After 15 years in Gainesville I finally found a stylist that can totally understand what it is I want from various pictures, jargon, and sloppy hand gestures, LOL. Basically, Melanie gets it ! She loves what she does and she makes sure that you walk out looking like a star!!! I have driven to Jax, Miami, anywhere for a decent style -- NO MORE !!! The atmosphere is great and they really go out of their way for customers. Beach Break better hold on to Melanie !!! ( and the rest of the crew ;P ) read more

It took me about 30 minutes before someone could get to my appointment. Cala helped me with a complimentary consultation. She was amazing! She did a two process bleach on two strands of my black hair to see how far it would lift. I had a lot of questions/requests since my hair is permed and I wanted to dye it purple next. She gave me tips for coloring my hair and recommended some environmentally-friendly and good-for-you products. Unfortunately, they did not offer the hair dye I was looking for. The Paul Mitchell dye selection is limited for non-natural colors. I haven't gone back yet for a paid salon visit, but I definitely will next time I can! read more

Beach Break is my new go-to salon in Gainesville. The stylists here are friendly and detail-oriented. I've had Patty and Melanie cut my hair and each time I got exactly what I wanted! I love the Paul Mitchell tea tree products they carry in the store. Both stylists had recommendations to help improve the condition of my hair but not in a pushy or judgmental way. It's hard to beat the prices here - haircuts are only $45 and they have FREE BEER! I am totally sold on this salon and I will keep coming back from the great service, good prices and of course the beer! read more

I lived in Gainesville for 6 years and it took me 5 to find a place I could trust to cut it. Some places were good for my budget, but I didn't trust for more than a trim and others were over-priced and didn't wow me in any way. After I moved out by midtown, I decided to go to Beach Break Salon. I had seen that surfboard outside many-a-times, but never stopped in. I'm so glad that I did! I decided to cut my hair short after years of long hair and was a little nervous. Rachael did an amazing job and cut my hair exactly how I wanted it. Everything from the scalp massage to having my hair blow-dried was perfect. The staff are friendly and courteous. This is where I'll be going whenever I'm back in Gainesville and need my hair cut. Thanks Beach Break! read more

I'm always apprehensive about going to a new place to get my hair done. My stylist, Jamie, was super friendly and professional. She asked me about my hair, where I had it previously colored and if I wanted to make any changes to the color or just update where the color had grown out. She did a fantastic job of blending in the blonde highlights with my already highlighted hair. She used a toner to make it look even more natural and super shiny! I really enjoyed my time with her. She's very knowledgeable and is easy to talk to. Thank you for a great job! I'll definitely be back again! read more

This was the worst haircut EVER! Beautiful wavy/curly hair hacked off! Too expensive too. Please think twice before going to this salon. I'm beyond upset about this horrible haircut. I wanted to add that the owner contacted me and offered a fix or refund. I appreciate her customer service and efforts to make things right. read more

Great atmosphere! Waited a bit to see the hairstylists but she did a nice job of cutting my hair. A bit pricy

Mariah is THE best hair stylist. I made a last minute appointment and she didn't disappoint!! I asked her to just cut it all off. Mariah went above and beyond with the length and shape! I even got a complementary glass of wine The salon itself is located downtown on the cutest little corner, it was very clean and properly sanitized!! read more

Chelsea is amazing... terrific at highlights... perfect amount of blonde, listened to exactly what I asked for and was able to do it. Super cool salon with a great vibe and talented staff. I have had my hair done at numerous places all over the world and this was one of the best highlight jobs ever at the best price ever. I am super happy to have this salon here in Gainesville. I cant wait to go back! Thank you read more

Jess is amazing. Coming from South East FL, their services are not at all crazy expensive, especially taking into account the quality of their services/products. read more

Rebecca is simply wonderful. As is Melanie, their master barber/stylist. This is easily the best salon experience yet! My second visit here, and I wish that I could give 10 stars. Melanie is so accommodating and talented; I went in yesterday and asked for a "high fade" not knowing that the look I desired is called a "disconnect." I called in today and asked if she could trim me up to what I had pictured. Though FULLY booked with almost no break, she was willing to make the adjustment at the end of what must have been a grueling day. Instead of taking a breather when she had a cancellation, she called and invited me to come in. The skill and professionalism of Melanie and her colleagues is unparalleled. read more

I got my hair cut at a salon in Miami a few days prior and was unhappy with the sloppy results. Lindsey did an amazing job of salvaging someone else's mistakes, which is no easy task. She was really patient with me and helped me figure out what I wanted even though I wasn't quite sure myself. I was really happy with how she styled it and wish I would have let her cut my hair first. I also appreciated the refreshments when I first arrived. read more

Lindsey was so great!! My hair looks amazing after my partial blonde highlight. Definitely recommend her- so accommodations, helpful, knowledgeable and I look forward to going to see her again! read more

The staff was very nice and it's a very cute salon. However, I was very disappointed with the haircut I received. I asked for about 2 inches off and a little bit of layering, which is what I usually get at my salon back home. I have Asian hair, so it is finer, and I don't think the person I went to knew how to cut Asian hair because she was tentative on layering. The cut was also uneven on both sides. I went home a few weeks later to my normal hairstylist and he laughed at the cut, saying it was almost 1.5 inches shorter on one side than the other. read more

First time at Beach Break Salon and I am so happy! Will definitely be returning. Lenka did a great job with my hair cut and blow out. She was so sweet too. Great atmosphere and VERY reasonable prices. read more

DO NOT GO HERE FOR COLOR SERVICES. I dont even know where to begin with this mess of a hair salon. I first went in to get my hair dyed blue-black. During the consultation, the woman informed me I wouldn't have to lighten my hair (and quoted me $80 service). I was called the day before my appointment asking to either switch times or days because she had scheduled someone into my time slot and was worried she wasn't going to have enough time for both. I told her I couldn't do that because I was going home for the holidays and we stuck to my original appointment. However when I arrived the day of my appointment, I was told my hair would actually need to be lightened. No biggie, that was fine by me. Well the hair stylist then informed that she did not have enough time to lighten and color my hair and that I would need to come back a different day. I set this appointment up for this specific day because I was going home for thanksgiving the next day. I went ahead and Ok'd her to dye it without lightening it (clearly a mistake on my end), and well my hair was teal. not blue, not black, but teal. After she attempted to fix it with a toning, I was sent on my way (with wet hair because she "didnt have time to dry it"). For this service I was charged $160 -- $80 for the dye, $40 for the cut and dry, and another $40 to tone out the green (something that I should not have had to pay for because THEY screwed up and needed to fix it). Well I get home and dry my hair myself (which im already annoyed about because that was a service I PAID for), and see my hair is not only still green, but I had the most uneven hair cut of my life. I went back the next day to have the color and cut fixed by a different girl (who was super sweet and great btw) and everything seemed fine. Whatever dye they used is horrendous, it stains EVERYTHING. My hands have been tinted blue since that day, my phone case and watch straps are blue, literally everything I touch is blue -- and Nothing I use will get the dye off. Now, ive dyed my hair every color in the book and have never experienced such a dye transfers -- especially after a few washes!! Which bring me to my next point, I have washed my hair 4 or 5 times since the appointment, and to my dismay the blue is practically gone and now even the black is faded (yes, I even have been using the color protectant shampoo and conditioner and spray that THEY sold me -- which leaves my hair feeling greasy and unclean). My hair is now a mixture of brown black and teal strands and looks absolutely terrible and I'm on the verge of using a clarifying shampoo just to wash it all out. I will not be returning to this salon ever, and would give zero stars if I could (but I guess they deserve one star for having beer and wine). I spent upwards of $200 total on my hair that lasted maybe a week, for something I could have box dyed myself for $12 (which next time I will). $80 on a dye job (that turned out not to be what I wanted) $45 on a hack job of a cut and leaving with wet hair $35 on toning (again a service I did not want but rather needed to fix what they had already screwed up) $28 on color protecting shampoo/conditioner/spray that Had hardly kept the color in and leaves my hair still feeling unwashed $20 for a tip (which I really don't even know why I tipped the girl after she rushed my appointment to make sure she had time for the one after me and ultimately ruined my hair) I'm really so unimpressed with this salon and would never recommend any one to go here. I was not offered a refund of any kind other than for them to "fix it" and I wouldn't even say they did that much. read more

Beach Break provides an amazing salon experience! Ashley does a phenomenal job with my cut and color, and Annie gives me the most gentle and precise eyebrow waxes I've ever had. The quality of their work is definitely superior to anything I've ever encountered, and the laid-back atmosphere of the salon is amazing and unpretentious. They use Paul Mitchell and Dermalogica products exclusively, which is great for someone like me who wants high quality products from companies that do not test on animals. read more

Best haircut in Gainesville! Melanie did a great job! I have had 3 haircuts since moving here and finally found the best place! I called at the last second and she told me to come in right away. They offer you a free drink of basically any kind which is nice. Washed my hair twice to ensure I looked great out the door. Put in a great gel in my hair but didn't try to upsell me on it. (I purchased because of the lack of hard sell actually) The place is very relaxing with of course a beach theme. All the employees seem to get a long and was a very nice atmosphere! read more

I come here to get my eyebrows done and I never leave disappointed. It is a little pricey for just an eyebrow wax but the quality of the work is always to satisfactory. I can always call them and set up an appointment anytime during the week. Would recommend them to other people as long as they don't mind paying a little extra. read more

Super rude staff. Made an appointment two weeks in advance because i had a big event and they canceled it when i got there because they didn't have enough staff. I had heard great things about them and was extremely disappointed read more

I really like getting my hair cut here. I have been to more expensive barber shops and salons, but the service here is just as good. In particular, Melanie is amazing. She cuts my hair just the way I like. In fact, she helped me figure out what I like! Also, the music is usually pretty/vibe is pretty chill--except for when they play older country which is not what I want to listen to while getting a trim. read more

I've gotten both haircuts and special event hairstyling done here, each with a different stylist, and they have all been great! The people are friendly, and you get offered a drink too. Their prices are reasonable, especially for the time and attention you get. I most recently came in for a bang trim, which was complimentary. I called ahead and they said they could accommodate me if I don't mind waiting. I walked over and waited just about 10 minutes. Overall, this is a nice salon you want to visit! read more

I am extremely critical of hair places in this town. My first haircut in Gainesville was in 2007 at a chain salon and it was a nightmare experience. Since then, I've tried several salons and the experiences were mediocre at best-- most people wanted to straighten my hair and didn't know what the hell to do with thick, extremely curly hair. Then my best friend recommended Beach Break to me a few years ago and I have to say that they literally saved my hair. First things first, Becca is the shit. I have never had such a good experience with a hair stylist ever in my entire life. She is extremely knowledgeable, laid back, hilarious, and checks in with you throughout your hair cut to make sure you feel good about what's going on. And you can tell that this is a salon that loves its curly customers. I feel so comfortable with Becca's skills that I've literally walked in, sat down in the chair, and said, "Just fuck me up." I leave happy and with beautiful hair every single time. Bonus points for offering wine, beer, and sodas to their clients; being all-around queer-friendly; extremely reasonably priced; and having incredible skincare services thanks to Annie. You definitely need to schedule an appointment well in advance, but it's well worth the wait. read more

Quite possibly the best color--anywhere. Dustin treats color as a combination of chemistry and art. The result has been color I routinely get compliments on and questions about who does my color. He's also figured out the ideal length and cut for my hair. Can't recommend highly enough. read more

Rebecca did my highlights and did a fantastic job, and I'm very picky about my hair. The salon is welcoming and friendly, decorated in a beachy theme. It's a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, so they offer Paul Mitchell products. Rebecca is an official Paul Mitchell educator and is very knowledgeable about her field. It's very hard to find a salon where you enjoy the ambiance, your hairstylist and the price you pay for services. This salon rocks on all three!! read more

BEYOND HAPPY I found Jessica at Beach Break! Went in for color correction after a bad bleach job elsewhere. Jess added a shadow root and low lights, and bayalage to give dimension, as well as an amazing, flattering hair cut. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and made the time fly by. I am truly lucky to be a new client read more

I'm so upset I didn't know about Beach Break Salon sooner! The haircare and skincare I have received here is seriously amazing. I was lucky enough to have a friend tell me about the hair-extraordinaire Rachael. So far I've gotten a hair cut, color, up-do, and Keratriplex deep conditioning treatment with her and each experience was seriously great. Not only is Rachael super friendly and easy to talk to, she is extremely knowledgeable about all things hair and makeup. Each time I've gotten my hair done by her I've been very specific about what I wanted and Rachael always listened to me and would check periodically to make sure everything I wanted was happening. She even came in on a Sunday to do an up-do for me. After she was done we made sure everything was perfect before I left the salon. I have gotten so many compliments on the work Rachael has done with my hair. I just had my second facial at the Salon today with Annie. Annie seriously knows what she's doing and talking about. She's done this for many years and knows what works and what doesn't. She uses all Dermalogica products, which I really appreciate because I think they are so high quality. Annie charges by how much time you want/need with her, not on the specific facial you are getting which I think is really brilliant. I've had many facials at many spas and salons all over the country and I can say without hesitation Annie is the best. My skin looks and feels so healthy when she is done with it. Not to mention that it is by far the most relaxing facial I have ever experienced. The facial is done in a back room of the salon so, yah, there's some noise in the background but it really doesn't bother me at all. Annie is really generous with samples and recommends lots of different things that are inexpensive you could use for your specific skin needs. I will 100% be back for haircare with Rachael and skincare with Annie!! read more

After reading others' reviews, I went to Beach Break today to get my eyebrows waxed. The reviews were right: Annie is pretty much a goddess of brow waxing. Unlike my previous brow-waxing experiences at nail salons, my experience at Beach Break was as much consultation as it was procedure. Before Annie does anything, she asks detailed questions about any allergies or medications you're taking--VERY conscientious. And then, she carefully and expertly goes about her work, all the while keeping your preferences in mind (she even gives you a mirror to survey her work before, mid-way through, and after!). I walked out of the salon with perfect eyebrows, minimal redness, no irritation, and a firm intention to come back soon. Great day. read more

Initially, I looked this place up online because a salon that I wanted to go to earlier in the day did not have any openings. I booked a haircut appointment the same day. I came in 3 minutes late, but they were so nice about it. They offered me something to drink and was so welcoming the entire time. I showed Alex what I wanted as a haircut and he did an amazing job! I absolutely loved my hair. Before this haircut, my hair looked miserable, but Alex did not make me feel bad about it at all. He did a great job and I will definitely come back for another haircut in the future. read more

Came in with Lindsey today and she did just exactly what I asked for. I previously went with a lady and asked for layers and she did one hell of a mess. Lindsey fixed this for me. Not only did she cut my hair amazing but styled it so pretty !! And such a fair price ($45) for a wash, cut and blow dry. Loved everything. read more

I went last month and had a great experience! It was so great that I sent my roommate there a couple weeks later. I was going from a light light blonde to a brown/blonde and my roommate was doing what's known as an "ombré"? We both loved the way out hair turned out! I'm used to paying close to $200 for a cut and color, wash, and blow out and walked away paying substantially less! I would definitely recommend Cala, our stylist, to anyone looking for great service! read more

I discovered them through their work for collecting and cutting hair for UF's Relay for Life (Cancer fundraiser). My sister donated her hair and she has really thick hair that most stylists find difficult to cut and end up doing a poor job. But the Beach Break Salon took time and my sister ended up with the best haircut she's ever had! So I went and I loved it. I think it was Brandy(?) who did my hair. She was polite and methodical in cutting my hair. And it seemed like she took the time to get my hair cut just right. The service is great. The place is young, the people who work there are younger so I feel like they have an understanding of what younger clients want e.g. modern hair cut. read more

i had Alyssa and she was so amazing! not only is she so talented at hair, but she is also so fun to hang out with. she really changed the way i look at my hair and how confident i am in how i look. she also is keen on making sure she knows EXACTLY what you want. highly HIGHLY recommend her :) read more

The best salon experience I've had in a long time! I went in today to get my bangs fixed from a precious cut that didn't go so well. The woman who fixed me up was understanding and took the time to make sure everything looked perfect before I left. Better yet, she didn't charge me for it! It was such a kind gesture, it made my whole day. I definitely recommend this place! read more

One of the best salons I've been to! Dustin did an amazing job taking me from white blonde to a beautiful red! Not only was he super friendly but he also seemed excited for the service, which I loved! Dustin seems to have a full schedule but when my color fades he always finds a time to squeeze me in between his guests so I can always look great! THANK YOU Dustin! I will be back! read more

I LOVE this place. Tara is the best! She has fixed my hair disasters every time I've done stupid things to it, and that happens often. I always come out of there looking like a superstar. Moreover, she is very knowledgeable about color and cutting techniques, and if she doesn't know something, Becca and Brenda do! They're an awesome team and I wouldn't ever THINK of going anywhere else in Gainesville. Also, free flowing Landshark, wine, or coffee makes the experience even that much better. :) read more

Simply the best eyebrow wax in Gainesville. I miss Annie! She makes your brows looked Photoshopped in real life, with minimal pain. The salon itself is clean, relaxed, and pleasant. Can't recommend enough! read more

Katie is great! This place is awesome in general. Very impressive for Gainesville. I recently moved from Orlando where it took me years to find my go-to hairstylist. I called Beach Break based on a recommendation from a friend and they were able to book me the following day. Katie not only listened to what my old stylist did but was able to recreate the cut EXACTLY even though it's been over 6 months since my last cut. Also, she gave me a shampoo, cut (with bangs) and blow dry for what I used to pay for the cut alone. Very happy with the experience and will be returning again soon. read more

I went here and they did my color and cut amazing. I had box dye that was black and so hard to get off my hair in fact it was Henna which is impossible to get off unless you shave all your hair off. My hairdresser Calla did an amazing job she got my hair from black to brown and the brown that my hair originally was with some red hues, she also did a fabulous job cutting my hair. I would recommend this place to anyone they can fix any hair disaster :) read more

I made a Yelp account just to write this review. I was extremely apprehensive about going to a salon here because I've had access to top salons and none of them could produce the perfection Zoe did. I'm a college student so I usually wait and go home to get my hair done but have been let down so many times. After countless attempts to perfect my balayage, I was failed by top salons in Miami, New York, and San Francisco, but Zoe was able to fix my hair in two hours. She didn't stop until the color was perfect and was so confident throughout the process that she could fix my color. I've never been more comfortable or confident in a stylist before. I'm so grateful for her and will be going back for any hair needs that I have. I have been failed by very capable stylists in the past, spending hundreds of dollars so I'm incredibly grateful to have found someone that cares about her clients, is talented, and reliable. I'll never worry about someone messing up my color again. Don't waste your money elsewhere- go see Zoe. Check out her magic on instagram, this is how I found her: @zoebeddowhair read more