This is a funny place... I have been twice since moving to Oakland. First time wasn't as horrific as the second. On my first visit I got a bang trim by the owner. I was adamant on "shower and go styling" and that's not what I got. She even said she's "known for bangs" yikes... I almost hopped on a plane back to Deep Roots in Austin for some saving. On my second visit I didn't know how to react so I said I liked it because I didn't want anymore damage done to my hair... The haircut I got looks like it belongs in a trailer park and my bangs are... I don't even have the word for it. Again, I was ADAMANT on minimal to no styling of my hair and I didn't get it. Since leaving this place for a second time I haven't worn my hair down once and I don't even know what to do with my bangs so they are also back. I've been wondering all week if I did something to the stylist that made her do this or if she just doesn't have any idea what she's doing. My bangs are much heavier, uneven and unmanageable. Going from wearing my hair down everyday and loving my hair, I cannot recommend this place. read more

Pony Studios - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

LOVE this studio! I followed Blair from San Francisco to Oakland because she is really THAT amazing... Bay Area/Bay Bridge traffic is totally worth the trip to Pony. The staff is very helpful and attentive. The studio is bright, clean, and oozes with talent. I have been just about every color and had many hairstyles over the years. I now have long dark hair which I just had lightened a few weeks ago at Pony. The highlight placement is stunning! I wanted to warm my hair up a bit for summer. My hair is very thick and fights color lifting like crazy. Blair has always been incredibly meticulous about maintaining the health of my hair as I lighten. A lesson I learned the hard way when I was searching for someone to take my hair to WHITE ... I know better now... the trends don't always work with all hair types and paid dearly for it with bald spots and almost 12 inches of hair breakage. After meeting Blair she explained how carefully keep the integrity of my hair if I was going to go lighter. I also have VERY white roots... ironic right? I have to have them touched up often as my hair does go quicky, the color match is just perfect every time. I highly recommend Pony and Blair!! read more

Pony Studios - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

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This review is for Shelly's work as my bridal hair stylist! She did an amazing job and was so fun to hang out with before our ceremony. My hair normally hangs pretty straight/flat and I barely ever style it, so I was looking for a special up-do with lots of texture. Shelly really got my style and delivered! Thank you Shelly! Bonus - It seems like a lot of wedding hair stylists require you to sign up the whole bridal party, but I didn't have one. Shelly was willing to work just with me! Hope this is helpful for any brides out there looking for a stylist just for themselves. read more

Pony Studios - Shelly helped me compete with my husband for best bridal hair! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Debi Alley is magic! Her cuts are awesome amazing! And she is an absolute delight, so fun!

My hair professional is Nicole Kreps. So I follow her wherever she goes. She's the bomb. She's cut my hair for 20 years and now cuts my teen daughter's hair. I need her to stay in my life. She helps us feel beautiful. So we hadn't been to the salon before. It was an easy drive from San Rafael. Street Parking was easy. I love the openness and easy feel of this space. High ceilings. Airy. You all should check it out!! read more

I've had more bad experiences with hair stylists than good. I'm the type to travel to another state to see a stylist I trust with my hair. It's true, I'm too emotionally connected to my hair and, over the years, it's become my signature. My dearest friends ask me how my hair is doing and I love them for it. After years of growing it out natural, embracing it. Loving my curls and texture...I've grown to actually love my hair. I'm older now. It's thinning. After years of trimming it myself, I decided it's time for a great pro cut. But, I didn't know anyone here. Where to go? A stylist friend in New York recommended Pony Studios. I reached out, quick hair bio..."who can give this natural black girl magic some sexy bangs and layers?" Corinna was recommended. I'm thrilled. She listened. Felt my energy. Gave me the best hair cut ever. Saved my length. Just perfect layers...amazing. My appointment started on time and ended before my parking meter expired. Salon is clean, cute and seems well run and busy; a lot of great styles happening there. I love this place and very highly recommend it and Corinna. I'll be over here batting my lashes under freshly cut but also grown out bangs. Are they too long? Yup. That's exactly what I wanted. Nice work!! read more

Got my hair cut by Hannah. I walked in super nervous because I was getting bangs and I hadn't had them in years. She did an amazing job!! I came in with some pictures and Hannah surely delivered. The salon is superrrr cute also, the vibes, decor, music. I think the only downside is you have to pay for street parking or you'll get a ticket, I seen the ticket patrol writing them up on some cars so ye be warned ;) read more

Pony Studios - Curtain bangs - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

I am so excited that Pony Studios is officially open. Corinna has been my hair stylist for over 12 years and she is magical! Corinna is a master cutter and styler and always seems to give me a fresh cut that even grows out nicely. Corinna is sweet, professional, and really takes the time to consult with her clients so she can ensure she gives you a cut that is absolutely perfect for you. I won't let anyone except for Corinna touch my hair Every time I go see her she just knows exactly what I like and I always walk away happy. I hired her for my wedding and I was in love with my hair. I highly recommend checking out the salon, Corinna really is the best in the business! read more

Pony Studios - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Took me 2 years to grow my hair long to achieve the length for the layered cut I wanted from the photos I was pinning. I shared about a dozen photos with Corinna and said "just do what you gotta do with length, layers and adding long bangs to achieve something along the lines of these photos". NAILED IT. I'm super happy she was able to wrangle my hair which was in need of a cut so badly it was starting to look like ratty cotton candy... Thank You for having a vision that was better suited for me than me telling you what to do. BE BRAVE people, let Corinna do what she was meant to do. She sees all sides - embrace your trust with her! read more

Pony Studios - AFTER - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

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I followed Casey from Future Salon and am so excited for her new home here. She's my regular stylist and she should totally be yours, too. The salon: Cool vibe, very kind staff. If I wasn't spoken for, I'd wanna work with all the stylists. I feel like a GD rockstar in there. I love the products they carry. Definitely a cool place for a quick cut or a huge makeover. Casey: Casey has gotten so good at building shag cuts using a razor. She also has an expert eye for color mixing and texture! She can pull out the most bodacious waves from the most busted dos. She's a great regular stylist to see. Her personality just makes you feel comfortable and makes you wanna explore edgier fashion forward cuts. I went in most recently with a very vanilla idea about framing my face and I left with a sick mohawk. Looks like that are something i wouldn't consider for myself. But she is such a collaborator she really builds upon your hair's potential. She's also looking to build her queer clientele, I always feel safe and related to in her company. She will work with you and within your comfort, but will embolden you to try more! Love Casey, I'm into Pony! Highly recc. read more

Pony Studios - The color and cut of my dreams! Casey brings out my natural waves and helps teach you how to manage and style at home. - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Website is confusing and they act like you're stupid if you book the wrong service. This was especially weird because I had gotten my hair done once before with this stylist, and she should've (and didn't) tell me to call to book a color correction, as she knew I was coming back. Hairstylist (Tiffany) tried to bully me into continuing to bleach my hair when I said I was over it and wanted to go back to my natural color. She finally seemed to listen to me and told me to go book at the receptionist's desk, only to tell him that she was refusing to do my hair unless I went lighter. If you don't want to do a service, tell me to my face. It felt so condescending and passive aggressive, and I will not be coming back. I left crying and feeling ashamed. read more

I'm pretty easy when it comes to hair cuts but have had trouble finding someone to do my color since I moved to the East Bay 2.5 years ago. After trying a couple of other salons in Rockridge/Elmwood, I finally found Ashley at Pony Studios. I am so happy I did! After literally 2+ years of liking but never loving my color, I am finally back to a good place with my hair color. She gave me a great partial balayage and used this clay-like lightener that made the whole thing go very fast because she didn't need to worry about using foils or saran wrap to cover my colored pieces. A partial balayage plus blow out usually takes 3+ hours for my very thick hair, but with Ashley it just took 2.5 hours (blow out was great, too, btw) Plus, I love that I can make appointments online. So easy. Thanks Ashley! I will definitely be coming back. read more

Pony Studios - Me right after my balayage with Ashley - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Summer is the best. She is kind, fun, and does a great mullet.

L is sooooooo good. Just so good. I had my second cut with her today and both times I asked for something different and she completely delivered. She gave me exactly what I wanted from my inspiration pictures (I have fine hair and wanted a bob with bangs). Lovely experience I just cannot see myself going anywhere else now. She does razor cuts so well, the whole thing felt so precise and she put so much care into the details. Also the vibes at Pony are great, the hair washing station is LUSH, and that shampoo/scalp massage had me RELAXED. Anyway, cannot recommend L enough, she is also a pleasure to chat with. 10/10!! read more

I have had several haircuts from Casey and love them all. If you have wavy/curly hair with texture and find that other stylists struggle with your hair type, look no further. Give pony and Casey a try and I'm pretty sure you'll love your cut and style... I always do! I also felt safe getting a haircut here during the pandemic. The Temescal salon is nice and new and I was the only one there getting a haircut at the time of my appointment. They prioritize safety, so feel free to get a haircut with no worries. read more

It was a good experience for the first time there the people that was curing hair was super nice and cut good

I came into the pony studios for a new look and to cut off a yrs worth of split ends. I told them how high I was willing to go, they took a look at my facial structure, and cut an amazing short hair look for me. I absolutely my new short hair look. read more

Pony Studios - Me enjoying my new short do. - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

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Pony Studios deserves every single star possible. I got my hair cut with Nichole and a clear gloss with Jafra. Nichole is the FIRST person to cut my hair and not shame me for saying I want my hair to be healthy but I want as much length as possible. She offered to do a "dusting" in 8 weeks to lightly trim my hair so it can grow healthily without losing my length and cut it conservatively. Why has no one offered this before? I also wanted my to keep my hair color but wanted to add a little zhuzh- maybe some condition, maybe some shine. Enter clear gloss. It's the only time I've put something on my hair that might change the color, which I'm very protective of. Jafra was educational, patient, and gentle with my fears about the color. She even blew my hair out using products specifically for what I was doing next. Not to mention great conversations, scalp massage, and a cute spot. Y'all are amazing. Thank you so much for such a positive experience. read more

Pony Studios - after sitting outside all night, it still looks great - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Love this salon! I get my hair done by Hannah B. and let me tell you she has given me a brand new and fresh style with the healthiest and most vibrant blonde I've ever had. I was bleaching it at home and it was severely damaged and misshapen before I went to Hannah. I just went in for a bleach retouch to maintain the full bleach she did months ago and I had minimal, if any, breakage. And my hair is platinum blonde! Amazing! She really saved my hair! Cannot recommend enough. read more

I couldn't recommend Casey more! I saw them a few years ago, super nervous because nobody's ever really gotten my haircuts right, I have super thick, curly course/textured hair and they knew exactly what to do with it. It's hard for me to be confident with my natural curls but after my hair gets done with Casey I feel amazing. They are very kind, professional and above everything they really listen to what you want. Couldn't imagine going to any other stylist :-) read more

This review is overdue. I first got my hair cut with Summer in December 2021 and she did a stellar job introducing me to the world of shag haircuts. She is super detail-oriented, friendly and styles your natural hair with so much care and love. She made excellent product recommendations to help my thick, voluminous and frizzy hair and to get the salon-styled look at home. (Get your hands on the cult + king products they carry in stores!) I've been back for bang trims and just two weeks ago for a more "daring" full shag which she knocked out of the park. I won't go to anyone other than Summer for a superb haircut. Last note: the ambience at Pony Studios makes me feel right at home and they play the Sisters of Mercy on their carefully- curated playlists. :) read more

Pony Studios - Superb and naturally-styled shag courtesy of Summer! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

For a girl coming from the city, it takes a lot for me to go to Rockridge. But so happy I did! The studio is super cute and the Rockridge neighborhood is a great place to browse and grab a bite to eat before or after your appointment. The place is also a 7-minute walk from BART so super convenient for anyone coming from the city. Pony Studios/ Corinna also just made Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenphilipkoski/2019/04/15/yes-anyone-can-rock-bangs-according-to-this-bay-area-hair-guru/?mc_cid=a79218226b&mc_eid=99cb0542e6#2afe818662c0 read more

I came to Pony Studios specifically for Misty after getting my hair cut by her at a previous salon. I absolutely love the environment there - the energy and decor is great. And I truly have never felt so good about myself walking out of a salon before. I felt fabulous just walking down the street to my car. I've since moved far away out of state, but wish I could teleport back to Oakland for another appt with Misty. She can work magic with any hair type, even my fine long hair that I have no patience for styling. She gave me an awesome style at the salon but also gave me a cut that I absolutely loved and looks great when I don't style it at all (which lets be honest, is most of the time ha!) Miss you, Pony! read more

Thank you Casey! I love my cut! Highly recommend this beautiful salon to anyone who wants to be taken care of. I appreciate being able to relax and let a professional do their job. I love my hair! Thank you read more

Pony Studios - Before - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

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Services can be pricey but are totally worth it. The stylists really know what they are doing here!

This place is pure heaven and Corinna has magic fingers. She can just look at your hair, play with it a little, and make it look amazing. I guess some hair stylists just have that talent. It's a bit of a splurge for me to go there, but they're so good I worked it into my budget. I'm not very style-y, I just like a good haircut, but they also are on top of the latest trends. For gorgeous hair and excellent service, this is THE place to go. read more

Went to Pony once and had a mediocre experience but the owner reached out and really made up for her employee's mistake. She cut my hair herself and it looks great -- And she did it for nocost to compensate for my first experience! I recommend the place!!! read more

Look no further you have found the BEST hair salon on earth! This is what dreams are made of y'all! I have been coming here for the last 6 years and will be here the rest of my life. I have never loved my hair more. With a cut from Corinna and color from Hannah I always leave feeling gorgeous and cared for. I'm a curly hair person who has found my happy place. The music is always on point and the vibes are immaculate. Treat yourself read more

NEVER AGAIN - I hesitated a long time before writing this review, but if I can spare anyone from this experience, I would. I had a terrible experience a few months ago and I am still reminded of it every time i look in the mirror. This is unusual for me as I know exactly what I want, and can communicate it very clearly, but that did not work out this time. I have long wavy thick hair and asked for a simple cut 'shoulder length, with some layers in the front around the face , with a bit of layers in the back. I shared 3 pictures of very basic haircuts in that style. Casey washed my hair, rubbing my ears so hard it hurt, I just wanted it to end. Then she proceeded to start cutting with a razor in the back and in the front. I could tell by how quickly she was cutting and how much she was taking off that the cut was going to be too short, and also extremely shaggy which I never asked for. She took a break in the middle to talk to her colleague, which allowed me to assess the damage and realized I had hair in the back as short as bangs and over 5 inches of layers. When she came back I asked her kindly to stop cutting, to which she responded defensively that she was doing 'exactly what we had talked about'. She then proceeded to cut vertically to make my hair more thin and avoid the harsh layers, after a few seconds I had to assertively stop her, and said 'I DO NOT WANT A SHAGGY HAIRCUT', and she realized I was starting to be really upset. Once my hair was dried it was even shorter than I expected, and I realized I ended up with some kind of mullet, a longer version of what she had. I was so shocked I did not even know what to say. I wanted to avoid making a scene. This had nothing to do with the pictures I shared, and had to deal with a 'vexed artist' on top of it all. She finished styling proudly expecting some feedback and I just said, 'this is not what I asked for', trying to be the better person and remembering that it is just hair and it will grow back, nothing to cry about. Casey then acted nice seeing how disappointed I was and offered advice for 'styling it' and realized she had 'gone a bit far'. Unfortunately it was too late. I picked up my purse from the floor, full of my own hair she had dropped into it (generally any manners were inexistent). If I can describe what my hair looked like, it would be something between the guy from the Bee Gees, Mufasa from the Lionking, a wig in the shape of a mushroom, or a tacky rocker from 90s, wavy, puffy, with little rat tails on the shoulders. I have been tying my hair up since then, and it will probably take another 5 months for it to go back to an even shoulder length. I even have to use barettes because the hair is too short to even stay up. My husband suggested it could be a good time to try the pixie haircut I always talked about getting one day. I really did not want to judge the hairdresser by her own haircut. I just naively assume she would have the intelligence to listen to what the client is actually asking for? I knew this place was into this kind of shaggy hairstyle based on their social media, but assumed they could also do other simple things. If that's not the case, maybe they should warn people? Or clarify that 'Pony hair salon' is actually 'One-trick-pony salon'? Because not everybody wants to look like they live in the 70s, and nor does that haircut work on all faces. The lamest part was that I did not want to write this review, and just shared my discontent in response to a satisfaction email I got, but never heard back from the salon. This place left a super bitter taste in my mouth, and I'll be sure to read hairdresser reviews always and forever onward. You've been warned. read more

Happened to stop into Pony studios for a quick trim and WOW I am so glad I did. John is beyond wonderful at both cutting hair and making his clients feel amazing. He's been doing hair for 20+ years and it shows in his work. My favorite part about him is the fact that he walks you through everything he thinks would look good and wants to do and then truly listens to your input. I can promise your expectations will be exceeded if you go see John. Oh and added bonus, the space is absolutely gorgeous. read more

Pony Studios - The gorgeous studio space - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

I had reached the point of quarantine where the ends of my hair were split for inches and the only way to make it half way presentable was to throw it in a gross topknot. I hit my breaking point last Friday and decided I simply could not go on if I did not get my hair cut that day. I had been to Harper Paige a few times which was at this location previously, and saw that there were some names i recognized on the site, so I knew I would be in good hands. I was lucky enough to find an open appointment time for 4pm that day with Heather, and I am so happy I booked it! I showed her a pic of my last haircut which I loved, and she recreated perfectly. Plus she was super speedy, which I love because I don't like sitting still for that long. Will definitely be back when it's time for a fresh chop! read more

Pony Studios - quick chop - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

This review is long overdue! I had an AMAZING haircut by Corina last October and I'm still feeling it. I'm a new mom and wanted something stylish and easy to style. Corina gave me exactly what I needed and more. I was also introduced to a new Cult & King product which I'm obsessed with. An added bonus is the studio is also an education center for other hairstylists. Of course you're gonna get the best cuts & color from people who teach. I will definitely be back! read more

I went here about 5 months ago and I had a nice experience. Everyone, including the stylist doing my hair was so nice and friendly. They made me feel really comfortable. I wanted face framing layers, but I do think some of the shorter layers were cut too far away from my face (or too short) and weren't blended in very well into the length. As a result, sometimes my hair looks like it has two different lengths; short in the front all the way to the middle of my head, and then long in the back. For about 3 months after the hair cut I had random chunks of hair that I couldn't get up into a pony tail because they were too short. They were not face framing pieces that wouldn't go up in the pony tail, it was random chunks of hair unfortunately. I've been growing it out for about 5 months now and realized I will probably just have to cut the bottom/back layer by at least 4 inches to get my hair too look kinda more normal again. Kinda sucks after years of growing it out. I think this just may have been one bad/off experience though. I've had friends get amazing haircuts here. If you really like a cut that has already been done on another client by that stylist, you'll probably be fine and end up with hair you like. I would just make sure the stylist can do exactly what you want first. read more

After two years of not having a proper haircut out of fear that I will get girl next door hair that is boring and impossible to style... I searched and searched and finally found COOL GIRL HAIR can be yours at Pony Studios! I took the plunge and made an appt with Corinna. With inspirational photos in hand I went, fingers crossed, that she would see my inner cool girl somewhere beneath my stringy grey blond mop. Entering the beautiful open space I was greeted warmly... we talked over my lifestyle (never blow dry, barely brush... need a look that can wake up, look effortless and pretty without having a top-knot everyday). We looked at the pictures, Corinna offered ideas as she looked at my texture and color. I want long hair but also want style around my face to give versatility and interest... can't we have it all? YES... she gave me all the pretty face framing bits with more movement and style and I can still put it up! Corinna showed me how I can move my part to the side a bit to give that sexy soft "I woke up this way" look and how to use a bit of product to tame flyaways and look styled. Feeling like a cool girl... I didn't want to leave. They have products to sample... yummy smelling skin care and organic hair creams and a big raw edge table where you can sit and look at giant fashion books. Super approachable space to hang out with really nice people... just BOOK IT, you'll leave feeling on top of the world. read more

Corrina gives the kind of haircut that makes everyone ask for the name of your stylist. She has an amazing talent of shaping your hair in a way that completely complements your face, is fun, and grows in really well. The cuts can be pricey, but they are definitely worth it. I've been visiting Corrina on and off for years at the many different salons she has worked at, and have recommended her to many friends, so when I moved to Oakland I was extra excited to find out that her newest salon is right nearby! The salon is such a welcoming space with a great energy, you almost want to hang out there all day. And they are very thoughtful about their environmental impact, aiming to be carbon neutral. I can't recommend them enough! read more

Hannah B is amazing!! The best hair cut I've ever received. No joke. Hannah listened to all (all!) of my hair thoughts and worked with pizazz and quiet confidence. I highly recommend seeing Hannah for your hair. Girl knows what she is doing! Also the salon is super cute & has an easygoing, fun vibe :) read more

Pony Studios - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Have had other stylists try to give me bags- with unfortunate regrets and long waits to out grow them. I don't have much natural texture- my hair is straight. But I wanted a cut that didn't need much styling and products. Finally, waited patiently to grow out my hair enough to finally schedule an appointment with Corinna. She knew the look I wanted and even offered her expertise vision- which I happy I trusted her with! I am so very happy with my bangs. I thought I would just get bangs, but did something else to the rest of my hair - "her magic". I now love my hair -everything just falls in place! read more

I scored a last-minute cancellation with Corinna today after not having a haircut for 18 months (thanks, pandemic). She was so kind and reassuring when I had only vague ideas about what I wanted, and she was able to give me info about my hair type. I have curly hair, and I've had DevaCuts for years as I had been lead to believe it was the One True Way. She does not do those! She didn't cut my hair dry, and she used a razor. Whole different ball game. It was a pleasant change. My curls look fantastic and she was somehow able to intuit exactly what my hair should look like, from my indecisive hand-waving and gesturing. I now have curly bangs and volume and layers and it's exactly what I wanted. Everyone there was super nice, my appointment was right on time, an overall great experience. read more

Pony Studios is AMAZING. I followed Misty here and I am so happy. She's an amazingly talented hair stylist and Pony is an awesome salon. The employees are great, the space is beautiful and their product selection is on point. Definitely make an appointment. read more

I never write reviews but this is necessary. Hannah B is a wizard. I have wavy/curly long dark hair and I hate getting my hair cut and so hadn't gotten a proper hair cut in 2 years- I just do it myself at home. I decided to finally go on a whim and HANNAH CHANGED MY LIFE. If you have curly hair- GO TO HANNAH. My sad dry waves bounced back to life in a way I didn't even know was possible. Hannah, thank you, thank you, thank you. read more