Kristen is a fairy godmother! My curls were a disaster and she easily created a beautiful style and recommended a product line I'd never heard of (!) and styling tips. What a magical experience! After I had three compliments from strangers about my hair, I stopped counting. read more

My biggest issue is the cut. If you check out Naydie's review below, I had almost exactly the same experience. Also, this stylist does not use the conventional curly hair techniques. For example she talked about a wash n go, but my hair requires a lot of hydration, hover method of drying, etc. I visited a different curly hair salon because I was having trouble with the products that this stylist recommended. You can see in the photo's below, when I left Ringlets & Roots, my hair had zero curl definition. When I left the other salon, my curls were perfect. No dry looking hair. read more

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Update: I hated my hair so much and tried to get a color correction. my hair was super dry and I just ended up cutting most of the blonde out. My hair is now short and I have to start all over. There is another girl in Salinas that specializes in curls in a shop called glamology!! I highly recommend. If you have long curly hair or care about your curls you should think of going somewhere else. read more

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Kristin is a nice person but it's important I speak my truth so let me explain why I'm rating a 1 when its really a 0. To begin with I had to make 2 separate appointments one for a rezo cut and the other for color. Day 1 rezo cut: a good amount came off but I had a decent sized ponytail 5 inches which was important to me, it felt great and healthy which my hair already was (I had virgin hair) but it felt lighter you know. She said she'd see how it looks tomorrow before color and maybe add some more layers for volume in back if needed, she wanted to see what my hair would do. When I went home and played with it, I realized it wasn't very well shaped, it was almost boxy and was flat on the back so when I went in for color on day 2 I brought a photo of a rezo client from the rezo salon in Jersey and asked to have same style, very nice shape, looked even, plus she similar curls. She said since my hair was dry she'd cut first despite her having put products in it the day before and it wasn't the same as the day before when she asked my hair be free from all product for my cut but she assured me it was fine and I'd have a ponytail. Well before I knew it there was a freakin mountain of my precious curls on the floor and she said since it's dry it won't shrink but let's be real this isn't my first time cutting my hair and I was very nervous like EVERY curly haired person knows it always shrinks, my hair looked horrible. I was too shocked and embarrassed to cry! I couldn't do anything my hair was already on the floor!!! She started to color my hair and when I asked about the balayage my whole head like we agreed the day before she tells me it would be too much to maintain and I didn't have time for that cause I got little ones like I'm paying and I sent photos of what I wanted done I literally saved for this (for reference my hair is black 1 and we went 4 shades lighter but essentially it's still brown with reddish undertone) so she gave me "baby lights". So how did the color come out? Besides the front top of my head with some color difference my hair took no other color on the sides or back it's still is all black with my grays she didn't cover like she said she would. So I was robbed! I didn't get what I asked for, provided an example of in regards to color and shape and what's worse I paid $380 ($180 1st appointment rezo cut with "education" which besides weird names for steps to cleanse and curly girl products I already knew to use for my hair it was unnecessary and day 2 the massacre of my hair she charged $200 for coloring, the mop cut was "free") I've never had hair above my shoulders or right below my ears and I absolutely HATE IT! I look like a damn poodle and my curls are not popping she didn't care for the shape! it's as if I got 2 completely different people to do my hair. She said she wasn't going to charge for cutting my hair again but Im sure that's due to her knowing she ruined my beautiful curly hair and she knew it didn't look right but she made it worse rather than fix her mistake. I can't do anything to my hair at this length, it's legit a puff ball, my ponytail is a tiny numb (almost an inch) with most of my curls falling out toward my neck cause there is no length. When she tried to put it in a ponytail she realized it was too short and said "you can do a cute messy ponytail with hair on your neck, I think that's cute" she also said "it'll grow" like WTF?! I feel ugly, devastated, upset and regret not stopping her when I realized she was going scissor happy but I trusted her as a fellow curly but honestly that doesn't mean they're an expert on your curls. I really wanted to do something special for myself after 2 babies and all the changes, I told her how I planned take some nice photos with my boys but now I just want to wake up from this nightmare. I can't even do frenchbraids that's how short my hair is, I have to braid my head in 4 sections. This was my unfortunate experience as soon as I got in my car I cried my eyes out and still am as I write this review. Pray my hair grows back fast and I'll never cut it again just trims!!! To my fellow natural curlies RUN, invest going to a legit salon where other experts can provide input or actually give you what you want. To my Afro Caribbean and Latina sisters she didn't know anything about protective styles, actually advised against it. She swears all curlies need are 4 products shampoo, conditioner, "frizz killer" and gel. Well my hair actually does best with leave ins, foam mousse and light creams and no gel! So save your beautiful curls. Find someone that actually knows about all curl types, is actively doing curly hair of all types, if they have curly hair it actually looks good and most importantly helps the customer achieve the look they want not what the stylist thinks is best or feels like doing or how about owning up to messing up someone's hair. read more

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Make sure you are fully vaccinated before trying to get a 50$ curl consultation. Guess one shot isn't good enough to get a haircut. Never been to an establishment that refused service due to not having both shots yet. I'll take it as a sign she was probably going to mess my hair up anyways. As the only salon in a 30 mile radius that services curly hair I'm disappointed. Will have to take my business to a less discriminatory setting. read more

After my consultation I was scheduled but then needed to be rescheduled because I informed Kristen ahead of time that I would be no more than 10 minutes late. So per Kristen I rescheduled then I show up on time and on my scheduled appointment date only to receive a blank stare from her and a cold apology as she informed me that she forgot to schedule me in her calendar. I was so disappointed, I took off work for this and drove from Pacific Grove. Kristen made it to complicated to get a haircut from her. She set a high bar for herself and left me very disappointed as she was a no show on her high set expectations and in my opinion fell flat. read more

This past year and even today, it's been a healing process for me and just learning to love ALL of me. I wanted to start the year with the real me, the curly me. I wanted to embrace my curls, because again this is a part of me! I just didn't know how to care of my curls or style my hair. Thanks to Kristen King, from Ringlets and Roots, she taught me how to take care of my curls and she revived them! I don't think girls with curly hair ever got as much attention, but in her salon I felt like a curly queen! She is an expert with curly hair and only cuts/styles curly hair. I'm absolutely in love with my curls! Swipe right to see my before pictures! read more

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I am that person that NEVER writes reviews. But Kristin from Ringlets and Roots is so good with my curls that I have too. I must. It is my obligation to my curly girl community to share what I know. What I know is I have been to a few curl experts from San Francisco , San Jose to Santa Cruz. Kristin is hands down the best that I have found. My haircut is always exactly what I requested and my color is simply gorgeous. I get compliments all the time and this is amazing to me because in the past I never got compliments on my hair! If you have curly or wavy hair do yourself a favor and go see Kristin and Ringlets and Roots. You will be so glad that you did read more

Wow This Lady came in on her day off I ve never gotten more compliments on my hair This is the very best of the best Hair Artist in the Area A must to try read more

Kristen is an amazing curl stylist with years of experience! I trusted her with my curls and I was not disappointed! My hair has been totally transformed since my first cut with her, she really knows her stuff! read more

Ringlets & Roots - Before: flat, dry curls :( - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

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Kristen brought my curls to life! She is so sweet and informative! She tells you everything she is doing step by step so you aren't left with questions or that after-cut shock. read more

Kristen is amazing. My hair has never been this curly and the curls are manageable. Amazing day 2 hair. Kristen gives lots of education so I know what products to use and how to apply them. She responded to my post visit text questions and was very nice. Finally someone understands my hair! Worth every penny and the 45 minute drive. Thank you Kristen! read more

I was so excited to get my hair cut here and unfortunately I was running around 10 minutes late so I texted Kristen to let her know. I then got pulled over on the way there which caused me to be an extra 20 minutes late. I was unable to talk to her again until I got to the studio. The door was locked so I tried texting and calling many times to apologize and see if I needed to reschedule because I understood I was very late to my appointment. I did not get one phone answer. At all. When I finally did get an answer after trying to apologize all I got was "I don't wait 30 minutes for a client to show up." She never once called me or answered the phone. Just continued to ignore me. Very very very unprofessional . I completely understand I was in the wrong by being late but her response was so cold and not understanding. I would have happily rescheduled if I hadn't just got locked out and ignored after I was late. I left the building her studio was in crying. Sad because all of her reviews are amazing but she is not a kind person and will not work with you if any unforeseen events come up. read more

kristen is the best and she is nice! I am so glad i found her through a friend because I was going to take a trip all the way to the LA area for a deva cut, but luckily i found her just in time! She made me feel comfortable embracing my curls and gave such great tips and easy methods that I could do at home. Also, she shares everything you need to know about your hair type all you have to do is ask! Just look at how lively my hair looks now! read more

Ringlets & Roots - before - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

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I was beyond satisfied after I left Ringlets & Roots. My hair is going through a rough cycle at the moment so my expectations before my appointment were very low. However, Kristen made sure I was satisfied with my cut. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. It is worth every dollar. It is more than obvious that she knows what she is doing and is well educated about different curly hair types. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. The best salon in the county! read more

What a great find! Kristen is a try curl specialist! She will assess your needs, DRY CUT, and then recommend the right product combination from Devacurl. I haven't used them enough to vouch for them yet, but the results from my first cutting and styling session feel great. During the cutting session, Kristen cares for each lock (which she rightly calls curl family) and then she moves on to no lathering shampoo. Kristen will go over your routine and truly educate you about cleansing and styling as well as keeping your hair hydrated. Curly ladies, whether you live in the Monterey Bay or are here for a visit, treat yourself to a session at Roots! read more

Kristen has been doing my hair for 6 years, and unless she moves more than 100 miles away I will NEVER have anyone else do my hair! Kristen is a master colorist and her cutting styles are fresh and up-to-date. I have sent dozens of people to her because I am constantly stopped on the street and asked who does my color and/or my cut. In the time I have worked with Kristen, my hair has been everything from below my shoulders to closely-cropped to my head - she is equally good at all lengths and styles so I'm never afraid to change my look...in fact I change it every time I go. Kristen is a superb hair stylist and one of the most tender and gentle people I know. read more

Anyone who would say that Kristin is "unprofessional" is unaware of the real person. I am really hard to please and do not take any attitude from anyone. Kristin has made every experience fun while keeping me happy. If I were to say anything about Kristin is that she is casual, funny, easy to get to know and has no false airs. IF that is is unprofessional then I hope that she keeps it that way. Brian D. read more

Kristen is the absolute best. I have struggled for years to find anyone who gets what to do with my hair, and her level of knowledge, patience, and expertise is off the scale. I have to say I owe my good hair days to her...and thanks to the curl whisperer, that's been all days. read more

For Men's Curly Hair there is no better. I moved to Monterey from San Francisco and drove back to SF for three years until my Hairdresser Roy retired. Alas, I was lost finding a replacement, so I went on Yelp. I had an error or two on the way to finding success with Kristen at Ringlets and Roots, until I figured out that if you're looking for Stylists for Men, you must see pictures of Men's curly hair on Yelp. So my Kristen results after three months: Kristen has managed the growing out of my thinning top and sides and I now have amazing curls managed perfectly atop my head. She took my curls beyond my imagination of how great my Curls could be. Now I get double takes from Nob Hill to Whole Foods. Such a fate LOL. P.S. I also use her shampoo/conditioner regimen which has revived my hair health and curl moisture. read more

Called and left a message to schedule an appointment with Kristen. Never received a call back. I would have appreciated a call back. At least to let me know she was booked. But no response is unprofessional. read more

Wow! Kristen is amazing! She taught me so much about how to treat my curls and revealed hair I couldn't even believe was mine. I've battled frizzy curls my whole life and now I can rock my curls and take batter care of my hair. If you have curls that you're not sure how to handle you have to go see her! The only regret I have is not finding her sooner. Thank you!! Thank you!! read more

Kristen is the Queen of Curly hair. I have finally embraced my curls after all these years! I didn't know how to take care of my curls, and that includes all the other hairdressers I had been going to all my life. Every morning I woke with frizz and would wash and straighten my hair out. It was a vicious circle waking up and washing my hair everyday. That all changed when I went to Kristen who cut, colored and hydrated my curls. She patiently taught me step by step on how to care for my hair, including "morning hair". Now I go 3 days before the next wash. It's been 10 months now since I've been going to Kristen. I drive 2 hours just for her to care for my curls. My curls look fabulous and Kristen is the expert! I have even got my sister on board with Kristen and the curly girls club! read more

I just moved to Carmel from San Jose area....went to Kristen King of Roots Color Studio 2 wks ago for a color consult--brought my DRY over-processed STRAW hair couple weeks before "real" appointment. Today was my TRANSFORMATION appointment! My hair is soft, shiny, with rich color, complements eyes, skin. Luxurious. Plus Kristen is fun, funny, brings lots of experience, knowledge, humor and HEART. I'm hooked for life. catherine s. read more

Love,love it. Kristen is very talented and personable. I had someone chase me to get the name of my colorist.She is a true professional. read more

Kristen is by far the most talented colorist and hair stylist I have ever met. When I made my first appointment with Kristen 9 years ago, I was nervous about going to someone new. When I walked out, I knew I would NEVER go to anyone else AGAIN! Even though she has 30+ years of experience under her belt, including early years in New York and later as a trainer of color professionals for L'Oreal, Kristen never rests on her laurels. She keeps up on the newest developments in color and styling techniques, including advanced techniques for curly hair! Kristen was one of the first in the area to test organic, ammonia-free dyes and today has a fabulous color line that is stink-free and doesn't make my head itchy. Best of all, it doesn't fade out between colors (I'm 41 years old and 75% gray. Kristen does my hair in my natural color which is a very dark brown...but with some hints of golden fabulosity that I didn't have naturally!) As for the cuts -- the icing on the cake! I have weird hair that swirls in one direction on one side, and the other direction on the other. Kristen knows just how to cut around the problem areas so that they lay right from day one all the way through the next cut. I always have people asking me who does my hair - without exaggeration, on average once a week. Yep, my hair just looks THAT much better than the rest! And I've had it every way, from tiny pixie to long Cleopatra - always the same - looks good day 1, looks good day 30! Kristen, you are my hair diva! Thanks for 9 great years! MUAH read more

Truly a curl specialist! Since I have naturally curly hair it has been a lifelong challenge to find stylist who has any idea what to do with my hair and I've had a lot of bad cuts. Finding Kristen was a godsend! She does a beautiful job with my hair and has extended my knowledge of how to care well for my hair! AND she does a beautiful job with my young daughters and husband's curls too! We love Kristen! read more

I experienced Kristen as very unprofessional and rude. Her cut was not good at all (it is uneven, and she did not check after the blow drying) and my highlights look totally unnatural (chunky, not placed carefully, not blended with my natural highlights). read more

Don't go here. I had just moved to Salinas and needed a stylist for curly hair, so scheduled for color and cut at $180 (2016 prices), and that's pretty high. My hair is short and fine. I know how to take care of curly hair. She was working in her home in a tiny shop at the back of her house.The appointment was a mess with her answering her phone, talking to her gardener, reading her mail, playing with her dogs. Her dogs are all over the shop and all over you. Then she drops the comb on the floor (where the dog hair is) and picked it up and used it on my head. She didn't leave the color on long enough (15 minutes!) and it washed out in a couple shampoos. All she did was trim the ends. Her next client came early, and the place is so small, she was practically sitting in my lap. No privacy. She then charged me $300!!!! I was astounded!! She said it was for "education." What a crock! I should have written a check for $180, but as I was in a state of shock, I paid it (how dumb is that). This happened in 2016, but I doubt there is any difference in her services now. A leopard doesn't change its spots, right? read more

Kristen is a highly-educated hair professional with a great sense of style. She is also really good with curly and wavy hair which I have - finally I found someone local to do my hair who I can trust! I've lived on the Monterey Peninsula for over 20 years and was still going to SF to get my hair done - no more! Highly recommended! read more

I've been going to Roots for many many years. I've even left for a while, but, ALWAYS come back...She is a true professional, knows her color like no other. Even my kids love her. Especially my teenager son who is extremely particular about his hair!!!! LOVE HER TO PIECES!! read more

It's tough finding someone that get's my sideburns even but Kristen does. Her shop is clean with a warm feel. The dogs are a plus...unless you're a cat person...or a cat. Kristen is accommodating, pleasant, has a sharp sense of humor and knows what she's doing. Her services are fairly priced. read more

Kristen works wonders with curly hair! I am so appreciative of her talent. I finally found someone who understands how curly hair "works." Thanks for the great cut!! read more