Experiencing a cut and style by Michelle is not only transformative, more than that, it is truly therapeutic. She manages to bring out my sparkle and I leave feeling so uplifted! I've seen a lot of stylists over the years and no one compares. I always come back to Michelle. She's simply the best! Thank-you Michelle! read more

It's a treat to get your hair done at barberella. Michelle is professional and caring. Listens. Loved my cut. So convenient right on solano. Highly recommend read more

It's been about 3 and 1/2 years since I started going to Barbarella and no other hairstylist besides Michelle touches my hair! Lol Seriously though... Michelle is such a kind hearted, patient, creative artist who clearly enjoys her craft. During my appointments I always feel so cared for and come away with the cutest haircuts ever!!! She's the best!! :) read more

The owner of Barbarella is an artist. Her cuts look good from day one until the next appointment. My hair grows out so beautifully. I honestly have no idea how she does it. read more

I had a horrible with this sylist Terry in the Barberella saloon today. I went in there without an appointment and she was available so I thought it would be ok to trust the business since I had great expereinces before with other stylist in the same business. She showed me a few pictures and we decided in between two images, but when she started cutting my hair with raiser closer to scalp I had to stop her and as soon as I mentioned you're cutting too much and I like my hair to show a bit longer, she shut me down and said she's not going to have her client tell her what to do. She kept cutting my hair like a man's hair cut. I feel ugly and disappointed about this whole expereince. I hope no one ever have to go through something like this ever again. read more

Michelle at Barbarella is the bomb! She is highly skilled with technical color and high/lowlights of wanna-be-blondes who are getting on in age. She also knows how to coax/encourage minor changes to a steady hair style that make a real difference, a bit of a modern edge, plus terrific how-to tips on how to blow out, curl, for special events. Going to her salon on Salono is a pleasure. Bonus when her lil pup sits on your lap! Support this woman-owned and operated business - you will be glad you did. And make a day of it on your own Solano stroll. read more

As a Black woman, so careful to not damage my natural curls. Great at highlights. So gentle, honest, and she keeps a book to document clients' coloring journey read more

Came here for the first time last night and was highly impressed throughout the whole process. My hair was a variety of different shades due to growing out through different stylists coloring it - some greys, some highlights, a lighter band and a darker one. I knew it was going to be a process, but Michelle was up for the task! We first worked on correcting the worst of the dark bands, and then added color and pizazz to the rest of it to make me look like a gorgeous human again. The whole process took three hours, but I'm not surprised given where it was to what it became! Michelle and her husband were both very accommodating. The shop is really cute and totally relaxing. After almost four years of scouring the Bay Area (at least SF, Oakland, Daly City, and Berkeley), I think I've finally found my hair's new home. Can't wait to see what fun Michelle comes up with in the future! read more

Michelle is a true artist, a sculptress of the highest order with that razor in her hands. It's a delight to be in her capable hands. And in her presence. I'm a huge fan. read more

I called last minute to see if someone could French braid hair, AND lucky me, they got us in! Sofia was amazing and quick. She did 4 incredible braids for an event. Everyone at the salon was friendly and the place had a great vibe about it. (they were also rocking a great playlist!). read more

Barberella Beauty Lounge - French and dutch braids - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I got my hair cut and dyed at Barbarella by the talented Heather. I live in Fremont but could only trust the colors to be done in Berkeley. And I decided to go with this place thru reading yelp reviews and price comparing w/ one other salon that wasn't as well known about doing funky colors. The salon was able to accommodate a same-day appointment and was forthright with pricing and timing. She even adjusted the original quote after the bleach part took shorter time than expected. I went in with a picture and she pretty much nailed it. She was friendly, professional, and very helpful w/ dye color maintenance tips. It was 3-hrs well spent. I love the results! read more

Barberella Beauty Lounge - Heather nailed it! Luv. - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love this place. I work nearby and duh ,what could be better than to steal away for a mid morning or mid afternoon haricut and color! TImony is great and so are the rest of the crew. You might have to plan ahead as they get booked fast! read more

I've been following Mitzi since she started her career and she's one of the only people I trust with my locks. She's cognizant of my personal style and always works with me when trying to decide on a new 'do. I'm very picky when it comes to my side-swept bangs and Mitzi's cut them perfectly, EVERY time. More recently, we decided to go with a shorter edgier bang, and I'm totally rockin' this new look!! She's uber creative and talented - trust me - you won't be disappointed. You won't find any pretentiousness at Barbarella - expect only a very cool and inviting environment, with good music, GREAT stylists with a gang load of talent, and an overall chill vibe. They offer a full range of services, including hair extensions and even spa treatments like facials and waxings. Complimentary beverages and aromatherapy shampoo & conditioning treatments are the perfect way to start your day of transformation at Barbarella Beauty Lounge! read more

This review is long overdue. Sometimes it is hard to find the time to sit down and write a review but this place totally deserves it. The stylist I saw at this salon was Mitzi. She. Is. Awesome. From the mild to the wild she can do it all and she does it well. I don't think I have ever had as many compliments on my hair as when she did it. I saw her for cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, and tape-in extensions. I like to play with my hair and change it up from time to time and she was always great at listening to me and and at offing her artistic advice. Sadly I no longer live in the area or I would still be going to her. read more

There are local businesses that I support and love and businesses that I feel I would be lost without. I've been a client at Barberella Beauty Lounge for 16 years. When I walk in, it feels like a home away from home. I feel that Michelle gets me and what I do for work and has helped me evolve my hairstyle to express who I am at the moment and still be professionally appropriate. She has helped me with a few self imposed hair emergencies which I won't discuss in too much detail (I dyed 1/2 my hair purple and had to work the next day) I always feel great after a cut and color with Michelle and the whole experience, the art, the flowers, the casual unique vibe of this salon just fits. Barberella is a true gem-if you are looking for a new hair home.. highly recommended! read more

This is a gorgeous salon with great, friendly atmosphere. I see Sophia for trims and she's fantastic! The salon is also home to Bloom Facial Rejuvenation. I see Eileen for my skincare and she's amazing! The space is beautiful and they also carry an awesome product line called Eminence which I love. I've tried three different products so far and absolutely love them all! I highly recommend both Barberella and Bloom! read more

I have gotten my hair cut twice here. Sophie does a really good job. It's a bit pricy, but I guess that paying Berkeley rent is tough for a small business. Paid meter street parking, so take your bike, if you can. read more

I got victory rolls put in my hair by Michelle (I think that was her name?) Back in May for my nursing school graduation. She was awesome!!!! They looked beautiful!! She really took the time to make sure I liked them and asked my opinion on placement and size of rolls etc. And she made them fit around my grad cap perfectly! I got so many compliments on them. Will definitely return next time I need an updo style. read more

Barberella Beauty Lounge - Love my victory rolls!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Michelle is an absolutely amazing human being... and stylist/colorist! She took my hair from bleached, blue, and purple to a beautiful crimson red. Her attention to detail and her care for her customers (and their hair) is like none I have ever experienced. It was a delight to let her take my hair into her hands and see her transform it from dry and dull to soft and brimming with rich color. I will always go back to her! read more

The greatest thing about having spent 1600 excruciating hours in beauty school is that now I am fully qualified to perform almost all of my own beautification rituals myself. And in this economy, that is a good thing. You have no idea how much money I save arching my own brows, coloring my own hair, waxing my own pu-- AW HELL NO. Some things are best left to professionals. And by professionals, I mean someone whose hair removal experience extends beyond the lone waxing of a prickly old lady lip at Bjorn's Hairstyling Academy, performed for the sole purpose of fulfilling the scant number of hair removal credits required by the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. In other words, I don't trust myself with my own crotch. I do, however, trust the lovely and talented Rachel at Barberella. She's so fabulous. Immaculate, meticulous, smart, and sweet. With a sure hand and a gentle touch, Rachel always leaves me hair-free, silky smooth, and vaguely scented of organic apricot oil from Hungary. Hungary! Magyar lofasz pride! And even though I tend to wait A LONG TIME in between my waxings, Rachel never complains about the extra work or tells me how unattractive it can be for a lady to be too dense in the forest (TM my mother). read more

Had my first fantabulous cut here by Aaron (if I remember correctly) almost three years ago. Imagine my sadness when she told me she'd be moving to Texas in another month. I went back two more times and had just-as-good cuts by two other hairstylists, despite my vague instructions ("I want an edgy punk rock cut, but something that can also look somewhat normal since I work at a law firm"). They also have great organic shampoo and conditioners here that cost an arm and a leg but are the best head washers I've ever tried. Why minus two stars? This is for the bitch behind the counter I've had to deal with on a few different occasions. The process of scheduling an appointment was painful since she would scoff everytime I suggested a time within two weeks from the date I would call her. Yes: I get you are busy. But, no: you don't have to be an eff'ing bitch about it. Yes: I am trying to schedule an appointment after 5:30 PM, just like everyone else who works from 9-5. It's tough. But, (still) no: You don't have to be an eff'ing bitch about it. The final straw was when I happened to be walking by the shop around Christmas and I decided to drop in and see if they had anything available before Christmas (this was the beginning of the December, maybe two days in). She gave me the "Are you crazy?" look, barely glanced at the calendar, then said, "We don't have any appointments available until January." No thanks. Now I go to Glam-a-rama. And they're awesome. And: nice! read more

These people are as sweet as sweet can be, and this salon is the rare intersection between down-home and professional. No snobs, but no crappy cuts rendered while your stylist is on the phone, either. This place is beautiful, warm, friendly, and everyone I encountered there was great at her job. Timmony gave my long, fine-but-abundant hair possibly the best layers it has ever had. I was actually thinking of chopping my hair into a bob before my visit here, but I decided to give long hair one more chance, and I'm glad I did, because Ms. Timmony is very skilled and professional, and is a lovely person to boot. Here is my biggest self-disclosure about this place, however. I am an XXL lady who is very much into style and self-presentation and is not so into perpetually lamenting or apologizing for my size. Many salons a) treat the big ladies like crap; or b) assume that because one is a big lady that one does not care about the excellence of one's haircut. I'm mellow and all when appropriate, but his fat girl is SO not interested in a sad version of a Jennifer Anniston cut, circa 1994 for $70, no I am not. And that's not what I got. I got a freaking great, amazing, Amanda P custom cut by Timmony. Wonderfully, Barberella treated me no differently than any of their other clients. Most impressively, Mitzi invited me to change into a gown, and I asked "Do you have bigger gowns?" She replied, with absolutely zero discomfort or judgment, "I think they'll work, but if not, just skip it." Problem solved, professional, compassionate, no big deal. I ramble on, but truly, this type of excellent treatment is rare. Patronize these folks and keep their business going strong! read more

Way back when I was young and cool I had cute short hair usually dyed some fun color(s). Michelle was my stylist then and she always did such a great job. She gave me pink hair, purple hair, pink and purple striped hair, tye dyed looking hair. I was constantly stopped by people saying 'I dontl like dyed hair but I like yours'. Michelle is the master (mistress) of modern cool. Eventually business drove me towards a more professional look and I moved on to a stylist that wouldn't tempt me to go back to my glory days of a pink crop. Fast forward a zillion years and I am turning 40 AND a new mom. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled with how I look right now, but really don't have the time to do anything about it. So, I decided the least I could do was cut off all my hair. I went to a fancy shmancy cost-a-fortune stylist that used to do a great job on my long flowing locks and discovered he's good at long but pretty much sucks at short. So there I was closing in on forty looking fatigued, fat AND sporting a bad haircut. I was not a happy Lise. Then I remembered Michelle. 'Oh that was so long ago', I thought. 'Can I really go back? I don't wanna look 40 but I REALLY don't want to look forty trying to look twenty' Eventually I made the deal with myself I can get the cut but not the color. Luckily the receptionist at Barberella agreed with me - I could book a cut but Michelle was booked up for ages for color. The reunion was a happy one. It was great catching up with Michelle and friends in common (her daughter is adorable!) AND my hair looks fabulous. It suits my face, is easy to care for, and has a slight edge without making me look like a wannabe. Pretty much everything I asked for. Best of all, it is now so short my little angel can't get a good handful no matter how hard she tries. Thanks Michelle! read more

I really wanted to like it here. It's so close to my house I can walk, the women are quite nice, they offer complimentary beverages and the shop is very hip. Unfortunately I got a terrible cut here. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough on what I wanted. My main request was that I have a round face so please don't make my head look like a ball. Alas I came home looking very much like a ball. A ball with short, uneven bangs. I wondered if maybe I was overreacting and actually had a cut that was hip beyond my comprehension. My husband and family assured me this was not the case. I called back for a recut and she couldn't get me in for almost 2 weeks! So $70 poorer and looking like a blind person cut my hair, I decided I'd stick to Panache, even though it's a wee bit further away. If you try this place out be specific on what you want and if you feel the cut's going south, ask for more complimentary beverages, it'll make you feel a little better. read more

Wow, what a great place for a cut and color! I had my hair done by Heather, who was fantastic. She did a very cute A-line bob on me and recommended a really nice hair color (an auburn brown). I can be very picky about my hair and rarely leave a hair salon liking what I get, but I have to say that I absolutely love my cut and color! Cut and color combined took about 2 hours and cost $130, which is less than I am used to paying. The place is very funky and the staff is incredibly nice. The other customers seemed comfortable enough to be chatty with each other. Great overall experience! Would highly recommend! read more

Barberella is hands down the best Salon I've been to in the entire Bay Area. It may be the only fun and hip salon that doesn't ooze pretension or look down on you for not wanting a faux-hawk. They have a great atmosphere with funky red walls and some of the stylist's artwork up. The receptionist is always friendly and helpful even when I have to change my appointment several times. All of the stylists seem great and I've seen them do some amazing work with extensions and color. My hair is one big cowlick and has always tripped up stylist. Shiori actually loves my funky waves and works to incorporate them instead of hiding them or just chopping them off. She is patient and actually listens to my concerns. I completely trust her. She also has a ton of great books to browse through for unique and beautiful hair ideas. Most importantly, I love the fact that she cuts my hair so that it grows out well. Most high-end salons used to purposely cut my hair so that I need to return for a "clean-up" in 3 weeks. I visit Shiori every 7 weeks and could probably even go longer. The aesthetician on staff, Rachel, is great. She has me covered for all of my waxing needs and eyelash tints. She even offers facials with amazing organic products. It's usually not a problem to get in for an emergency brow fix. Update! I wasn't so happy about a little weirdness that my hair was experiencing so I called up for a mid-cut clean up. The receptionist Tracy let me know that they have a 2 week clean up policy. So if you're not happy with your cut you can come back in for a fix with out charge! Amazing service. read more

Mitzi is the best! I got the cutest hair cut today. I have two kids, and I mostly pull my hair into a ponytail and feel gross.... but Mitzi gave me an awesome bob and brought some glam into my soccer mom life. I will be going back for sure! Thanks! read more

No one but Timmony will ever be allowed to touch my hair! I've been going to her for more than 2 years and she's seen me through everything I've put my hair through -tons and tons of heat damage. I've got a ton of hair and she's always up for the challenge of doing something new and spending more than 2 hours on me and making sure I truly like my hair and chat with me about everything. I love the atmosphere of the salon; wide variety of people and not pretentious. The products they offer are great. The art installations are also a plus. Overall the atmosphere makes you feel like part of the family. Even though I've moved away from Berkeley I will still make the drive - it's well worth it. read more

Wow! Did I really just walk in and get a great haircut with no fuss?!? Yes!!! And now I'm home reading through reviews and feeling so fortunate to have been paired with Shiori. Good timing. Must have been fate. I felt a little funny asking for such a demure cut in such a stylish salon. But I'm a super low maintenance girl who just wanted a great cut. Shiori listened to my hair issues and gave me exactly what I asked for. She didn't try to talk me into anything and I didn't get pressured into buying products that I wouldn't know what to do with. Although I haven't colored my hair in years, I'm extremely tempted to let her work her magic now that I've looked through all of the fantastic photos. I'd post my sexy cut, but I don't want to make you readers jealous;) Thanks Shiori!! I'll be back... read more

I needed a last minute appointment before I went away on vacation. Calling all the stores I could, Barberella was the only one that could fit me in. I read reviews online so I knew it would be a little pricey, but I was SO HAPPY with the results. I got paired with Shiori and she was absolutely one of the best hair stylists I've ever met. She has such a calm and soothing presence that made the 4 hour haircut and dye job ordeal much more less painful that I was anticipating. Shiori really listened to what I wanted and completely understood how I wanted my hair styled. I wasn't afraid to speak up if I was concerned about something (as I usual do during past haircuts). And Shiori made me feel so comfortable, promising we would go back and fix anything if I wasn't happy with the end results. My hair dye job was excellent as well. Only required one bleach job and maybe 20 minutes of letting the dye set before washing it off. Will definitely come back. Thanks Shiori! read more

I grew up with Mitzi and had the pleasure of receiving a wash, cut and style this afternoon. I'm not much of a yelper, however after my service today, I just had to yelp about how satisfied I am. Hands down, I've never been so satisfied with my hair cut! Not only is she welcoming & personable (and kept great conversation the whole 1 hour and 15 minutes spent in the salon), she took her time cutting my hair and styling me. Normally my cuts (from other places) end up being shorter than what I desire and I'm left with a style that requires some fixing when I get home. Mitzi gave me just the length I wanted and I'm at home hoping that my style lasts these next few days before a wash is needed! My experience was well worth my money and commute! I look forward to my next visit with Mitzi as well making future plans on booking her as my hair stylist for my wedding day! read more

Called for an appointment after my Boss referred me to Mitzi. Receptionist was sweet, and found me a great appointment. Only had to wait a week. They called again 24 hours before hand to remind me about my appointment. I didn't answer, so they left a message. They brought me some hair books and a cup of water while I waited. They also got a Coke for my boyfriend. All of the ladies are sweethearts, and very colorful. Mitzi listened carefully to me and how I wanted my hair. I found a good picture in one of the books they gave me, too. She was wonderful and held great conversation. She even referred me to a tattoo artist! My hair turned out just the way I wanted it. I even get two complimentary Bang touch-ups whenever I need them. read more

I came to Mitzi at Barberella after a terrible haircut at another salon, so I was a little gun shy. I didn't need to be though! Mitzi really listened to me and gave my hair the revamp it needed. The price was reasonable and she used great products that made my hair super shiny. I never consider buying product from salons, but honestly I might have to because my hair looked awesome for two days after my cut and style. They had super cute hair clips at the desk also-I left with cute flower pins for my hair. We also discovered our shared love of flea markets--I will definitely be coming back to see her. Thank you Mitzi! read more

My usual hairstylist in the city is out of the country for an extended period of time. I HAD to get my bangs trimmed so badly. I just couldn't wait, so I looked on Yelp and read the recommendations for Barberella and decided to call them. Michelle was able to see me the same day. I was nervous about going to a new place and seeing a new stylist just for my bangs because I have had very bad experiences in that department. However, right when I walked in, I was greeted with smiling faces all around. I met Michelle and she proceeded to talk to me about what I wanted and spent SO much time carefully trimming my bangs then would ask what I thought. She'd then trim a little more here and there as needed. She was SO nice, careful and really listened to me. The result is the best bangs trim I have had in YEARS. I kid you not. I'm definitely going back! read more

Barberella, how do I love thee, let me count the ways... 1. Friendly receptionists. 2. Talented, attentive stylists. 3. There is free parking close by. 4. Fun atmosphere and great music always playing. 5. They serve beverages (like tea and stuff). 6. They use great products. This is the place to go if you want an amazing hair style. I have seen Michelle three times now and she is super attentive and creative when it comes to her client's haircuts. I came in with a few different ideas of what I wanted and she was able to mesh them all together and come up with something super cute and flattering for me. Now I get stopped by strangers all the time complementing me on my hair. I love this place! read more

So, my stylist Anjela hath left ye olde Barberella... (Hencewhy I have dropped from 4 to 3 stars... paint those baseboards and it'll be back up to four, cross my heart). But, have no fear! She'll be at Remedy in Emeryville, my first appointment is in t-minus 3 days. Oh yes, you will hear all about it... read more

Applause for Timmony, beautiful stylist at Barberella!!1 My first impression, was seeing her cross the road to open up the salon at 8:30am and my first thought is, I want hair just like hers! Not only do I sing her praises for her very convenient early-morning appointment times for SF city working girls, but for the incredible layered sexy cut she gave me which has been a dream to style and keep-up! I had all-one-length long black/salt-pepper hair that was feeling and looking so tired...but after she was done with me, I walked into work and my entire team at work crowded around me, cooing and aw-ing as though I was a celebrity, just stepped out of a limo onto the red carpet! Timmony listened to my ideas, reviewed my magazine photos, made some suggestions, and went to work, the blow-dry style-out was also a gorgeous treat! I literally had a woman tell me that I looked 5 years younger with my new haircut! Thanks for the makeover and look forward to seeing her again!! read more

BBL has been in business for a few years now, and the business is good. Business is too good! I have to book my appointments about 3 months in advance (I usually book two appointment ahead). This is the best place to get your hair cut in the East Bay, hands down. Everyone with good hair in Berkeley goes to BBL. I've referred about 3 people there in the past year - all now regulars. Christine and Michelle operate this beauty lounge on San Pablo Avenue, right next to a popular strip of stores and food places (Sea Salt, Cafe Trieste, Good Vibrations, other boutiques). When you walk in to BBL you are instantly relaxed by the fabulous decor, funky music and enthusiastic welcome you receive from the staff. Then you notice how happy the customers are and how great they look. You get excited because you know you're next! The options are really quite limitless at Barbarella. Coloring, cuts, extensions, special occasion, etc. Michelle and Christine are very adept with extensions - most of the staff wears them in outrageous, bright colors. You will really be inspired to try something new at Barbarella. You can also have waxing/eyebrow/personal services done there. The salon is particularly proud of their Eufora product line and other organic products they carry from around the world. I love Barbarella. My hair loves Barbarella. read more

I love love them. I agree with Arela S. that Barberella is funky and fun without making me feel like a soccer mom dork. Christine does an awesome job with curly hair and treats me like she thinks I have the best hair in the world. I always leave with a bounce in my step... yes, even after forking over what I consider to be a ton of money for a haircut. And speaking of shelling out a ton of money, when the haircut is this good, I can go 10 or 12 weeks between cuts so I save money that way. read more

This place was absolutely phenomenal! I have very long, curly, thick hair and Sophia was my stylist. Having curly hair, I am always a bit nervous trying salons out because so many stylists will pull my hair straight and cut it way too short because once it dries, it kinks up. Sophia was very diligent and made sure that I didn't have that experience. She was constantly checking to make sure my curl wouldn't go too short and listened to my struggles with my hair, offering suggestions and tips along the way. The owners of the salon were very kind, warm, and welcoming as well. I got to chat with both of them and they made me feel very comfortable and relaxed while I was there. Would HIGHLY recommend these amazing people and their business to anyone in the Bay Area. read more