I can't say enough wonderful things about Raquel at Mi Salon in Santa Barbara! I first found her totally by chance--my regular stylist since 2018 canceled on me because I was running just seven minutes late. Frustrated and desperate, I called Raquel at the very last minute (I actually found her by getting on my phone and saying "salons near me". She immediately welcomed me, saying she had a cancellation and could take me the same day. I was nervous walking in, thinking I might regret it, but from the moment I met her, I knew I was in great hands. Raquel greeted me with a warm, bubbly energy. She's not only gorgeous but makes you feel instantly comfortable. Her salon is darling--formerly a ballet studio--tucked away just off State Street. It's such a hidden gem with a fun, charming vibe. Her technique was unlike anything I've experienced before. She straightened my hair before cutting, which made so much sense, and then cut at all different angles with such precision. She explained her background as she worked, and it was so reassuring to know how much knowledge and artistry she was bringing into every step. On top of her talent, Raquel is an amazing conversationalist. I felt like I was talking to a best friend. She didn't just style my hair--she taught me how to care for it. She walked me through every step so I could replicate the look at home. When I struggled later, she invited me back, showed me again, and even had me practice on my own hair with her guidance. Who does that? She's incredible. Yes, she costs a little more than some, but she's worth every penny. The experience, the education, the confidence she gives you--it's something I've never gotten anywhere else. I walked out not only loving my hair but also feeling like I found the stylist I want to stay with for life. Raquel is a true gem in Santa Barbara. I feel so lucky I stumbled into her chair, and I can't recommend her highly enough! By the way, I don't have curly hair... it's got body and now it has much more!! read more

Mi Salon - This is five days after I got my hair done, not combed or see anything - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Got in for a last minute blow out! Raquel was very sweet, skilled and well priced. Everyone at the salon were very sweet and friendly! Very intimate and cute space! Wont hesitate to come back! read more

Mi Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The cut was perfect. The treatment of my bangs was sensitive and stylish -- sensitive regarding my very thin hair on top and front sides of my scalp and stylish because it just was, they were short and wispy. read more

Mi Salon - Self portrait - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I am a graduate student at UCSB, and was in need of a cut, style, and conditioning treatment for my very damaged hair. It has been over 2 years since I last got a haircut, and it was time. Raquel is amazing at what she does. She accommodated me early next morning when I had to cancel my appointment the night before. The morning of, she asked me to tell her about my hair. She guided me to the correct conditioning treatment for my hair, provided style options, and cut my hair dry, which I was very impressed with. Not a lot of salons will cut hair dry. I am so glad that this is Raquel's method, as it avoids shrinkage and cutting off more than is needed. Raquel and her staff took their time and provided a comfortable and relaxing experience. My hair feels soft, flowy, and has a great shape. This salon is a hidden gem in Santa Barbara. I am so excited to come back. Thank you, Raquel, for making my hair healthy and beautiful. read more

I spent several tries at this salon. Two bad, two decent. The last time she was overbooked and didn't do what was the appointment (bayalage highlights). She ran out of time and did money piece garbage highlights that looked AWFUL with copper penny colored hair. When I called back to say how unhappy I was, she said well we didn't have a lot of time. Never offered to fix it for free, never apologized. I paid 400 and spent years going light to have to dye my hair dark brown because I was leaving on a trip and couldn't bare to see my hair that way. Horrible salon. Never again! read more

Raquel did an amazing job on my up do hair for my son's wedding in Santa Barbara. She took in consideration the fine hair that I have and added some volume to my mother of the groom look. I asked her the day before if I could be moved an hour earlier and she accommodated me last minute, no problem. I received many compliments at the wedding. read more

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I have wavy hair and another salon gave me a horrible haircut so I needed it fixed- I got my first curly cut from the owner and it literally turned out so insanely good I never thought my hair could look like this, she totally knew what she was doing even though I was really nervous and my natural hair has never looked this good and it curls so much better now. Will be coming back read more

Oh my god best haircut I've ever gotten. I am soooo particular about my hair and have left half of all appts crying, and again, Best Haircut Ever. I requested a curly cut, showed a few photos, and she did an amazing job. The stylist suggested I do color which she also did IMMACULATELY. The haircut itself was also pretty quiet which I personally loved. Gave me a life changing product. And a month in, my hair is growing back immaculately. Could not recommend more!!!!! read more

Mi Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Amazing service and great atmosphere! Took me in last minute and were very kind. Very pleased with my hair and experience:)

Quality, I had a fantastic experience yesterday for color, low lights and highlights. I was impressed with the service, and will return again. Quiet, private location and gifted colorists Highly recommend Mi Salon read more

I got a group on by the recommendation of a few friends with curly hair. I decided to give it a try. This was the third haircut I have ever paid for in my life. My mom and sister are cosmetologist. I left happy and in love with my new haircut. I would recommend the owner for a curly cut. read more

It was a decent curly cut, but I am on the fence about a few things. She felt that using a curling iron on my hair was a good idea, and she curled against the curl, which makes my hair go straight. Maybe that works on straight hair, but with any curl, it will go straight and just be a flat lump, especially with hairspray on it. Then she cut some extra when it was dry, but that left some parts of my hair longer in some places. My hair is more than just curly. It's curly on the first day, but over the days after a shower, the curl flattens out. I like an even underlying cut. read more

Great curly cut and service Got a first cut w Raquel after a very bad one elsewhere a few months earlier. she gave a basic shaping and said to let it settle and relax back to curly thru a wash or two before she cut more. The curl wasn't quite right after those but she was ready and willing to adjust it no charge on a quick second visit. Much appreciated that foresight and service! read more

Second visit and still LOVING this place! I have thick hair that can get touch frizzy. I get long layers and they shape it so so well while keeping the volume, and making sure the ends are healthy and manageable. Feels like they truly want to help me achieve a wearable daily style and I appreciate the tips and helpful guidance. read more

Mi Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I went and saw Michael for a haircut, he was very nice and my haircut looks fabulous. I had pretty long hair when I entered the salon and have had some awful haircuts in the past so I was a little nervous to get a new look; not to mentioned I was going short. I showed him a picture of what I wanted and he seemed very confident in his abilities, this was comforting. I love my new haircut and would definitely recommend Mi Salon. read more

Mi Salon - New haircut by Michael - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I've been meaning to write a review but with three littles I struggle to find time. I brought my daughters 8 and 5 in for hair cuts that both girls were so happy with. My older daughter opted for a mellow bob that refreshed her damaged swimmers hair and looks fabulous while my crazy five year old opted for the wolf cut. I thought she might be regretful of her decision since it was a drastic change but it's been a week and I keep catching her standing in front of the mirror with satisfaction and confidence. It really channels her love of David Bowie. Can't give enough praise to Raquel for her amazing talent. Sending my friends her way ! read more

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Raquel does an amazing job every time!!! The salon is well maintained and in an easy to park location!

The quality is very poor. The owner has been there long enough that I should think she should know how to cut hair, maybe better at box dying your roots. But skip any haircut there unless it is supper simple , no layering or fading. read more

Mi Salon - This is the back of my hair from yesterday's haircut. $125.00 - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I usually don't use yelp for negative experiences and I hate to do this bc I love to support small businesses but I've never been lied to about my services, and THEN treated extremely rudely, and THEN be told to drive there and back for absolutely no reason so here I am unfortunately. I am disputing the claim online and it's taking a while so I called and the receptionist very clearly told me over the phone today I'd be able to get the money $200 in person in cash today, the receptionist specifically told me to come in an hour to get the cash refund and so I drove there. But then once I get there, Raquel the owner tells me that she isn't giving me the cash at all. But the entire problem is that I can't figure out how to cancel it and the dispute isn't coming through in the first place, which we discussed on the phone, and it's been over a month since the haircut. So whether it comes down to miscommunication or not, I drove twenty minutes to the salon to receive a refund that I was told clearly I was going to receive, for her to just refuse it when I got there, so I just wasted forty minutes of driving for a situation that shouldn't have even happened in the first place. And then she proceeded to try and argue with me about the prior situation again, I understand you're trained and not certified and that is "your version" of a Deva cut but... your version was NOT what I asked for. I clearly did not receive the services i asked for as you said in your own words after you apologized over the phone a few weeks ago so I don't understand what the switch up is all of a sudden. I really truly truly do not appreciate the unkind and snarky attitude of the owner, Raquel just like others have said already. Just an awful experience here overall and I'm still awaiting the refund read more

Showed picture of what I wanted and didn't get the style requested. When I asked for it to be fixed I got an attitude. She left me in chair and moved on to another patron. If I could give a negative number I would !!! read more

Ignore this post. Wrong salon reviewed. My niece and I went in for mani-pedis for her wedding. she received good service. Mine was lacking. the person doing my pedicure cut my skin with the nippers, then used a dremel to take off the top layer of the nails, burning me and further cutting in to two of my toes. Couldn't tolerate any chemicals after that due to intense burning. All patrons received their manicures at the counter. I had to stretch uncomfortably to the right while seated for my manicure while receiving my pedicure. Won't go back again. read more

I just called to see what they charge for a haircut. $150.00 REALLY??? DON'T think so girls.... read more

I got a Groupon for a haircut and was pleased. REALLY nice people and it's a nice thing to see a salon survive this long, particularly woman-owned He did a dry cut (which is new to me---and I'm 49, with a sister 67 who retired from 28 years in the hair biz several years ago). Michael also thinned my hair (a little too much, I feared, but once I washed it saw that he'd been right). I hadn't had my hair colored since Sept 5 (and before that 2/17/20). That was my last cut too. I don't blowdry hair even not in a pandemic because I'm lazy so my hair is incredibly thick and healthy. Not a lot of processing. I'm used to paying less for my hair---in MANHATTAN. Santa Barbara color prices are utterly obscene. With rent so much less than Manhattan and Brooklyn's elite areas, I'm kind of in shock. But by Santa Barbara standards, this is reasonable and they have Victoria Court rent to pay (not , as with the Color Room, OMG, San Roque). And yes , I know that the Color Room people worked fashion week in NYC etc but still. Crazy high. Honestly, my hair is so easy. I don't get weird or adventurous cuts. Supercuts works fine for me, but if I decide to spend some money, I'd absolutely return to Mi Salon. read more

Like I was telling my wonderful hairdresser Ellie, I have never cut my hair past elbow length...and that was two years ago. Before that I had never had my hair past my butt! Maybe it was every other person that I passed by in the street in the past month who had commented on how long my hair was, or maybe it was just that I wanted a change--something urged me to cut my hair...and I mean CUT it! Not that often do I see great Groupon deals for beauty and spas. But, just as I was thinking of cutting my hair I saw Mi Salon's great deal on hair cut, wash, and blow dry. It was meant to be. It was super easy to get in contact with them through their website, they were fast to respond, and they were flexible with by work schedule. The shop is actually split into two, hair salon on one side and nail salon on the other. It has a cute courtyard outside with a fountain the center. The whole salon is set back a little from state street so you still get busy footsteps without all the noise. All the ladies insides were very sweet and friendly. Ellie was my hairdresser and she more than exceeded my expectations. Like I said earlier, I had never had a short hair cut before. But l, Ellie was more than willing to listen to my thought and give some advice. She told me about the type of hair I have and how I can later style it in many different ways--some that can take more time and some that can less than 10 minutes (while still looking like you spent hours on it!) ALSO, Ellie gives the BEST head massage during the hair wash that I have ever had!! My hair feels so light, fresh, and healthy! Ellie was very friendly getting to know me while also sharing her story as well. I loved how genuinely she cared about hairstyling and making my look come to life. She had such a great personality and she can do WONDERS with your hair. I can wait to come back in the future (and bring friends too!) read more

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If you want to be treated rudely, then charged twice the price you were quoted...this is your place! I will never go back to this salon.

Hands down the best curly haircut I have ever had! I went to another salon to get my first haircut in two years and they cut it like it was straight hair. I had a major shelf on top and it was stringy and thin on the bottom. I was devastated. I asked a friend with a good curly cut where she went and she recommended Mi Salon. Raquel was able to get me in the next day and did such an amazing job fixing the terrible haircut! I walked out looking just like the photo I had brought into the original salon. Not only did she do an incredible job on the cut but she gave me a full shampoo and conditioning after the cut AND diffused and styled me after (this never happens with curly hair). I walked out of that salon with completely dry hair and felt like a million bucks! It took me 35 years but I have finally found a stylist who can cut my curly hair in a way that I love. I will be coming back to Raquel as long as she is still doing her thing. Photo 1: the first haircut :( Photo 2: the fixed haircut :) read more

Mi Salon - The terrible cut I walked in with - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Fabulous cut! Still looking great after 2 months! I was in Santa Barbara on vacation when I went to Mi Salon and am considering flying back just to have my hair cut again!! read more

As soon as I got to the salon, the owner started blow drying and straightening my hair even when I asked her not to. I got an entire lecture on Devacurl, couldn't care less. Asked how much it was for a cut, she told me $175. I was shocked as I have very thin hair and there isn't much to cut. When I told her that, she said we were downtown Santa Barbara, her rent is high, this was "Devacurl", and she had scheduled 1,5 hr appointment plus hair dryer treatment (??? never asked for that). I got up and left. Will never go back. Got a fantastic hair cut on Coast Village Rd (sure their rent is high) for less than half the price and no BS. Terrible experience. read more

I was looking for someone with curly hair expertise and found Raquel at Mi Salon. I'd been growing out my hair from very short and hadn't gotten a true haircut in 16 months. I also needed my roots done and was open to a color refresh. I went in and told her what I'd been doing and what I was looking for. Raquel told me about my options and really heard what I had to say. I felt super pampered with two people painting the baylage on (not sure of the spelling). She gave my the curly girl handbook to look through while the color was processing. Then she washed and conditioned and diffused it before cutting. My hair felt so much better when I left! She gave me good tips for n how to do certain things. She didn't push Deva products. She and her staff were friendly and I will definitely be back! read more

Mi Salon - Love my new color! Incorporates my natural dark but added some "life" to it. - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Love my new haircut from Michael. Super friendly and knows what he's doing. I told him to keep the length and he did exactly what I asked for. He made me feel comfortable and confident in his cutting and hairstyling skills. I was even able to tip him using my Venmo since I didn't have cash. read more

Mi Salon - Cute haircut by Michael - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

So I may or may not have used box dye on my hair during quarantine .... I know. BAD. And of course, it completely damaged my hair - to the point that it was breaking off. I came in to see Michael, and he absolutely saved my hair! He took off all of the dead and fried ends to make my hair feel healthy and beautiful again. The cut that he gave me is the cutest a-line bob. I cannot rave enough about this place! I will absolutely come back! read more

Mi Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The worst curly haircut and treatment of my life!!! #Divahairsalon what???? I left with frizzy, dry hair treated with only a leave-in and hair gel. My hair was cut sooo short when the stylist was informed that I wanted to keep the length. Zero communication whatsoever!! Very disappointed!! I was Charged $150 as well! A woman deserves to leave a salon feeling fresh but I walked out as if I just stepped out of a community swimming pool with hair full of chlorine. I wish I read the reviews first! Never going back!! Grrrrr!! read more

I was in Santa Barbara for my civil wedding and came across Mi Salon. I'm so glad I came here to get my hair done because I absolutely loved how it turned out and I also appreciated the kind and attentive service. I had a clear vision for what I wanted and Raquel really listened to that and made my hair look gorgeous, full of volume, and it stayed put the whole day. She took her time to carefully place these delicate flower pins I brought with me until they were perfect. Her and a Michael were extremely nice, took the necessary safety precautions by wearing masks at all times and having the door open so the air flow was great. Even though I just got a simple blow out and some loose waves, I really felt truly beautiful during my wedding, confident in the way my hair looked, and it meant a lot. read more

Mi Salon - Wedding day hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Raquel does a fabulous job with my curly hair! She is a very good listener of how I want my hair to look and provides her expertise to come to a good look. read more

Awesome experience with Raquel for the curly hair dry cut!! Raquel really knows curly hair and was able to give me the exact cut I needed. I could tell she was used to cutting curly hair - which is rare and awesome to find! read more

I waited AWHILE to post this review because I wanted to give my hair a solid chance before getting upset, I'm writing this review now because I finally decided to go somewhere else to get my hair done because I was so unhappy. I had gone in as a walk in and was originally placed with the owner and she cut my hair, she was in a rush and was doing a great job up until she skipped out on the finishing touches. The guy who later did my color even commented on a part that wasn't done, and the owner was just like, "oh that's fine". I went for a layered super trendy middle part haircut that everyone has nowadays with fringed ends and texture. Because my hair is pin straight and thick those last finishing touches are really crucial. I then decided to get a balayage as well, but left with more of a "sun kissed" look instead, to the point where my family DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE I had anything done to my hair. My FAMILY. People who see me everyday. Best part: I paid like $250 and still gave a $50 tip. The guy who did my color just kept saying he was worried about damaging my virgin hair, but if a customer is asking you to do something do what they ask!!!!!!! You don't have to live with it I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pictures show before and after, the little bit of blonde I did get faded in like two weeks ALSO wow yeah I forgot about the amount I paid but in comparison to other salons in the area and what I got for what I paid I 100% got scammed lmao, learn from my mistakes and go somewhere else!!!!! read more

Mi Salon - Before, without cut or color - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Great curly cut! They showed me how to keep it curly and will definitely recommend their services!

Pretty disappointed in my "deva cut". I don't typically splurge on things like this but after my last bad haircut I decided to give the expensive hair technique a try. However, I don't believe what I got met the criteria of a deva cut. Although it seems like the cut looks good when I take the time to straighten it it does not when I leave it natural which was the whole point. The stylist not only thinned it but over thinned it and my hair now has lost its curl pattern and is just an overall mess. She also told me my hair isn't actually curly but wavy so she did not style it post wash and told me to let it air dry. However, I have styled it myself many times and used a diffuser which gave me great results. I felt the stylist was in a rush and wrote me off as a young customer. read more

I heard good things from friends who had gone to Mi Salon before and decided to try it. I first went last week and liked the cut after my hair stylist styled it but when I got home I realized he had cut more than I wanted and it almost looked like I had two different hair cuts in one. Within an hour of getting home, I called to make a follow up appointment to trim it. Today, when I went back in to get it fixed I politely said I just didn't like the cut on one side of my head and that I wanted pieces trimmed and blended better. I had the same hairstylist I had the first time and he seemed to take my request as a personal affront. He started to raise his voice and was arguing and interrupting me while I tried to explain I thought he did a good job overall but I had some issues with the awkward and sloppy part of my hair. I kept trying to explain while he practically yelled at me and would not let me get a word out but just kept raising his voice and being incredibly rude. I was absolutely shocked that he would speak to a customer that way, especially since I was very polite and kind even though his first attempt looked like a five year old had tried to cut bangs on one side of my head. I was also shocked that the other stylist watched this happen without doing anything. I'm still amazed that he would speak to me, or any paying customer that way. I would have walked out if he wasn't mid cut. To his credit I think he caught himself after railing at me for five minutes and tried to calm down and be more polite for the second half. I definitely don't want to go to a salon where I can't get a good hair cut the first time and I certainly don't want to pay for someone to speak to me like that. Will not being going back. read more

Had a great groupon experience at Mi Salon so would recommend them to everyone. I called ahead to see if they would honor a groupon for a haircut in the very narrow window I had when in town and not did they, but they also made an exception to the groupon fine print that it couldn't be used on weekends. Salon itself is quite small, just two chairs, but very pleasant with natural light. Michael did a great job of listening to what I wanted (and understanding where my previous haircut had gone wrong) and checking in throughout the haircut to ensure I was happy with the results. My hair looked great for the wedding I was headed to as well as the next day when I styled it myself read more