Vine Street Salon

OK, so I've been looking for a new stylist for YEARS... I had been going to one person, but she was much older, not up on the latest hair trends, styles, or product, and quite prickly, to say the least. Basically, I wasn't getting the service, consideration, or product I or my hair needed.\r \r I then sought to find a new stylist, and decided to find someone who was as a perfectionist as I am. What better person than the Bridal Coordinator and Intermediate Stylist at Vine Street? Anyone who's a Bridal Coordinator knows how to work with women who are very particular and exacting... \r \r When I walked in, I knew I was at the right place. I was greeted warmly, I was offered a glass of water or tea as Angela was running just a little behind (understandably so at the end of the day).... bottom line, I was made to feel like a valued client, and was made to feel comfortable.\r \r When I started talking with Angela regarding what I wanted, I could tell that she knew her stuff. She proceeded to inspect my hair, and I told her about how unhappy I was with my present cut, how uneven and choppy it was (the previous woman had butchered me!), and how stringy that made my hair look. We determined that to get the style I wanted, it would take a few months of growing and cutting... which was fine with me.\r \r After Angela carefully cut and styled my hair (and hooked me up with new product more appropriate for my hair type), she let me see and I swear, I actually started crying with joy and relief... FINALLY my hair looked the way I wanted it to, it swung the way I should, it lay the way it should ... I just feel so beautiful now when I do my hair in the morning.\r \r The entire staff at Vine Street are very courteous and positive people. and goodness, do they know hair! I have found my permanent stylist, I REFUSE to let anyone else TOUCH my hair!!!! Thank you, Angela!!!! Pros: Great vibe, great product, great people Cons: Hard to find parking in that neighborhood more

I am Robin, the desk manager at Vine Street Salon. I originally responded to the review posted by the client ""Edmurph"" in great detail to clear up his incorrect version of the incident. Now, I will very simply leave the opening portion, as I believe it says a lot in a very few words: WE HAD TO CALL THE POLICE on this individual! And, though we called them right after he left, we were unable to recover the money that was owed since by the time the Police arrived the customer was long gone. Enough said. Pros: Relaxed space, nice & talented people Cons: Parking more

Similar to the bait and switch tactic employed by shady car dealers, Vine Street Salon lured me in by promising one price only to jack that price up later.\r \r As a guy with short hair looking for a haircut and color for gray coverage, I called Vine Street and spoke with Robin who offered me a reasonable quote for said services. Hence, I was taken aback when Robin later informed me that my bill was about 50% higher than what she had quoted. After I pointed that out, she told me with a straight face that her quote was for one service. Incredibly, she even stated that the inflated fee was justified because she had spent time with me on the phone. I wonder if she also charges customers extra to smile, say hello or get them a glass of water?\r \r As it turns out, Vine Street Salon has a history of questionable billing/collection practices. In my view, this salon is unethical and shameless. Pros: Feels nice to get out of this place Cons: Low Ethical Standards more

I have recently returned to Vine Street because my favorite stylist has returned. Angela is great! She knows exactly what will compliment me. I totally trust her with color and cut. Angela always styles my hair so the color looks natural and the cut is easy for me to maintain and style myself. I have very unruly hair she recommends the best products for my hair. She also makes me feel comfortable and is easy to speak with. Vine Street Salon is upscale, flexible with appointments, clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Pros: Their staff are color experts. Cons: Only street parking more

I was referred to Vine st. salon through a friend to see Angela. I have had bad experiences in the past of other salons,so I was nervous. When I got there everyone was so accomadating and Angela was very sweet at making me feel right at home. The consultaion was great cause she listened to me and let me know everything she was going to do. I have never had a stylist be so detailed. It was great!!! I loved the haircut so much and I am going back for some color(which we talked about and I loved her ideas). Angela is very talented and she is quite funny.....Major kuddos for Angela and the salon!!!! I highly recommend Angela and her creativity. Pros: Great location and stylist Cons: parking more

Just want to say that I have been a client of Vine St. Salon for many years. I have had my hair cut and colored by almost all the stylists and have no complaints. Now that Angela is back I see her regularly as she is the most talented stylist I've ever had. She is great with color, an instructor to others and an expert in the field. I love her cuts because she's an artist and isn't afraid to be creative. I tell my friends to go to her and they do and they're as happy as I am. I feel like I get a very high class LA or NY service right at home in Berkeley. Now if only I could learn to hold still.... ; ) Pros: Music is stress free, lighting is perfect, staff is wonderful Cons: parking is just horrible in the neighborhood more

I am so incredibly pleased with my haircut. I have gone to several different hair salons, but with no luck finding an individual who would cut the way I want, or even close for that matter. I was so impressed with the way Winnie had cut my hair. She truly cares about what her clients want. Definitely found my new place. Great value for price. Pros: Stylist is talented, professional, and nice! Cons: Almost impossible to find parking. Remember to bring change for meter. more

I moved back into the area after being gone for a year. I went back to Angela and thank goodness she had an opening and was still there. My hair needed a lot of work and was in bad shape. Not only did she do a great color and cut, but she brought my hair back to life. Wow does Angela know her products....she recommended great products and I saw a big difference...That cheap market store products are for the birds!! I loved the Aveda and how my hair grew out was just great. I am happy to be back and to be back with Angela.. I would recommend her to anyone. Vine St. rocks!!!! Pros: Angela Cons: Parking and you have to bring cash for gratuity more

It's been a while, but, being back in town and able to visit my favorite salon felt great. I have been traveling a lot this year and one thing I can count on is Vine Street Salon to be there when I need a pick me up. My stylist is always there to greet me and gave me a terrific cut and while she was running a bit late due to a scheduling conflict, I was out on time and on my way! I know that last minute is not always best for a busy salon, but, they always find time for me. Pros: Same day appointments possible. Cons: parking is always a challenge more

I have been a client at this salon for two years. I've been here on hectic Saturdays and quiet Mondays and I've always had pleasant experiences. The staff here are very friendly and always offer tea whenever I come in. Even on a day lijke today when I was fighting leaving home(it was pouring rain) it was so nice to be there. My stylist always gives me honest advice on my hair. And I love their product selection! Tons of AVEDA. Definitely recommend checking out their modeling program too. :) Pros: Smiling faces Cons: parking, takes 15 min on bad days more

I made my appointment over the phone and the woman I spoke with was very friendly. When I came in for my appointment, my hairstylist and the receptionists were also very friendly. My hairstylist made a great effort for me to have a pleasant experience; however, during 20 minutes of my hour, the manager was angry at the receptionist and lecturing her, which not only did I find to be extremely unprofessional- it was downright uncomfortable. When I get my hair done it is a special occasion for me, and I like to enjoy it and not feel stressed about the person who is getting in trouble 10 feet away from me. My advice for the manager/owner: If you're going to reprimand your employee, do it in private. None of your customers care to hear about it, and I'm sure your employee will appreciate not being embarrassed in front of the entire salon. Pros: quaint salon, friendly stylist & receptionist Cons: unprofessional manager more

I love my hair after I visit Vine Street Salon...\r \r I use to have really dry, long and thick hair the main problem that I have at home everyday is how to style my hair is a good way but never work so I don't like my hair at all... so my friend recommended me to this salon to see Winnie Fong and she did a really GOOD job I like her a lot\r \r I guess she is not just a stylist because she even teach me how to style my hair in a easy way but still looks amazing... She even tell me everything step by step\r \r Winnie cutted my hair to shoulder length with some layer around my face and thin out a lot of my thick hair, this made my face more slim and it look so smooth I never see my hair looks like that ( If you have thick hair remember to ask for the thinning shear) \r \r A lot of my friends and even people I don't know like my haircut\r \r I don't know I can't put the tips on my credit card but luckily ATM is around the block so if you are going to visit the salon remember to bring CASH to tip your stylist =)\r \r Pros: Nice, Friendly and Talented stylist Cons: Parking more

I have recently moved from Sacramento to Berkeley and I have spent at least a month trying to find a salon that meets my expectation. I have been to several salon on Ashby but I wasn't too happy with the result. A few days later I was talking to a friend of mine who told me about Vine St Salon and I decided to give it a try. Beside the great stylist that they have (she said she was an intermediate stylist, but she did a GREAT job), there are a wide ranges of product that I can choose from, very upscale, nice/clean environment. Even though finding a parking is quite a hassle, it is well worth the time and money. I would highly recommend Vine St. Salon and I can't wait to get my highlight done next week.\r \r Cheers more

I'd like to premise this review by mentioning that I have never been unhappy with a haircut, even in third world countries.\r \r 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 more

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 more

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! \r \r 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. \r \r 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 more

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 more

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. more

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 more

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.\r \r 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. more