Simply put George is the best. He has been cutting my hair for 35 years. That is not typo. George has always been forward thinking, cutting edge and an absolute gentleman. Do you yourself a favor and give him a call. read more

Amazing cut & style. This man is meticulous and takes his time. A true professional and master of his craft.

I recently relocated to Oakdale from San Francisco, and it was with a certain amount of dread that I began looking for a new stylist. Oakdale and the surrounding areas have an inordinate and mystifying number of day spas... they seem to be everywhere, and I can't help but wonder how they can all possibly stay in business. (Money laundering? Alien breeding centers?) Even so, none of the websites I visited inspired confidence. Thankfully, yelp led me to George Bakus Salon. While the website's not perfect (sorry, I'm a designer and can't help but be critical sometimes) it effectively gave me a sense of their attitude and philosophy and convinced me to roll the dice. I was given an appointment with Sarah, and right off the bat I knew I was in good hands. She listened to my ideas for the cut (I was changing my style a bit) and bounced right back with hers. She then proceeded to give me a fantastic haircut; she's talented and takes the time to crosscheck and do the detailed work that ensures a great-looking cut that will grow out well. AND she's beautiful and personable to boot... win-win. So if you're looking for a salon, look no further... call George Bakus Salon and ask for Sarah today. I'm an instant fan, and you will be too. read more

After debating for weeks and looking at soo many reviews, I finally made an apt to get my hair "did". I got set up with Sarah. She did an amazing job with the cut. I hadnt had a hair cut in a year so I had a lot to play with. I got layers and bangs. Very nice salon, very clean and trendy. I only thing I wasnt satisfied with was my coloring. She missed some of my grey hairs and didnt do very detailed work with the high lights. I have dark hair and high lights were orangey. Going to wait a little while to get it re-colored elsewhere. Cut and color $135.00 read more

George has to be one of the best stylists I've met. Perfect haircut and amazing highlights! He knew exactly what I wanted - especially with my red hair - and it came out beautifully! Beautiful salon - made me feels like I was in Hollywood! read more

George has been rocking my hair do for over 20 years!! If you want hair that turns heads... book in advance, he's hot! Worth every penny every time. read more

I love jasmine , at george bakus salon , she is an amazing hair stylist , I would not even think about going to anyone else !! Thank you for being so amazing :) read more

George is the best hair stylist I've gone to in Modesto. His cuts are always straight with his perfect touches. I do recommend him to anyone who is picky about their hair. read more

Woohoo! Love my new Cali color and cut : D I recently moved to Modesto from the East coast and was soooo nervous about going to a new salon, as I'd been going to my old hair stylist for over 10 years. Someone I met had high recommendations of George, so I thought I would take her advice... Well, I could not be happier! I absolutely love my highlights and the way George cut my hair. He is awesome! He initially looked at my hair and asked what I would like, then gave a few suggestions on what he thought could be a little different. I also showed him a picture of how I wanted my bangs to be cut and they came out just like the picture! He has many years of experience and it definitely shows with his detail and expertise when cutting your hair. He takes his time and makes sure your hair looks perfect when you leave:) George is not just simply a "hairdresser' but an actual stylist who listens to you and gives you suggestions on what he thinks would work with your hair, face and skin tone. Definitely not something every salon does! I am very excited for future visits, as I know if I wanted to try something a little different for a change, I could trust George with his recommendations! The salon is really nice too. Very relaxing, and the lounge music they play adds to the atmosphere nicely. So Thank You again George! read more

This place is horrible. I asked for my color to be "striped" and it was a solid color. I also did not get the hair cut I asked for. When I called back, George made me talk to Jasmine who was my stylist and she was so rude and appalled that I dare ask for a redo. I felt intimidated so I said if she didn't want to redo I would gladly take a refund. She made the appt and when I showed up George told me she erased the appt! I was humiliated and embarrassed cuz he was saying it in front of customers. Even tho he's the owner he refused to refund me. I called the BBB the Better Business Bureau and they never responded. The BBB told me they had several complaints he's ignored before. That's very shady! I never got a refund or a redo and it was my combo bday/mother's day gift and $120 plus tip down the drain. Very sad. read more

This is one of the few salons in Modesto I've returned to several times. George cut my hair exactly the way I wanted.

Terrible service! And they are thieves!!! Asked to have hair redone since I just paid $155 and the owner agreed with me that my hair looked nothing like I asked Jasmin to do! I showed up for my hair to be fixed and she erased me off the book! Refused to give me a refund so I reported them to the BBB (better business bureau) and come to find out I'm the 3rd complaint that they refused to answer so my next move is reporting them to the cosmetology board and then small claims court! George the owner told me Jasmin would do the right thing by me by giving me a refund but she stole my money! Who dies that? They are the worst salon in this country! read more

When my favorite hair girly moves, I follow. Sarah is awesome! The Salon is pretty,calm,clean, it has good modern music, they offer you coffee or water upon entrance, AND everyone is friendly! I've been in some snotty hair places before....ewwww. All in all a great Salon, full of great Hair Folks!! read more

All I have to say is WOW..... Just moved to Modesto. Needed to get my hair cut very badly. I have had a bob cut for years. It had grown out and I wasn't sure if I wanted to get go back to my old style. I'm a mom of 2 small children. I'm always on the go and needed something easy and simple. I don't like to spend a lot of time styling my hair and I don't like using product in my hair on a daily basis. George looked at my hair and face. He asked me a lot of questions and gave me some options. I picked the bob with some layers. In the past, layers left my hair flat and lifeless. But this guy new what he was doing. My hair looks fabulous. It was so easy and fast to get ready. Just wash, blow dry and go. My hair has lots of body and makes my face look thinner. A bit more money than I'm use to paying. We are on a very tight budget, however, my husband LOVES the hair and we agreed that it is very much worth it at least 4 to 6 times a year. read more

George is beyond incredible! I FINALLY have someone who knows how to cut curly hair correctly. The salon is on J Street in Modesto and his salon is not only modern but very welcoming. It's a mini spa for your hair with great music and wonderful smelling candles. George is very personable and takes time to get to know you and your strengths and weaknesses about your hair. He listens, discusses, and creates a plan based on your individual needs to make you feel and look your best. If you want something unique, go to George. If you want someone who cares and listens, go to George. If you're picky about your hair, go to George. If you want style, go to George. You go into his salon looking like a tornado and you leave with confidence and fabulous hair. If you want good freakin' and fabulous hair that'll receive nonstop compliments and no use of filters on your next photo with friends, call George! You won't regret it! read more

Great experience at this downtown salon. When I called for my initial appointment, George (the owner) thoughtfully talked to me to match me with the stylist who could best meet my needs. I arrived for my appointment and was greeted by a gorgeous supermodel. . .Sarah, my stylist. She was as skilled as she was beautiful, talking up a storm and leaving my hair exactly the way I wanted it: cut, highlights, flat-iron. You name it, she could handle it all! The price for all this is below Bay Area prices. Parking is validated. I will be back! read more

I wanted to get a hair cut & color. I don't know a lot of people around Modesto so I decided to to do a google search, I wanted to see reviews on salons & came across yelp where I read all the great review about George Bakus salon. I decided to trust people's reviews & make an appointment. I called the salon & was able to get a late evening appointment which was great for me. I arrived at the salon & was greeted right away by George (the owner). He is very friendly & made me feel very comfortable, asked me if I'd like anything to drink. He asked me how I wanted my hair & asked how I normally style it. I asked him to give my his honest opinion & advise on how I should cut my hair and he gave a couple options. We talked about what kind of hair color would suit me & he even recorded it the color formula for future visits. George was the most professional hair expert I have ever dealt with in my life! He didn't rush to try to get me out of there even though it was getting late. I would recommend George to anyone who is looking for a professional hair cut & color to go to George Bakus Salon. If you are looking for an expert to give you advise on a new hair style please go to George, I guarantee you will not regret your appointment! It might be a bit pricey for some people but it was well worth it. I will definitely be going back. read more

All of the stylists at George bakus are great but my stylist is Jasmin!! Jasmin does amazing hair of all types. She can tame the craziest of hair and do amazing things with color!! My hair is short and I get so many compliments on it! Jasmin does great men's haircuts, hip haircuts and styles, long hair and anything in between! Go check her out!! read more

I have an appointment with my hair stylist Chrissy here on saturday. I have followed her from her last salon she was at for a reason. She is amazing! She took my hair from my natural golden blonde to a stunning khaleesi like platinum. And then after I was tired of that, gave me a beautiful ombre. Whatever you want, she's the girl to go to. Super friendly and nice, I feel like one of my friends is coloring my hair. I would definitely recommend her to anyone. read more

I have sat in with both Jasmine and Sara, simply the best cuts I've had since relocating from Redondo Beach. Great atmosphere, prices and services, oh yeah and I know its kinda lame to say-- they're all very good looking too! read more

This salon was recommended to me by a friend. I needed an expert's opinion about what to do with my hair; I was ready to change my style and wanted someone who would KNOW what would look best. George was the guy, and I've been back year after year. It's hard to find someone who knows how to give a woman a very short haircut, and he sure does. I'm asked often enough who cuts my hair that I carry his business cards with me. The salon is spotless, I've never had to wait more than a few minutes, and the music is cool. Come here, and tell him "Jamie Lee Curtis" sent you. (o; read more

I used to get my hair cut by George when I lived in Modesto and this man is fantastic. I was at this salon for probably 2-2.5 years and was never disappointed. George was always lovely and friendly and I would highly recommend the salon for anyone looking for a great style in a welcoming environment. read more

Edmond does a great job. I've gone to many different places to get my hair done but his work and the products used, make a world of difference. He really knows hair and color! read more

Love love love George and his salon!!!! Best hair dresser ever!!! He works magic and is by far amazing!!! 200% recommend him!!!

The salon is very modern and clean. Staff is fantastic. My stylist is Sarah. Sarah is much more than a hair stylist ... she is a hair artist. George Bakus thank you!!!! Please never let Sarah leave read more

I am very picky about hair stylists. I am one of those people that dread going to get my hair styled because I fear what I will look like after. So, when my current stylist couldn't fit me in, I started asking around about stylists in the area and a friend of mine recommended George Bakus Salon and specifically mentioned that I should ask for George or Sarah. Although I had to leave a message, I got a call back within the hour to make an appointment. I spoke to George and we went over appointments and since Sarah and my schedule meshed I went with her. She was just wonderful. I thought I was just going to get in to style my super long hair (I had been growing it out to donate) but once I got in the chair, the conversation with Sarah led me to trust her and we lopped off a ponytail over 12 inches long and I left with a new asymmetrical bob. :) That was over 2 months ago and I just visited her for a cut recently and couldn't be happier with how the hair is growing out. And although I will be moving to Orange County in a matter of weeks, I wholly intend to trek up to Modesto for my hair every two months. So worth it! read more

This salon is wonderful. I go to George and he is the best I've found. He is one of the only stylest that really understands my hair, my style and isn't afraid to suggest new things. I've had him color my hair for years (red) and it's always perfect. He does exactly as you ask. I trust him so much that I will just let him do what he wants because I have short hair and whatever he does always looks great. I get lots of complements and am known at work as having "good hair". Actually my hair is pretty average but with a stylist like George, you can always count on looking your best. read more

Yes, George is awesome! His salon was the first thing I saw on my interview for Gallo Winery back in 2006 as I looked out of my Double Tree hotel room and out into the wolrd of Modesto for the first time. All I thought was "Yes, I can take this job, there is an Aveda Salon in this city". My appointments have never been cancelled, George is always on time, and the results are always to perfection. I have been going to George since 2006 and am now living in San Francisco and still go to see George. His attention to detail, knowlege of the technical and artistic aspects of hair cutting, coloring, and highlighting are above and beyond. I am so lucky to have found such a great stylist as well as a friend who will always listen to my life stories. George's professionalism in how he manages his employees and the cleanliness and organization of his store are all great reasons to try out his salon if you haven't already. Thank you George! read more

Ive tried calling this place numerous times during business hours, ive left voicemails, never got a call back, idk whats going on but its pretty horrible customer service read more

I came to this place for the first time yesterday. My hair was down to my mid back and i was ready for a change. Erica came highly recommended and i only live about 30 min away so i gave it a try. LOVE my new cut and color. I brought a picture in and she nailed it. I wasnt sure what i wanted color wise so i let her do her thing. Its perfect. I couldn't be happier. I will definatley be coming back here and recommending Erica to others. read more

I can't say enough to praise George Bakus Salon and Sarah. After years of fighting with my curl, my color, and my fine, dry hair, I discovered Sarah and the transformation began. She is a natural at finding the right color for my skin; natural and warm with great highlights. Getting me aquainted with the right products has helped restore moisture and shine. Now she has introduced me to the Brazilian Blowout and the battle is won. This process makes my hair soft and silky for months, and acts as a semi-permanent relaxer for the curl. Now I'm in control, not my hair, and I have Sarah to thank. read more

I had the worst ever experience at this salon. I requested George for a consult and he was very honest at telling me that he could not do a color and highlight on my hair because he didn't feel comfortable working with my thick, already color-treated hair. So he refers me to "Sarah" who charges me $150.00 for a color-correction that didn't even look like she corrected. She then tells me that the next time it will "probably" look better, and that it's a "gradual" process. So 8-weeks later I go back and she highlights my hair and colors the base with this dark color, so when she's done it doesn't even look like my roots have been colored. I walked out of there feeling like I paid $75.00 and a $25.00 tip for really.....nothing!! So days later I call the salon to let Sarah know and George too that my roots were still showing. I even went to the salon after work to show George and he agreed that the roots (the base color) was too dark so he scheduled an appt for me to see Sarah again. I go to my now 3rd appt and get there at 9:00 (which is the time that George scheduled me in for) and nobody is there at the salon. I had to wait 10-15 minutes before George got there to open up his salon. He then asked me if I had an appt and with who and I told him it was with Sarah and that he had made the appt for me. He then looked at the scheduling book and told me that my appt wasn't for another week. I told him that it couldn't be right because there was no way I'd wait that long to walk around with my hair looking the way it did, and he had scheduled the appt. He then walked out of the salon with his cell phone in hand, I assumed to call Sarah. He then came back in and told me that Sarah was on her way. Again I had to wait. George looked at my hair and told me that it didn't look right, that she did not do a good job, and if I wanted to after this next visit if I wasn't happy with the result that he would fix it for me. (Although not free of charge, because I asked him how much it would cost for him to do it) He said anywhere from $140-$150. I just thought "unbelievable" I asked for him initially, he didn't want to work on my hair so he refers me to Sarah and now he's okay with fixing my hair if I'm not happy with Sarah's work. So again I waited 25 minutes before Sarah got there. She did apologize for the inconvenience and then proceeded to work on my hair. The end result was again not what I wanted and I asked for George's opinion. Conveniently George was not there he had gone to lunch. Sarah did tell me that she could either refund me the $75.00, (of course not the nice hefty tip I gave her) but just the $75.00. At that point I could tell she was frustrated with me because I kept looking in the mirror and I wasn't happy with the color. I get home and of course my husband tells me he likes the color better than it was previously, but that my roots were still showing. So again I contact the salon and I talk to George and I ask him if I could stop by so that he could look at my hair again and so I did and he looked at it and told me again the same that it didn't look right, my roots were still showing, the base color was still too dark. He then told me that I could go to him so that he could fix it, and that he would ask Sarah to reimburse me the $75.00 so that we could use that money towards his services! UNBELIEVABLE!! So me the dumb ass I schedule the appt with him and then days later his receptionist calls and leaves me a message stating that she's calling on behalf of George and that he would like to cancel our appt. That he had consulted my case with Sarah and that they both felt they could not meet my hair needs because they are a salon that uses only "natural" products and I would need to go somewhere else that would best fit my needs. Again UNBELIEVABLE!!! Whoever reads this....don't go there....they are a money-hungry salon that only caters to those who want a "natural" product in their hair....which by the way is not really "natural." Everything is by-product there is no such thing as all natural. For that you would have to pick from the fields and blend your herbs and flowers and mix all natural ingredients from mother nature in your own lab so-to-speak!! What the heck!! I am so disgusted with their customer service, their greediness and incompitence!! George you could've been more professional and called me yourself!! I swear people get a real job....YOU ARE NOT GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO THERE!!! I can say this much I got my $75.00 back and wrote this long-ass message to vent my frustrations! All I can say is if you decide to go there.....BEWARE!! read more

Here is my recent experience with George Bakus Salon. I called the salon and left a message on the answering machine to make an appointment. Having never received a call back, I went to the salon and made an appointment with a stylist in person to have my hair colored. A couple of years ago, I had been to a stylist in this salon for over a year but left for a change in cutting style. The day of my appointment, I discovered Aveda color was not being used. Though the salon sells Aveda products, all stylists don't use Aveda color. I was somewhat hesitant because in the past, I have always used Aveda color because my scalp reacted to a Joico product. My new stylist, (I forgot her name, but I know it ended in an "a", something like Alicia?), as well as Sarah assured me it was a top-of-the-line product, and she would also use some type of scalp protectant with it. I said go ahead. The color came out great. I had good conversation with both my stylist and Sarah in the station next to her. When I left, my stylist asked if I wanted to make an appointment for my next color now, and I said I would wait. (I wanted to make sure I wouldn't react the following day.) There were no problems. Less than two weeks later, I went into the salon on Tuesday, 2/5/13 at around 6:00 p.m. to make another appointment with "Alicia?," and George, the owner, was at the desk. With a smile on my face I asked him if Sarah or "Alicia?" were there. With a frown on his face he said "no" and didn't offer anything more. I said, well is it best I call to make an appointment, and he said yes that he gives the messages to the stylists. I walked out of the salon and outside, down a ways was a client smoking a cigarette with her hair in foils. I asked her what stylist she had. She said, "Sarah, and she's very good." I asked her if Sarah was in the salon now, and she said yes. I walked to my car, and as I drove off, I saw Sarah through the window coming out of the back room where color is mixed, etc. I figure Sarah was cleaning up products from the client outside. What was quite perplexing was that the salon owner, George, gave me a mistruth stating "no" when I asked if either of the two were there. I decided to try once more, and after a late day at work on Thursday, 2/7/13 at around 7:20 p.m. I arrived at the salon and finding neither of the stylists there, I elected to write a note to Sarah since I knew her name. Another stylist left me in, and I put the note on Sarah's station with her name on it. The note just asked her to call me with my phone #. Not knowing the correct name of my stylist, I thought Sarah could have her call me so I could make my next color appointment with her. The following day, I received a phone call from George, the salon owner. He said, "None of the stylists feel comfortable coloring your hair because of your scalp sensitivity." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Thinking there was some kind of mistake, I explained that the color came out great and there was no problem. He repeated the same line above like a robot. I again tried to explain that I had no reaction, and he said the same thing. I asked if I could speak to either one of them, and he said no, that he was calling on their behalf and that I should find another salon. I told him I would leave my comments on Yelp, and he said do what you want. I never knew until that moment what control a salon owner can have over his staff. Having no other means to talk to these two stylists, I hope they read this, or if you are a client of either of these two stylists, please print this and give to them. First, thank you "Alicia?" for the great color. Sorry I forgot your name and am not able to come back to you for color in the future. And Sarah, I wanted to tell you that after describing you to the salon owner that cuts my hair, the reactions was, "I wish she would come work in my salon." You never know Sarah, it might just be down your alley or in your neighborhood. As for my final thoughts for this salon, they do not have a receptionist--the owner, George, screens all the messages, so make your appointments before you leave or your message may never reach your stylist. Sarah and "Alicia?" are both great. I try to figure out what it was with George, and all I can think of is I did have him do my hair over a year ago, and I did not feel comfortable with him and went back to my previous stylist there. Maybe he felt offended by that. read more

George Bakus Salon has to be the best I have experienced thus far in my life! Medications and health issues have left my few hairs a little weary, but now... I have Sarah cut, color, and magically make my hair look so much more than it is... literally! I have baby fine, thin hair, and I am naturally a very pale color. Most people try to "fix" this by throwing a darker color on to my head. NOT SARAH... she found not one, but four great shades to weave into my hair. She knows what to do with these feeble waves. She understand what TRIM means. I have NEVER been complemented on my hair prior to her becoming my stylist. She is professional and talented. In today's economy many may think that the cost for her work is pricey, but if you have ever had your hair messed up... you know that the value is found in the artist. Any Joe Schmo can throw some foil in your hair and then blame your genetics for the brassy colors or splotches.... If you desire to have the best head of hair you have ever experienced.. then call SARAH she will get you started on the road to fabulous hair -- without pressuring you to purchase every retail item in the salon. PS her work is so perfect... I have been able to go twice as long between colors... so don't let the cost scare you away... buy quality... it will outlast any salon special out there! read more