Tonic Salon & Spa

I have been going to Tonic for 4 years, and I love it! The salon owner Carolyn has done my hair for years, and now I see Megan as well. I have very curly hair, but love to have it blown out straight. Unfortunately I have fine, color-treated hair, so this is very tough on my hair. I got extensions about 6 months ago, and I LOVE them! They look so real, and I love having long, full hair. I go in once or twice a week for a blow-out and style and my hair has never looked better. I even get my 4 year olds hair cut here! He loves going to my "hair salon", and is treated like a King. When he goes with me and I get my hair done, the staff always finds activities for him to do so he is not bored waiting for me. I also just started getting pedicures from Lindsey, and she is so sweet and thoughtful! Very relaxing time for me. I see Alana for facials, and I feel like my skin has improved tenfold. They use the best, quality products, especially Jan Marini. It is rough for me to find the time for a massage, but I always request Joanna when I can. She is so strong, and you feel like you are really getting a therapeutic massage, not just a touch-feely one. I have recommended this salon to all my neighbors and friends. At least 6 of them have become regular clients, and they are all pleased. Some have short hair so they go very often, and some take their kids there, too. You can't go wrong with any of the services or products Tonic has to offer. Pros: One stop for all my salon needs;Flexible appointments, even on Sundays Cons: 3 hour parking-sometimes I spend the day there and I have to move my car more

I have been going to Tonic for two years and the stylist, Carolyn has taken my hair from very long to very short with all of the style I wanted. I started out by just getting color from Carolyn and she found the perfect shade for my skin tone. Then since I had decided to grow out my hair she suggested extensions! I LOVED THEM! They matched my hair color perfectly and the were totally natural. My daughter told me I had "Supermodel hair" I wore them about six months and only lost about 20 of the 100 or so pieces so they were put in well. Also when it came time to take them out Carolyn was very gentle. I wore my hair long until about three months ago, I decided it was time to go short again....seems to be a cycle with me! I put myself in Carolyn & Megan's hands and they did an AMAZING job! Even my husband was impressed. My family and I also enjoy all of the other amenities offered at Tonic. Massage, facials & mostly the Vicchy (sp?) shower. WHAT A TREAT! This is a MUST for any stressed out working Mom! I have never had anything but a wonderful experience with the Tonic staff, so I am very surprised by some the comments that I see here...I have never seen a dog, nor have I had a massage that left bruises! If I had I would NEVER have gone back. Pros: young, friendly staff, good product selection, spa atmosphere is quiet, serene Cons: Parking (lot across street limited to 3 hours) more

From the moment I walk in the door till the moment I leave I feel right at home. Tonic has the friendliest workers you could ever meet. They do the best cuts and colors. People don't believe me when I tell them my hair is dyed. They also do great nails. I love my pink and white gel nails; they look so natural. While I am getting my hair and nails done I am always offered something to drink. Where else do you get that kind of service? It's worth every penny, you won't regret it!! Pros: Friendly service Cons: The three hour parking limit more

I have been going to Tonic since it opened. I go to Carolyn and Meghan (her assistant) for my hair. While my hair used to be ordinary - now I get constant comments from friends and strangers alike. People who I don't even know ask me where I get my hair done. I have had numerous styles - I come in with an idea and Carolyn alters it so that I look my best. Even when we moved out of state for awhile - I made sure my visits back include trips to Tonic. The salon rocks too! I usually get the facials with the organic Eminence line - which I use at home. You will be treated to first class service - drinks offered, great sitting area. Plus you will walk out looking and feeling better than you ever have before. Pros: Stylists, Atmosphere, Products Cons: Parking can be tricky on a Saturday more

I researched salons online before going to Tonic (for color and cut), and the information I found proved to be completely misleading. First, the salon just looks dumpy. I would expect a little more elan, given their prices and high ratings. The lighting is atrorious (this matters when you're getting color), the air circulation is limited. My stylist was very young and somewhat new to the salon. She shampooed my hair with rubber gloves on, which pulled out and tore my hair (and was painful). The color she put on my hair was much darker than what I chose, and the cut is awful. I don't think my hair has looked this bad in decades. No shape, lots of breakage (thanks to her), and dull, dull color. Tonic does have junior and senior stylists, so perhaps I should have requested a more experienced person. I won't be going back there to test this theory, though. I agree that someone muct have "stuffed the ballot box" for this salon. Don't bother. Pros: None. Cons: Dreary atmosphere, poor skills, high prices. more

They obviously stuffed the ballot box, for the best of title! The stylist was young and inexperienced; she should have stayed in Gilroy. While I was getting a haircut the salon dog did a # 2 in front of me, gross! (Is this even legal?). Way overpriced I was better off going to the hair school down the street, at least it only costs $10 there. more

Absolutely horrid! This is the worst salon/spa experience I have ever had. To begin with, the receptionist was rude, and I am sure she lied to me. I made a hair appointment, and when I arrived the hair stylist apparently had to go to the hospital... this is OK, but then I saw her there! Then I rebooked, for some reason I am still trying to figure out. The next stylist was at least there, but that is the best ting I can say for her, her license showed she had just graduated, and it showed. I had to go to another salon just to fix the mess she made. To make matters worse I had paid for a massage/hair before hand. The massage was worse than the haircut. The woman left bruises on me and yelled at me when I complained it hurt, I left before it was done. Save yourself, go to super cuts. more

jjjanet was RIGHT! I CANNOT BELIEVE THESE SAD PATHETIC PEOPLE WOULD WRITE THEIR OWN REVIEWS! THIS PLACE IS A COMPLETE DISASTER. FIRST OF ALL, AT LEAST 3 OF THESE REVIEWS ARE COMPLETELY MADE UP---- BY THEIR OWN STAFF! Take it from me, this place is horrible. They are clouded and dillusional, completely dishonest, flakey and make up reasons to charge way too much. One could understand the EGO TRIP the staff is on if they were actually TALENTED....... a thousand thumbs down and one finger up... Pros: none Cons: everything more

It is really too bad that this Salon has to write it's own reviews. Why would this Salon have to do that?? Cons: Dishonest People more

My experience with this place is that is was really cool to go to. I have really fine hair and it is hard to find a good hair stylist or place to go especially in Santa cruz! Anyway, I had an appointmebt with Katie (who knew exactly what to do with my hair cause I never deo)and now I have extensions and I totally love me hair. I also had makeup done since theyy do free make up on saturdays which i wouldn;'t have done but it was free. The receptionist was really nice and helpful which is rare. I definit4ely recommend this place. Pros: great staff, experienced staff, offered sodas Cons: wednesdays farmers market more

BEWARE Pros: a place to poo Cons: all more

Did this people just ge out ofbeauty school or did they graduate at all. My hairstylist seemed over confident and under experienced oh and by the way totally over priced!! Avoid this place at all costs. Pros: great pedi cure Cons: pretty much every thing was awful especially more

My experience with this salon was a bit surprising, being considered the "Best" (as painted on the window)??? It did feel very city like.... snobby! I like to relax and enjoy my hair & spa time. The staff was not friendy and did not make me feel welcome, not the treatment you would expect as a first time client. I did not rebook! Pros: downtown shopping Cons: Time managment, parking, prices too high more

Tonic Salon & Spa is the greatest! I love going to this salon and getting my hair done. It is a cool place to go and it has a totally city feel to it and it is located in santa cruz. I have sent all of my friends there and we had a spa-party for my best friend who is getting married and we all had a great time, they totally catered to us and we felt so pampered. I love this place and if you are looking for something new you should try them. You will be so happy!!! Pros: experienced staff , great products, great customer servic Cons: little expensive more

This is definitely the place to get exactly what you want. It's is really chic in an understated way and the staff are soo friendly, I love going there and getting my hair done. They always get the color and look that I wanted to achieve and I walked away with all of my expectations met. The salon is relaxed and bright and somewhat of a retreat. I hightly recommend Tonic to everyone! Pros: Excellect staff, Greeted with smile, Centrally located Cons: a little pricey more