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Peter Thomas Hair Design
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
1700 Shattuck Ave(between Virginia St & Francisco St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighborhoods: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley
(510) 843-0697
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 9 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$50 for $85 Certificate
Sophan L. said: "I just realized I haven't wrote a review about this place yet. I recently bought a deal through living social/groupon and decided to have a dramatic…" read more »
181 reviews for Peter Thomas Hair Design
181 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica P.
Washington, DC
1/16/2012
I don't think there are any reviews here yet for Lisa, so I have to write one. I went in right before the new year for a new look after picking up a business card at Philz with a deep discount on haircuts for new clients. I went to the salon not knowing anything about it, but hopeful that I'd find my new place to get my wavy/curly mane managed. First good sign - Lisa has curly hair, so she knows what it's like to deal with it and how to cut it well. I told her a bit about my life, why I wanted a new look, and she engaged with me about my job and my life and how my hair would fit into all the facets of my personality. I was going from medium-long to a pretty edgy little 20s-style bob, so she wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into.
First, a great shampoo and head massage, yes! And 30 minutes later, I had an amazing haircut.
Also, the salon itself is beautiful but not pretentious, and the people working there were all really friendly. I liked it even more when Peter Thomas, the owner, showed up and complimented Lisa on the great haircut she was giving me.
I never review salons, and I'm usually not a loyal salon patron, but this is definitely going to be my new salon, and my new stylist. -
Review from Curly B.
Oakland, CA
12/12/2011
Peter Thomas is a gem of a salon.
I found Edwin about 5 years ago and I couldn't be happier.
I have very thick and curly hair, which can be quite a task for someone who is not seasoned in the intricacies of cutting curls, but luckily Edwin knows exactly what to do and how to best execute it. He adds helpful ideas each time I come in, as well as understands and adapts ideas that I bring in from a verbal explanation or from a picture. He has a great sense of shape and design and is sensitive to how hair reacted and responded to a previous cut. Edwin never rushes a client and is always careful to make sure each curl is trimmed just the right way and that the final product is perfect.
Edwin recently moved to 17 Jewels Salon in Oakland and I will definitely be following him. I can't imagine trusting anyone else to my curls! -
Review from Roger S.
Albany, CA
11/20/2011
Peter Thomas is a GREAT salon and a wonderful local business. It took me a year to get a good haircut in this town, and once I found John at Peter Thomas I haven't looked back. And that was 18 years ago! Peter is awesome, John is awesome, the staff is awesome. I couldn't recommend them more highly.
A word about John. I have recommended him to several friends over the years, each with different hair and different sensibilities (including my wife), and they have all become repeat clients. And John himself is an experience! A surfing, skateboarding, bicycling, guitar (or is it bass?) playing, totally tattooed family man who will tell you exactly what he thinks about anything. Actually about EVERYTHING. I'll take an hour in his chair over an hour with any therapist or bartender. If you are easily offended, you might consider another of Peter Thomas' amazing and incredibly talented stylists. But if you like fun, far-ranging, honest conversation AND a killer haircut, John is your man. He can rock a pair of scissors like no one else. -
Review from katie h.
Oakland, CA
2/3/2012
Jenna is an amazing stylist! Amazing. She just really knows how to find the best cut for my fine and wavy hair. I am not big on styling my hair, but I want it to look good too. She consistently gives me cute, fashionable cuts that fit my lifestyle. Likewise, I completely trust her suggestions when I want to change things up, but don't know what to do. She has a great sense of what will compliment my face, and not be too overwhelming in terms of upkeep and self-styling. Likewise, the styles look really great as they grow out. She's been styling my hair for the past 3 years and I can't imagine going to anyone else. In a word, she is awesome.
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Review from Osiris M.
CA
2/2/2012
Jenna has cut my hair for two years and she is a master! Many of my friends have their hair done by her too. What I have noticed is she is exceptional at is understanding and enhancing peoples personal style. She also makes suggestions that I trust when I go in not quite knowing what it is I want. She is also awesome with color and curly hair. Do yourself a favor and see her!
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Review from Mar Reea C.
Berkeley, CA
1/22/2012
First time in there so I didn't know what to expect. Everybody is very nice, they greeted me and offered me something to drink (something you definitely don't get at supercuts). My stylist was Lisa, she was very nice. She told me what she was thinking about doing with my hair, she asked what I wanted, she has a lot of patience, and I felt like I was getting my haircut by a good friend. We built a lot of report and I really enjoyed my haircut. Next time I need a haircut I know where to go to, and who to ask for... LISA!!
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Review from Cameron J.
Oakland, CA
1/31/2012
Jenna cuts both my wife's and my hair. I recommend her to all my friends and they have recommended her to all of their friends. She is awesome. She takes the time and care to get what you want and she has fabulous taste.
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Review from Andrea S.
Berkeley, CA
7/16/2011
I wanted good quality, affordable haircut in my neighborhood, which is hard to find when the salons are either really expensive or really cheap. I managed to find Ashley here at Peter Thomas, who offers the first cut at $28 dollars and after that it's only $55. I can honestly say I've never been so impressed with a cut, and here's why- she really listened.
I have naturally wavy hair, and I never use a blow dryer on it. Usually, when I get it cut, The hair dresser blow dries it, which takes the wave out, and then puts the layers in. In others words, the hair dressers never listens to me, and this is for really pricey haircuts. She did exactly as I asked. She used a diffuser, keeping the wave in, the worked with the wave, and pulled as much as the wave out with the layers. I have never been happier with a stylist and I will definitely be back!!!
Also, FYI, due to a medication, I'm losing my hair, and Ashley mentioned that Peter Thomas has a scalp treatment that helps stimulate the follicles and aids in hair re-growth. The first treatment is free. I'm going next week. -
Review from Juana S.
Updated - 6/24/2011 3 photos
I am back in the area and treated myself to a hair makeover for my birthday!
I have never had such a amazing experience like I have had @ Peter Thomas with Lindsay; She knows what she is doing. She listens, and gives you her professional opinion.
It's worth every penny! I would live of Ramen just to come to get my hair cut and color by Lindsay.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/14/2008
Lindsay is the artist behind my new beautiful hair cut and color, I've been going to Lindsay for… Read more »
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Review from Laurie H.
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
After much research I decided to take my 12-year-old son to see John for a haircut. Why choose the almost-the-most-expensive dude in the salon? Because my son was going from about 12" of beautiful long curly hair to a short haircut, that's why. And he's ALWAYS had that long curly hair - ALWAYS. So, while he was ready, I wasn't. Yelp-as much as I love ya, I gotta say that my cross-reference tool for all things kid-related is Berkeley Parents' Network. And they said go to John....so I did.
From the time John met my son, they got along great. And while their musical tastes didn't match up perfectly, they were both musicians. Why am I talking about music whilst reviewing a haircut? Do you have a 12-year-old boy? Do ya? Huh? Cuz if you do you know it's important for him to like someone who's gonna chop off his hair.
We brought in a few photos to help guide the process of how he wanted his hair to look (ladies and gents....if you're going for a big change, this is a critical step-you know that, right?) and John appreciated the realistic expectations represented in the photos we chose.
Then, just like that, off it went. John let me video it and take photos along the way. We didn't plan it this way, but we happened to be his last appointment of the evening, which turned out to be brilliant because he spent 2 hours making sure he got it just right. He also spent time teaching my son how to work with his newly short-on-the-sides, longer-on-the-top curly hair so that it behaves the way he wants it to.
We love it. He looks so handsome and mature now. Not that I'm ready for that....but he is, and it's the right thing.
Oh, and after finding out that I've been cutting my own hair because I'm such a space cadet I can never remember to call ANYWHERE to make an appointment, he put me in the chair at the end of the appointment and just went through & evened up my uneven clippings. Gratis. Huh? When does that ever happen?
And finally, he gave us recommendations of other stylists at his salon to use in the future, fully recognizing the fact that I can't really afford to bring the 12-year-old to him for upkeep on an ongoing basis. You gotta love that.
Many, many thanks to John...and seriously - I'm making an appointment for myself....just gotta make the call..... -
Review from J. C.
Oakland, CA
9/15/2011
So after 5 years of getting my hair cut by the same woman I decided, why not try someone new?! And since I moved out to the East bay from SF I really wanted to try somewhere local, so I yelped it, and Peter Thomas sounded like the place.
This was my first time coming to this salon and I decided to have Nancy cut my hair since she sounded like one of the more experienced stylist.
My hair is long and thick and although it is naturally curly, I blow dry it straight half the time. I made sure when I went in for my appointment to wear it natural so she could see the curls.
My request was a basic trim, since I wanted to keep the length, and I wanted bangs. But not short bangs (indicating with my finger I wanted them below my eye level and NOT ON MY FOREHEAD). I was very clear I wanted them below my eyes. She seemed to understand and we agreed on more of a layered look.
She chopped my hair and gave me short 80's style bangs. When she asked me if I liked it I said I did, what could she do at that point...the damage was done and I was so taken aback I didn't know what to say other than "I hate it" "They're waaaaaayyyyyy shorter than we talked about". And when she asked me if I liked my hair, it was still wet....its kinda hard to see a hair cut when its wet you know.
I still tipped her $15 because I used to work in the service industry and there will always be a soft spot in my heart for people in the bizz. But honestly, it was a Friday and I felt like she was definitely rushing to get outta there. -
Review from Jo M.
Oakland, CA
4/2/2011
I couldn't be happier and my fella thinks this is the nicest haircut I've ever had. Marilyn cut my hair just recently and did a really nice job on a short bob that I wanted, her work was careful and meticulous.
The salon has a really nice, mellow vibe and Peter Thomas seems like a very friendly guy setting a warm tone for the salon.
Looking forward to my next visit. -
Review from Elle M.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 12/28/2010
I will follow her...follow her wherever she may go......I love her I love her I love her and where she goes I'll follow I'll follow I'll follow
Julie is no longer at this salon, find her at Hermosa also in Berkeley. Cute little salon, very quiet and relaxing too. Oh and parking is better too I don't have to stress out about lovely Rita meter maid1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/22/2008
I have been a loyal customer at Peter Thomas for 8 years now. My stylist/colorist is Julie Rinella… Read more »
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Review from Anna S.
El Cerrito, CA
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I called to make a same-day appointment, and they found me a spot. This made my day.
My appointment was with Karianne. I took in a picture from a few years back of a hairstyle I had really enjoyed. Right off the bat, she was attentive, and I entered the color/cut process really feeling like I was in good hands.
My highlights turned out great. I asked for subtle, but still noticeable. They are exactly that. They blend in with my natural hair color really well. The cut turned out great, also. It's always a bummer leaving the salon, and knowing you will never be able to style it the way the stylist does, but she gave me a low maintenance cut that looks cute whether I curl it or just leave it straight. Exactly what I was trying to recreate!
Thanks so much Karianne! -
Review from Alexa A.
El Cerrito, CA
10/12/2010
I really really want to love this place!
I mean I've come three times hoping I will love this place.
When I arrive every time I slowly make my way to the bench where you wait. No one talks to me, everyone stares. It makes me a little bit freaked out to be quite honest. They always offer me a beverage, so that's a plus! In all the times I've come for my own cut or color, I've always done the hair modeling. I understand that they are still learning, need to focus, it'll take long. That is no problem with me! I'm not expecting something FANTASMIC. However every time I leave I wish I never came in.
The ambiance of the place is a definite one star. Sorry to the people who work there, because they seems fun and cool and artsy, but the place is cold looking, maybe 90's or 80's design....something I've seen from really really low class hair salons.
The people working there/students all seem nice, but a little like elitists...I'm to trendy to talk to you. I got tattoos and you are lame...sort of thing. Anyways like I said, they seem nice and fun but only when they interact with each other.
I always TRY to be a great model. I am specific but tell them I'm open, what do you think? I don't fuss when they take long or don't do it perfect the first few cuts. No problem! You're learning! I'm routing for you! However, I'm still treated like I'm not there. I don't need you to focus on me, by all means focus on my hair, but even when you're just waiting for your instructor... :(
I've gone for a variety of things. Color, a dramatic cut, and simple layering thinking alright one of these is probably what they are comfortable with. Not at all... My color came out straight up purple instead of red...my dramatic cut left me looking like a poodle and I only have wavy hair...and layers looked like nothing was done...maybe that's a good thing?
Since my hair is wavy, I never get my hair blow dried, or dried at all...so I leave like a wet dog...
Sorry Peter Thomas. I really want to love you. -
Review from tamara c.
Alameda, CA
6/17/2011
When I was 25yrs old I was dx with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and lost all my hair due to Chemo and I tell you I have never been so unhappy with a hair cut in all my life. Every morning when I look in the mirror to get ready for my day I cry! I. It's uneven all over I can't style it, I can't even explain it it's so bad. John, believe it or not butchered my hair. Kairanne was very nice to me and she gave me a wonderful color but it's totally fried. She burnt my scalp. I was in the shop for 5 hrs. Now wonder my scalp was burnt. I thought long and hard about posting this, and I really didn't want to because I don't want to be negative but I have tt look at my hair every day and it is truly pain full.
Tamara Conti -
Review from Carrie V.
Berkeley, CA
9/14/2011
I've been getting my hair cut here for over a year and love my stylist, Kelly. Everyone at the salon seems very professional and friendly. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that the acoustics in the room are pretty bad - it's very noisy in the studio which isn't as relaxing as it could be.
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Review from Quyen T.
Berkeley, CA
8/2/2011
I love Vine Street Salon, but can never get an appointment on Saturday, so I had to cheat on my stylist and went to Peter Thomas HD. Jesse was great. I had a big case of the hair blues. After giving birth to my beautiful twin boys, my hair was just in a funk! Lots of stray hairs, lacking shape and luster. Jesse took his time and gave my hair just the right amount of layering. My husband loves it, and that's a tall order. I'll be back!!!
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Review from Joanna S.
Oakland, CA
12/20/2010
*As a caveat, I must admit that I received my hair cut and blow dry for free
Having been a "hair model" for the apprentice under the direction of a master stylist, it was hands down the best free hair-cut I have ever received. Additionally, it's in my top 5 haircuts/stylists, period, and this was from an apprentice.
I would highly recommend the services of KeriAnn.
The salon has a laid-back artistic feel and uses Bumble and Bumble products. They are not pushy with the products, and I felt like I received an excellent consultation, cut and style.
Top notch!!! -
Review from Pam G.
El Cerrito, CA
8/27/2011
I love this place. Their stylists are all amazing, but none more amazing than John. He listens well, offers suggestions, takes his time (books each appointment out at 90 min.) and leaves me with the most awesome haircuts ever. Not only that, they grow out beautifully, so I only have to go every three months or so. Plus, he's charming and interesting too. What more could one want?? Peter, the owner, is equally good. They love their customers, and it shows in every aspect of the salon. I've been going there for a million years, and if I move out of the area, will make a point of returning for my haircuts. (I put it as moderate, because although it may initially a bit pricey, I don't have to go as often as to other stylists, so it's not in the long run).
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Review from Kathryn E.
Oakland, CA
6/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
I haven't had a bad haircut in years, and I certainly don't intend to start now. If you have or desire short hair, see Helen. Obviously no stranger to a sharp set of shears, she's got precision in those cuttin' fingers, and the creativity to steer them in fabulous directions.
I've had an A-line bob going for a bit and while I've had some great time with that mane of mine, I felt it was time to move on to something different. I wanted an Agyness Deyn meets Pink pixie cut. Something I could wear a hat over that wouldn't make me look bald, but would have absolutely no chance of pulling back into a ponytail. The goal is to look styled without spending more than 10 minutes or investing in a variety of tools to get there.
I typed in "edgy hair" on ye olde Yelp and up popped Peter Thomas - with a discount for first-time clients of Level 1 and Level 2 clients! Made an appointment for the next day, and the rest is hair history, my friends. I am now the proud owner of a sharp, modern, and chic new haircut. I just walked past my boss in the hallway and she basically told me she never wanted to see me with a different haircut again. Guess that seals the deal.
What to expect:
Park across the street one block up from Shattuck on Walnut - it's 2 hour parking there, but no meters, and I had no problem finding a spot at 11 am on a Friday (Saturdays are a bit dicier, I admit). The salon is on the second floor of a business/office building, so don't look for a first floor shop. It's at the corner of Virginia and Shattuck near Cafe Gratitude.
They offer you a beverage when you first walk in, as every salon should, everyone there has great hair and overall style (such a MUST), and they have Nylon and New York magazine lookbooks along with fashion and style magazines to flip through while you wait.
They use Bumble & Bumble products and will leave recommendations for what items you can/should purchase at the front desk, all or at least most of which they will have just used on your hair so you know how to use it.
Bring a photo if you'd like. I brought this photo of Pink for Helen to use as a guide and she nailed it (http://www.totalhair.n...).
I'm not sure what their walk-in policy is, but judging from how busy it was today, I'd say it would be wise to call in advance.
Enjoy your fabulous new hair, and say hi to Helen for me. I'll be back in 6-8 weeks. -
Review from Desiree L.
Berkeley, CA
8/5/2010
I wish I could give this salon more stars. I had an appointment with the new stylist, Anna.
She is phenomenal.
- Actually listened to me. I came in not really knowing what I wanted, but knowing exactly what I did NOT want. She listened, gave suggestions, and most importantly, took the time to explain her reasoning.
- Took her time. She didn't feel the need to rush, even though she had another appointment. I appreciate that she didn't just give up and quickly cut/style my hair in a hurry. (Especially considering I came in for the $10 deal)
- Cared if I liked my cut. Anna suggested ways to wear and style my hair without heavily pushing products. I think she did a great job cutting my hair, but she still welcomed me to come back just in case I wanted something fixed.
Anna was very professional and patient. I will definitely come back and have already been recommending her to other people. The salon was very clean, the staff was extremely friendly, and they have great magazines! -
Review from Yo K.
Oakland, CA
6/27/2011
I come here and get my hair painstakingly cut by Katrina, and on special occasions up-doo'ed.
Special occasions like... My Wedding! Actually she cut & styled my hair for a wedding consultation, but I was getting married out of town and had to find another salon in that 'other city' to try & replicate it. The 'other stylist' came close, but not as perfect as I looked after the consult.
This isn't a cheap salon. You are going to pay for what you get. I've strayed every so often thinking "hey, if I'm paying good money, might as well try such and such place." Surprisingly I'm always disappointed, and in the end go back to Katrina and come out with amazing hair. The cut is always spot on & grows out great. Also when you lay back for your hair shampoo your scalp inevitably gets a massage. -
Review from Katherine K.
Berkeley, CA
12/5/2010
I went in today for a haircut by "new talent stylist" Ashley for only $10. I saw the promo on Yelp. I always look for places where I can get inexpensive haircuts and usually that meant that I was going to beauty schools...bad experiences there. Thus, I was a little wary of again going to an amateur, but Ashley was no amateur. Peter Thomas' definition of "new talent" means new talent at the Peter Thomas Hair Salon, not "brand new hair stylist out of beauty school with very little experience." So, Ashley's hands knew what they were doing.
They were actually very busy today so the main salon area was a bit stuffy and hot, which was why I was glad that I was taken to the mini salon where there were only two chairs. I asked for a very simple haircut that I could take care of easily (meaning I could just run out of the house in the mornings). Being a student, this is imperative.
Over all, I liked my experience there. Ashley wasn't very talkative, but I'm find with that because I'm not much of a talker, either. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted and I was trying to get some ideas and guidance from her, but she seemed like she just wanted to do whatever I wanted her to do. I guess that's not a bad thing, but it just made for a kind-of boring salon experience. But for $10 + $5 tip, I got what I wanted (: -
Review from Rachel N.
6/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I'm very fussy about my blond highlights, so it was a fairly large pep talk that I had to give myself before heading into Peter Thomas, which had been recommended to my by a friend's mother.
I had Kelly do partial highlights, giving her careful instructions to basically do EXACTLY what I had already--she did a great job and is lovely the work with. I just went for a 2nd time, and after abt a week, I realized that I was unhappy with the color (which was too subtle for me). If you call them w/in 2 weeks of your initial appointment, the redo is free. She was super nice about it, telling me where she went wrong--I will definitely head back to her.
They carry Bumble and Bumble products, as well as another brand whose name I can't remember! Partial highlights are ~$100, which is quite reasonable for highlights. -
Review from C. C.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2011
I don't normally go to nice salons for haircuts. In fact, with my long, straight Asian hair, I don't normally cut it at all--I trim it myself. So when I did the research and was finally ready to chop off 6-8 inches, I didn't want to drop into just any salon.
Anna spent two whole hours scissoring a bit here, a bit there, and giving me helpful tips on washing and drying my hair on a daily basis. She was knowledgeable, listened to my requests, and did a better job than I could have asked for (layers! bangs! texture!).
$28 for a great haircut is worth every penny, even for a broke college student like me. -
Review from Christine W.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 11/1/2011
What a difference a haircut makes! I really respect the owner Peter's business practices; no wonder he's been in business for so long! He made sure that I had a re-do with my haircut (which he did himself) and coloring (that he had his color teacher do for me.) Peter really did a great job with the cut, changing it up for me with bangs and touching up my all-over layers just enough that it has been growing out beautifully. The cut also enhanced the okay color job tremendously which I appreciate. Overall, I would definitely recommend this business, if you find the right stylist there. And, if you can afford him, Peter is very experienced and gives great haircuts.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/6/2011
Had my hair done yesterday when my regular stylist was unavailable, and I saw they were having a… Read more »
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Review from Karen W.
Updated - 1/11/2009 2 photos
I'm really happy with the way my hair is growing out! A month later: http://static.px.yelp....
Plus, I've found that the way my hair is layered (short on the top) allows me to poof it up more.
Woohoo.Listed in: Haircuts galore
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/16/2008
Part 2 of Karen's Hair Adventures - Peter Thomas.
Peter Thomas gives free cuts to those willing to be… Read more »
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Review from Mari A.
Concord, CA
3/12/2007
Carianne gave me my fabulous short 'do and I love her for it! She's a total sweetheart and really listens to what YOU want in a haircut. She won't force you to do anything you don't want to, but just always makes little suggestions about the different possibilities. OOoo and she works with the hair you've got - meaning she doesn't try and give you a haircut/style that only looks fabulous after paying her a visit. The styles are easily and happily achieved at home as well. And what's absolutely great is whenever I go in, I always come out with a slightly modified but still wonderful haircut. It's all about the subtle changes.
Muchas Gracias Carianne! :D -
Review from reina g.
New York, NY
12/22/2008
I'm always happy with my haircuts at Peter Thomas. I got my first fancy cut here when I was a wee babe. I'm now 25 and still have nothing but good things to say about this place. I like to rotate stylists because, even though they're all fabulous at what they do, I've never found one that truly gets me and what I'm going for. That all changed last week when Karianne did my hair for the first time.
I'm a member of the curly-haired sisterhood (we meet every week in the frizz-ease aisle of Longs). It's difficult to find stylists willing to try cool, modern cuts on curly hair. The ones who do usually send you home looking like a walking advertisement for Soul-Glo or Kenny G's backup flutist.
But Karianne spent some time figuring out what I really wanted (I didn't exactly know) and listened to every thing I said. She had a picture of her idea that meshed perfectly with what I was looking for.
Karianne also cares about you. She saved me from imminent parking doom and even offered to feed my meter. As if that weren't enough, she's a smarty-pants with a Master's degree and a foodie with Yelp-worthy restaurant recommendations.
I ended up with a versatile, modern curly cut that also looks fabulous when I straighten it. I trust this woman with my delicate follicles. Next time I might even dip my toe into the magical wonderland of bangs. -
Review from Dana K.
Berkeley, CA
9/9/2009
After recently moving to Berkeley from SF, I've been trying to find a great salon. I tried Peter Thomas salon and won't be back. The atmosphere is kind of depressing- holes in the sheet rock on the walls, generally unkempt, definitely past its glory days.
Everyone was nice, but I wasn't impressed with my cut. My stylist also bummed me out- asked if considered coloring my hair b/c of the gray. -
Review from Heather B.
Oakland, CA
5/29/2008
Uh... Helen Wood is freakin' awesome. She made she understood exactly what I wanted and then worked with my color and cowlicks to pull it off. She's also amazingly creative, as evidenced by the times she's worked on me when it's a free for all. She's got a wonderful chair-side manner to boot.
And this place is fabulous- very inviting (even if they didn't offer beverages upon arrival), all the guys and gals gab with each other and the customers while they work and my hair was so soft and awesome when I left that my hat kept popping off. Seriously. -
Review from Lisa C.
Alameda, CA
4/20/2011
Amy Rose at Peter Thomas is the best!
I always feel totally confident that she will execute my vision. She recently started doing a very precision old school Vidal Sassoon cut on my very thick, wavy, slightly unruly hair. It is nothing short of a miracle! Flat ironed it is the most amazingly precision cut- the line is so smooth and completely unbroken. Wild and curly it looks just as phenomenal. My whole family goes to her now :)
She is a doll and fun to talk to to boot. I love having such a creative and talented stylist!
P.S She does great updo's too! -
Review from mango d.
Las Vegas, NV
9/8/2006
I have been here 3 times for highlights 6 times for a cut, and 1 time for all over color.
alison cuts my hair. she has done a fine job, no uneven ends, im afraid i dont know very much about haircuts good or bad. but i was happy with it.
Jesse does my highlights. they turn out great, last august was the best, and this winter was a little bit off. he did the same combo of colors, who knows...?
Shannon colored my hair around 2 years ago. oh god, it was orange. i hated it and i waited 2 months to grow it out in fear of fucking up my hair by recoloring it.
I cant say if it is overpriced for the atmosphere and space, but alison is cute enough to make me want to come back anyhow...Listed in: Get your girlie on.
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Review from Sara L.
Fairfield, IA
10/10/2007
So, I decided to go all out on this one. The cut, I mean. Last weekend, I realized that it was now or never with the short-short cut I've been thinking about for ages. It's a big deal, and I wanted someone who would listen, and after going to Peter Thomas once before on a friend recommendation (Nick St. Mary is pretty friggin' gifted), I called in to make a last-minute appointment with him, but he was booked for the day, and this cut couldn't wait. I ended up with Alison, who was an incredible listener, and gave me one hell of a haircut.
...that means I really like it there. Don't let these people who complain about the tight space and bad ambiance fool you. If you're not uptight and need at least 9 feet of personal space at all times, you'd probably do okay at Peter Thomas. -
Review from Rachel C.
Sacramento, CA
4/29/2011
Great service and Jesse does a fantastic job! He's great!
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Review from Insensitive M.
Emeryville, CA
9/13/2010
Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly!
(wait, stay away from my hairdresser. She's mine mine mine!) -
Review from katie k.
Los Angeles, CA
5/29/2009 1 photo
One rave review for Helen Wood! A top of the pops hair experience.
I've had some good cuts, but never like this. I literally left the salon with EXACTLY what I asked for. Most times I always get an excuse... "your hair won't let me do that", or "why don't we do this instead." Not Helen. She takes your hair as challenge and sculpts just what you want in a fun yet professional way.
I came in with a photo of Rosario Dawson (Abernathy in Death Proof...one of the Grindhouse films) and got just the style I was looking for. As a plus, Helen trimmed up my brows since they were now the center of attention with my cropped bangs look. If you want a bold, modern and daring hair cut, go to Helen and you will leave a happy customer! -
Review from Its a Mystery D.
Alameda, CA
9/20/2008
I have been going here for about a year and a half and decided to throw in the towel due to my last haircut. The stylist I have been going to for this time period does an ok job but recently had a mid-life crisis (told me all about it) and chopped all my hair off! In the middle of cutting my hair she stopped, looked at one side and said "oops". One side was at least 3 inches shorter than the other. I have been trying to grow my hair out for the last 3 years and now have to start over again.
I used to frequent a salon in Seattle called Gene Juarez that charged $65-100. I always felt that this place was warm, quiet, clean and laid back. It was a real treat getting my hair done. Plus my stylist always recommended what new style would look great on me and it helped to have extra feedback. I pay about the same if not more at Peter Thomas and the atmosphere and staff do not match Gene Juarez at all. The entry way is always packed full of coming and going customers and the styling floor is always dirty. I dont have a pleasant feeling when entering this salon, it almost feels like a chore to get my haircut when coming here. The stylist I go to is also extremely pushy with selling hair products and I have made it clear to her many times that I cant afford it. Yet each time I go in she pushes and pushes.
Needless to say I gave it a try for a year and a half but its time to move on. -
Review from Megan D.
Berkeley, CA
5/4/2011
I called the morning of and they were able to make me an appointment... definitely a plus since I'm pretty busy!
Jesse styled and gave me a cut that fits my personality. The best part? This new cut miraculously tamed my curly/wavy hair!
I will definitely be coming back.
