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Stacy Monroe's Salon & Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
20590 Redwood Rd(between Castro Valley Blvd & Village Dr)
Castro Valley, CA 94546
(510) 537-8084
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Sophia Y. said: "My long thick asian hair was down to my waist, took hours to dry after washing, and was getting in the way of everything. I couldn't stand it anymore and decided to try out this place because they offered half off for new clients. I…" read more »
59 reviews for Stacy Monroe's Salon & Spa
59 reviews in English
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Review from samantha L.
San Ramon, CA
10/12/2010
First off, Disregard all of the negative feedback. I went to Stacy Monroe's to get my highlights done. I was skeptical when reading some of the bad reviews. However, I decided to go against what some people were saying and get my hair done. I walked in and the place was so modern and beautiful. The people were extremely friendly and made me feel welcomed. Most importantly, Eyvette, the stylist was very friendly and understanding and helped highlight my hair with partial highlights in the way that I really wanted it. She gave me subtle but beautiful highlights-this was exactly what I was looking for for so long!!!!
They were so kind and affordable as well. I ended up paying $65 plus tip for awesome looking highlights!!! Im very happy and will be coming back! (p.s. Go on Monday, there's less traffic=more pamper time!)
Samantha Lusignan -
Review from kt n.
Castro Valley, CA
11/10/2011
Please ask Jennie Baria not to put her fliers on cars in parking lots. Littering and wasteful. Who likes having something shoved in their car window?! No thank you for the 10% off my first appointment.
I've been a customer of Stacy Monroe's before and I agree with the other reviews, the customer service is bad. The front desk staff is not friendly and snobby.
I would not recommend this place. -
Review from Emilie K.
Hayward, CA
10/12/2011
First off, this review is not about their talent or lack there with hairstyling. This is about the issues with their management and the information they provide.
Even with the many pleads from my family not to go to Stacey Monroe's from past bad experiences, I decided to give them a second chance. I looked online and also on their website to check the times they are open til, 10:00pm M-F. This was great because I wasn't going to get back to CV til 6 and with most salons closing at 7 it worked in my favor.
I called the salon at 6:45 and asked for any open appointments until closing. The receptionist proceeded to tell me that it would be tough because the stylists are leaving at 7. Why would you lie on yelp and on your website saying that you are open til 10 when you have no stylists after 7. I think it's unprofessional and quite ridiculous. Sorry, I will not be going there for my haircut. -
Review from Julie T.
Castro Valley, CA
7/18/2011
My hairstylist Angela is the best around town. I will only go to her for my hair needs. Am I a fan of the salon NO! Am I a fan of others there NO, but I love my hair stylist and put up with it for her. I have been to others in the salon and hate the way they have done my hair. I have had to go to other people all over Castro Valley due to Angela not available. Angela has always had to fix my hair. I said to myself that I will NEVER go to anyone besides her again. I have kept that promise. My sister, mom and kids go to her and she is the only one I will go too. Can Stacy Monroe's do better OH YES by far. The receptionist like to schedule clients constantly in between eachother. I wish the owner treated the girls better and gave them enough time to finish their client. Owner needs to work on some things.
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Review from Deepti R.
Castro Valley, CA
7/21/2010
This place is really expensive, like 4 times more expensive than the usual haircut I get. I called in at 10:00 AM and asked if i could walk-in, the girl on the phone says I make an appointment for you for 10:30 AM. I reach there at 10:30 AM, said I have an appointment and they were confused.I had to literally explain to them that I had called in at 10 and all. Negative point there. Place looked nice from inside but most of the stylists were dressed like for a date or club, which was a surprise.
My stylists was nice and gave me a good cut, therefore this place gets 3 stars.
My bf needed a cut and he uses 0 or 1 number razor, my stylist says I have the particular razor, she cut his hair, and guess how much she charged for making him bald;$30. R U KIDDING ME??? She charged me $45 for styling my hair, and $30 for making him bald.
I was like OK, tried to pay in cash, and the lady goes I don't have change. Keep some cash- cashier, everyone don't pay with cards.
Next time before walking into a salon I will ask the price. Lesson learnt!!! -
Review from Athena L.
Bay Area
2/23/2011
1ST OFF THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!!
This was my 4th time coming to this salon i would always make my appoinments with Megan, wich she is the only one in that salon that is nice, all the other ppl in there are negative, and rude. I called to make an appoinment with Megan to get a hair cut but she was all booked that day so i decied to go with another girl Her name is JULIE that they booked me for. when i came in the stylist Julie was being nice at first, so i sat down in the chair explained that i wanted Side swipe bangs and stacked layers, I also had brought in Pics to make it easier, She 1st started by saying i do not think side swipe bangs would be ideal kus you have a kal lick, i explained to her nicely that its okay i would still love them she seemed annoyed at that point. Then she washed my hair went back to the chair to start, the salon was not busy at all so you can hear everything that everyone was saying in the salon, One gurl who worked there was talking to a customer and said she needed her percocet's JULIE then laughed and said that she needed one bad because she was on her perioid..... so then she started on my hair with the layers i asked her if she can cut straight not inward cut, i do not know the propper Name for that hair cut but its where they cut into your hair and it makes the hair look CHOPPIE. i did not want that kind of cut but she was very persistent on doing it anyway even though i told her nicely that i did not want that. so she proceeded to do it any way, wich that was not right! Then i asked her about the cut if this was thining the hair she told me that she has been doing hair for 10 years and that i was insulting her and she was very very rude. So i just got up from the chair and said i do not want to continue with this hair cut she was talking very rude to me and so i walked out, My hair was wet and not finished and she came running after me saying you need to pay so i gave her 50 because i was so stressed out and then i walked out . When i was in my car i had relized i payed way to much wich she did not care to let me know, so i walked back in the salon and asked for my change and she was very rude to me about it. i asked why am i paying anyway my hair is wet and not even cut right, i ask to speak to the owner,the staff was rude and had said the owner is not in So i just paid the 35.00 .... WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!!! -
Review from Alexandra G.
Hayward, CA
8/10/2011
I honestly dont have ALOT of negative things to say except:
I made an appt. over the phone with a specific person. I went to the salon, gave my name & who i made the appt. with (very particular with who does my hair) The lady at the desk tells me there are no appts. made with my name & the person i wanted it with is unavailable because she is assisting someone else. umm wat? They had no choice but to hand me off to someone else but the fact is it wasnt who i made it with.
Secondly, the person who usually does my hair (Jermaine) stopped working there. He had yet to tell me where his new place was so I had no choice but to go with whoever at the salon. I just wanted a bang trim & let me tell you it was bad. she cut it way too short & was unhappy with it. Can you imagine? very short bands?
I never went back again after that. Thank goodness I know go to Jermaine's place for my hair done. That place is nothing without him. -
Review from monica r.
Danville, CA
1/16/2011
I honestly cannot stand Stacy Monroes! I used to live in Castro Valley Ans this was a close nice looking salon, the interior is decorated well. Yet every time I've gone here I've left extremely disappointed! When I got my make up done here I left looking like a clown with my make up done way worse than it would of turned out doing it on my own but if I had done it on my own I would've still had my $50, I've gone here for a hair cut twice to two different people, one girl was decent the other one completely messed up my hair I left crying and the manager did not do
Anything to help the situation, even just getting my hair styled for an event here was horrible, the only thing I was ever happy with my my facial.
The one positive thing I really have to say is I have had friends that have gone here and their hair looked nice, maybe I've just had bad luck with going to the wrong stylists, but I am definitely not willing to try them out again because they were not accommodating at all the night I left crying , because I left looking like a 5 year old cut my hair. -
Review from Mrs. M.
San Lorenzo, CA
5/27/2009
Silly me. I went to Stacy Monroe's for a few years because I found a stylist I liked who worked there. My stylist was good.. as in she colored and cut my hair really well, and she was fast, but so fast she was almost rough.. I went along with this because I did indeed like how she did my hair..
until..
I came home looking like a zebra. Yes, I had thick, wide, very noticeable stripes. So noticeable that I had people bring it to my attention that, well, I was looking like some bad wallpaper pattern or something. I have a picture.. should I post it?
The salon is one big gossipy, back stabbing place and my stripes gave me the incentive I needed to go and find a new stylist at a new salon (Hellllo Julie at Paul Melina's.. I love you!). During most of my visits my stylist would fill me in on other stylists ... who was dating who's boyfriend and who was cheating. Other stylists would often come by and whisper into her ear or say something really horrible as they walked by. If you parked in the back, you could just feel the glares and the snide comments coming from the little hussies who were chain smoking behind the building. WTF? I'm a customer.. you're spreading rumors about me too? You don't even know me!
You know, it was like the skanky 'Ho's who would argue with each other in the bathroom in high school. I don't need this.. I have my own drama to deal with!
So now you know how the stylists here operate.. they hate each other and spend more time dissing each other than pampering their clients. This client would leave the salon with an empty wallet and her blood pressure up a few notches..
In addition, when you call to make an appointment, the chick with the husky deep chain-smoking voice, requires you to give your credit card number to make an appointment. Yea, right.
Bye bye Stacy Monroe's.. I can't say it's been good knowing you.. -
Review from K. N.
Castro Valley, CA
5/29/2009
Seriously, you enter the "salon" and you can immediately feel the negative energy from these so called "stylists".
I went in this salon for the first time last week to get a consultation for my hair for prom. I got a pretty cool girl, Jamie. I honestly think she was probably the most down to earth girl there. She gave me suggestions and thought about what she could do with my hair. I felt pretty confident about setting things in stone with her for my updo.
She asked for my cell number so we could keep each other up to date with my hair. She referred me to a beauty supply to get my extensions and wrote down what I needed to do. I thought that was great...until today
So this morning around 9 just before I was about to go to school, she texted me and told me I had to buy the glue to put in my extensions.
Uhhhh since when does the customer need to buy the glue?? What the hell would I be paying $145 for then?? Plus, I had NO time to go to the beauty supply AGAIN and buy some glue.
I decided that this was all too ridiculous and canceled my appointment with her. Instead I went to a beauty salon in Hayward (I forget the name..) and I got my extensions put in for me for only $80. The woman, I think her name was Serena, was super polite, professional, and understanding. She even came 1 hour earlier than she was supposed to come just for me.
Anyways, don't waste your time or money at Stacey Monroe's. I've had enough of stupid snobby girls in high school, I don't need more of it in a hair salon. -
Review from Trina A.
Hayward, CA
11/30/2009
I had gone to Stacy's religiously when Tara was there. I even stayed there after that crazy chick who used to sweep the floor butchered my hair. I kid you not, she razored my damn hair off, and did not achieve the highlight colors I was looking for. When I returned that same day, she attemted to "fix it" but did jack squat, and didnt blowdry my hair because she said it'd cost me. Ugh. I better just stop there, I could go on forever. Basically, the deal breaker for me was when Tara left, they were super rude towards me, and with the tone used to talk about Tara, and refused to tell me where she went or give me her number.
You can find me at Paul Milina down the blvd, thanks.Listed in: Never agains, Pain is Beauty
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Review from Anna S.
Hayward, CA
11/4/2009
If you are younger than 25, you should not go to this establishment!
This salon is geared more towards older generation people, and not so much towards young people. I've been a total of 2 times because of my mom, but she doesn't like that place anymore because it over charges for their services.
My first haircut made me look like a boy, I was so upset... I cried when I got home. My second times, the stylist totally did not match the haircut to the shape of my face. I hated it!!
This place is terrible for what you pay. -
Review from Elaina L.
San Leandro, CA
1/12/2011
I used to be a huge fan and supporter of Stacey Monroe's Salon but I've recently had two horrible experiences and my friends have had many as well. Anna cut and colored my hair a few months back and charged me $275. It was outrageously priced and NOTHING that I asked for (bleached blonde streaks unwelcome here). I wouldn't recommend this salon to anyone. It seems to have significantly decreased over the years. Over-priced, low quality color and cuts, unprofessional (dogs allowed, children, food, etc.)
Stacey Monroe's get your act together! -
Review from Helen N.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2009
I've never had my hair done here, but I used to come for facials. The spa at this salon is beautiful, relaxing, and always makes you feel like you are on a mini vacation.
My go to lady was Marina, but she isn't here any more!
Thank god my mom kept in touch with her, if anyone is looking for her, she can be found at (510) 427-6218
I just had a facial with her yesterday, and she rocks! -
Review from Brandon M.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 5/26/2010
This review is for all the guys who don't like a chop at a supercuts. Ask for Jermaine (Tara is now gone). Jermaine is awesome. It is not cheap but not as expensive as I used to pay in San Jose. $30 for an artist who really gets to know your hair/head. I have to say I continue to be very happy with the place.
Jermaine has left since my last post. They don't really do a male haircut that great. I will post a review for Jermaine when I find his new spot1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2008
I really like Tara. She is great and really quick. From a guy's perspective I want to get in and… Read more »
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Review from Brina C.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2007
First, I give Kat 5 stars. She is awesome. I took her a picture of the hairstyle I wanted, from 5 different angles. (I'm not that anal, it's just that my last stylist couldn't get it right.) She looked at it, looked at me, and said "You're gonna totally rock this!" And I do. She did an awesome job.
Some of the other girls there are VERY snooty. I don't like going somewhere where people look at you like you are bothering them or they are lightyears above your puny existence. I refuse to do my hair and makeup before going to the salon so they can just wash out what I've just done. To the girl who gave me the stink-eye, I literally pay your salary. With cash. Don't f-ing look at me like I am a bother to you. (Wow, it feels kinda good to say that to someone else for a change)
Anyways, ambience is a little lacking, and it's kinda hectic. Not a "spa" like environment as the name leads you to believe. But I reiterate, I love Kat. I am off to get my hair done by her now... I tried to give myself highlights two days ago. I don't recommend it. Aluminum Foil does not work as well at home as it does in the salon to seaparate sections of hair. I look like someone threw cherries at my head... So I will bow to the hairdresser and throw myself on her mercy for screwing up my otherwise nice hair. -
Review from Deirdre P.
Livermore, CA
1/7/2009
I had gone here for years, just for my hair lady really...
I loved the big couches with animal print..YAY!!
sadly...since I started going there it seemed to just keep going downhill...there is a lot of gossip that goes on in there, you can just tell.
the receptionists are not very friendly, calling to make an appointment, or when you walk in. I would not have continued to go there it were not for my hair lady
there is also a really WONDERFUL nail lady...I'm forgetting her name, but shes really funny! They really do take a full hour, and they massage and scrub forever!! its not one of those sit back and enjoy kind of massages, its more of a sit back and chat kinda nail place. Really clean too! although they got new chairs..and im not really into whirlpool chairs for the cleaning reasons
Overall, I think you have to get lucky with a hair stylist, dont expect red carpet from the receptionist, and totally try their nail services. For the area, its probably one of the more upscale spots for a mani/ pediListed in: Best Nail Shop Hunt
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Review from Gina R.
San Leandro, CA
6/30/2007
I took a picture into Kat (who gets 5 stars) and holy smokes she did way better than the picture. She told me "You are not to old for this hair style, let's have some fun" and boy did we. She did a spectacular job, we had a great time. If it was not for Kat I would not be going there .
I don't like the "I'm better than you attitude that you get from some of the other girls" . Or the look of don't talk to me I don't have time for you. If you can get past the front desk at the first call or meeting to get to Kat its all worth it.
I have not had a massage or manicure or pedicure there so I can not review those. However, Kat Rocks!!!! -
Review from Kirsten M.
Newark, CA
1/23/2008
I started going here for my hair appointments when recommended by a friend. I have had nothing but postive experiences. I bought some gift cards as x-mas presents and can't wait to see what friends think of the spa!
The parkinglot is small. So make sure to get there in time! -
Review from V Z.
Castro Valley, CA
4/7/2007
I went and booked a European Facial and it was fantastic!! I had Marina as my Esthetician and practically she was a seasoned esthetician of all time. Had her business and now just serving two-three days at the spa.
The outside surrounding is not so great but somewhat good parking space (there are more in the back of the salon) As soon as I walked in the salon, to me it seemed rather small. They have a portion where you do the haircut, pedicure and manicure and they have a separate space for massages and bodyworks.
Marina was good at what she does, very informative gal and didn't put any pressure in selling products.
Overall experience was great except for the waiting part because the other Esthetician was unable to do my facial and thank goodness I have Marina to do mine anyways.
Very happy and satisfied customer, I'd say. -
Review from Danielle B.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2008
These 5 stars are for Tara, who has done my hair long before she started working here. I love that she cut my hair and actually looks longer since she gave it such great shape. She listened to what I told her I wanted, yet suggested some new layers to give me body...love it.
And my highlights are just as good as ever, and I don't need crazy touch-ups like I've encountered at other salons...yep, I'm definitely going back :) -
Review from joanne h.
San Leandro, CA
5/18/2008
i couldn't expect much from somewhere near home. I know that for a spectacular facial i'd probably need to be in the city. .... so... cant get any better than this.
But i am glad my cousin got me a spa package here to wind down from hard days of work.
My ex and i both went for a spa day here and he also got the same spa package which includes a facial, salt body scrub and 1 hour massage.
First they scrub me down with salt and lavender bits. showered...
then comes my favorite part, 1 hour of swedish massage. bliss
Facial wasn't quite relaxing. The Esthetician means business. Her mission was to get all those blackhead suckers out of our pores. No mercy. which is great for people who need their skin worked on but as for relaxation, i dont think she would have had the touch since her nails were acrylics. (estheticians should be banned from acrylics or long nails).
My ex loved his facial while my skin was burning up from the extractions (but i know it's good for me).
oh and they use Decleor which smells wonderful. ylang ylang yummmm -
Review from Laurie S.
Castro Valley, CA
6/3/2007
Had a pedicure here a little while back. The three stars earned here are for the great job that Kat did on my pedicure. Other than that, I was not to impressed with the place. I was looking for more of a relaxing environment which the word spa implied to me. Their pedicure area is a bench, which isn't the most comfortable place to sit. It was also pretty busy and loud in there as well. Thankfully one of my tasks for the day was accomplished, a beautiful pedicure. The other task was to relax, but that didn't happen here. The fee for the pedicure was a bit high for the actual environment. Unfortunately, I won't be going back here for a pedicure, because part of the enticement of a pedicure is the relaxation that goes along with it.
If your going to go here though, I highly recomend Kat! She was super friendly and as I said before did a beautiful job on my toes. Also the pedicure lasted quite awhile after the appointment. -
Review from Hello K.
Fremont, CA
12/29/2006
I went here today to get a new do and had Annie as my stylist. She was very friendly and sweet!
We started out with a shampoo and wash and then she proceeded to cut my hair. I showed her a picture of how I wanted it cut and she pretty much matched my hair to that style.
After the cut she asked if I wanted her to style it for me. I said yes and she spent a good amount of time blow drying my hair and putting products in it.
After everything was done I was very pleased with my new style! Annie was also very helpful in giving me tips on how to style it myself at home.
The total came to $50 which I thought was pretty cheap since Annie performed 3 services on me: shampoo/cut/style. I will definitely return soon for another cut.
The atmopshere here is busy but the ladies here are all very nice. -
Review from Ashley E.
Bainbridge Island, WA
9/7/2007
Seems like people don't like this place. Well I didn't either. I think I started calling it Stacy Mon-ho's for a while. I guess it comes from what most people are reviewing has the "snooty" girls that work there. But my last few visits were fabulous.
Got a manicure with Lynn. Came in with 3 already broken nails. She did a great job and I thought that the price was right.
Got a haircut with Elida. She's really great. She worked really fast but did a really great job. And $30! (w/o blow dry) I think awesome. She also perm-straightens my sister's hair and she always looks fabulous. Elida is a "chemical specialist." -
Review from Tina o.
Alameda, CA
1/19/2011
Stacy Monroe's Salon and Spa Is a Lovely Place.. Great Staff... I got my Hair Colored and Fusion Extensions Done By Shaunna Ramirez ... I love Them!!! Shaunna was very Friendly.. If you are looking for a New Look or Stylist I strongly Recommend Stacy Monroe's and Shaunna Ramirez
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Review from Mia A.
Castro Valley, CA
11/24/2009
This place used to be THE SPOT when I was in HS... mind you, I graduated in 2000. Back then, Stacie Jessee was my stylist & i absolutely ADORED HER! Once I figure out where she is now, I'll be sure to plug her shamelessly. Added bonus, she remembered my name every time & even asked about things we talked about the time before! Now THAT is service! So in my 10 years since that 1st cut, I converted my mom, sister, aunt & even my dad to Stacy Monroes... even picking up numerous giftcards for bdays, christmas gifts & mothers days... but sadly, their service isnt what it used to be. I've tried just about every service they have to offer: Mani/Pedi: great b/c you can have a convo w/ them, unlike the 25+ other spots on the blvd (no offense); Facials & Massages are ok, but everytime I find someone I like, the next time I try to ask for them, they've moved on; Salt Scrubs were great; Haricuts: I tried a few diff stylists to see if I could find a good one, but they seem like they really dont care how my hair turns o ut... thus I've moved on to better (My Amour Salon & Spa in San Leandro).
I was given a giftcard recently for a massasge & was sadly disappointed. The room was cold, they didnt have any kind of water while I waited in the DARK. No, it wasnt to set the mood, no one was in there yet, so they werent ready for me. I wish I could remember my ladys name, just so I could call her out & let her know how she could improve. I let her know several times that the pressure wasnt hard enough & that it was as if she was just putting lotion on my back. I left unhappy, but with a super soft back! I doubt I'll ever go back, unless they had a fantastic deal going on & I'd refer anyone who asked to my new salon 10 mins away. Sorry Stacy Monroes, you guys gotta beef up your customer service!! -
Review from Jess H.
Castro Valley, CA
3/21/2009
You will never see me step foot in this crap hole !! The only coolish thing about this place was the convenience, but the catty atmosphere makes me cringe! I don't recommend going unless you want to deal with egotistical stuck-up attitudes. This place is a definite No Go.
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Review from EL B.
Castro Valley, CA
2/19/2010
I was really hoping that this place would be great only because it's very decorated and seems busy but I got stuck with one hair dresser who did the worst haircut. I ask her to layer my hair and she made it look like a straight V shape in the back and the layers in the front we're off. So I had to cut almost half my hair off the following month at another and better hair salon. I definitely won't be making another visit here...it's too much of a gamble!
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Review from Andrea M.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2007
The situation: I had already worked 40 hours that week, and had been volun-told that I'd be working on Saturday for another 8, only starting in the afternoon instead of the usual 9-5. So I decide to get my brows waxed on a whim, and call up Stacey Monroe's since it's close to where my mom lives, and I was having lunch with her. I get an appointment with Katrina (or Katarina, whatevs..).
Next: She's telling me how it was just her birthday last night and she went out w/ friends and blah, blah, blah, and I'm being friendly and conversing and whatnot. (Maybe she was just hungover and that's why she f-ed up so bad)
Clue: I should have known something was up when she didn't hand me the mirror to check out my brows when she was done. I mean, they always hand you the mirror. But I was in a hurry, since I had to get over to the city to work only a couple hours from then. I pay waaaaay too much for the waxing, and even give her a $6 tip.
OH-EM-GEE: I get home and finally look in the mirror and am HORRIFIED to see that my eyebrows are VERY OBVIOUSLY TWO DIFFERENT SHAPES, and sizes. If I had a pic, I would post it, just as a warning. It's like she took off too much when she was going from the middle and just left it. I wanted to cry. Time was running out before I had to be at work.
I'm telling you this, I have NEVER, EVER before actually called a place to complain about a brow waxing, even at times when I haven't been that stoked on the job. But this warranted a call, and call I did.
And what did Miss Katrina have to say?
"Oh, I'm so sorry...why don't you just drop in 45 minutes and I'll fix them?"
EXCUSE ME? Like I am ever going to trust you with my brows again. And also, I don't have the time for this. And like you didn't notice they were uneven and misshaped when I was there!
I told her nicely that I'd fix them myself, and I tried, but mostly, they just sucked for the next month. Arg.
What a waste of time and money and stress. If you're going to go to have a service done, and you're paying good money for it, you should be able to expect that it's going to be done properly and professionally. I don't have the time to go back so you can "fix" my eyebrows that you just fucked up. I have a job, and I work hard, and I do it well; is it too much to ask that others treat their work the same?
Katrina, if you're reading this: I want my money back, I worked hard for it. Can you say the same? -
Review from Maria C.
San Leandro, CA
8/18/2009
Sorry to be a B*&ch but I HATE this place! It's a wannabe OC, Laguna Beach, Hills episode gone wayyyyyy bad! Come on...it's Castro Valley people! If you wanna see bleach blondes with plenty of stripes in their hair, fake nails, fake tans, fake everything then this your kinda place! Sorry but i'm just telling it like it is. My stylist and colorist used to work here and got so fed up with the crap she opened up her own shop and took 2 more stylists with her. I had to go back there the other day to purchase a gift certificate for a bridal shower and the girls were just as bitchy as i remember! UGH!!!!
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Review from Melinna G.
San Ramon, CA
6/17/2006
Although I've had great haircuts by Crystal at Stacy Monroe's, the salon is just a bit too hectic for me. The facial I had there once was WAY below any others I'd had before and I was actually in pain from the esthetician. Tina does great pedicures, but they're expensive!
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Review from Moxy T.
San Leandro, CA
7/15/2007
One star should tell it all. I deleted the story I had..too long winded. The short is I gave this place plenty of chances, just doesn't do it right. Too inconsistent, too snobby, too pricey.
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Review from Roberta H.
San Leandro, CA
2/28/2009
Called Stacy Monroe's t make a appointment with my fave Brazilian waxer -- Marina. The receptionist told me that Marina no longer worked there .. asked if she knew where Marina went and of course the answer was 'no'. She told me that Renda and Jen/Jess? were taking Marina's clients. I was a little hesitant, and said "I need to check my calendar, so I'll call back." I figured that since this is such a sensitive and personal job I decided to see what other Yelpers were saying.
Well, after reviewing your comments of Renda/Stacy Monroes and of other salons, I decided to give her a try -- I mean, I was already familiar with their location and their facility, so why not, right? Wrong!
First, let me tell you that she made me bleed. When I got off the table and saw the spotting, I thought, OMG, how embarrassing ... Flo came early and without any warning. But when I got home, I realized that the blood wasn't from Flo, but from my BC (butt crack). As I recalled the procedure, I remember that there were places that she waxed twice or more and trust me ... I am not that hairy and it feels like some skin got ripped off along with the hair and I was raw.
Not sure if I saw Renda on an off day and I guess I'll never know since I won't be back. I have about 4-5 weeks to find someone new ... Any suggestions? -
Review from Nicole G.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2007
The one star is only because my toes do look great and I did like the woman who did my pedicure (Lynn I believe). However the rest of the place was obnoxious, unprofessional, and rude. Another manicurist was on her cell phone when she wasn't yelling across the salon (NOT a spa) to other customers. The website says its a 60 min pedicure, however I wasn't there more than 45 minutes (including drying time). Also, for $38 I would expect more than 3 of last month's magazines, broken jets on the tub (I'm not a fan of the jets.....but still) maybe even a glass of water or cup of tea. I would not recommend, nor will I return.
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Review from Randy C.
Castro Valley, CA
9/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Pricey but better than average!
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Review from Emily l.
Castro Valley, CA
7/31/2008
every time i have gone here, they cut my hair nothing like i asked for. Which I still dont think they were awful haircuts, just nothing like i asked. The women are not incredibly interesting or charasmatic, and the front desk can be kinda rude.
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Review from Kathryn F.
Castro Valley, CA
12/29/2007
I would give their manicures and pedicures 5 stars. Tina is the best for manicures, but you need to plan and makean appointment. She is always booked. I have been to many many places for a pedicure and nothing has beat Tina yet in this area. They price is worth the pedicure. I think it was $35, but I was there more than an hour, and the leg masage was awsome!
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Review from Allie H.
Castro Valley, CA
3/12/2011
I know this salon might be convenient for people living in Castro Valley, but it's not worth the drama. Most of the staff are unhappy & it shows-- the customer service is atrocious, and the hair stylist talent is sub-par. I kept trying to go there because it was close to where I live, and I had to try several stylists before finding one I liked.
Jermaine was the best. He's no longer there. I followed him to his new (super nice) location.
The prices seemed ridiculously over-priced, too.
And now, they no longer offer massage services or the ability to make online appointments.
The salon may look nice on the inside, but the atmosphere is tense & hostile! I can get much better quality color & cuts for a much more affordable place like Demiguels in San Leandro (despite nasty rumors that it's in the ghetto, it's not--it's across the street from a church with well-kept property & next to the Manor Grill in Washington Manor). I'd rather extend my drive by 2 minutes to be happier with my service & feel comfortable in the salon.
I got a gift certificate to Stacy Monroe's for Christmas, and am using it to get my nails done since there's nothing else I want to have them do.
There's only one person who does acrylic nails there: Tina. She's really nice and does a very good job. But, honestly, I received the same quality of service for half the price at other salons in the past. When I've used up my gift certificate, I won't be returning. -
Review from Karen N.
Castro Valley, CA
6/27/2008
My original review follows, but here is an update (and I've downgraded from 4 to 3 stars; I'd really like to give a 2.5):
My last 3 or 4 mani/pedis have been mediocre. I don't know what the deal is... maybe they're using cheaper products, but at the end of ONE week, all of the polish had flaked off six of my toenails --- and this has happened the last three pedis I've had, so it wasn't a one-time anomaly. I don't play soccer; my tootsies lead a bland, boring, sock-bound existence and in the past, the polish has stayed on my toes forever - as in, if my nails didn't grow, I could go two months between pedis. To be looking down at a wrecked pedi that's only a week old pisses me off.
The nails look pretty crappy, too. After a week, they started lifting, and she does not superglue the overlay to the nail as they grow out, so they separate and the whole nail comes off. I've had to file the outer edges myself afterward because there were shards of acrylic that hadn't been filed off. The surface of the acrylic shows the file tracks. And, the clear coat yellows.
You don't know how bummed I am to have to continue that elusive search for a decent manicure.
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I'm rating for mani-pedis only; have not have the spa or hair services. The rating is relative based on similar places in the Castro Valley-Hayward-San Leandro area. Compared to the universe of hair-nails-spa places elsewhere, it would rate about a 2.
As others have mentioned, Kat rocks. She works quickly and will yak if you wanna yak, or leave you be if you want to read your magazine. I'm so not into having to engage in small talk with someone I don't know when I go to have my nails done, and appreciate having her not try to talk my ears off. If you are open to chit-chat, she's an interesting, funny person and you'll enjoy the interchange.
I get acrylics done, and they still look brand-new after two weeks. I usually can have them done every 3 weeks because they last so long without lifting.
PROS:
* Kat will give you a long-lasting nice-looking manicure.
* Kat gives you your own files and her station is anal-retentive clean. No fungal worries here.
* When you make an appt for 1pm, it will start at 1pm, give or take 5 mins. It's not one of those places where you book an appt and then half to wait a half hour cuz they booked three walk-ins ahead of you.
* Everyone speaks English.
CONS:
* "Spa" is a misnomer. Stacy Monroe's is a beauty parlor. Don't go expecting the Claremont.
* You really have to plan ahead for appointments.
* Kat's fine, but the other 2 manicurists never ever ever shut up. They are obnoxiously loud and cackle-ly. Brutal if you're nursing a hangover or if it's early in the morning and you haven't had quite enough coffee to get rid of the crankies. Once they were bitching and moaning cuz the spa chick had asked them to quiet down because people inside the massage rooms had complained of the din. (I was on spa chick's side.) It's just that loud.
* When I opt for a spa pedicure, I expect some spa atmosphere: Relaxing, quiet, a little new agey background music and a some great leg massage action. You won't get that here. You'll be sitting between two other customers at a window overlooking scenic (not!) Redwood Rd, having to listen to the aforementioned obnoxiously loud pedicurists in STEREO rant and rave about their petty little white trash lives. It's the first time I've had a pedicure that I couldn't wait for it to be over because the ambience sucked.
* When you wash your hands after the acrylic has been put on, they squirt dishwashing soap (the bad-smelling orange kind, not even Madge's green Palmolive) on yer hands to wash up. C'mon! This is just so low-rent!
SUMMARY:
Don't let the "Spa" in the name fool you. Once you get past that and your expectations are appropriately set, it's as good a place to get your nails done in Castro Valley as you'll find. Not a bad idea to bring earplugs.
