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Umbrella Salon
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Cosmetics & Beauty Supply
2 N Market StSte 100
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 293-4242
Welcome Students & Educators!
Welcome Students & Educators!
$35 Haircut Service, Every Tuesday.
Offer valid with select stylists - Ends 12/31/09.
- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Garage, Validated
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
143 reviews for Umbrella Salon
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
10/27/2009
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
Khoi, you are my hero.
I have unusual, unruly, asian hair. I am 100% korean, yet somehow my hair is naturally curly. My first 23 years on this earth were filled with bad haircuts from little asian ladies who somehow thought that a straight cut with bangs would be really flattering. I spent many horrible years looking like some sort of backyard topiary...
Then, 2 years ago I found Khoi. He is a genius. He tamed my wild, asian mane into amazing, wavy, goddess hair. Who knew that an amazing cut could be so transformative??? Now, all those mean asian girls look at me with envy and ask, "where did you get that great body wave?"
Thanks Khoi, you rock my locks.
Jacob is wonderful! I've been seeing him for about 10 months now for haircuts, blow-dries and laughs. The location is really convenient and you're in great hands with him behind the wheel. My boyfriend sees Khoi and he does an excellent job on men's haircuts (and apparently others according to the reviews). I've also been to Tia for a blow dry or two and she's awesome. I've only had one bad experience with a last minute blow dry/style and I'm disappointed my normal clan of fabulous people let me walk out the door looking like I did. The one who did that is no longer there though.
Anyhow, the overall vibe is friendly and professional. I would recommend Jacob to anyone. He's wonderful!
I always feel so uncool when I walk through the doors because everyone else in here is so hip. The clothes they wear, the music they listen to, their parties ...all way too cool for me. Luckily, all the stylists are nice and I know I walk out looking good.
I've been going to Khoi for three years now and I've always been happy with his cuts. He always has fresh ideas so I never feel like my style is dated. His magic fingers work that shampoo head and neck massage is well worth the drive to San Jose.
This place is horrible.
LISA cut my hair, and she didn't listen to what I wanted at all. I went there a few months ago and was hoping to get a good haircut since it is so much money. It's literally the most horrible haircut I've gotten. My hair is so many different lengths now, it looks like I got drunk and tried to cut my hair.
When she told me she was done I told her I didn't like it at all. That nothing flowed. She "tried" to fix it and she ruined it even more. The hair in the front is just past my chin. The majority of the rest is past halfway down my back. How does that look good? It looks like I had regular bangs (which I never did), and have been growing them out for a while.
Plus, they did not give me the correct amount of parking validations so I had to pay additional money for parking. I seriously cried the whole way home. I hope people stop going here. It's horrible. I tell people all the time never to go here.
If you're set on going to a high end salon like Umbrella, but don't know which stylist to choose, you've stumbled upon the right review.
I've been with Umbrella for a couple years now, and I've gotten haircuts from three different stylists. All three gave me haircuts that I've loved. Different styles. Different colors. Quality service.
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KHOI
--I've gone to Khoi for a couple times already. The first time, my mom & I wanted to try Umbrella. He took me as a client, and his girlfriend (and fellow stylist) took my mom. Both of us had a fabulous time. WASHING HAIR + NECK MASSAGE = HEAVEN. It feels so good. He is always caring, and goes through a very thorough consultation, making sure he gets what you want. Once, I got my hair dyed purple, and it washed out after a week *tear*. I contacted the salon, and Khoi happily used a different type of purple in my hair, free of charge! THANK YOUU!
**Styles I've gotten from Khoi:
-straight bangs w/ long, edgy layers
-straight bangs. face framing layers. 3 purple color panels (L, R, back - all three were peek a boo highlights)
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JEN
--My mom made my appt with Umbrella when I was back in Berkeley, so I told her to request for whichever stylist was available when I drove home. That stylist was Jen. Jen quickly greeted me with a smile and hug as she walked me to the chair and analyzed my hair. Take note: I hadn't gotten my highlights retouched in...forever. I blame school for making me busy and being an hour away. She noted it, and with the time frame that I had, she knew it wasn't going to be enough to redo the highlights and add color. BOOM. Scheduled my next appt!
Anyways, back to Jen. Jen is so fun, and always has a smile. She's always down for girl talk & makes me feel beautiful throughout the entire process. She has a great eye for color, and suggested a few colors for me when I got my highlights redone. They were fab! Too bad they washed out after a few months. She has a GREAT memory, asking me about boyfriends, school, banquets, graduation (and remembering the exact dates!)
**Styles I've gotten from Jen:
-sideswept bangs w/ face framing layers
-sideswept bangs w/ retouching highlights [a BEAUTIFUL shade of ash brown]
-SHE GIVES FREE BANG TRIMS! Awesomeeee!
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YANINE
--I decided to be a hair model for one of the assistants at Umbrella, Yanine. She was so friendly when I walked in, and I loved her hair :) That's a good sign, right? Yanine is one of the assistants that will 'graduate' soon & will be one of the newest stylists, so I'm glad she was the one to cut my hair! Through the hair model class, the haircut took a couple hours longer than if I made an appt at the salon with the other stylists, but this was acceptable since every step she took she had to get approval from Kien, the owner and person teaching the class. Yanine talks you through the entire process, something I highly value in these stylists. She may need to work on her "touch" as she sometimes scratched my scalp tossing my hair from side to side, as well as scratching my neck when she finger combed my hair, but otherwise, I was pleased with my haircut. She gave me bangs with a bit of an edge (so that it wasn't the grown out "all in one piece / toupee" look as she called it). And she always took note of my highlights.
To those hesitant to be a model for a hair class, no worries. A senior stylist, or one of the owners (like Kien) will be there to supervise. Funny thing is, at the end of the haircut, Kien ended up styling my entire head instead of Yanine =P Kien is FABULOUS and showed me so many cool hairstyles I could rock with my new 'do. Maybe I'll try him next...
**Style from Yanine:
-piece-y sideswept bangs w/ long layers
****If you're a hair model, the price of the cut is only $20. Not bad for a high end salon :D Call the salon for more details.
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OVERALL:
Minus 1 star for a hit-or-miss receptionist. Sometimes the receptionists are amazing and can give you all the details you need regarding which stylist you want to choose next. Sometimes they're stupid and put you on hold for 20 MINUTES then forget you're on the other line.
Otherwise, I'd give Umbrella 5 stars for quality treatment for their customers. You get your money's worth. They aren't product pushers, and once you step into the salon, their focus is solely on you. Detail oriented stylists who are inspired by YOU are hard to come by...
I moved to the bay area four years ago to go to college and I bounced around to a lot of hair salons until I found Umbrella. This place is my holy grail and I cannot imagine going anywhere else! I'm Asian and also a 21-year old graphic designer, so I've always wanted really fun/funky/trendy/colorful haircuts that express my creativity and art background. I never fully achieved this until I met Lisa Nguyen at Umbrella. She really gets my personality, knows how to work with my Asian hair, and has opened my eyes to so many amazing haircuts. I've done everything from simple bobs to asymmetrical cuts to my current hair style (a faux hawk dyed blue, green, purple, magenta, and pink. AMAZING!)
Hands down, Lisa is the best stylist I've ever met in my entire life. She gives me THE MOST AMAZING haircuts and I can't even count how many compliments I always, always, always receive on my haircut/color. it's insanity. Not only is her talent through the roof, but she is the sweetest girl. I love seeing her every time I come into the salon. We always have tons of stuff to talk about and the atmosphere is so comfortable. Even when I run into hair dilemmas outside of the salon, I don't hesitate to call the salon and Lisa gets on the phone to solve any issue. Seriously, this girl is FABULOUS. Lisa is creative (I basically let her cut my hair anyway she wants and it always comes out AMAZING), friendly, dedicated, and sooo talented. There is not enough praise I can give her. I am moving out of California soon and it's not an exaggeration to say I would consider flying back for haircuts. :D
The salon itself is great. When I come in, everyone who greets me is friendly. The building is trendy and hip and so are all the stylists. The services can get pricey, but I feel they are worth every penny.
GO TO UMBRELLA. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LISA. you will not be disappointed.
Stylist: "What are you looking for?"
Me: "I haven't a clue. I trust your judgement with what we should do, as I really don't know what kind of hairstyles look good on me."
And it's never far from the truth. My other stylist at Bellarmine (Michael) had encouraged me to grow out my sideburns, something I had never really thought of doing; I learn a few new things every time I try somewhere new. I suppose this would be why I sought out another salon-- I wanted something different. I also wanted my hair cut on a Tuesday, which was Michael's day off. So, enter Yelp and the Umbrella Salon.
The open warehouse feel is pretty slick. Upon coming in, I was offered a water (flat or Pellegrino) and sat down to flip through some fashion magazines. The receptionist already knew who I was by my voice. Talk about feeling welcome! It definitely has a trendy NYC feel to it. As a guy though, I'm spared the trendy NYC prices, as there's only so much styling you can do to a head like mine.
Karla was my stylist, and like the line says above, that's about how it went. I don't pretend to know what hair looks good on me. At some point, I'll probably shave it off, but only after someone with a qualified opinion thinks so. She suggested we go way short, fade it at the top a bit to blend with where my hair was lacking, and round the back as opposed to squaring it off like it used to be. My reply?
"Sure!"
So when all was said and done, I got a great cut for $20 more than my normal salon for a total of $65. Since she told me she'd touch up sideburns / eyebrows for free, one touch-up will even out the cost against my normal salon. But there's a major difference that sets Umbrella apart-- the clientele treatment. Free bottled water, scalp massage, and no clippers (just scissors). I walked out feeling pretty great about the trim and I'm definitely going to come back.
Want to feel like an urban princess? Go here and see Jen or Karla for a haircut. This ultra-hip yet down to earth salon is the place for all your hair needs. The products they use are top of the line, the scalp massage and wash is to die for, and who doesn't want a little sparking water or coffee as a small refreshment?
Jen is my stylist and she's awesome! Always welcomes me with a hug, cheers me up and talks to me as if we've known each other for years which I love. Jen is great at just knowing what will look good on me without a lot of maintenance or time in the mornings, and uses the razor. We always talk about what I can expect and what she's thinking before we start the wash. I love the consultation part of the visit.
Karla does my daughter Kiely's hair, who is now five but started when she was three, and has amazing patience and obviously a steady hand. She's incredibly nice and also gives hugs. She talks to all three of us instead of just me, my husband, or Kiely. Kiely frequently asks when we can go see Karla again because she loves getting her haircut and washed!
I highly recommend Jen Richards! She is stylish yet fun and down-to-earth. I haven't had bangs in years and it works; I get tons of compliments. Jen has an incredible eye for style and gives an amazing scalp and neck massage. I go back just for that! :)
I have had highlights done before at different salons but I have never received so many compliments on my hair since I started since Jen. Go see Jen and you'll look and feel pretty again.
My husband and I have been going to Kien ( owner) of Umbrella for over 7years. He is simply incredible and his work is AMAZING. He always keeps it fresh and exciting and constantly gives us new looks. I recommend Kien to ALL of my friends and family. I will continue to go to Kien hopefully FOREVER! He is simply THE BEST!!
Amy and Billy
The best in the south bay.
I go to Jacob.
I recently had highlights and purchased some products = ~$160.
I had a cut the other day, and after tip = $90.
Yeah, prices are high, but I have yet to find an equivalent hair salon around SJ.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2008
Think of a hip, clean, & innovative salon minus all the pretentiousness you would think would come… Read more »
I will not come here again. The haircut was okay, but he missed a few sections that I had to clean up myself. My friend, who recommended Umbrella, says that often happens but since she likes the overall cut, she doesn't mind cleaning it up herself. No, I don't think so, not for an $85 cut.
The chick who washed my hair was rude. That's the main reason I'll never come here again - she was a total airhead and when she stopped talking socially to other people while I waited with wet hair, she said things that insulted me.
Just wanted to give another shout out to the fabulous, one in a million Tia because I adore her and my review is old. Getting my hair done has never been so pleasant and fun and she is a true artist.
Also I LOVE their new location! Super urban and big and airy. I feel like I'm in Manhattan or something (until I look out the window).
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/20/2007
I LOVE Umbrella. I noticed the salon because I drove by it everyday since it's down the street from… Read more »
I love this salon! I have been seeing Emy for almost two years now. She is fabulous! She does the perfect color to compliment my skin tone and an awesome cut to fit my style. The staff are cool and very welcoming. Would recommend Emy to anyone who wants a cute and sexy hairdo!!!
I LOVE my haircut! It's probably one of the best ones I've got.
First, they talk about what you want and what looks good on your face, then they take you to the back to wash your hair. During your hairwash, you get a mini-massage too! Feels great.
They know exacly what you want and do not push you to get a haircut that you don't want. If you decide to get a haircut there, don't stress! They know what they're doing :D I will definitely come back, but it is pricey, though it's worth it.
I love umbrella. My stylist is Jacob, and he's never given me a bad haircut. He's very amicable and attentive. He wont push you towards something that wont look good on you, and he'll explain why it wont look good. I swear he understands hair; he is incredibly talented.
The services at Umbrella is great, I've never gotten the "stuck-up" salon vibe from here. Love it. Makes me pinch pennies a little, but it's worth it.
Khoi is the man! I am a fan of Mr. Khoi... I had the pleasure of initiating my hair stylist relationship with him before my marriage date... no wonder my wedding pictures and video look so great! the haircut was the key!!!
I would highly recommend him for any of you hair styles needs, flexible dedicated and very professional... sometimes you might see the DJ side of him... WATCH OUT! Overall a 10...
i have been going to Kein for a 5 years now ...taking time off from haircuts when i could not afford ( i would not go to anyone else). but now I'm back. Book in advance....some times you have to wait MONTHS to get in with him. but he is a true master....whenever I get my hair done, i get compliments walking down the street right after, two weeks later, even 3 months later. he knows how to shape hair so even when it grows out it still looks good..your hair will transform into many different looks and styles, it is cut THAT well.i have a super short pixie hair cut too. I can't wait to grow it out to see what he does with long hair. i love this man. great products and friendly people too--haha most of the time!
Khoi was my stylist and he was adorable! I haven't been back for a few months, but I plan on making an appointment!
I got cut, color and deep conditioning, and normally I HATE sitting for long hours at a time, but being there for almost 4 hours was worth it. I felt comfortable with Khoi and in my little smock top:) I left it up to him to fix my previous dye job with another lady at another salon that didn't know how to match my color when she touched up, so I had about 5 different colors going on, with a brassy yucky blonde color. He fixed me up and darkened my hair! And I love him for that!
Granted, it IS a pricey place (products, cut, color, and conditioning...I think near $400 was what I spent?) But you get what you pay for. And I'm definitely a faithful client:)
This is great salon. It's very pricey, and I feel completely unfashionable, old, and so uncool when I walk in...but I wouldn't trust my hair to any other place.
I see Jen and she's great and most importantly allot of fun. Who wants to have awkward conversation for an hour and a half when you can talk to Jen about how much you or she has had to drink the past weekend?
I love the new location!
today was my first time at umbrella salon, and boy did i have a great experience. first off, i've always just gone to cheap asian salons to get my hair done, cause ive been going to the same lady for years and at least im familiar with her work. it was only about a year and a half ago that i started to try experimenting more with salons... but i went to a couple, and they were just okay.
since summer is around the corner, i really needed to change up my hair. it was getting so grown out and just yucky. i ended up choosing Umbrella because I saw their special for $35 haircut for students with id on Tuesdays. now, usually i'm not one to dig around for discounts, but i just couldn't pass up the offer. especially since i had heard good things about Umbrella.
I called this morning, and easily made an appoint for this afternoon. I really liked the salon setup - very spacious, very simplistic, and chic. I ended up having Karla cut my hair and she was absolutely fabulous! Gorgeous, very friendly, and completely listened to what I wanted with my hair - that gets huge kudos. I stressed about leaving the length of my hair since I'm trying to grow it out, told her i wanted to layer up my limp hair, and wanted to switch from side swept bangs to regular bangs. She listened to every aspect and now my hair looks like it hasn't been cut an inch shorter, is moving around great with new layers, and I love my new bangs!
After she was done with my hair, I was ecstatic. I had just gotten one of the best haircuts ever, and only for $35! Regardless of the price, I will definitely be back.
Christian is the best stylist I've ever encountered. He's sooo good, he's usually booked months in advance. But ask for him first...he is the absolute best!
The others there are also likely very good, but Christian is like...amazing. I don't know of a better hair stylist in my entire life.
Thank you, Christian, and Umbrella, for having such a great stylist and for being the best hair salon in...well, everywhere!
EDIT: I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Christian just had a cancellation and gave it to me! Perfect timing because the interview is tomorrow! Unbelievable. I give Christian at Umbrella my most positive and enthusiastic recommendation!!!!!
A few months ago I moved from San Jose to Fremont and found myself in San Jose all the time! It was kind of mind boggling to me since I never really did anything while I was living in San Jose, but sometimes that's just how it goes.
After putting off the much needed haircut month after month, I finally had the time to look in my mirror, evoking the response: "Oh dear God!"
So, a quick phone call later and I was booked to see my darling Jacob again. He's a busy guy! I was hoping to squeeze in on the weekend before the Elite event, but alas he had no openings until next week. It's okay though! I can see why everyone loves him :)
I spend my day getting ready for this stupid test I have to take and I pig out at La Vic's prior, but I'm having a good day and find that I'm running early. I figure I'll sit at Umbrella salon and read magazines until it's time for my appointment, so shady guys stop staring at me in the taqueria. NO. NO. DO NOT LOOK AT ME.
I get in 10-15 minutes early and I check in and Jacob is already hanging out and he immediately sees to me. I was pretty surprised, but hey, it's all gravy ;) I was impressed that he seemed to remember me and was talking about how he wanted to keep my hair long and just adjust the layers. We made some small talk and he remembered my hair woes from back in the day before I came back to this salon of umbrellas...
That was kind of cool considering it's been a good 4 months at least!
Anyways, the service was still great. I got a nice bottle of water to refresh myself with before getting my hair washed. The scalp massage is heavenly, mMmMm. The haircut itself went by pretty fast. Jacob did a great job, as usual, and even though it seemed fast to me, he did a very thorough job. I had mentioned casually that I had a friend who will do my hair for me and he does curls and I was surprised with how much I liked them in my hair, and when he was blow drying, he put in some wavy curls. I felt kind of like Tigger...Bouncy, Flouncy, Pouncy, Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun!
Best of all, I felt great, I was ahead of schedule and got some extra studying in! Much love to Jacob and the Umbrella Salon! I shall be back! With lots of hair! Beware! (Yay, I rhymed!)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/27/2008
Woo hoo! Umbrella Salon Rocks!
I've gotten my hair cut all over the Bay Area, as I don't like to… Read more »
I recently got my hair done here by LISA. I orginally wanetd to go to Fire Horse with Joel, who by the way is AMAZAING, down in Haight Street, but my friend convinced me to go to Umbrella again so that we can find a good stylist close by. I've gone here twice before with Khoi and Jacob...and yea i liked it...but man, this time around, I was in for a surprise.
I LOVE my cute ass hair! I totally wanted something short, choppy, and fun....Lisa managed to take my butchered explaination and make my hair into what I've always wanted. I always had short hair, but come these past three years or so I decided to grow my hair long. I've had little cuts here and there but nothing too major.
Lisa was great! She was cute and her style uber trendy, totally what I look for in a stylist. She was friendly and totally listened to me. i don't know about the comments below, saying that she doesn't listen, she was totally attentive! =P It was prolly one of my longest hair cuts ever..but the end result was well worth it. She'll tell you in the begining that she's a perfectionist, and she was. I absolutely love my new updated short do!
I think in general you have to go in with an open mind especially when it involves getting your hair cut.
Christian is FABULOUS! He is a master stylist and it shows. Have been going to him since 2003 and have never regretted it. He colors and cuts my hair every two months and though to some it can be pricey, he is worth it 100%- Did I mention that Christian is the prettiest man I have ever seen! Kien is also excellent and I belive one of the owners- Try this place, it is worth it!
They have the cleanest & brightest bathroom ever, it would make an OCD person proud! Even the biggest germaphobe wouldn't be afraid to pee here. Anyways......
Kelley, an assistant currently at the salon has been talking with me, and we are still pending rescheduling for highlights with me. I've modeled for him as a part of their developmental classes at night when he & another girl put my hair up in pins and unleashed was voluminous wavy hair. They did this with the guidance and overseeing by Jacob, a stylist at the salon. He is very knowledgeable and humorous. Even, if I am not able to return to the salon, I would definitely recommend Umbrella; everyone at the salon & those who I know that go there look great. The stylists & receptionist are very friendly & they also offer you a pint size bottle of water (not a cup like most salons)--choice of still or sparkling while you're sitting in the chair. It's pricey & I refuse to pay high prices til I get a job, but that's why their developmental classes are a great deal if you have the time at night.
I'm not a fan of fancy complicated cuts... Too much maintenance. All I ask for is a few inches off the ends. Easy, right? I figure anyone at Super Cuts can do this. I actually don't mind Super Cuts - but I received a gift certificate to Umbrella, so I tried it.
Amber's assistant washed my hair. It was heaven. I got a scalp & neck massage. I almost started drooling.
Amber tossed my hair around, then blew it dry. WTF? *Aren't you going to cut my hair first?* Nope! My hair got cut dry. I've only seen 5 year olds do it this way. Hair is supposed to be cut wet, then dried, then minor cutting touch-ups after it's dry.
I went home with uneven hair and dead ends that should have been cut off. Thank god I didn't pay for this out of my own pocket!
A week later I traveled overseas and visited a hair salon. Stylist asked me when the last time was I got my hair cut. I told her it had only been 1 week. She gave me a sideways look. I told her my dry hair cut story, she said it should never be done that way, then she gave me a discount. How sad when I get a discount in a 3rd world country for pathetic hair.
I give this place 2 stars because of Amber's assistant's wonderful hands. Thank you, assistant!!!! (Sorry I don't know your name.)
Kien is a mastermind when it comes to hair! He did my updo for my wedding and I couldn't have imagined it turning out any better. I had in mind a vintage-glam look but was hesitant on if it would work on me. Kien took a look at the picture I had on my phone and didn't just make it work but he kept me looking like ME, which I love! I receieved compliments all night. Huge bonus for somehow keeping my hair up. I thought about leaving my hair down for my wedding but there were no problems at all. For anything hair related, especially wedding hair, there is no better place to go than Umbrella!
Umbrella Salon was my designated salon for a few years, and I always went to Eugene. However, Eugene has moved to LA and I was disappointed when I called Umbrella and they couldn't give me any information as to where he worked now. It took me awhile to find a stylist to replace him!!
However, when I move back to Norcal I will definitely try Umbrella again. It's a bit pricey, but an expensive haircut is ALWAYS worth it. You can defnitley tell the difference between a good cut and a bad cut. And it's not often you can find a good cut for cheap.
Umbrella has a nice atmosphere, and I'm sure the other stylists are just as skilled, if not more, than Eugene. I hear it takes a few months to get an appointment with the owner, but good hair is always worth the wait.
So I came here on May 20th because Kerastase was having a promotion going on for free shampoo and blow dry service. There was only four salons to choose from and I chose this place because of the high reviews on yelp. Yelp did not let me down. Lisa was my stylist and she was awesome. She gave a great scalp and neck massage. My hair looked great and lasted throughout the whole day. Everyone there were really nice offering me drinks and there were munchies to enjoy while waiting. I like how they have a huge selection on Kerastase and Bumble&Bumble hair products. Unfortunately the service here are way too pricey. Way more than my usual salon. But I would come here again if I really wanted to spoil myself.
First heard of this place from the endless recommendations of my friends and, five years past, I STILL haven't found a better salon.
At first my commute consisted of a 10 minute drive, now I happily dedicate an hour there and back just to pay my regular visit to Umbrella.
Knocking down a star only because I got a few razor/shredded cuts, but never from Kien, who remains my undefeated favorite stylist.
Before I had my hair done here.. my hair was HORRIBLE... I was bored of my previous highlights so I dyed over it and bleached it at the bottom.. also, I hadn't had a haircut in awhile. You can only imagine... I scheduled an appointment after I read some reviews. My stylist was Karla. I told her I didn't know exactly what I wanted but I wanted highlights and not zebra highlights. She said she knew exactly what to do and told me to trust her. A couple hours later.. I looked at my hair and I loved it! My hair was highlighted but discreetly. (I had also told her I work in a professional environment so I wanted something that wouldn't raise eyebrows at work.) My hair looked amazing!! Still looks great, a few months later. I would highly recommend Karla! The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is the price confusion at the end. I had only asked for deep condition, cut and color. Karla had added a stripping charge and another charge onto my bill.. the total almost gave me a heart attack - $380 (not including tip.) But if you're willing to invest, this is a great place to go. (water and pastries= an added bonus)
I wouldn't recommend this salon for its prices. The haircut is good, but not worth the price they charge.
I go every six weeks for the past 6 years now.
Kien is a genius. Dude is a mad scientist and I love the fact that what he does to my hair will be popular about 2 years later.
I have learned to not come in with any idea of what i want my hair to look like, for that would take away the spontaneity of his brilliance.
To have someone who truly loves what they do, and they do it well, is a great feeling. Going to Kien has been awesome, and no matter how i am feeling or dressed, or whatever, i always know my hair cut will be dope and stylish and hip and sometimes ahead of its time, but that works for me.
Since moving to the Bay Area 4 years ago, I still haven't found a stylist to call my own! You know what I'm talking about, Ladies, the treasured, one-of-a-kind, you would follow them to the ends of the earth stylist!
Anyways, I used Umbrella Salon for about a year (4 visits) and I've never really walked out feeling great.
Tia was my sylist and she was adorable, sweet and really good at coloring my hair but I wasn't too impresssed by the cuts. Something always seemed "off" with the end result and in a matter of a few weeks my hair always ended up growing out a little awkward.
She does take her time with you and is not pushy about selling products and again....she's a really nice girl...but I have to keep looking.
Nothing personal...but I'm on the quest to find that special sylist to call my own!!!!
First of all let me say some good things Katrina has some skills with scissors and gives a good haircut. The salon is nice, clean, very hip, close to me, reasonable in pricing and that is why I changed salons. I received a haircut from Katrina in November maybe early December and loved it. A good haircut from a friendly stylist at a decent price is hard to come by for me.
Lets fast forward to today. Leap year of all days, a little history and background information. I am a busy college student and work full time. I am working six days a week at a hotel and I work the overnight shift. When I have a day off I sleep and study for the classes I have four days a week in the evening. I have been looking to get a haircut from the beginning of the year and I have been cancelled on twice before and decided you know what... maybe the third time is a charm.
I made my appointment for today before I go to work because it is my only free time I have in my busy schedule. I recently switched cell phone providers because Verizon is one of the worst providers in my opinion. Today I realized that they do not have my new number but I shrug it off and think ya know what.. what are the odds that it will happen three times.
Fast forward to today, I go to the salon expecting a good haircut and my hair woes to be solved. I go up to the receptionist and say I am here for my appointment. She says ooo we tried to call you but your stylist called in sick. Your phone was disconnected, may I have your new number. I asked if she was serious. She said yes. In the kindest of words I told her it is ridiculous that this has happened. When I made my appointment a week and a half ago I explained this to the receptionist that I am a busy person with a hectic schedule and have been cancelled on twice. The receptionist said that she hopes all goes well. You know the basic contrived lauding of a frustrated person. I basically told the receptionist that this is unacceptable and that she will not have my new phone number because I do not want to be contacted by the manager of the salon nor the stylist.
If the manager/owner of Umbrella salon reads this I don't care if they want to give me a free haircut or anything. I am still standing by this review and saying. Do not go to this salon. They may have talent, they may a nice salon. They lack basic social graces that one would expect from a professional business.
In the words I used while talking to the receptionist of this salon. You lost business, and I am never coming to this salon again.
I only gave one star because a star is required by Yelp*
Fuck you Umbrella Salon.
The salon is not all it's cracked up to be... at least not for the awards or reviews it's had in the past years!
I went ot Lisa, and hated my haircut!
I wont bash on her... but i will say she is prolly no the best person to pick, as your hair stylist, if you have thicker hair. She basicaly spent 20 minutes touching and brushing my hair, as if she didn't know what to do with it, only about 20 cutting and 15 of that she was cutting my bangs.
My bangs came out cool but the cut all together was very boxy and square like. Almost asian looking.
I just expected a little more time and style to my cut, considering it is a top salon is San Jose.
Seems like periodic traings/ workshops would help(?)
Nothing special... I could have gone to supercuts for the cut she did and paid 1/4 the price.
The salon is ok... I mean.. I was in there about an hour and saw about 5 people getting haircuts and styles and only 1 looked worth the $60+ you pay.
My freind goes to Jen and her hair is nice... but I think she said she gotten better cuts.
Everyone looks underexperienced or something.
Maybe I just got a new Stylist?! I dont know.. but I've heard good things abouth others.
And the Blond lady in the back looks like she knows what she is doing.... I would go back for her!
I enjoy getting my haircut here. Styles are modern, environment is clean and fun, and a Bumble Bumble product fan. I prefer to have some TLC on my hair. I am not into buzz cuts, fades, shaved cuts, I'll save it for when I start balding! Karla is who cuts my hair. She is great with scissors and making suggestions.
I graded this place 4 stars because I enjoy the atmosphere, products, and expertise. I believe my haircut is about $60.
Thank you Jacob. For years I've struggled with finding a killer haircut with no luck. I used to think it was me...that I wasn't properly articulating to other stylists what it was that I was looking for. For a while, I even let them have their way with my head thinking that by allowing some creativity on their part I'd come out looking fly. Nope.
Umbrella caught my attention when I used to pick up breakfast burritos next door. I liked the modern, minimalist design of the space, and the artwork caught my attention from the street as I walked by. I decided to try them out.
I like to think that I was Jacob's first client...he was just assisting when I made my first appointment at Umbrella. But that first cut was rad, so I've stuck with him as he ascended the ranks to "stylist."
Umbrella sends their stylists to NY yearly to train at Bumble & Bumble. Clearly, delivering kick-ass, modern hair is a priority--they put their money where their shears are.
Thanks again Jacob. And thanks again Umbrella.
I really like this place and enjoy the people. I usually get my hair done by Ken. He is super good. The dude is like a genius! Always cuts my hair the way I want it and it always comes out looking great. And the person who washes(ed) my hair Betsy, very sweet! Always a pleasure to talk to. I highly recommend Umbrella. It is not cheap but knowing my hair is going to look great makes me very happy.
