I'm a long time Oakland resident, and have been trying different stylist in the area, Diane has been the most tentative so far. I am an asian with wavy - big hair, and she was able to tend to my asks, I've gone to different asian places and they did not know what to do with my hair because I don't have flat, straight hair. Anyways, Diane is a small business owner that runs a small shop in the corners of Swan Market. We talked through what I am looking for in my hair cut, and she gave me inputs on how to manage my hair. She took her time to cut my hair and even offered me a 2 week touch up window as a new customer. It did take a 1.5 hours to do my hair (as oppose to my usual 45 mins), she likes to take her time with her work. I don't get my hair cut often, so she prob won't remember the next time I return, but I will likely go back to Diane for my next one - something that I rarely do for salons. read more

Diane is amazing! She really knows how to work a very thick and curly hair as mine! I went in traumatized from a previous hair experience somewhere else and she was just so kind and she really took her time with me. She really heard all my concerns and was so respectful of all my wishes and I left there finally loving my hair again! read more

Diane is truly the best at what she does! She is a hair magician. I have never been happier with the way my hair turned out. She is amazing! read more

Bay Vibrant Salon Studios - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Diane is incredibly talented with hair. I came with a messy bun, and no maintenance for my curly hair and trusted her with her direction. I left with a perfect haircut, great conversation, and an easy hair routine with suggested products and techniques. I have since washed my hair for the first time since Diane styled it (which is the true testament to a haircut) and it still has great volume, dimensions, framing and layers. I've had expensive deva cuts that don't come close to the magic Diane did! Thank you!!!! I am a returning customer from now on. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Diane. Not only is she knowledgeable and patient, but she goes above and beyond to ensure that you're happy when you leave her chair. I'm constantly getting compliments on my hair! Before she starts cutting and coloring she spent some time to ask me questions about what I wanted to do with my hair. She makes sure to let you know every step of the way what it is exactly that she's doing. Scheduling is super easy and I love that you receive text message reminders once you've booked an appointment and a reminder a day before your appointment. Diane is professional, down to earth, and easy to talk to. I always look forward to seeing her when it's time for a color touch up and haircut. read more

Diane is the most professional and sweet hairdresser I've ever come across. Absolute best hairdresser I've ever had! Diane listens to what I want without compromising the texture my hair. I have thin Asian hair and I was terrified of bleaching it because I was afraid it would become frail and frizzy. I now have a beautiful blonde balayage thanks to Diana. If you're thinking about booking with her, take my advice and DO IT. She will change your life. read more

Diane is the absolute best. She makes you feel like family from day one, and gives the best curly haircut around. Her haircuts grow out beautifully and will last months, but her sweet and fun personality will keep you coming back for more. read more

I love Diane's energy! She is very passionate about hair and takes really good care of her clients! I would definitely recommend anyone to see her for hair advice! read more

I love Diane. I have followed her over a 10 year period to several salons. I love Salon West, centrally located and easy to get to. Diane does a great job on coloring and dealing with hair that has its own ideas. She listens and makes suggestions. Give her a call! read more

Diane is truly a gifted stylist. She is a master at short hair cuts (I used to rock a long pixie) and was super supportive when I decided to let my natural salt and pepper color grow in. I have fine hair that is at least two different textures, so its not always easy to work with. Diane is also great at hearing what I want to do with my hair, or providing creative direction when I need it. Her personality is also fun and upbeat, we have the best conversations while I'm getting pretty. I have referred her to everyone I know, and now they all look amazing too. :) read more

Diane is THAT hair dresser that you follow wherever she goes! I feel like my hair can be all kinds of tricky, but it doesn't intimidate her. I've truly had the pleasure of rocking a few of her creations over the past couple of years. She's really good at having solid conversations about my wants and needs, consulting on my options, then she goes in. And every single time, I've walked away feeling brand new and confident ... and it never ever hurts to hear all the compliments that come with it! read more

I had the pleasure to work with Diane when we were both at Milk & Honey. When I left the business several years ago, there was only one person I trusted to do my hair and that was Diane. She is truly one of the most gifted stylists I have ever had the chance to work. It was an easy transition becoming her client. Every time I walk in the door, we will chat for at least 15 minutes before we even start to make sure we are on the same page. I will come in with an idea and then she will bring her creativity to the table. Every time I walk out the door, whether I am a redhead or a blond I absolutely love it. I even have people stop me on the street asking me who does my hair! She has a keen eye for color and her cuts never let me down. She knows I am a scaredy cat when it comes to cutting off my long locks and so she always cuts just the right amount off to get the split ends off, but not too much where I am longing for my locks back. Although I haven't ever been married, I have watched her creativity flourish with her detail to the brides that she styles. Her brides' updos are never one in the same and all of them could be on covers of magazines. She styles to the bride's personality, but most importantly she gives them what they envision. Truly an art! Finding a stylist that fits both your personality and never lets you down with what you walk out the door with is incredibly hard to find. You will find that in Diane Zelaya. She is one of the hardest working stylists I know and all of her clients are long timers because they know what they have in her. A true professional! read more

I have been Diane's client for over five years now. I have *really* long hair and by most accounts, it is also thick. Every single hair stylist I went to before Diane eventually said to me, "You know, I can sell you this color and you can do this yourself," because they didn't like dealing with my hair. Argh. Diane, however, has *never* made me feel unwanted. She has always greeted me with a smile, made pleasant but genuine conversation, and addressed all of my concerns about my hair. She's never pressued me into extra services or products, and she is responsive to my quirks. Hey, we all have quirks when it comes to our hair. Where other stylists took 3-4 hours to do my hair, Diane can color, wash, dry and style my hair in 2 hours. That may sound like a long time to you, but it is lightning fast for me! Three cheers, two thumbs up, and a resounding "Huzzah!" for Diane Zelaya! I am a loyal customer. You should be one, too. read more

Gentlemen...This gal knows how to make you look fly! D has been my stylist since I relocated to the Bay. She can cut, fade, and color you into next year's look! Not only does she slay with her clippers, she's amazing with just being real! Give her a shot. You won't regret it! ‍ read more

Just got back from my first haircut with Diane, and it was the best! Diane is kind, friendly, and funny, making me feel right at ease as soon as I came in. She took time to talk to me about what I was looking for with my cut, and showed me a few style ideas online. She was very knowledgeable answering my questions about which styles would be easy to maintain, and helped find a good direction for me. She was patient and careful with her cutting, and then did touch up cutting after washing/drying it. The whole time, I felt both like I was in expert hands and hanging out with a good friend. The icing on the cake was when the salon mascot dog, Never, joined us. Never is adorable and made my haircut experience even better than it already was. Thank you so much, Diane! I'm excited to come back to see you again :) read more

Diane is a master hair stylist. She provides expert hair cutting to this very picky curly girl. Also, my color is perfect. I know it's not complicated to color my hair but somehow she gets it right where others don't. Highly recommended!! read more

She's fantastic - truly can't say enough good things about her! After moving, I struggled for years to find a good hair stylist in the bay area. I finally found her through yelp - searching for someone who was good at cutting short hair styles for women. It's really tough to find stylists who know how cut women's short hair styles, especially cuts that allow for natural curl and body. Diane has the skill and ability to do it! I went to her with the most challenging circumstance - long hair with no shape or style and asked her to cut it short - so she wasn't just following an existing cut and shortening it. She had to create the style and she did a fantastic job! I haven't had this good of hair cut in a really long time. On top of that she's very nice! Chill vibe, and clean, serene salon. Highly highly recommend her! read more

Diane is AMAZING. Especially if you have curly hair or anxiety about hair color. =) I have both, and I've never been so happy with my hair or my stylist. She is an expert at dry cutting curly hair, and it really makes a difference. I had had disappointing color experiences in the past, but Diane proved that I can have beautiful lasting color and healthy shiny hair. On top of all that she's so fun to talk to -- after a few visits we started to feel like old friends. If you like talking movies, animals, food and travel, well you and Diane are going to have a lot to talk about! I recently moved away from Austin after 4 years, and I have to say it's REALLY HARD to leave Diane! I'll be lucky to find someone half as good in my new town. Thanks so much, Diane! I miss you already! read more

I love getting my hair done by Diane. My hair always feel so much lighter and so soft. I usually just get a haircut and a blow dry. I've been seeing Diane for 3 years and I love my experience every time. My haircut is always on point. read more

Fantastisch!!!!! I have been going to get my hair styled by Diane through her entire career. I have had several styles throughout the years and with every style I have been confident that I could pull it off. Diane is great with giving me styles that I can manipulate into 'fun and exciting' when I want to go out and switch it to 'clean and cut' when it needs to be professional. I like being creative with Diane and I listen to her advice and have let her guide me into styles that I may not have considered. She also is very attentive to her clients and follows exactly what they want. I have had fun throughout the years, adding a little color here and there and plenty of texture. I am confident in anything that Diane may suggest. Throughout her career, Diane has continued to grow her techniques by staying informed and continuing her education by attending classes all over the country. She is always on the cutting edge and her techniques will guarantee your satisfaction. Whatever kind of hair you may have, from thick to fine, from curly to straight, men or women's, Diane is great at what she does; A true authentic Austinite. read more

I've been going to Diane for 3+ years and she's the best! She always listens to what I want (even though half the time I don't know what I want), gives me solutions for my hair issues, and I leave feeling great. Diane is so easy to talk to, the time passes quickly - should call her Dr. Diane since she listens to me venting She's talented and is always learning. You won't regret booking with her!! read more

Diane is awesome. I have been her client for 4 Years. She listens each time I come in and I always get compliments on my hair

Diane specializes in curly hair, but she takes great care of those of us whose hair is straight and has no body. D listens, asks questions and makes suggestions and I feel great when I walk out the door. She also does a great job with color. Personality wise, Diane is a great with customers. She is outgoing, bubbly, down-to-earth and never aloof. Sometime hair stylists become snobby and make it clear that you aren't worthy of their services because you don't walk in looking model perfect. Not Diane -- she is warm and accepting -- and wants you to feel great about how you look. My appointments with Diane are time spent with a good friend -- who just happens to be cutting my hair. read more

When I moved to Austin 3 years ago I was nervous I wouldn't find a hairdresser that was good for me without getting a few bad cuts and color first. Someone recommended me to Diane and I felt lucky to find someone right away that does the cut and color exactly what I am looking for. She has taken me from brunette to blonde to red and recently back to blonde, all looking great! My haircuts have always been exactly what I wanted while also being honest with me about things that look good with my skin and hair texture. She is also really funny too, which is important when you are sitting there for 2+ hours! read more

Diane is wonderful. I have not trusted anyone else with my curly hair since I first met her several years ago. She is very friendly and fun to chat with at each visit, and I leave the salon with a fabulous cut every time I visit. Diane is always willing to offer useful styling and product tips. I often wait longer than I should between visits due to my busy schedule, but Diane always manages to shape my out-of-control curls to leave me with much more manageable hair. read more

Diane is excellent! I admit that I have been going to her on and off for the past few years, but that has nothing to do with her and everything to do with me with life change circumstances from time to time, etc. But of all the hairdressers I've been to in Austin or anywhere, Diane is consistently the best. I always, always get a terrific haircut with her- always. She is very imaginative and creative while also being practical- she has this capability of making my hair as cute as possible without crossing the line into anything that involves maintenance. She is a curly girl dream...where others have complained about cutting my fine, thick, wurly hair she seems to relish it- a real challenge that she just sinks into and it shows. She takes great pride in her work, is a really nice person, is incredibly skilled and talented and to top it off her rates are really reasonable for the quality. Who could ask for more? read more