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Ouidad Salon LA
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
1230 Montana AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 393-3542
- Hours:
Tue, Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Wed-Thu 9 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Hair Types Specialized In:
- Coloring, African-American Hair, Curly Hair, Kids' Hair, Perms, Asian Hair
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Ouidad Salon LA
25 reviews in English
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Review from Reena R.
Santa Monica, CA
5/3/2012 1 photo
This review is on behalf of my 50something year old mom. Prior to her experience at Ouidad she had a lot of hair insecurity and anxiety. She has very thick, long hair. Because of this her last haircut involved her standing on a bucket while her boyfriend cut it straight across the bottom in his garage...
Kate is a very confident stylist and made my mom feel at ease. I appreciate the time she took to educate my mom on how to care for and style her type of hair.
My mom is very, very happy with her new hair and is excited to visit the salon again on her next trip to Santa Monica. She's still getting compliments 2 months later! You can see the before/after shots under the photos at the top of this page.
I can't thank the team at Ouidad enough for making my mom feel happy and in control of her hair for the first time in her life. THANK YOU! -
Review from Patricia E.
Pasadena, CA
3/4/2012
My hair has always been a battle. I'm multiracial and my mother and I never really knew wtf to do with my hair. Ponytails. Lots of ponytails in my life. Also, I could never find products formulated for my type of hair. Things I tried were either too greasy or they made my hair too crispy.
Also, I've always had my hair cut by stylists I know. Friends. Friends' stylists. Mom's stylist.
I moved from Berkeley down to L.A. a few months ago. I asked some other multiracial ladies I know if they had recommendations for any stylists that can "cut our kind of hair." One lady told me about Ouidad and all but swore her life and her firstborn child on it.
Yesterday, I got my hair cut by Kate at Ouidad. I almost have no words for how amazing my hair looks. I never knew that my hair could be more than just an organized mess. I never knew that I could actually LOVE my hair. When I got home and looked in the mirror again, I cried because I was so happy.
When I got to the salon, I filled out a questionnaire and then when I met Kate, we talked for a few minutes. She asked what do I want from my hair. I'd never been asked that. I didn't even know it was a choice! My hair has always had a mind of its own and did as it damned well pleased. She asked what I liked about my hair and how much time I spend on my hair. She asked how often I get haircuts (honestly, I go 4-6 months) and she cut it in a shape that will allow me to keep that cutting schedule. She showed me step by step how to put product in my hair to get the best out of my curls. My mind was blown. I didn't know there was a technique aside from squeeze some product in my hand and then rub it around. The she sent me home with a booklet that has instructions as well as letting me know which are the products she used for my hair type.
Kate's hair magic has increased my quality of living. It was worth every single penny. Thanks! -
Review from Alyssa W.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
12/11/2011
Somehow I knew that my curly hair could look better and more defined, and whenever I called a new salon and asked for someone who knew how to cut curly hair, it would end up looking 'okay'. Then I met a woman with amazing curls and found out that she went to Ouidad.
So I decided to spend way more on this cut (than usual) to see if going to a salon specializing in curly hair would make a difference. Morgan was my stylist and I am a convert. My hair looks healthier, the curls are defined and the frizz is gone.
If you have curly hair and can afford this salon - RUN, don't walk! You will be soooo happy, too! -
Review from Erika L.
Goodyear, AZ
4/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Kate is a MAGICIAN!! Not only did I get a superb cut, she made sure to go over in detail what products were recommended, how to put them in, best ways to dry, different ways I could wear my hair...before the cut she asked what I had liked best about previous haircuts I have had (nothing).
All the staff were amazingly friendly and went above and beyond making me feel welcome, and answered ANY questions I had.
Even better?? I didn't need to head home and shower and completely redo my hair like I usually do....ALL RIGHT!!!!
Also...I just want to throw this out there....typically when I go to a salon (or even stupidcuts) I don't cross my legs. Why? I want my hair to be cut straight..which frankly is challenging enough for some of the places I've been to, and although anyone can have a bad day I've discovered that generally you get what you put out..... -
Review from Tamara C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2011
As a woman with curly hair, I know all too well that most stylists do NOT know how to cut hair. They have suggested nonsense like layering, cutting straight across, etc. If you cut curly hair too short, well, when it dries it's horrendous. AND SO...it was time for me to get a hair cut and since Ouidad opened in Santa Monica, I was pretty sure that's where I'd go.
Slenka took care of my hair. She asked if I was nervous and I basically explained that because of bad haircuts in the past, I was a little but I also knew I could trust any of the Ouidad stylists. She took her time, explained everything, showed me "Ouidad" techniques, and was just awesome! My curls looked amazing when I left there. Of course, I won't do as detailed of hair prepping at home but wow!
Slenka's fees are $135 which is the most I've spent on a cut; however, I prefer that to a $60 useless trim. I'm told that cuts from Ouidad last 6 months so it's a well spent $135. -
Review from Clair C.
San Rafael, CA
8/1/2010
I was told about Ouidad by a fellow curly-haired friend and was anxious to see if a salon nearby did it. I found one close to where my husband works and made an appointment.
I should say this review has more to do with the stylist, than the actual cut I got.. but either way, here it is.
The stylist, to me, was not very personable. I don't expect people to fall over themselves being friendly but I did not experience a friendly vibe at all. I was there for the slice cut and when I sat down I got a very curt "Uncross your legs please" which I assume was so the cut would be even. Ok, that's fine, but why do I feel as though I'm in an environment as sterile and strict as a doctor or dentists office? Isn't the experience supposed to be pleasant and fun? We didn't make small talk or really utter much to each other at all. I suppose I am just used to a more friendly atmosphere. I also had to expressly ask her to show me in detail how to do my hair myself using the Ouidad products. Silly me, I am from the South, I guess I just expect more friendliness from a stylist. If you can't feel comfortable when you are getting your hair cut, what is the point?
The outcome of the cut was nice, but I really could not stand the slice technique. It literally scared me when she was doing it, the way half your hair just gets sliced off, literally. The lady I go to now does not do that cut and my hair looks just as layered and amazing, without having to do that. I do still use the Ouidad products though. -
Review from Kate G.
West Hills, CA
5/24/2011
Love it! Expensive, but worth it as a cut can last up to 6 months. I usually don't buy into getting terribly expensive products, but some of their line really can make a world of difference.
They do use a different way of cutting curls (as mentioned by other reviewers). Not sure about it? Go online and read up before you get there. For me it makes for a great, long-lasting cut. -
Review from Felicia M.
Beverly Hills, CA
7/8/2009
If you have ANY kind of curly hair, have Kate do you hair at Ouidad on Montana. Kate not only gives me a fantastic haircut, but she answers all my styling questions. Kate actually listens to what I have to say and what I want, while giving me her honest, professional input -- all the while making me feel good and look great.
I used to want my hair blown straight after a cut, but I always look forward to having her style it curly. If you're not ready for a haircut, go in for the conditioning treatment and have Kate style your hair. Kate will bring out the beauty of your curly hair. Curly hair rules. -
Review from bromley s.
Santa Monica, CA
9/27/2011
I am super picky about my hair and had a tough time finding a salon i liked after i moved to LA from the east coast.
Enter Ouidad.
Kate is unbelievable! I love getting my hair done, but always have a mini-freakout before i go and then again once i leave if i think the color isn't perfect. I used to go get my hair done with a million pictures and instructions, but Kate has proven me time & time again that she knows my hair (and the exact color i like it) even better than i do!
Now getting my hair done is relaxing & fun, and Kate isn't just a hair magician, she's personable and fun to talk to. :)
I'll never trust anyone but Kate & Ouidad with my hair again! -
Review from Jennifer C.
Dennis Port, MA
2/10/2010
I once upon a time I had gorgeous, perfect curls and then one day they decided to lay flat! I had explored all products and nothing seemed to bring my curls back to life ; ( Then I was in LA last week to have my headshots retaken and make a tape with my Acting coach and I discovered the Ouidad Salon on Montana Ave in Santa Monica. I made an apt with Kate Scott a very pretty, petite Blonde with Rockin Curls.
When I left her Salon not only did my Curls have bounce from the root of my head down to the tips but she taught me how to do this Rake and Shake technique myself! I bought the entire line and had to go back one more time just to make sure I was doing it right but Kate and Morgan the Manager stood next to me and taught me how to apply the gel and use the clips and diffuse my locks to perfection.
I am truly so grateful to both of these ladies for their time and expertise. I think Ouidad is a no brainer for Curly heads like me and I will continue to bring them business in the future. Thanks Ladies xo -
Review from Leeanne S.
Santa Clarita, CA
4/19/2011
Let me preface this by saying that the rating refers specifically to the "softening" treatment.
I've been going to this Ouidad salon for about 3 years. The haircuts have always been very, very good. Each time I would go, my stylist would talk about the softening treatment, which is supposed to keep the curls, just make them well, softer and more managable. It costs about $250 for the whole head and for that reason and also a little fear of what it might do to my hair I held back. But each time I would go in for a cut I would ask lots of questions about what to expect as a result from the treatment.
My hair is rather fine with lots of small spiral curls, think young Nicole Kidman like from Far and Away.
So the day finally came where I felt reassured enough by my stylist to proceed with the treatment. I was told that my curls would be the same only a little looser.
The end result was terrible. It looks like a really bad perm. Some parts of my hair are still curly while other parts, unfortunately on the top of my head are stick straight and damaged and fried looking. I called my stylist a couple of weeks after it was done and she had me come in. She had to cut off a couple of inches and overall my hair looked a little better, but there is nothing I can do about these straight straggly strands that pop out all the time (as now I can only wear my hair up).
I also color my hair and the stylist at Ouidad even gave me instructions about timing the coloring process, but after the softening, my color was a complete mess. Normally a very light golden brown, my hair would only hold on to the ash tones from the coloring and to put it bluntly it looks like crap.
It is 4 years worth of hair growth that will need to grown out. I've toyed with the idea of just croping it all off and starting over, but it would break my heart to have to do that.
I waited 2 months post softening to write this post so I could have time to see if perhaps it got better. Now I'm so upset about the condition of my hair I can't even go back there for the haircuts I loved so much. -
Review from Erika L.
Santa Monica, CA
6/14/2010
Even though I just moved to Irvine, I still drive up to Santa Monica to see Kate. She is professional and fabulous! I have wavy hair which means "frizzy" unless I style it straight or curly. I can do straight, but my curly do was never that great. Thank goodness for the "Rake and Shake" technique! This is a fool proof technique to get that perfect curl AND best of all it holds up for about 3-4 days and it doesn't get frizzy. If I can do it, anyone can!
Kate usually gives me some blond highlights, always excatly as I ask. I don't like too much blond, nor did I want it brassy or copper looking. I can be picky with color and she always gets the perfect combo.
I also like a good shape to my hair. Kate gives me the long bangs in front while giving me a lot of texture in the back, allowing me to play with it and style it at home. It is not like those "one-time only" cuts where you can't duplicate the same style after you have left the salon. That has to be my biggest pet peeve.
The salon itself is stylish and contemporary. They have great music on and all the best hair tools and products.
I love going to this salon and highly recommend Kate! -
Review from Amy K.
West Hollywood, CA
2/6/2010
Toni is fantastic. My curly hair was absolutely unmanageable, and most closely resembled the shape of a christmas tree. Not flattering.
I went in and had my hair cut by Toni. She's SO GOOD! She didn't pressure me into cutting off all my long hair...instead she asked me at what length I'd be comfortable. She was so fantastic, so patient, and her painstaking effort totally paid off! My hair looks AMAZING. Really, really amazing. I couldn't stop looking at it all day.
Going in, everyone was super friendly and helpful. I quickly learned that I was doing everything wrong in the care of my hair. Brush? Wrong. Towel turban? Wrong. The list goes on. Toni went over with me in complete detail what not to do, and how to re-create this look at home. I'm so grateful to her and the staff at Ouidad...this was the best hair-related experience of my life! -
Review from Leila B.
Los Angeles, CA
7/2/2011
This place has changed my life...Kate is great! I get the best haircut of my life there and I have tried out many expensive salons in my life. These people really know their curly hair.
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Review from Julie K.
Santa Monica, CA
12/3/2011
Signing up for Yelp now to post this review.
I had a great cut this week from Morgan. She was great, my hair looks great, and I am only sorry that I didn't try going to Ouiad - in my neighborhood - sooner. I've spent 30 years largely scared of my curly hair and of haircuts. I've had my fair share of horrible experiences and stayed with a stylist for too long, because he was "goodish." At least I knew what I was getting, and it was too risky to try someone else. Ha, that was dumb! Morgan is great (and probably all the other stylists at this salon), and now my hair looks great. If you're like me, forget your worry and go to Ouidad. I had seen the review at the bottom about "razoring" but I can assure you that there were no razors involved in my cut and nothing dramatic or scary about Ouidad's techniques or approach.
I can tell you specifically that Morgan was kind and fun to talk to and was gentle when I warned her that I was scared, which put me at ease. And she listened, really listened, to my concerns and preferences. You can tell she is ridiculously talented and intuitively has an eye for cuts and style - given my lack of expertise, I really appreciate that all I have to do is show up, and she can do the rest (imagine and execute what I need). My cut is flattering on me, looks as great at the end of the day as it does when I styled it in the morning. I believe her when she says it will grow in nicely until I need another cut in 4 months. My curls are soft and totally natural feeling and looking (no crunchy, sticky products). I feel confident in the products and my ability to reproduce great looking hair at home. It's all easy to understand and use stuff, and I have her notes and can call if any questions.
Obviously, I had a great experience and wanted to post on Yelp for 2 reasons. First, I hope to repay Ouidad in a small way, by explaining my satisfaction. I hope it will drive more profit and success to them, since they deserve it. And secondly, I hope to help my curly-haired neighbors. I really feel so stupid that I didn't go here sooner. I needn't have been so scared and hesitant. I'm hoping you can relate to something I said, and I persuade you to go and you love it and tell someone else and so on. And we all look great. Yay! -
Review from Luba C.
Santa Monica, CA
11/1/2011
Alenka has been my hairdresser for 2 years and i would not change her for anything. She is the best hairdresser i had. She understand my hair. Specially after i had a baby and my hair has changed so much. She does my color and cut. People alway asked me who is my hairdresser. I would highly recommended her to everybody who is not sure what to do with their hair.
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Review from maria a.
Marina del Rey, CA
7/12/2010
Alenka rocked my hair! Expensive, yes. However, I won't need to cut it again for another 5-6 months. I finally have hair that matches my age (30-something), instead of having to wear clips! And I was really weary of the products, thinking I could use other stuff made for curly hair that cost less than $6. Thank goodness I had the sense to buy one of their products, it really makes a difference. Super friendly, and taught me how to do my hair at home. I'm finally done searching for a hairdresser.! DONE!!!
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Review from Savanna I.
Los Angeles, CA
5/29/2010
This place is amazing. I was hesitant to come here because of my thick half-black half-white hair, but Olenka did an amazing job with it. She thinned out the bottom of my hair so that I no longer walked around with a triangle of puffy black hair on my head. I'd originally come in to get my hair straightened, but I was in love with my newly cut curls. The best part was that my hair wasn't slimy, crunchy, or sticky like it is when I use other salon products. This place is a freaking awesome!
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Review from Sabrina S.
Charleston, WV
10/1/2009
OMG! Toni cut my hair, & not only did she do an awesome job she explained in painful detail every step she was doing so that I may replicate the style at home! Truly amazing! $150 for cut alone, pricey but worth every penny!
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Review from Melissa B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/1/2009
I had a cut by Kate a few weeks ago and am really happy with the results. I had heard of Ouidad and their products for years, and while channel surfing saw her on HSN. I ordered some products, then when I went online realized that there was a salon in LA...so I decided to abandon years of cheap chain haircuts and do it right. I'm really glad i did! In addition to the cut, she explained how to use the product -- the ones I'd bought from them and a deep conditioner I was currently using -- I will make a point of going back. It wasn't cheap, but I feel it was worth it.
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Review from Alla D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2008
My friend had her hair cut ny Alenka its look great, now i saving to try its very pricey starts 150$ + tip
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Review from dc f.
La Jolla, CA
2/27/2010
I joined Yelp just to review this place. I am truly surprised to see such positive reviews for a place that is probably my biggest haircut regret. I almost stopped & left during the haircut several times. RAZORING hair to cut out the volume? This is the worst thing you can do to curly hair. What an outdated idea. It's been about six months since my haircut, but it will be years before my hair grows out to normal... when it gets longer, I will definitely go back to a place that follows the Devachan style of curly hair cutting. Also, for such a pricey place, the service was pretty lame. I felt like I had to work hard to make friends with my cranky stylist instead of the other way around.
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Review from Aislinn S.
La Mesa, CA
3/7/2009
Can I just say, LIFE CHANGING! I thought I knew how to control my curly locks before, but Morgan, the lead stylist at the Ouidad Santa Monica Salon showed me how it is really done. Being a curly haired girl, I have had my fair share of bad hair cuts. I've have more stylists than I can count tell me, "oh, yes, I totally know curly hair," and then I walk out of the salon with triangle hair and crying my eyes out. I eventually resorted to cutting my own hair, but then my sister told me about Ouidad, the curly hair expert. I decided to make an appointment (with Morgan, who was Ouidad certified but at the Salon Upstairs, before Ouidad Santa Monica opened), and as soon as I sat in the chair I felt confident I was in good hands. Since then I've been getting the best haircuts ever! And they taught me how to style my hair so it always looks good, not just when I walk out of the salon. Now I'm a chronic hair flipper because I just can't help it, it looks so cute! I would recommend this salon and products to every curly haired girl out there. I also use their curl quencher conditioner, climate control heat and humidity gel, and their pomade which keep my hair looking fabulous.
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Review from Rachael M.
West Hollywood, CA
10/24/2009
Morgan has been doing my hair for 3 years and I couldn't ask for a better stylist. I love that I never have to worry that she'll cut too much off. My hair is long and wavy and pretty hard to manage, and she does a great job with making it look amazing. I get compliments all the time on my hair. I travel a lot, and she does her best to squeeze me in in a pinch, and is always pleasant to be around. I also like the non-snobby atmosphere of the salon. I hope she is always my hair stylist. Also, once when she was unavailable, Kate did my hair and she did an equally amazing job.
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Review from Amy H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/28/2009
My hair is SERIOUSLY thick and curly, bordering on frizzy and completely out of control. It's also half grey on the top, so I color it. Managing it is like a part-time job. I got a really great haircut from Morgan the other day. Probably the best cut of my life. It actually doesn't look all that different than my old haircut did on a good day. The difference is that it takes me about 10 minutes to style it now. In the past, getting my hair to look this good required an investment of an hour, plus a lot of good luck and some dry weather/zero humidity. All my life, stylists who don't understand curly hair have given me their two cents: my hair is hopelessly damaged/needs to be relaxed/needs to be permed on large rollers to even the curl/needs to be blunt cut so it won't be frizzy, blah blah blah. Since moving to LA, I've been really suffering - I found a decent stylist, but every time I saw him, he tried to talk me into Brazilian straightening, and last time he even said, "Don't you think your hair is a little TOO curly?" So I decided to jump ship. Anyway, the carving and slicing thing really does work. You can't tell it's sliced in all these layers - it just appears healthier and more curly, less frizzy. It doesn't stack or clump. And I had the kinky clump of hair at the nape of my neck "softened" with Ouidad's special softening treatment. Voila. It still looks curly, but it lies down like hair is supposed to. I'm really happy. And the icing on the cake: as I was leaving, Morgan said "This should grow out nicely. You won't need another cut for four months." Sigh. What will I do with the extra hours or so every week that I don't have to spend praying to the hair gods and fighting with the blow drier? Bottom line: worth every penny.
