangs didn't go with my layers well. But it was my fault as I asked for it and didn't ask to get it fixed (was limited on time). Nevertheless, my hair looks amazing! I had three compliments the following hours after I left.
Go Kimberly!
Update two months later:
After contemplating what happened- I think the price was a bit steep. A lot of my friends said I didn't look as great as I did before. So I went back to black-brown and let my hair grow out. It looks great now and I feel much better. Downgraded my ratings to a 3 star. -
Review from Shagane B.
Berkeley, CA
3/12/2011
It's really hard to find a nice place in terms of hair: the price needs to be good, the vibe should be relaxing and of course you want the person be reliable to "feel your hair" and sprinkle you with a little "something" that makes look and feel damn good. I love going to see Joe and there is nothing better than looking forward to a Sunday morning to get my cut and highlights.
I've been doing hair with Joe (Joe Escobedo) for two years now. My hair is somewhat curly but I wear it more wavy. It is also long. Joe has experience working with a lot of different hair types, you can sense it with how he adjusts the process to work with your hair. My husband also cuts his hair with Joe, he has corse thick short hair. He makes you feel fresh and hot. He understands color very well and will play with shades depending on the season, but he is always very respectful to hair avoiding harsh treatments.
My trouble is that most people don't really understand how to work with curly hair: you can't cut it like other hair and when it comes to highlights I have some really bad past experiences. For example you can't make the highlights too thin because after you put product in your hair it just looks like dirty hair. Same with hair cuts, people always forget that shorter hair springs way up after the hair cut, they cut it short and then I have to look like poodle for a month. I have not had any problems of the sort with Joe, I walk out with beautiful highlights, long blond hair that has a beautiful wave. Lately he has been blowing straight my hair with a romantic curl at the end, LOVE IT! HOT!
Oh, yeah, on the side he is this famous make-up stylist and fashion designer. He has tons of shows in San Francisco mostly but LA too and collaborates with amazing accessories designers as well. Check out his work: http://www.theglambox.com/ -
Review from Wendy L.
El Cerrito, CA
11/20/2011
had a really nice experience with Caitlin. i really liked my haircut. :)
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Review from Candy C.
Oakland, CA
1/6/2011
Here's the deal--I am a busy comedienne (you may have seen me on NBC's Last Comic Standing or at the Brain Wash), so obviously my hair is very important to me. I can't trust it to just anyone. I can't! But Julie Rinella earned my trust with her vision, attention to detail, and knowledge.
When I place my perfectly sculpted ass in Julie's very capable chair, she always asks, "What do we want to do today?" And I answer, "No, Julie. What do YOU want me to want us to do today? And you know what? She tells me what I wants and then she does it. And then I pay and make another appointment. (Hair grows.)
I want to let everyone know that Julie is amazing! Not only does she cut my hair but she also cuts ME. -
Review from Elle M.
Alameda, CA
12/28/2010
Julie Rinella has been doing my hair for over 10 years and I will never go to anyone else. She is an amazing hair stylist/colorist and I have never once left her chair with a haircolor/cut I didn't like. At this point I just tell her to do whatever she wants as long as she doesn't dye my hair blue and give me a mullet, I open my magazine and let her do her thing-that's how much I trust her.
She is now at Hermosa which is lovely, I like the atmosphere, neighborhood and can ussually find a spot right across the street unmetered -
Review from katie k.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2011 1 photo
I treated myself to a new years cut by Helen and stepped into 2011 with a fabulous 'do!
I came in with an idea in mind: asymmetrical bangs. If there was anyone I could trust to endeavor this tricky project, it would be Helen. We agreed on a plan of action and the cutting commenced! She tamed my messy mane like no other and in about an hour, I could barely recognize myself! The cut complimented my face shape, flaunted my cheek bones, neckline and even made me look thinner! I left with a huge grin on my face and I've had tons of compliments since.
If you're in need of change, Helen is your girl. Even if you've never been to a higher end stylist, she'll make you feel at home. Do yourself a favor and see Helen at Hermosa! -
Review from Morgan E.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2011
I have been bouncing around Berkeley and SF salons for a couple years now (including GenRay, Panache, Cinta, Festoon) in search of a new stylist, and I've finally (and happily) landed with Julie at Hermosa. Go Julie! I have long straight hair and I keep a neat, layered look with long bangs. It's a basic look that could border on boring in the wrong hands, but Julie is a magician with her styling - she gives me just enough layers to add texture and movement, listens and responds to my requests for long bangs (never too short!) that sweep and tuck behind my ears at the perfect angle, and her blow out is superb - gives me the fresh-off-the-beach look that is clean enough for work but still flirty enough for a night out. If you are in search of a new stylist or just in the neighborhood for the day, ask for Julie. She is a great listener and can be trusted to do what YOU want. Plus I love that she'll ask a few questions to get conversation rolling, but if you'd rather be head-down in your magazine she'll let you do your thing too. Five stars. Oh, cuts are $75, or $65 for newbies.
Hermosa itself is a cozy no-frills salon. Bathroom, check. Magazines, check. Coffee and water, check. What else do you need from your salon, it's all about the stylist anyway! -
Review from star w.
Albany, CA
6/23/2011
With the Helen and Julie added to the line up this place rocks! Helen rules my hair, rocks my girlfriends hair, and my friends hair are equally as great from her!
Love every aspect of the shop! -
Review from Louize B.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2011
Julie is fabulous!!!! I came in asking for balayage which is like highlighting but without foil! Its so hard to find someone that is good at it in the bay area. I came in telling her I wanted natural brighter highlights for the summer. She did such an amazing job! It was exactly what I wanted. When i left my hair was so shiny, brighter, and amazing! Everyone has been asking where i got my hair done and I've of course been sending them to her! She truly is a master at color!
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Review from Sammy S.
Alameda, CA
7/17/2008
Do you remember that picture day, maybe in 3rd or 4th grade, when you wanted your hair to look REALLY special, so you asked your best friend to trim your bangs for the occasion? But instead of trimming your bangs she takes your bangs in her hand, ties them with a pony tail holder and chops the bang pony tail off?
It looks like someone ran over your head with a lawn mower, but all you can do is wait for the bangs to grow, and in the meantime those barrettes with the ribbons that have beads at the end will have to do for picture day.
Yesterday as I walked out of Hermosa, I desperately wished for a pair of those barrettes to help rectify the disaster that was my bangs.
This is the first time I've wanted to trip Yelp and push her face in the snow. This was also the first time I almost cried during a haircut.
After reading rave reviews of the stylists at Hermosa I decided to give them a shot and scheduled a simple bang cut.
I walked in and was greeted by an adorably sweet gay man who told me my stylist had just stepped out to walk the puppy, and then offered me some water.
There were stars in my eyes. A puppy? Gay men? water??? THIS PLACE ROCKS!
Then, the experience plummeted. My stylist "T" sat me down and asked me what I wanted for the future of my bangs. I told her that the last time I got them cut the previous stylist had cut them a bit long, and every time I blinked they were in my eyes. I also told her I maybe wanted my bangs a little thicker, as one of my pet peeves is when they get all clumpy, cause it makes me look like a pubescent tween.
It seemed she understood me. She told me she would be gradually taking hair off so they wouldn't end up too short. I was game and relaxed.
As she began clipping away I noticed that they weren't looking right and held tight, waiting for them to get better.
They never did. They just kept getting shorter and seemingly more uneven.
She told me she was going to make them choppier so they weren't so straight across.
Phew! I thought! She's not going to give me grade school Mormon bangs.
She pulled out the thinning sheers and started butchering the fringe. Um, yeah, didn't I tell you at the beginning that I wanted thicker bangs?
They kept getting piecier and piecier and continued to lose all length and any recognition of their former cuteness.
"What do you think?"
She's done? She's done? Ok breath. You're a grown woman, tears are not ok. There's no crying in baseball.
"Well _________, I don't love them at all."
She then tried to style them with a round brush, making them appear even shorter and more crooked.
I told her again how they were too thin and I wanted them thicker, but her response to that was "I don't want to cut them any shorter."
Who the fuck asked you to cut them shorter? Is shorter another word for thicker in your vocab? Is "thicker" Berkeley speak for "Ignore the fuck out every thing I say?'
She didn't charge me, which I do really appreciate, but I wish I didn't walk out of Hermosa hyperventilating, with 3rd grader "experiment with scissors" bangs.
In the words of the great Kelly H. "Fringe is getting me down." -
Review from J A.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2008
Megan ROCKS!
She rocked my hair out!
Yay! I found a stylist in the East Bay! -
Review from erica f.
Los Angeles, CA
5/3/2007
I've gone to Hermosa 4 times over the last 8 years. Every 2 years I feel like its time to give someone else a shot there.Sadly, I'm always disappointed.
The place reminds me of that really good looking guy in college that everyone wants a piece of. At the end of freshmen year, you find a time when you are both totally inebriated and you make out only to find that he's a horrible kisser. You write it off -- mentally pardoning him due to the alcohol. Then you run into each other again 3-4 years later and then two years after that. He's still so hot- you're willing to try and try again. And each time you walk away with a slobbery and somber face, and disheveled hair. Its akin to that. (Note: this is not based on real life events but rather general predicaments girls find themselves in.)
Its got a great store front, supurb location, nice classy interior and wella products, which most salons don't carry. However, their stylists tend to be over priced and over zealous.I've had my hair hacked up multiple times (4) when I simply asked for a trim. My last experience left my fine once long hair "great clips" blunt and shoulder length. (Joy- super nice but needs to update her style.) I even went back to have it fixed and I still looked a spitting image of Ramona Quimby-- which made me want to cry.
Head to Soleil on College if you need a good cut for a reasonable price. Oh and They're AVEDA so they use the use the good stuff.
I'm done with Hermosa. I've learned my lesson-- looks can be deceiving. -
Review from christine h.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 7/16/2010 1 photo
I'm reviewing Theresa again -- I felt that my previous review was old, and I wanted to update it with more details now that I've had more experience with her and other salons!
Some basics: she charges $65 for a cut. Cash/check only. Since everyone at Hermosa does their own scheduling, you can call her directly at (510) 932-1514. She never changes her number, so this should be current even a few years from now! :)
Before coming to Theresa, I had my hair cut at Carlton Hair in the big SF Westfield mall. I recently had my hair cut also at Moonshadow Salon at Ashby and College. But I definitely like Theresa the best out of these, for a few reasons:
1. She's not pushy. She wasn't aggressively trying to get me to color my hair. She told me she thought it would look cute if I did a certain color, but after I told her I wasn't interested, she didn't push it.
2. She's a perfectionist about YOUR hair and she pays great attention to detail. She really takes time to cut her hair, because she ENJOYS what she's doing. If she doesn't like a bit of the cut, she'll basically keep on working on it until it's to her (and your) satisfaction. As a result, I tend to be in the chair for about two hours (but this depends based on the complexity of your cut, of course).
For example, I got my hair cut today, and she's actually having me come back on Tuesday to do more work on it because she wasn't quite satisfied with it. I already thought the cut was fantastic: really, EXACTLY what I wanted, and I left feeling like a million bucks. But she told me she wanted to take care of some small details on Tuesday: seriously...tell me a stylist who will do that for you! Theresa really cares!!!
One last bit of awesomeness: I got braces in January, and my face had changed slightly because it corrected an underbite. I noticed it, because I have to look at myself everyday. But my Mom, Dad, boyfriend, etc. all didn't notice it - it's not because I see them everyday; I only see my mom and dad a few times a year. But one of the first things Theresa said to me when I came in today (after not seeing her for over a year) was, "Hm...your face has changed! It's less round in the jaw." Wow. Keen eye!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/26/2007
About the salon: Hermosa has very scant decorations, and the individual stations also aren't… Read more »
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Review from Porkchop P.
Oakland, CA
8/23/2007
This place is wonderful.
No attitude, great energy, talented stylists.
I've been to a couple of stylists here over the years and they all have been great. Lately Kimberly G. has been doing my color and I love her! She is a super-experienced, talented, down-to-earth sweetheart with a great sense of style. I know I'm a hottie when I leave her chair!
The owners, Rick and Ernie, have very high standards for the integrity of their stylists' work and characters. They are excellent hairdressers in their own right (yes, they've both done my hair before), and they run a tight ship. If they think a hairdresser is a dud on either count, there's no way he/she is scoring a chair at Hermosa.
Oh, and did I mention the tons of free parking around the shop? Nothing like treating yourself to a day of beauty and not having run out to feed a meter with foil in your hair! -
Review from Malaga S.
Woodland, CA
3/27/2011
Megan, my hair loves you and so do I. thank you for your light touch (and great scalp massage) and somehow leaving waist length hair silky and soft even after color, blow dry, flat iron and curl. HOW do you do that??? it's been a couple of years now, and i can easily say you're a pro and the very best. what else can I say but THANK YOU! and Hermosa is always fun - especially when Ernie shakes his groove thing.
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Review from Elizabeth C.
Oakland, CA
7/23/2008
I lOVE LOVE LOVE Edwin R. at Hermosa. The salon is super nice, always clean, great people. Edwin stays open pretty late and he is always positive, sweet and so funny. Have him tell you the dolphin joke. I love the tea and water and most important, the HAIRCUT.
I have to tell you, I have found only one other hairstylist that even comes close to the magic that Edwin does on my hair and she lives in Vacaville. Here's the thing: I don't bring a picture, I don't tell him anything except how i normally wear it. I usually go 4-5 months without cutting or dying my hair cause i'm lazy (and cause Edwin's cuts grow out so cute). I walk in to the salon, usually in tears because I have woken up that morning and realized that my hair is in absolute shambles (who waits 5 months really?) and tell Edwin, "Make it better!!! Just make it look pretty!" And let me tell you friend, he DOES. He's a miracle worker. He always does an amazing job styling my hair afterwards and sends me out the door feeling like a goddess.
One more thing. Edwin is actually the only person I have LET dye my hair. I have always dyed my own hair with great success and never trusted anyone to dye my hair, until the great debacle of December, that is. I came into the salon with the shame that can only be had when one does a terrible self-dye job and Edwin just laughed and sassed me and took this horrid hair and made it so pretty. Actually, he did just as i told him that time and made it bright red and was like, "Sure, whatever you want". Turns out he has a way better eye for color than i do, of course, he's the professional, Liz. I should have trusted him with my color from the start cause this last dye job he did is absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous, mostly because I just gave him complete creative control.
I highly reccomend him, cash or check only. You won't regret it. -
Review from Elyse M.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2009 1 Check-in Here
Kate Narron has been cutting my hair for a few years now, and I love her and will follow her wherever she goes. She figures out what your hair wants to do, then lets it do it, but in a really cute way. She gave me a bunch of tips about what to knock off doing with my hair, and what to start doing, and I'm happier for it. She's really patient and you can walk in and say "I don't know what I want you to do, but I know that I don't like THIS anymore" (point to your head) and then she asks a couple questions and gives you a rad haircut. She's also smart and funny and the whole thing passes quick then you walk out feeling like a fox.
The salon itself is cute and comfy, with easy parking around the corner. -
Review from Brittany D.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2007 2 photos
I am personally a very picky person when it comes to hair. Especially when I'm growing out a relaxer and then there is the stereotype that not everyone can do black hair....
The answer to that stereotype my friend s Peter D. This may be the only person that will ever be able to have his way with both me and my hair. I just wanted it to be short. Thats it. NO more corporate hair for this chick. I mean damn im 22 can I get a lil bit of edge and fun in my life. Apparently thats what I was given. Peter gave me an amazing cut and straightened my hair with nothing but a blow dryer. Which I never thought could be done.
I left is chair with shorter edgier hair YAY! He even gave me some great tips and tricks to keep it fresh and its growing out wonderfully...although I will be needing another dose of Peter D. soon.
I must say..I really enjoy the fact that the establishment was clean pretty and not pretentious. I hate going to salons b/c my hair is ignorant and thick and coarse and it scares ppl. Everyone but Perter D. it seems
I got a Peter D. original bitches top that! -
Review from Richard C.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2011 19 Check-ins Here
Like with my dentists, I never change my hairstylists around. I've been seeing Kimberly Guerrero since the mid-1990s, following her here through a series of salons in the East Bay. Look her up if you're searching for a hairstylist -- she is talented, genuinely friendly, and a beautiful soul to see regularly.
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Review from Mr. and Mrs. G.
Oakland, CA
7/10/2008
5 stars for Kate N.!!!!!
Holy CRAP! Kate gave me the BEST haircut of my LIFE! I came in very nervous, as I hadn't cut my hair in a very long time...just said I wanted to be able to do something with my wavy hair (which I've ALWAYS hated...been straightening my hair for years).
Kate played with my hair for a bit and then told me she planned to give me a cut to ENHANCE my waves, not hide them like I've always tried to do. She got my hair all cleaned with some amazing smelling shampoo/conditioner (which I bought because the conditioner actually completely detangled my hair).
Snip, snip here, snip, snip there...and voila! I was bursting at the seams with utter AMAZEMENT! In all my 29 years...My hair has never looked so freakin' AWESOME! SEXY! PERFECT!
And it wasn't one of those styles that you can't recreate at home. Kate just cut my hair so that it would naturally fall into perfection on its own. I'm able to do it everyday in just minutes.
My husband says I look like a movie star and I've been receiving compliments everywhere I go! Even some of my aloof coworkers have gone out of their way to compliment me! THANKS KATE!Listed in: Places I Miss Since Getting…
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Review from Mike S.
San Rafael, CA
10/22/2007
Joy is the best! Always gets it right.. She is a stylista suprema.
The shop is in a great neighborhood.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Vale C.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2008
I saw Rose yesterday and am as happy as a clam.
I followed her from Vine Street Salon, and am happy to say - this place is way better! Really good vibes here - I'll be back. -
Review from Kate N.
Pleasanton, CA
5/6/2008 1 Check-in Here
Hi!!!
It's Kate Narron, formerly of Right Angle Hair Salon in Rockridge, and Lotus(formerly Sproos) in San Francisco. And I am happy to announce that I am now working at Hermosa!!!! This salon is so great! Very comfortable and stylish... the kind of place you actually want to hang out in for a few hours.
I have been in the business for over 16 years, and have been a passionate stylist since I cut of all my Barbie's hair when I was 6! I will work with your styling abilities and hair restrictions to create a look that works for you... I believe hair is an accessory that you wear every day. It should be easy to do and reflect who you are.
" I am your San Fransisco Hairdresser in Berkeley"....
Kate Narron
510.499.3974
Price List-
haircuts- $75
color- $85+
high and / or low lights- $100-- $150
I have also had extensive training on color corrections( ie. you
colored your own hair and made a BIG mistake) priced at $100 an hour
I accept checks and cash only.... no credit cards...sorry!
If you have ANY questions about what I can do for you please don't
hesitate to call 510-499-3974
Thanks Again Yelpers!!! -
Review from Courtney V.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 1/27/2009
Okay, so I tried to pump this place up when I got my hair cut there before because the dresser was extremely nice and I like the decor of everything.
However- the fact remains that one year later I am still too scarred by my Hermosa experience to get my hair cut again.
The cut was laughably choppy, the first layers being about an inch and a half at the top of my head and choppily growing to about 6 inches. I also had told the guy I didn't want too much cut off and he cut off about a foot of hair. My bangs were also a mess, even though I'd asked him not to cut them since I like to style those myself.
I tried not to be a jerk about it, paid the exorbitant fee and cried the whole way home.
Sorry Hermosa. Boooooo.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/12/2008
Peter is so sweet! He made sure I was comfortable with my new *much shorter* haircut and even wrote… Read more »
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Review from Karen C.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2008
OH, Kate. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
* You've been beautifully doing my hair for jeez, 6+ years.
* Your salon used to be approximately 50 steps from my home.
* I moved 1000 steps away, yet continued my loyalty.
* You moved to the East Bay, I ordered FastTrack.
Kate is great!!! She always knows exactly what I need, even if it's just a slight change in my standard cut. She "gets" me and is always a joy to visit. Nice new digs at the spacious Hermosa!! -
Review from Briana S.
Manhattan, NY
8/15/2007
Ok, so I can't rate this place based on the salon as a whole, but I can rate this place based on my stylist, Edwin Rivera. I have been seeing Edwin since I moved to California 2 years ago, when he was still at Sole Salon.
I am not really picky about my hair, I like to change it up a little every few months, so we get along great. I would say half the time I just tell him to have fun and do what he thinks would work, with this he creates awesome coifs. When it is something I have my eye on from a magazine or some famous starlett, he is completely honest with me on whether it would work on me or not. I am a fan of honesty.
Besides all of the great hair work, he is a hoot to listen to! He has the most amazingly crazy stories...I love it, keep it coming buddy!
I give Hermosa 5 stars for letting Edwin take up shop there beacause he rocks, they have made a great decision for their business. -
Review from Sam K.
3/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
After spending three years in Berkeley and being unable to find a decent hairstylist who knows what to do with my messy hair, I am eternally grateful to my roommates for setting me up with this place.
Edwin Rivera is fantastic! The first time I went to him he used techniques that I'd never seen anyone else use, and told me never to let someone cut straight across my hair because it'll make my curls turn into a frizzy mess. He's great to talk to while he's cutting, always has some funny stories... It doesn't hurt that three or four of my friends go to him too, so he already knows what's been going on in my life!
The salon is very cute, usually has some good jazz playing. If I show up early for my appointment or Edwin's going late with his previous appointment, they'll always offer me tea or coffee, which is nice.
Cash only, which can be a tad frustrating given the price range, but there's an ATM in the convenience store two doors down.
Highly recommended if you have difficult hair that won't stand up to the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am cuts given at all the cheaper places down on Telegraph or University.
I'm planning to move to SF and I will definitely still come all the way over to Berkeley to get my hair cut here. -
Review from Frank S.
Oakland, CA
6/22/2008
Kate is the best hair stylist I've ever had. I'm not the kind of guy that goes in knowing what I want my hair to look like... I walk in, sit down and say something like "I want it shorter and cute." I'll admit it's not much to go on but somehow Kate always gets it just right. I also suspect some sort of ferry magic or something... she even knows how to cut it so as it grows out it continues to look good. Her fun and sweet (like da honey) personality makes me wish it took longer for her to cut my hair and her personal advice has always worked out well for me too.
As an extra Kate is hot. Just like your not supposed to trust a skinny cook you should never trust a stylist with bad style. Over the years I've seen Kate pull off everything from heroine chick to school girl tennis club and she always looks great. Thanks Kate! -
Review from Roxanne M.
Berkeley, CA
5/8/2008
Kate Narron is the best stylist I've had. I look forward to each visit -- not only do a I get a fresh cut, I also have a chance to hang out with Kate and share travel and shopping stories.
We started our hair relationship over four years ago first in the city and then at Right Angle Salon in Rockridge (you can check out her awesome reviews on their yelp page). Over the years she's helped me with highlights, growing back in my natural color and new hair styles. I'm happy she's found a great new home at Hermosa...it's a great salon.
Her haircuts are the best thing I wear everyday! I lucked out the first time I found Kate...thanks to Yelp I can share my luck with you! -
Review from Julie A.
Oakland, CA
6/30/2008
I love, love, love Edwin R. He made my orange brassy hair into an awesome blonde that I get tons of compliments on. I wanted my highlights to grow out naturally and it's been months and my hair still looks great. I will be back in soon to see him though for the touch up. He also recommended this deep conditioning treatment and it is divine.
Another bonus: he has the best personality. He is so loving and caring and genuine. He's always in a great mood and his energy is always positive.
In a nutshell (this is me in a nutshell, Austin Powers voice) he is the best and I highly recommend him. Oh, his prices are great, too.
xoxo to Edwin Rivera. -
Review from Beth C.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2007
I visited Hermosa a few weeks ago for the first time. My stylist for the past three years, Edwin Rivera, recently made a move and what a joy it's been. The new place is great and Edwin is as wonderful as ever. Hermosa is VERY relaxing and inviting, such a cute space. There is no push to buy the product lines they sell and the salon also has great hours and seems quite flexible in accommodating tough schedules.
Now to plug Edwin, because he deserves it. If you're looking for a new stylist, I highly recommend. On days I get my hair done I go from home in the city, to work in Novato, to the East Bay to see Edwin, then back home to the city. Yes, I hit all three bridges. It is SO worth it. He is very reasonably priced, spends as much time as needed on your hair, gets to know you (and remember you!), and has some of the most random stories that will keep you laughing the entire time. He is always off to take this class or that, keeping up with the latest trends and techniques. He offers great suggestions, but lets you make the final decision on what you want to do. And the man works a blow-dryer like you've never seen. -
Review from Vanessa A.
Berkeley, CA
5/4/2007
The only thing you need to know when you go to Hermosa is one important name: Alisa. She is all that I will ever need as long as I live and have hair.
I've been going to Alisa for over 6 years; I followed her to Hermosa from creepy Festoon, Inc., around 5 years ago because of her expert hands, down-to-earth vibe and no nonsense approach to great hair. Wherever she goes, I will follow. She loves what she does and she listens. Her clientele ranges from the slick Radio crowd, to yuppie moms with "natural" dye jobs, to trust-fund college babes. For special occasions, my husband gets haircuts from her and they are always precise, perfect and grow out wonderfully. She uses scissors and spends as much time as necessary.
With Alisa, I've gone from being a dark bobbed brunette to long and soft-flowing honey golden. She's a spot-on colorist and lets you know what you're getting yourself into in terms of maintenance and grooming before you settle in to the chair. Quite simply: I love her. Why else would I share her with everyone else? I sure as heck don't want more competition for appointments, but she truly deserves the review.
As far as Hermosa overall, they did a cosmetic facelift in the last year and the place has warmed up considerably (i.e. no more ceiling clouds and tacky trim). I have no experience with any other stylists at Hermosa, I'm sticking with Alisa. Keep in mind that the stylists rent their chairs here and are responsible for managing their own business. -
Review from Audrey P.
Napa, CA
7/7/2008
Usually I talk about food, but today I just have to give a shout out to Edwin at Hermosa. He's been doing my hair for years, but this time it was SO fabulous I had to let everyone know. My color is gorgeous and I have been getting so many compliments on it, and even though the cut was a huge change for me, I absolutely love it. If you're looking for a new stylist or just want to change up your look a bit, definitely keep him in mind. Thanks Edwin! Muah! xoxoxo
PS--Prices are super-reasonable! -
Review from robby charlie s.
Berkeley, CA
1/19/2011 1 photo
Rose Bouvier has moved to Panache on College Ave.
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Review from Emilie D.
Berkeley, CA
5/17/2007
It's all about Edwin!!!
I'm a young professional female who gets short girl cuts every few months. Edwin's a fantastic hairstylist and great to hang around & chat about silly stuff. I always walk out of the salon looking great and feeling great.
Parking is street/neighboorhood, but not difficult.
