Cute vintage shop, and a hidden treasure: the hair salon in back is operated by Amber. I went in with a vague longing for a pixie cut and purple highlights: Amber made it happen and I love my new hair. One impressive item: the vintage clothing was all clean and well cared for. There was no musty smell, no dusty air to the place. I would feel confident buying there. read more

Got my hair done recently and the experience itself was great. Nora was very nice, however my hair is very damaged now. It feels gummy and breaks off so easily. I was so excited to get my hair done but I won't be returning unfortunately. Just wanted to warn others. read more

One of my favorite places to find vintage treasures. Acquired one of my favorite pieces of jewelry here recently and can't stop recommending this spot to anyone who will listen. Such a sweet spot to shop! read more

I want to state this is not a rating for the actual shop(which is great!), but for the hair dresser Nora. I set an appointment for a haircut and arrived on time, waited about 10 minutes before the person watching the shop said they are going to check in with Nora to make sure they knew they had an appointment. Nora told the person to let me know they said they fuc*ed up and they are not able to make it in and will contact me to reschedule. I never got a call or an apology for this from Nora which is a super bummer as I planned my day and quite honestly the whole month around it. read more

I have only passed by this place when I'm driving, so when I passed it while I was walking home, I decided to pop in. Super friendly person greeted me and the cat, Rome/Roam?, took a liking to me. I walked away with a pair of pretty earrings. If I had more time to shop (I had to get home), I would have walked away with more stuff. read more

Alway fun stuff to look thru! Took my daughter here to 'thrift' for her 17th birthday. LuLus is always our first stop and we never walk away empty handed...AND, there is two awesome shop cats as well! read more

Amber is a wizard. She took my two tone, brassy hair and matched it perfectly to my natural color in two and a half hours. She's so sweet and unpretentious, and the store has more style than pretty much anywhere else in Oakland. Other salons cost twice as much and give you a much worse experience. Amber is a truly awesome hairstylist and I can't recommend her enough. read more

Today was my birthday. I bought myself a cake, some candles, a sandwich and I followed up on a little treasure I saw Down at Lulu's post to their instagram page. It was a sweater that I had a as a child and loved but likely grew out of or who knows. It's got two different bold pink stripe colors with gray & white cats that are playing with big balls of yarn all of the shirt. I needed to have it back so I hauled my ass over to D@L and in the first stroke of luck I've had all week, it was still there. As I browsed, two of the owners were in the shop. They introduced themselves and offered to start a fitting room for me and my two items. I loved how friendly they were and how they made me feel like I was hanging out with people who were already my friends. I declined the dressing room knowing I'd already become attached to the stuff I picked out. I want to say that I don't know where to start with all the things I love about Down at Lulu's but I know EXACTLY where to start: Women-owned business that's colorful, affordable, and body-positive. What more can one ask for? Oh, I know! I RuPaul themed storefront window- CHECK! They've got it all! From top to bottom and across the board, Down at Lulu's in my jam. read more

Amber rocked my hair out. I went in with a few different pictures of ladies with varying lengths of shag hairdos and Amber found the perfect balance for my thick, straight hair. She also took note of my like for thinned-out hair and gave my mane some life again. She even gave me some really good tips on how to easily make my hair look more wavy without too much work or hassle. The salon is small, at the back of an already small vintage thrift store, but the decor is great (totally reminded me of my grandmother) and the people are real with you. For a hairstylist who listens to you and knows what she's doing, I'd definitely recommend going to Amber, Down at Lulu's. :) read more

Down at Lulu's - shag cut by Amber - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Mitra is wonderful. I went in like a trembling virgin and she caressed my hair and made me realize that my hair could be *so much more* than a long, plain, well-cared for mane. She showed me how to tease, rat, and style my hairdo, and then gave me truly one of the best haircuts I've ever recieved or seen on anyone else. My friends had me turn around and turn around... hair is not something I change, ever, and yet Mitra ushered me into the new and exciting world of style and product so enthusiastically and reassuringly. I'll never look back. My new hair is AWESOME! (see the photo! isn't that great?) One note, Mitra is an independent agent and only accepts cash. The store itself (an impressive array of clothes that all seem to perfectly fit me in both size and style) does accept cards, but Mitra herself does not. read more

Down at Lulu's - Lulu's Is Great! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Awesome place. Very vintage punk rock glamor with a touch of sass. Kinda like Cyndi Lauper I'd imagine. They had a wonderful selection of crazy dresses and coats. And though they were a touch overpriced, my friend got an awesome "Penny Lane" jacket for half price. The puppies were also so cute chilling inside. Aww read more

Down at Lulu's is a small shop but I spent 45 minutes looking through two racks so their inventory is great! I love that it's organized by color so I can head straight to my favorites. Customer service is great and I have no complaints about my purchase. I'll definitely be back! Rated a 4 instead of 5 because I was having some trouble maneuvering in the small dressing room. Not a big deal and that will NOT stop me from patronizing them. read more

So sweet and helpful. I saw a pair of gorgeous leather pants on Instagram and Frankie was beyond sweet and helpful with sizing and questions. I came in the next day and purchased them, so glad they didn't sell, they fit perfectly and they're are a gunmetal color so sick !! Such a cozy store small but cozy, they let you shop in peace. I've always loved this place since Tina had it, they opened way back in 07'. read more

I really like this place alot! it seems there are only cool women that work there and I've gotten in several nice conversations about random things like extensions, eyebrows and LA vs Bay Area. They have well maintained reasonably priced vintage. I always find something I like. There are more whimsical hip colorful pieces vs perfect condition fine expensive things: perfect for me. I never got my hair done there, it's about $75 for a cut and I know that's typical but my budget is less. read more

Love this spot and will be back!! Tried on a bunch of vintage and they have solid selection and pricing. A great place to find that special dress or shirt or something! The person working there was friendly without being obtrusive. 10/10! read more

For months I'd driven by Lulu's intrigued by their vintage-tastic displays, so when my fish pedicure brought me to the 'hood, I beelined towards the pink sign. The place went all Back to the Future on me. The outfits, retro furniture and posters, old records, it was like time travel, BAM! Hurled into the time where people wore outlandish things in newfangled fabrics that suffocated your skin and everyone wondered why they smelled so badly. Lucky for us now, we've got automatic washing machines and dry cleaners and the like, and the clothes have had decades to air out. Lucky for me, 80s designers had a penchant for blindly bright silks, and I scored an awesome red number for five buckerooos! Paired with a black eelskin fan purse just whispering to me from the hook, I'd call myself dead sexy. LOL. They also boast a great boot collection. And get this, they do hair too. So whatever era you're looking to channel, you can complete the look beehive and all! read more

After careful deliberation, the owner Tina took time out of her busy day to send me a yelp compliment for my review of her store from Feb with an "OH PLEASE!!!!!GIMMIE A BREAK!!!!". Y'all are killin it with the professionalism Tina. Next time I will only write short super positive trivial things about your totally amazing store and not crappy customer service ok? I can understand off-days, everyone has them and it seems people inclined to yelp every second of their life always get you when you happen to be at your worst, shortstaffed, or otherwise compromised from providing your usual stellar service. Retail is just hard in general, I know this.....but that is why shop owners can take seriously a critique and respond publicly to the reviews for their stores ... instead of passive aggressively writing a petty private yelp compliment that just confirms the bad experience had in the store. read more

The lovely thing about living in the East Bay is that we get a plethora of amazing vintage stores, and Down at Lulu's is definitely one of them. Plus, it's also a SALON?? This review is for their clothing selection, which is pretty delightful. They have a ton of amazing vintage finds ranging from the 1950s to the 1990s, and more! They usually have a $5 rack outside as well as an assortment of zines, jewelry, and vinyls. Clothing can be little more expensive than what you would find at a thrift store, but for the quality and just overall authenticity of the finds, I would highly recommend at least dropping by to at least browse the racks and admire the selection of clothes. Heck, i found a vintage neon rainbow dress for New Years for $20. If you aren't entertained by the clothes, I guarantee you will be entertained by the store itself and how much it is an homage to your pink cat lady. read more

I got a haircut at Down at Lulu's after a looong time without one, so I was kind of desperate for someone to help. Tina was nice to talk to, and the shop is really cute. It was fun to browse vintage stuff while I waited. I just have 2 complaints: - She was pretty rough with my head. I know it sounds silly, but the shampoo kind of hurt. - She got my hair to a point where it probably would have looked great when it dried... and then she started chopping into it! My hair is very straight and light, and does not look good with serious layers. She didn't check with me before doing it. I would have spoken up, except we had already had one exchange where I got the "just trust me, I'm the expert" treatment. She was cutting with my hair parted exactly in the middle; when I pointed out that I part on the side, she said she would part it later, and that's just how she cuts and has been doing it that way for 18 years. Basically, I didn't feel included in the process, and the result was a hairstyle that is totally wrong for my head. This wouldn't be a big deal if I were paying $25 for a haircut. I would just go get another. But at $60, I will have to spend a few months with my hair in a ponytail before I try again. read more

I've been hair challenged all my life - with thin, fine, kinda wavey hair that all too easily ends up lookin' like Roy Orbison 's on a bad hair day- but that's any oxymoron isn't it. As I've gotten older, and had a bit more cash for haircuts, and started dating again, I am thrilled to have found Mitra at Down at Lulu's. She has given me an easy and attractive style, that works with my hair's texture and tendencies, that I can even replicate at home with just 5 minutes with the blow-dryer. My women friends actually compliment me on my hair- which is for sure new since I've been going to Mitra for the last year and a half or so. Also, should mention, Mitra is lively, amusing, fun to talk to and treats you like a friend rather than just a "client." The shop is fun and I always get to watch a cool boy or two getting his hair done - a fringe benefit. for sure. Highly recommended! read more

They should really start having before and after pictures because Down at Lulu's is like a make over. Seriously it's like you walk in a little tarnished from the world and you walk out shimmering. ...oohh girl it's good..... I always get the best haircuts of my life there, cute clothes and keep running into my favorite purses from there one after another. I even got mugged while I had one of them and got in a tug of war with my mugger over the purse and then tried to see if I could find where they dumped it after they took off with it. I fucking loved that purse. oh and i met my current date two days after a haircut from Tina and wearing a new dress from the store. read more

I asked for an a line haircut and ended up with more of a u. I thought maybe bailey b's experience was a fluke, but now i am sporting my own bowl haircut. you have been warned! 2 stars only cause I would probably shop here again had they not earned a place in my Horrifying Haircut Hall of Fame. read more

Hmmm. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for vintage treasure-hunting when I stopped in on a recent Friday. I headed here based on the Yelp reviews, hoping to have some retro fun. Didn't see anything I loved. Wasn't greeted until I had already finished browsing and was about to head out the door. Because the Yelpers love it so, I will try again when I'm in a different mood. read more

I love this place so much, I'd marry it if I could! Down at Lulu's is very much an old-fashioned beauty parlor, but with a healthy dose of rock and roll. In other words, it's friggin' heaven on earth to this gal! Since my teens, I've had to search far and wide for hair stylists who really "get" my aesthetic, but I've been entrusting my hair to Seth and Tina for about 5 years now and always leave here looking and feeling gorgeous. They're highly skilled, intuitive, and really collaborate with you. Although I haven't had my hair done by Mitra, I've seen her work and think she does an awesome job; I wouldn't hesitate to have her cut and style my tresses. And the 3 of them are some of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. In addition to having my locks expertly handled, I've scored some rad vintage frocks here, too, including a Betsey Johnson for under $40. It just doesn't get any better! read more

Thanks, Yelp. I'm down with Lulu's, too, after the purchase of some mirrored retro specs, a mohair cardigan off their bargain rack, and a groovy new "do" thanks to Mitra. I'd marry Mitra if I could, but we're both already married. I look like Ann Margret now, in a good way. All this because I found 'em on Yelp! read more

Still love Tina. Even though I recently moved to LA, i'm contemplating scheduling her into my trips up to the bay. Since my last review she's given me 3 other haircuts (including an awesome modern mohawk) all of which were great. Taking my hair from waist-length to a mohawk... I could only trust her. If I could give this place 10 stars I definitely would. read more

I committed hairdresser adultery to sneak over to Berkeley/Oakland for a haircut with Seth, but sometimes that's what it takes to change your hairdo. I've always been deathly afraid of razor haircuts but he convinced me to trust his blade skills when I asked him to turn my Amelie-ish bob into a Duran Duran/skater boy cut. People say you're supposed to cut short short hair every 6 weeks but I didn't have to go back for 3 months since it grew out so nicely. Seth is super cute and super sweet (he has a boyfriend so curb your desire - or not) and strikes a good balance between giving you guidance on what your hair can/should do but also listening to what you want. He also gives free bang trims and was so nice when I sheepishly asked to come back in after the second haircut to shape it a little differently after I had thought about it some more. The store is worth a visit on its own--well-selected vintage, records, zines, crafty art work, Cyndi Lauper gum. And they're always playing good music, lots of 80s booty-moving tunes. So go to Lulu's, get your hair cut, pick up a new-old jean jacket or some leather ankle boots, then pop on over to the White Horse down the street and dance under the disco ball. read more

A friend was visiting last weekend from Montreal, and despite her travels in Canada, the UK, India, and throughout the US, she has been unable to find a truly amazing vintage leather jacket in her size--until, that is, we made a stop at Down at Lulu's. My friend wears about a US size 20, and we found an incredible, deep burgundy vintage jacket for her that made her sweet face light up like little girl's in a princess costume. She had to twirl, she was so pleased! This store is great for regular and plus sizes up to about a size 20. It's very hard to find vintage beyond this size, but I wish they had something more than accessories and a hippie dress with small arms for a size 24 girl like me. However, Down at Lulu's, you've done pretty right by the big girls, and especially for vintage! Keep it up! read more

Danny is a FABULOUS addition to Down at Lulu's! I give him the ultimate recommendation! Danny's cutting style is always right on - his cuts are so good that styling is super easy - he is a master with the shears. I have thick short hair that can get very Elizabeth Taylor - not in a good way. There are tricks that he does with the cut that makes my hair great every day. Danny does incredible color also - I tend to go for bold styles - his colors are vivid, perfect & long lasting. He takes great care with his work & my hair in great shape after color. Danny works with my lifestyle & ideas & blends them into a creative look that is better than I ever imagined! Danny listens to me every time, he is amazingly gentle & tells the best stories! I never have a bad hair day & I have great love for Danny! Hairdressers are a girl's best friend! read more

Curly hair cut with Amber! I consider my hair on the thickish side with curls that turn into waves and can be annoying. But, Amber has an easy way with hair...she just knows how it works. I've had a few cuts with her and every time I am super happy. I even got bangs recently which I was really nervous about...curly hair + bangs ..can = disaster. However, they look great, with or without a blow dry. Amber is super talented. Also, the store is super awesome and I've seen a ton of cute things there. All in all, rad place. read more

Whenever I get my haircut it's my facial expression that chooses the style. My mouth says "different" and "short," but once the hair hits the floor my face scrunches and all the stylist hears is "Don't cut any more!" I usually come out with the same cut, just a tad shorter. Thankfully Seth is a master of the styler - stylee relationship. He listened to what I wanted, put his own hip twist to it, and took it slow. He cut a little ... checked if I was convulsing ... and then cut some more. In the end I had a super cute, edgy cut and every part of me was happy. Within weeks two of my co-workers copied my cut! No joke! read more

The owner, Tina at Lulu's did a fabulous job on my hair. I have been searching for a great hairstylist and I found her! She is the only stylist that actually did what I asked. The dye has not faded at all and after 6 weeks, I still look freshly dyed! My hair is shiny and gorgeous! The store part of the salon is great, too! Good prices and lots of great 45s and LPs. I highly recommend this place! read more

I have driven by Down at Lulu's a million times on the way home from dropping my BF off at work.... I always drive by real slow at stare at the pretty window displays..... I almost got to go in one day when my BF was across the street dropping off a resume, but alas he came back to the car to fast for me to sneak over there.... well today I finally got to go in and even better I got my "herr did" by Seth.... Fortunately for me Seth takes appointments on Sundays... (I work Tuesday- Saturday, typical salon hours)... Seth and I had a lengthy conversation about my color and what I could realistically achieve without damaging my hair.... My hair came out beautiful and shiny... I haven't been able to stop running my fingers through it or stop staring at it in the car visor mirror.... Plus Seth is just fabulous along with the space!!!! read more

Down at Lulu's - So Cute... List of services.... - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Me and my best friend were driving up and down Telegraph looking for the skills dj workshop and coincidentally saw this cute little boutique We both looked at each other and screamed "THRIFT STOREEEE!!!" I parked my car and we enter thrift heaven. The shoes are the most adorablest I've ever seen. The racks were filled with cute vintage clothes. There were also many other jewelry, purses, and other adorable little things. The salon part of the shop looked very nice and professional. By glancing at the price, I'm sure it is professional. But no haircut for us--maybe next time ;) The whole decor is wonderful, so even if you stop by and wasn't able to find something or get a haircut, the decor makes it worth all the while. Yay, 5 stars for this cute little gem! read more

Tina cut my hair. You know someone has good technique when they don't resort to using razors/thinning shears to thin your hair out. She did it the old fashioned way, with scissors. I requested a cut that was the shortest I've ever had, but walked out feeling great about it and got tons of compliments. Someone else said this too, but she *is* rough with the shampoo. It kinda hurt. Regardless, she's awesome and would go back there again. read more

I come here when I feel fancy, because here, people are expected to buy shirts that are two sizes to fancy for them, and I do, because their clothes make you look damn classy, like my rugby shorts while doing lunges... classy. It is owned by "hunx" he is a member of gravy train, I am sure that someone else owns it too. But I don't know who that is. They have a fun selections of vintage clothing, also a hair salon. I have seen almost the entire gravy train group here... but I don't want to be that person and ask them to sign my cock while I suckle on their teets, but I'm sure it could happen.... or not... mainly not. Everyone I have brought here has liked it, and I am more concerned with everyone else's likes and dislikes. I'm a giver what can I say, I give. Jesus loves you! _update_ hunx likes my review. so Down at lulu's gets an imaginary 6 mexican star rating... it's pretty much a pinata filled with hot sauce and chicharones. They also have good albums and other neat-o chotchkies. That's right I used neat-o. read more

Super nice place! I loved the environment & the vibes. I went recently to get a shag & let me tell you, Amber is the best! Super super nice person . We also have the same last name too (almost)! She left my hair just the way i wanted & i was so happy. If you're ever thinking about getting a shag, this is the place & Amber is your girl. I'll be back soon! read more

Amber is AWESOME!!! Went in on Saturday and got what is probably the best haircut I've EVER gotten in my life. Super stoked, highly recommended!!! Cool shop too, always lots of good finds. read more

Haircut: Yay Amber! I had a great haircut here. I have thick, curly hair that I hardly ever style even at all, and Amber heard that, talked with me, and gave me a really cute haircut that I won't need to style much and works with my curls. So often stylists just say "layers!" and I'm left with a fluffy mess 2 months later as my hair grows back in quickly. I'm really happy with her suggestions (cut it shorter so the cut lasts a bit longer) and it was fun to sit under the bubble air dryer thing. The clothes were really cute and I'm sure I'll be back to check out the rad boot selection and buy some records once I don't feel so guilty about my haircut. Call ahead for an appointment, I think. Amber only takes cash/check. read more

I've been getting haircuts here on and off for two or three years -- Amber is awesome! I've got super straight boring hair, so it's fun to get a really layered and dramatic cut. And, it's not as crazy expensive as some places. (thought not cheap either...) read more