You're in good hands at Elixir. My original experience here was not-so-great and ended with me basically not getting the massage services I paid for. (If you're seeking a traditional type of back massage, do be sure to book with Leon. The other CMT, Tricia, offers some kind of specialized work of the new age/spiritual variety.) After writing about my experience here on Yelp, I was promptly contacted by the owner of the salon offering reparations. She was very understanding and generously offered me 2 massages with the other masseuse or a refund. SUCH impressive customer service at this place! It's great to find companies that care about their clients. I will definitely be returning for other services in the future. read more

I had a wonderful first experience getting a haircut with Perrin. She was fun, responsive, very gentle (with my sensitive scalp I really appreciated it!), and gave my hair an absolutely beautiful and voluminous cut. She made it much better than the picture I had in my mind and I could easily recreate the style myself. Thank you! I'll be back. Editing it years later! Still the best hair stylist I've ever had. She's given me perfect natural-looking highlights, many beautiful cuts and wonderful blowouts. Perrin is a rockstar! read more

Incredible experience at Elixer! Natalie, my stylist, was kind, patient and just wonderful. Not to mention she did an incredible job with my cut and highlights!! This is my new go-to salon and I couldn't be happier!! read more

I went to Elixir after reading so many good posts. I had an unfortunate experience the first time I went (with Tonya) but I was invited back as the owner has such faith in her staff. I now see why. I had a great stylist who listened really well and came up with some great suggestions. She is a talented hairdresser and did great colour too. I would recommend the salon which is peaceful and relaxing. I'm glad I went back! read more

UPDATE 06/05/08: I'm upping my review from four to five stars. I don't really like the salon but Mireya deserves all 5 stars. Maybe the salon will weird me out less now that they've opened a second location. 04/05/07:My colleague mentioned she got her hair cut here and gave me the name of the her stylist. I've been in NorCal for almost three years and until my first visit at Elixir, I was starting to hopelessly miss my Vegas Stylist. Mireya gave me a great cut without taking off too much length. (That is the biggest concern for myself and many other long-haired ladies I know!) She custom mixed three shades to fix my desperately-in-need home dye job and they couldn't have suited me better! What a great eye! Being so close to Monterey Market and other posh little shops, parking on the weekends can be a little silly but there's always a spot in the surrounding neighborhood (sorry neighbors!). I don't feel entirely comfortable with the odd mixture of Berkeley meets Beverly Hills attitude going on, but for a great cut and color, I really can't complain! Not cheap, not expensive-- juuuuust right and worth every penny. read more

Deborah is a magician. Gave me the exact choppy/messy/mullety haircut I wanted and it feels so much lighter, not so heavy. See the photo I posted that shows the color she did to me (left) and the color I asked for (right). Pretty darn close. It's a bit deeper than expected but that may have been my fault in leading her astray with the comment that 'I want copper, but not too blonde'. But after rinsing she asked me what I thought since it was slightly different but I liked it and I still do, so I'm happy. She was really great with communicating with me the entire time about what she was doing and we were completely on the same page. With this being my first haircut since recently moving to the Bay Area I feel great and will definitely be going back to see Deborah at Elixir. read more

Elixir Salon - Deborah's magic work in left and what I asked for on right. Slightly deeper but I kept it and really love it. - Hair Stylists Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've been seeing Ona for several years now. I am a fussy girl with a short, high-maint. cut ... and I'm not easy to please and I get a cut every 5 weeks. Ona is the only stylist (anywhere) I will trust with my hair, largely because she's an expert at making the best of thick, hard-to-control hair and knows what I want. Ona is skilled at her craft , honest and not too trendy, so I trust her. I also like several other stylists there too, but I am deeply loyal to Ona. My only negative comments are on the salon space itself, which recently seemed messy and over-merchandised. Since the owner has responded to most of my concerns directly, I've edited my original comments. Overall, I hope that Elixir finds a way to make the best of it's talent, location and community with out letting Aveda's recent marketing schwag dominate the lovely space. read more

July 7: I went back to Elixir to give it a second chance. Alex G. highly recommended Mireya, who gave me the Aveda treatment (as Elixir is an Aveda concept salon), including a nice scalp and shoulder massage with essential oils. I let her advise me on what my cut should look like and when she was done, I was amazed!!! I felt fab and chic like I had hoped the first time! I happily booked a second appointment for July 2, and Mireya was consistent. In the past week, my friends and colleagues have told me that my hair looks "the best as it's ever been", "beautiful" and "wow, really cool with all those layers"! I highly recommend Mireya at Elixir!! I can't wait to see her again next month. April 12: My friend gets her haircut here at it always looks super fab and chic. However, I went and my hair looked pretty much the same as the $12 "emergency-I-can't stand-the-split-ends-anymore" cut I got a month previous (since I didn't have the energy to go to my usual salon Cowboys and Angels). I did like the ambience and that they give you a t-shirt to change into so that you don't get hair all over your own clothes. But for $65, I would have expected near the "wow" I get at C&A.... read more

Everyday passing by this salon in this cute neighborhood in Berkely was time to make an appointment. Such friendly customers service. The hairdresser I chose is quite something. Rose is simply amazing. Cared for my needs on a higher degree I expected and the results are fantastic. I love the haircut but the highlights are even better. I'm in good hands now, thank you Rose!!! read more

Erika, who does facials and waxing, is a kind and generous person who really takes the time to get to know her clients. I feel very taken care of every time I go in for a treatment. She was especially sweet right before my wedding. She helped me to chill out and enjoy the moment and take the time just for myself. It was very nice. :) read more

Yelpers directed me to Elixir, so many thanks. When I called the salon to ask who could cut crazy straight Asian hair, the receptionist said "Steven" without hesitation. And she was right. Steven took one look at my hair, glanced at the Jean Seberg photo I was clutching, and knew what to do. How I love a stylist of action. What's even better is that unlike other Aveda promoting salons, the product I came away with actually works. Yay! Follow up, May 12 After recommending Steven to a friend, I found out this weekend that her haircut appointment, planned in advance, was aborted due to a serious miscommunication between the salon and Steven. From what I heard, the situation was handled very poorly. She came away very angry and frustrated. Not good follow through or customer service, so I'm demoting the salon to four stars. Follow up to the follow up: May 13: After sending a note to the contact email, Alex was kind enough to call me back to straighten out what happened. End result is hairs will be cut and a discount given, so all should be well. Fifth star restored! read more

Alex has been doing my head right for a while now. Originally I went to her because I worked across the street. She did such a KILLER job with my hair that I now travel up from Oakland to her new location. I've had the best dye jobs and Mohawks of my entire life. I can only recommend her to people who need to look their best while living the double life of regular job and rock star. She makes me look good and as soon as I'm done with this cartoon I'll be back. Cheers. read more

Perfect balayage from Cassie! She loves her work and is delightful; exceeded my expectations. Very nice experience all around; couldn't be happier. This is an attractive salon in a sweet neighborhood and I will be back. read more

Alex at Elixir Salon is simply THE BEST!! She has time and again given me the greatest haircuts that leave my hair softer than when I went in. I tend to miss the every six weeks hair cut schedule, but seldom worry about it as her haircuts look great even after they grow out. The care and attention given is a real treat and her hair care knowledge & experience is always there for me to tap. Even BETTER! they are opening a new salon in El Cerrito --15 mins closer to my home! YEAH!! In short I recomend Elixir Salon for all your grooming needs. You wont be disapointed, --Alex guarantees it! read more

Once you've found your "for life" stylist, it's hard to go anywhere else. Unfortunately, mind lives in Chicago (see my review for Maxine Salon). Since I can't justify flying there to get my hair cut, I've had the opportunity to try out a few different salons in the East Bay. I found Elixir to be a small, clean, attractive salon. I don't know if it was an off day or an off time, but there were only two stylists in there and they had to double as receptionists. The atmosphere was casual, which sometimes can be off-putting when you're paying a good amount of money, but I felt comfortable. Rachel cut my hair and she was relaxed and funny. Before starting she clarified what look I wanted in a very straightforward manner. I definitely appreciated her real interest in knowing what I wanted (as opposed to some stylists who pretend to be super nice but aren't listening to you at all). The cut that Rachel gave me looked GREAT and lasted MONTHS. She spent a lot of time on my hair, checking every so often to make sure that it was going in the direction I wanted. I felt listened to! And I felt confident that I wouldn't walk out of there with anything less than exactly what I wanted. She also took the time to show me some tips on how to style my hair. I didn't get my hair cut for months after because, as it grew out, the style continued to look beautiful, even as it changed with the additional length. Impressive! read more

I really like the haircut and the hair "consultation" I get there. Of course, I see Alex, not sure how the other folks are. Plus I really like the neighborhood there and the brick building and just the whole experience. They really treat you well while you wait even. :-) read more

About four years ago I received a gift certificate for Elixir Salon and got the jackpot when I made my appointment and got Tina W. for my first real hair cut in years. At the time I had long hair and was rather protective of it. Tina listened to me and did a lovely job on that first hair cut, giving it shape and style while keeping most of the length. Over the next couple of years as my trust in Tina's skills grew (every time I got my hair cut my friends and family loved it even more than the previous cut.) Now I have a short sassy bob and love it. I went short more than a year ago and Tina is so skillful and thorough in her cuts, it's always a great finished product. Tina gets 5-stars! On Elixir in general, it's a nice funky space, welcoming, all be it somewhat cramped. The wash area is very small and a couple of times when I've gone in just to purchase products there no one at the desk to take care of that and I'd leave without making a purchase, which is lame. I'd give the space and helpfulness in general 3-stars. read more

I highly recommend getting your hairs cut by Rebecca. She always does exactly what I ask and makes my hair look better than I thought it could. Her cuts are amazing and whenever she styles my hair it lasts for days. I'm obsessed! Additionally, Rebecca is just fun to talk with. And the entire staff is super friendly. I also love Aveda products so the fact that I walk out smelling divine is a plus. Elixir has stolen my heart. read more

I got the best haircut that I've ever had from K.C. this week. Seriously, I feel like I'm wearing art on my head. My hair is a bit unruly, and I wanted to go shorter to cut off some bleached-out ends that had turned an odd color. K.C. created a haircut that frames my face and requires as much maintenance as I want to give it (read: none). The consensus from my friends is that it looks great -- it's even making me reconsider my preference for having long hair. The pricing is reasonable, in my opinion, but I hadn't gotten my hair cut since I left LA. I would recommend Elixir to a friend, without a doubt. read more

I've been getting my hair cut by Tania for around 5 years now...so I feel really guilty writing this review so late! I had never seen a hair stylist more than once before saw Tania because I was never happy with the way my hair turned out. My hair was a mess before I started coming here...I think I had actually been cutting my own hair out of frustration. It was also dry and damaged from cheap hair dye and being blow dried every day. But Tania's kept my hair looking nice and healthy! I have long, thick hair that I wear down everyday. She does the layering and shaping just right so that my hair isn't too heavy and looks great (no weird twists or flips) if I let it air dry. I'm also really lazy about getting my hair cut regularly (I go around every six months), but her hair cuts grow out/hold up really well. read more

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Alex. I am getting my haircut here tomorrow and I can't wait! I've followed Alex over to the El Cerrito location - which is quite nice - but just that much farther for me to travel. I really like the feel of the Berkeley salon. As for Alex - I've been going to her for 13 years or so, even after I moved to the city. I constantly get compliments on my hair cuts. I've done coloring, straightening, wedding hair .... you name it. I always come back. read more

You know, I have had some experiences in places recently that have made me think that some businesses just don't care about the customer any more. I start to feel discouraged and I want to give up. Then, I encounter someone like Alex, the owner of Elixer, and I change my mind. There really are people who care about customer service and Alex at Elixir is a shining example of the best kind of business owner: someone who still cares! The salon is immaculate! Clean, well appointed, and most importantly, comfortable to be in. I HATE those salons & spas that are so rigid and uptight and downright snooty. This place is amazing in that it feels welcoming and warm from the minute you walk in. It feels like they actually *want* you there and appreciate your business. Every salon should feel this way! It takes a lot to trust a hairstylist these days with some of them trying to be overly creative and instead messing up something that should be simple. When you have super long hair that you put a lot of effort into growing, it takes a lot to trust someone to cut it (even for a trim) and to know they will get it right. Trust me when I say you can trust Alex. She will get your hair right. So nice to find a business that isn't just interested in taking my money and running! So many people complain about the price of haircuts, colors, and spa treatments. I think that how you feel about your salon & spa experience is as important as how you look when you walk out of the door. I think it's worth every penny if you leave a place happy. I think Elixir gets it right. Check it out and you'll see what I mean. If I lived in Berkeley (instead of just passing by once in a blue moon) I would go there all the time! Sadly, it's a bit of a drive for me :( Oh well! Something to look forward to as a treat every once in a while! Keep up the good work Alex, your customers truly appreciate it! read more

I told Noel I was going into his chair as "wounded bird." My previous stylist and I did not share the same vision for "natural, carmel highlights" for my dark brown hair - I literally came out looking platinum blonde. I ignored it for MONTHS and just got used to it. Then a friend recommended I go see Noel. I first asked him to cut my hair to build some trust. He listened to me 100% and gave me an awesome cut. He knows curly hair and how it falls. He did a wonderful job. I then went back for color and he was VERY patient with me. We must have talked about it for 20-some minutes, debating my options and he didn't so any frustration when I told him over and over how nervous I was. I am very happy to report my hair turned out perfect - better than I could ever have imagined. Noel listened to me and made me one happy girl. Good bye blond, hello natural highlights. Go to Noel, ladies. You will not be disappointed. read more

This spa is a wonderful place! I have been a few times and have never been disappointed. All stuff is extra nice and attentive. The last time I went, my hair were done by Elena. She is amazing! She listened to me carefully and tried to do exactly what I was asking her for. I have been very happy about everything. I am definitely will be back. My experience was great. I would recommend this spa to my friends. read more

I've been going to the Berkeley salon for the last three years and I have always been extremely happy with the service. Alex is great, she listens and asks questions until you both agree on what she needs to do. Hair cuts and highlights are always spot on. I live in England and come to Berkeley twice a year for a few weeks and I always make sure to make an appointment before my trip. Alex is booked weeks in advance so call early if you want to get in. I've never tried anyone else except for Alex but observing other clients in the salon the other stylists appear very competent, too. Very happy with my new cut and highlights at the moment and looking forward to my next trip! read more

Update: Alex contacted me soon after my not-so-good experience at the Berkeley location, and received a complimentary appointment at the El Cerrito location with Laura. I think this is outstanding customer service, and shows how much Alex and Elixir Salon cares about their clients. For that, I am very appreciative. Laura rocks! I was extremely impressed with her, the location, and my haircut, and I will definitely be back. I'll post a more detailed review for the El Cerrito location. Thanks Alex and Laura! read more

Elena's been doing my color for over a year and I think she does a great job. She's always been really nice and accommodating -- even a few times when I was late. My last appointment she squeezed into her schedule when she was already booked, because I didn't want to go to another stylist. I think the person who had a bad experience with her maybe took things personally that weren't meant that way. Elena is very honest and direct (which I appreciate), but never rude. I would definitely recommend Elena! read more

Amanda is great masseur. On the lighter side but very soothing. I went in on the hottest day of the year and the room is about 95 degree, with two fans blowing. Amanda cooled me with with cold wet towel. Massage is so good that I fall asleep:) Highly recommend! read more

My hair and I do not get along. And at this point in my life, I'm not sure what color my hair would be if I shaved it all off and let it creep back. Thank goodness for Rachel and her snips, Aveda pots and brushes. My hair continues to rebel but in a more civilized, entertaining manner. And Rachel has given me easy tips for subduing it if I feel like messing around in the morning. My hair color now makes for nice textures/breaks in the light, and ages well. And I'm almost reluctant to return for each cut, as I'm actually starting to enjoy a bit more weight and length on my hair. read more

Becca has been doing my hair for a while now and I love it every single time! She is easy to talk to and I don't feel awkward saying what I don't like in front of her. She gives great input and is up on all the latest trends too! Her product knowledge is also incredibly helpful as I have curly but fine hair and its challenging to find the right products that don't leave my hair crunchy or dirty! Becca is the best! read more

I have naturally curly hair that is between a 3A and 3B in texture (I discovered this by searching under hair types at naturallycurly on the web). My first hair experience at age 8 left me with an above-the-shoulder length cut from hair that stretched down past my butt...yes I said the word "butt". Needless to say, I have been weary and cautious of hairdressers ever since. Over the last several years, I have experimented with all kinds of salons from ethnic to trendy to pricey making a visit to a salon more of a chore than a luxury. Based on a recommendation, I scheduled an appointment at Elixir just days before a big event. I got a shampoo, blow-dry, and a bang trim.The whole thing took about an 1 1/2 hrs. but I didn't mind because my stylist, Perrin and I chatted the whole time about important life subjects: like baseball, missionary work, our childhoods in Berkeley and elsewhere and on and on. I highly recommend this lady she is sweet-natured just like her last name implies but most importantly my hair (I love love love my bangs right now) looked great when I left! read more

Thanks Yelpers! I wanted to get my legs waxed - for the first time EVER, oh no - and thought I'd try this place based on your good reviews. I liked the ambiance - I go for a bit swanky, and it was just nice enough without being stiff. The wax room upstairs was a little claustrophobic but nicely decorated. I think it was Erika who helped me, and she was really sweet. Explained everything she was doing and told me all about waxing and we had a nice conversation in general. The process was painful but not screamingly so, and she applied pressure after each swipe which helped a lot. She also massaged some jojoba oil in after and that felt really good. I did have some wax streaks left over when I got home but so far my legs look pretty awesome! : ) I think I'll probably go back, although I don't know how often because $30 is a lot for me to pay on a regular basis. But thank god my bear legs are gone! read more

I love my hair! I am one of those people who its like pulling teeth to get me to cut my hair at all. I am always terrified of having a stylist chop off my hair, no worries now!!! Alex was amazing. Only cut off what needed to come off and still was able to give me a great style and a new very much improved color that I love. I recommend this salon (and especially Alex) to anyone!!! read more

I moved to North Berkeley about a year ago and have been popping around different salons trying to find the best eye brow shaper. Well, I found her at Elixir. Erika is GREAT. Definitely the best shaping I've had in North Berkeley...made even since to the Bay Area. Definitely want to go in and try a facial soon too! read more

I get my hair colored and cut by Rebecca and have been over the moon about my hair every time I get it done. Rebecca is truly talented and a joy to be around. Elixir is definitely on the pricer end but if you can afford it, this place will consistently exceed your expectations! read more

Amazing service (Cut, Wash & Blow out) by Tanya! Great deal on Groupon $50 for $75 worth- the RRP for the services was $72 so I definitely got my money worth. I love the way she really listened to what I wanted and gave me exactly that. I went to an event at SFMOMA the night I had my hair done and received so many compliments! I also really loved a product that they used on my hair so much that I will go back to buy that as well (the Aveda volumnizing spray)! Thanks to the super convenient location and the amazing services of this Aveda concept Salon I will definitely be back :) read more

Kasi gave me (a guy) one of the best haircuts I've ever had. So my wife went to Kasi too and guess what? She got one of the best haircuts ever as well. read more

This salon is great! I went in for a color restoration after ruining my hair with an over the counter product and came out looking beautiful! The service is great, and the hair dressers care about how you feel when you leave. It is a bit expensive, but worth the cost. read more

FYI I just opened an account on yelp, to comment about this salon. I went yesterday with my husband, because we were getting married. Rebecca and Noel not only did an excellent job, but I felt so relaxed and understood, that I wasn't nervous about the wedding anymore :) such an amazing experience, they even played a wedding playlist for us! I will ABSOLUTELY recommend this place!!!!!!!!!! Excellent costumer service and they know what they are doing! Thank you Rebecca and Noel! read more

Noel is the the best hairdresser I have ever had. I am super sensitive about my hair ( childhood trauma from a sister going to beauty school) and he has always been considerate of that. He totally fixed my hair from my previous hairdresser that was going waaaaay to orange than red. I have temple grey that comes in very quickly so Noel does this special thing with my temple to cover them without giving me hair dye side burns. When he cuts your hair....you are all he is focused on. He is the only hairdresser I have had that makes a hair cut so meticulous. He is dependable, nice, funny, gracious, and did I say funny? Everyone else in the salon is super friendly and engaging. I have been to salons in SF that are super fancy and overcharged that make you feel like you are an intruder. Not at Elixir! They all care about you and ask if you want anything before they go across the street for a coffee and they always ask if you want tea or water. I have found my hairdressing home and will never go somewhere else. Xoxoxo to the entire staff! read more