Splitends

 

2

13

sandra m.

Newport Beach, CA

I've been to Gina 2 times and she rocks!  She has given me an amazing haircut both times and she's very down to earth and super cool.

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71

50

Lauren B.

Costa Mesa, CA

Tired of the guy who has been cutting my hair, who never really listens to what I want but cuts how he wants my hair. Which is fine I don't have a problem with that but punk isn't really my style, as for Gina she may look like a Rock Star but she listens and gives feedback on what she thinks will look  good.  

I love the attention that you also get at this salon it is small but its great being her only client at your appointment time. I hate when you have a stylist who does 2-3 people at a time and makes you wait while you watch the other chick next to you get highlights. It's great money for them but unless they can time it correctly you are seating for a really long time for no reason.

She is great with a razor!

Love my bangs; love the volume she gave me... Thanks Gina!

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23

87

Claire H.

Aliso Viejo, CA

For about a decade, my hair was faithful to Greg of Matiz Salon in Ventura.  Then came the breakup -- I couldn't handle our long-distance relationship.  It was amicable, and we still hook up every now and then for blowouts that make me look like a sex kitten.  But I needed to find someone new.  I was ready for a commitment.

Thus started my four-year search for a great hair place in Orange County.  I don't know what's wrong with 99% of the stylists here.  They're either REALLY expensive, or they really want to give me crappy layers that make me look like a hedgehog.  There's no in between.  The one guy I got to a second date with suddenly decided he wasn't going to work on Wednesdays or Thursdays anymore -- which is when I want my hair done.

Then I finally listened to some of my IRL BFFs: Nina F. and Jessica K.  They talked about Gina at Splitends like she was some sort of goddess sent from Hair Heaven to make the world beautiful.  Ever skeptical, but in dire need of highlights before a girls' trip to San Diego, I made my appointment.

The whole experience was great.  I haven't had a haircut this amazing in a long time.  And my color started out a bit too dark, so I went back a week later to become more blonder-er.  Gina, a firm proponent of the "client must love their hair when they walk out or I'll be sad" philosophy, cheerfully took care of it and my hair is now so sassy I can barely stand to look at it.  

Best of all, she's just a totally cool person who I enjoy talking to for two hours.  Which is good since the reading materials there are way too cool for me. :)

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0

1

Katrina G.

Fullerton, CA

So you've heard the hype about SPLITENDS. Now feed into it. I'll give you a few reasons why!

I must be one of THE pickiest when it comes to hair. I've paid the big bucks, I have done the DIY hair...I've even done hair modeling gigs for top salons just to see what stylists can do. Therefore, when it comes to hair, I am that client that is anal about almost everything!

I've been growing my hair out since November after having all the fun asymmetrical/mullet-esque 'dos. My hair was no longer fun. Therefore, I sought the help of Gina, who specializes in "fun hair".

I got to the salon a bit early but was offered drinks and a seat very quickly by Janice. Everyone there was friendly. Mellow atmosphere. Fun art on the walls. They even have art shows at the salon every 2 months.

I wanted to make it worth it and went from past my shoulders to almost a bob past my neck for a fun, shaggy razored cut. I absolutely love it. There are two types of stylists in my eyes---those who get it and those who don't. Gina absolutely gets it. I did not have to instruct her about each and every little thing. She has a good grasp on what a client wants and executes it with great skill. She's hilarious and made the whole experience worthwhile. Not to mention, free bang trims!

So take my word for it, Splitends is rad. Now quit sitting in your chair and get that haircut you've been dying for...

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5

5

dong d.

CA

Okay. Like seven months ago I was really, really wasted in the Admiral's Club at Dulles Airport. I was in the bathroom and had these funny curls that I decided made my hair look bad. So I took a pair of scissors and cut them off. They were on the top front of my head.

Ever since then, my hair has been completely retarded. I've been to two hair salons and left will total retard hair both times. Then I went to Splitends and Janice cut my hair and now people make comments about returning videotapes because I look impeccable like Patrick Bateman and also I spend my nights murdering prostitutes. Seriously this is the best haircut I have ever had and it was done on top of the worst haircut ever.

So yeah. Janice is a total hottie and made my hair awesome. If I brought her home we'd listen to Huey Lewis and the News and I wouldn't even shoot her in the head with a bolt gun. A+++

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59

15

Lilly I.

Irvine, CA

Today was a tale of two haircuts.

5 months ago, I got my hair cut by Gina at Splitends. It was awesome, but my mom asked me in her accent, "Leelee, vai do you look so pahnk?" I'm not punk, people. Not a single safety pin has pierced my skin ever.

Cut forward 5 months. I'm in a manic bookkeeping, life-getting-together-spree, paying the bills, scrubbing the toilets -- like people on speed, but I wasn't. And I really needed a haircut fast. Since Gina is rad like Teresa who would cut my hair in SF, I assumed she'd be booked up. I called a place recommended by someone I knew who said I could get a fast appointment. I went, in pollyanna hopes that throwing caution to the wind would yield positive results.  Well, even Pollyanna got hit by a car. It was a disaster. Freakin' butcher job. I'm pretty flexible with the jaggies, but the hair was a mess, and in an effort to fix it, the stylist chopped off random pieces that would take months to grow back.

I ran home and called Splitends. They got me in same day within a couple of hours with Gina. I walked away psyched. I let her chop off as much of my hair as she wanted to, because frankly, she's the hair designer. When my friend Silvia, who had seen the butcher job a few hours before, saw it, she said "oh my god, it's so cute!!" And then she demanded Gina's business card which she got.

So! After two times at Splitends, here's what rocks about Gina:
1) She has a good sense of style and she's good at reading your style from conversation and your clothes. She's given me two really different cuts I never would have thought to get (and might have feared) but that have turned out awesome.

2) I can get an appointment with her sooner than a month ahead of time, though I fully expect that will change soon.

3) When I bitterly complained that I'd paid $60 for the butcher cut and also mentioned I was a grad student, Gina said that if I was strapped for cash I could pay later. Really sweet, but I totally paid her for her brilliance.

4) They play good music in the salon.

5) They gave me good wine.

6) Most importantly, twice now, good hair!! Same as #1, but bears repeating.

I would note, though, that salons typically work best when you go in and your sense of style and aesthetic matches the aesthetics of the place. So your mileage may vary if you really like forever 21, guess, or bebe. But if you lean hipster (elitist attitude not required), this place is amazing.

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Elite '08

242

322

Monica P.

Long Beach, CA

An Open Letter of Apology to my Regular Stylist:

It is with great shame and guilt that I write this review.  You knew it when we met, I'm a beauty-whore.  Cosmetics, haircare, skincare, haircuts.....I love it all and I know no loyalty when it comes to getting a new look.  I've kept silent for far too long and I feel that I must tell the truth.

I've been to another stylist.....and it was GOOD!!!!

It's true, I went to Splitends and Gina cut my hair.  Not just cut my hair, but gave me a whole new look that was completely different from anything you've ever given me.  Please don't cry....I can see you tearing up.  I'm sorry!!  But I had to, you see....I'm going to be on TV.  

That's right Gina is going to be featured on a TV show and she needed customers to come in and get a haircut on camera.  She posted a thread on yelp asking for volunteers and I was lucky enough to be one of the first to respond. I know, it sounds so sleazy...a cheap yelp hook-up.

So not only am I disloyal customer, I'm also a cheap attention whore.  How could I resist? A free haircut from the "best stylist in the OC" and the opportunity to be on TV. So there I was, sitting in Gina's chair in the tiny, sleek Splitends salon/art gallery......thinking how could I betray my stylist.  I got over it once Gina picked up her razor and went through my overgrown head of hair with lightening speed.

I know there was some tension when I came to see you recently.  You knew right away I had been somewhere else when you saw my shorter hair and that my perfectly blunt bangs had been razored.  

I just wanted you to know that even though I shared a special experience with Gina, I still appreciate all you do.  Besides, she's too far away.....if I had any friends in the OC who need an awesome cut, I'd send them to Gina in a heartbeat. She's sassy and one kick-ass stylist.

Anyhow, I'm really sorry I cheated on you....but if you ever move away, or give me a bad color.....you'll know where I went!!

Yours Truly,
Monica P.

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Elite '08

35

83

Jessica K.

Costa Mesa, CA

What would you rather hear from your hair stylist when you ask her to try something new on your hair?

1. Ummm...yah, I'm pretty sure we could pull that off. I think it could possibly look really cute.

2. Fuck yah, I can do it! And it will look kick-ass!

If you prefer the latter (as I do), call Gina.

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7

62

Grace C.

Fountain Valley, CA

I'm not trying to be a hater or anything but this place is just whatever.
Maybe it's just me but I've always came out of a hairsalon in tears.. Kudos to them for saving me the sprinklers but I wasn't like OMGILOVEMYHAIR either..

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0

2

Caitlin K.

Costa Mesa, CA

I went into Splitends today to have an appointment with Gina. Not only did she cut my hair incredibly, BUT she has one of the most kick ass personalities I've ever encountered. The whole experience was amazing, FAST (I got color and a cut and I was out in an hour - unheard of), and fun, which is what hair is all about. I will never go anywhere else. Splitends has got me for life.

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1

9

Linda T.

Irvine, CA

This review is long overdue. And I'll tell you why.

For sure I got my haircut by both Gina and Chris (proverbial super stars in my book) and, for sure, my hair was utterly rocking. I asked for long texturizing layers, side swept bangs, and a hair thinning. They worked their magic and, voila, I got EXACTLY what I wanted. Neither rushed me (even though I did ambush Chris, literally I came out of the bushes, on a fully booked day) and both offered to make any adjustments if I went home and decided I was unsatisfied. Talk about amazing service.

However, after a month or two I had this genius idea that anyone can do what they did and went to a little salon back home. Boy was I wrong (and stuck with a very trendy mullet). I renounce my sins and am booking an appointment ASAP!

P.S. Free unlimited bang trims anyone?

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0

1

Shawna S.

Santa Ana, CA

I LOVED this place!  Gina was awesome, really friendly AND she delivered an amazing cut and color!  The location and the decor was cool too...loved the fact that they sell the art right off the walls...

I hope I never have to go anywhere else again!

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10

34

Tiffany N.

Irvine, CA

5 Stars from me. Everything was perfection.

I called the salon thinking I needed to schedule an appointment a week in advance but they had one for the very next day. Geez wasn't expecting that. Instead I came in 2 days later, which was perfect because I wanted the cut ASAP.

Now listen here, I've never really had *fantastic* hair nor would I really style it everyday. My hair was always just long and straight, and pretty much limp and flat. I've attempted the side-part and swept bangs look, all of which would usually grow out and be pushed to the off to the side, never really working. So pretty much, a hair tie was my best friend.

Well now that you've gotten a little background about me and my hair, onto the cut! Gina welcomed me in and we got down to business. Now after listening and reading all of the reviews on here, I pretty much knew this chick could be trusted and that she knows what she's doing. So I asked her for some suggestions and she instantly knew what would work on me -- cutting my long hair to a just-below-the chin length to add more fullness and body. I hadn't had my hair chopped that short since I was in kindergarten with a "bowl cut", but Gina reassured that it would look phenomenal. So, on a complete whim, I said, what the hey, and put all of my hair into her hands. She worked her magic and chopped off 10 inches of hair in 15 minutes, MAX.

When I saw my strands of hair falling to the ground, I didn't feel hesistant at all. I was happy with the end product and felt like a new person -- with an extra oomph of fierce, and with *fantastic* hair might I add. :) Gina gets my thumbs up not only for her incredible talent but also for her freakin awesome personality. It was the first time I met her and I already felt like I knew her for years. Btw, I have gotten tons of compliments on the cut -- I think I wouldn't have been bold enough to do that if it were with some other stylist, honestly.

Be back for my next trim :)

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5

9

Peggy T.

Irvine, CA

Again, with the help of Yelp, I found this hair salon. The pictures and website made it look funky and modern, which is exactly what I wanted my hair to be.

I made an appointment with Janice. It took over a week to finally set a date and time for me to go in (- 1 star) which was a little irritating, but it gave me a little time to think about what I wanted to do with my hair.

I emailed Janice a picture of a hairstyle I liked and hopefully wanted done on my hair. When I went in, she told me she saw the picture but would like some clarification on how exactly I wanted it to be cut, which I liked. I'm glad she wanted to be thorough. Basically I wanted a shorter than normal haircut, but after some talking, I was talked into somewhat of a new twist on my current hair style. A good stepping stone, I guess.

Anyway, Janice was very nice and talkative. She made me feel like she would remember me the next time I go in. I enjoyed getting my haircut with her.

As for the actual haircut, it wasn't too bad. It wasn't as extreme as I had hoped, but perhaps the next time I go I'll be able to muster up the courage to insistent on having cut it more.

However, on the website it said the haircut would be $40ish (I think)but it ended up being about $70 (-1 more star). Sort of expensive for a haircut that looks sort of the same as usual (which I used to pay no more than $40 for).

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0

2

Leslie R.

Irvine, CA

After thinking "I want to find a new hair salon", I decided to look at reviews on Yelp.  I saw Splitends and decided to check them out.  Christopher cut my hair for the first time in early March and my boyfriend's hair a couple of weeks ago.  We are both super happy and will be regular customers.  Our former hair stylist who was doing a good job but not an exceptional one for either of us and she took wayyyyy too long - I didn't have the patience to sit in that chair for the half hour or so she'd take to blow dry my hair.

My boyfriend and I find coming to Splitends to be a satisfying experience not only because we both have gotten great cuts but also, the overall experience that Christopher has created is perfect for us: friendly staff, low-key, relaxing environment, very aesthetically pleasing shop, efficiency without feeling rushed, and of course, it doesn't hurt to have a glass of wine/beer to enhance the whole experience!

Thanks to Yelp for helping me find Splitends!

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2

11

Dirk G.

North Hollywood, CA

Of course it gets 5 stars.  I live, like, in the Valley (Los Angeles) and am calling to make an appointment for this weekend...

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1

2

Alli K.

Santa Ana, CA

This review is actually seven years overdue.  I know it's hard to believe but I was Gina's very first client. Ever.  Before Gina was behind the wheel at Splitends, she was giving me dreadlocks that totally ruled, coloring my hair into many hues and cutting my hair with kitchen scissors.  I always looked dope, and I continued to be the most stylish girl alive so you can imagine I was stoked when she finally realized this was her calling and went to beauty school and finally, her post at Splitends.  She has no doubt totally blossomed into an incredibly talented and subsequently super-popular stylist. Whenever, whatever I have ever wanted to do with my hair she has totally accomplished beyond my wildest dreams.  Her personality mixed with her ability to listen to clients is what sets her apart.  So obviously Gina totally rules, but there is one other person who deserves some major kudos as well.  

This is where we thank Chris Hall for being totally rad and creating the awesome salon that is Splitends.  I believe that Chris' talents and patience are what helped Gina become who she is and I think his vision of turning the salon into a gallery makes it a dynamic and interesting place to get your hair done.  If you like to relax and have a real "experience" in a salon you are totally in luck.

.

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1

3

Camille O.

Costa Mesa, CA

I would tell you to get your haircut from Gina, but that lessens my chances of GETTING A SATURDAY APPOINTMENT, YOU ASSHOLES.  But in all seriousness, everyone deserves a great hair style and Gina is just the person to give it to you.  I've been going to Gina for almost a year now and I always grab a stack of business cards on my way out and generally in a week I've been milked dry of them by those who have stopped to fawn over her masterful work.  I took my aunt to her when she came in town from canada and it was the first non-butch,non-scary do she'd had in years.

complimentary beer or mimosa.  

I really don'y like the receptionist.  She lacks the people-friendly chops that are generally a prerequisite for jobs such as hers.

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3

1

M K.

Los Angeles, CA

I had my haircut with Janice yesterday and I am happy to say that I'm thrilled with my overall experience with Splitends.  

I called the Salon on Monday and spoke to Chris the owner and he scheduled me with Janice the very next morning.  He was super nice and pointed me to the company website for directions.

I arrived to meet Janice and we immediately hit it off.  She made me feel so comfortable and offered very good suggestions and tips on how to mange my hair.  She lightened my current cut and gave me awesome layers.  I have a lot of thick, over processed hair and now it feels so light.  She also gave me tips on products and how to use them properly.  

Thanks Janice and I'll see you in a few months.

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3

5

janice v.

Anaheim, CA

well i might be just a tiny bit biased since i work here..... but that just means  i LOVE my job.... for those of you who are not familiar with who i am.... i am the ONE asian chick that works here... aka...the hip-hop and r&b chick.... i must admit.... i didn't think i'd fit in here.... but splitends wouldn't be as fun without me.... so come on in and check us out.... you won't be disappointed

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0

1

fuzzy b.

Beverly Hills, CA

this review is for christophers business practices.

I only came on here to call a FOUL !

I had cut a womans hair that had just moved here around june/July. The haircut was GOOD ENOUGH for her to wear it for almost 3 months before she went to see christopher.

Myself or my salon had no reviews on this site, when in september I recieved my first.

It was a horrible review. One that was written on the same day christopher cut her hair. And she has edited it 3-4 times to make it sound worse or herself better. Many things stood out to me about the review...
why wait months later to complain?
her verbage was PERFECT hairdresser talk.
why edit it so many times,each being more abusive then the last.

As a stylist I like to go to salons to get my haircut just to see who is new and an up and comer. So I booked a haircut with christopher myself. I wanted to see from a professional eye, what christopher was up to.

after the idle chit-chat and asking what I do for a living and stuff(which I NEVER tell another stylist that I am one as well) christopher went right into telling me how jacked up my haircut was and how he was gonna fix it up. perfect..

This place is just what I expected. No matter where you have been or what is going on with your hair. christopher will tell you whatever he thinks you want to hear to make him sound like the best.

I am bummed out on splitends the business.  This is the last thing our industry needs, people are scared enough going to new places.Lying to people and begging for good reviews will come back to you. karma..

Take this review how you want. I work in beverly hills and don't compete for clients from the OC.

B.S needs to be brought to attention.

here is my one star for splitends.

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1

49

John N.

San Gabriel, CA

I got my hair cut from Gina here.  I don't have typical straight Asian guy hair, it's actually rather wavy and difficult to cut.  I actually waited several months to find a quality place to get my hair cut and decided on Splitends.

Well, I don't know.  I requested to leave my hair a little long but to get rid of some of the bulk because I had a full head of hair.  She cut most of my hair only leaving about 1-1.5 inches in length.  I also wanted to leave my bangs a certain length, she cut that too.  I don't know if I didn't communicate with her what I wanted or she just started to chop away.

I personally think my hair is difficult to cut right and leaving it a certain length that it would still make it look good.  I left pretty disappointed.  

I think this place is great you're a girl or a guy who wants his hair short'ish.  But if you're an Asian guy with long'ish hair, like myself, take my advice and go somewhere else.

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8

31

Gary D.

Irvine, CA

The hair that comes out of here is just as stylish as the building.

Splitends and Gina get 4 stars. Gina did an excellent job for my wife, Ria A., go check out the hair!

I'm saving that last star for you Gina, but there's a challenge for you. You've got to give me a sophisticated new look so I can make some dough at work.

---
Take 2:
You are a five Gina. Thanks for the new look. Now maybe my coworkers won't make fun of me at work, haha!

Your methods served me well. All-in-all it was cool and I like the do.

Maybe by October we can bring Coco with us, she's in desperate need of a trim.

Until next time...

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38

119

keith m.

Irvine, CA

Reviewer number 100...I am the master!

Christopher has done great things with my hair for almost a year. I haven't gone in the past couple of months since I've been growing my hair out jpop star style, but I've had my hair styled by Christopher at least half a dozen times, and have never been disappointed.

He's helped me keep my hair stylish from the disaster that was the process of growing my hair from a shaved head. He understands how my hair grows and does fun things to give it more life. Oh, and props on the free booze =)

HOWEVER, with all of the popularity that I've noticed over the past several months, Christopher is always busy now. I used to be able to call in the morning and schedule an appointment for the same afternoon. The past few times I've called, he was booked for a few days. I can't plan that far in advance yo!

REMIX: After my last visit to SPLITENDS I bumped my rating back to 5 stars because Christopher did a super job and he fit me in to his schedule no problems. Plus, Gina was cheerful as always and gave me shit for going somewhere else between visits.

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2

50

Christine L.

Westminster, CA

O PLEAZZZEEE...
This is definitely not the place to go for "OMG that was the best haircut I have ever gotten in my life."

I went here because of the numerous 5-star reviews. It seems that it may be possible that some of the reviews are written by people who work at Splitends.... or Chris' personal friends.

Chris cut my hair and Gina did my color. He did an alright job of fixing a disaster of a haircut that I previously got. My color faded within 2 or 3 weeks.

The inside decor was kind of different: everything was bright white and red. Personally, I thought the color scheme was way too harsh, it makes you feel very tense and rigid. Also, the place itself is very small. I like to go to a salon and feel relaxed in a comforting ambiance.
Chris takes smoke breaks and cell phone breaks that last quite a while during your haircut. He seemed nice but as our conversation progressed it became apparent he was a little pompous and full of himself.

The prices aren't super expensive but it's still too for a mediocre haircut and color. My expectations may have been a bit high because of the raving reviews on here but I'm kind of disappointed so I won't be returning here.

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Elite '08

179

180

Linda N.

Los Angeles, CA

If I ever turned into a rich and famous superstar, I'd make everyone at Splitends a part of my entourage to make me look fabulous all day long.

I first went to Splitends in April and loved the cut that Chris gave me. After having someone mess up on my hair after that cut, I was embarrassed to go back in and have him fix it for me. But things were getting dire and I knew my hair was sending SOS signals and finally booked an appointment for last night.

Walking back in the salon, my worries about my hair woes melted away. Chris did his magic on my hair and now it feels like it has life again. The layers feel natural and move freely. He really takes consideration into what is flattering per each individual. The whole staff is a delight as well.

You know you've gotten a great cut when you keep going back to the mirror just for one more look.

Thanks, Christopher!

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1

1

Michelle K.

Anaheim, CA

Let me just preface this long-belated review by saying I despise getting my goddamn hair "done".  Hate it to the point I'd rather look like a scraggly-ass street urchin than have to deal with prissy receptionists who sneer at me while I thumb meekly through a greasy Vogue, or masochistically  getting my head prodded and yanked at for two hours while swathed in a smelly, scratchy tarp.

But Splitends is different--it's a small, lollipop-colored space that's inviting and immaculate (no snide receptionist!  no giant piles of hair!).  And Gina is some sort of magical hair fairy that ably interpreted my stuttering hemming and hawing into an awesome, easy-to-maintain color and cut.  The whole process was so painless and relaxing and fun that I was surprised when it was over.

Gina pretty much just rocks--she even came in on a day that she was off to rescue me from a hair emergency--and I'm so grateful that I drunkenly tell bewildered strangers that they have to go see her (sorry).

On my way home after my haircut, I got hollered at by a hog-riding older gentleman sporting a Confederate-flag bandanna on his head--and if that's not a mark of Splitends' greatness, I don't know what is.

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1

4

April L.

Newport Beach, CA

I absolutely love this place.  This is a super clean salon, all the people in the salon are so nice and I have to say Gina is the best.  The prices are reasonable and the haircut is worth much more.  I highly recommend Gina!

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Elite '08

35

79

Nina F.

Long Beach, CA

I called Split Ends at 11:40 this morning, fresh off a work trip and in desperate need of a haircut.  I must have sounded pretty desperate because the next thing I knew, I had a 12:15  appointment with Gina.  

If I get a good vibe from a stylist, I'm more than happy for them to take over  and do what they will with my hair.  Great vibes from Gina right off the bat, and within an hour I was walking out of the salon with cute bangs and an awesome cut.

I'm notorious for going months and months without getting a haircut -- I think it had been somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 or 7 months this time around; however, after today, I'm fairly certain that I will be back here again and again and again...

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22

29

Tina N.

Irvine, CA

Okay, so I feel really bad for not writing giving this place a 5 star review but I have to speak the truth.  

I made an appointment with Chris but got Gina instead.  My haircut is okay.  Nothing spectacular.  I don't understand why everyone is ranting and raving about this place and I was disappointed with the hype of the reviews.   It is really "cool" that they serve you refreshments but my wine was bitter and tasted as if it has been opened for white awhile.  I wish my hair  had more style and layers. I had a basic color and cut which came to $120 and with tip $140.  It's not super expensive but not cheap either.

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28

41

Rosalin L.

Brooklyn, NY

Just how big is Splitends getting? While I was getting my hair done with Christopher, my friend walked in the door for his appointment with Gina -- and neither of us had EVER discussed the salon with each other beforehand.

I absolutely love my haircut. More than a week later, I'm still having fun playing around with the new look while styling at home. The great thing about Christopher and Gina is that they take the cut you want and make it work for you. Not every style works for every face or head of hair, so they chat with you about the best look for you without compromising what you want. It may not look exactly like what you pictured, but that's most likely because what you pictured may not look as great on you (a hard truth to swallow, I know). That's where they come in and work their magic. You come out with a cut and style that is tailored to you.

Being at Splitends feels like lounging around with your friends, which is awesome. The decor is minimalist, yet hip; I love the retro table and custom fixtures. Everyone is friendly, courteous and hot! ;) The rates may be a bit pricey, but the stylists definitely know what they're doing.

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2

47

Ellie C.

Irvine, CA

Having driven to West Los Angeles for my uber expensive "celebrity-stylist" haircuts, I was delighted to find Christopher and Splitends online. I was a bit skeptical, but as always, felt excitement in being a bit daring. My friend Brandon made our appointments and with that we were committed to getting our hair trimmed on Oct 13, Saturday at 5pm. Thank goodness for gps, because the place is a bit hard to find.

Well, Christopher likes white walls, because this place is as snow white as Snoopy and the bits of red are like the color of Snoopy's dog bowl. The place is as clean as a whistle - absolutely my type of place. I LOVE how clean this place is!

Christopher directs me to his chair  and off we are talking about my hair which he jokes, may be the most boring hair he has ever seen. I kid back, yes, I paid a pretty penny for this super boring hair. He's nice, soft spoken, and just a sincere young hip hairstylist. He's an artist, he's into hair design, and he understands style and attractive things. He's not fake friendly or gushy nice; he's just himself. This is so refreshing. I ask him what he thinks I should do with my hair. He doesn't give me a ton of details, but I trust blindly as long as he doesn't go super short - just to the shoulders. He uses all blade on me, no scissors. I like this as this is what my old stylist used to do. We start talking about wall paint, designing the shop, how he came about to start this place, etc. He's fun and quirky to talk with.

20 minutes and he's done. This is probably one of the quickest cuts I've had. When he's done, it looks ok and different. I like it, but don't know if I love it. Well, then Janice the beautiful blow drying wizard comes and she shows me how to dry my hair, curl the hair with a brush and WOAH! Fabulous hair! What a cut!- now it looks amazing! I can't believe I waited so long to see Christopher. I can't help staring in the mirror and playing with my hair. My husband who is reading a magazine likes it a bunch too!

So if you're reading this and waiting, pick up the phone and dial - it'll be fine! He'll give you style, make you look younger, and just bring you into the modern world. Christopher and his nice team are modern yet understated. They work really hard and deserve all the success they've accomplished. They focus on the details - everyone is nice, they provide you with drinks, free internet, and they really care that you are happy. I'm looking forward to going back. Disregard the less than 5 Star reviews and go try this place out for yourself - you'll be so much more attractive if you do! I love my hair!!! :)

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20

85

Ron H.

Costa Mesa, CA

Just got my hair cut here for the very first time.  I gotta be honest, when I first walked in, I didn't really feel that welcomed.  The twin doors immediately dump you into the "cutting zone." There's not really a lobby, and if you take the right door, there aren't any obvious places to sit (the magazines draw your attention, but they're actually behind the stylists), so I kinda just stood around like a dumbass for awhile.

Then I thought I heard them talk about how the doors should be locked, so I started worrying that they were closing.  I mentioned that I had an appointment at 6-ish, to which Gina curtly told me "to sit down and wait a few minutes!" Ok...looks like a little bit of miscomm out the door, but whatever, she seemed like a no-nonsense type of woman. Got a diet coke, and Gina offered some of her b-day cake (which was good), so things were starting to warm up.

Chris was actually going to be cutting my hair, and to be honest again, before I came, I kinda was expecting him to be some kind of artsy-fartsy dude who would be borderline snobbish (sorry Chris).  But far from it, Chris is THE MAN. He definitely has lots of know-how upstairs. He designed Splitend's site, he designed Splitend's interior, we chatted about SEO (which is kinda geeky), and he knows his cars! He had no problem recognizing my car, he drives a sweet M himself, and he's getting rid of a very respectable MR2. I was pretty damn surprised. Who the hell is this guy?  

Anyway, the haircut. Can't leave that out.  I'm terrible when it comes to haircuts, letting my hair grow into a shagfest. So I just had Chris do whatever he felt was best.  Ultimately, I liked the end results, but I think I was expecting something awesome from all the glorious reviews here on Yelp, though it always takes me a few days for a new haircut to really grow on me...er, figuratively.  Still, I'm very pleased with it.

Great staff, cool environment, I'll definitely be back.

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Elite '08

205

177

Erica C.

Whittier, CA

Full stardom for Gina and for Split Ends.  There's a reason why there are so many Yelpers that give this place 5 stars.  My head is proof.  I have been to 3 different salons in the past 4 months, and I think I finally found my place.  Nevermind that this place is about 35 maybe 40 miles from home.  Gina did EXACTLY what I've been wanting with my hair.  EXACTLY.  Every place that I've gone to in the past 4 months has never met my needs.  Gina, however did...and even exceeded them.

I had succumbed to the idea that no stylist would ever get what I wanted done to my hair so I would have to settle, but Gina totally knew what I wanted done.  One look at the "before" hair and she said, "I know what to do", and I gave her full reign.  I trusted her, because she so confidently said that she was excited to be able to "fix" my boxy, blunt, old haircut.  

She used a razor and worked her magic.  No sh!t, but in like 15 minutes she was done, and I didn't even have to endure the post-cut helmet head blow out.  She blew dry my hair just like I would do at home.  

I have not loved a haircut this much in years.

Gina is the most adorable girl and I instantly felt like I knew her for years.  The Yelp reviews don't lie.

I'm defintely going back to Split Ends, for not only a cold Tecate, but for a guaranteed awesome haircut!

------------HAIRCUT #2 (2.7.08), by the awesome Gina!--------------------
I love it!  She really knows how to cut hair.  She's a superstar!! (*wink, wink Gina*)

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4

4

Phyu A.

Irvine, CA

This place is great! the environment there is super chill and the people there are really nice. I got my hair done by Gina and she does an amazing job! she'll even cut my bangs for free whenever i want! I've def. found a hairstylist and I'm def. going back

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13

45

suzie g.

Laguna Beach, CA

Can't find the words to do this justice, so I'll just stick with the facts:

1) For the first time in 12 years, I'm back to my natural color (dark brown), which Gina convinced me was awesome - and she was RIGHT! I'm thinking my previous stylists didn't ever tell me my natural color was "good enough" because they wanted to charge me big bucks for bleaching, highlights, and all the other ways I've destroyed it over the years. I was extremely wary of going back to brown, but Gina really did the color justice. It looks spectacular!

2) I've never really liked having bangs before, but Gina convinced me they would work. She's so right - I LOVE THEM!!!!!

I now have a haircut that takes zero time to do, looks very hip and cool, and is 100% my natural color. And I feel like when I get my hair do