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Seven Salon
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Skin Care
Neighborhood: North Oakland5358 College Ave
(between Bryant Ave & Hudson St)
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 601-7776
Healthy Holiday Hair by Jessica!
Treat yourself to a Kérastase conditioning treatment with scalp massage and expert blow out by Jessica - a $60 value, only $35 for Yelpers.
Announced 4 days ago- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Sponsored Result
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87 reviews for Seven Salon
I've been in search of a stellar stylist ever since Amber left Seventeen Jewels in Temescal a year ago, and so I was thrilled to discover Brandon at Seven (thanks to fellow yelpers). I was a bit terrified of walking into a salon because I cut my bangs myself (with mixed results) a few weeks ago, and have self-colored for a year. (A girl's gotta save money somehow, right?) I didn't want to be scorned--and believe me, it's happened at other places! (It's like, "remember that I'm, uh, paying YOU?")
But I've been totally unhappy with my locks and so I dove in and...Brandon rocks, rocks, rocks! The whole staff is awesome--super friendly, gorgeous & stylish waiting area w/ coffee/water/etc on offer pronto, and no snoot whatsoever in the air as at some salons I've been to. Totally reasonably priced, too--about $60 for a cut.
Another first: Brandon, who is exactly as warm and stylish as you want your stylist to be, introduced himself, plopped down beside me on the cream leather couch, and asked me a ton of questions about my hair history. Only then did he sit me at his station to discuss what we'd do w. a nod to the mirror, wash my hair (the massage chairs are incredible!) and go for it.
It was like a fantastic first date--within the first ten minutes we were planning my hair history for the next year. ("Let's trim it and get it into super shape today, let it grow healthier over the next couple months, allow your bangs grow out a bit, do some highlights--I think a dark mahogony would be spectacular with your skin tone--and then create a bob with longish layers in front...it will look fabulous!")
Such a great cut that I skipped the afternoon workout I'd been planning to do a few hours later -- who needs exercise when my hair looks so darn good? =)
Its the first of the month. Its a new day! I needed a change. I was transitioning into the new me. Seven salon, Stylist Katya, helped me transformed.
From the moment I stepped in, I was welcomed with greetings and the constant questions of: "are you okay?" , "Would you like something to drink/eat/read?" This place had great ear candies/ear plugs (music was great to groove with). It had a great vibe to it as well, from the teamwork, to the decor, to the massaging shampoo station, to the openess feel. it was truly a positive friendly vibe. Everyone is involved and one step ahead of the game. Although a bit on the pricey side...to me it was worth it because if you had hair like mine, you will be cutting forever and working on it for eons. Katya did an excellent job. she was ever so creative and worked with my likings. I like that about a stylist. She was very easy to talk to and easy to continue a client-stylist relationship. If you want edgy and transitional/transformational looks, consider Katya.
thanks for the great experience...I'm rocking my new look! long hair say no more!
By the time I get around to getting my haircut, it's a desperate situation. Usually at least 6 months have passed and I've been wearing a ponytail for a month because the hair down is wretched - so dry that, if I were a forest, I'd be in the red "high risk of fire" zone. That's where I've been for about six weeks and I finally took the time and scheduled an appointment with Michelle at Seven, mostly because she was highly recommended on Yelp. (So there you go - thanks, Yelp!)
After apologizing profusely for the raggedy state of affairs on my head, I handed her the reins. She fearlessly cut off what was probably like 4 inches of straw, but was totally nice and non-judgmental, and by the time I left, I was strolling down College Avenue like a woman in a shampoo commercial, my newly-liberated hair flowing happily behind me. She did a great job of adding some new layers and making me look more stylish than I am while not sending me off with a crazy new look I didn't ask for.
I would also like to note that she was the first stylist I've had in like five years who didn't try to talk me into dyeing my hair. (Yes, I see the gray; yes, I'm ambivalent about it; no, I'm not ready and I'll tell you when I am, okay?)
Plus, after paying upwards of $110 for a haircut in my former life as a New Yorker, the price was right at $55. Highly recommended.
I wish I had had access to yelp prior to this. I've tried many bay area salons from San Francisco to Walnut Creek. And the reviews of the salon were spot on. Great customer service from the staff the minute you walk in. A great haircut from Alicia who really listened to what I wanted and did exactly what she said she'd do.
I was leery because I was still in recovery from the horrible highlight job I had paid big bucks for in the summer time. The stylist kept saying, I am only giving you a trim and then proceeded to chop 4 inches off my hair up to my chin. I was mortified. The highlights were actually yellow/green in my dark brown hair. I had asked for subtle.....so, after that I let several months go by before I ventured into a salon. So, I glad I found this one!!!
At any rate, I highly recommend the salon and Alicia...
I have been seeing Brandon Yamamoto for about two years now and even though I've moved to San Francisco, I just booked another appointment with him. Why the ridiculous loyalty? Well, they're located right next to the Rockridge BART station, so even though it is a trip, it's still very convenient and relaxing. Heck, it's kind of an adventure to go see him nowadays.
But the real reason I come is that nobody (and I mean NOBODY) has ever been able to do exactly what I wanted to my hair. But more than that, Brandon is the first stylist I've ever had who knows my hair's texture, weight, and growth pattern well enough to know when I'm asking for the impossible. In those cases, he'll suggest something else, do a little bit of cutting, and ease me into something new. I've gone from wild fashion-forward haircuts to slightly conservative (a.k.a. corporate) styles and been in love with all of them.
Even though I'm willing to put in a little upkeep for my do, Brandon has always managed to give me cuts that are so easy to do that I'm practically able to recreate his styling at home with a product or two and -- at most -- a blowdryer. Honestly, the things you hear about Asian hair are true; mine is thick, pin straight, and event he tiniest error in cutting shows like a flashing red light.
And have you seen these prices? I've paid top dollar for haircuts in the past, but Seven seems like such a great deal for a guy. A cut that basically lasts for a month or more with little change in look for under $60? Ridiculous. And for guys who want easy styling, ask Brandon for what recommendations he has from the Shu Style product line. They're all very well priced, work great, and don't smell like a basket of flowers or a bucket of chemicals.
Luckily, Brandon is one of the most confident and capable stylists I've ever met and so long as he's willing to stay at Seven, I'll be willing to trek my butt over to Oakland.
I love this salon!!! Lisa M. took really good care of me, listened carefully to my sad story of bad haircuts past, consulted thoughtfully with me about a new cut, and voila, I am a new woman! At least from the neck up, that is. Thank you Jennye G. for the recommendation, and they even took me as a walk-in on a Saturday, sweet! You made me very happy, and they are very reasonably priced too. I will be back in approximately 6-8 weeks, ciao!
This review is about the services of the aesthetician, Shelly, since I haven't found a review yet related to her work.
I have been to Seven Salon a few times now, working with Shelly who is the aesthetician there. She is amazing! I've had my brows waxed and, today, had a facial. Shelly is so warm and personable, and knows her stuff, too! She thoroughly reviewed my current skin care routine and adjusted the facial accordingly. Because this was my first facial, she was very concerned that I have a good experience and took extra care with my sensitive skin as she applied her various cleansers, masques, and moisture treatments.
A very relaxing experience, and something I hope to do again!
The best part, I didn't have to worry about the "hard sell" of products she uses. She discussed what I'm currently using and suggested ingredients/agents to look for in products but never implied I needed to buy the ones she has for sale at the salon.
My only negative (and I mention this because I've had trouble with this the past two times I've visited the salon - not that it's Shelly's issue, per se, but something that colors the experience): if you use a debit card, they debit the cost of service + 20% gratuity, even if, like me, you leave a cash gratuity. And, for some reason, today's visit ended up hitting my account twice! I called the Salon to find out what happened and, though she tried to sort out the error, the receptionist couldn't tell me why I have 2 x (cost of service + 20% gratuity) debited from my account. I hope the issue will be resolved shortly and will consider paying cash next time.
for nearly 27 years, i have been at war with my hair. being half african-american and half japanese-american, my hair has a split personality complex. i having been bullying it into being as straight as possible, despite its efforts to run free. finally, i decided i had enough. if you can't beat it, embrace it.
i headed to seven after reading the reviews on yelp (thanks yelpers!), and saw a number of girls with curly hair praising michelle. i immediately booked an appointment with her and brought a few pics of what i wanted done. the salon is gorgeous, very mod, with hair dryers hanging from the ceiling and low, leather couches in the waiting area. i was offered a glass of water and immediately ushered into a back room where michelle heard out my concerns, soothed my fears, assured me we could make it work, and whisked me off to be shampooed.
michelle snipped me into a sassy new style that is getting me tons of compliments already. she taught me how to take care of my new 'do, and let me sample three products before sending me home with my favorite. i'll be seeing her in five weeks for a touch-up and i look forward to seeing what else she has up her sleeve.
change is good. tomorrow, it will have been a year since i moved from washington, dc to berkeley, ca. i've met some amazing people and i've been to some amazing places. and yet i've seen only a fragment of what the bay area has to offer, and i can't wait to find out more. it's important to try new things, whether it's a new hairdo or a new hometown. embrace the challenge of adapting to the foreign and unknown.
Albeit slightly more expensive than my budget allows, the quality of service, styling, color and cuts at Seven Salon are unbeatable. For my first appointment I had a long chat describing my hair, exactly what I wanted and the difficulties I have encountered with other "top-notch" stylists in the past. They immediately suggested I see Nikki - which was 100% the right choice. I have impossibly straight, flat hair with blond highlights. Nikki colors and cuts my hair better than ANY stylist I've been to in the past (and there is a LONG list of ex-stylists). I'd recommend her to anyone wanting long layers or expertly natural highlights.
So I've been going here consistenly for the last 6-9 months. I've always either had Michelle or Alisha. Both are fabulous!
No more Tuesday special :( But they do have online booking :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/10/2009
Definitely on the pricey side for me. I used to be a supercuts/great clips/etc kind of guy. I… Read more »
The first cut I got at Seven Salon was great. The second was better. The third is AMAZING - thanks Katya! How is it possible that this place just gets better and better?? Don't know, but I'm coming back for a fourth visit in approximately 6 weeks, and expect to be thoroughly impressed yet again!
I went here for my pre-graduation haircut because I hadn't had a decent cut since before I started college...and the hippie waves don't really cut it in the business world. Alicia cut my hair and did a good job; she really paid attention to the details, making sure each layer was right and spending a long time on the finishing touches, like thinning out the ends. I paid around $70 including tip.
I was pretty happy with my hair cut but not 5-star happy...it didn't completely revitalize my look, it was just a really well-layered cut. BUT that was two months ago, and I've never had a cut that has grown out this well. Usually I start getting that "pyramid" look (I have coarse, thick, wavy hair) after a week, but my hair is still managing to look healthy and bouncy on top after two months.
And now writing this review has reminded me that I should probably get a trim there...will be calling them for my next appointment very soon.
I got my hair cut here for the second time by Katya this weekend and I'm very pleased!
I got my hair cut here for the first time in February after reading reviews. I'm always terrified to cut my hair. I'm Asian and have pretty stereotypical straight silky hair and I've had bad experiences with people attempting to cut my hair. I didn't go in to see anyone particular, so I took whoever was available, which just happened to be Katya.
The inside of the salon is nice and clean. They offer you a beverage upon entering. Everyone is very nice and helpful.
I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do with my hair. After talking it out with Katya she managed to cut my hair just how I wanted. After a few months it grew out very nicely. When I went back this weekend, the same thing. I wasn't sure what I wanted, just to keep the length and clean up the layers and I love it. Free bang trims too between cuts if you need them.
$60 + $10 tip for a great cut and I couldn't be happier. I'd trust Katya with my hair anytime.
Just had a really great experience with Michelle who did my hair & makeup for my wedding. My great experience actually started with Cleaver (sp?) who set up the appointment. I was completely disorganized at the time, and he managed to get me on track for a trial and also arranged for Michelle to come in early on my wedding day (she starts in the afternoons on Fridays).
Michelle spent a really long time on my trial. She was very detailed and checked with me about different widths of eyeliner and played with variations of my hair. Brandon (another stylist there) even weighed in about my veil and dress. The process was really fun.
On my actual wedding day everything went smoothly. Everyone in the salon was incredibly nice and my hair/makeup lasted all day. Michelle is skilled at making you look great and feel comfortable at the same time.
My biggest pet peeve about yelp salon reviews is the lack of photographs. There is nothing more frustrating then seeing someone talk about how much they love their hair and then the only thing you can find on their profile is a picture of them wearing a swimming cap.
After obsessing for days over the right person to fix my badly colored, super damaged, desperately in need of love hair I chose to try Alisha at Seven Salon. I think it was the easy online booking that pushed me over the procrastination ledge.
I arrived with a few photos in hand and explained to her basically what I needed and she proceeded to lay out exactly what she thought would look the best and be the healthiest for my hair.
Not only did she managed to give me a look that was a perfect mixture of the photographs & what I asked for but she also managed to fix my color and make it look both multi-tonal & natural. It was far from cheap (around $200 for color, highlights & a cut) but totally worth it in my opinion.
Alishia is a fairly young hairstylist from LA who has been doing hair for 5 years and working in the Bay Area for 1. Her youth and LA experience seem to allow her to create trendy & exciting hair styles. There was something Edward Scissorhandish about the way she put foils on my head. It was almost hypnotic how perfectly she managed to place everything. I found myself looking around to watch some of the other colorists and despite their obvious skill they didn't quite have the natural flow that seemed to come from Alisha's hands.
So as not to be another one of those all talk no pictures types my before and after is posted in the photo section :)
I knew exactly what I wanted (highlights in two shades of blonde), but I trusted the stylist's advice on going a bit darker. I don't like it, and it's been bugging me for two months now. It was also one of the most expensive highlights I've ever had, and I've been doing two-tone all-over highlights for years. Seriously, I feel like I got robbed. I'm not going back. Bummer...this is the first time Yelp's ever steered me wrong! Maybe my stylist was having an off day...we all have 'em.
Parking: C
Ambiance: B
Staff, other than stylist: A
Cut: B
Color: D
Shampoo Pro: A+ (did that head massage thing...the best part of my visit, by far!)
I went on a whim about a month ago and was really happy with Alisha. My hair was long, outgrown layers with sun and color damage, and I walked out with great, shiny hair. Seriously, it needed some major TLC and Alisha knew exactly what to do. I should have taken a "before" picture because it was quite a difference, and she didn't even have to cut my hair short to accomplish it. She created nice, flowing, even layers and listened really well to what I wanted. The cost was average - I think it was $55 for the cut plus $25 for a deep conditioner. She took her time and really massaged & worked the conditioner in to my hair, and it totally helped. I'll definitely go back and ask for Alisha again.
For years, I've been going to random places to get a haircut and almost always a hit or miss experience so I decided to yelp for a place to go for haircuts and came across Seven Salon. At first, I was a bit skeptical because the price for a haircut. In the past, I've paid no more than $30 for a cut so it was quite a jump for me. After skimming through many of the reviews, I made an appointment with Michelle.
Michelle is GREAT! She is by far one of the best I've had cut my hair. She listened to exactly what I wanted, gave me her suggestions on what would be best for my hair and I loved the cut. She takes her time and doesn't rush. Very detail oriented.
She's also very talkative and friendly! I'm also very chatty so it's fun going in getting my hair done, and getting to know your hairdresser. Most of the time when you go in, your hairdresser doesn't really talk to you and it feels almost awkward (for me anyway).
Anyway, I definitely recommend Michelle but make sure you make an appointment. Call about a week in advance to make sure you get the time that you want, otherwise, she books up really fast!
Alicia is the best!
If you need someone to do your blond highlights....she is the one. If you need a stylist to listen to your needs and give you a great cut....she is the one.
The salon has a great location, parking is easy, and staff very friendly.
The salon also supporter "Locks for Love" and Alicia & Seven Salon made the donation a very simple process for my 13 yr old daughter.
Love love love this place. From the very moment I walked in, the service was friendly, warm and real. Cute vibe, nice atmosphere and really great service. Plus, I absolutely love my cut. I've got thick, wavy hair and it's in an awkward growing-out stage. My stylist gave me a great transition cut that doesn't look like either a triangle or a mullet. Plus, she took a ton of time to straighten my hair- I walked out and felt like a million bucks.
I have very long, very thick, very wavy hair. It is a force to be reckoned with. It cleans out my bank account whenever I decide I need highlights, because of the sheer volume of dye it takes. Blow-drying it straight takes 45min to an hour and most of the time I don't want to waste another hour in a salon making some poor stylist dry it when I can do it better than them, and besides, it looks fabulous air-dried too. I've actually taken the blow dryer from a stylist and finished it myself before.
Katya is the first stylist who has 1. insisted she see the finished product by blowing it out herself and 2. done such an amazing job that I haven't been able to reproduce it. I got three colors of highlights and an amazing cut, finished off by her styling it to make me look like some kind of hot celebrity cheerleader who I couldn't stop staring at in the mirror.
Also, the atmosphere is classy and relaxing and all of the staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.
I just wish I had the dough to come here more often.
Katya is awesome. Very talented with those scissors! Also, one time when I was 20 minutes late, she still took her time with me - after she was done, she asked if the cut was what I was looking for or if I wanted to change it. Thats some awesome service :-) Too bad I cant afford to go there anymore.....
I've lost my stylist and back up stylist in the same season...one went to England on exchange and another was transferred to LA. Around the same time I moved in with my boyfriend in Oakland.
I was very happy when Seven Salon opened up, because the other place I was going to just wasn't cutting it. Seven Salon was nearby, clean and had a good atmosphere. The massaging shampoo seats are interesting, and I love how the hairdryers pull down from the ceiling. I've been to Katya twice and she did a good job with my bob.
I didn't get that amazing "I'm transformed!" feeling, but it got the job done while I was living in Oakland.
Seven Salon = Seventh Heaven!
Me: very fine, straight hair, sun-fried from 7 years living in Miami Beach, now with dark "roots" from no sun over the winter living in Oakland, kind of a mess. Hadn't had a cut in about 6 months, thanks to Yelp I found Seven Salon.
Another reason I chose Seven Salon was that it is important to me to support local businesses in Oakland. I called and asked the receptionist who to go to for fine, straight hair, she gave me two stylist names and I booked with Lisa C.
The salon is very nicely done, warm and inviting, modern but not too trendy. Everyone working there was super nice and friendly. I consulted with Lisa. I told her I didn't want to go short, keeping as much length as possible. She suggested some layers, not dramatic edgy layers, but just at the ends for some movement and dimension, I agreed. The result: Just what I asked for, I am very pleased with my cut!! Cost: $65. I'll be back! Thanks Lisa!
Unpretentious, upscale salon, friendly staff and stylists, easy parking.
Prices range from $52 for haircuts, $85 for tints, i.e., dying, $150 for hilights with base color, etc.
I'm certain that each stylist at Seven is excellent, but my preference is for Brandon Yamamoto. He knows how to cut hair--don't laugh, you'd be surprised how many times I've had mine butchered at the hands of a seasoned pro. He's also an excellent colorist. He has an eye for matching skin tone with hair color. Another "yeah, duh" statement, but again, you'd be surprised how many times I've walked out of a salon looking like carrot top. Plus, he's adorable, which has nothing to do with anything, but I like it.
The person who I spoke with was very nice, asking what my hair was like in an effort to match me with a stylist. I was able to get a same day appointment with Niki after someone cancelled. When I arrived, he was very gracious, offering water, tea, or coffee. I got my hair washed in what has been in my experience, the most luxurious chair (massage chair!).
Niki consulted with me and was a great listener, attentively paying attention to the pictures I brought in and the concerns I had. She knew exactly what I wanted even though I lack the vocabulary to describe it. She was patient and warm.
I paid $55 for my haircut, not including tip. This is a little more than I normally pay for a haircut but I think the expense is worth it. Bonus points because Niki includes complimentary bang trims between haircuts.
If I could give them more stars, I would.
The extra stars would be for the massage chairs at the shampoo bowls. Genius!
Jennifer has really put some thought and effort into this salon. It's beautiful, relaxing, and functional. Very impressive.
Jennifer always gives a great cut and her coloring expertise is unmatched. She says that all of the stylists are top notch. I believe her. She is very particular and gives an exceptional amount of focus to detail.
Go on in. Feel the love from the massage chair. You're welcome!
just got another great haircut from nikki this past weekend... decided to get rid of the mop and go a shorter hair style route... nikki did a great job... she used a razor cut technique and then trimmed the rest... she always takes her time to make sure everything looks right and never rushes... she also did a great job on my wife's hair also... my wife has shoulder length wavy/curly hair... and nikki is a great stylist, especially for women with wavy/curly hair... so the pairing was perfect... we left the salon with all smiles... h-100...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/15/2009
my wife and i were looking for a salon around the time of our wedding, and fortunately we found 7… Read more »
I hadn't cut my hair in almost a year and was looking for a professional, unpretentious salon. Add to this that I am low maintenance and have curly hair. With the help of Yelp I found this place and have been there twice to see Nikki who is extremely down to earth and funny. After a consultation she gave me exactly what I wanted. I love my cut so much that I make an extra attempt to straighten it now but it also looks great when I wear it natural.
I love that she doesn't push products on me and she takes her time. The best way to sell me anything is to not push. They use very high end products and $55 for a great cut? WONDERFUL!
If there's one thing that I get compliments on, it's not my Yelp reviews, it's my hair. Before I joined the 21 and over club I used to mask myself as an international hair model who didn't speak English -- in order to get into bars and clubs. "She's huge in Japan," my friends would tell the bouncer as I'd flip my hair out of my eyes, glance pompously away, and feign a terribly delicious French accent -- all to a surprisingly huge success. Maybe that's because I was frequenting a lot of gay bars (thank you, gay best friend) where the guys working the doors would respond with an energetic, "OH. MY. GAWD. Your hair is like totally amazing! Go in you cute thang."
Thank you, Michelle. Jessica Simpson has nothing on my hair!
Before coming to Seven Salon I experienced a number of unhealthy "one night stands," if you will, frequenting many different hair stylists and salons, and never going back for seconds. "I don't do Asian hair," one hair dresser told me as I glanced confusedly through the mirror to my thick, curly, light-brown hair. "Funny," I admitted, "I thought that I had more of my dad's hair." My hair has been cut into short bobs when I had distinctly asked to keep it long. I've ended up with bangs when I wanted layers, and was even told once that I would be charged extra for my incredible amount of hair. For most of my life I thought that that was as good as it got, and that I'd have to live with my poofy unkempt mop, mostly tied back in a pony tail -- for the benefit of my friends and onlookers.
I met Michelle about two years ago, when she was working at Alexander Pope, and was immediately captivated by her "shear" skills and quick wit. I've never had bad hair since. Not only does she give you a great cut for $50, but she offers great conversation and personality to boot. I'm always talking or laughing and have never felt bored or the urge to bury my head in a magazine. For my 'do she delicately evens out my thick hair, shaping my long curls into varying lengths and layers, producing my often mistaken for "hair model" look. The cut fits my hair type so well that styling isn't necessary -- I just wash and air dry, saving me hours each morning -- a perfect match to my personality and lifestyle. Sometimes I even think she knows maybe a little too much about me. "Is this a breakup cut?" she asked me one day, after asking her to chop off all of my hair.
"Well, maybe.. I guess it is."
At least she helped me come to my senses and not change everything because of a boy. It's better than therapy, I swear.
Background:
I had a 2nd interview and needed a cut/highlight bad!! Called in first thing, and they had an appt. just in time same day!!!
Salon:
Local!! Which is super! Salon is very cute with oh so comfy chairs to sit in while they rinse and wash you. Your legs go up and a fantastic massage! Every salon should have this in my book now! Aura was great. A mix of chic/city meets berkeley/posh. lol!
Stylists:
Alicia was great! They said she knew her blondes and yes she did. I have been going to a lot of salons the last 2 years, and I have not stepped out really loving my color AND cut! So hard to find. She listened to everything I said I wanted for my cut AND ACTUALLY FOLLOWED IT. If you've had a bad haircut, you know what I'm talking about. The stylists that love to "interpret" what you're really meaning. She had great convo! And oh so nice!
Perks:
Variety of complimentary beverages. Local!! Great wash/rinse chair! Ample space, not like the boutiques in the city! And the receptionist even re-filled my meter!! Great price!! Cut/highlight= $180! wow!!! Can't beat that!
Cons:
Parking is only by meters with 2 hour max. (Hope you are in the middle of color then...lol!) 30 minutes late (Which I guess is almost typical in this business, but since I was in a rush it squeezed my time) Not to pushy on products.
I wanted to make a donation to Locks of Love and I went to Michelle for the big cut. We took some time to discuss what would look good paired with my roundish face and wavy locks. She even took the time to divide my hair into mini-ponytails before cutting. Ah, this makes sense... it'll preserve the evenness and length. I've donated twice before and the stylists cut with the one ponytail so we'd be left with short in the front, long in the back. Or is that the other way around? Anyhoo, it's the little things like this that set her apart from the other stylists I've visited.
I felt great after the cut. And I can't tell you how many compliments I've gotten. I tell them it's a Michelle Sue original. I think I'll make her my 'one and only.'
Just found this salon (on yelp!) after breaking up with my old stylist. Have been twice and have been really happy. Saw Alicia both times. She was able to color correct some reddish tones in my dark hair and gave a fantastic cut, just how I wanted it. Love the massage chairs and the glass of wine that's offered. Had a conditioning treatment the first time and it made my hair feel like silk!
The parking was a nightmare the first time now that the city of oak wants you to pay until 8 pm, but Alicia had someone go and feed my meter. The next time I just parked in the neighborhood off College Ave. The services are on the pricey side, but not outrageous.
Highly recommend this salon!
I am not sure why this place has a five star rating. I went there for a cut and color and was not impressed. My haircut was not much more than a nice trim and I had to go back a second time to have my color redone, because the stylist failed to cover the small patch of grey hair. They seem more concerned with the "up sell" and trying to get you to buy a lot of hair products than with the service they are providing. I am still searching for a decent hair salon in the East Bay.....
A co-worker with cute hair recommended this place, which isn't too far from where I live. The salon is really nice and well-designed (gotta love the suspended hairdryers!) and they receptionists are very thoughtful. Was offered a beverage when I arrived, which I always appreciate. Shalynn did a great job a listening to what I wanted done, and did exactly that. She really knew what she was doing and was pleasant (talked the right amount, and has a friendly, calm demeanor). I'm pleased with my cut and will definitely go back again. They have great products (Kerastase and Shu Umera) but the good thing is they don't shove them down your throat or give you the tacky hard sell. Nice to see first rate businesses in Oakland!
Upon looking over my reviews I noticed that I seldom give five stars to establishments that I have only visited once. As good as it gets usually requires at least two, if not more, returns to fully revel in the five star glory.
Saturday was my first visit to Seven Salon. I've been rather transient about my stylist. Either they leave, have a baby, give a bad cut and/or I get cold feet. This haircut around I needed someone new, and quick! My Spanish hair has been growing like Spanish grass! I booked at Seven (after yelping), and got Nikki, yet another stylist who migrated from Alexander Pope.
Nikki seems very at home and comfortable in her new digs, and she gave me the perfect haircut and blow-dry. I'm so relieved that I finally found a great stylist-who is in the neighborhood and totally sweet and charming to boot!
Seven also uses Shu Uemura hair products (which I also use for skincare and makeup-so it's a perfect addition), and damn, love that shiatsu chair. Hope my hair grows like weeds again so I can get back in it!
This salon, Brandon specifically, saved me from what I henceforth will refer to as the Great Hair Disaster of 2008. I decided to make an impromptu visit to another hairdresser (different salon) for a quick highlight before the holidays. For fear of re-traumatizing myself I'll spare you the dirty details...what I will say is that my hair ended up with alternating streaks of red and white-blond. Very Dr. Seuss. Come morning time, my hair had taken on a pinkish hue. I called Seven right away having had a good experience with Brandon's cuts.
Brandon literally transformed my hair. He admitted that the red streaks were God awful and that it would be difficult to get them out. He worked some kind of insane highlighting magic and my hair looked shiny, natural and whatever trace of red was left became a pretty and subdued auburn. If you could have seen my hair, you would have literally gasped at the transformation. I love Seven and Brandon for saving my hair from a terrible fate (being under a hat for the rest of the winter.) I now refer to Brandon as the hair-whisperer.
This is probably the most conflicted I've been about a haircut and hairstyle experience. First, the good things:
The place is posh, ok, so what. I mean, that's nice, but it doesn't matter if the haircut or stylist aren't right.
Michelle is a very talented stylist. She clearly knew what she was doing AND clearly explained it which was cool (I'd never heard of "disconnection", for example, which improves movement). She took her time and meticulously crafted the style. She could have rushed as they were getting ready for an event in the salon and everyone else was wrapping up, starting to relax, etc. She's a professional and has a fun personality.
Also, I've never had so many people a) notice I had a haircut (so I definitely succeeded in changing my style for once) and b) compliment me on it. It's a drastic change (bangs, short), which is what I said I wanted and what I think I needed to actually look my age.
The bad:
I asked for a clean style that was simple to care for. That I did not get. I explained how layers always end up looking messy and I'd like to minimize them. She fought me on it and now I look shaggy and am looking for a new haircut.
I like the cut in principle and normally would go back and ask for minor changes, but a stylist who does not listen immediately gets the boot. I brought in pictures of a style I liked and she at first went with parts of it and eventually just tossed the whole idea. Evidently it was a cut "anyone could do". I'm not interested in a stylist who just wants to give a cool new cut. I want something I can actually wear (and not have to get an update every month). I would have hoped we could have reached a compromise, but I'm not going back to someone who pressures me into something I explained I didn't want.
All that said, I think someone who has more of a funky style and who is more open to a stylist's trendy suggestions would love Michelle. Her price isn't even that bad ($55). Stop in for a (free) consultation first, but make sure what you talked about the first time is what you actually plan to do. Otherwise you'll get something that's a combination of the two.
I went to this salon for the first time today, and I LOVE-LOVE-LOVED it.
The last time I got my hair cut a few months ago I went to a cheaper salon that I found on Yelp that got great reviews. My hair got totally butchered before my wedding and I ended up looking like a 12 year old. That's what I get for being cheap.
So I was wary despite the good reviews for this salon, but I didn't need to be. I called Seven Salon and was able to get a same-day appointment with Nikki. She was super sweet and friendly and spent time with me to figure out what to do with my hair. She really did a great job with my haircut and style, I was so happy walking out of there. She also gave me helpful tips on how to maintain and style it. The receptionists were friendly, and the salon is really modern and clean. Someone came by and swept all of the clippings from the floor every ten minutes.
The shampoo, cut, blow dry and style came out to about $65 including tip. I don't usually like to spend that much for a haircut, but it's worth it to be this happy with the end result. So I will definitely be back!
After experienced the cheap, the bad and the fugly from salons all over Berkeley and Oakland Chinatown (good for cheap and okay haircut), I've finally decided to go big or go home with my hair. Thanks to Yelp, it's HIT!
I made an appointment with Brandon, who the receptionist recommended for what I was looking for in a cut. Brandon was energetic, friendly, posh and definitely knew his stuff. Like many of my fellow Asian friends, I've experienced going to non-Asian salons and had stylists who knew nothing about Asian hair butchering my hair, but fortunately Brandon was not one of them.
After a thorough consultation on my poor lengthy, thick but awfully damaged hair, as well as my hairline, head shape, face shape and all that jazz, Brandon shampooed and conditioned my hair in their infamous massage chair. Yet I grew up in a family that's addicted to borderline abusive Chinese masseuses, the chair was like scratching for me. I'd rather prefer a softer, more sleep inducing chair.
The whole process took about two hours and the result was amazing. Asides from the fact that he accidentally touched my cartilage piercing and caused a little soreness from time to time, Brandon really paid attention to details and wanted me to have great hair! My hair went from a sloppy, just-rolled-outta-bed college student mess to a slick and chic airy bob. Before the cut I was worried that cutting my long hair cut short would make all the girliness I've gained since I started college go down the drain, but boy did Brandon prove me wrong! The bob was short, light, easy to style and makes me feel more feminine than ever.
The cut was $52, the exact same amount the receptionist told me over the phone, so even though it made a dent on my budget, no big shock there. I ended up walking away with a conditioner Brandon recommended me for my poor hair, which I slightly regret considering the price of the conditioner. But overall it is the best salon experience I've ever had, so I guess it's a cash well-spent.
P.S. Brandon does free bang-trimming between cuts, so yay for that too.
