Vine Street Salon

10/11/2008 Posted by Sweetpea86

I'd like to premise this review by mentioning that I have never been unhappy with a haircut, even in third world countries. Frankly...my entire experience at Vine Street Salon was, at best, regrettable. I arrived at the salon right at the time of my appointment but parking was so difficult, I ended up spending ten minutes looking for it and then five more minutes walking to the salon. I walked in to find my stylist, Winnie, waiting for me but saying we wouldn't have time to cut my hair in the 45 minutes left. Once she sat me down, however, she found that my hair was already washed and so we began. I told her about the nature of my hair and that she had artistic license to do what she saw fit, which I always do because I figure that as an experienced stylist she would know what would best work for me. She trimmed my hair and then dried it without a brush leaving it very frizzy and she kept criticizing my hair. I tried to give a little direction when I saw that she was confused but she quickly rejected everything I said. I walked out not really knowing what the cut looked like because my hair looked so frizzy, when I got home and styled my own hair only to find that it was uneven. The receptionist realized that I was unhappy when I said I would never come back but did nothing. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SALON.

Cons: Parking

05/30/2008 Posted by marsana

We have followed Angela for the past 10+ years - she started out cutting my husband's hair - back than I went to who ever was avaiable - and decided to try Angela out - I continued because my husband continued to go to her - happy with each haircut - it wasn't until I wanted to experiment with color that I realized Angela did a excellent job. I also didn't realize how much I relied on her input, suggestions, skills and expertise when she decided to move to LA. I learned the difference while having to find another stylist where most of his clients had all the same color and look. Recently, Angela cut my hair from mid back to my shoulders - since this newest haircut I've had so many compliments!! Thank you Angela for your suggestion - although I was a bit hesitant with going that short - I love my new hair style. You will not go wrong when selecting Angela as your hair stylist for a special event or change in hair or make up look - she will make sure whatever you choose is combined with her expertise! Thanks Angela!!!

Pros: Love the location - Berkeley - and the salon is clean, staff friendly and attentive.

Cons: Parking

01/18/2008 Posted by drkaren411

Historically, I'm a cheapskate when it comes to my hair. And when I had a So-Low-Maintenance-It's-Just-Boring hairstyle, that was just fine. But one day I strolled out of Peet's, my brain addled with too much coffee, and on a whim I went upstairs to Vine Street Salon. "Cut it! Make it interesting! I don't care what you do, or what it costs!" I said. Fate put me with Angela, who thoughtfully listened to my rant, worked some mysterious magic with her scissors, and sent me out the door with an artful, stylish, layered look that was still low-maintenance -- but also absolutely fabulous! (And it wasn't even that expensive.) After more than FIFTY-TWO people complimented me on my new haircut, I decided I'd found something good. Angela knows how to cut hair REALLY WELL. Period. She's clearly got an eye for what looks good on a client, and she's cheerful, friendly and attentive to boot. I highly recommend her! In all fairness to the rest of the stylists, they must be good as well, since I've watched clients of all different ages and hair types walk out of Vine Street Salon looking great. And the salon itself has good feng shui, or karma, or something -- it's full of light, and somehow manages to be both calming and bustling at the same time. And they carry Aveda products, which are largely environmentally-responsible and natural...like health food for your hair! Finally, I love how the salon has laundered wrap shirts that you can wear to avoid getting hair all over your street clothes...it's a nice, spa-like touch. In sum: Go to Vine Street Salon! And go to Angela!

Pros: Talented stylists; Aveda products; vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere

Cons: Parking - though if you don't mind parking a few blocks away and walking, it's no big deal

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/13/2007 Posted by mary2525

I have been going to Angela for at least 10 years. When she left for L.A. I was so bummed because she is the only person who can deal with my thin, curly hair. I explain what style and color I want and she's always on the money. She consults with me when I want a change and always is so concerned changing my look for fear of not being a satisfied customer. We're like old friends and her "bedside manner" is always great. She is so upbeat and positive. I would not only recommend Angela, but Vine Street Salon as a whole. They are very professional and friendly.

Pros: professional and friendly

Cons: Parking and stairs

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/07/2007 Posted by spicywend55

I have been a customer of the stylist Angela for years -- I was referred to her when she was working in LA, and I have yet to find a another stylist/colorist who does as good a job. Firstt of all, let me preface this by saying that I am an extremely difficult customer to please. Especially when it comes to my hair. I like my blonde to be a warm golden shade with soft, gentle, lighter blonde and chunky highlights. For some reason, most stylists and colorists cannot seem to get this color and style exactly the way I want it. Angela was the only one who could. I went through many, many, MANY stylists before I found her. And I went to some of the best and priciest salons in LA. Also, I have found that her cuts last longer and stay fresh longer than other cuts I received previously. I have since referred Angela to many of my girlfriends and am extremely bummed that she relocated to Berkley. I read the above experience, and must say that I am really surprised, as I have had nothing but fantastic results with Angela. As have my friends who I referred to her.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/06/2007 Posted by garcia48

I had an amazing haircut and color done by a stylist named Angela. She was not only friendly but listened to everything I had to say. With me not knowing how to explain things Angela sure knew what I wanted. I left feeling great and knowing that I now have a great stylist to go back to. Thank you Vine st. salon

10/17/2007 Posted by amber33

I went to Vine St. based on a recommendation from a friend who is quite happy with her stylist. I was cut and colored by Angela, twice. The first time the cut was ok, not the best but not terrible either. The color was darker than I would have liked but I could cope. I have been having my hair colored for years and sometimes it takes a couple of visits to get it right. The second time was not a good experience for me. I stated several times that I wanted highlights that were subtle. I came away with bright red streaks on my dark brown hair, some streaking quite thick. As well, the color of the highlights ran out in a week, turning a dull dirty blonde color. The cut was atrocious. I wanted soft long bangs cut at an angle. I received very short, ragged bangs that can not be fixed but have to be grown out. I've read the Business responses to some of the complaints to the salon. For $250, I expect it done right, the way I asked, and there is no second chance at that price. I wouldn't dream of asking for my money back, but I will take my business elsewhere.

Pros: Most of the staff seemed pretty friendly. Receptionist was very nice and helped me fill the meter where I was parked.

Cons: Parking is tough if you'll be there more than an hour or so.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/24/2007 Posted by strummermichelle

The staff at Vine Street are fabulous. Ingrid really listened to what I wanted and made suggestions that turned out really awesome. I love my haircut and color! The salon itself had a great atmosphere. With a lovely view on the second floor in North Berkeley, it looked fresh and natural and extremely professional. The best haircut I've had in 4 years in the bay area. I will definitely go back.

Pros: great atmosphere and skilled staff

Cons: definitely on the expensive side, but worth it

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/05/2007 Posted by venus_rising

I recently moved to Berkeley and have yet to find a salon or a stylist. I decided to do a search and came upon citysearch's Best 10 list. Vine Street Salon jumped out at me because it was in Berkeley and it came with great deals which as a student, I am always on the lookout for. I made an appointment with Ingrid and the online deal includes a free accent highlight or lowlight with a haircut with the new talent ($38 before tip but price has increased to $45). The salon was clean, bright, and airy. I came armed with photos of a haircut I wanted and Ingrid was great at following it and yet adapting it for my face and hair type. I wanted a layered look but was wary of using the razor which previously left me with split ends. Ingrid assessed my hair type and right away said that a razor was not the right tool. She gave me the messy, separated, layered look I wanted with sheers, and v-cutting instead. She was very friendly, made conversation, and made sure I was comfortable through the whole process. This was the first time that the haircut I envisioned turned out to be the haircut I got. I highly recommened coming to the Vine street Salon.

Pros: Friendly, knowledge stylist, good customer service

Cons: Prices increased right after I went!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/19/2007 Posted by katcolwell

I love AVEDA products! am so glad my new stylist Laura has moved to a salon that has them! check her out you will feel so GREAT!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful