I had a great experience with Terri at Chroma Salon when she cut my hair. I'm not exactly twenty any longer so I'm no stranger to having my hair cut and I can be quite set in my ways - and yet she was careful to listen to me and understand my likes and dislikes - making sure to give me what I wanted without doing any of the things I told her were no-nos. At the end she treated me to a free lesson in (new to me ways) to easily 'set' my hair in a style she thought I would like. After the blow out she also did some super-cute curling with her iron for me and I loved it. I felt younger and more glamourous. Usually I leave a salon feeling like I can't wait to get home to restyle my hair. Not with Terri, this time I left the salon wishing it would stay this way for ever - I love it! And then I returned, ad she made it pink. Even better! read more

Chroma Salon | Terri Varela - Terri took a lot of time and care to give me pink hair! Thanks Terri! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

We don't patronize salons to meet great folks who can't cut well, now do we? Now, having to go over to Edo Salon in the City to correct all the amateur and incorrect ways that she did botch my rather simple, straight-forward request... Same impressions and would concur with many a reviewer who has taken the time to post. I am always uncomfortable with a stylist asking me to please pick out a photo of what I would like....If I'm the initiator of said process because I am the one seeking to be clear on a style, fine. But immed. I got some willies because I was musing, "So hey.. like, ya can't do it without a photo or something?" Next: doggy gate to welcome one into the room (can't quite call it a 'salon'). Be prepared, if the weather permits, to step over a doggy gate to get into the place. I'm a pet lover, and own many myself....but to those who prefer not to be greeted by dog, or have dog hair on the chair while they are awaiting their appt. time--detracts from the salon experience, in my opinion. She gave me bangs too!!!!! (something I did not desire, as did multiple other customers) Now, a few months after the visit, they are still growing out to blend with the rest of the strands....disappointing. She kept on cutting, and I'm too nice a gal. I'm getting a very distinct feeling that her forte is in coloring, and not necessarily stellar with the shears. I must have scanned at least 10 reviews before braving to post one of the lowest ratings I've ever penned on Yelp (also accounted for why I waited so long as well). Still tipped $10, but I know that I won't be returning....she's in need of more experience before she can fly with her own accolade and salon, and I say this with lots of conviction! *****PS 3/13 Since this review was penned, I have been contacted by this unprofessional owner, who insinuated that I actually concocted this entire review and, essentially, lied about being her customer, because she has no record of me in her books. Please, unorganized lady---I have electronic proof that you redeemed your own Groupon, exact date and all. Appalling. The customer is always right?!? Not with her. :( read more

Terri is my favorite hair stylist of all time and I've been lucky to know some great ones! She takes her time to do all those little things, like texturing my hair, that make for a great haircut. She really knows her stuff and she's great fun to talk to, as well. read more

This could really be a 5 word review - 'Terri Varela is an Artist!' Hair colorist Terri's knowledge, experience and attention to detail are unparalleled - plus, she listens! When I first went to her I voiced concern that I didn't want a dramatic change (I had been grey for a while & didn't want an obvious hair dye job). So she worked out a way of gradually changing color over time - and it's the most natural effect I could wish for! Even now after many return visits, she constantly adjusts trying to perfect her work. Recently I also tried her for cutting and found she's awesome at that too!!! I highly recommend Terri Varelfor both cut and color! read more

Terri gave me an AMAZING cut -- I will definitely come back to her for my next cut! I have mostly curly, partly wavy hair that non-experienced stylists have a really hard time with. I typically come away with a curly but heavy-looking cut, or a cut that looks bad after just a few weeks. I came to Terri for the dry Deva cut. She made some suggestions and checked with me multiple times to make sure I was ok with the quantity of hair she recommended removing. I was really comfortable with her advice and her expertise. And the result? Amazing! I look and feel totally adorable :) It's a light, bouncy, curly cut, which fits my personality perfectly. I'm really excited to look how I feel inside. Thank you so much Terri - I'll be back in a few months for a trim! read more

Terri is fabulous. I now have a head of glorious red hair that is commented on whereever I go. The Chroma Salon is a great experience. Great art on the walls, great music and great products! Would absolutely recommend read more

After moving here 2 years ago, I never thought I could replace my stylist of 15 years, but I was wrong. On a recommendation of someone (who is the most annoyingly pickiest person i know) I decided to get a haircut from Terri. I've had several haircuts since moving here, but honestly, but haven't had a cut that lasted so long or grew out so nicely. Terri has tons of books for you to browse through for choosing cuts and colors. She understands my personal style and what I like and has never tried to convince me to chop my hair off. Even the last time I came in she had magazine clippings saved for me, knowing exactly what I wanted. Also, plan a little extra time for your appointment because Terri is very precise and an obvious perfectionist and she'll take the time to make sure it's right. Terri is awesome, sweet and fun to chat with. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a funky new style. I've had so many compliments on my hair and I'm going to keep going back! read more

After reading the Yelp reviews about Kathy's expertise with curly hair, I thought I'd give her a try. She did a great job cutting my hair! She took a long time to ask questions about what I do with my hair and what it does on its own, so even though it was the first time having her cut my hair, it turned out great. She also recommended a spot for my mom and I to get our nails done...Joi on Solano, which we went to the next day and loved! read more

This is a confusing rating for me to give because Terri gave me a haircut that everyone loves and compliments me on which is pretty amazing. She has an amazing amount of talent and vision for hair and her salon is really awesomely decorated. However, I was bummed out because she recommended that I get shorter layers on the top of my hair which I agreed to but it ended up a lot shorter overall than we had agreed upon. I guess I can understand how that could happen and everyone else did love my haircut but the problem here is that I didn't LOVE it. I usually walk out of a haircut feeling like a million bucks but this time I was pretty unhappy with it for about two weeks! She's really cool and is a great stylist but just not for me I think. Maybe I play it too safe with my hair but thats just me! read more

Just got my hair cut by Terri - I love it! She knows what she's doing and I felt right at home. My hair gal moved and I wanted something closer to home and found this place. Terri was great and I absolutely love her 13yr young poodle pup named Ivan - he's handsome and oh such a cuddle-hound! Going back for color job tomorrow! 10/20, got my roots and bayalage done - beautiful! I highly recommend Terri! read more

Amazing in every way. Just when I think Terri can't do a better job she takes it to another level! Her consciousness and passion in making her "people" feel at their best is incomparable. Her skills and knowledge are at the highest. She listens and produces! I'm grateful read more

I chose to try out Chroma because it was a Groupon deal and I read several Yelp reviews that gave Teri a good or great review. I, however, did not experience the same fabulousness that some other customers raved about.... Overall, it was a poor experience for me, because from the beginning, I felt like Teri shot down everything I had to say in the way of what I wanted, what kind of haircuts I'd had in the past, and how best to give me what I'd like to have done on that particular day. I have VERY thick hair and it is customary for me to have it thinned out pretty dramatically with each haircut, to remove a large part of the bulkiness of my hair. (The thinning-out is actually the best part of a haircut for me.) I asked Teri to do this, and she immediately informed me that the fact that other hairdressers had done that was "irresponsible hair-cutting," and not something that she would be doing for me. I didn't really know what to say to that. Additionally, she all but forced me to show her a picture of what I wanted - apparently me just telling her explicitly that I'd like a shaped trim, showing her where I'd like my hair to fall, didn't work for her. The picture I finally found (after she hovered over me flipping through magazines feeling frustrated) was a good version of the style of cut I wanted, but I made a request about the length being LONGER than the picture. Fast forward to the end of the haircut, when she turned me around in the chair, and my hair was significantly SHORTER than the picture, and no less bulky. Of course at that point, i couldn't very well tell her to re-attach my hair, so... Disclaimer: I DO receive compliments (even now, two months later) on the cut itself, but I was not a happy customer, and would not recommend Teri to anyone I liked. I didn't feel heard or respected as a customer. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, I suppose. read more

I had my first hair cut with Terri last year and was ecstatic about my hair. My hair looked amazing as it grew after my cut. Six months after getting my haircut with Terri, I decided to stop at a salon near my work in San Francisco to get a quick trim. The hair cut was not bad, certainly not fabulous but overall it felt good to get my hair trimmed. I started to see the problem with the cut as it grew. My hair looked absolutely boring and it made me look as if I hadn't had a trim in 5 years. Finally, after days of searching for a hair band every afternoon to hide, calm my screaming for rescue hair , I decided to make an appointment with Terri. I told her I was bored with my hair and voila, I have an amazing haircut, I am ecstatic again,and yes my fiance noticed enough to say without being prompted: your hair looks great! I really like it. Now I am confident that my hair will still look great as it grows and will look wonderful in January on my wedding. Thanks Terri! I promise I won't go anywhere else, no matter how tempting a walk in. read more

I had a groupon for a cut and style at Chroma Salon, and I have nothing but positive things to say about Terri's professionalism, expertise, and service. It's apparent that Terri has dedicated herself wholly to the studio - she's the owner, and gives each client her 100% attention (there's only one at a time - you get the whole salon to yourself). Located in this cute spot on Solano ave, the salon is beautifully arranged (it looks like it comes straight out of apartment therapy or something similar) with this cute, bohemian-chic-meets-anthropologies-meets-CB2 vibe. I think there's even a jukebox somewhere in the kitchen! The icing on the cake is this most beautiful, giant poodle Ivan, who looks like a moving alabaster oriental rug. Possibly the most gorgeous dog I've seen. Terri spent nearly 15 minutes going over what I wanted from my haircut, and it was very clear that the client's preferences would supercede any "artistic inspirations" she might have had (i.e., no "let's just try this mohawk cut because I think it's just perfect for your facial structure). For example, I specified I was pretty attached to my long hair, and that I didn't want it to be too short. She echoed this back to me, showed me how much she'd trim off and got my approval, and reassured me that the cut would literally only involve "baby steps" in terms of length removal. Reassuring! The cut itself was fab, and Terri's styling/blow-out is one of the best I've ever gotten. Seriously, my hair didn't have that weighted-down over-product-y feel produced sometimes by overzealous stylists, and it was so shiny - not a hint of frizz. I *actually* felt like a Pantene commercial. The blow-out was so amazing, I actually scheduled another blowout a week later with Terri before a special formal event. The best part about the cut was Terri's extreme attention to client satisfaction. She taught me tips on how to dry my hair properly, and even mentioned that if I wanted to bring my tools in and practice, she would guide me - free of charge. In addition, she promises all clients that if they aren't satisfied with any aspect of the cut 1 week post-appointment, she'll alter/fine-tune it for free. Who does that?? Terri is an experienced, highly professional and very talented hairdresser. Highly recommend checking her out if you want an excellent cut - and a blow-out to die for. read more

terri varela is a really great stylist , she has great talent to see the beauty in others and bring it out in her cuts. She has the midas touch in her hands no matter what type of person she does women or men. The only other thing I can say is all the other reviews are a complete desription of this great hair stylist . the bayarea is blessed to have such a special person here especially albany and berkeley ! read more

I have pretty much hated every hair cut I've ever had in my life. I only knew what it meant to actually *like* a hair cut when I discovered Chroma Salon and Terri about 6 years ago when I was living in Berkeley for a year. I soon moved to San Francisco but kept coming back for more all these years even though it means a 1-hour BART-and-walk ride from the city for me. Terri does a great job. I think she has both a great eye and great technique. Also, she is fun and her salon is beautifully decorated, with interesting pieces from local artists that change every time I am there. read more

Terri is amazing. She takes her time. This is what everyone says and it's true! In this hectic world it is a joy to go into Chroma, relax, and know Terri will take care of you and have you looking fabulous. I love her work and will continue to use her services. read more

Teri knows what she does!!!! I got mad compliments on the hair and the husband, who is usually oblivious to these kind of changes, couldn't stop raving ab it! thanks Teri!! read more

If you have naturally curly hair, you must see Kathy. I started going to her in 2003 during my first year in law school at a recommendation from my curly-haired roommate. She is clearly very serious about her profession and is incredibly skilled with curly hair. She was able to analyze the whorls on my scalp and figure out how the curl would fall, and cut accordingly. It was the best haircut I'd ever had. I am pretty low-maintenance (which is difficult with curly hair, it's so damn persnickety) and she understands that, giving me cuts that require as little work on my part as possible. She does not push products - in fact, I love the products she uses and usually I'm the one trying to find out what new potion she's used to make my hair look so good/smell so great/feel so soft. She taught me how to use product! Since the first time I went to her she's done nothing but a stellar job with my cuts. Recently I ventured into the land of hair coloring with her, twice (once for highlights and again for going back to my natural color) and she did an amazing job both times. The highlights were subtle and very natural-looking and I had nothing but compliments about my hair from people who couldn't figure out what was different about it but said that it looked great. My "natural color" came out gorgeous and rich and, I must say, looked better than my real natural color ever did. Since 2003 I have moved down to the peninsula and still will only go to Kathy. If I move ever move out of state I will have to get my hair cut only twice a year I guess, but I can't imagine going anywhere else or trusting another hairstylist with my hair ever again. That's a scary thought. read more

Terri gave me the best haircut I have had in a very very long time. I came in with a hair emergency, I cut some packing tape out of my own hair that my 3 year old stuck in it and gave myself a mullet. Terri was able to turn my redneck mullet into a super cute stylish doo. The service was amazing too, Terri took the time to sit down with me before the cut to discuss my hair and look through styles with me. She let me know what styles would look best with the shape of my face. I walked out of Chroma and threw my baseball hat in the garbage. Terri has a new permanent customer!! read more

Kathy was great! She gave me the best cute I've had in years. Made it work for my low-maintenance lifestyle and also taught me how to make it look fabulous when I have the time. I can't wait to come back! read more

Terri at Chroma Salon is a coloring genius! My webcam can't even begin to do justice to the vibrant spectrum of oranges to reds to burgundy to dark purple to electric purple that she achieved. I told her my vision for my Burning Man hair and she made it happen! read more

I find it very hard to find a hair stylist who I feel comfortable with. Most come across as being bored, don't listen, or are just not interested in helping me find a cut that works (I guess cutting long hair is not interesting enough). Terri did an awesome job and I have the best haircut I've had in a long long time. I only style my long hair minimally and she gave me a cut that totally works for me. Thanks Terri! read more

I have had my hair cut by Terri for several years, you know, the regular guy who is not too fussy, but recently she outdid herself. I was appearing in a video and was unusually worried about my hair and how it would look. Terri and I talked about what I wanted and she added insight and a few ideas to the style mix. The result, I walked out with an exceptional professional cut and style that also had quite a bit of life and fun in it. The video went great and I even liked the way I appeared on camera; many of us are our harshest critics. The make-up artist even noted my cut favorably, asking me, btw, who cuts your hair? Thanks Terri for all your creativity and work through the years, but this time, your great cut and styling will live on in this video shown around the world. read more

Just had my first haircut from Terri (thanks, Groupon!) I was a little reluctant to try a new more interesting style with a new stylist, but Terri is great. She has very helpful look-books that she goes through with you to find the best cut for you. Really happy with my whole experience! read more

Teri was awesome. She listens and gives her suggestions. She definitley works with her clients and builds trust! Gives you good examples of why a style is good or not for you. Wish I had her talent with styling my hair afterwards though :-/ Will definitly return. read more

I've been going to Terri to get my hair done for about a year now and I think she's fabulous. She listens carefully to your ideas and then works with you to help you get what you really want. She also guarantees all her haircuts, so if you decide one week later that you may like a few extra highlights or for your bangs to be a touch shorter, she'll fit you back in for no additional cost. I've never known another stylist to do this before. I've seen a few other reviewers here complain about Terri's use of lookbooks. Terri only suggested to me that I use a lookbook on my very first visit, and that was only because she didn't know me yet and was trying to get to know my style. I really appreciated it, because I'm not a hair stylist and have no idea how to use the right terminology to convey to a new stylist what I want. I've also seen some complaints about Terri's poodle, Ivan and his doggie gate. Ivan is totally chill, and I can't see how it would be a huge inconvenience to anyone to step over a short gate. Also, um, poodles don't shed, so dog hair is a non-issue. I'll definitely keep going to Terri - she rocks. read more

Terri gives great haircuts and highlights. I've been happy with my hair every time I've visited Chroma. Only problem is it is very hard to get a hold of her, if you have a busy schedule...you'll be stuck playing phone tag with her to get an appointment. Lastly, last time I went my cut and partial highlights went from 140 to 195 with no explanation! ouch...If you can afford it, and have time to play phone tag then I'm sure you'll be happy with Chroma! read more

Terri's got a great sense of style; definitely aims to please by feeling out your style; and is a great conversationalist. Couldn't ask for much more than that. I've been going to her for about two years and always leave happy, something I can't say for other places I've patronized. She never hard sells product, and is very reasonably priced. I really like her space too, a bright but tucked away little spot on Solano, with local art on display. read more

Terri is fabulous. She took the time to get to know my style and even pulled up a bunch of photos on her phone to give me ideas of what I might like. I love my balayage highlights and haircut! She was even nice enough to get me a cup of coffee while the color set. Most salons I've been to feel chaotic and rushed, but Terri devoted 100% of her time to me and the entire experience was so enjoyable. I will definitely be going back! read more

Just got my third cut and first highlights from Terri two weeks ago. Spent almost $200 on it and I'll save up every dollar for my next appointment with her. She's the only stylist I know who goes through the time and trouble to get you the best cut/look you want and will have enough brains and balls to say "no" when a particular look is not for YOU. And I'm glad she does because each time I get my hair did from Terri I get compliments from everyone and her cuts lasts for months and grows out beautifully. Thanks Terri, love love love my red highlights!!! read more

Wow! WTF?My girl had her hair done there , and I gotta tell ya, she gets laid a LOT more now.... I'm just sayin' my girl is HOT now.... I don't know much about such girlie things but whatever.... Made a believer out of me! Wasn't that expensive as the last joint she made me pay for in the city either... I'll be dropping her off there whenever she claims she needs it. I don't argue no mo' , I just dicker! :-) (the big ass poodle is pretty humorously entertaining too. I nicknamed him Poolander. Seemed appropriate at the time...) read more

I got a very good haircut from Terri and I still have a coupon for another $40 cut with her... so why haven't I been back? I think it's because the overall experience in the salon was such a turn-off. There was hair on the floor from a previous client, a dog barking, and the smell of the chemical products was strong. I couldn't relax and I kept wondering, is the large nude portrait behind me of the woman cutting my hair? Is it tactful to ask? read more

Chroma Salon is great! Terri has been styling my hair for over ten years! I am a photographer and filmmaker and I like my hair to be stylish yet manageable under any condition. I always come away with that every time! Whenever I bring in a photo or even just a concept she always comes through with exactly what I had in mind! If you are looking for that one person you would trust with your hair, it would be Terri! I would (and have) travel for miles just for her to style, cut and color my hair! read more

Terri has cut my hair twice now, and I love her work. She takes her time to make sure she understands what you want, and then goes to work to make it happen. She has her opinions too and shares them. She's kind and straightforward. The salon is pleasant and quiet, and Terri's sweet gentleman poodle is there to greet and accompany. Thanks, Terri. read more

I love the atmosphere of this hip little spot and was totally pampered by Terri and everybody says my hair looks great now. Thank you thank you! read more

Alden is the best!!! He just spent 3 1/2 hours perfecting my hair! I wanted some ombré highlights on the ends and it was the first time I have ever gotten color so I had a million questions and concerns which he expertly addressed. He painstakingly foiled every beautiful strand, using two different colors of blond which ended up blending in amazingly. Then a stellar layered and textured cut for which I have returned to him many times.. Top it off with some magic spray gel, scrunch, dry, and voila!! I couldn't be happier.. read more

I just got the best hair cut! Terri really spent the time to find out what would be best for me, and I had no idea when I walked in. It was way more expensive than an average cut but so worth it! read more

I came here to get a trim and left with a fabulous, styled cut. Terri also showed me how to quickly style my hair at home. Super happy with my experience. I'll definitely be a repeat customer. read more

Best Haircut I ever had. Seriously! Very convenient location, easy parking, Terri is cool and friendly, and her price is reasonable.