I have really fuzzy curly hair that a lot of salons don't really know what to do with. I have been fearful of getting a cut because the last time It didn't come out the way I wanted it to. I know with my hair type it will never exactly be how I want it but I can expect a decent cut in the ball park of what I want. Thankfully I found Patricia. 1st off she wears her hair curly and has been cutting hair for over 20 years. She layered my hair, it looks really good and flows nicely. read more

Have always struggled finding someone who knows what to do with my curly hair. I don't have to say much and Patricia knows what I'm going for and gives life to my curls! I walk away feeling refreshed and well taken care of. Go-to curly hair salon in Berkeley! Will continue to be a regular. read more

La Peluquería - Fresh cut, curls are light and healthy - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Awesome find! Patricia made my curls come to glorious spiraled life! Listened to me. Cut my hair and gave me excellent pro-curly head tips. I feel like she verbally passed on the owners manual to curly hair that I was never given to begin with. Fantastic find. read more

After reading the other reviews I was prepared for there to be booking confusion, running late, but curly hair magic made. When I called Patricia answered and was able to schedule a Saturday appointment in the next few weeks. I showed up for the appointment and only waited a few minutes before being seen. Generally the cut went smoothly although I could have done with a little less bad mouthing of my last haircut and of the high maintenance sounding clients who called on the phone to schedule appointments while I was there. The cut wasn't the magic I was hoping for, but I was at a bit of an awkward growing out stage. Definitely don't come here if you're looking for something edgy. But she's got the Berkeley mom do down to a science. After I left I thought I was in the clear and felt quite pleased that I had evaded any scheduling mishaps. But as I was walking down the street away from the salon, my phone rings. When I answer it's Patricia berating me for missing my appointment. Surprised, I explained that I had just walked out of the salon! She apologized and said she had gotten confused. But it was a very strange experience and needless to say I haven't returned. read more

Absolutely loved my haircut here! Super friendly and great for curly hair. Will definitely come back.

Patricia is AMAZING! I have really curly hair (I'm a 22yr old white female for reference), and she can work miracles. My hair wasn't curling well, and I needed a full highlight, and she did awesome! She's also a hoot to hang out with while she does your hair, so that's a benefit too. P.S. Her shampoo scalp massages are THE BEST. read more

La Peluquería - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great haircut. A luxury to be in the hands of a Pro, and a delightful person as well. I walked by and felt drawn to the atmosphere of this small tasteful salon just off Cedar and Shattuck Aves -- and to Patricia, who was greeting her next client. The next day, I received a terrific haircut -- clean, professional, stylish and easy to care for. The whole process was quick and simple. No fuss or drama. I appreciate the studio atmosphere - warm, calm, professional, friendly. Quite different from the blast of noise and nasty chemicals you get in so many salons. I would rate 5 stars but will wait and see how the haircut grows. Tip: Patricia has thick wavy hair and understands very well how to work with that sort of hair, which is rare bonus. read more

WOW! went in with straight frizzy hair. Patricia worked her magic and released my curls. I will never go to another stylist again. read more

You will leave there loving your curls. There is no doubt in my mind that Patricia gave me the best hair cut that I have ever gotten with my curly hair (I have been blow drying my hair straight until last October when I finally said F it.) I absolutely love my hair! Also, I called on Thursday and had an appointment by Friday morning which is an added bonus. Tip: She only accepts checks and cash. 2nd Tip: Products are KEY - take note with what she uses and how much she puts in. She's like a scientist - she knows exactly the right amount of product and the right technique to get the best look out of your hair. ;) read more

La Peluquería - Rocking these curls!!!! @NY2CaliChris - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Patricia Lewis is a miracle worker with curly and wavy hair, no matter what your ethnicity or natural texture. She'll rescue you from a bad or overgrown haircut like nobody else can. Discuss your needs and wants, then relax and let her work her magic. She's a curly hair expert and precision hair cutter and colorist who takes her time to create "sheer" perfection, brilliant color and highlights with dimension, and beautifully defined, healthy curls. Plus, Patricia teaches you how to maintain your curly locks longterm, so your curl confidence will skyrocket! read more

Best curly hair cut I've ever gotten! The salon is run soley by Patricia, and has a great atmosphere. Patricia is very down-to-Earth and easy to talk to. She's also been very accommodating for booking, even squeezing me in last-minute! She's also done a great job with coloring my hair while keeping it very healthy. She also has the best curly-hair product recommendations, and doesn't just pedal the big brands in curly hair. read more

I went to Patricia and La Peluqueria a couple years ago but never had the Yelp! account to post about it. I called before hand and let Patricia know that I wanted a trim and color, so she gave me a time slot which was about an hour before the salon closed for the day. I went in and let her know (again) what I wanted, but she told me that she doesn't know how to color hair, that her son does it. He only comes a few times per year, so she told me to contact him via Instagram to see when he was coming to the Bay Area (he was located in LA). Maybe it was because she didn't want to take the time to color my hair or she really couldn't do it, but I wish she had let me know on the phone. Although that news was disappointing since I specifically told her on the phone that I wanted a color. She proceeded to give me a trim (it was really just a trim) and then - attempting to be nice - took off $5 because she didn't do much. So a trim of less than an inch and her failure to tell me she doesn't color hair cost me $60 (which she also told me last minute it was cash only). I wanted to like this salon because having curly hair makes it difficult to find a good hair dresser, however Patricia's lack of communication, overcharging, and not coloring (which it seems from recent reviews and photos that she DOES) resulted in me not going back. read more

If there's one thing all curly-haired people share, it's some truly horrible haircut stories. So I was justifiably nervous as I sat down in Patricia's chair on Wednesday. I came out happier than I've been with any haircut I had ever gotten. I've always been told I couldn't have short hair without it looking like an Egyptian pyramid was transported onto my head, but I've always wanted to try it anyway. She gave me just the look I wanted. My hair is bouncy, healthy, and--most importantly--very much not pyramid-y. And as an added bonus, I left with a better understanding of how to keep my hair healthy and pretty. It's definitely more pricy than I usually pay for a haircut, but with how happy I've been feeling the last couple of days, it's worth every penny. read more

Never again. I was really excited for my appointment based on all the good reviews. Well... if you enjoy getting your hair ripped out and your scalp scratched raw for $100, this is your place. But not for me, thank you. Patricia dry brushed my curly hair (which hurt terribly and resulted in an insane amount of hair loss) and then cut it wet - it's CURLY HAIR, I asked for a Deva cut, any professional would just not do either of those things. I felt hurt, not listened to, and disrespected. When I go to a salon, I usually expect a pleasant experience, not dismissal and pain. Nobody should get this kind of treatment in a salon, much less pay so much money for it. I wish I had the courage to say all this to her face at the time, but I was in shock and just left. The haircut itself? Fine. I've had better. read more

Terrible! Patricia did the exact opposite of what I asked for. I said very clearly not to cut more than 2 inches, and to cut some of the top curls a bit shorter and give it some shape around my face. She cut 5 inches off, and made it blunt all one length - so bad for curly hair. When I said that was shorter than I wanted, she said "I had too". No, just no. It's all wrong, and tangles badly at the ends. It even looks bad in a ponytail - I didn't know that was possible. read more

Wow. My daughter looked like a supermodel when she left La Peluqueria with her new haircut and knowledge of how to care for her curls. She has continued to love her curls and they look like tight beautiful curls now. Patricia really knows curly hair and gave advice on where to buy the products she recommended inexpensively. read more

I love how Patricia cuts my hair each and every time so I will not go elsewhere. I used to be one to complain about paying over $50 when I went to different hair salons but Patricia's cut is worth every penny. She's an expert! read more

La Peluquería - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Absolutely one of the best curly cuts I've ever had! Patricia is so sweet and is SO knowledgeable about cutting/caring for curly hair. We chopped off at least 5 inches and now my hair is happy, bouncy and I know how to care for it better. It's such a relief knowing my curls are in good hands. read more

I couldn't believe my luck when I found a curly hair salon in Downtown Berkeley! I called only two days in advance and got an appointment with Patricia. She is incredibly knowledgeable about curly hair - 25 years experience as a stylist - and she helped me change my look dramatically. I love my new style and I'll definitely be returning to Patricia in the future! read more

La Peluquería - Before/After - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Patricia KNOWS what she is doing when it comes to curly hair. I have extremely curly, big hair, and Patricia left me with a haircut that looks even, with a "cascade" (her words) of shiny, bouncy ringlets that look good from every angle. Ever since the Deva Cut "revolution," every salon thinks that it can cut curly hair dry according to the same formula. They take 4 hours and charge 3x as much as a straight haircut... and it's not good. In the hands of a skilled artist like Patricia, a wet haircut is far superior to a dry haircut. Plus, I was in and out within an hour, and spent under $100. I wish more hair salons would get out from under the Deva empire and re-learn how to care for curly hair. I'm so glad I found Patricia and will definitely be back. read more

Patricia does my cut and color every 5-6 weeks and I love her work. She has huge talent and decades of experience. Her salon is a lovely space, she makes me look great and her prices are reasonable. She is also a caring and warm and creative person, fun to talk to. read more

Very unprofessional service. I called to schedule an apt and once I mentioned that my hair was very curly because I am half black I was told to send a pic and they would call back. I sent the pic and received no reply. After 8 hours I called back and was told "I'm just too busy, I'll call you later." No call back. Not how small business should conduct themselves read more

I always had short hair, my whole life. At age 40, my wife encouraged me to grow it long, and lo and behold, I have curls! When my sister saw, she got overjoyed - turns out we've had the same hair our entire lives. She told me that was it, I *have* to see Patricia at La Peluqueria. I've been going ever since. I love my haircut days - Patricia does a great job, and Rosie (her adorable dog) couldn't be sweeter. I love my curls. read more

Patricia is amazing! I came in with long curly hair knowing I wanted to go short, but not really sure what style I was going for. She talked me through the options and showed me some pictures, and less than an hour later I walked out with a great new (super short) haircut. I've already gotten a ton of compliments ranging from "sassy" to "elegant", and I will definitely be coming back! FYI she only accepts cash or checks, so come prepared. read more

La Peluquería - Love my new short curly cut from Patricia! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I came in looking like Ms Frizzle with dry, triangular curly hair. Patricia cut it into a stylish bob and I am so pleased! She also gave me some great advice about my shampooing routine, but without pushing any specific products. She has curly hair herself so she knows from personal experience how to live with it and take care of it. No one else was in the salon and we wore masks the whole time - I felt safe from Covid. I will be back! read more

I am so pleased with my experience at La Peluquería. Patricia knows exactly what she is doing. Absolutely the the queen of curls--professional and accommodating as well. The salon is charming and just up the street from my house. My hair looks amazing, my best and cutest cut yet. Thank you! read more

I came here with my friend who had shy curls because she desperately needed a haircut, she was waaaay LONG overdue for a cut. Patricia is straightforward and doesn't beat around the bush. Needless to say, my friend got a talking to because she wasn't doing anything for her beautiful curls to show and shine. My friend went in with dull, lifeless, borderline wavy hair and came out with full, complete, and naturally bouncy curls. That just comes to show what happens when someone who knows what their doing cares for your hair. Patricia worked her magic in under 30 minutes. Keeping in mind that she did shampoo, trim, and dry her hair. She did such an amazing job that I scheduled an appt with her as well! When I go into a hair salon I like to be guided as to what would personally look best on me and Patricia does exactly that! She's honest and I appreciate that. Her salon is beautiful and clean and it doesn't smell harsh with chemicals like other salons. It is a bit on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for and It is completely worth it! I do believe it is cash only, so head to the ATM before going. If not, there's an Andronico's across the street with an ATM machine. Patricia is AMAZING and my friend looks and feels like a million bucks!!! Yay! Thank you Patricia! :) read more

I have been Patricia's client for many, many years, more than I can count, and she is fantastic! I have super fine hair and wear it in a shoulder-length "bob" style, which is not easy to cut as even very minor mistakes will show. Patricia is so skilled that my hair always looks great, very polished and professional. Patricia also does my highlights and they look completely natural... such an improvement to my own mousey brown color. Her prices are also very reasonable for the Bay Area. I highly recommend Patricia if you are looking for a new stylist! read more

La Peluquería - Beautiful highlights by Patricia! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I came to Patricia with the intention of getting a trim because my hair had become so long and since I didn't get trims while it was growing a lot of it was dead mostly at the ends. I went into her salon with no attachment to all that hair and she asked me what length I was comfortable with and she worked her magic and gave me some tips on how to care for my curly hair and I've gotten so many compliments since I cute my hair 3 weeks ago my curls are super bouncy and healthy I'm really happy with the results and hopefully with continued visits I can get trimmed and make sure it's growing out healthy in really happy with my new look! read more

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I moved back to the bay and I needed to find a new place for haircuts. I have curly hair and finding a new hair dresser is really tough and frustrating. My first attempt resulted in a BAD cut. My hair got butchered, chunks just taken out. I let it grow for a couple months and prepared myself to try again. I am so glad I found Patricia on my second round! She fixed my hair and it is very cute. She listens to your hair needs, gives a good shampoo, and cuts curly hair like a boss. Plus, she is super nice. If you have curly hair, you should have Patricia cut it. *Cash or check payments only read more

I rarely leave reviews for anything (ironic, since I consult them so often), but I simply couldn't help myself. Patricia was so kind, gave great hair care advice, listened to exactly what I wanted and gave me a perfect cut. She specializes in curly hair and goodness she does it so well! This was my first time with her, but certainly not my last! read more

La Peluquería - Before: long, heavy, weighed down curls - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I started coming to La Peluqueria a few years ago when we lived in Oakland. Patricia did such a great job that I still come here years later (even after moving to the Peninsula!!) read more

This was my second visit to Patricia and it will be my last. I've had many haircuts in my life and I have never encounter someone so unprofessional. My first time there, Patricia wasn't exactly friendly but she gave me a decent cut. This time we had a disagreement over shampoo. I use the "no poo" method because I have sensitive skin. Patricia complained when I wouldn't let her shampoo my just-washed hair, saying it was too thick and "would take all day!" (My hair is on the thin side and just below my shoulders.) She spent barely 10 minutes cutting my hair while she sighed like an unhappy 12-year-old and berated my method of hair care. Then she put me under a dryer for 5 minutes and didn't speak to me except to chastise me again for the "no poo" and charge me $70. I was too shocked by the experience to protest and now I'm angry I'll have to pay another stylist to fix my bad haircut. read more

If you enjoy being talked down to about your curly hair (which is already difficult enough to maintain and develop a positive relationship to), made to feel like you're stupid and invaluable, and you generally love abrasive people, this is your spot! I will continue my quest for a stylist that is both talented and affirms my humanity. read more

One star. For the haircut my son didn't get. I was so appreciative that Patricia fit me in for 9:30 the day after I called. When I arrived for the 9:30 appointment, she told me I would need to take my son home, wash his hair, and brush it out. She could fit me in later that day, at 3:30. No apologies. Sadly, I have a job, and haven't scheduled an entire day to sit around waiting for your schedule to clear. If it's a requirement to wash your hair before the cut, please say so. I would gladly pay extra for a wash. I won't be back. read more

She made my hair really healthy and curly by giving me a ton of layers and volume. It had no shape before and now it's bouncy and has dimension read more

3 stars for cut and 0 stars for professionalism. Runs behind, messes up appointment times, answers and talks on the phone during a cut or color, and doesn't return calls in a timely fashion. There are too many other talented stylists in the area to put up with this. read more

I went to La Peluqueria after doing a search on yelp for local curly hair salons. The cut was very reasonably priced ($50) so I figured I would try it out. I went and Patricia did give me what I had asked for (two stars for the cut). However the atmosphere was not friendly or welcoming and she kept talking about how dry my hair was. I left feeling worse about my hair than when I entered (despite her giving me the cut I had asked for). I will not be returning here. read more

I loved my haircut with Patricia! She really knows how to cut, style and take care of curly hair! Cash only

My hair is not curly, it is wavy, but I wanted to start wearing it wavy again after wearing it straight for years. Patricia gave me a great layered cut job and showed me how to diffuse it and style it naturally so that my waves perked back up. The amazing thing is she is sooo fast. I've never gotten out of the salon in less than an hour before, and this in no way compromises quality - she just works quickly. I've got a ton of compliments on my hair - and everyone asks me if I permed it because they can't believe how wavy it is now. read more