If I could give 1000 stars, I would. Melanie is an artist, skilled beyond words and goes above and beyond for her clients. I have extremely finicky hair--frizzy beyond belief, super fine and stubborn, etc. I've spent years getting Japanese straigtening to tame the beast, resulting in a lot of breakage. I heard about Melanie years ago but was hesitant to go to her because of the cost and proximity. Just a few visits later, I wish I would have gone to her sooner! Melanie truly cares about each client and that shows in her approach. She doesn't sugar coat anything, she is realistic, she doesn't upsell or just try to get you out the door. On my first appointment, she spent an hour and a half evaluating my hair, going through practically each strand, asking questions from hair history to wash routine to stuff I barely even think about. (For the record, I have young kids with special needs and the level of thoroughness she had would be equal to their therapists!) She was honest with what she felt comfortable doing and why, and refrained from doing certain treatments on my hair even though she could have gotten more money. Later, when my hair started to grow out, she did a smoothing treatment that tamed my frizz, left my hair undamaged but shiny and manageable! I've done hair treatments enough to know when someone is just trying to get me out the door vs someone who cares, and Melanie falls into the second category. She also took time to share tips on my hair and how to style it. Are her prices higher? Yes. Are there stylists closer to where I live? Also yes. Is she worth it? Absolutely. She has clients who drive from Sacramento to see her, and it's clear to see why. Melanie is an absolute gem! read more

Hair ye! Hair ye! If Melanie Brown becomes a religion unto herself, I would be her Paul. Never was I one to obsesses about my mortuarial mane, but a good stylist is hard to find. For so many months did I wander through the desert of un-trimmed hair that by the time I found Melanie I looked like the girl from The Ring. In fact, had I never discovered Melanie Brown, I would have been cast as that perpetually pruney girl in the next straight-to-DVD sequel--homicidally bitter because there are no hair stylists in the afterlife. Fortune fell upon me when I reached out to Melanie who graciously accepted my appointment request. Walking into her temple--I mean, studio--was like finding a sea of holy water after 40 years of desert wandering. She washed me, conversation-ed me, trimmed me, and made me feel all shiny and new. What I lacked in hair-related lingo was miraculously made up for by Melanie's psychic abilities to extrapolate the essence of my desires: ...that I wanted to channel my inner edgy self ...and that a hairdo should adequately convey to the world my total--and performative--carefree spirit ...and that my carefully-cultivated carefreeness will result in societal upheaval. Perfect haircut achieved. Societal upheaval...to be determined. Not only is Melanie a magician with her scissors, she also possesses a warm, light, and maternal spirit that puts people at ease. I felt cradled in her chair, surrendering to her vision and expertise, and bathing in her presence...a presence that embodies stylist, healer, fairy godmother, and confessor. Thank you, Melanie, for rescuing me from my horror-movie hair. When you retire, I'll shave my head out of loyalty because allowing anyone else to touch my hair would be apostasy. read more

This review is long overdue but Melanie is such an artist with hair! I have long dark hair past my waist and am very picky about hairstylists and love my hair long. Melanie listened to what I wanted, studied my hair and also gave excellent recommendation! It's so important to find people who are experts in their craft and Melanie is an expert! My hair looks healthier, the color compliments my skin so much and it moves beautifully. She's also very sweet and detailed! read more

Melanie Brown Salon - layers that are subtle but move! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

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I found Melanie on yelp while searching for hair color specialist, I checked out the reviews and saw some pictures for her work. I was convinced she will be able to understand what color/technique she needs to do to achieve the color I have in mind! My hair was damaged and burned from the highlights so I went first for consultation to show her my hair and to advice me what is the best we should do to avoid damaging it more! The consultation meeting was very informative so on my appointment day she knew exactly what she needs to do. Thank you Melanie for your time, wonderful work and result and for really pampering your clients read more

Melanie Brown Salon - My new hair color - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

Wow, what else can I say about this gem of a find - Melanie!! She truly is awesome at what she does, this is my 2nd time getting my hair done by her and she has not disappointed at all. I first met her when I had gone to get a bad hair extensions appointment fixed from another stylist. My hair is super thin and I had decided to get extensions put in, however my previous stylist did not do a decent job at all. Melanie listened to what I was looking for and fixed it to exactly how I needed it to be. She is a truly experienced stylist for color and extensions and what I love about her is that she never rushes always takes her time to get your hair perfect and exactly what you are looking for! If you are looking for someone to work magic on your hair she is the person to contact, you will not regret this decision!! read more

Melanie has been my fairy godmother ever since my "Hair nightmare" NOV 2018 I tried a new hairstylist that OVER bleached my hair. The smell of bleach was so strong within 10 mins, chunks of my hair was falling off. I lost the strength, texture and confidence, my hair was ruined. Luckily I met Melanie and told her my story. As tragic as it was she said " I would have to see and feel your hair first, no promises". Her statement was all I needed that it can get better. Melanie's approach was comforting and honest. So with patience and proper education, 9 months later my hair is growing and getting stronger. She educates how to take care of your hair, what products are best, where to get them and overall feel beautiful. Her line BELARAE is a gem. Her shampoo and conditioner revive my hair after every wash. She even has eyelashes that are amazing as well. 10/10 across the boards. If you are looking for someone who is very professional, empathetic and educates you in each session. I would give her a call! read more

Melanie Brown Salon - 1st photo is the damaged hair to the many styles I have done with her. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

She is one of the best Hair dresser in town. She cut and highlighted my hair 2 years ago and the result is so amazing.. I highly recommend Melanie Brown to all read more

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Finally my journey in searching of hair dresses come to end. Melanie is amazing! She's really knows what you want and delivered. She's friendly, very talented and detail oriented. I definitely recommend her. read more

Melanie Brown is amazing! She's very compassionate about her work and you can tell by the way she works on your hair. I am very picky when it comes to my hair stylist and when I found out that she's now in CA, I flew all the way from NY just to see her. My family and I have been going to her ever since she started in the south of Manila. She breathes life into anyone's dull and dry hair plus she's generous with hair treatments and tips! I love how she can sculpt your hair into amazing results. Just like how a maestro can conduct an orchestra, Melanie can whip up anyone's hair and breathe life into it. I've recommended her to all my closest friends. Some of my friends from NY will also be going to her soon. Love you, Melanie! read more

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HAIR EXPERT!!!I normally don't write a review for hair right away, but this time it is a must to know who Melanie is. I have no idea why she does not have more reviews. I had NBR extensions from a previous stylist that kept on matting. I even had to replace a weft after 8 weeks. Melanie used high quality human hair extensions with precise hand tie technique. She is so knowledgeable and absolutely amazing in her craft. She response to text messages right away. I will definitely come back for my hair care. read more

Melanie Brown Salon - Melanie the hair expert! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

Going to Melanie has been a game changer for me. My previous stylists would always ask me for a photo of what type cut I want and would deliver requested cut (most of the time) . I've always wanted a stylist who could look at me, my hair, and have a vision of what would look amazing on me. Melanie does just that! I couldn't be happier with my hair. It's healthy, manageable, and the cut lasts much longer than cuts I used to get. So happy I found her. read more

Melanie Brown (Suite 4) is my Hair stylist at JC Salons and she is amazing! I have been coming to her for the past 2 years to get the BELARAE Hair Botox Treatment. I loved my naturally curly hair but appreciate the easier maintenance of my daily hair routine. Melanie is very skilled, gentle and great to talk to. She is a true expert on working with my hair. I noticed my hair was very damaged and medium length when I started going to her. Now it is much healthier and longer. Her booth is great and relaxing environment with calming music space. While I live in Sacramento I look forward to spending my self-care days with her. read more

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Melanie is truly a stellar artist! I realized I didn't leave a review so writing one now. I got my hair styled and cut by her a few months back and can't wait to be back. She's a gem and truly knows what she's doing. My first time there, she took the time to listen to me and my concerns (oily scalp, dry ends, poorly blended layers). She understood my needs and hair vision so well. I can't wait to go back for my next appointment. Thank you Melanie read more

Melanie is sure goddess of hair. She have answers for all hair related questions. Very professional. She's so passionate about what she is doing and truly cares clients request. I would highly recommend her, at least try once and I'm 100% sure you will love her service. Can't wait get my future services :) read more

I've been going to Melanie for a little over a year now, but we think we met maybe 25 years ago when she cut my hair when she was still training in one of the most prestigious salons in Manila. I remember that haircut so well as I got so many compliments on it! I'm ecstatic I found her here in the Bay Area! Not a lot of people can manage my hair (cut and style) because I have so much of it, and Melanie is one of the few stylists that can actually do it well! I'm also a stickler when it comes to my hair and I know I will always walk away from my hair appointments happy and feeling beautiful! She's a perfectionist and I love that about her! Her words: she lives and breathes hair...it is evident in her work...,, read more

I was referred to Melanie by a friend. Melanie did not disappoint, she did a wonderful job with my hair color and my cut as well. My hair was so smooth and soft after it was all done.In addition, Melanie gave me a lot of tips about what shampoo and other hair products to use that would help with my frizzy hair. She was also very honest in what I really need and what I did not. I asked about the straightening treatment, which she did not feel was necessary for me. I really appreciate her honestly. She's a true professional . read more

Melanie Brown Salon - Shiny and beautiful - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

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I found Melanie by searching through Yelp looking for a hair stylist that can cut hair. I looked through a lot of photos before I decided to go with Melanie. I have A LOT of hair, probably three people's worth. All my life, I hated all the hair cuts I got because no one knew how to layer my hair to actually look nice but instead looked frizzy or poofy. I experimented with so many hair stylist that I eventually started to cut my own hair for 2 years (I actually gave myself pretty nice layers, just took forever and my arms got tired)! Anyways, so I contacted Melanie and set up an appointment to get my hair cut. On the day of, I showed her pictures of the work she's done in the past that I liked. To be honest, during the hair cut, I was a little worried that it wasn't going well because she was dry cutting my hair. Other stylist layer hair wet, but Melanie has a different technique to do layers. Whatever she's doing, she's doing an amazing job! She gave me the best hair cut in my life and it wasn't frizzy and didn't get poofy. It even looked nice after I washed and styled it myself. Also, I came in with a 5 month old ombre, she was able to shape my hair to improve the look of my ombre. Mayor skills! I thought the haircut was going to be about $35 because of the cost sheet at the salon, but it was actually a lot more than I was used to paying. But when I got home, my husband loved my hair, I loved my hair, my friends loved my hair and even thought I re-ombred it. In the end, that extra cost was worth it because I have a haircut I actually love. I recommended Melanie to my SIL and she loves her cut and color she received from Melanie... Which pursued me to get my hair colored too. Melanie took her time, making sure to do her best to not further damage my blond ends from a previous salon. I never had my whole head colored/highlighted, so when I first saw myself, I was speechless because I looked different to myself since my hair was lighter (with ombre, I still had my natural black base) but thought she did a nice job. When I got home, my hubby and SIL said it looked orangey, so I mention it to Melanie through text, and she had no problem correcting it the next day. I received many compliments from strangers telling me my hair is beautiful! Even my MIL said my hair is beautiful! Last time I had my hair done, she said it looked like a horse tail! So for her to say it's beautiful says a lot! Now, 4 weeks later, I'm bugging Melanie again because I want to chop my blonde ends off (again, damaged from previous salon) because it's been getting so dry and crickly that I couldn't even run my fingers through it, let alone straighten it. She explained to me it's normal since it's been bleached, and told me I have to blow dry my hair all the way dry (i was air drying the ends) so that it'll smooth out. But I decided I just wanted to cut if off so my hair will grow out healthier and I wouldn't alway have to worry about my ends. First, Melanie did a keratin treatment, then she cut, blow dried, and cut some more. She really took her time to layer my hair so that it'll look smooth and not poofy. Previous stylists always used those thinning scissors that I hate because it always snags my hair and makes it frizzy and poofy. Instead, Melanie cut my hair in sections and manually thinned/texturized my hair. I can say for the first time, I actually love my short hair! It might not be short short, but I consider this short on me since I almost alway had long hair. Melanie did a beautiful job on me! She even explained to me how to blow dry my hair better because I have wavy hair only in the bottom back of my hair. As we were wrapping things up, Melanie didn't even charge me for all the time she took to do my hair, not even a tip! She said next time! Talk about great customer service! I think I'm forever loyal to Melanie now! I went home, and my neighbor asked me where I got it cut, and she'll soon be going to Melanie for layers! Thank you Melanie! Love my hair! read more

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Melanie is amazing! I had an idea of what I wanted & she made it even better than I ever even expected! I had never dyed my hair before so I was quite nervous on the outcome. she managed to make it everything that I wanted & more. I felt completely comfortable with her doing my hair. all the time & effort she puts in making her clients hair perfect, you can tell that she truly loves what she does. she's very sweet, kind & caring. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who wants their hair to be complete perfection! read more

Melanie Brown Salon - brown to blonde bombshell - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

I can't say enough good things about Melanie. She KNOWS hair! I am very particular about my hair. We moved to San Ramon last year aNd I was in search of a hood stylist and found Melanie through yelp. OH MY GOD!! She is amazing!! She gives the best advice and she has changed the way my hAir looks and behaves. So many of my friends went to her after seeing my hair and they are all super happy!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! read more

Melanie is a true artist - She turned my rachetness into beautiful sexy richness. So thrilled my SIL (sister-in-law) found her on YELP! Words can not describe how impressed and in love I am with the overall time and attention Melanie gave to my hair and me. This was my FIRST time in 2 years getting a cut and color (last experience with another stylist was not the greatest so we will leave it at that.). I sent Melanie 3 photos of cut/color I wanted and she was very thorough in explaining what works and doesn't work with my face. I felt comfortable and trusted Melanie to work her magic without questions. When Melanie finished with the final touches, I broke down and cried because her work is just extraordinary- love having sexy beautiful hair again. Before Melanie I always wore my hair in a bun or a ponytail. Sent a pic to my hubby that night and he replied, "Dang babe, SUPER SEXY. Stylist did a GREAT job!!!" Which means I am coming back to Melanie for sure -- her magic got me some sexy time, lol. BTW, I got my cut/color 6 months ago and am in need of a touch up, calling you soon Melanie! read more

Melanie is the best Hairstylist in the Bay Area. You can tell she loves what she does with how she takes time and care perfecting my cut and treatment. I highly recommend her to people like me who value quality work and professionalism. read more

Melanie Brown Salon - Smoothening treatment (brazilian blowout) - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

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Melanie has been my hairstylist since her salon in Alameda more than five years ago and I didn't mind driving the distance because it was worth the service she offered. Great hairstylist with a friendly and accommodating attitude. I was so happy when she moved her salon into my neighborhood. read more

I met Melanie through my mom. She's been my mom's hairstylist back when she was still living in the Philippines. Fortunately, she moved here in the US and lives close to my home. After trying out several hairstylists here in the US, my mom told me to go to Melanie and since the very first time that she cut my hair, I could definitely say that only Melanie Brown can touch my hair. She's a real expert in her field. When I go to her, I don't tell her what cut I want coz most of the time I don't know what's good for me. I just tell her that I entrust my hair to her and she could cut it in any way she wants or thinks that'll look good for me. True enough, she always meets and even exceeds my expectations. She'll forever be my hairstylist!! Will definitely come back. read more

Excellent service by Melanie herself. Will make you feel and be beautiful with her extensive knowledge in hair science. She amazingly fixed my boxed dye hair to a flawless smooth highlights and color was fabulous. Thank you, Melanie. read more

I am so glad I found Melanie on style seat. I booked an appointment with her after checking out her work. I had mid length hair in layers, she cut it to a long bob. I love it! Melanie took her time especially since it was my first time with her. She's said she wanted to take her time and double check her cuts on my hair, and see how my hair was. Which wasn't a problem for me. She asked lots of questions about the type of cut I wanted, and made sure I knew how it will look like before doing any cutting. She is very thorough!!! I will definitely be back to get highlights! read more

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Melanie is truly the best! She takes care of my hair and my daughter's hair. I am so impressed and happy that I referred her to all my friends and family and colleagues. Now I see the work of Melanie everywhere I go She does quality work and spend time with you to make sure you leave her salon as a happy customer! Call now! You won't regret it! read more

Absolutely the best hair stylist I have ever had. Melanie is patient and takes her time to ensure a great haircut according to her clients preferences. I always have good experiences every time I see her! read more

Melanie is truly a master of her craft. I saw her before the holidays for a haircut. I showed her a few photos on the style/cuts I was aiming for and she delivered! She also provided me some helpful tips on styling my hair if I'm on the go and how to properly blowdry without damaging my hair. Thank you again Melanie!!! read more

Imagine that every day, for twelve years, you looked in the mirror and recognized yourself less and less. That's what happened to me when I moved to the Bay Area from Kauai, Hawaii. I had hair to my okole (rear end) and you could see the looks of incredulousness, and sometimes panic (never a good sign) when I'd walk into a salon looking for a cut. Now, on the island, this was no big deal, because *a lot* of wahine (women) wore their hair long. After thirty minutes and $40 at any good salon (*not* Supercuts), I would walk out with my fine blonde hair rippling with long, textured layers and looking good. That all stopped when I arrived in the Bay Area. I couldn't seem to find anyone who knew how to cut long hair. Some stylists wanted to give me short straight Bettie Page bangs with long straight sides and a blunt back - *not* what I'd asked for. Some chopped uneven layers into my back (I guess it's hard to compare 3 ft. sections of hair to get it even?). And every one of them kept cutting it shorter and shorter, closer to their comfort zone, I guess. Over 12 years I went through 9 different stylists, paid $30 - 120 for a cut (I was desperate by the time I shelled out $120 just for a cut - no color!) and my hair had morphed from long, layered blonde hair that fell below my waist, to shoulder length, dark blonde hair with indeterminate layers, some of which started 2 inches from the top of my head. There were days where I looked like I'd been attacked by a Flowbie (that "cheapy" in-home haircut system for people who don't mind looking like they cut their hair with a bowl on their heads, lol). And then I got smart. I was perusing Yelp for yet another stylist, and noticed that some had posted pictures of their clients. Well, why not look for one who had clients with hair that looked like mine used to? Enter Melanie Brown. Two-thirds of her clients had the most beautiful, flowing, sexy looking hair I had seen in years. Whoo HOO! So I made an appointment, and showed her pics of what I'd like to get back to. She took time to study the photos, and my hair, and how it fell around my hair and then she got to work. By the time I left her salon, I already looked more like me than I had in a loooooong time. I could have kissed her! Over the last six months, we've been working to let my hair grow out again, while shaping it to blend with my bangs and slightly shorter front/sides. And for the first time in seven years, my hair is long enough, and thick enough, that I've had to go back to using my "island barrettes" because my regular bought-on-the-mainland barrettes are too small/wimpy to hold that much hair. I'm so excited! I'm good friends with one of my exes, and he commented just recently that I was looking *really* good and it was nice to see the "old" me again. Love it when I get comments like that! Melanie is the first stylist on the mainland I've found who is comfortable handling long hair - and not only comfortable - but can showcase it to its maximum potential. And her cutting technique is the best I've ever seen, including my beloved island stylist - two months out from a haircut, and my layers still fall as though she just cut them last week. Amazing! Thanks for waving your magic wand, Melanie, and fixing my hair disaster. You are my Fairy Hair Godmother! read more

Good hairstylists are hard to find. When I met Melanie through a friend I knew right away she's a good one. She is not in for the money. She suggests what is best for my hair type and shape of face. She has a very pleasant personality too. I referred Melanie to some friends and they are now regular clients of hers too. I never looked for anyone else once I found Melanie. read more

I met Melanie through a friend's referral because I was looking for a new colorist/hairstylist I can trust. I was with my colorist for 8 yrs but the commute was not convenient anymore because we moved to our new house 30 miles away. I was so impressed how my hair turned out so I've been going back every 10-12 weeks for my color touch-ups for 2 years now. Her hair expertise is outstanding! She developed a keratin/collagen hair relaxing formula that she used in me in January and my hair looks naturally straight but not flat. She styled it to prevent the newly grown hair from curling/freezing. I haven't used a flat iron since January and it's been 4 months now with no freeze. I love my long hair and this has been the longest I've ever had. My hair has always been straight in the crown and sides but freezy with thick strands in the back so I've always had short hair since I was a kid. One hairstylist in the past even called it "ethic hair". I'm so thankful to Melanie for sharing her passion in hair with her clients. It's pricey but I save up and give up a few things for the sake of my beautiful hair! Thanks again! It's well- worth it! read more

Long overdue review! Melanie Brown is a magician when it comes to hair; she really knows what she is doing. I came in wanting an ombre and she suggested that I do a balayage instead. I wasn't too sure what that was but I trusted her insight so I went for it. It was a long process but nothing surprising for double bleach, balayage, toning, etc. It has been 7 months since I got my hair done and I still receive compliments on my hair. I have toned it twice by myself and use purple shampoo to maintain the blondness and the balayage is still in my hair. In fact, the balayage looks even better as my hair grows longer and my darker roots come in. I have nothing but praise for Melanie, I am thinking of going back to her and getting a grey balayage done, covering the blonde parts of my hair. The blonde balayage is the exact hair color that I see all over the internet/instagram/tumblr and it was a dream come true when that hair color became my own. read more

Melanie Brown Salon - Blonde balayage done. Before and after Melanie Brown did my hair! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

Melanie is a wonderful hairstylist! She's been our family's hairstylist for years! You can tell she loves what she does because she does her research well for your hair type. She won't just give you a treatment for the hell of it. She will make sure to give you what's best for your hair. Come by and experience her amazing service! read more

This woman is amazing! She takes the time to make sure you're both on the same page before she starts. She's knowledgeable, thorough, and you can tell she loves what she does. The hairstyle I wanted was much different from the one I had, so she took the time to give me pointers on how I should style it to get the look I want. Lifelong customer right here! read more

Met Melanie many many years ago in the Philippines but never had a chance to have my hair done with her. I was reintroduced to her when her former business partner was here for a visit last year. And boy, am glad this happened. Since then I have been going to her to have my hair cut, styled and colored. What makes her special is the time and attention she devotes to her customer, her honesty with what works and what does not, and the patience she displays when explaining the process of what needs to be done... She is very passionate about her work . She gives you tips on how to take care of your hair, how to maintain the style, etc. She is down-to-earth, friendly and funny. When recommending hair products, she goes for what is good based on her experience and affordable too, unlike other salons which push the expensive lines they promote. I have recommended Melanie to many of my friends and so far, all of them have raved how good she is. Thanks Melanie! read more

I've had several haircuts from Melanie since she had a salon in Manila. I would make it part of my vacation plan to get an appointment whenever I'm in the Philippines. So I am so blessed to know she moved to my area here in the East Bay! She is wonderful and really takes the time with her clients. She is highly skilled and very talented. If I have to move out of state, it is worth paying airfare just to see Mel. xoxo read more

Alameda has a star hairstylist... Melanie Brown! Mel has been doing this for years, and she lives and breathes the art of hairstyling. It is evident hairstyling/coloring to Melanie is not just a profession, it's a passion and a purpose. And you'll know what I'm talking about once you experience her. All of my friends have thanked me for ending their life long search for THE hairstylist when I introduced them to Mel. When Mel moved to San Diego some years ago, one friend even planned on a road trip to SD to get styled. Yes, she's that good. And you'll know you've got a great cut after a few months, until you get the chance to go back... whereas other cuts would be unruly by then, Melanie's cut will still be manageable long after your cut is due. She'll also give you valuable tips on how to style your hair so you'll always look salon-styled. If I sound like a fan, that's because I am. Go see her, and she'll make a fan out of you too :) read more

Melanie Brown Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Ramon, California

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Melanie Brown has been cutting, coloring and straightening my hair for three years now. She does excellent job always. She also cuts and colors my daughters' hair. We will not let anyone do our hair. She is the best hairstylist! read more