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Tomo & Company For Hair
Rating Details »
Categories: Barbers, Hair Salons [Edit]
1403 Park St(between Central Ave & Post Office Ct)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 521-8770
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
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"I discovered this new place because my hair stylist Kathy works here now. The place is really nice and clean inside, and conveniently…" read more »
54 reviews for Tomo & Company For Hair
Stylist Fred is great-- *occasionally* the haircut doesn't hit the mark, but I can't say I've ever been left with anything awful. And, of course, the price is brilliant.
The only real downside: I've been going to Tomo for years, and it doesn't matter who it is...the girls running the front desk always strike me as rude--distant, standoffish, not friendly.
went to lily my twice and both liked the cut. it's not va-va voom i LOOOOOOOVE it. but it's like...ohh that came out ok.
the price is really affordable. i will probably come back again for trim's, etc.
I've had somewhere around 170 haircuts from Fred since 1993. I guess that would qualify me as a happy client,
I got my hair done the other day and I think they did not do a good job, they cut my hair way to short, I don't like it..
This was the first time I cut my hair in Alameda and I thought it was pretty decent. The receptionist could've been a little nicer, at least greet me back with a smile :( but yeah, the person that cut my hair was really friendly and nice and laughed a lot, but when I showed her a picture of the haircut I wanted, she didn't really look at it and just kept cutting, and it didn't turn out exactly how I wanted but it was just "okay". Fair prices, nice people, decent haircuts.
OMG! I always go to Tomo's for my haircut, and they usually do a good job, but I went and got assigned Tin as my hair stylist and not only was he bad, he was slow! I asked for layered bangs and layered back. After he was done, it looked more like he cut my hair in straight tiers. It didn't look layered at all! I asked him to layer my bangs more because it looked straight and he snipped it twice and said he was done. It looked the same!
Also, when he brought my hair to the front to see how they measured and it looked like the right side was longer than my left, but he quickly pulled my hair back and pretended he didn't see it. When I checked the back with the mirror, I couldn't really tell so I didn't say anything. Later my boyfriend told me the right side of my hair looks longer from the back.
He also said he thought it was suppose to look crooked and that was the style since he took so long on my hair!
It looks like it was cut by a kid. Not layered at all, but straight.
I've had Tony and Gigi as my stylist before and they did a good job on my hair. This is the first and last time I'm going to Tin for my hair.
Don't go to Tin!!
Basically this review confirms what others have already said.
If you want to wait an hour, have your scalp violently wash, sit in a wet towel for another half hour and then get a decent haircut, this is the place. I would only go back for a trim, which is what I wanted, you get what you pay for right? The $20 price is what brought me in, just know what you are in for, and bring lots of coins to keep feeding your meter.
This was on a Wednesday at 11:45am, can't even imagine how long you'll wait on nights and weekends.
And there were 2 other people waiting for the same haircutter, I heard the shampoo ladies talking about it. They obviously double or triple book.
I came in with long and plain straight hair with no style whatsoever, and came out feeling like Giselle. My hair never looked so beautiful and my friends cannot stop raving.
Great prices but the best part is FANTASTIC cut.
I booked with Nina based on the Yelp reviews. FYI, she also does bridal makeup and a friend of mine will do a trial with her. Will update when the trial is done.
Downside to Tomo: all cash and parking is difficult around dinner time.
I am giving this place a 4 even though I haven't returned (although I definitely would) because my hairdresser kept it real with me.. I was trying to talk them into giving me a tight perm so that I could hopefully get something that looked like an afro (since I've always been in love with African American women's hair) ... they looked at me like I was crazy and that's all I needed to change my mind, and believe me I've wanted to do this to my hair since I was 13 years old..!
Since they wouldn't do it, I just asked for layers and it turned out awesome... Kelly was great since I didn't have a photo to show, I kinda just told her what I wanted and she did it.
PS. I LOVEd the scalp and neck massage I received when they washed my hair... oh so relaxing
The first time I went to Tomo's was in July 2007. They sent me to a woman who I could only assume was a newbie. My highlights came out AMAZING, but then she proceeded to tell me that my haircut was uneven. The only person who I'd ever let cut my hair is my mom, who happens to be a licensed cosmetologist. Trust me, my mom knows how to cut hair. This woman at Tomo's not only cut my hair, BUT she also grazed my neck a few times with the electric razor. I was left with little cuts on my neck and a haircut that was WAY too short for me. I wasn't happy.
Later on, I talked to people and they told me to ALWAYS request Fred when going to Tomo's. When I needed my next haircut, I decided to go to Fred. Not only is he an amazing hairstylist, but he has such a great personality. I always look forward to getting my haircut with Fred. When I leave after getting a haircut from him, I look and feel fabulous.
Just went to Lily for a haircut! She is the BEST! Wow, even got a massage. I came in very depressed from 3 bad haircuts in the last two weeks and I came out crying with happiness. I should have went to her in the first place. I hope she's not going anywhere! Love the cut Lily!
A co-worker recommended Tomo's to me in 2003, and I've been going there ever since. Tony is my go to guy but I saw Nina last time too and was pleased with the results. Fred is a great stylist because he listens to what you want but also knows what won't look good on you as well. Generally, I get an at the shoulders or so layered cut that isn't high maintenance-no product, no blow drying. We've also experimented with bangs twice. Whenever I've asked for a chin-length haircut he gently reminds me that such a haircut would make my round face look even rounder. Fred also gets props to what I've alluded to earlier-no judgment about the fact that I'm not a product blow-drying kinda gal. I've been to hairstylists who've definitely looked down on me because I don't do those things. Fred is also efficient and very reasonable. He's usually done with my hair in about an hour or less and his cuts cost $18 last time I was there. The only downside about Tomo is they are a cash-only joint, so be sure to bring your cash. There probably are banks within walking distance, but I'm not sure which ones. I know parking in Alameda can be challenging but I usually park on a residential street and save myself the parking meter change.
If you are looking for a place that will not mess up your hair or give you a fobby look (that is, if you're Asian), Tomo's is the place to go!
I don't like to come to any other salon. I definitely love the way Tomo's cut hair. If you have special requests, they will make it happen.
I have only made appointments with Nina or Lisa, but neither have failed to please me. Nina is the person I go to most, only because I think she does a slightly better job than Lisa. But you really can't go wrong with Lisa either.
Just over a month ago, my hair was hanging, long and limp and looked like it was overkilled by hair dye. Cut and color was necessary! I made an appointment with Nina and came in with a picture of Nicole Richie's short hairstyle. I thought it would be a nice change and perfect for Spring. I was a little skeptical about going short, only because I was used to having long hair. But Nina worked with me and colored my hair a pretty brown with a few highlights and cut my hair pretty much exactly like Nicole Richie's. I loved it!! It took me a few days to adjust, of course, because I was used to having long hair. But I received compliments left and right and will definitely come back to get my hair cut again. The picture in my profile (with my dog) is the cut that Nina did. Loved it!
Another plus - when they wash your hair, it feels like you're in a temporary spa. I swear, it smells so good!! And they give such a great scalp massage.
A negative - they only take cash or check. Plus the front desk girls are never really that friendly. Eh.
I decided to go to Tomo's after reading a lot of positive reviews on Yelp. I'm sort of disappointed sadly.
My stylist had NO idea what to do with my very thick naturally curly brown hair. I got the impression at the start that they are excellent with asian hairstyles but I didn't see one person in there with my kind of profile getting a haircut (first alarm bell that went off).
My stylist was Tin. I asked for layers and he did his best to give me an asian haircut (i.e., SUPER LAYERS). I felt like an anime character when I walked out of the salon. He straightened my hair with a flat iron. I've never seen my hair fall so straight and flat against my head before. I was not happy at all with it. I've NEVER had anyone use a flat iron in a salon on me before. My hair rebels against going straight and I've never attempted to force it that way.
The hairsyle would probably have been fine if I had time to spend an hour and a half every morning straightening my hair to maintain the style of cut he gave me, but I never have the time, so I always just let my hair air dry. Of course, when you let the sort of cut I had air dry with my naturally curly hair, I wind up looking like a mushroom.
Not going back there for a good long while... Or if I do, I am certainly NEVER going back to Tin.
I loooove coming here to see Nina. She gets my haircut right everytime. I used to go to salons where the stylist was not consistent on the hair style that I usually get, but Nina can! I can show Nina a picture of what I want and she can replicate it with no problems. I'm never going to another stylist.
Went back to see Gigi and she did a great job again! :) My hair feels alive now. I finally got rid of those dead ends.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2009
Gigi is the best. I've been here twice and had her both times. She listens and does exactly what you… Read more »
Third haircut - getting much better, it has been growing out for a few weeks and still looks good.
I am making an appointment for my next haircut today. Yep, I've found the person who will be cutting my hair from now on!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2009
Two haircuts now and both were acceptable. I had Kalena cut them both times, and although she is… Read more »
Aging myself (and Tomo), Tomo has been cutting my hair and beard since 1984 - never messed up once. Reasonably priced, great cuts. He must be doing something right - I still have all of my thick hair while my younger brother is bald . . .
I love going to Tomo's. Lily is the one person I see. She knows what she's doing. I can give her a picture of a certain haircut and she can literally create it exactly how it is. I used to just go to Lily for highlights, then I started trusting her with my color and cut.
No joke, when I worked at the bank, many many customers would say nice comments about my hair and ask me where i go to. So that must mean she's doing a hell of a good job! They think I'm nuts for going so far, but its so worth it.
Even my boyfriend loves to go to Lily. She's really friendly and she also helps you with other looks to fit your style. I totally trust her.
I used to cut my hair every 3 months because i had the "pob" cut, but now since i am growing my hair, I havent seen her in a while and I'm searching for the next look! Cant wait to see and schedule another appointment with her!
I can't believe they only charge $20 for a haircut, shampoo and style! Other reviews compare them to Supercuts, that's a poor comparison. They have a receptionist, though typically, it's a teenager, the service I've received has been great!
As you walk to the shampoo station you will always be greeted with warm smiles or a polite head nod irregardless of who your stylist is.
I've been going to Tony for years. He's easy to talk to and is extremely attentive to my needs. He will try new styles and cuts IF you allow him. Not sure about the other stylists, but he's right on with my cut.
If everyone knew about this place, all other salons would go out of business, because this is the BEST salon i've ever been to... and I've been to quite a number of salons. My friend recommended this place to me, and told me to request Tony. When I got there, Tony wasn't there, but I went with Lisa-- let me tell ya, THAT LADY CAN CUT HAIR! She snipped here, and there, clipped this and that, snipped that, layered this, blowdryed and before I knew it I had picture perfect hair. (My hair is impossible, FYI.)
I can't believe it's only $20 for shampoo, cut, and style!!!! Not to mention that after they shampoo your hair, they give you a little head/shoulder massage! They make you feel so nice there.
I fully recommend this place. Everyone seems like they really know what they're doing- meaning, that they're really good at what they do! And they're so cheap!!
I've been going here since high school. My mom switched and she made me go here instead of the "popular" place where all the girls went to closer to town. This place had a better price and the shampooing and conditioning head massage feels so good. You can relax. Plus, it smells good. My hairstylist is Lilly. She's great and listens to what you want. The last time I got my hair cut, I received exactly what I had wanted and I LOVED it. She styled it perfectly! I drop down $25 in total.
(including tip). The wait isn't long at all either! If you're wearing a coat, they can place it in their closet for you until you're done getting your hair done.
Update: I still love Kelly at Tomo...but, Alameda is just a bit too hard to get to sometimes for a haircut!
I live in San Ramon, and make the trek to Alameda about every 6-8 weeks to Tomo in downtown Alameda for a cut and highlights. Since I moved to San Ramon about 4 years ago, I could not find anyone who could cut my layers to my satisfaction. I have thick, frizzy, wavy hair which is difficult to cut since one side of my head is wavier so when my hair dries it is a bit lopsided. A friend turned me on to Kelly at Tomo about 9 months ago, and my hair prayers were answered. Kelly is phenomenal. She does a fabulous job with my hair. Highlights are her speciality. Kelly is personable, friendly and a good listener. I highly, highly recommend Kelly and find that she way worth the price of gas. Not to mention, I always get a nice head massage from whomever washes my hair.
This was my place to go when I wanted a haircut for a decent price. I've never had a bad haircut. But I've never really had a super great haircut here, where my friends would be like, "Wow, that's an awesome haircut!" Mostly, my only complaint was that they always cut it a little shorter than I'd like, but hey, it grows back, and it's already cut, so what can I say?
I got my hair colored here once. I don't think I'll go back again for it. I think I got better results doing it myself. And for the price, it is definitely cheaper to do it yourself.
I had Kimi once, and I felt like the style I got wasn't what I wanted. I prefer Nina out of everyone. She's nice, suggests what would look best for you, listens to your concerns, and actually converses with you.
I went here based on the Yelp reviews, and they're right on!
I first went about 9 months ago. My stylist gave me exactly the haircut I asked for despite how complicated my instructions were.
I went back last week and Lisa remembered me and my complicated haircut! I also brought my friend who was thrilled - she said it had been a long time since she got a haircut she liked, and she was very happy with this one (Tin).
I wholeheartedly agree with the raving reviews. And I want to point out an overlooked aspect of Tomo's service -- their speed. The shop is set up to ensure that there is no waiting time. For me, that means hair highlighting, sitting under the dryer, a wash, a luxurious scalp & neck massage, and a hair cut -- all under an hour!
This attention to time has an added benefit in that there is rarely an overlap in appointments. I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes past my appointment time. More shops & services should pay more attention to punctuality like Tomo's.
Yes, it's an Asian version of SuperCuts which is why I love it!
Lily is the best stylist I've ever had. She is friendly, super fast and told me the first time she cut my hair what would and would not work for me. I hate the idea of paying people to act really interested in my life and Lily gets this. Best of all, I leave with an awesome haircut in about 25 minutes.
I have thin hair, so it obviously doesn't look nice all flat and plain. I usually accentuate it with waves, loose curls, or bangs or something like that. You know the term pancake head? Well, that's what it felt like when I walked out of Tomo's. it was my hair stylist that ruined my hair experience. She was really nice, but she JUST COULDN'T GET THE LOOK I WANTED!!!! I showed it to her, over and over, saying, "I want these ends kind of waved and my hair layered," and she kept nodding and looking confused. Well, my cut ended up weighed down limply with hair spray and cut nearly EVENLY across my shoulders!!!! EWW!!!! I went berserk. I totally forgot the lady's name (who would want to remember it anyways, after such a bad haircut??), but I don't know...if I go back there, I'm DEFINITELY not going to let her cut my hair again!!
Tomo...I went here for the first time about year ago after a friend of mine had a great cut by Nina.
My motto is hair grows back, but I was tired of seeing different people every time I went to Supercuts and wondered what I would leave looking like...so I made an Appointment.
I cannot say that I have seen a bad hair cut leaving the place, the stylists are nice, but...I can only verify that Nina is awesome.
Not only do I feel totally pampered every time I see her, I love that I can chat with her too. She always gives me a great massage when she is shampooing my hair and my cut is always good. The price is a little more than Supercuts, but it's totally worth it to know that I am well taken care of.
The flip side of it is...If Nina leaves...I will follow.
I used to come here every month to maintain my Halle Berry-esque 'do ... but once Joey left, my hair has been growing out since. Still, the place is cozy, clean, and inviting, and I've never been disappointed with my $18 shampoo/condition/haircut/style!! Alas, my bakla hairdresser is gone ... but surely there is someone else there with just as much skill, talent, and personality.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same about their string of incoherent receptionists from my last visits. Hopefully by now they have found someone who is as friendly as they are qualified, and whose ear isn't glued to the phone.
It's been almost a year ... perhaps I will be able to move on, someday.
I've been to quite a few hair salons and this may not be the best or the worst. It does offer a good deal tho. $20 with a scalp massage and a friendly stylist? I'd go back again.
The one disappointment I had was when I asked her for shorter bangs, I have to repeat it. And when she finally did cut it, she forgot to cut the other side. No biggie, I can always cut it myself, I just feel a lil incomplete. Why should I pay and not get what I want? She did say that if I want, I can go back and she can help me trim it. We'll see...I would go back and give it another chance. But I am tempted to try something else and use this place as a last resort.
Okay...I haven't had a hair cut in more than 5 years! Soooo it was finally time to take it all off, about 15 inches of hair! I was very worried that I was going to get butchered, but Kelly was great! I highly recommend her. She listened to what I want, I think she heard some of the apprehension in my voice so she even showed me a picture to take some of the worry out of it! I really enjoyed that she didn't rush! Kelly was great!
I think I've finally found THE place for my hair... I made an appointment with Lilly based on the yelp suggestions, and she did not let me down. The moment I sat down on her chair, she realized the last person butchered my hair. She made her suggestions and started her magic. 30 minutes later, my 'do was done and I'm finally excited about my hair again. And the beginning of this whole great experience starts with the lady who washes your hair and gives you little scalp, neck, and shoulder massages... I really felt only some higher being could make such a perfect salon for us humans.
Gigi is awesome. She is so good and I am usual picky when it comes to fades. She understood exactly what kind of cut I wanted and took her time to make sure it was perfect. I am definitely going back even after I move to the city!
Lilly is fabulous. She makes good suggestions and is really friendly. For $20 she's also a bargain. :-)
Don't go here if you have naturally curly hair. For those of you that have naturally curly hair, you know that in order to maintain that there are simply different rules than when you have straight hair. Its best not to use a razor, its best to towel dry, etc.
When I called I specifically asked for someone who is good with curly hair. When I got there I said I wanted a styke that was easy to maintain, and that I didn't want to blow dry. I told her I was trying to embrace my light curls, not fight against them. After a nice little washing (which was enjoyable) and started styling, she used a razor (which is horrible for curly hair) and did it way too much on one side. And, of course, she used a dryer. Not even with a diffuser!
It ended up being a hair cut that wouldn't look good unless you used a dryer AND a curling iron! I've had to grow it out and get little trimmings to fix it ever every few months since!
I'm sure this place is great for straight or wavy hair, but I was really irrated by the fact that she DIDN'T LISTEN.''
Nice price though.
While I myself am still quite attached to my stylist in San Francisco, when we moved to Alameda, I yelped on my husband's behalf and sent him to Tomo's. It's a good place for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money on a haircut and doesn't want to plan ahead. You can usually just call and they'll make time for you. Plus, they are very fast and efficient. My husband is a regular there now.
I went here twice. Don't ask why. The first was a few years ago. I guess I had forgotten I didn't like that haircut because I went back a few months ago. Both times, I requested the same hairdresser, Lisa, first on the recommendation of a friend and then some reviewers here on Yelp. I asked for a simple layer cut. She finished. It wasn't even. I told her so. She tried to fix it. I told her it still wasn't even. She tried again and when she thought she was done, she just started drying my hair without asking me for a final approval. I mean, it STILL WASN'T EVEN and I wasn't satisfied but fuck it. I'll go home and fix it myself and then I'll just make sure I remember not to come back. We clearly were not seeing eye to eye. She kept pulling my hair together on two sides from the back to the center of the front of my face to check the even-ness, which I guess told her it was even, although you could see pretty obviously when you just let the hair fall naturally that one side was clearly at least half an inch longer than the other...
Good price for the service. Every stylist is good at certain things, (and not good at certain things). For example
Lilly is good at straight hair, and color. She used to color my hair (I'm back to my normal color now) and I would sit in her chair and tell her to color it any way she thinks it looks good. I used to work there (receptionist), and ALOT of people asked me who did my hair bc they LOVED IT. Lilly is also good at men's haircuts, and she is quick. If you don't like the fast service, Lilly may not be for you. This stylist LOVES the flat iron.
Tomo is not good at "trendy" haircuts, but he is great at "classic" styles. Will talk about life in Japan and Golf, the things he say are pretty interesting.
Tony is really good at up-dos and long straight hair, and hi-lites too, but will charge more for the color service than most of the other stylists.
Joey is gone =(
Kimie gets alot of elderly people who ask for her specifically. She will do a great perm for your mother or even grandmother, but she also despises flat irons for clients she doesn't know well. Also like Tomo, she is not good for "trendy" haircuts.
Fred is GREAT on colors and cuts. Takes a little longer than Lilly and charges a few bucks more than others. Does GREAT with kid's haircuts.
Lisa has kids herself, and will give your kids a GREAT haircut. She is not available as much as the other stylists, so ask for her specifically. She will cut/dye your hair exactly the way you ask, so be specific.
I have thick Asian hair and after reading all these reviews I decided I would try out Tomo's because my other place was booked for a week. I requested Nina because of the positive comments about her and I even brought in several pictures of the cut I wanted. The cut I got looked NOTHING like the picture and she kept trying to insist that she could blow-dry out a cowlick I have and it was obviously impossible as she kept trying. I got the same horrible almost bowl-cut hairstyle I get when I go to an American place that doesn't know how to deal with Asian hair or put in layers or anything. This place can't seem to do Asian styles, only bad looking Asian American ones...
