I can't say enough good things about my experiences with Jennifer at Ashira Salon. I know that I will get to be the focus of attention for that space of time, my needs front and center, my comfort addressed. I don't feel rushed and know that this is this is where I can talk hair! It is evident that she is very knowledgeable about hair, styling, products, and skilled with cutting. The physical environment is welcoming and soothing; pleasing to the eye and spirit. I get lots of compliments about my hair cuts and look forward to my time with Jennifer. read more

Jennifer is the best- most talented I have ever worked with. She starts by asking what I want and how I am feeling about what she did the last time which amazingly she remembers better than I. jennifer is open, creative, very detailed ,and very concerned about the health impacts of the products she use. she cares about my health and well-being and always make sure that what she does fits my lifestyle. She trims my beard as well as cutting my hair and the beard trim is exceptional. Best haircuts and beard trims I've ever had. read more

Jennifer is a bit like a hair therapist. As I entered my late 40s and my hair texture and color (and everything) changed, I was at a complete loss. My wavy, dry, thin business gets the rework from Jen and I always feel good about it when I leave. She spends the time to figure it out and I'm grateful. She actually seems intellectually invested in the process, somehow. PLUS, the space feels great and quiet - very unsalonlike. It feels good to be in there. read more

This beautiful salon is a comforting and uplifting place to be. And Jennifer Brass is the best. She has been cutting and styling my hair for over 20 years. Paying attention not just to your hair but to you, she learns your needs and desires, how your hair reacts, how you like to style it, and offers the best suggestions because she knows what will work. She listens, is compassionate, and very gifted. As she cares about you and the environment, her product lines are well researched, natural, and friendly. No harsh or smelly chemicals here. Special shout out to two of her recommendations for Inner sense Sweet Spirit leave in conditioner and Harmonic healing oil. (Also, I hear she might have space available for a like-minded, talented, creative individual?) read more

I know each haircut/ hair sculpting at Ashira Salon will be a helpful, healthy, focused, kind and personalized experience in a safe and welcoming environment. I look forward to my haircuts as I not only leave with a great haircut but also, invariably, have a fascinating conversation. read more

Jennifer has styled my hair for ten years. She listens to my ideas and concerns and provides me with good feedback and suggestions. I always leave her salon saying "this looks great," with a cut that is stylish, easy to maintain, and that lasts well until my next appointment. read more

Two thumbs way up for Jennifer Brass; she has helped my hair along more than I thought possible. Her new salon is a real cute little place that gives you a very friendly and exciting vibe, what with the single chair, the great personal attention, etc etc. She's been cutting my hair now for about 3 years, and no matter what I'm wanting to tweak/change a la mon coiffure, she really "gets" what I want to do; a hair appointment with Jen Brass is, in a word, stupendous. Its always nice when you can get a cut by cut articulation that makes you feel comfortable with the process; it completely eliminates that "no no no, what's happening?!?!?" feeling I've had once or twice before while at the mercy of the scissors. These are always fun haircuts, people; that's not said enough these days and it's just not right :) As it is with many other things in life, you get what you pay for. When my female friends keep remarking about how great my hair looks 6 weeks/2 months after I get it cut, I know that Jen Brass's talent is well worth every cent! read more

And five years later - still great cuts from Jennifer at Ashira! The atmosphere is peaceful and fun. Everyone I've met there has been very friendly. An excellent small salon with just two chairs. An easy-going, very pleasant place to be. read more

I have been going to Ashira Salon for years. It is always a pleasure. If you are looking for a beautiful, calm, welcoming and renewing environment, Jennifer Brass's salon is the place. She is my ally in loving my natural hair and helping me find the best natural products. She knows and understands my hair and my changing requests throughout the years. It's so great to have a dependable and pleasurable hair experience. Plus, Jennifer is a wonderful spirit. So glad this salon exists; it's been perfect for me. read more

Jennifer is the loveliest person and so gifted as a "hair-whisperer!" She has created a beautiful soothing space with fragrant tea and downtime in which I and my hair feel truly listened to. I wanted products that were healthy and environmentally friendly, and also a haircut that would be sustainably "me" without blow-drying. That's how I discovered Jennifer and Ashira Salon, where I have been a client since the Salon's inception. It is a splurge for me that's so worth it; I know I will be immeasurably pleased and filled with gratitude for how I look for months to come. I also can only echo the other reviews regarding Jennifer's generosity, keen talent, her careful consideration and listening, and how the experience of a great organic hair cut is such a confidence booster. Thank you so much, Jennifer! read more

Jennifer is an exquisite human being and a supremely gifted hair artist. I have never felt so cared for, understood, known, appreciated, and honored as I do when I enter her gorgeous studio, where she practices the highest levels of safety for inner and outer health and beauty. I receive her full attention during my entire appointment each time. Whenever I come I learn new ways to better care for my hair and my wellbeing. She is just a true jewel. Her haircutting and coloring skills are unparalleled. I'm surprised she ever has any openings because she is such a joy and genius! read more

Love ashira salon! Jennifer works only with non toxic products, really takes the time to discuss my hair needs every visit, and we always have interesting conversations about whatever is on our minds. Plus, her space is beautiful and super relaxing. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a down-to-earth, friendly and supportive hairstylist, especially if you strive to live a more natural life free of toxic chemicals. read more

Jennifer Brass is a really, really good hair stylist. And for anyone who wants to avoid toxic fumes and noisy music, her one-person salon is the place to go. I highly recommend her. read more

Jen does wonders with curly hair and color! I highly recommend her if you want to look great and stay toxin free.

Jennifer gave me the best haircut AND the best color I have ever had! What a bonus that she is also a green business and uses the most chemical-free, organic, and natural products possible. OK, first the color. My hair is a medium brown, and with every other stylist I have gone to, when I get my hair colored it will take on a reddish hue which I hate. Jennifer somehow managed to color my hair with gorgeous depth and it did NOT have the reddish hue, even weeks later. And she used a green hair color product! Unbelievable! The haircut was equally amazing. I have fine hair, and it tends to flatten down pretty easily. Jennifer wanted to hear about all the issues my hair can have and what I wanted my hair to do. She had some great ideas (although final decisions were mine). What followed was the best haircut I have ever had --kind of a rocker haircut with some edginess and lots of life and SO much more flattering than what I had before. And, it has been very low maintenance. Jennifer gave me some great styling tips to maximize the look with minimal effort. I found Jennifer to be warm and incredibly talented. She is also up front about her pricing and offers different options with different levels of service so you don't have to pay for bells and whistles if that's not what you need. An absolutely best find. read more

Nothing but the best from this sweet, kind and thoughtful master hairdresser! I say "master" because she carefully considered my hair, which is curly and wavy, based on our conversation of my desired style and the products I use, she decided on a "dry cut" which I have never heard of! She also gave me helpful care instructions on how to keep the frizzy's down... It turned out perfect! I loved the cut so much I know I will always go back even though I have moved hours away. I was about to make my next appointment when I found her Yelp! read more

I can honestly say that Jennifer has given me the best haircuts of my life! Her attention to detail and her knowledge of different types of hair are top notch. I have thin hair, and her haircuts have helped to give my hair volume and life! Highly recommended. read more

Jennifer is as good as it gets! She is an incredible stylist who never disappoints. Her salon is beautiful, private and peaceful. She always "gets it right", giving me a style that looks great and works for my lifestyle. She takes the time to get know her clients and is great at explaining how she will achieve the look you want. She is truly an artist. I highly recommend her! read more

I left the salon on Tuesday with my head spinning from hearing Jennifer say that I could come to love my hair. It was a thought that I had never pondered. Love my hair?! It was exciting to think about. My hair has always had a mind of its own. So how was I going to love its unruliness? Well, Jennifer, the hair whisperer, understood my hair and I now love it. I can now decide how I want it to look. She has shown me so many ways to wear it and how to care for it to keep it healthy. Everyone deserves to go to Jennifer. She is super smart, intuitive and knowledgeable about hair, creative and an all-around amazing person. I am so glad to have found her! read more

first I just want to echo everybody else - Jennifer gave me the best haircut I have ever had - and as I am 63 years old thats alot of cuts. The best practitioner to see for anything in my opinion is one who is caring and who loves their work - Jennifer fits the bill and is way fun to talk to as well!! I would call her a hair artist - my hair turned curly after menopause as well as dryer and for 10 years now I have been trying to find someone to do what I was envisioning Jennifer takes the time to listen to what I want but also very ready to offer suggestions a great combo! She checks in all along the way as she cuts and offers oodles of options - she also explained why all my colorings have ended up with more red than I wanted and says she can fix that - after a stellar first cut I can hardly wait to see what she will do with the color! read more

I've never had a salon experience like I have at Ashira. Jennifer Brass takes time, asks questions and REALLY listens to what you're about and what you want! And....she really cares. She's an exceptional stylist and colorist. The first time I saw her my hair was not in very good condition and I wanted to let it grow. Jennifer cut and colored my hair, and recommended non-toxic, gentle products. After two visits I now have healthy, curly (which I didn't realize until I had the right cut) hair. She's the only one in her salon, which makes for a very relaxing, peaceful and fun experience. If you want a great cut, healthy hair without toxic products and a stylist who actually hears you, this is the place to go! I forgot to mention what a phenomenal personality Jennifer has....go see her! read more

The thoughtfulness that went into the aesthetics of the salon space itself is the same that Jennifer gives every cut, every client. She is generous with her time, attention and insights. She keeps a profile on her clients' hair, asks for feedback on how the cut does over time and brings such knowledge, experience and flexibility to her work that every visit/cut gets better and better. She's a keeper! And the fact that the salon is non-toxic is key. I started with Jennifer while pregnant, brought my baby along when I couldn't find childcare (did I mention flexible?!) and trusted her with my 8 year old daughter's cuts. And emotionally too: big changes for my 8 year old - first it was first-time bangs, and later long to short style (plus hair donation) - and Jennifer was so tuned in and encouraging (and listened to a child the same as an adult). She offers tea and comforts to make you feel at home. I just can't say enough. read more

It's been nearly 11 years since I found Jennifer--and my whole perspective of getting my hair cut changed. I used to think of having my hair cut and highlighted in the same way I would an appointment with my dental hygienist--something to tolerate and check off the list of things to do. During my first appointment those many years ago, Jennifer immediately changed my opinion on this subject by offering a truly personal, spa-like experience in the unique, private space at her salon. She takes into account your needs and your style while working with you to give you hair that looks and behaves better than before. I came to her originally through Locks of Love and have stayed these many years because I can't imagine another person besides Jennifer collaborating with me to bring out the best version of my hair. Having an appointment with her means meeting up with a good friend who happens to be the most talented hair stylist I've ever met. The earth- and hair-friendly products she endorses--and has supported for longer than it's been a trendy thing to do (she's a leader in this way among others!)--are icing on the cake. If you're fortunate enough to be able to get an appointment with her, even if it's a ways out, it's worth the wait. Your hair will thank you for years to come! read more

Jennifer Brass is a lovely, conscientious business owner whose commitment to and knowledge of non-toxic hair products makes her salon a real standout for those of us who are trying to avoid harsh and dangerous chemicals. She is a delight to spend time with and I always enjoy my conversations with her. She has also been giving me the best haircuts of my entire life (my hair isn't easy) and the color is gorgeous. (Jenn is also willing to work with me to find an at-home color blend that I can use on my roots between salon visits.) She can also recommend good, non-toixic hair products, many of which she sells in her salon. One thing that may take getting used to if you are used to a "factory-style" hair salon: Jennifer works at her own pace, and leaves lots of time to discuss and plan your color and cut. But if you embrace the process and relax into it, you will not mind the additional time it takes. I wouldn't go to anyone else.... read more

Jennifer is a true hair artist! She has been cutting my hair for over 20 years, and is an expert in cutting many different hair types (mine happens to be fine). I love the nontoxic hair color Jen uses, which adds volume, texture and shine. Ashira Salon is a beautiful, relaxing space, and after a cut, color and amazing scalp massage, I always leave there feeling pampered and refreshed! read more

I found Jennifer Brass on YELP and so glad I did. Jennifer is a true artist, and really wants to create a hairstyle that works with your life and your vibe. She turned my flat, uninspired mousey hair into a real cut, with body and lift. She taught me some simple tricks on how to get some volume into my hair and months later, I am still loving my haircut and feeling like a different (prettier!) person because of it. I'm a busy mom and have no time to work on how I look, and Jennifer really helped me start caring just a little bit more- so now I spend 3 extra, very strategic minutes in the morning to look like a human being and not a tired mom who has given up on her appearance. It was not just a haircut, it was like a life makeover. Can't wait to go back- I already booked out my haircuts for the rest of 2014. Word to the wise, Jennifer is REALLY busy and books far in advance, so plan ahead if you can. Oh by the way, she is extremely reasonably priced for what she does. read more

I'm another amazed fan of Jennifer. Like others, I can truly say I got the best haircut of my life. After years of feeling disappointed with my hair and various different styles, Jennifer transformed it in one session! It's not just the cut: she gave me a completely new system for looking after my hair, which is nourishing it and making it look healthier than ever before. She takes hairstyling to a whole new dimension I never even thought was possible. read more

Jennifer is very nice, takes time asking questions about what you want. I was treated very nicely, however, that doesn't mean she is a good stylist. I had a really bad haircut. She did not know what to do with my hair as she thought. It was the worst experience I ever had. If you still decide to go there, don't park along the road. it is 90 min limit. since she takes time asking questions, you might end up getting a parking ticket. That's how I got the ticket. read more

I used to live in the Washington D.C. area before moving to the East Bay area, and I was badly in need of a good hair stylist after a first very bad experience in another Berkeley hair salon. Then I got lucky to find Jennifer Brass, more than one year ago, and she is definitely IT. She is the perfect hair stylist that knows her business so well and thoroughly explains to you everything regarding your head, that you feel in the right place. Not a single time did I feel unhappy at the end of the whole process. The highlights are beautiful. Jennifer's cut on dry hair works so well on my short, fine hair. I always get out of Ashira Salon not only with a new state-of-the-art hairstyle, but with a warm, relaxed feeling of well-being. Everything in Jennifer's place -- from the natural hair products, to the interior design, to the very convenient location -- tell the story of a very well-run business in harmony with people, nature and beauty. read more

Jennifer has given me the best haircut of my life and has transformed my relationship with my hair. She is an artist and scientist: she found the shape and pattern that my hair naturally wanted to take. I used to hate my hair. It was limp, awkward, thin and difficult to style, and all attempts to grow it long failed. I washed and dried it every 2 days. Post cut, I haven't touched a hair dryer since and it is voluptuous, sexy, healthy and easy to manage (on average I spend about 90 seconds styling my hair, and it looks better than any professional styling I've ever had). Not only do I love the way my hair looks, now I never worry about the time it will take to wash or style my hair - I know it will look great drying just as it does. Jennifer is a terrific listener who really takes the time to create a hairstyle that reflects who you truly are. It really is a life changer in terms of confidence, not to mention the time, money and hassle. I was so thrilled with the cut that I sent my husband, and he too, after decades of hair issues, is absolutely thrilled with his new cut that truly reflects his nature. I also love the organic and safe products Jennifer uses. read more