Erik is a great stylist! I went to him recently to get my long, curly hair cut into a short style. He totally nailed what I asked him to do and was very confident in his work. Love the vibes in his salon too. Really laid back, good music, down to Earth and fair prices. I'll be back! TIP: Just text the phone number for the salon to set up an appointment. read more

Had a nice and mellow time in Erik's chair. I was a walk in and he had an opening so I took it! The ambiance is chill and you get lost in the soul music playing in the background during those moments when you're not having a conversation about life, supporting one another and how much the radio sucks :-P I came in for a wash, flat iron and trim and I didn't spend the entire day in the chair! Two hours or so and that's pretty good considering what I had done! My hair is feeling amazingly soft, bouncy and healthy There's interesting pieces of art to look at and his upholstered pieces are so cool. I can't wait to come back so my hair can get a little TLC. Thank you Mr. Von Brinkley, it was truly a pleasure! read more

Salon Shampu - Erik washed, blow dried and flat ironed my hair before giving me a trim. It falls so nicely now and feels super healthy! - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

My hair was long overdue for a trim when Erik squeezed me in today. I have mid-back length, coarse (4b) textured hair that I flat ironed myself a few days ago. He cut what needed to be cut without leaving me bald... especially important since I am growing my hair out. The price was en par with his skill level, and my hair looks healthy. Overall I am pleased and will return when it's time for another cut. Happy hair. Happy me. read more

First off, I love the salon decor and Erik is really cool. I went in for a trim with my shoulder length curly hair. Erik told me that my hair is in pretty bad shape and he'll try to work with it. I blindly trusted him and told him that he can cut as much as he thinks is needed. Well that was a BIG mistake because I ended up leaving with the shortest hair I've ever had. He cut off at least 6 inches to leave me with about 2 inches. I walked out in shock and eventually cried for days about it. Getting my hair "trimmed" is my biggest regret of the year. I look in the mirror and still don't recognize myself. I wear a wig now because I don't feel like myself with this extremely short hair and I didn't want people commenting on my "boy" cut. If you're planning on getting your hair trimmed here I'd say make sure you're verbal about how short you're comfortable with. read more

I am not a huge "yelper"....saving my comments for only those truly spectacular (or terrible) as the case may be. Shampu is certainly of the SPECTACULAR - as is owner & stylist, Eric Von Brinkley. I know a true artist when I'm lucky enough to come across one - a rare and coveted occasion. Having super thick wavy/curly hair, I'm not an easy client ("oh great, I got the mop" is a quote from an unnamed stylist at Super Cuts circa 1987 when my siblings and I were designated to various people with scissors during the semi-annual trip to the salon). Not only did Eric totally transform my hair, entertain me while doing it, and accommodate my desperate call to come in last minute to help me before I left town - he charged a mere $45 for what most others would charge double (given the state and volume of my locks). This is what they call a "hidden gem", if you will forgive the cliche - in the East Village of Long Beach. There's just no other way of saying it. Let him work his magic - I promise you keep going back for more. I certainly am! read more

I have been going to Erik Von Brinkley at Shampu in Long Beach for more than 15 years now. He's the coolest. Down-to-earth, doesn't put on heirs, honest, and great at what he does. And his prices are fair, too. I have naturally, very curly hair and when I feel like it want to go straight for a while, I go see Erik. He's the King of Straight. I highly recommend him. read more

DEFINITION OF MAGICIAN: One whose formidable skill or art seems to be magical. EXAMPLE OF A HAIR MAGICIAN: Erik Von Brinkley! He really does have the ability to make you look like a movie star. Just let him do his thing and bask in the results. With all of the compliments you'll receive, you'll be addicted to Erik's s cuts. I promise! Thanks Erik,I'll be back soon.. One thing to note is that you need to bring cash with you, no credit cards accepted! read more

Erik is nothing short of amazing. I came into him wanting blonde hair, he explained to me how it'd be very damaging to go from my color to blonde since I had so much red... I took his word and let him work his magic. I'm a natural and explained to him I need my curls to survive whatever we put them through lol... He took me to a beautiful lighter color and kept my curls in tact! He cut and deep conditioned my hair as well. I will definitely be going back. read more

I've been coming to Erik for 12 years and it never fails every time I leave Shampuu I get a compliment on how good my hair looks!! PS He can cut and color his a** off!! :) read more

So, I recently did the big chop on my long hair. I went to an amazing salon in LA on 1/6 and the cut was beautiful. But, the cut wasn't best for me, since I want to wear my hair naturally curly. So I searched high & low for someone who could fix it. I found Erik here on Yelp. I went in to Erik 3 days after my initial big chop at a salon in LA. I showed him photos of what I really wanted, and he executed well. I couldn't be happier with my hair. He listened to what I wanted, and made sure I was satisfied before I left the salon. He even offered a 3 day grace period where I could contact him for a touch up if I wasn't completely happy! Now that, is amazing client service. I will definitely be coming back to Erik for my trims and shape ups. read more

See all

LOVE Erik! He's super chill,and super talented! I love that he's down to earth, and not like those snotty ,uppity, stylists you find most places. My hair was WASTED-too many amateur stylists(including myself) dyeing,chopping,frying,etc. Erik turned my "hay-hair" back to soft,normal hair, and best of all- it never turns out orange!Not even weeks later. Erik's so cool, it's like you wanna hang out there even if you're not getting your hair did! YAY ERIK! MUAH! read more

#1 if you want the best hair wash of your life, go to Erik. Literally heaven !! I wore weaves for years and I finally decided to give it a rest. Erik has made me LOVE my natural hair and I didn't think that was possible. I'm so happy I found him. read more

I have mixed type curly hair that I have damaged pretty badly. I've been searching for someone to give me a proper curly cut and give me some styling advice because I finally started wearing it natural this year. I was not disappointed here! Erik talked me through his whole process and gave me a cut that was totally personalized for me. I absolutely recommend Salon Shampu! read more

Loved Erik's style and professionalism! Great area in the Arts district of LB. his salon is very eclectic and has a vibrant atmosphere, definitely returning! He takes his time with you and very easy going! Almost seemed like a perfectionist, which you definitely want in a stylist ladies! Come to LB and check him out! :) read more

See all

Erik is awesome. He did color and highlights for me and I was still getting compliments six months later. He's a very no-BS kind of person, but funny as hell and fun to chat with, and very down to earth. If you're looking for a super girly salon, this isn't your place, but if you're looking for someone who knows what he's doing and does an awesome job every time, call Erik. He works on all ethnicities of hair, too, and does a great job with both men's and women's haircuts. I always love hearing the reggae music he plays too. (Oh, and cash is your best bet.) read more

It's not a Salon or Barbershop it's a lifestyle! Erik is an artist and knows what you need. If your looking for a quick hair cut go to supper cuts but if you looking for the best in cutting edge style (no pun intended) see Erik. read more

Salon Shampu - Hair cut holds up in very turbulent conditions! - Hair Salons Near Me - Long Beach, California

I was tired of wearing my curly hair back all the time so, based on the good reviews, went to see Angie for a haircut. I have tight curls and my curls get frizzy and out of control without hair products. I NEVER liked going to salons (was terrified of them) b/c most stylists had no idea how to cut my hair properly...but Angie was great. She spent over an hour discussing my hair with me and what I wanted, then she gave me a great layered cut that I could wear down. She recommended certain hair products I could try (she does not sell any from her salon...so there is no pressure to buy). The BEST part is that it's a small salon and I am always in there alone, so there are no people staring at my crazy curls. Now, I have learned to embrace my curls and hardly ever wear my hair up anymore....I have never received so many compliments.I highly recommend her to anyone. read more

I live in Oakland, and traveled all the way to Long Beach to see Erik. Hands down the best haircut of my life. Erik cut my hair in July 2012, and I STILL get compliments now!! For the first four months of the cut, there wasnt a single day that I didnt get a positive comment. Erik made me feel so beautiful and confident in my natural hair. Forever grateful! :) read more

My hair is little short but it's growing on me. I love the haircut! The salon has character and a big comfy green couch while you wait. Love the music that was playing and made the experience all the more enjoyable. Thanks Erik! See you soon! read more

I'd like to start by saying I usually trust no one, I used to fly to NY to meet with my colorist and stylist, but hey, I'm not made of money so reality had to set in. Haven't let anyone touch my hair in over a year so I needed some love, stat. After searching high and low in Long Beach, I found Erik's shop and decided to just walk in this morning without an appointment. First and foremost, Erik is such a genuine, down to earth, smart and funny local business owner. He took me immediately, asked me what I was looking for, I showed him a couple of photos for reference and described how I usually handle my hair, treatment etc and he delivered 1000% while maintaining one of the best conversations I have ever had with a complete stranger. Extremely detail oriented, passionate and patient, Erik nailed my hair. I HAVE FOUND MY GO TO STYLIST IN LONG BEACH! Support local business. read more

I am so overdue on a review for Salon Shampu as it's been a year since my first fabulous haircut by Erik. Please let me back up here and explain that when someone has naturally curly hair that is thick and wild, using the word "fabulous" seldom applies to just any haircut. If I had a dollar for EVERY atrocious mess I've been left with since childhood I'd have a personal assistant writing this review but since it is not the case... Let me just say that Erik understands curly hair. I have paid fortunes to stylists who claim to be "curly hair specialists" and I walk out of the shop wearing a mullet or a triangular hairdo that would thrill Cleopatra. Erik cuts curly hair with confidence and experience because he loves that women embrace the hair that God gave them. Natural, voluptuous and sexy! Erik will make your hair feel just like what would belong to, as Aretha would say, "a natural woman." read more

Erik is extremely talented. Awesome hair cut! I won't let just anyone cut my hair. Erik understands my hair and suggestions perfectly. He actually listens and cares. Thank you soooooooooo very much! read more

After years of bad experiences...So happy I found Erik.... amazing appt... best trim/cut I've ever had! Beautiful style. He doesn't cover up ur natural beauty. .. He enhances it. Amazing artist! I definitely will return. read more

I feel lucky to have found Salon Shampu! I have just moved to Long Beach, and I was doing my first walkabout the city when I happened to walk by Salon Shampu. I was thinking " damn, I sure need to fix my ratched growing out hair" when Erik saw me looking in and we started to chat. 5 minutes later, I was in his chair. I described what I wanted, and asked if he wanted to see a pic, and he said, in his very laid back way "No, I think I got what you need". He gave me a condition to my over processed blonde hair, and started to work. He took alot of time, no rushing, and played great music, which makes it hard not to bob your head in time ( probably not too smart to do while getting a haircut, right?) I came out with the exact precision stacked, feathered bob I wanted!!!! Now I'm doing a happy dance! Thank-you Erik! Great salon, great price, great haircut and style. You rock! read more

10/10 would recommend. Erik got my hair right! I came in to trim my curls and I left with them looking better than they ever have before :)

Of course I was worried to go to someone new to cut my hair. I was looking for more than a trim and I had no idea what to expect. Erik and his salon get 5 stars from me. He did a great job on my hair. It is shorter than I thought I wanted it, but turns out, it is BETTER than I thought it would look. He knew exactly what to do and I couldn't be happier. I WILL be going back to him when the time comes, I can't wait to get some color in my hair by him. He has a great sense of what will (and does) look good!!!! Go see him! You won't be disapointed! P.S. He's very nice, and funny! read more

Erik is AMAZING. I ha never cut my hair before and it was well past my butt. I decided that it was time to cut it so I searched and looked on Yelp and asked people and decided to go with Erik. When I called he seemed nice on the phone and so I made an appointment. I had no real idea what I wanted or how I would look and I was terrified. My hair came out beautiful!!! He really knows what he is doing and is very nice. And his dog, Vidal (a little shitzu-poodle mix) is the cutest most well behaved dog I've seen in a while. He is a very personable and knowledgeable stylist and I have been recommending him non-stop to my friends in the area. I will definitely come back again! read more

Erik has been doing my hair since I was 14! I'm 29 now and relocated to the bay area and still come to see him anytime I get a chance. He is AMAZING he does my moms hair and has done my grandmas as well. The best stylist to touch my hair EVER read more

I should start off by saying I've tried 2 other salons in the area (one also on Broadway, and the other on 2nd street) and wasn't extremely satisfied like I was at shampu. I absolutely loved my experience here! I'm very particular about my hair so I was a little wary of going somewhere that i had only seen on yelp but I was so happy! I got full highlights and they were exactly the color I wanted; not overprocessed at all and the perfect shade!! I showed Erik a picture of what I wanted and he nailed it!! Not only was the hairstyling flawless but he is amazing company! He was so friendly from the beginning and I felt like I had been going to him forever! He made me feel comfortable and I trusted him right away which I think is extremely important and rare in hairstylists!! All in all I would recommend him to ANYONE!! I'm Definitely going back soon for a trim! read more

Well I LOVE my hair! Eric hooked it up with a fab new look and good conversation. Cute & quaint little shop that comes with an adorable toe licker "vidal" (erics dog-such a sweetie)...this was a pleasurable experience all-around, oh except for one thing... Which is why its only given 4 stars (cuz his work is worth more, but this pissed me off...) Ssssoooo, you know how u can buy yelp deals? Well they have one here at shampu posted for $75 for $50. So I buy this prior to coming in thinkin im saving myself $25 right? Well thats what I get for thinking. So Eric tells me thats only for head massage, flat iron, etc. im sorry usually when I pay $150 for color, they flat iron & massage me, so basically the yelp deal is useless!! Save ur $ just pay him directly. Yea I love my hair but I just spent $233 on it so I betta! $50 on that stupid coupon, $150 on the color, $30 on a tip and $3 on parking. Yes, feed the parking meters in front! bring cash also,no cards accepted.. bring quarters or change for parking read more

Angie is the best, I deemed her and Shampu worthy of my first review. I searched Yelp for reviews of stylist in my area, and took a chance with Angie, no regrets! She is a busy gal, but you sit in her chair & she is totally devoted to you and your mop. She will suggest her thoughts for your hair, and will listen to yours as well. Come to an agreement, and just let her do her thing. There was no tude, she isn't supper fu-fu trendy that thinks her shit smells of roses . She also emailed me what products & styling devices to consider buying so I could better style my doo at home. Hair feels healthy, cute cut.....she's a keeper. Oh, and the salon is really cute and intimate. She and her co-partner in the business share it, and it's almost like your own private hair session. They offer wine too, if you opt for getting buzzed while getting buzzed. read more

I saw Angie for the first time about a month ago... and she is AMAZING!! I had previously had several bad haircuts/colors which left me with so many short layers i was almost sporting a mullet... luckily angie saved me without having to chop off too much length. She figured out our "game plan" first, telling me exactly what she was going to do; i've never been to a stylist who was so thorough. She is almost hair stylist/therapist... she's super easy to just pour your guts out too. I've always felt a little akward making small talk with my stylist, especially when i'm doing the full cut/color thing- but with angie i felt like i was chatting with an old friend... i'm already looking forward to my next appt. read more

I had a head full of beautiful dredlocks for 15 years and Eric is the only person I trusted to captain my transition into my next hair era! The salon was closed the day I decided and Eric came in especially for me! As you can imagine, it was quite a big step in my life and I was nervous. He made me feel so comfortable and so at ease. I came in a with no ideas. He totally took control and gave me the most AWESOME hair cut. Anyone on the street would have never known I hadn't had super short hair all my life. I felt so beautiful and magnificent when I left there that it radiated from the inside out. He really is into building healthy hair and it shows in his technique, products he uses, and the environment he creates in the salon. He is a master artisan and spiritual hair care guru! Thank you so much Eric! read more

I found Erik on the internet after searching for a local stylist in Long Beach. I love the fact that he keeps it real, does not censor himself, and tells you like it is when it comes to healthy hair, supporting our black people alike, and how crazy music has gotten today -- and what we must do to maintain that natural state of our hair as black women. He is the only one who responded to my email of many that I sent to other Long Beach stylists who have not returned any of my voice mails, texts, or emails. I went for a wash, conditioning, and flat ironing. He gave me a protein treatment, pressed and flat ironed my hair, gave me a super cool hair style...really hooked me up. I loved the music playing, reminded me of growing up in the old days. I'm going back next week and he week after that. He is now a part of my hair journey. Thanks, Erik. read more

Salon Shampu in downtown LBC is the best (562) 544-0264. Erik has been doing my hair for a year now & I'm not interested in going elsewhere. I'm a very satisfied with the quality of overall service. I would recommend him to anyone. read more