Been here 3 times and Kay's done a great job. She dials me in for $30.

I just stumbled across this place while I was in Walnut Creek for the afternoon, and I'm glad I did. The stylists there seem to be very professional and talented, and I left with a very good haircut. I'll be back! read more

I LOVE ABSOLUTE SALON!!!! I have been a customer of Salon owner, Long Nguyen for 2 years. He is a phenomenal stylist and colorist. Whereever I go, I get compliments on my cut and color. He has been able to give me a very edgy, fun, yet sophisticated cut with plum highlights that I love!! People stop me on the street and ask me where I get my hair done....I proudly carry his card and refer people who ask to him. read more

This is hands down the best place to go for a haircut, color, or just having an awesome conversation with good people that produce good vibes. read more

Long did a fantastic job with my hair! Finally, someone I can come back to after years of skipping around! He listened very well to all my needs and gripes about my hair and past experiences, and really took the time to make sure he understood what I wanted. He explains what he's doing throughout the process, and If you're curious about what's happening, you can just ask! He doesn't keep his technique secret, and it becomes clear pretty quickly that he really understands hair. The salon is not snooty or pretentious and the prices are fantastic. My cut passed the wash test beautifully, so the only test left is...can he give me the same, great cut in a couple months? I certainly have high hopes! read more

What does everyone look for when searching for a great salon or barber? 1) Great service 2) Nice atmosphere 3) Your hair just the way you want it 4) Reasonable pricing Well, I have been going to Absolute Salon (formerly Violet's Haircut) every 3 weeks for 8 years now, and they consistently meet all of the above criterias. I am very particular with my hair. It is very straight and I have a cowlick towards the back of my head. If it gets cut too short in the area, the hair sticks up. I have tried Supercuts, Great Clips, etc. Even with me telling them about my cowlick, those places still managed to mess up my hair. The first time I tried Absolute Salon, I forgot to even tell Long (the owner) about it and he still gave me a great cut. All those other places want to do is ask you 20 questions and then give you something you didn't ask for or something you did ask for but didn't know what you were really getting yourself into. At Absolute, they cut your hair according to how it would look best on you. They offer suggestions on what you can do with your hair to make it look its best. After all, they are the professionals and they do it day in and day out. They are perfectionists and they care about you and giving you a great cut. I would absolutely recommend giving Absolute Salon a try. read more

I was in bad need of a cut, and my usual hair lady is down in Santa Cruz, so I read some Yelp reviews and tried Absolute out. I am pretty picky about how I have my hair cut, and Kay was very kind and did a great job without too much guidance from me. She also did a great job washing my hair, she was a little rough but she really got it clean. The staff was overall very friendly, they even gave me a piece of cake while I had my hair cut (eating it was a bit tricky). The price was reasonable for a cut, and it was a great cut for in between visits to my usual stylist. read more

Got my hair trimmed here by Long after another salon had messed it up. He was great and was very attentive to what I wanted. I think thats the most you can ask for from a stylist, someone who listens and understands completely what you want before they start chopping away. Minus one star for the price, it was a trim but still charged for a full cut which is pretty pricy for a 3-4 star salon. read more

Long does a great job with my hair and the price....unbelievable! I can now get my hair cut twice as often (though it is sadly not growing twice as fast). Thanks guys! read more

Yups, Absolute still rocks! Brought my mop head of a kid in to get his quasi fro trimmed down. We are so set for summer! Thanks! read more

I have never had such and educational experience with a hair dresser. My hair is falling out and growing back like a little kid who cut their own bangs. After reading reviews, I called to make an appointment with Long. He was able to take me for a consultation that same day! Parking was easy and when I arrived, it was a chill place contemporary and quaint little place. I was immediately offered a refreshment. I explained my situation to Long and he immediately started to educated me on the affects of hormones on hair growth after having a baby and assured me that my hair would grow back. I have very fine straight asian hair and have problems keeping volume, so I tend to get perms annually to achieve that volume and hold up-dos. Long taught me short term solutions, very simple, and with little managing to volumize my hair while I wait to get a perm. I want to be able to get out of the shower in the morning and go. He avoided offering me suggestions that he knew I wouldn't end up doing anyway, and no heavy product pushing. Although, I am one who likes to try different products for my hair. After taking the time to do a consultation, Long was able to do a cut that same night, despite almost closing shop. He did not insist on cutting my long hair any shorter than necessary to trim off all my dead ends I hadn't cut off in over a year. He fixed the uneven layered cut I had and made my hair feel and look really healthy. Truthfully, it was a cleaner cut than what I already had, so not too much difference visually to the naked eye, but my next step is to get a perm. Perms sound so early 90s, but my goal is to have larger curls and I have had many salons tell me either they don't perms anymore or they only do spirals for my long hair. That just turns into a big frizz head. I end up coming home, shampooing out my hair and putting it up until a month later when it is loose enough to keep down. Money down the drain. Long assured me that Mary does a great job perming and will be able to do the large curls with a mix of larger rods to achieve the look I want. My appointment is in a few days, so keep a look out on my review. So far, overall great experience! read more

Kay is friendly and nice.. Price for a haircut is 35 dollars. Style is OK.

Erica just did my brows and as usual I love them (and I am picky about my brows) ! I have been going to her for over a year at her previous place. Today was my first time at Absolute and I was pleasantly surprised having no expectation other than the great brows I knew I'd be leaving with. Absolute is nice and her waxing room on the upper level is just lovely. Really roomy with great decor. Thank you Erica! read more

I just had my haircut today and this by far is the best salon i ever been to. I walk in there like a bomb just exploded in my head. My hairs everywhere and its just hard to manage. For a guy who doesn't know a thing about hairstyle, I'm looking for just not a haircut but also someone who can help me do it on my own. And thats just what i found in this place. Long, who does my haircut, is especially knowledgeable with his craft. He taught me how to style my hair and walk me through step by step process on how to do it. I showed him a couple of pictures and he gave me his honest opinion on what hairstyle fits me the best. And mind you my hair is not easy to work with. Imagine Hugh Grant mixed up with a little Chewbacca, its kinda like that. But because of this guys' awesome hair wizardry, i got out looking like a Million bucks! Many thanks to Long and Absolute Salon! read more

My first trip to this salon and had the good fortune that Kay cut my hair. Very nice job - I asked for advice and she did exactly what we discussed. Nice environment, nice price, fun staff - They've lasted 10+ years for a reason. I'll be going back. read more

When it comes to hair, long is a genius. After visiting over six hair stylists throughout the bay area and being disappointed by everyone, it seemed only logical I would be disappointed by Absolute. Boy was I wrong. Beginning from day one, Long outlined a strategy for my hair. We stuck to the strategy for months, and by the third month I was starting to see the results I was yearning for. I now go to long regularly for hair maintenance and have no complaints. He is a great guy and is a master when it comes to hair. I get compliments from strangers throughout the day asking me who cuts my hair and I can proudly say.. LONG! read more

Long was wonderful. Full of knowledge, fun, super nice. My cut looked great. The salon itself is clean and cozy. And the best part - I paid half of what I've been paying for may haircut. Give it a try. read more

Very nice place got a hair cut from Erica she's the best!!!

Long is THEE BEST!!!! I've been coming here for almost 2 years now. But first off I would like to point out that I am cheap with my cuts and didn't see the point of spending an arm and a leg on cuts that didn't show much of a difference from my cheap cuts. Until I met Mr Long! I started working next door, three of my coworkers get their cuts from absolute salon and I heard many things about everyone especially Mr Long! What sold me was when I heard that he's an actual teacher at a beauty college! And has been a teacher for over 10years! I finally got my haircut from him and WOW HE ACTUALLY LISTENS TO WHAT YOU WANT! If you want only an inch off, he'll take ONLY an inch off. But he'll make suggestions on why you should take more off. I love that about him, most people will just take more off without asking. He explains everything that he's doing to my hair and does such a great job! Ever since then, I say "do whatever you want with my hair" even two years later, I'm always satisfied every single. damn. time! Worth every penny! I actually went to Korea and got a terrible cut that was so bad and too short to even fix. Long did his magic and fixed it, I wanted to cry, HE HAS MAGICAL POWERS WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR! read more

This is LONG overdue! Talented hair stylist, pleasant atmosphere and staff, reasonable prices, excellent location. In more words: I've visited Long several times now and have walked out happy every time. Last time I was more ecstatic than ever, receiving the best haircut in my life! I have very curly hair and have gone through number stylists who were intimidated by it. Not Long! He was able to know exactly what to do with my hair and figure out exactly what I need and want in terms of a particular style. read more

I got some side bangs and a trim for $30. The woman who cut my hair was very careful and made sure I got exactly what I wanted. If you want someone to just do something crazy, might not be the place for you, but if you have something in mind that isn't too drastic, this is a great place! I actually like when they can give me tips on what would look good with my hair-type and face, I don't really know what would look good on me. But I was still very satisfied and got exactly what I wanted. read more

Today was my first time to Absolute Salon but not my first time getting my hair cut by Heidi. I was a client of her's while she attending Paris Beauty College & I was thrilled when gave me the word that she cut my hair again. It is hard to find someone that you trust. Heidi always goes the extra mile & I will definitely continue to get my hair cut by her at Absolute Salon. read more

I have been going to Long for years. He is a gifted stylist with an expert understanding of hair. I have not been disappointed once. The staff is very friendly and good with children. I highly recommend Absolute Salon. read more

My review is for Erica. If you've always wanted to get a wax but have been too afraid to try she is the one you need to see. Erica has been waxing me for years. She is always kind, patient, and very intuitive to how I am feeling. The whole general process is way less painful then one would normally imagine. I recommend Erica to everyone! She is amazing!! read more

Long is amazing at what he does, from cutting to styling. He explains exactly what he will do when cutting and gives you tips on how to style your hair at home. Overall, I recommend giving this place a try if you want great cuts, style, and a chill conversation. read more

i came across this salon and made an appointment with kay she is very good at what she does and shes very nice she cut may hair into a beautiful bob and she knew exactly what i wanted,i also got a chance to talk to the owner long hes is very knowlegeable about color and also is very nice ,i will be scheduling an appoinment with him for color soon ,also the lady at the front desk was very pleasant ..i would recommend them to anyone.i think i found a new home for my hair needs 5 stars read more

So, I had a little dilemma. The dyed hair on my head was in horrible shape, and I needed a haircut. Price was the issue. Absolute Salon was the perfect solution. I had my hair cut by Long, who is very personable and really takes into consideration the way you want your hair cut and not how he thinks it should look. In between asking about my life, what I was up to recently, and what I was interested in just in case he had a client in a field where I hopefully will someday be employed, he asked how I felt about different aspects of my hair and specifically what needs to be done as far as styling goes. As a result, I am now free of all dyed hair (HALLELUJAH) and I have a cute cut to boot. Very happy, A+ salon. =) read more

Long is great. He is able to fix the horrible mess another hair stylist did to my hair. I think the key to his practice I noticed is he tailors to my hair style and texture. He's also extremely detail-oriented which is exactly what I needed since I'm very picky. I keep coming back no matter the long distance I live from this salon. The staffs are very endearing as well. Location is also convenient for dinning and shopping. read more

First review ever. Kay did a great job, helping fix a botched job from my last haircut. Made sure I was comfortable with what she was going to do, and it came out perfect. Definitely going back. read more

A great salon find with exceptional stylists in Walnut Creek!. I was at that point where I had to get my hair cut- traveling in South America for a month my short cut was long grown out. Turning to Yelp I found Absolute Salon. I called and was able to make a same day appointment (sweet!). The person who answered the phone and scheduled the appointment was so friendly- I was not sure if I just wanted cut or cut with color- she suggested I speak with the stylist when I arrive then decide -which was great. Kim took the time to go over color samples- what she thought would look good with my skin/eyes and so I decided to cut & color. I was not disappointed- I have a great technical cut for my short wavy hair that looks terrific- Kim spent time showing me how to style it, what products would work etc. My color.......drum roll......I went RED- and what a great red it is- rich and warm looking without being "too much". I just love it. Their prices are very reasonable and based on how much hair you have to deal with (Owner price structure is slightly different per the website). I am so pleased to find a warm and friendly salon in Walnut Creek that does such great work and really cares about their clients. Bonus- They validate parking for the garages in the area so one less worry. Check it out -you will be pleased read more

If you have wavy/curly hair, make your appt with Long! I have struggled for two years trying to find a stylist who knows how to cut my hair correctly. This is the first time I have ever had my hair cut completely dry, which totally makes sense bc when your hair is cut wet, it tends to look different when it drys. This is the first time I have liked my hair in a really long time. I am finally getting back the fullness that I once had! Pretty expensive, but if you are desperate like I was, it was so worth it. He explains everything as he is cutting and promises to actually listen to what you are requesting. Thanks Long!!! read more

If you are looking for a great cut and style, look no further. I recommend Long's Absolute Salon for the following reasons: 1) Super friendly staff 2) Wonderful ambiance 3) Very reasonable prices 4) Great customer service (as in, stellar, not just better-than-average) 5) Attention to what YOU want, not just what they think you should look like I was referred to Absolute Salon by a good friend of mine, who came back from a visit with Long with crazy fabulous hair. I, being in need of a GOOD cut and style, decided that this was the place for me, and it was a great decision! I had a 6 o'clock appointment with Long, and despite the fact that both he and his wife had had an incredibly busy and hectic day, not once did I feel rushed, or that I was getting less than stellar service. Long did an amazing job with my hair, making it a mission to make me Hot. (It worked!) =) I love my newly layered hair and my adorable bangs, and have gotten many many a compliment on how good my hair looks. Long is an instructor at a local salon college, and was really great at educating me about how best to style my new 'do, and informed me of why my hair was acting a particular way (time for New Shampoo!). He and his wife were fun and easygoing, making conversation and getting to know you, not as idle talk, but real conversation. He even remembered the friend who referred me. He got focused when the hair stuff started, and worked his magic. =) The salon itself is a great little place, and from the moment I stepped inside it was all about serenity. It's very nicely styled, in a simple yet elegant manner. A little water fountain in back does a lot to create a calming and peaceful environment, because, let's face it, when you're at a salon, you're not there to be bombarded by overly loud music or a blaring television. There are some extra nice touches, such as water or tea being offered upon entering, and feeling totally welcome the second I walked in the door. Overall, I Love my hair, I Love Absolute Salon and I will definitely be visiting this wonderful little Walnut Creek establishment again. My hair looks fabulous! =) Thank you! read more

Erica cut & styled my hair twice, colored it once. Looks better than it has in years!! She is quite an artist. The shop is very clean and airy. So glad I found it! read more

I have been going to Absolute Salon for nearly 5 years. I keep going back because Long listens to me about what I want done, and gives his expert tutelage and insight on various cuts. My 19 year old son will only let Long touch his hair and no one else. The others, Kay and Mary and Erica, are very friendly and always professional. I often get compliments on my hair cut, and I've referred several people who were happy with Long and continue to visit the Salon. read more

Normally I feel very intimidated when I look or walk into a hair salon. Not this place. Here, it is friendly and Long is just great. I had a really bad hair cut that I really want to grow my hair back to the shoulder length. He did such a great job that I considered of keeping it short for a while. Thrittima read more

Kaye was great!!! She cut my hair perfectly. I recommend this place. Place is cozy and staff are friendly!

Visited Absolute Salon this morning, talk about a great experience. Stylist Long colored cut and styled my hair and he did a fabulous job. By far the best hair cut I've ever gotten. He knows his stuff and knows what's best for your hair. I'm looking forward to have Long doing my hair in the future! Visited Absolute Salon today and had another great experience. Long colored and highlighted my hair. It turned out amazing! If you need help with your hair go see Long! He's great!! read more

I love how I went in and asked, please do what you think would look good.. I can't decide... But I don't want some super short predictable Guy-Cut... So all of a sudden I'v got the best hair cut I'v ever had before.. I'v never actually been "really happy" with my hair after getting it cut, until I went here.. I try asking Super Cuts to "Just figure it out youself" and they insist I tell them what I want, even when I tell them.... I dont know what I want lol, I always tell people what I want, and I never like it.. so I'm happy that the people at Absolute are confident enough to "Work Their Magic" by my request... and even happier that it worked out so well.. I also love being able to resume a month old conversation with the same person who did my hair before, like we're friends or something... a welcome back with a hand shake, asking me how I'v been aka, they remember me, ask me about my car problems we spoke about a month or so before cause they remembered :-p lol.. Thanks guys, I wish you the best with your business. read more

We stumbled into Absolute by accident a few months ago and keep coming back. Super friendly, professional staff has us hooked. Our three year old had a blast helping to clean up after her haircut. read more

The owner and his team are superb!! My first time here and I decided to make a drastic change with my hair! I have black hair which I never color. Maybe every few years I will have highlights done. I decided to do balayage platinum blonde. I showed Long a picture and he was quite confident that he could achieve the look. I went in for a consultation and returned for an appointment just a few days later, which I love! They are busy but quite accommodating. My appointment day came and I was there for a few hours. Went home pretty satisfied given what he had told me would happen with my hair since it's naturally dark. He also gave me a haircut / trim which I didn't even ask for. But he felt to would help with the color transition from dark to light. I called him a few days later explaining to him the color and he reassured me that this is what would happen, quickly accommodated me the next day and got working on my hair. He spent hours perfecting the color. I kid you not, hours!! Then when I thought he was finally done, he wasn't satisfied with the color just yet and decided to add some more color! I have yet to meet someone / hairdresser who takes so much pride in their work! End result was amazing! I get many compliments on my hair. I will definitely be returning. Price and beyond exceptional customer, I left pretty darn happy!!! Long is the best! read more