I got my hair cut here in January by Tricia and it was the worst haircut I've ever had. She cut away 2 extra inches in a flat line in the front, making my hair seem like it had 2 shelves with no blend, made a big hole in the back of my hair, thinned the last inch out so much that it was just wisps and there was almost no hair left, and made my hair uneven in length. Worst of all, this was three months before my wedding, which I explained very clearly at the start of my haircut. Thankfully Essence Salon offered to schedule a free fix with Ellie. Ellie was fantastic. It took a lot of skill for her to walk back these mistakes while trying to keep my length. While she acknowledged that she couldn't get it perfect without taking off several inches, she was able to correct the worst offenses. My hair is feeling so much better coming into my wedding, and I look forward to working with her again in a few months to get a complete reset. read more

Anais is amazing, she's so sweet and she gave me exactly what I wanted. She was very helpful making suggestions as we went to make my hair suit me better while still giving me the cut that I wanted and it turned out so well. I highly recommend!! I have wavy / curly hair and she handled it super well. I will be coming back to her :) read more

I've been on the hunt for a new hair stylist, and Grace is truly that girl! From the start, she listened carefully to every detail I shared and took the time to go through my inspiration photos with me, making sure we were on the same page before she even picked up the scissors. I originally booked this appointment last minute after another stylist canceled on me the day before a trip - and honestly, I'm so grateful that happened, because I would've never found Grace otherwise. Sometimes things really do work out the way they're supposed to. She absolutely killed my haircut. I have curly/wavy, thick hair, and she knew exactly how to work with it - something that's hard to find. The shape, the movement, everything came out better than I imagined. Also, the vibe was amazing - super welcoming, relaxed, and just overall such a great energy the entire appointment. Grace is also genuinely so sweet, which made the whole experience even better. Safe to say Grace is officially stuck with me as a client. Highly recommend her if you're looking for someone who really knows what they're doing, actually listens, and creates an amazing overall experience. read more

Essence Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

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If I could give this salon more than 5 stars, I would! First, it was my first time here, super easy to book online and they had available time same day of what I wanted done (which is something hard to find) and the person I got was PERFECT. Vanessa is smart, professional and got right to work. her confidence and ability to understand exactly what I wanted and what would look good on my hair was amazing. AND THE RESULTS WERE GREAT TOO! (: I have long, thick hair that can be difficult but she managed to make me feel so good and didn't show any sign of annoyance or uncertainty which I really appreciate because I love my hair. I never really write reviews but this is well worth it!! The salon is super cute and all the girls are very sweet and inviting, feels like everyone gets along and are friendly so the vibe is good. Great products offered by my favorite brands and very clean, can't wait for my next appointment. Thankyou again! read more

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Vivian was amazing, she gave me exactly the short haircut that I needed! I have a lot of volume in my hair and Vivian really helped to suggest a hairstyle that cut the volume. The extended hair wash and head massage were definitely a Wonderful bonus! Highly recommend the salon and Vivian! read more

Thank you to Grace Cheng for a beautiful result. I booked an appointment for blonding, but after a consultation, we decided to go with full baby lights. Grace is amazing with detail and took her time sectioning and checking each strand of hair. I am super happy with how light we were able to get my hair. I referred my friend as well. Thank you Grace! read more

Essence Salon - Hair color - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

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I love that I was able To transition from brunette to gray with ease. Grace has been a God send . I have healthy hair and feel great. Thank you! read more

I have been going to Grace for my haircuts for many years. She always is so warm and lovely, and gives the most precise, beautiful layered cuts with much attention to detail. I have long, thick, wavy hair and I only trust it to Grace for my cuts! Love her so much! read more

[UPDATE 4/10/2026] Email communication Log regarding request to communicate with Owner Jennifer Me: "I appreciate that a refund has been issued; however, the service I received was far below professional standards, and I would like to bring this matter to the owner directly. Please provide the owner's contact information or have the owner contact me promptly." TingTing: "Regarding your request to speak with the owner, Jennifer is currently out of town and also has limited ability to speak at the moment due to a temporary health condition affecting her voice. That said, your email has been shared with her, and she will review it as soon as she is able. In the meantime, if you would like to speak further, we would be happy to arrange a phone call at a convenient time." Me: "I would appreciate the opportunity to speak directly with Jennifer once she feels better, after she has had a chance to review the situation with the two stylists. This is not urgent. I simply want to make sure my side of the experience is fully understood." TingTing: "We also want you to know that Jennifer's ability to speak is an ongoing health-related limitation, and phone conversations can be especially difficult for her. That said, she is fully involved behind the scenes and will be reviewing your feedback carefully with us." [Fact Check on the "Exception" Claim] In her response, the owner claimed that issuing a full refund was an "exception" made specifically for my case. This is demonstrably false. Public records of their 1-star reviews show a consistent pattern of "refund and redo" as a standard damage control measure for technical failures. Below are two examples I found randomly: 1. Rubi G. documented a similar experience where a refund was issued after a botched service. (September 2025) 2. Lillian K. reported an identical situation just two months ago. Labeling it as an "exception" is a deceptive attempt to win public sympathy while avoiding accountability. read more

Essence Salon - Screenshots of our emails: It was a 'temporary' health issue. But after I offered to wait, it became an 'ongoing' limitation. - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

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I don't have good luck with salons so I looked really hard to find a salon that can manage my thick, wavy hair. I've been eyeing Essence salon for a long time because of their experience doing a variety of styles and colors. I had previously learned my lesson that reference pictures will never be an exact duplicate of your resulting hair, so I went to Grace and simply asked for a ~2-3inch trim, lots of layers, and some thinning for my thick hair. I was expecting to not come out perfect, but with just those instructions, she knocked it out of the park! I felt like a kpop idol after my appointment and I couldn't stop flipping my hair :) It feels really good to go to someone I can trust will do me right. read more

Due to a last minute cancellation of a hair appointment elsewhere, I stumbled upon Essence Salon and one of their master stylists, Tricia! I am really glad my previous appointment was canceled because Tricia was a joy to work with. I expressed concerns with my hair and scalp thinning, and asked if there was something I could do to help hide it. I was always curious if bangs would suit me or not, and she suggested adding some bangs to the front. I trusted her opinion and told her to do what she thinks would be best! She trimmed some length to remove damaged ends, we lightened the color of my hair a bit and added bangs to the front. This was the most dramatic change Ive done to my hair and I'm grateful I was able to work with someone who is clearly an expert in their craft! I've gotten a lot of compliments :) and will definitely return. read more

Essence Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

I have seen Vivian three times now for both cut and color, and every visit has been wonderful. She truly understands my hair needs and always recommends products that work beautifully for me. She previously worked in the semiconductor industry before choosing to follow her passion for hairstyling, and you can feel that same thoughtfulness and precision in her work, paired with an artistic touch. It's inspiring to see someone succeed in a second career. The salon is warm and welcoming, and I always look forward to my appointments. Thank you! read more

I was super skeptical to go to a salon because of my first experience was so bad. However, this salon was beyond amazing! From the service to the staff it was everything I wish I had the first time. The lady in the front desk Anaiis was so fun and bubbly & offered me refreshments. Claudia took her time with my hair and made sure my vision came to life. Lauren was just the sweetest with helping me schedule and figuring out my hair care goal. I seriously want to go back just for the amazing staff there! I haven't laughed and smiled as much as I did with these ladies. They will definitely make sure your hair goals come to life while fulfilling all your self care needs!!! 100/10 read more

Essence Salon - After style of my Blue black hair color - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

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Mary always works with me to make sure that i love my hair. We have a great routine of tweaking my cut and color so that its maximum me. I go every 3 months or so to keep it fresh. The salon is always nice and cool with a relaxed vibe, even when it's busy. All of the ladies that work the front desk are friendly and accommodating with a smile and good conversation. Thank you!!! read more

I had a great experience at Essence Salon. Claudia did an amazing job! She corrected my previous hair color and gave me a color exactly what I wanted. It is beautiful!! It was my first time there, and I have decided to see Claudia from now on. Thank you so much! read more

I have been getting styled by Ellie for years, and followed her to her most recent Salon at Essence! The atmosphere is lovely for the small space, just off the bustling downtown Castro St. makes it a fun place to visit if you want to visit good restaurants or just socialize. Every time I step in I am greeted by the front staff members, either Lauren or Sofia. They are both lovely and make sure that I feel welcomed, they always offer to make tea or coffee while I wait! Ellie's cuts are quick and precise. I always know I can come to her if I want to try something new, she never disappoints with ideas. I will be a lifetime guest of hers and think you should give this Salon a shot! read more

Anais is amazing ! She made my hair look exactly like the photo i showed . Very attentive to small details. Receptionist is also very welcoming. Overall it was a very good experience. Will def come back and refer friends read more

I've had the incredible pleasure of working with Grace for the past 3 years! Vibrant red hair has been my signature look for years (with balayage/bleach and styled cuts). Grace consistently delivers a flawless result, blending smooth red tones with my natural black hair color using layered techniques. She's an attentive listener who remembers my preferences every time and always prioritizes the health of my hair. I feel like she treats my hair as if it were her own and she really helps minimize damage throughout the process so my hair is not dry or splits afterwards. I previously worked with stylists at salons like Limon and others on Santana Row. While many stylists can perform balayage, Grace distinguishes herself with her exceptional technique, strong communication skills, and genuine care for her clients. Once you experience her expertise, you won't want to go anywhere else! (Photos are from 2 different services) read more

Essence Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

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I had such a wonderful experience here! To preference I'm always kind of wary going to salons/barbers just because the anxiety of not knowing if the results will turn out how you like it/picture it always scared me. However, this was not the case for this visit. If you have the chance to go, I highly recommend Anais! She is such a sweetheart! Her bubbly and real genuine personality really put me at ease during my cut and style and it was amazing to get some great curly hair tips from her. I definitely will be coming back and requesting Anais for my visits! 10/10 will be coming back for my next cut and style! read more

Essence Salon has a modern vibe. Very professional, and clean. I was very impressed with my stylist, Vivian. She really listened to what kind of style and cut I was looking for. Took her time, and did a great job.!! I would definitely go back to Vivian read more

I requested to cut off 10-12 inches for multiple reasons. My ends were split and dead and I wanted to promote growth. I also wanted to go to a color closer to my natural color again. Decided to cut off a foot and go darker. Sarah did my hair and the quality was better than I expected! She took her time working on me and listened to what I was looking for after showing a reference picture. Vibes are a cute aesthetic inside. Small shop but there's always someone in the chairs! There's a reason why this place has such great reviews! Definitely recommend! read more

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Magic! Such lovely people here, including the delightful receptionist Sofia and the terrific stylist Vivian. 1000x improved! She did exactly as I requested and it looks flawless. Also gave a divine mini head massage. I'm in heaven read more

Essence Salon - Haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

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Vivian has cut my hair twice now. She is friendly and pays attention to the look that I want. She asks questions as she cuts and spends time getting the cut just right. It is easy to book appointments at this salon and the staff are all very sweet. read more

I have long hair, and a lot of it so when I came in asking for a trim for my crunchy edges and a ton of layers, Vivian did exactly what my hair and me needed! I absolutely love the end result and I walked away from the chair feeling great! I'm so happy with my haircut, thank you Vivian and the whole Essence Salon that I observed was a solid team! read more

Grace is the best! appreciated that she focused on my hair instead of small talks which I hate very much when going to any type of salons. I'm a male that is growing out long hair and she listened to what I wanted and delivered with care and thought. She gave me a blowout at the end which I very appreciated! lasted me a few days before having to wash and everything kept in place which was a huge surprise to me. She took her sweet time with the blowout and I loved it. My appointment was at 7:00 but I was not seen until around 7:15 but I expected to wait since she is one of the most booked in the salon it seems. Small salon which created a homey vibe and warm! I would 100% return in the future when I need maintenance and trims. I do wonder if they would start having blowouts as an option because I would love to drop in on events that I need my hair LAID DOWN. read more

Got my summer color from Christine and I absolutely love it! She also recommended a product that actually gives my fine hair a real boost without weighing it down. Thanks see you in 6 weeks! read more

I've been seeing Mary for 4-5 years now and I love everything she does with my hair plus she is such a warm, loving human. I've developed a sweet friendship and trust that I can sit in her chair and she will do magic with my hair and my heart. I always leave feeling loved up on the outside and inside. read more

Vivian was super professional and gave me just the haircut I wanted! Would highly recommend :)

I was offered to have my balayage redone by one of their master stylists and I'm regretting it. The appointment was just for the balayage, but took 4.5 hours (I'd been told 3.5) and I'm still disappointed. I'd been asked to send over my original inspiration pic several times and I kept pointing at how I wanted the color and how the highlights from the first try needed to be a little higher so the blend appeared more natural. Somehow ended up blonde all over (with noticeably brassy chunks sitting right atop my head) with the color right to the root. I also ended up 40min late to my next appointment. I kept saying I didn't have time for all the styling. The stylist was kind and threw in extra stuff, all of the staff are great I'm sure. But to sit in a chair for 9 hours total now and spend over $500 to get hair that I didn't really ask for.... It's frustrating. Edit: I gave myself a root melt to fix up the brassy chunky highlighted roots I was given. My hair looks way better now. For $20. read more

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This is the best salon in the area! I've been living here for 20 years, so I've tried salons in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and San Jose. Essence has the best stylists and reasonable prices, so I've been coming back to this salon for the past 8 years. Right now, Mary does my hair. She's experienced, knows how to make my hair look good, and pays attention to details. She's also wonderful to chat with, so I look forward to every visit! I also love the other stylists there, including Trisha and Sarah. I've seen 4 other stylists as well and all of them are highly skilled and listen to what I want, even if it's something difficult to do. If anything ever goes unexpectedly (that happened to me once, but it was not their fault), Essence will take your feedback seriously. I love the way they treat me when I'm there, from coffee when I walk in to a warm shampoo and head massage. The salon is always clean and the space is beautiful. They don't oversell me on products and they seem to honestly enjoy making their customers feel pampered and cared for. I always walk out feeling like I went to a spa and my hair looks perfect every time! read more

Essence Salon - Haircut, Olaplex, and color - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

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Bad experience. I was rushed out so I didn't have a chance to look at my haircut clearly. After I took a closer look, I realized that my back was trimmed like a square with no layer or taper. My left and right side are not the same. My left side was shaved just a bit so it looks like a hole, while my right was just trimmed. read more

Yessenia was wonderful, my haircut turned out exactly what I was hoping for! She is skilled, and thoughtful, and friendly, I absolutely love my haircut! Highly recommended!!! read more

I am very happy with my highlights' result. Mary was super professional and gave a great recommendation

I love this Salon. Although we moved to South San Jose I love to go back to this place every time for a fresh look. It's a bit pricey but their team is really excellent at their job. Also very professional,compassionate and friendly. read more

Essence Salon - Hair wash, Woman's Hair Cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Mountain View, California

I want to preface this by saying that my review is for Claudia only. The salon was small but lovely. The receptionist was on point in her customer service skills. The other hairstylists seemed highly skilled based on observing their work on other customers while waiting. Now, back to my horrible experience with Claudia. During our brief consultation, I showed her the inspiration picture of the style I wanted and asked her if she'll be able to reproduce it on me; taking in consideration my hair texture and all the factors. She replied with a definitely. Mind you you, I'm fully aware that it is near impossible to get a cut exactly like the picture one wanted because everyone's hair different. However, let's say if the picture showed face framing layers, then there should be face framing layers. If the picture showed the back to be U shaped, it shouldn't be V shaped. If the picture showed brow grazing bangs, it shouldn't be cut high above the brows. You get the gist. When Claudia was done with botching up my hair-- I pointed out that it didn't look anything the picture. She said because she hasn't styled it yet--then proceeded to curl my hair all over. It seemed odd that she's styling my hair by curling it when there was no curl nor wave in the picture. I'm a novice in styling hair so decided to just trust in the process and her supposed "expertise". When she was done giving me curls all over, I once again pointed out that the style is nothing like the picture. "Well, your hair is curled and the picture is not curled-- that's why it doesn't look the same." Huh??...WTH?!!! She BOTCHED my hair up so bad that she tried to curl my hair so I can't see the true cut. I am not a confrontational type of person so I said to myself whatever, paid and left like a meek sad little rabbit. My hair will grow back eventually, I guess. I would recommend avoiding CLAUDIA. DO NOT BOOK WITH CLAUDIA! Oops...didn't realize this review would be in dissertation length read more

Grace was sweet and welcoming. I received one of the best haircuts I've had with her, she is truly talented! I have long hair and she understood exactly what I wanted. Will definitely be coming back with Grace. She made one nurse happy after a long shift ! (: read more

I want to share my honest experience with Essence Salon. My first visit for a haircut and balayage didn't go as expected. When I raised my concern, their CCO, Don, personally reached out. He listened with genuine care, investigated the situation, and gave me options--including a complete redo with another stylist. That level of professionalism and sincerity is rare, and it immediately gave me confidence to try again. I chose the redo, and this time I was with Mary--their senior-most stylist. What a difference! Mary not only gave me the perfect haircut and color I had been looking for, but she also understood exactly what would suit me best. Her years of experience clearly show--she knows her craft and she knows her customers. On top of that, she's such a wonderful conversationalist that the appointment felt more like time spent with a friend. What impressed me most is how both Don and the salon handled everything. Don is not just a thorough professional, but also an extremely good individual who genuinely cares about people and relationships. Mary is truly exceptional in her work, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants to walk out feeling confident and happy. At the end of the day, relationships and trust matter the most, and I'm glad I gave Essence Salon another chance. Thanks, Mary--you were amazing! read more

I never thought I will walk out crying out of form a Salon but it just happened here at Essence salon! I went to get a trim (2 inches max it's what I asked for ideally 1 inch ) and they cut my hair more than 5 inches my hair was passing my waist very close to my hip and I walk out with shoulder length hair ! Im TRAUMATIZED and really disappointed This was my Birthday haircut and now I have been crying all day! Do no book with Vivian!! I had services here many times before at it was great but this was a horrifying experience !!!! Because of my previous experience at this salon and needing this trim soon I felt comfortable getting any other stylist, so I assumed all the stylist were up to the same standards but was not the case. My appointment got refunded so i appreciate that ! but now I need to spend another year growing that length! I was very specific letting this Lady Vivian know that I was growing my hair and I wanted to keep the length as much as possible I don't know what happened she was a nice person but terrible work she was struggling even to style my hair at the end and she didn't even put any oil I had to ask if she could put some at the end i don't think she have experience avoid Vivian to all cost read more

I've been with the salon for years (they are all so sweet and kind and I love coming here). It was my first time meeting Ellie and she was so kind and welcoming and detailed every step of the way, explaining everything to me and offering me ideas and recommendations when asked . She helped fix my hair to feel confident as a busy mom of two littles ! read more

Just got my haircut by Fallon and had a wonderful experience. I've been looking for a new stylist closer to home as my previous one was in Sunnyvale and I have 2 young kids at home (so it's hard to get away for longer than an hour most days).. Booked with Fallon and she was wonderful. She isn't too chatty (which is my preference, I find some stylists are super chatty and I get exhausted trying to maintain the convo and answer their questions for an hour) but still friendly. She did a quick consult at the beginning of the appointment before a hair wash then cut/style. The salon space is small (Fallon kept having to squeeze past the stylist in the chair next to us) but clean and welcoming, it was also easy to find parking at the downtown Mountain View lot just half a block away. Will definitely be booking again once I need another cut. read more