Shannon Burla at the Hairdressers Garden is nothing short of a hair genius! I have entrusted her with my thick, wavy mane for years, and her raw talent never ceases to astonish me. After 18 months of sporting a fuchsia pink bob (originally done by the incredibly talented @SarahDidaHair, check her out too!), I threw Shannon a major curve ball, and asked her to take it all out and make me blonde! Right away she eloquently informed me of all the risks associated with such a major color change (such as your hair melting off), and after expertly lifting a test strand, we made the educated and informed decision to go for it. Shannon worked tirelessly and meticulously, and eight hours later my Hollywood Blonde locks look healthy and feel fully intact. For a visual, check out her Instagram post @thehairdressersgarden. Thank you so much Shannon for waiving your magic wand, and making my hair dreams come true! read more

Once again, for the SECOND TIME, yelp removes this honest review...from years ago, citing "community standards..." So...let me understand: businesses and their employees / staff can act / behave anyway THEY PLEASE, and take your money...and yelp reviewers are not allowed to post TRUTHFUL accounts and reviews as recipients of rude and unprofessional services and behaviors from businesses...and those they employ or contract with... Great double standard, yelp. I had a 30 year client - business relationship w/ Peter Thomas Hair Design in Berkeley, CA - 20 years of which I was with one of their "Master Stylists." I discontinued going to this salon, and this one Master Stylist because they were unprofessional, aggressive...and lacked boundaries. When I have booked an appointment that costs $200.00+ and I have put my trust in the salon, and a client - stylist relationship for 2 decades, (sticking w/ one stylist for 20 years there) then when one day I am sitting in the chair during a costly appointment, which has zero to do with aptitude or ability of the stylist, but has everything to do with the stylist's rudeness, lack of boundaries, and aggressiveness, as well as intrusiveness, then I am officially OUT...I am DONE with you: As I was sitting in this Master Stylist's chair, they ask me about a high profile case that occurred in Oakland, CA and involved large numbers of multiple law enforcement agencies...this Master Stylist began to ask multiple questions then about national high profile cases that I refused to discuss because 1.) I was not there, I did not witness any of these situations, 2.) I was trying to relax and enjoy my time, and HOW I SPEND MY MONEY & TIME AT SAID SALON, which is my business and choice...the Master Stylist proceeded to badger me about these things saying they "Ask all their clients these questions..." So What...I reserve my right not to engage in any conversation on any subject matter I choose...yet my boundaries were ignored over & over by this Master Stylist...apparently this person couldn't handle my reply when I said, "I wasn't there, I don't play Monday morning quarterback and allow the media to guide my thoughts...I gave you my reply, and opinion...I wasn't there...and I don't wish to discuss this, please respect that..." Nope...they didn't, they just continued to push...so the remainder of the appointment continued w/o conversation, as it was my hair, my money, and my time. I left a good tip too...because again, this had nothing to do w/ this stylists aptitude or ability as a stylist...but that generous tip also went ignored because of what took place some time later... I was polite, but firm...after 20 years, if a person wants to suddenly blow past my personal boundaries, and can't handle it, it says more about them than me...then I am done w/ you. Plus...it's obvious they were stressing about personal things because they wreaked of cigarette smoke, and that was horrible for me as I have asthma, which they knew...and the odor coming from them was bad...no one wants to sit through an appointment smelling that...the close proximity of the situation did not allow for NOT being subjected to the foul cigarette odor...and this stylist also has asthma, I know this because remember, I had known them for 20 years, so the only reason they would be smoking was due to stress...and it was evident because I endured complaining about one of their kids for more than 30 minutes...I came to relax and get my hair done...I just wanted peace, and a nice relaxing appointment. Then, some time later after above incident, 1 - 2 years later I go back to get a gift certificate for someone who goes to the same salon; I had no issue w/ that, and it was w/ same stylist - again, no issue giving a gift to someone else who wants to go there, and see same stylist. As I am walking up the stairs into the salon, I see the very Master Stylist coming down same stairs, who I quit for reasons above, and I said not a word, only THEY couldn't help themselves, and they rudely said: "WHAT are you doing here?" Yet again, inability to have any self control...Really? Yes, really...So I leave this same word of advice for this stylist and the owner Peter Thomas: Teach your stylists manners, boundaries and professionalism...clearly longterm clients are not valued. I dropped another $200.00 on that gift certificate...and I was polite and kind...My NOT saying anything in response to this stylist's demanding "WHAT are you doing here..." was a kindness...btw...I had a task, saw it through w/ self control and grace and then once again was treated with a temper tantrum, and zero boundaries or accountability... Yelp...stop removing honest reviews, and stop removing honest reviews from YEARS AGO...if businesses and so-called professionals can't figure out boundaries and good deportment, and can't handle the truth...then take etiquette lessons and get therapy. That goes for yelp too...who clearly sides with businesses... read more

Shannon Burla has been doing my creative colors and cuts for years and years now. I feel entirely confident giving her full control. I will specify which colors I want, but I leave the rest in her hands. She's such an incredible artist, I know she will create something absolutely gorgeous. She always does. I mostly go to Shannon for color, but can also say that no other stylist EVER has given me a short hair cut I've been truly happy with except for Shannon. She actually believes what I say when I say what I want. As a gender-non-conforming person, this is incredibly rare. Counting the days 'til I'm fully vaccinated and can go see Shannon for fresh colors! In addition to Shannon being absolutely brilliant, competent, and wonderful, it is always a joy to be at Peter Thomas salon. Peter himself is often around and he's a lovely person. The staff are all excellent. I always feel welcome and comfortable there. Everyone is kind and respectful toward one another and their customers. And it's a nice location, walkable from Bart, nice views out the windows, bright and airy and comfortable inside, and always interesting fresh art on the walls, too. read more

See all

I took my daughter to Sarah at Peter Thomas for a cut and blow out this week that I had purchased on a Groupon--our family has talked about nothing else! Sarah was incredibly friendly and very skilled, Kendall's hair has never looked better. Sarah is patient, creative, a great listener, and although only Kendall got her hair done, we all had the best time, even my 3yo kept asking if he could get his hair cut by Sarah. Thank you Sarah, well be back to you and your beautiful, sunlit salon! read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Kendall's smooth and silky layers! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

I have been in search of a good saloon and hairdresser for a decade and this evening was magically paired with Sarah who was a good listener, inquisitive about exactly what I wanted and gave good feedback or confirmation when needed. I wanted to let my long hair grow out again after recently cutting twelve inches, and I wanted to add some layers to frame my face and expressed that my bangs were as important to me, if not, more important than my overall cut. Sarah gave me shorter layers to frame my face and also gave me some blow drying techniques on how to style my hair. All such helpful tips! She did an amazing job and carefully cut my bangs to my appease. I was very happy with her work and her bright energy. The owner of the saloon, Peter, was also friendly and greeted me in the beginning. The overall staff felt connected and had a good energetic flow and feel. Sarah was amazing, and fun and I'll definitely be back for my next cut. read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Layered cut with full bangs - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Update: Although Isai is no longer with this salon, and unable to fulfill his groupon, I've recently received two very nice offers from staff at Peter Thomas that they'd be willing to cut my hair for the groupon. The latter message came from Peter Thomas himself. I grew up in North Berkeley, so I will admit to a certain thrill hearing the icon himself on my voicemail. I'll circle back with a real review and cute pics if I take these folks up on their sweet offer. read more

I am back in the area and treated myself to a hair makeover for my birthday! I have never had such a amazing experience like I have had @ Peter Thomas with Lindsay; She knows what she is doing. She listens, and gives you her professional opinion. It's worth every penny! I would live of Ramen just to come to get my hair cut and color by Lindsay. read more

See all

Every hair cut I have ever had at Peter Thomas Salon has been beyond excellent. I used to see Alison, but she is no longer with the salon. Today, I was privileged enough to see Peter Thomas himself. The amount of care and thoroughness he put into making sure my hair cut was amazing is incredible. He is a master hairstylist and I feel privileged to have had him cut my hair today. On top of that, the salon takes all the safety protocols required during COVID and the space was lovely and clean with fresh air and limited clientele. read more

I modeled for this salon yrs ago. So, on an out of town trip, I stoped in for a refresher haircut. It was so good, a woman stoped me and complimented me on my cut. Wow read more

Been here once for a cut... for me, I tend to follow the deal and truly enjoy trying various salons and techniques around my hood. The wait was a tad long. Stylist was ok. The cut was just fine. Parking is never easy in Gourmet Ghetto. On west side of Shattuck. read more

I had an appointment yesterday with Isai. I made this appointment to treat myself for Mother's day and unfortunately I am extremely dissatisfied. First off I booked this appointment under the pretenses that I'd be a model but it wasn't an educational setting whatsoever. Unbeknownst to Isai I'm actually a licensed stylist myself of over 10 years so I know exactly what a model situation is like and this was not it so I was under the assumption he knew exactly what he was doing. I want to say his customer service skills are excellent but his hair cutting and coloring skills are severely lacking. There wasn't much of a consultation which made me very concerned. I let him know I wanted a trim off my lower back length hair with layers and I specifically said I do not like blunt ends. He ended up taking over 8 inches off without my knowledge. He then cut very uneven blunt layers and I can provide pictures if you'd like. The color (balayage) turned out blotchy with bleeding and very brassy which I also specifically said I did not want. After rinsing out the bleach he was reluctant to tone it but after asking him to he had to go and ask another stylist what he should use to tone it with. I had already been there 4 hours and was very tired and just wanted to leave. I should have said something while there but to be honest I don't like confrontation, I was anxious about the loss of length and I didn't notice the terrible blunt layered cut until I reached my car at which point I burst into a full blown panic attack with tears. This is honestly the worst cut I've ever received. I just want to inform whoever is in charge of the salon so this doesn't happen to another client. I don't want anyone else feeling this way. Again, I can't stress enough how nice of a person Isai is but the services rendered were subpar and now I have to go pay to have it fixed. I hope this doesn't happen to another client and I hope he continues education because he clearly doesn't know what he's doing. UPDATE: After contacting the owner with my complaint I was refunded for the cost of the services rendered read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Very blunt, unblended layers - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

I went to see Sara for a cut and color correction and am sooo very pleased with how it turned out. Finally found a stylist that understands what a shadow root is! She touched up my roots with highlights then added the shadow root to blend it all in. It looks so natural! She also gave me bangs ( which I was really nervous about initially ). She worked with the length I was comfortable with by slowly trimming bit by bit off rather than whacking the whole thing off at once! I'm still getting used to them but They look great :) AND I have curly / unruly hair ~ she was able to make my curl bounce again with layering and the curl girl method. Can't wait to see her again! read more

I'm really happy with the way my hair is growing out! A month later: http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/0k7Q-cSnQKKkYHLLkCSiCQ/l Plus, I've found that the way my hair is layered (short on the top) allows me to poof it up more. Woohoo. read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - A month later! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

After much research I decided to take my 12-year-old son to see John for a haircut. Why choose the almost-the-most-expensive dude in the salon? Because my son was going from about 12" of beautiful long curly hair to a short haircut, that's why. And he's ALWAYS had that long curly hair - ALWAYS. So, while he was ready, I wasn't. Yelp-as much as I love ya, I gotta say that my cross-reference tool for all things kid-related is Berkeley Parents' Network. And they said go to John....so I did. From the time John met my son, they got along great. And while their musical tastes didn't match up perfectly, they were both musicians. Why am I talking about music whilst reviewing a haircut? Do you have a 12-year-old boy? Do ya? Huh? Cuz if you do you know it's important for him to like someone who's gonna chop off his hair. We brought in a few photos to help guide the process of how he wanted his hair to look (ladies and gents....if you're going for a big change, this is a critical step-you know that, right?) and John appreciated the realistic expectations represented in the photos we chose. Then, just like that, off it went. John let me video it and take photos along the way. We didn't plan it this way, but we happened to be his last appointment of the evening, which turned out to be brilliant because he spent 2 hours making sure he got it just right. He also spent time teaching my son how to work with his newly short-on-the-sides, longer-on-the-top curly hair so that it behaves the way he wants it to. We love it. He looks so handsome and mature now. Not that I'm ready for that....but he is, and it's the right thing. Oh, and after finding out that I've been cutting my own hair because I'm such a space cadet I can never remember to call ANYWHERE to make an appointment, he put me in the chair at the end of the appointment and just went through & evened up my uneven clippings. Gratis. Huh? When does that ever happen? And finally, he gave us recommendations of other stylists at his salon to use in the future, fully recognizing the fact that I can't really afford to bring the 12-year-old to him for upkeep on an ongoing basis. You gotta love that. Many, many thanks to John...and seriously - I'm making an appointment for myself....just gotta make the call..... read more

I can't explain how ecstatic I am about having found Peter Thomas. Both the style and the color job that I received, from Lisa and Ileath, were phenomenal. I originally went in with a picture of a haircut that I wanted, and Lisa was able to discern all of the subtle detail work and then use her own creativity to make it look great on me. During a modeling session for the salon, I met Ileath, who recently gave me the most amazing dye job ever!! They each took their time making sure everything was done well and that I was happy with their work. In the end, even the other stylists were coming over to admire my hair! My coworker tried to keep count of the customers who gave me compliments on it at work, and he lost count after it hit 22 in a couple of hours. The stylists here are creative, passionate, and everyone is extremely friendly! Fantastic environment, fantastic quality of work! read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Haircut by Lisa, dye job by Ileath - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Shannon is incredible! She is very patient and listened to exactly what I wanted when I decided to make a color change and she made my rose gold hair dreams come true! My hair looks even better than the reference photos I gave her & I constantly get compliments on the beautiful color. Consider me a loyal customer. read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - SHINY and BEAUTIFUL! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Do you have short hair? Go to Ileath! I have super short hair - I go for the pixie and sometimes shorter, types of cuts. It's been extremely hard for me to find a hair stylist that has been within a decent price range (One SF salon charged me $90 for a cut - I don't even color or get anything special done!) and in which I don't leave the salon looking like a 12 year old boy. Ileath is a warm, friendly, funny, and talented stylist. The front desk staff are very friendly, and Peter is always welcoming as well. I nice, funky, professional place with a good location. Parking is on the street, so make sure you arrive a bit early to get that sorted out. They will feed your meter if you park in the normal meters (not the 30 minutes). read more

Peter at Peter Thomas Hair - cuts like a dream, and a heart of gold. What more could you want? read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Peter at Peter Thomas Hair - cuts like a dream, and a heart of gold. - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I saw Hillary for a cut after another Yelper liked her. I wasn't disappointed but I was not wowed either. Hillary is a nice girl with good basic skills but I am looking for mastery and artistic ability. When I told her that I wanted a haircut that made my face look slimmer, she wasn't able to give any actual cutting strategy but instead suggested that I add volume with product at the crown of my head. That is fine but a good haircut can bring out certain features of a client's face but she had no such creative eye to see that. I've been to Carmicheal's and Katherine Kendall to see a 65 dollar stylist and I was able to get a much prettier and better executed haircut that did actually make my face look slimmer. Yes, it's a 50 dollar cut so I should not be asking for that much but Peter Thomas shouldn't be asking this price if his level 1stylists are not mature enough in their skill level to give a cut that clients ask for. read more

I have been going to Peter Thomas salon since December 2017 and have always gone to Isai. I appreciate his great customer service and attention to detail. The first time Isai did my hair I brought a picture of a haircut I had liked in the past that I had, had. He did it and made it look even better. Every since then I have gone to him to get trims and touch ups and reshaping. I have straight, flat hair, but he worked with it and gave me a nice edgy a-symmetrical bob with great layers. Now that my hair is growing out again, he again did great work this last time and helped me maintain the awesome shape (grown out a little) and re did some of the style now for longer hair. He also has given me advice in the past on color, as I like to stain my natural blonde hair. He saved me from lightening my hair, (which I thought would help my hair absorb more of the stain, but good thing I didn't cause it would've made it more high maintenance/more dried out). He advised me to try colored conditioner as an alternative to semi-permanent stain as well, which I have been using for a year now with great results. I passed his info along to a couple of friends who have come to him for cuts and all were satisfied. I would definitely recommend Isai, especially if you are someone who knows what you want, enjoys being creative, changing things up and asking questions. **I will post pics here soon, gotta get them all organized so peeps can see the different lengths. My profile pic is from when my hair was purple and shorter, so check that out if you need an example. read more

This review is for Alison. I am incredibly picky about who does my hair. I recently moved here from Chicago and would wait until I visited home to get my haircut. Finding Alison was a godsend. She knew exactly what I was looking for and I didn't have to give her instructions every couple of seconds. She also doesn't take shortcuts. She will take the more arduous approach if she thinks it is going to make you look better. Also, she is incredibly pleasant to chat with in the chair. If you go to Peter Thomas, I suggest you see her. read more

It's taken me forever to sit down and write this review but better late than never right?? Isai totally hooked me up. I have a TON of hair and it wasn't cut in a year. He brought me back. Let's do it again Isai!! Thank you! read more

Sarah was AMAZING. She was SO professional and definitely put my hair as her top priority. I even fell asleep...and she didn't force a conversation when I did fall asleep! I love her professionalism, i'll probably go back just for her. The moment I left the salon, I felt like my a-line bob was too short, but the next day, it was so cute!! BTW, the cut was FREE. I love yelp. Sarah is the best! read more

I called the morning of and they were able to make me an appointment... definitely a plus since I'm pretty busy! Jesse styled and gave me a cut that fits my personality. The best part? This new cut miraculously tamed my curly/wavy hair! I will definitely be coming back. read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design is it and more. Each of my 3 visits have been fantastic and today was awesome. 'Tidy' is her nick name, mostly because I am unable to pronounce her given name. During the consult I wavered on so many styles, she was full of suggestions. However, she always made sure I was in agreement to the suggestion and style direction. From the entrance to the exit, I felt like a celebrity. Thank YOU!! read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - I love my new haircut and Stylist! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I get my hair cut by Edwin, a Senior Stylist, and he does fantastic work. He works very well with my hair and gives me exactly what I want. I have thick hair and went from long to short with him. He is one of the top stylists there and has been there longer than most. Peter Thomas Hair is a funky Berkeley type of place. The first time I walked in a few years ago only wanting a trim, I was intimidated and walked out. This is a place to go if you want fashionable hair - not your standard trim. read more

Pricey! They have deals when they get new stylists who offer $10 haircuts for guy/girls. But good, no college student will be able to afford it. read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Free beverage while you wait. - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Visited the salon for a cut and color appointment with Isai. I showed him some pictures and he helped me nail down what would work best for my hair. He cut off a few inches for a fresh look and a new style that suited my face shape. I have received so many compliments and wish I had someone tell me to go shorter sooner! Definitely recommend. Plus- he is an all around awesome person and gives great head massages :) read more

Have been coming to Peter Thomas for probably 10 years now. Sarah is an amazing stylist, and I cannot imagine using anyone else. She's attentive, flexible, and really amazing. read more

Sarah did an amazing job on my hair! In love with this new look!!!!!!!! 100% recommend Sarah!!!! read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have been here twice now and both times have walked away with a smile on my face and absolutely beautiful and happy hair!!! Sarah is THE girl to get. The only lady I will let go near my hair and the sweetest person on the planet. If you're getting your hair done by anyone else you're missing out!! read more

Peter Thomas Hair Design - Babylights and foilyage for a warm blonde look - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Omg - have been with Peter Thomas for years - love love Sarah! She does my hair (new undercut), my husband's, and my teenager's pretty complicated dye situation - and well, is also a lovely person - bonus! read more

If you want a great cut and fun color, Sarah is your stylist. I first saw her in August for a cut and some bleach highlights (prepping for blue later). She took my frizzy, frazzled messy bun-mom hair to sultry curly beautifulness in a little over 2 hours. It's been an easy style to maintain and it's so lovely to be able to feel like I look decently together on the regular. A couple weeks later, I went in for teal and royal blue lowlights, and it came out awesome! Last weekend, I took my kiddo in for birthday rainbow hair and a trim and Sarah knocked it out of the park. Strangers walking down the street are like, "You have the best hair!" I agree. I left a beloved stylist when I moved to the bay in 2018, and I am so thrilled to have found Sarah. She's worth every penny and more. Just go see her -- you won't regret it. read more

See all

Sarah did an amazing job cutting my hair. I had bleached and pretty much fried my hair (by myself, of course) the week prior to my appointment, but she cut off the most damaged parts and made my hair look a lot healthier and prettier overall while giving it a really cool shaggy look (exactly what I asked for). read more

5+ stars!!! I have been going to Peter Thomas for over 1 year now and I am finally writing a review. This salon is SO awesome! The staff is super nice and professional, the hair products are great (bumble and bumble and others). I have been seeing ALISON and oh my god, she is so incredible. I cannot say enough about her. I found her here...on Yelp, after I searched for hours to find an expert short hair cut stylist and thank goodness I found her! She is a truly a GEM! My hair style is detailed and rather product-heavy. She is so precise and truly takes her time. I am a Quality professional, and I am so blown away by her attention to detail!!! I honestly feel so grateful to have found her as my hair stylist. Alison gives me the best hair cuts I have ever had. She listens to me, she is sweet and FUNNY as hell! Alison is also very CONSISTENT! That is one thing I appreciate. I get compliments on my hair at least 4-5 times a month. I highly recommend Alison and Peter Thomas Salon! :-) read more

I will follow her...follow her wherever she may go......I love her I love her I love her and where she goes I'll follow I'll follow I'll follow Julie is no longer at this salon, find her at Hermosa also in Berkeley. Cute little salon, very quiet and relaxing too. Oh and parking is better too I don't have to stress out about lovely Rita meter maid read more

I don't think there are any reviews here yet for Lisa, so I have to write one. I went in right before the new year for a new look after picking up a business card at Philz with a deep discount on haircuts for new clients. I went to the salon not knowing anything about it, but hopeful that I'd find my new place to get my wavy/curly mane managed. First good sign - Lisa has curly hair, so she knows what it's like to deal with it and how to cut it well. I told her a bit about my life, why I wanted a new look, and she engaged with me about my job and my life and how my hair would fit into all the facets of my personality. I was going from medium-long to a pretty edgy little 20s-style bob, so she wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. First, a great shampoo and head massage, yes! And 30 minutes later, I had an amazing haircut. Also, the salon itself is beautiful but not pretentious, and the people working there were all really friendly. I liked it even more when Peter Thomas, the owner, showed up and complimented Lisa on the great haircut she was giving me. I never review salons, and I'm usually not a loyal salon patron, but this is definitely going to be my new salon, and my new stylist. read more

I haven't had a bad haircut in years, and I certainly don't intend to start now. If you have or desire short hair, see Helen. Obviously no stranger to a sharp set of shears, she's got precision in those cuttin' fingers, and the creativity to steer them in fabulous directions. I've had an A-line bob going for a bit and while I've had some great time with that mane of mine, I felt it was time to move on to something different. I wanted an Agyness Deyn meets Pink pixie cut. Something I could wear a hat over that wouldn't make me look bald, but would have absolutely no chance of pulling back into a ponytail. The goal is to look styled without spending more than 10 minutes or investing in a variety of tools to get there. I typed in "edgy hair" on ye olde Yelp and up popped Peter Thomas - with a discount for first-time clients of Level 1 and Level 2 clients! Made an appointment for the next day, and the rest is hair history, my friends. I am now the proud owner of a sharp, modern, and chic new haircut. I just walked past my boss in the hallway and she basically told me she never wanted to see me with a different haircut again. Guess that seals the deal. What to expect: Park across the street one block up from Shattuck on Walnut - it's 2 hour parking there, but no meters, and I had no problem finding a spot at 11 am on a Friday (Saturdays are a bit dicier, I admit). The salon is on the second floor of a business/office building, so don't look for a first floor shop. It's at the corner of Virginia and Shattuck near Cafe Gratitude. They offer you a beverage when you first walk in, as every salon should, everyone there has great hair and overall style (such a MUST), and they have Nylon and New York magazine lookbooks along with fashion and style magazines to flip through while you wait. They use Bumble & Bumble products and will leave recommendations for what items you can/should purchase at the front desk, all or at least most of which they will have just used on your hair so you know how to use it. Bring a photo if you'd like. I brought this photo of Pink for Helen to use as a guide and she nailed it (http://www.totalhair.net/hairstyles-blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/23976pcn_pink47hair_400x600.jpg). I'm not sure what their walk-in policy is, but judging from how busy it was today, I'd say it would be wise to call in advance. Enjoy your fabulous new hair, and say hi to Helen for me. I'll be back in 6-8 weeks. read more

I had a coupon from Amazon for haircut here. Usually I don't buy coupons and when I do I feel EXTREMELY sheepish upon presenting them. This salon did not make me feel so. They were super friendly from the moment you walk in, offering you a beverage and a seat. Since there were three potential stylists listed on the coupon, I consulted Yelp to see who had some good reviews of those three. That was Lisa. The other reviews on here are quite accurate, she's super friendly, attentive, takes her time with each step of the process - never rushing (which I appreciate, as some stylists get so good at things they start doing autopilot and not their best work comes from that). Even though she was working off tip alone, she took a full hour+ to trim my bangs and split ends (I'm trying to grow my hair out). She went over the products she was using in a way that didn't make me feel pressured to buy them (though I definitely will purchase some of what she showed me, in the future) and in the end: I am extremely happy with the job she did. If I were to return to a stylist in the East Bay, it's her. The rest of the stylists there seemed really good too, from what I saw. They were nifty individuals who did not give off the "superior" attitude that some cool cats can. WTG, Peter Thomas. (+ Lisa!) read more

I have been going here for about a year and a half and decided to throw in the towel due to my last haircut. The stylist I have been going to for this time period does an ok job but recently had a mid-life crisis (told me all about it) and chopped all my hair off! In the middle of cutting my hair she stopped, looked at one side and said "oops". One side was at least 3 inches shorter than the other. I have been trying to grow my hair out for the last 3 years and now have to start over again. I used to frequent a salon in Seattle called Gene Juarez that charged $65-100. I always felt that this place was warm, quiet, clean and laid back. It was a real treat getting my hair done. Plus my stylist always recommended what new style would look great on me and it helped to have extra feedback. I pay about the same if not more at Peter Thomas and the atmosphere and staff do not match Gene Juarez at all. The entry way is always packed full of coming and going customers and the styling floor is always dirty. I dont have a pleasant feeling when entering this salon, it almost feels like a chore to get my haircut when coming here. The stylist I go to is also extremely pushy with selling hair products and I have made it clear to her many times that I cant afford it. Yet each time I go in she pushes and pushes. Needless to say I gave it a try for a year and a half but its time to move on. read more