How do I love Michael? Let me count the ways . . . and they are numerous! Michael has been doing my hair for over five years now and I wouldn't even think of going to anyone else! He does an amazing job on the color - I get compliments all the time. He's an artiste with highlights and lowlights. Let me tell you I'm truly picky about my hair and there's no one else I would trust with doing my color but Michael. He gives awesome haircuts also. He also does fabulous Brazilian blow-outs -- he's quite skilled. I got one done at his suggestion and it has lasted for almost six months now. I love it -- my hair has been so much more manageable (I have frizzy, long hair when left to its own devices). Besides being a great hair stylist, he is a warm and welcoming person. He has a great sense of humor and wit. He's a wonderful listener. Because of him, the salon has a great vibe. The salon is decorated in Michael's indubitable style. What more can I say -- you will love it there!!!! Karen Snyder read more

I have been going to Claire Pearce for over 10 years - and as a client this long, I can honestly say she is one of the best stylist I have been to in Los Angeles. Over the years, as styles change and trends develop - she has always remained current. I have unruly crazy hair that she simply gets - my cuts are always excellent and easy for me to maintain. They grow out well. Her color skills are perfection. I get exactly the color I ask for. I highly recommend Claire as an accomplished, well educated stylist for both cuts and color. And for weddings - fabulous work. (She did my wedding hair - and I'm still blissfully married :) Claire is also an extremely nice person - she picks salons to work in that are laid back and more about the client rather then salons with misleading decor and no talent. She's cool to hang out with. Call her up - you will be very glad you did! read more

Michael Okin, the owner of Lather Loft, has been styling my hair for a number of years. Michael is very good at coloring hair. I often get complimented by friends and strangers on the color of my hair. Michael does a good job of weaving highlights and lowlights to give my hair a very natural blond look. His cuts are also excellent. After Michael took over as owner of the Lather Loft he updated its appearance. Cool art work is displayed on the walls, comfortable sofas line the waiting area and a large selection of interesting magazines are available. There is always coffee, tea and water available. There are also smocks available to change into to avoid getting cut hair on your clothes. And considering the shop is located in Santa Monica, parking is never a problem. If you are looking for a dependable, creative stylist, give Michael a call. read more

CLAIRE PEARCE of LATHERLOFT in Santa Monica, California is an EXCELLENT hair stylist who I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND! She has been 'sculpting' my hair for years now! She is not just someone who cuts and colors my hair . . . she is a HAIR ARTIST in every sense of the word. When I am done with my appointment, my hair always looks like a piece of art! She always completes my cut, color and style at it's best for the shape of my face and skin tone. Her massaging hands on my scalp are like magic. Thanks to Claire, I always leave Latherloft feeling like I've been relaxing at a spa all day! ~ One of the best things about my appointment is that my sister and I go together and I get to watch Claire, first-hand, as she performs her 'hair artistry' on my sister's hair! ~ Clair is a beautiful person inside and out and we feel blessed to have her! read more

It seems that every other year I remind myself to write a review for Lather Loft. Since my last review, I moved 15 miles away, but I still make the journey. Why? First off, the vibe is great. Very relaxing environment with fun Disney inspired posters (not cheesy stuff - cool retro stuff). Second, speaking of Disney I've had kids and none are excited for haircuts. Michael gives them a quick snip while they sit on my lap. Third, while I could pay $10 and look like a private in the Army at a barbershop, I think that $45 for a great haircut is a great deal for a great haircut. Moreover, Michael never charges me when I bring a kid in for a haircut (he might not love that I'm sharing that information). With the exception of the pier, Lather Loft is the best thing about Santa Monica read more

I would like to recommend my hairdresser Claire Pearce to all the people who like style, quality and a great environment. Claire has been cutting my hair for the past 5 years and it has never been the case that I would not be satisfied with her work. She has a gift for tuning it to what will work for my type of hair and it looks amazing till the next appointment. I saw Claire do an amazing work for men also! As a bonus to the great quality of her work, she just moved her practice to Lather Loft which is a really cute and comfortable place. It combines industrial style with contemporary atmosphere that both add up to a very cozy feeling. Claire fits there really well, always offering a cozy cup of tea and a great conversation :)! Go ahead, check it out for yourself! read more

So, I was new to LA and had to find a hair stylist fast. Who doesn't when they are new in town? I really wanted someone who knows color, has great customer service and is reasonable. Well - the rest is history. 4 years later, Michael not only is a super colorist, an experienced Brazillian provider, he gives the BEST, most AMAZING "scalp/head massages". I not only leave the salon looking great, I feel so relaxed from the head massage coupled with Michael's superior customer service. Did I mention, his prices are so reasonable that you can really keep up with whatever hair services you need and want so you can always feel your hair looks its best. Thanks , Michael for making me feel so great! Debbie, 4 year customer. read more

I was referred to Michael 11 years ago when I first moved to L.A. by a friend who had been getting her hair done with him and I have been going to see him since! I followed him to a couple of other locations including the posh Rodeo Drive! Now he is the proud owner of Lather Loft and I am so happy for him...the place looks great!! Michael is fun, professional and really knows his business. I am by far the most annoying client a hairdresser could ever have and not only is he patient with my requests but he always saves the day when I get creative and take care of my own hair. Great haircuts, color, tea and music! read more

I love going to the Lather Loft. It is a laid back, friendly atmosphere and Michael Okin is a brilliant hairdresser. We briefly discuss what I want and he always listens, then does what we had talked about -- and better. Most other places I have gone, I often have a moment while they are cutting my hair (and talking) that I look in the mirror and get a panicked hot flash of "WHAT ARE THEY DOING? ARE THEY GOING TOO SHORT??" ) -- with Michael, I never have those doubts. I am confident when I leave I'm going to look better than when I walked in, and have laughed and had a good chat and been totally relaxed in the process. read more

Michael Okin, the owner of Lather Loft, is the King of Hair Color! Michael possesses a unique talent for transforming natural hair color into incredible color tones and the end result is positively gorgeous hair with fabulous color! Michael keeps those beautiful tresses in top shape by utilizing quality hair products which nurture and condition the hair. The Lather Loft salon is a place where you can go to relax, chat and laugh with Michael while he works his magic on your hair! I have been a client and fan of Michael and his incredible hair coloring and hairstyling talents for over 4 years. He's the best! read more

Latherloft owner Michael has been cutting my hair now for over 9 years. He's the best, always consistent, funny and easy to talk to about the style and cut I'm after. And I've never left dissatisfied. I also LOVE his new place. It's easy to find, easy to park, it's a great, open, clean modern space with great and fun art and retro artifacts, they play cool and an eclectic mix of music (not too loud), and it's also next to a great coffee house. And there are nearly always specials going on, so check out the cool website too. I highly recommend both Michael and Latherloft. read more

Michael, the owner of Lather Loft, is the best hairdresser I have ever had. And I've had a few. He is the most amazing colourist. Everyone compliments me on my hair - am I bad 'cos I say it is 'natural'? Of course, I love the way he cuts my hair. I'm growing it out and Michael cuts just the right amount off so it is stays healthy. Whatever he does I am happy as he is a great hair stylist. On top of making the best cup of tea, he gives me cookies and has the BEST sense of humour ever. So I am fed, entertained and I leave looking fabulous. Who can beat that? No-one! read more

For the longest time (almost three years) I wouldn't get my hair cut by a professional because I am way to picky and was always disappointed by the end result. Recently I decided that I wanted a classic bob, so I decided to get it done correctly and fork up the cash. I was really nervous but my hairdresser Hannah did an amazing job! At first I was confused by why she chose to blowdry my hair in the middle of the cut, but now I get it..Its been almost two months since I got my cut and still, all I need to do in the morning is blowdry my hair and it looks phenomenal. read more

Claire Pearce of Lather Loft has been my hairdresser for more than ten years! She always pays attention and gives me what I ask for. We have been through short hair, long hair, layers, no layers, straight, curly, lighter, darker, even bangs... Through it all, my hair always looks fabulous! I had Claire do my hair as well as my bridesmaids for my wedding, and she did a fantastic job with everyone. I have referred many to her over the years, and all have raved about her talent. I consider myself very luck to have found her! read more

Claire has been cutting my hair for 20 years now and I would never go to anyone else. Whether I go with a picture of a hairstyle and color I'd like or I just tell her to do whatever she thinks would look good on me I've always walked out of the salon feeling and looking beautiful. She takes the time to listen to me and what I want. My husband also goes to her and he always comes home looking handsome!! I always recommend her to all my friends and they always love her too. She is a fabulous stylist and an absolute sweetheart! read more

I would like to highly recommend Michael! He has given me the Brazilian Blowout and I LOVE it! I'm the girl with thick, wavy, frizzy, helmet hair and it has transformed me to the girl with straight, shiny, swingy hair! Not to mention wash & go which is extremely important. He does a great job with my cut and color also. The color is very natural without being blah. I enjoy going to the salon with its easy-going feel and the prices are extremely reasonable. Bottom line: HIGHLY recommend Michael and the Lather Loft!! read more

I was looking to get a Brazilian Blowout before going on a trip to the Caribbean so my hair wouldn't get all crazy and out of control. My friend has been going to see Michael for years and highly recommended him, and now I see why. He has one of those warm personalities that makes you feel like you've known him for years and he definitely knows his stuff. The treatment was everything he said it would be...easy wash & wear hair which looked great even in salt water, wind and sun! Will definitely be going back!! read more

Claire Pearce is honestly the best hair stylist I've ever had. Someone else said it perfectly in their review when they said that she is truly an artist. She knows exactly what will look best for your face and hair type and her coloring looks SUPER natural. Claire's been cutting and coloring my hair for several years now and will continue to do my hair as long as I live in Southern California! Lather Loft is a really neat place as well - not at all pretentious and extremely comfortably and cute... read more

Class Act! I've been seeing Michael for 2 years now and always leave loving my hair. He has a knack for identifying what will suit you in color and style, is honest about what may or may not suit you but polite (and funny as hell)! An appointment with Michael is more like chatting with a friend over a cup of tea. His prices are competitive and fair and the shop itself is clean with a fun "retro" 50s decor. Metered parking out front and free parking in the neighborhood side streets. GO! read more