Nicole is an all around all star and someone you can trust 100% to make your hair and makeup dreams a reality. I've gone to her twice for a haircut, once for full balayage, and once for toner. Before I went in for a toner it had been six months since we had done color and I was still getting compliments from people on my hair color! Most recently I decided to book Nicole for my birthday updo and makeup and she was phenomenal! I was a bit worried because the appointment was at 9am and my event wasn't until 3pm. She utilized a special sewing technique for the loose curls look I wanted and it lasted all day through the night. Before I went to bed I took out the pins and my bun was still intact when I woke up because of the sewing! Magic! I got so many compliments on my hair and makeup. I loved how she did my makeup and how she worked with my natural features. I felt like a princess. Thank you, Nicole!! read more

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I've been going here regularly for years. Pricey for what I was used to before but worth every penny.

I'm extremely glad I skipped all other suggestions that Yelp gave me and I went with SalonMer because Nicole is the one! I wanted to get my hair permed back in November and she was extremely helpful during our email consultation. I got cold feet days before the appt. and she was completely professional. I wanted to wait til my hair was longer and told her I'd reschedule when I'm ready. Out of the blue, Nicole emailed me and sent me some of her previous perms on shorter hair and made sure I had an idea what I was getting myself into. She went out of her way to make sure I felt confident bout the process and I knew then I could trust her with my hair! I then rescheduled with her and she's very responsive. Got my hair permed (loved the results!!!) and the whole 3-hour experience was awesome. Also time flew by fast because she was super cool and great to talk to and also an unbelievable amazing dancer! 100% will recommend anyone and everyone to her. Do not hesitate! Photos attached were right after the appointment couple minutes after I got home! read more

Salon Mer - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Love coming to salon mer to get my hair done! Nicole is so knowledgeable when it comes to hair. You will be in great hands if you go to her! She really teaches you everything you need to know to maintain healthy hair even if you go from straight to curly, black to platinum blonde. She does it all! Her salon is just a vibe period read more

Salon Mer - Purple hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Salon Mer is the place to go for all your hair needs! I've colored my hair all sorts of colors and haircut styles over the year with Salon Mer, and it's been such a fun adventure. Really couldn't be possible to break these boundaries without all the trust in Salon Mer to help me change my hair styles :) highly recommend read more

Salon Mer - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Nicole and her staff took such good care of me and are very knowledgeable about curly hair. The space is beautiful and peaceful and the process felt unrushed. And we did a photo shoot after! I highly recommend Salon Mer! read more

Salon Mer - Hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

My daughter requested to get her haircut by someone who knows how to cut curly hair. As I searched Yelp, I came across Salon Mer. We are SO happy that we found and chose this salon. Nicole is THEEE BEST - very knowledgeable, patient, and teaches you how to take care of and maintain your curls! Got curls? Want curls? Nicole is HIGHLY recommend! read more

Haven't had a haircut in almost 2 years... Something about having your hair done is uplifting to the soul and boosts confidence. I am so happy I finally got to get my hair done with Nicole. She's a true professional! Her salon is clean, calm and relaxing. Nicole uses great hair products and is really efficient at her time. She also gives a really good head massage too! I love my new haircut! She is taking new clients so support your local, woman-owned business. read more

The best cut and color I ever had came from Salon Mer! Nicole gave me exactly what I wanted which was not an easy task. A brunette to blonde ombré and a-symentrical bob was what I asked for and that is exactly what I got! This hairstyle was so playful and fun and Nicole nailed it. The salon itself is beautiful, calm and relaxing. You will feel like you are at a spa! Nicole is not only so talented but also she is the sweetest! read more

Salon Mer - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I dove into the vast ocean that is Yelp and found this exquisite pearl of a salon! Nicole was amazing and the live/work space was sooo charming. She worked within my budget to create my perfect hair color in the form of balayage and absolutely NAILED IT! She also included a discount as a first time customer. So nice! As I sat in her chair, her sweet little 4 year old son lovingly brushed my hair and put cute little clips in it before Nicole took over :) While the color was setting, she offered me tea with cream and biscuits, making me feel ultra pampered. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation throughout! It's so hard to find a stylist that is so talented AND that you connect with on a personal level. She is a lovely human and I will most certainly be back to see her for any of my future hair needs. Also- women supporting women!! read more

Amazing service! Super helpful and really knows how to put the customer first! Gives helpful tips on how to keep your hair healthy and is just an all around gem! read more

I love getting my hair done at Salon Mer. The cut/color is always beautiful and exactly what I ask for. Nicole welcomes babies in the salon. Today when she vacuumed up hair on the floor, she gave my daughter a tiny vacuum to clean along with her. We have such a great time here, the music, location, vibe, is everything I need and more! We will be back read more

Salon Mer - This photo is pre-color/cut. One of my favorite things about Salon Mer is bringing my kiddo along. The salon has an adjoining playroom! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I saw Joy at Salon Mer. She works there once a week and is a long time friend and colleague of the owner Nicole. I loved the salon and the friendly vibe there. Joy is amazing. She took multiple appointments with me for a color correction, starting with a free consultation. My next appointment she was able to remove some very strong red colored conditioner I had used and couldn't get out of my hair. Then she did a balayage on my next appointment and was even able to roll with my change of mind to make it a rose purple instead of straight blonde. (Don't have a picture of the final result unfortunately). Joy is super hard working, friendly, and great to talk to during the inevitable long visit the special color requires. read more

Salon Mer - After color removal. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I came back to her studio yesterday for a second session for a color correction (from the previous hair dresser before Nicole) and I must say the color has gotten even better and lighter- exactly how i wanted it to be in the first place. She saw what I envisioned! I went from brassy orange dog hair color to a light lavender pearl. also like that she explains the steps during the process with you before she actually does anything to your hair. And when she washes your hair in the sink, her chair lifts up your legs for comfort which i like also, it's so relaxing. Overall, hairdressing with Nicole is another fab time with her once again. She makes me feel looking like a whole new person leaving her studio :) This customer is extremely satisfied. Thanks Nicole! read more

Salon Mer - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been seeing Nicole for my hair the last 4 years and I'm so happy she has her very own salon now! Nicole has never done my hair wrong! She listens to what you want and will give you realistic expectations (I went from black to light blonde) and helpful advice. She is very professional, meticulous, and clean! She is also the only one my two toddler boys will let cut their hair. Her salon is spacious, clean and kid friendly, with easy and free street parking! We always look forward to seeing Nicole. Thank you! read more

Salon Mer - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I've never been so happy with my hair!! She was super nice and recommended the perfect products to me. She's very passionate about her job and it shows. I'll def be going back. read more

Salon Mer - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Such a beautiful place!! it's a hidden gem and her work is amazing!! Definitely a stylist you would continue to go to. Thank you for always doing an amazing job on my hair read more

Nicole is an AMAZING hair stylist! For the past 10+ years, I have not allowed anyone else to touch my hair. She's helped me go through many different styles - super short hair with designs shaved in, permed hair, fantasy colored hair (not easy to do on thick Asian hair) just to name a few. I knew Nicole when she lived in NYC and I have driven to NYC when I briefly moved to Boston and I have flown to Oakland just to get my hair done by her. Her new space is beautiful, comfortable, and convenient on so many levels - geographically, kid-friendly, and flexible in terms of scheduling. I recommend only Nicole to all my friends looking to get their hair done. read more

There is no one else I trust more with my hair than Nicole. She's been doing my hair for years and she never disappoints! With every cut and color she's done on me, I've received compliments where ever I go. I always leave her chair feeling like a brand new woman! She's THEE BEST and I highly recommend her to all! You will not be disappointed! read more

The ultimate place of calm in the midst of chaos! Nicole's magic hands always delivers no matter if you show up knowing or not knowing what you want. She is knowledgeable, honest and realistic with her craft. - you're just in for a treat. I also love the aesthetics & intimacy she's brought to the salon. Oh, and if you have little kids, there's a play room fully supplied with toys!! Overall, I leave feeling beautiful every time & look forward to coming back even just for her nice company :) read more

SOOOOO MANY COMPLIMENTS ON MY ASSYMETRICAL CUT AND COLOR!!!! Amazing service and the salon feels just like home. Thank you so much Nicole! Glad I don't have to drive a crazy distance for exceptional hair service. read more

Nicole is AMAZING she is a pro at cutting and styling curly hair. I called Nicole with a hair EMERGENCY and she took me the same day and even stayed late to help me out. She fixed the disaster and gave me one of the cutest haircuts I've ever gotten! Thank you SO much. read more

If I could give this salon more than 5 stars, I would. Nicole is amazing. I've had haircuts, perms, color, and makeup by Nicole--she even did hair and makeup for myself and my bridal party when I got married. She is professional and friendly. Her space is clean and soothing. There is no place I'd rather go for beauty needs! read more

Nicole has been my professional hairdresser for 10+ years. I used to use store bought box dyes for a very long time. My hair was dry & damaged. Nicole used her skills & talent to nurse my hair back to HEALTHY! When the seasons change, I like to change my hair color (fall/winter = burgundy/purple; spring/summer=brown/ashy blonde). Nicole does it with ease without damaging my hair. She has the most gentle hands & gives the best advice. I must add, her salon sink is AMAZINGLY COMFORTABLE & STYLISH. Go book your appointment today Nicole@salonmer.com. Hurry before her calendar fills up. read more

Nicole has been doing my hair since 2010 and literally no one but her has cut or colored my hair in the last decade! Sometimes, I go in and show her a picture of what I want and she executes it meticulously, other times, when I see her, I know I want a change, but am unsure about exactly what or how and just tell her "Do whatever you'd like, I trust you!" Either way, without fail, I come away from the appointment feeling like a MILLION BUCKS. She's that good, folks. I estimate I've had 30 or 40 haircuts from her over the last 10 years, I kid you not when I tell you they've all been great. From cut, to color, to styling, and all that's in between, there is no one else on this planet I will let touch my hair except for her! read more

Nicole has been cutting and coloring my hair since January and I have been getting compliments on it from complete strangers ever since. She possesses an artistic talent at a level which cannot be taught. Her aptitude to create a fabulous look for her clients comes from a broad knowledge of precise cutting techniques and an exceptional eye for color, as well as her positive interactions with her customers. So if you want a great cut or dye, Nicole is the ONLY person to use. read more