Tonic Salon & Spa

I got married this last September in Santa Cruz--I needed a place to get my hair done and chose Tonic Salon on line as I live in Portland and didn't know where else to go. My maid of honor and I went to the salon for my $140 dollar "bridal up-do" and she had some hot curlers put in her hair spur of the moment. Let me just say that this was one of the WORST salon experiences I've ever had in my life! We were in no way treated special--no champagne was offered, no comfortable atmosphere, the woman who was supposed to do my hair wasn't available apparently and the woman who did hardly said two words to us. My hair wasn't even washed or styled, just put into a boring French Twist with tons of bobby pins. The best part is that when I went to pay the bill I was charged an astounding $230 dollars! This was 2 hours before my wedding and I was too shocked and nervous to say anything to the girls at the counter. I still get angry when I think about how badly I was taken and how snotty and unprofessional the staff was at Tonic Salon. Don't do it! more

I was a looking average girl. My friends were telling me to get a makeover even I think. But I was not getting were should I go. I read Newspaper, Magazines to find out, experts who can help me in getting a makeover. I asked many friend most of then suggested me this place. I reached here, firstly they studied my skin what treatment is required. I don?t know which makeover will look good on me and she did as per what will look good on me. After few hours everything was completed, I won?t able to recognize myself. I was shocked that I took soo beautiful after a makeover. All credit goes to Tonic Salon & Spa. I an very thankful to them for giving me new and beautiful look. more

Tonic is an awesome Salon and Spa. Abby does fabulous hair and their mini-pedis are great while you are getting your hair colored or treated. I highly recommend this salon to anyone looking for a change or if you just want to treat yourself! more

let me just say that the thought of getting a brazillian wax is scary. If you want someone whose going to make you feel comfortable and who is highly skilled i would see stephanie. I have never had someone wax me so fast(and let me tell you, you want this to be an in and out appt.) Stephanie was very friendly and professional. She talked to me about the other services at tonic and i booked a teeth whitening appt i didnt even know they offered! Im coming back to see her everytime and im telling all my friends how great she is! Pros: offers drinks, hip place Cons: parking on weds because of farmers market more

This is the best place to get a waxing in Santa Cruz. On wednesday they give student discounts, which definitely helps because it does get pricey after a while, but they are all so nice there that it's worth it. When you walk in, they always smile and offer you a drink. The overall atmosphere is so relaxing that I keep coming back for all of the services I need. I highly recommend it for anyone, just call ahead and make sure you have an appointment! Pros: Ambience, Convienance Cons: Price more

I just had my first visit to Tonic Salon and Spa and cannot speak more highly of this place. Went in for my first "brazilian wax" and Becca made my "first time" so comfortable and easy! I also had a facial (I know, both ends) with the same technician (Becca), in the same room which was really nice. Didn't have to pack up all my stuff and move to another part of the salon. The decor is great. Everyone I encountered from making my first appointment to walking out the door made my first visit to Tonic a great way to spend an afternoon! I will return! Thanks Becca! Pros: Ambience, experience, great customer service Cons: Nothing! more

Tonic is the by far and away the best of the best in Santa Cruz for professional pampering. A full service salon, Tonic offers clients all the usual day spa services with a personalized touch. The staff is friendly and welcoming. All the products used in the salon are of the highest quality including a line of the finest organic skin products. Joanna is most deserving of her status as the best massage therapist in town. She is wonderful! Recently, I was scheduled for a surgery. I had been ill for months and felt pale, sickly, anxious and anything but beautiful. My daughter's wedding was three weeks after my surgery. With my nervousness about the surgery and my self-consciousness about how I looked, I treated myself to some pampering at Tonic the week before my surgery. After a couple of evenings in Joanna's good hands (a body treatment & massage), and a facial from Stephanie, I felt relaxed, renewed and beautiful for my surgery. Though it may sound wierd, but these ladies, especially Joanna, helped bolster my confidence as I headed into surgery and the whirlwind before the wedding. My daughter the bride, who lives in Oakland, went to Joanna for a sunless tan and was so impressed by Tonic she wanted to have her pre-wedding day pampering there. Together we spent a fabulous afternoon before her wedding, after my surgery, at Tonic. She was treated like a princess - every detail attended to with a joyfulness surrounding her as a bride. We both felt gorgeous. She not only looked fabulous on her wedding day, I know she felt it too! I can't thank Joanna and the staff of Tonic enough for helping me get through these two incredible experiences - surgery & my daughter's wedding - with confidence. They were the absolute best when it came to pampering my bride. Thank You! Pros: Great Staff more

I went to Tonic because it was voted best salon in santa cruz... Definately not my impression. I am always trying new hairstylists, and one of my worst experiences was here. The stylist butchered my bangs. It took me at least a month to grow them out and has left me very weary to try cutting bangs again. IT is so rediculously priced I expected an exceptional cut... and I got a disaster. You're better off skipping this place... and from my experience its far from the best of santa cruz. Pros: location Cons: prices, the staff more

I got a facial at tonic this week with charlette and it was fantastic! Ive had many facials before and they were all so "mediocre:" So, Ive been constantly trying new salons and facialists to find someone that I trust with my skin. Ive never been to the same person more than once... However, I will absolutely be back to tonic with charlette. She was very knowledgable about products and my skin problems, I learned more about my own skin issues in one hour than I have in my whole life. I fell asleep during the massage too! The only downside to my visit was the creams were way too expensive. Pros: good location Cons: front desk girl was unorganized and didnt acknowledge me more

This please is amazing. I have never felt so wecolmed and comfortable in a salon especially since this was my first time there. I went to Tonic while I was visiting friends. Carolyn and her staff are true professionals. I felt like I was in the salon I go to at home. I will recommend Tonic to anyone I know that is going to visit Santa Cruz. I will also be a repeat customer on my next trip back. Pros: Friendly and knowledgable staff Cons: None more

I got a hair cut with Erin and she was really friendly and personable. It's just a tad expensive ($70 cut/wash/dry). But I recommend if you don't mind the price. Pros: Personable Cons: Price more

I had my hair done with Megan and she is a sweet girl, and it was the best haircut ever. I just love this place. You can get anything done and everyone is professional and fun. You even get a drink with your haircut. YAY Tonic Next time I am in town I'm getting everything they offer. more

Just had my hair done by Megan at Tonic Salon. She did a fantastic job, and although the salon was busy, Megan made me feel as if she had all day devoted to me. The entire experience was wonderful -- I am glad there is a great salon in Santa Cruz where I can be treated well and leave knowing I had the best haircut possible. Thanks to you, Megan! Pros: Professional, real service, I felt welcome, never rushed. Cons: None more

I always think that going to get your hair cut shouldn't be like when you were a kid. No no Mom! My ears will stick out! I've been around a few good salons, now that I'm grown up, but always go back to Tonic. I get my hair done by the ever witty and professional owner - Carolyn. She immediately makes me feel comfortable and at home in the shop and in the chair - a decent cup of coffee to boot. The ambience is bright and cheery with downtown Santa Cruz right there on the door step. I fully recommend Tonic, it's all-round pleasantness, location and helpful staff make Tonic a delight to visit, right Mom let's go!. Pros: Ambience, Proffessionalism, Location more

I traveled to the Santa Cruz area last year for my sister's wedding. It was the first time I had ever been to California. My sister had reservations at Tonic for all her bridesmaids and immediate family to have makeovers for the wedding. I had been chronically ill for many years, and had felt very self concious about my appearance. The Tonic staff was so warm and wonderful. They dyed and styled my hair so beautifully that I almost forgot how sick I was. They even offered to help me with my makeup for no extra charge since my hands shake too much. The experience meant so much to me. I will always think fondly of Tonic for that reason. more

Tonic Salon and Spa is a one-stop-shop for nails, hair, and total body care. Although I have not yet tried all the services that Tonic has to offer, I can speak very highly of the hairstyles and massages I have received. I have very short (some might say "boy short") thick curly hair...yeah...a haircutting nightmare for those hairstylists that don't know what they are doing. I have my hair cut at Tonic regularly by Carolyn and sometimes by a few of the other stylists. I have NEVER been disappointed! One time, Carolyn did not cut my hair as short as I had envisioned it to be, probably because I am so indecisive about my hair style. Regardless, she rewashed and recut my hair until I was perfectly satisfied with the length. That level of attention to detail and drive to be the best is hard to come by. I have also occassionally had massages by Johanna, and she is fantastic! Overall, I am excited to have such a high quality spa and salon in the neighborhood. Although Tonic is not as inexpensive as the Hair Cuttery and the like (duh!), the prices are not unreasonable for the quality of service. And if you visit the website, first time customers can print out a $10 coupon. I love this place and refuse to go anywhere else. more

I don't live in the Bay Area, but I fly out frequently to visit friends and relatives. About a year and a half ago, a friend from Santa Cruz recommended trying Tonic Salon and Spa when I mentioned wanting to pamper myself for the holidays. I needed a break from my family, and scheduled an appointment to receive a massage from Joanna at Tonic. All I can say is WOW! I have had massages in many different spas in my hometown of Washington, DC, but my massage at Tonic was definitely the best. Joanna really listened to all my aches and pains, and addressed them beautifully. The salon and spa itself is gorgeous and extremely friendly. After my first experience, I decided to go back to get my hair cut and styled by Carolyn the next time I was in the area. I kid you not...she made my hair GLOW! She was very attentive and clearly talented. I wish that there was a Tonic in my hometown since I have yet to find a salon of the same caliber even after living in DC for a few years. I am planning a trip to San Francisco in June, and I already scheduled an appointment for a haircut and massage at Tonic. The only con is that parking is sometimes tricky since all of downtown Santa Cruz is metered parking. Just be sure to bring plenty of quarters! I promise ,Tonic is well worth it! Pros: Friendly and attentive staff, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, talented and professional staff, wide variety of services, reasonable prices Cons: metered parking (don't forget quarters!) more

I love the way I get pampered at tonic especially when I get my nails done by Lindsey I really feel special, thanks TONIC for all your great staff. more

I've tried a couple of other hair stylists, and no one, but no one beats Tonic. Everytime I'm in there, I see people, including myself, super happy with their results. They are very friendly and helpful, especially when it comes to enhancing the style I want. I've also been for some of the other salon services, and those experiences were just as good. I think the staff are professional, talented, and efficient and I keep recommending them to all of my friends. Pros: Services, staff, products, atmosphere (incl. refreshments, reading material, art work, etc) Cons: pedicure set-up and parking more

I have been going to Tonic for 3 years now. I get my hair cut by the owner Carolyn. She not only does an amazing job on my hair but is fun and personable too. If there is ever a wait (which hardly happens) I am always offered a cold or hot beverage of my choice. The friendly staff does an expert job on my wash (and yummy scalp massage) and hair cut. I have also indulged in several of their other services such as pedicures, lash and eyebrow waxing and tinting, massage etc. I have found each of their services to professionally executed and absolutely delightful. The atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing. As a last note they started carying high quality organic skin care products and mineral makeup for sale. Tonic is truely the full service salon gem of santa cruz. I have/would recommend Tonic to anyone. more