STEPH JUDGEMENT: A small, welcoming, immaculately clean salon. I followed my stylist Stephanie here from Envy Beauty Studio when she closed that place down, and I'm so happy she landed in such a cool spot. I was early (as usual) and helped myself to their Nespresso machine with all kinds of coffee options as well as variety of creamers while I waited. It's a super-clean salon, including the bathrooms. There are only two stations in here so it feels very cozy and intimate. The area outside the salon is nice as well, next to the beautiful and historic Lafayette building. If you're looking for great stylists in the downtown area, Stephanie and Valerie are super-experienced and friendly! read more

This is the cutest hair salon owned and operated by the kindest, sweetest, most talented woman! Valerie has 20+ years of experience. She listens to your ideas and concerns and then brings your vision to life. She is by appointment only, so you can feel good about not having to share your time with another client. That was one thing that I didn't like about other stylists I went to. They would work on 2-3 clients at once, which is always a recipe for disaster, especially when you're getting your hair colored. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Valerie. She does amazing work and is a great conversationalist, which made the time fly by! read more

Stephanie is a wonderful person and hairdresser. I have had her cut my hair for 20 years. read more

Bolt salon is a hair haven. The vibe in her salon is chill and positive. Val is such a talented colorist. I was afraid of doing color again after a major skin reaction from my last color a couple of years ago at another place. Val took my anxiety seriously and offered an option that would ease my, now virgin hair back to color. She made the process stress free and the color turned out lovely! I have been coming here for a couple of years now and have always had a great experience. Val is very skilled and she's also just a wonderful human being. Although I haven't needed it, I just learned that Val is doing SMP (scalp micro pigmentation) for folks who have hair loss. It's an awesome service for anyone who wants a fuller look. read more

Valerie has taken care of my hair color for a decade and she's never disappointed! We've gone from dark brown to the most beautiful balayage to Targaryen silver to legit Little Mermaid. People stop me on the street or out and about to compliment my hair color. Valerie is truly a master. She also actually cares about the health of my hair! Too many photos of hair over the years to post! read more

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Valerie is the BEST. I found her when I was between stylists (I have only had about 8 people cut/color/style my hair in my entire life) and was looking for someone who was an exceptional colorist. Valerie is super sharp, listens to her clients, and (I really admire this) is very adroit at deciphering what you want and will make you look amazing from what you *think* you might want. Which is not to say she foists her view on you...it's more like she senses when you're unsure and asks you the right questions to help you figure out what you really want. She is also gives a great cut, a great style, and offers such engaging conversation that your time in the salon just flies by. Valerie is madly talented and madly fun! I have the utmost respect for and am genuinely fond of my stylist as both a person and a professional. Heartily recommended. read more

Valerie is the most amazing stylist! She is excellent at her work and a great person too, really enjoyed my appointment. This is the first time that I go somewhere to do my hair with a photo idea and my hair came out looking the same read more

I got to meet Valerie yesterday for my bayalage touch up. She is just the sweetest. Her work is beautiful and she leaves you very happy. I loved how clean and cute her hair studio was. I got the olaplex treatment with my color and my hair looked replenished, strong and healthy. I have fine/thin curly hair and so it is naturally drier. Valerie gave me tips and was a pleasure to be in her chair. I'll be coming back on my next visit. read more

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Valerie at Bolt Salon is awesome! She has a great personality that makes spending 2 hours in the salon fly by. The salon is located in a nice area of East Village in Long Beach. I went to her for a balayage and cut with about 9 months of new growth. She listened to what I wanted and made excellent suggestions about the color and cut which turned out amazing. The other gal in the salon also does a beautiful job. I would highly recommend! read more

BOLT Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

I got my hair washed, cut and styled by Ariana. She was super nice, friendly and personable. Very accomodating and did a beautiful job with my hair. She cut my hair in layers and I loved it. She also was very helpful on giving me some styling tips! Thank you so much, your amazing read more

Valerie Ponzi rocks and now she has her own little space to work her magic! Let's start with the most important thing: her skill. Valerie is amazing with hair. She really exceptional at listening to want you want, making recommendations, and making sure you leave with an awesome style. I wanted to make a change and she guided me through the endless options to something that fit both my style and personality. Her new space is absolutely adorable. It's small but very comfortable. It's so relaxing to be there. Valerie is so enjoyable to talk to during your style. She's friendly, personable, and funny. I really can't speak highly enough of her. Make sure you book ahead! Her skill means she's very popular! read more

BOLT Salon - Valerie's helping make my Ohio hair a little more California! #balayage #nofilter - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

Valerie is the best! She will have you walking out of her salon loving your hair! I'm not very articulate with what I want with my hair. But, Valerie is always super patient with me and really listens to what I'm trying acheive with my hair. She's so warm and friendly that being in her salon feels like your bff is doing your hair. Totally love her work! Thanks Val! read more

BOLT Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

I'm so glad I reached out to make an appointment last minute here! Ariana is definitely a curl specialist and doesn't rush through the curl cutting process. She worked me through a new cut to change the shape but keep the length of my hair that hasn't been cut for years, and advising me on how to continue growing out my grays as well! She also worked with me to try some bangs which is what I really came for, and I'm so glad I did! Thanks for handling my natural curls and helping me change it up on a full moon Friday the 13th! read more

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Won't use Valerie ever again!! Scheduled for my 2nd appointment with Valerie the day before my Wedding and she didn't show up for the appointment!! She apologized for missing our appointment, but never even offered to 'make up for it' in anyway. Bad business move and how unprofessional!!! In response to your statement: the TRUTH of the matter is that I told u that I would be on a cruise and would notify within 2 hours of my appointment time if I could make it off the ship in time for our appointment. But when I called u 2 hours prior as we had agreed upon, u told me it was too late and acted as if we had never had this arrangement!!! read more

Valerie is freaken amazing, as a person and professional hairdresser. I will definitely keep going back to get my hair colored and occasionally styled! She had a beautiful energy about her. Lucky to have such a gem close to my residence, highly recommended!!! read more

Love my color! Ariana was awesome, she explained the whole process and was super nice. No wait time she was ready to go right when I got there for my appointment. Will be coming back for all my hair needs! read more

BOLT Salon - Deep burgundy by Ariana! - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

I have been going to Valerie for years. She is very knowledgeable and always knows what is the best haircut for my life style and personality. Every time I go there I leave happy. I appreciate her honesty when giving me her professional advise. I recommend anyone to go to Valerie, plus, now she moved to this beautiful area and I even got a beer during my appointment read more

BOLT Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

This place is amazing! Being new to Long Beach I need a salon and I believe I've found it with this spot. Ariana gave me a wash, trim, and style all in under an hour, which with my thick / wavy hair is very impressive. She was also charismatic and recommended some of her favorite local spots for me to try. The salon itself is very clean, trendy, and intimate. All things I appreciate. Already booked my next appointment and got the deets on a few products I'm interested in trying. Products sold in-salon are Evo, a cruelty / sulfate / paraben / gluten free brand. read more

BOLT Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

Valerie took my AWFUL grown out bleach blonde to a GORGEOUS ash blonde with a shadow root. She is SOOOO sweet and I felt so comfortable with her. As soon as she revealed my hair after washing it, I was SOOOOO HAPPY. Go to her nowwww!!! You won't regret it!! read more

We moved to Long Beach and after going to few different salons we found Valerie at the BOLT salon and that was it. She is amazing , full of positive energy and an amazing stylist. Super happy we found someone we can trust with our hair and color. read more

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Val is incredible! I have very difficult middle mixed curly hair and needless to say I have cried a lot after leaving Salons. Never ever again! Every time I leave Val I feel so wonderful and so hip. Not like a poodle or an old lady. She really gets it. She takes her time and she listens to you and she is amazing. I have received the most compliments ever after my last cut and dye. I love Val. read more

Ariana is AMAZING! Color, cut, style and personality. Ariana takes my salon experience to a whole new level. Ariana is impressive! If you are looking for a FANTASTIC and ARTISTIC hairstylist = Ariana is #1 read more

more like Do AND Dye.... from happiness.... 1) the cut was great but 2) THE COLOR WAS AMAZING!!! Valerie really listened to me and got me exactly what I wanted- gave me tips on how to maintain it myself and talked me off the edge (was feeling bad about my hair).... It's hard to transition to another stylist (was going to a friend but the commute was getting to me)- I found the salon on Yelp and based on the great reviews, I was very hopeful... and I was not disappointed. Valerie is a very nice lady and a super cool chick... KUDOS! I literally walked out of the studio with a bounce in my step and tossing my hair... cause it felt so good... Thank you Yelp! Thank you Valerie!!! read more

Valerie is the BOMB hairstylist! I've been coming here now for about 2 years and recently brought my mom. Actually as I write this, mom my mom is receiving a cut, I will be next, and then we will go right down the street to Rockbottom for dinner. My mom told Valerie, "The last haircut you gave me was the BEST haircut I've ever received!" That is the truth! I come out of her salon looking like a million bucks! And...she also gives the most excellent advice on life. So you're getting a hair cut and a therapy session all for the price of a cut. Thank you Valerie! read more

I lived in downtown long beach for about five years (only just left this year) and my only hair-regret is that I didn't know about Valerie for my first few months. The salon is small (which I very-much prefer) and I always left feeling great (my typical service was a cut and highlight (alternating between a partial and full highlight). Valerie is wonderful - highly recommend (wishing I had a hair photo on this phone to share but just know that my absurdly fine blond hair is not always the easiest to work with but she worked wonders). We miss you Valerie (hair misses you too!). read more

I came convinced I was walking out as a blonde but thank you Val for convincing me otherwise!! Tips, advice and great hairdo's by the best stylist in Long Beach! read more

BOLT Salon - Getting my hair did by the best stylist in Long Beach... Val's HairDo & Yes! - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

I have come to Valerie three times already and don't plan on ever switching stylists. Her work ethic and her work environment is so positive and makes you feel at peace as soon as you walk in through the door. She listens to what it is that you want and executes it to perfection the first time we went lighter on a correction she did from a previous balayage. second time we toned my hair to such a beautiful color that I could not stop staring at. and TODAY, the third time, we moved my color up higher and brightened everything up. and again no disappointment here. Valerie, you have a loyal customer that will follow you anywhere read more

Valerie is amazing! Moving from Arizona I have been desperate to find a new hair stylist I can count on. After a couple of failed attempts I found Val through Yelp.. Let's just say I ended my appointment by giving her a huge warm hug- and I don't do hugs. She nailed it and I could tell she aimed to get it just how I wanted it. As a client, that is great. She was great company too! read more

BOLT Salon - Beautiful blonde balayage by Valerie. Amazing price. - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

Valerie is the best. I have feared haircuts ever since I was a teenager after a hairstylist cut me a Mrs. Brady. I'm not even sure that was sexy in the 70's. Valerie calms my fears. I can't go to anyone else, and not because she's in walking distance, but because she knows her stuff. She really talks you through what you're looking for, makes suggestions, and is so much fun to talk to. To book, I would text her. Her calendar fills up real quick. i booked my haircut weeks in advance. You really get what you wait and pay for. read more

Valerie is by far the best stylist I've ever been to!She truly listens to what you're looking for and tries her best to execute it. The very first I went to her,I left so happy with the results. A few days later I noticed a few details I wasn't satisfied with. Valerie had me come in the week after and adjusted the color-at no cost! Not only is she a very talented hair stylist,but she's just so sweet. I always spend the entire appointment laughing it up and having girl talk. At this point,Valerie is the only stylist I trust my hair with. You wont be disappointed with her! She's the best!! read more

Valerie is amazing! I'm glad I came to her to fix my hair I had done 2 months prior to visiting her. She listened to what I wanted, she gave me tips and recommendations and knew exactly what hair color I wanted. She explained about balayage and demonstrated where she would focus on lightening my hair. She did an amazing job at transforming my hair to that blond color I wanted, while keeping my natural root color for a low maintenance style. The results were super exiting to see, mostly because this time I was actually able to see a difference in my hair color, unlike previous experience with other stylist. She's the best!! Her energy and persona is super bubbly and positive. Felt super comfortable. Book your spot with her, she's the BEST! read more

BOLT Salon - Balayage with OlaPlex. She got it this light after one session :) - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

Prior to Valerie nobody understood my hair but my mother, also a stylist. When I initially came to Valerie it was for a Brazilian Blowout which my mom didn't do. I loved her personality and the amazing job she did with my hair. She is super skilled and I completely trust her judgment with my hair. Two years later Valerie is now my primary stylist and mom is secondary when Valerie is too booked. They both compliment each other's work so all good.lol. Valerie has her own space in downtown LB, easy to find parking and decorated super cute. My most recent work was the balayage which I absolutely love. read more

BOLT Salon - Balayage#hairdoordye#valerieponzi - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

I have been getting my hair done by Valerie for a few years now. Over the past 20 years I've been through about 5 stylists and Valerie is by far my favorite. She does excellent cuts and color. I really can't imagine trusting my hair again with another stylist. I truly love the work she does. She is professional and genuinely cares about her clients. One thing I love is even if it's just a Tuesday night she takes the time to throw some curls into my hair at the end or asks me how I want it styled. She takes that extra time and goes a little beyond what is expected. In my experience with past stylists it was always just blow dry, add a little product and go. I can tell she wants to make sure her clients feel great when they walk out the door. I sure hope I am still getting my hair done by Valerie in another 10 years. Thank you for always making me feel amazing. read more

Following Valerie wherever she goes! New place, same amazing treatment. She understands my hair & helps me make choices I'll be happy with. She knows her hair shiz like no one else!!! read more

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I am super picky when selecting any service, more so with my hair because I normally do it myself unless it's for special events. So after a stylist in my hometown left me with trashy looking hair for my college graduation(it looked like I bleached my hair and forgot to touch up for months) I was hesitant to let another stylist touch my hair. Fast forward to my bridesmaid duties this upcoming weekend, and I knew I had to fix it immediately. Valerie completely transformed my hair to match my Pinterest Dream Hair board perfectly, she was very attentive and the price was a steal. When researching places I usually am very skeptical of places/people who have all 5 Star reviews, however after getting my hair done by her I can see why hers are all positive. Nothing but the best. read more

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Ariana took my hair from crispy and dull to shiny and full of life! She was thorough and gentle. She gave me a haircut like i had never had before (to give me extra volume). She was sweet, answered all of my questions, and gave me lots of styling tips for my poor neglected hair. And it didn't cost as much as my right kidney, like some of these salons! Definitely a keeper! read more

I had been living in Long Beach for two years before going to Valerie, wandering from stylist to stylist. But once I found her, I settled in and now she has been cutting/styling my hair for almost two years. Not only is Valerie an enjoyable conversationalist and very hospitable, she is a great stylist. She knows hair and hair types. She is honest when she thinks something might not be ideal for your hair (because all of our hair is different in thickness texture etc., and will help come up with alternatives that might work better. Most importantly, my hair always looks great when I leave, and this greatness lasts for at least 6 to 8 weeks even though I rarely style my hair. I followed Valerie to her new space, Hairdo or Dye, in downtown Long Beach. It is very cute, comfortable and easy to get to. read more

I have been going to Valerie for 11 years.. and it has been an amazing time! She has turned me blonde from black, she has turned me purple, blue, red! Now again going back to blonde! She is a trooper! I have such thick hair and do not trust anyone else with my hair! She always gives me her honest opinion and great suggestions! I would follow her anywhere! I highly recommend Bolt Salon! read more

shout out to: ARIANA! - professional, sweet, knows what she's doing! I had dyed my hair red and had it that way for about 2 years, I gave Ariana an idea of what I wanted and she gave me a vivid purple-black balayange and a great cut. I've gotten so many compliments at work and everywhere! Everyone says my hair looks much better and healthier! Thank you!!! read more

Today was my second time with Valerie and it was as amazing (or maybe even better) than the first time earlier in the year. She is now in her own salon suite downtown and I felt at home right when I walked in! It is a small space, but perfect for a client and Valerie to work together. Also let me just add that the decoration and design of the space has such a unique charm to it, I love every single corner! Having a more intimate setting is also wonderful for great conversations and a sense of peacefulness. As everyone have already talked about in this review, Valerie is AMAZINGLY talented. I literally called her my hair fairy and squealed when I saw the final results. I came in with a general idea of what I wanted and she really took her time to listen to my needs. Both times that I have seen her she has made recommendations based on what I wanted and how it fits with my lifestyle and the quality of my hair. My focus was to bring my hair back to life and keep it healthy and I love how she honored that throughout the process and with recommendations of hair care and products afterwards. I also feel that it is important to mention that Valerie is also great at making you feel comfortable overall and respects what you want to do with your time in the salon. I personally had a lot of fun talking to her for hours, but she is also very mindful if you prefer to read a book or keep to yourself instead. I will definitely be going returning and staying loyal to her as my hair fairy! read more