Gosh, where to begin. It makes me so sad to write this review! I went to Calm with my natural hair, totally untouched by color, extensions, or anything for years. They operate using a teaching model, meaning if you don't have the salon owner as your stylist (who has no room for new clients, so not worth even bothering,) you will be with a stylist with very little experience, with a huge price tag. I asked for a blonde balayage, and showed photos. The junior stylist said it was no problem. When I was done, I had a bright orange halo around the top of my head, and stringy orange strands throughout. I was too embarrassed to leave the house until I could make it back in for a fix. While the fix was complimentary, I was left with permanent damage from the bleaching mistake, and it was an investment of time to get them to fix it. Since then, the junior stylists have made mistakes when coloring my hair multiple times (I saw two of them.) I kept going because they were SO nice as people, and did a good job some of the time, but it was inconsistent at best. And, the mess-ups weren't minor--I'd leave looking pretty weird, again, with the addition of more bleach. Then, I decided to get extensions for the first time with them. If you've never had them before, they are crazy expensive. Naturally, I take care of them meticulously and according to all of their instructions--it's an investment, so I wanted to make sure I did everything right. The first time I got extensions with them, everything was great. The second time around, the stylist misjudged the color, and gave me extensions that made my hair look totally mismatched. They apologized and tried to fix it a bit, but ultimately said it was unfixable without ruining my hair. So, over $1,000 later, I'm stuck with botched extensions. I didn't even complain about it. Then, a few weeks after I got the extensions, I got a keratin treatment with them that was different from their old one, which is when the problems started. Extensions need to be "moved up" every 8 weeks, but, even with meticulous care, mine were falling off my head, damaging and literally making wounds in my scalp, after 1-2 weeks. The first two times this happened, they offered a complimentary fix. I was grateful, and never expressed any irritation around the fact that I was driving 2 hours each way from Sacramento to accommodate for what was most likely caused by their decision to use a new kind of keratin treatment on my hair. Then, it happened a third time. Again, I was gracious and kind, and tried to figure out what might be able to be done. They offered to fix it one last time, and then literally told me that after that, I'm not allowed to come back to their salon. I was totally shocked. Ordinarily I would have just been a bit sad and slightly offended (I genuinely liked them, and was really rooting for their junior stylists, despite all of the issues.) The real problem here though is that I spent over $1,000 on these extensions, and they are refusing, even if I pay them, to provide any services to upkeep them moving forward. This is a clear example of them making a pretty expensive and time consuming mistake, and refusing to clean it up. Worse, they want me to find another salon to fix it, which goes to show how little they think about others in the industry--why would you saddle another stylist with your epic mistake? To add to all of this, I have only had them for two months, and they are guaranteed for 6 months. If you want a very simple service and don't mind overpaying and having them push products on you (and I guarantee you, they will,) then you probably will have a good experience. Overall, my experience with this salon was not only disappointing, but highly unethical. Take your business elsewhere. read more

Quality is wonderful, great, perfect! There is such a happy, professional buzz in the place. Expert, perfect hair style- would you like water( what kind), coffee latte ...., later in day- a "drink"? Plus---treats- candy, Bars, chocolate....... I have known and depended on Eryn and CALM to help me trying & looking with it for 25+ years. I really enjoy all the staff and feel of CALM. read more

This review is for wedding hair & makeup services from Eryn! Eryn was my first hair stylist when I was in middle school. I remember her being so sweet and talented back then, and it is still the case! I booked her for hair and makeup for my August 2023 wedding. She knew exactly what to do technically in terms of colors and styles on me and my bridal party, niece and mother/MIL so that we all looked our best and cohesive with each other. I was extremely impressed that she did 8 of us all by herself with only one small break. She provided the perfect energy, brought us fun magazines, and had all sorts of amazing advice and tips (such as how to get me into the car without getting my dress dirty - make sure you have a flat sheet handy!). She was more than a stylist, she was a therapist, a yoga teacher, a posing expert... You won't regret booking her! I have also visited the salon and found the space to be really good vibes with very nice staff members. read more

Calm Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Extremely professional client services. Nestled in the far North end of Piedmont Avenue is this small quiet and perfectly appointed salon. During my first visit I felt welcomed by all the talented staff. The owner walked over and introduced herself and Kelsey was highly skilled and friendly. More importantly she gave me a perfect bob haircut. For sure, I'll return. read more

I got my first ever Keratin treatment done by Annaliese! She was so kind and walked me through every part of the process. She made sure to communicate what she was doing before and during, as well as the proper after care to make this treatment last. My hair feels and looks so silky. Everyone else who was there was also kind and the salon itself was so peaceful! It definitely made the experience feel even more elevated. read more

This place is not friendly to people with disabilities. I was a client of Calm for many years, and now use a cane and have problems with breathlessness. When I recently made an appointment and was 15 minutes late they phoned and they told me I would have to make another appointment. I was already in a Lyft to the salon and had them drop me off where the salon used to be located to make an appointment. Apparently they have moved, but did not inform people of that on their Web site, although the correct address is on there. When I tried to walk to the salon's new location about 10 blocks on a very hot day I thought I would pass out. I ended up getting my hair cut at a discount salon and they did a great job, as well as bringing me a big glass of water. The young person I talked to on the phone from Calm seemed very unconcerned about my disability. read more

I love working with Josie. She's always done an excellent job getting me the color I want-- a silvery blond. Yesterday, I asked her to make sure it was a pure white right away (without any lavender tint), and she did the job PERFECTLY!! My hair looks excellent, I'm so pleased. I also had my hair cut by a new stylist who was in training. It took a little longer, but with the supervision of two senior stylists, my hair cut is excellent. Always super happy at Calm! read more

Calm Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Absolutely fabulous customer service! I've been looking for a spot since we moved here from SF. My hair looks great. Will definitely be back

Once again...an awesome experience at Calm, A Salon! I went and got my bangs trimmed last month and got ombré done on my hair a few weeks ago. Just like the bang trim appointment, everything went very well. Heather did my hair again and did an EXCELLENT job! I plan to go back a get a haircut in a few weeks. Never have a been so satisfied with a hair coloring and stylist:) Can't wait to go back! read more

Calm Salon - New ombré hair by stylist Heather. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

The salon is Calm, but I'm thrilled! It's been very challenging for me to find someone that I feel comfortable and confident with to cut my hair. EUREKA! I met Eryn! Eryn took the time to listen and understand my challenges AND didn't make me feel like a nut for, maybe overstating, my concerns that grew out of past haircuts. She kept it simple and structured. She also gave me a scalp treatment before my cut that was a next level experience! My scalp felt alive after...and so was my hair! Eryn is not only a technically solid hairstylist, but she is a warm and open person with lovely energy and touch...you really do feel calm in her space. I highly recommend giving Eryn and her team a visit. And definitely try the scalp treatment! read more

I was in the area for a doctor's appointment a couple months ago and stumbled upon this salon. I stopped in because I saw that they were selling kerastase products and I needed to buy one of the styling products. The woman who helped me was amazing and so helpful. They didn't have the product I was looking for in a full-size but was able to find one in a travel size which would hold me over for a few months. I was so thankful for their help and loved it. The ladies who were getting their hair done looked amazing by the way. These ladies know their stuff and if I lived closer I would definitely be a regular here for cuts and hair coloring needs. read more

My daughter had her very first haircut (she's almost 4) here today with Stephany. Emi started off hysterical and scared of the scissors, and left with a huge smile and about 20 Hershey's kisses in her belly! It was an amazing experience and my daughter is in love with her haircut even though mommy is sad she wanted to take off 6+ inches. Definitely recommend, I even dragged my husband and 2 month old along so I could nurse and they were extremely accommodating. Definitely recommend! read more

Calm Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Vichida was very professional and took great care of me and my hair. She was able to cut my hair in a style that was new and fresh while also managing my frizzy hair. Very courteous and sweet. I cannot wait to come back for another appointment with her! read more

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It's great to see the growth this salon has had over the years, and they deliver great haircuts. But I'm finding their prices are exorbitant. If you look on their website, you'd think they were mostly reasonable for the east bay. But book through Mindbody, and they're insane. A woman's haircut starts at $120? This page http://calmsalon.com/services/ on their website lists: Men's and Women's Haircut $40 & up Child Haircut (up to 10 years) $25 & up Tween Haircut (11-16 years) $37 & up Dry haircut $25 & up Fringe Trim $8 & up Shampoo and Blowout $40 & up Thermal Styling $15 Up Styling $65 & up On MindBody, the prices are sometimes more than twice the price. These are quite deceptive and exorbitant. Women's Haircut $120 & up Men's Haircut $110 & up Child Haircut (up to 10 years) $45 & up Tween Haircut (11-16 years) $85 & up Dry haircut $65 & up Fringe Trim $30 & up Shampoo and Blowout $75 & up Up Styling $130 & up read more

I came here for about year, and I was very happy. In October, I stopped by the salon to make an appointment and was told my stylist was no longer there, but they could make an appointment for me with someone new the following afternoon. They told me they only had 4:30 available, earlier would have been better for me, but I could make it work and wrote it down on my calendar. Well, the next day when I showed up for my appointment I was told that I had missed my appointment and that my new stylist was already with another client. I explained that this must be a mistake. Instead of owning up to their mistake, they proceeded to make me feel that this was my fault and "they would do their best to accommodate me". This is not how a paying loyal customer should be treated. I have taken my business elsewhere. read more

Every time I come it is a fantastic experience. I have been following Eryn for 21 years as have my (now grown) daughters! They make me feel so comfortable. I can't believe I am now a senior citizen. But I always come out feeling new and rejuvenated. Eryn has a wonderful staff and I trust all of them. They are fabulous! Everyone asks why I don't move to Austin (where my daughters and their families now live) and I honestly say "how could I leave Eryn"? *My daughters have never been able to replace this salon. read more

I think it's a nice local salon. My only issue is you have to be on your toes because they will upsale you on everything. Extra this and extra that. I probably won't go back because I just want to relax and get a cut and not subtly sold too. read more

Wonderful experience today with Vishida. Got a Complex5 scalp treatment and scalp massage. She's a great communicator, and helped me easily. select the best treatment for me from their many options. Wonderful technique, and a great experience overall. Finished with a French braid that transitioned into a fishtail. I'll be back! read more

I saw Heather Jassem at Calm today for color, highlights and gloss treatment (and gorgeous blow out from Alli!) and am so incredibly happy!! My hair has not looked this good in years!! Heather was recommended to me by a friend who is a hairdresser and her friend who is a professional color educator since I recently moved here to Oakland from Seattle. I cannot compliment Heather enough for her talent, passion, and expertise - my hair color looks amazing! I have to cover gray unfortunately and have dark brown hair which when colored can often look dull and uninspired. But with Heather I have found the perfect color for me with depth, dimension, shine and body and it looks absolutely natural - in an enhanced great kind of way! I am so grateful! There is nothing better than coming out of a salon with hair that looks terrific! Alli's blow dry was also great and the salon itself had a friendly, relaxed vibe with the perfect atmosphere for my taste -- welcoming, not stuffy, but stylish and comfortable! I cannot say enough great things about my experience today and my hair is exactly the way I always want it to look! read more

Kelsey did a fabulous job with my hair. She is professional, friendly and skilled. I felt that the team took really good care of me, worked together for the best results. I am very happy with the outcome and I look and feel a good 15 years younger. read more

I stumbled across Calm, A Salon, because they work with the products I like. But once I entered, I realized I was in a remarkable place. Eryn Harrison and the staff there offer up the perfect combination of expert knowledge and technique, great product lines and genuinely kindhearted service! A cup of hot tea on a cold, rainy day, a great set of products and detailed instructions on how to use them, and a kind word or two--what a remarkable find! I'm delighted with the results, and I will definitely be visiting them again soon. I highly recommend Calm, A Salon! read more

Ainslie is great! Very warm and personable, also I liked what she did with my hair. This is a small spot on the upper side of Piedmont Ave in a small building with other shops/salons in it. When you walk into the shop, it's nice, and you feel special. Thanks for a great experience! read more

So this is a dual review! 5 huge, fantastic, bright, shiny stars for Alli, my most beloved hairstylist. I followed her here from her previous salon, as I don't really know what I would do without her. I have thick, coarse, wavey, straight, curly (schizophrenic) hair, hair that is defiant and difficult. Alli has, from day one, understood my obstacles and wrangled my hair into submission. She gets my references, channels the photos I bring in, and I'm always stoked on the final cut. Even better, she is just a great person. I've had good haircuts by stylists that I wouldn't go back to because they were either: rude, snotty, annoying, or grumpy. So, I highly recommend Alli, and based on the number of people who ask me where I get my hair cut... I think my recommendation is deserved. 5 stars for Calm, A Salon also! It's a really neat salon, in an old victorian (I think... maybe a bit newer?) house, so the salon is broken up into different rooms. It felt really private, yet airy.... Also, when they were offering complimentary brow waxing when I visited the first time and the lovely Ainsley (or Aisley! I'm sorry! It's been a while!!!), fixed up my eyebrows and did a great job! I have had the fear of god put into me at the Benefit wax bar.... so I was trepidatious. Happily she took her time and was really really sweet and funny to boot! high fives! All and all, everyone at the salon was friendly and helpful... and yes, it was very calm! read more

Heather is still the BEST! I moved to San Jose and hadn't been back to see Heather in awhile....I tried 2 different salons and although one of the two was great, she's still not Heather. :) I FINALLY made it back in for a cut and I absolutely love the new space! Heather greeted me with a big hug and we got down to business. I had gotten my appointment time mixed up and showed up 20 minutes late (instead of 5 as I thought!). No worries though! We cut out the wash and all was good. I've grown out my hair a few times now to cut/donate and even though it's longer than it's ever been, I'm not sure I'm ready for a big chop. She kept the length and added in some additional layers....and gave me bangs. Yes, real bangs, and not the long side swept ones that are more like shorter layers....real bangs. and I loved it! Gave my style just enough of 'something's different' to get several comments as soon as I sat down at work the next day. read more

One word: PERFECTION! Alli is amazing, professional, and an absolute doll. Her artwork is flawless and I am very very satisfied. The salon has a wonderful ambiance and the staff is super friendly. My sombre came out amazing!!! The communication between the client and stylist is not linear and she exceeded my expectations. I literally squealed when my hair was blown out and my colors popped just how I wanted it to. I will definitely be going back and I highly recommend this salon to anyone who wants to get their hair looking fabulous. Thanks Alli and to the rest of the Calm team! read more

Calm Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I followed my stylist Alyssa out here from Danville. Location wise, it's pretty great because Fenton's Creamery is legitimately the next block over and I can't complain about that. :) Parking can be a bit of a struggle since it's located on Piedmont, but if you're willing to walk an extra block or two, you can find 2 hour street parking on the side streets. The staff at Calm are all super friendly. Each time I walk in, I'm greeted with a smile and an assortment of beverages and snacks. I love the work that Alyssa does with my hair. She's the 3rd stylist I've ever let touch my hair. Why? Because I have thick, Asian hair, and if you don't know how to cut it, it will go crazy. Alyssa always knows how to get the cut just right for my hair, and I trust her enough to her do balayage on my virgin hair next week. I've never had my hair colored, but there's always a first time for everything! read more

I had a fantastic experience here last Saturday with Shannon. I wanted a (significant) change, as I have had the same haircut for a few years and, while I like it, I'm kind of bored with it. I was considering chopping my hair, but my husband likes it long so I decided not to cut off too much length, but still wanted a difference. It was my first time there and Shannon told me she likes to go relatively conservative on a first visit until she learns more about you, your style, how much time you're willing to spend on your hair, etc. A little disappointed, as I was hoping for dramatic difference, but I understood and appreciated the reasoning behind that. Anyway, she recommended I try a fringe bang, which she said would change up the whole look without having to take off any real length. I decided to take her suggestion. She also changed the layering a bit by doing some soft layers underneath a longer top layer so it would have the volume without the "shelf." To make a short story long, she did a really fantastic job, I loved the haircut, and got lots of compliments on it--including from my husband, who had been discouraging me from cutting my hair, but when he saw it said, "You got the haircut I like!" Apparently he has wanted to see me in this cut for years...?! Anyway a great cut, Shannon was very attentive and knowledgeable, contrary to what other reviewers have said there was absolutely NO pressure to buy any products (she showed me a couple pre-cut, but did not bring them back up when I went to pay, which was a relief because while I do like buying products at salons, I was stocked on Aveda shampoo and couldn't really afford to splurge on any extra products, though I might next time if I need them). They also give you a complimentary bang trim in 3 weeks, which is awesome. Price...aahhhh...it's more expensive than my Aveda salon back in Miami, but not by a whole lot. The cut was $60 and they charge a first-time consultation fee of $15, making it $75, so it did feel pricey because of that, but when I go back it will be $60, which is pretty normal unless you go to SuperCuts or something, which, having had some nightmare haircuts from that type of place, I just don't. So I don't think the price is unreasonable for the quality and attention you get. Highly recommended. I already scheduled my return appointment for December! read more

Beautiful space highly skilled staff and friendly positive atmosphere. Been going there since it's first opened.

Stephanie at the beautiful Calm, A Salon, is the best hair stylist I have ever had! After listening carefully during our consultation, she made great suggestions and proceeded to add beautiful low lights. Then she crafted a hair style that is current and perfect for my hair and me. Not only did it look great when I walked out of the salon, but it still does two days later! (no bad "bed head" at all.) I couldn't be happier! She definitely has a magic touch. and I know I've found my forever salon. Don't be worried about parking, since there are nearby options, and it is fun to browse through the nearby book store and florist. You will also enjoy the other friendly staff. What a great experience this was! P.S. They also have a Barber Shop up the street. read more

I have been seeing Brooke Robinson for about 2 years now and shes the only stylist i will let touch my hair now! She saved my dead, frizzy, way over processed hair. She is absolutely amazing! I was recommend to her about 2 yrs ago from a close friend of mine. When i first came to her i had very damaged hair and now its so healthy and long i couldn't be happier! I'm at a point now with Brooke that i trust her opinion 100%, all i say is i want to go lighter or darker and she tells me what would look best and she works her magic and it comes out amazing every time!!!! She is very honest in a good way about how she thinks something will look on you. She does the most amazing trim that you cant even tell that you took any off, but all the split ends are gone, its great because i hate when you get a trim and they take too much off. She will do highlights a certain way so it looks better when it grows out so you wont have to come as often, she really listens to how you feel and what your wants and needs are, weather you can come in every 4 weeks or every 3-4months. She also recommends to me the best products, not only the ones in the salon but also the ones i can get at CVS or Walgreen's :) Brooke and the salon are always so on top of the new hair trends including ombre hair color, feather extensions and i recently went in to get purple ombre which i loved! Calm salon is one of the nicest salons Ive been too, its very relaxing and everyone is so nice and welcoming, when i walk in they always offer if i would like anything to drink and ask if i would like to use the salon ipad while i wait :) so awesome! i also love how in the shampoo area there is a TV built into the mirror! The manager Erin is one of the sweetest genuine nice people i have met she is always very concerned about how you are doing and if you need anything. This salon has a very talented friendly group of women working here and i highly recommend it to everyone! :) read more

I love Calm! I found Calm through Yelp. Calm is a beautiful and calming space filled with nice talented artists. Their customer service has always been very good. But it wasn't what got me to go to Calm. I was looking for someone who can cut curly hair, and Alli's name popped up on my search. I have curls and waves and Alli consistently cuts my hair beautifully! I love her. I've also started coloring and she's a magician! Balayage is a great technique to start putting color in your hair, and Alli is a master of it. Growing up, ive always been frustrate with my hair. It was too poofy, dry, and shapeless. With Alli's care and recommendations, my hair has been so healthy shiny and beautiful. I've embraced my hair. I get so many compliments now. I wouldn't have beautiful hair without Alli. Thank you, Alli! Alli is no longer at Calm, a Salon. She's at a new location at Rockridge Day Spa off of College Ave in Oakland. I'll be following her. read more

Holy wow, talk about intentional design, conscientious practices, and a customer focused environment! I had my first visit to Calm 2 days ago and had to come review. I've been a long time hair pampering entusiast, and have visited many salons good and crappy. This was by far the most thoughtful, serene, and dedicated experience I've ever had getting my hair done. They really have considered every detail of their ambiance, including product samples in the bathroom which I thought was a nice touch! Upon entry, I was immediately greeted and offered a myriad of beverages (including wine) and snacks. Already winning. I saw Nita who is in the training program for a haircut, which meant she did the work step by step while the owner came intermittently to check work and give tips. Might not be everyone's cup of tea as it takes a bit longer, but as an educator I loved being part of someone's learning process. We first consulted on what we were going for, Nita took lots of notes and went over reference photos with me citing what parts I liked of each. Once we were set on a style, she took me to the wash station which was suprisingly ergonomic and comfortable! No awkward neck craning or laying at an awkward angle, these stations were clearly custom designed for comfort. The most relaxing shampoo everrrr. As Nita went through the cut, she used R+Co products which were like a spa day for my hair. She took her time and really dedicated herself to getting the cut right. The owner, Eryn, was a phenomenal mentor and helped Nita check her work throughout the process. All in all, I had a great experience and fell in love with the space. I can't wait to go for a touch up in a couple months! read more

Alyssa recently came back to Calm after working at a salon in Danville for a few years. She worked here in 2009 when the salon first opened. Now she's back and she did a great job with my hair! She's talkative and sweet and I would recommend her to anyone! I will definitely be back! read more

Calm Salon - Thanks Alyssa! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I went to this salon for the first time yesterday and it was such a pleasant experience. Heather did my hair and she was wonderful. Super kind and helpful and talented. I *love* my haircut and my experience was wonderful. The owner even stopped by and introduced herself... After a year and a half of searching, I finally found a stylist and salon that I will keep going to! One little thing -- they don't do credit card tips -- so if you want to tip your stylist, bring a check or cash. And it is a little expensive (think my cut was 85$) -- but, I really think it was worth it to be with a stylist that I trust and even look forward to going to. Super glad that I found Calm! read more

Great service and the nicest staff ever. Highly recommend. Loved my hair and felt gorgeous walking out the door.

I have been here to see Heather, although Bobby Erin and Shannon also make me feel right at home. Heather is great, we weren't sure if she'd be able to give me what I wanted, but in fact she did just that. I have not been in a few months due to the new member of the fam bam......but I cant wait to come back so I can be beautiful walking down the street with my flowing hair. This review should have been up mths ago! See you all soon.. read more

Just left my appointment at Calm - and I love my haircut and the woman, Alli, who cut it. She's just great - super easy to talk to, and gives the best head massage I've ever had. I've been to many salons, and she's been my favorite. Only thing I have to say was the price was high, but I loved it so much - I'd go back. Thanks Alli! read more

I Go my first time before 3 years and I come back after long trip and Eryn amazing she is so beautiful & very professional and make my hair so amazing and the hair salon look like a Magical fairy tales‍, If I can give her 100000 star I do it !!! read more

Great friendly, professional staff. Relaxing environment. And most important, beautiful results. You walk in feeling frumpy, and walk out feeling fantastic! read more

I came here to get my make up done for an 80s party. They did a fantastic job. I think I only had thirty minutes allocated, but she spent an hour making sure it was done well. It stayed on all through the night. read more