I should update this. I've been coming for years now to Eleen. I always bring a picture of exactly what I want, but she always remember what I want anyway. COVID-19 Update: incredibly well down. I'm really impressed with how Eleen handles her business with COVID-19. You have to make an appointment so they don't have too many people in the salon at once. They immediately take your temperature when you walk in and have you hand sanitize. I've never once seen Eleen or staff without a mask. They also always wear their masks properly. Overall, they take precautions very seriously and I feel safer in the hair salon than I do at a grocery store! Overall, 5/5. I really love coming to Eleen. With COVID, I try to tip a larger percentage than usual. Please consider doing the same! read more

Exactly what I needed! $40 for a trim and nice pixie cut shape. Love it! Great family-owned vibes.

I had my hair cut by Patty and she did not listen to what I wanted done. I told her I wanted a trim, and because I have very thin and fine hair, I didn't want layers since I'm trying to maintain as much volume as possible. She suggested long layers, which I thought just meant adding some subtle layering near the ends. So I agreed but emphasized that I wanted very minimal layers. She ended up thinning out my ends and making my hair look thinner and scraggly. The ends honestly looked like I hadn't gotten a trim in 6 months, which was what I had done and my hair looked better going in than when I came out. I told her that she thinned my hair out too much with the layering and she did not offer any apology, solutions or to try and fix it. During the haircut, she sprayed the spray bottle directly in my face, which added to the already uncomfortable experience. Overall, the entire experience left me feeling really disappointed and cheapened. The following day, I ended up getting my hair fixed at a different salon, and the new stylist was able to show me how unevenly my fringe pieces had been cut. I'm disappointed by the lack of communication and that my concerns about my fine hair weren't taken into account. read more

Recently came for a short cut, no wash. Eleen always nails the shape and layering I want. She took about 35 minutes with me, and charged me $45 for credit, reduced to $43 for paying with cash. Very no-frills, to the point, straightforward service. Call ahead for an appointment; Eleen usually can do same-day, and if not, Patty is usually available. Easy street parking nearby. read more

This review is specifically for Patty, who I have been coming to for years for basic haircuts. This is a no-frills place, and is ideal for a quick salon visit especially if you're short on time. Every time I leave this salon I come out satisfied because Patty listens and delivers exactly what I ask for in a haircut. I appreciate the staff here at Eleen's because often times there is always someone available ready to cut your hair. If you need a quick haircut for a decent price in the area, come to Eleen's! read more

I have a chin length Bob cut and it's not easy to find someone who knows how to trim, shape and texturize short hair for women. I was craving a trim but my regular hair stylist wasn't available. I thought I'd venture out this one time to see what else is out there. Fortunately, I came across Eleen's salon and hoped they had availability today. They did and booked me with Patti, who has positive yelp reviews. I arrived to a Salon that is geared towards everyone and families. It's a large place and everyone was so kind. Patti seated me right away asked me what I want. I told her don't take too much off in the front, shorter in the back but not too short and I feel like my hair is bunching at the bottom. She sectioned out my short hair with clips and got to trimming. Other places would just trim the bottom of my hair and call it a day. Patti spent time with my hair. She was detailed in every cut and after 20 minutes it was perfect! I'm so happy I met Patti and I will definitely be returning to her for my monthly cuts. Also, the prices are extremely fair. Thanks, Patti! read more

Overall nice people for reasonable price in the area (for men's haircut $31 with cash $33 non-cash). If you are looking for a simple haircut then I think this is a good choice. If you have something more specific in mind, I'd ask about it more before hand before deciding to come here. I called for an appointment with Eleen day of, and asked if they were comfortable with fades, which they agreed and nicely accommodated. When I got there she said I would be with Patty instead, despite no one being there. I didn't mind as Patty was very nice. She was fine with the clippers but did not understand how to properly fade. She also couldn't do short scissor trims. I appreciated her honesty and said she can just go as short as she was comfortable with then. One reason for the lower rating was Patty asked Eleen for guidance as she wasn't familiar with this fade/ short trims. Eleen, still did not have a customer (until the end of my haircut) and just said "do your best" and remained on her phone. Again, Patty was very nice and was decent for the price considering other barbers in Palo Alto and Menlo Park charge double for uneven trims. But I'll continue looking for my go to barber, unfortunately. read more

My girlfriend was in town and she was looking for a place to get her haircut. Sadly, everywhere she's looked was either booked or would not cut her hair. Because she has shorter hair, and she likes her hair short, she is particular about who is able to cut her hair. After getting our car washed, we looked up the salons in the nearby area and Eleen's Saul showed up. We called in and they were able to take walk-ins. We were very happy because when we walked into their establishment, she was working on someone else's hair. While that person was in the middle of resting, the stylist saw my girlfriend and cut her hair. Not only did she do a great job, she was kind enough to take us as a walk-in. we highly recommend you visiting this place for all of your salon and haircut needs. This will definitely be the place my girlfriend will go every time she visits whenever she needs a quick cut. read more

I gotta pretty cool hairdo. I just needed a style which I don't think I've had before. The people seem to love it . I've had plenty compliments. I got my hair done by the owner herself so that's a bonus. read more

I had an appointment and was right in time. Unfortunately, someone just grab my spot and I should wait despite I have an appointment. All plans were ruined. Suggestion - be honest with your customers and simply tell that you don't take an appointments and it's simply first come, first serve read more

Personalized, friendly, accommodating service from a husband & wife team. Eleen and her team always make their customer happy and greatly satisfied! read more

They've cut my husband's hair since I last wrote the review - they've been very kind. No issues. They're fine! I take back my first review as I believe that employee is either no longer with them or they've changed their attitude. read more

I feel badly writing this review since Eleene is so nice and I really liked the no frills down to earth friendly community feel to this salon. Also they are open on Sunday's which is a plus, and fit me in very quickly. Now the bad: I have not dyed my hair in over 14 years. I came in with very specific request with pictures to go along for an ombré. I have black hair never dyed. So this was a big deal for me. I should have known when Ellen recommended " reddish" tones ( a no no for me). I let her convince me and she said she has done ombré before. I asked if it would look similar to the pics I brought and she said yes, " just go for it!" Well I went for it and this is what I got: 1. I asked for past my shoulder length and even showed her a pic of my previous haircut that I wanted-- but nope just a basic short bob instead. I should have just left then. 2. Then, against my better judgement I agreed to a copperish color for the ombré. She said red looks better-- i asked if it would still look like the pic and she said yes. Well a full 2 hours later ( because she saw two or three other men while also doing my hair) it ends up being nothing like an ombré. Just basic highlights in red. She tried to show me that it is ombré underneath-- what? I guess I have a "secret" ombré then? So to sum: I asked for a long bob with no red tones and ombré. I left crying with a short bob and red highlights. She was kind enough to " only " charge $108. i thought it would not be worth the risk to have her try to fix it-- I will have to go to a colorist to correct it. I am a good person and she is super nice so I still tipped about 20percent. I hate crying after a haircut which is why I rarely get them. Ugh so sad. Lastly: the place is quite dirty-- especially the bathroom with dirt and paint peeling, and just kind of no sense of pride in the look of the salon. I knew this when I walked in -- and I will overlook all of the ambience for a nice person, reasonable prices, strong community feel, and good haircut and color. I didn't get the last two. Sorry Eleen I know you tried. Perhaps practice more with ombré . I wanted this to be my regular salon but sadly will still keep looking. read more

It was a rough haircut. I have a pretty straight forward men's cut. 1.5 on the sides and back, fade it, a little longer than finger length on top, leave the bangs .25" longer than the rest. She spent 12 mins on my cut (1:05 - 1:17), while the fade was ok, she cut the bangs shorter than everything else. Then when I asked that she thin out the top, she looked at me like I was crazy. While I was hoping to find a solid, budget friendly spot for every other cut, I'd rather spend $60 at my salon than get butched here again. read more

Several points re this place: 1) Scheduled time is not respected. Be ready to wait for another 15-30 mins even if u show up on time. Why take reservations then? Just be honest and say that there are other customers. 2) avoid Eleen for man haircuts. Completely ruined my haircut. Would not recommend. She might be good for a buzzcut, but if it is anything a tat complicated, don't do it. 3) previously had a good experience with Patty, but see point one. All in all, this haircut business needs to change. Customers walk away with a horrible haircut for a month and barbershop gets to keep full price and tip. Does not make sense. This has to be like in restaurant, if the food is bad, they just don't charge you. read more

Quick, efficient haircut. Prices are reasonable. I like Patty's work. My daughter had her hair cut by Ellen and she loves it.

If one could give zero stars, I would. She absolutely butchered my 13 year old daughter's beautiful hair ... I came here after viewing several reviews in Yelp and in particular the reviews for Eleen. She started off well enough being very communicative and seemed like All would go well. But she clearly cannot handle hair that has body and my daughter and I were both in tears because she left her hair a jagged mess. Even putting it up in a pony tail could not hide how awfully Eleen had mangled it. I drive my daughter right away to and their salon and we paid for another haircut. Eleen - next time if you aren't comfortable doing the job just say so at the outset!! Instead she said that my daughter had too much hair like it was the child's problem!!! You are an absolute disgrace to your profession!!! Ideally I'd like my $30 back!!! read more

Eleen's Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Carlos, California

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Eleen's Salon is my go to place. She always does an amazing job for me, and is very fast if you are a guy in a hurry. When I first moved out to the Peninsula, it took me several tries and several bad haircuts before I found her salon. I would recommend that you schedule an appointment with her first as she is always busy. She does have some helpers that also provide quality haircuts, and I wouldn't hesitate going to Patty if Eleen was not available. Prices are par for a male haircut, but quality is great as she has been doing this for over 20 years. She also has a salon in SF, so she's a busy woman. I've even brought my kids and my wife has gone, which is a feat in itself because she always complains about not being able to find somebody who can do her hair properly. Now that we've found Eleen, we can all go to the same place for our haircuts. read more

It's my third time coming here and I have had the pleasure of having my hair cut by both Eleen and Kim! All three cuts were great I normally let my hair grow out for a while and they get it cut pretty short and it always takes some convincing to get the barbers to go as short as I like, but both kept cutting until I was happy without complaints( I have had others complain). read more

Eleen's Salon - Side view - Hair Salons Near Me - San Carlos, California

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I was recommended to come here by a relative, and I'm honestly a tad torn. Service was nice and the top of my head was done better than average, but I really hate the back of my head. I had asked for more natural sides and I assumed the same would be done with my back, but it came out way too geometric (see pic). Someone said my back looks like a trapezoid. Oh well, three weeks and will see how it grows out ... read more

Eleen's Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Carlos, California

Eleen is an amazing stylist. I would highly recommend her to anyone. However, she only works certain days of the week, so it's tough to get an appointment with her. read more

Patty gave me a haircut today. It was my first time here (first haircut since the Covid outbreak ) and she listened to how I wanted my hair. We were masked the entire time, sanitizer was provided, and I was the only one in the establishment. I'm glad I tried this place and supported small business. read more

I have been getting my haircut at Eleen's for a few years now. I always ask for Patty, and she always gives me a good cut. When I had some Italian relatives from Rome visiting, my cousin took an appointment with Patty and was very satisfied with the results. The only bad experience I had was when, a few years ago before I found Patty, some guy who was working there cut my hair. I'm glad, however, I decided to try them again and a different haircutter. I've never had Eleen herself cut my hair so I can't comment on her skills. read more

Worst haircut I ever took! Expensive without washing. And she cut all my bangs directly without asking! Make my head looks like a pupil! Ian super upset and angry. The front desk is also very rude! read more

Well, today was my second time here after coming here with mixed feelings. In short, I was patient the first time after literally arguing for what I want but ending with a good haircut. This time I gave up fighting the hairdresser for what I asked for, took my bib off, paid, and left. Things to know: - They don't take direction well and WILL argue with you if they disagree. - If you pay with a credit card, they add +$2 to your bill. - Men's haircut is $20 (cash and/or debit) or $22 for credit card transactions - Appointment is recommended I have a very standard haircut. - #4 on the sides - I want this 4 to go straight up - Blend the sides - Take a 1/2 inch off the top - Special directions in certain area due to balding * I am starting to lose my hair in the top back of my head and front corners I ask for these specific area to be trimmed lower around this since my hair just grows SUPER fast there. If it doesn't, then I require another hair cut a week later because it hangs over my short sides. And, I'm not trying to hide the fact I'm losing my hair. First Time: drop-in on a Thurs Came in, provided the details to what I wanted. All was fine until the end. I asked to take more off the the sides and back, ended up arguing with the lady. This happened 4 times after which the 4th she gave in since she had turned to (what I assumed was her boss) her boss and argued with her about my request in what I assume was Chinese. Her boss apologized to me after the forth time and said they would give me what I asked for. Mind you, I was a little embarrassed because I had to explain my balding (kind of a soft spot for me) and how to cut around it 4 times in front of a packed shop. She finally did as I asked and I was delighted with my cut. Second time: drop-in on a federal holiday I got lucky with my timing as there was one hair dresser and I was between appointments. Same as before.... she was INSISTENT and PERSISTENT on NOT providing me what I asked for. My hair is NOT cut correctly and there's actually a thick patch right below my top rear area that grows super fast and I specifically asked to cut shorter. When I go up to pay, they added +$2 to the $20 haircut because I used a credit card. As a business, I know this is a burden that credit card companies impose, but that's YOUR burden. Don't push it on your customer right at the point of transaction. Just make all haircuts $22. Very disappointed and having to get another haircut to correct this one. read more

Efficient, quick clean cuts. No fuss no muss. Will be going back for our kids cuts. And very reasonable prices.

Eleen's is the best. Love this place. Got a great haircut for the first time at this place today and I will be coming back. Great people too! read more

I went to great clips and they messed my hair up pretty badly. I wanted a short bob and I ended up with a weird longish hairstyle that flipped up in the back. I went to Eleen without an appointment and asked if she could fix it. She did a magnificent job and took me in right away. Very inexpensive, she was very nice, and understanding. I want to go here next time I get my hair cut! Also, my great grandma has been coming here for years. She is 98 years old and refuses to go anywhere else! read more

Eleen's Salon - Eleen did a wonderful job! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Carlos, California

In a PG&E power outage, the team went back to low tech scissors and a few small battery-powered devices. They apologized that they couldn't use a hairdryer but it was still a convivial, efficient, and professional experience. Eleen's doesn't pretend to be a super expensive, high end salon but, noticing their interactions with the many regulars who still came out for a cut in high winds and no power, this is decidedly a friendly hometown hair cutter. read more

I can't say enough positive things about Eleen. She cuts my hair exactly how I like it. She is friendly and understands what I like. I am so happy that I have finally found someone that does a great job! I also enjoy talking to both her and her husband while having my hair done. They both are gracious and I always have great conversations. They both make me feel happy when I leave. PS: for those who feel the need to write negative reviews, please don't. Eleen and Russell are very nice people and do not deserve slander towards their services. If only business owners could Yelp review their clients. I am sure they have a lot to say. read more

Solid and consistent haircut every time. Eleen is friendly and professional. $20 for a men's cut. Lots of street parking around her part of Laurel St. Bottom line: Good and reliable for a men's cut. read more

"Eleen, are you available?" "Not right now, but you can come" "Darn, ok" ... RING RING "Hello?" "Hi it's Eleen. I'm free now" "I'll be there in 15 minutes" 30 minutes later, after telling her and showing her what kind of cut I'm in the middle of transitioning out of, I was happily done. read more

Made an appointment to get a haircut with Mandy and i love the result! Mandy did more than a great job. My hair looks perfect - super happy! :) read more

Eleen's Salon - Thank you Mandy! :) - Hair Salons Near Me - San Carlos, California

I have been coming to Eleen for haircut since like 2011, so it really feels like family even though each of my visits only last for 20-30m. She saw me going from just getting married to having two kids and my hair turning increasingly gray in the process. Always love our conversation. read more

Been here a few times. With a short trim, I found the price over-priced for the quality. However, I've also been here with a dramatic cut going to long mid-back length to short chin length. Lots of time and care was spent on cutting my hair even though shortcuts could have been taken. I was also asked several times if the cut was acceptable and to my liking. The end result was a cut that everyone raved about and thought was from a high-end salon. I was surprised when my bill was rang up because it was no different from my trims. Huge plus that I can often get a same-day appointment on the weekends. read more

First, Patti was very nice, quick, and efficient. My problem lies with the opaque pricing. When I asked what a men's haircut would cost, I was stated $20. At the end I was charged $26 and was told the extra $6 was due to "the use of scissors". I am aware the price of a haircut can vary depending on what's done, but I went in to trim my hair and thin it out slightly because I am in the process of growing it out. I don't feel $6 on top is a legitimate charge for that amount of work especially when my hair is just shaggy and not full length like a woman's. My wife and I were planning on making this place our go to since we just moved to the area, but we will unfortunately have to choose somewhere more transparent and honest about their service to price ratios. read more

Eleen is great, normally I am very apprehensive with trying out new salons, but she put me at ease with her expertise and her professionalism. She is super nice and talkative, and we spent the entire time chatting, which was nice. And at the end of the day, the haircut was great too! 100% recommended. read more

Excellent, friendly, quick & affordable! I have long/thick/curly hair and they gave me an all-over trim for $28 (cash discount). So glad to have found her; I'll be back! read more

Eleen is just the sweetest! Great cut and very affordable! My new salon for sure! The cut does not come with a wash, which is one of my favorite things when getting it cut, but I understand just an FYI. read more

I've been coming here exclusively for almost the past 2 years, and I can say without a doubt that Eleen gives some of the best haircuts I've ever had. She listens to exactly what you want, and will execute to your specifications. If you know what you want, but don't know how to explain, bring a picture! This applies to any barbershop. Prices are fair, times are flexible, and Eleen and Russell are super friendly. Highly recommend Eleen's Salon for your haircuts! read more