I've been seeing Nick for a couple of years now, and I swear he's part stylist, part magician. He took me from a deep red to a blonde without the slightest bit of damage--something I didn't even think was possible. My hair has stayed healthy, shiny, and somehow even better than when we started. One of the things I appreciate most is how intuitive he is. Every appointment, he checks in about what's going on in my life, what vibe I'm leaning toward, or what "season" I feel like I'm in. He always manages to find the shade or cut that fits exactly where I am--whether I need something bold, soft, low-maintenance, or just something that feels like a reset. Nick has a way of making the whole experience calm and enjoyable. He listens, he suggests without pushing, and he makes you feel like your hair is in the best possible hands. I always leave feeling lighter, fresher, and a little more myself. :) read more

Found my new hair guy and so timely for my birthday too. Thanks Nick for being patient with me even when I didn't know what I was asking for. Love that we got there. And love the vibes as well, like a hidden secret... that you'll be glad you found. read more

Stowaway Studio - Love my new hair! Grey and all. - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

I absolutely love love my hair and here's a little update. It's been a journey to grow my hair out but it was so worth the wait. I get tons of compliments from literal strangers going out of their way to let me know my hair looks amazing which feels amazing because i'm postpartum. Anyway book with Nick and trust the process. =) read more

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When I say Nick transformed my hair within 2 hours I'm not joking. It went from frizzy and lifeless to shiny with gorgeous variation (low lights and baby lights). It is truly the best cut and color I've gotten. He is masterful with his technique and very easygoing. I definitely would highly recommend Nick and will be back. read more

Stowaway Studio - The back looks amazing! - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

I am in love with Nick and his skills. Before anything, he's a beautiful human being I showed him my inspiration pictures and he absolutely nailed it. I've never met anyone who could perfect exactly what I envisioned. It's been maybe around 3 weeks, it's lightened up now but still looks gorgeous. Here is a pic a week after. Thank you so much Nick see you soon! read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

Ok so my wife has been going to a hair salon in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a few years now. She decided to switch hair stylists as her previous stylist was changing appointment times last minute and always unavailable when my wife needed a touch up coloring for an important thing, like a job interview, or an event. It got to be upsetting when every time she called her stylist was out of town or couldn't see her for this reason or that. So we found Nick here on Yelp and he had fantastic reviews. We pulled up and we passed the location on first go around. Stowaway is a good name lol.its kind of hidden in a red cabin like building. When i first saw Nick from my van I thought to myself, this is kind of a rough place. There is a tatoo place in a nearby cabin and Nick looked like a biker guy or a buff barber, he honestly appeared kind of intimidating at first glance but you know he had great reviews so it just goes to show you really can't judge a place or person by their looks. I can't comment on the experience of the process as I don't get my hair colored and i did not receive the service personally but when my wife came out I literally kept saying "wow, your hair looks so good" "it looks much more natural and so nice." I've been with my wife for 8 years now and this is the best her hair has ever looked. I'm seriously blown away. See the photos for yourself. I'm very impressed! read more

Stowaway Studio - Photo 2 of "grey coverage" - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

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Nikolas is amazing! He transformed my roots from a shocking orange into the perfect blonde and gave me a fabulous new cut. I've already received so many compliments! Beyond being a talented stylist, he's also warm and wonderful to be around. After my longtime hairdresser retired, I tried others and came up short--Nikolas is definitely the one! read more

Stowaway Studio - Before: shocking orange roots; After: lovely overall blonde tone :) - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

Nick is great. He always has great suggestions and listens to my needs. I would highly recommend him. Always on time and very efficient. You won't find a better hair stylist. read more

Stowaway Studio - Winter melt. - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

11/25 9:08 am response to changed reply to my review by Nickolas. Yes, you emailed to tell me you are having personal problems. No, I'm not removing my review. Yes, your first reply to my review was that it was fake. You removed that reply. Now you have a different reply to my review. Accept the review and move on. Original review - I went to this stylist several times because I initially liked his technique, but over time I noticed some consistent issues that didn't work for me. Even when I asked for a trim, he cut significantly more than I wanted, and I lost quite a bit of length I was trying to maintain. The atmosphere also felt passive-aggressive at times, which made the experience uncomfortable. I've decided not to return. *11/20/25 at 7:50pm this is not a fake review, Nickolas. I edited my review to add this to my review and your response. If anyone is wondering about my review or who I am you can also find me on Google and there is my photo. I also reviewed you on Google too. Shame on you for lying. read more

I paid hundred and hundreds of dollars for hair color. The end result looked like a grown out botched home hair dye job. He said he thought it looked beautiful. It was so bad I was embarrassed to go out in public. I have had to spend more money elsewhere to try and fix it. No offer from him. He can't seem to accept that a client of his might be unhappy with his work. My money, my hair; I do not recommend him. Re his comment: I emailed you about the outcome and this is was exactly your response. Why am I not surprised with your response that this is a "fake review". Very tellling. read more

Nickolas has been so incredible to both me and my hair! Previously, I jumped from salon to salon never feeling the right fit. Nickolas is not only an expert artist/chemist, but is so easy to talk to and has so much depth and personality. I wish I could go more often, it's such a privilege to be taken care of each visit. I typically show him a few photos and verbally express what I'm hoping for- and then I let the experience reveal itself because he is truly is an expert and a gem of a human being. His cottage is so fun, funky and comfortable, and he is always willing to do what is asked or offer his expert guidance. You can't go wrong with Nickolas. Truly. read more

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I always am left satisfied and OBSESSED with my hair every time I go to Nickolas! I now have the blonde I've always wanted read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

Every morning when I'm getting ready for work I am so thankful for Nickolas and Stowaway Studio. I feel like between work & family I don't have time to spend getting myself ready in the mornings. Nickolas is able to cut my hair in a way that is easy to manage & fits my busy schedule & professional role. Each visit he asks what I'm looking for, is able to give me suggestions, and offers tips for styling my hair when I'm in a rush - which is almost always. My hair is so easy to manage, and even after months, it continues to fall nicely into place with minimal effort. read more

Nickolas is a very skilled and experienced stylist! He is easy to work with and share ideas, and clearly a person to trust with your hair. I have curly hair and can speak to how he is especially skilled with natural curly women's hair. Worth every penny and also a very sweet person. read more

I always get a great cut here. Nickolas is a pro and the atmosphere of the shop is always welcoming!

Nicholas is an excellent sylist and has had great training. He is competent, funny, talented, and a true asset for Aptos community!

Nicholas is the best! He has been my stylist for years and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Stowaway studio has a great vibe and you feel comfortable right away. He's professional asking questions and listening to what I ask for, and best of all I leave looking amazing! read more

Stowaway Studio - After toner and cut! - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

We took my mom here for a haircut and she loved it! Nice job on someone with shorter hair plus they had a lovely conversation. We only wish we found him sooner! read more

If you're looking for incredible color, styling, and conversation, Nick is your guy. When we first met 2 years ago, he fixed my terrible color job and taught me how to take proper care of my hair. It's now healthier than ever and he's been able to get me to the amazing shade of blonde I've always wanted. The best part is I'm usually in and out in 2 hours with full highlights, hair cut, and blow out - I used to spend 3+ hours in the chair. He's also an awesome human who is engaging and truly interested in his clients and their interests. Can't say enough good things about Nick, make an appointment and you'll see why. read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

I am SO HAPPY I found Stowaway Studio! Nick was so kind and enjoyable to work with. He listened to my hair wants, and while keeping it healthy, he gave me exactly the color/cut I have been wanting and no one else couldn't seem to do. His skills are incredibly evident! Having my hair done by $$$ salons all over the country, I'd arm wrestle you if you say there's a better hairstylist/artist that's more reasonably priced, kind, talented and skilled than Nick. read more

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Nick is the BEST! Wouldn't trust anyone else with my hair cut and color (I've made that mistake before and NEVER again) he's got the talent and eye to make you feel and look your best. The studio itself is welcoming and cozy, kick back, relax and let Nick work his magic! read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

nickolas is a master at his craft. he gave me the very best haircut of my life and i am EXTREMELY picky. i had waited a whole year to get my hair cut because my hair dresser was in italy where i was living and was too scared to have anyone touch my hair. my husband won't stop complimenting me on my new cut; nickolas kept the length and gave me the most flattering layers. he understands hair from the inside out and will educate you on how to care for your specific hair type. there is so much gatekeeping in this industry, but he is truly a genius and will inform you on the right products you should be using. he has a new client for life and i cannot wait to come back to get my hair highlighted. can't recommend him enough! thank you from the bottom of my heart read more

I had a great experience! Nick helped me choose a new color for my hair that best complimented my complexion and I love it! The haircut was great as well. Loving my new hair! He did a mahogany brown color which is stunning read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

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Love my new hair color and style! The studio is cool and so is Nick! Nick listens and knows hair!

Nickolas is an artist there's no doubt about it. The hairdresser I've been looking for my whole life, GO!

I moved to the Bay Area five years ago and it has seriously taken me that long to find someone I can truly trust with my hair. I've been through so many salons and stylists all saying they are "experts" with blonde hair and I've been let down over and over again. I've had my hair damaged beyond repair (cut back to a pixie twice), been left with chemical burns, over processed, under processed and everything in between. I had pretty much lost hope after moving to Monterey in 2021 and trying a couple of places in the area. That is, until I found Nickolas - he is truly an expert! He's knowledgeable, listens, and has given me exactly what I wanted and kept my hair healthy along the way. Nickolas is the real deal and I will never go anywhere else. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! read more

Stowaway Studio - Perfection! - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

Nick is a miracle worker. I don't spend money on nails. Or eyebrows. But what I WILL do is drive six hours across the state to see the one and only NICKOLAS JONES. You need to go see him. I have thick long hair and I've gone to so many people. Spent so much money. Been so frustrated in the past. But NICK omg. He is incredible. He is a true professional. He works so quickly and he is so fun. So passionate and SO GOOD. I showed him some photos and I was blown away w the results. Absolutely floored. We were both like HELLL YEAHHHHH!! And I learned a ton about the process as well! Super cool. I feel like it's a crime that he is in Santa Cruz. Instead of working in LA on celebrities like he did for many years. I have never been so grateful for a hairstylist in my life. He will change your life and your hair-- just how you want it. He's so fun to talk to and makes you feel soo comfy. If you are lucky enough to snag an appointment with him, do NOT miss out!! You are the BEST Nick!!! There's a reason why people fly and drive hours for him!! read more

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Nick is the absolute best at what he does. He is the ONLY person I trust to cut my long hair. I always leave the salon feeling soooooo gorgeous and satisfied with my cut. Here are some photos of my hair progress since meeting with Nick for the first time over 2 years ago read more

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Nickolas is a hair wizard! Thank you so much Nickolas I still can't believe you got me this blonde! Before and after pics included! read more

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Great first experience! I unfortunately came in with damaged hair due to a poor experience with another salon. He was honest, helpful, and will be taking care of my hair so we can repair it back to health. Looking forward to future visits. read more

Tried with high expectations but maybe not for Asian face, back side looks okay but fairly disappointed with the 1920s hair cut he did, and feel like now I need to wear hat for months. The cut was nothing like the 1920s I was shown from picture. There's no length check during the cut so it went a lot shorter than I thought. During hair wash he scrubbed my eye without asking too, I usually get asked about such things at other salons. read more

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I am not someone who visits Hair Salon's frequently. This visit was an attempt to give myself an extravagent treat. I am glad I chose Nick. The whole experience was really nice. Another reviewer mentioned the benefits of the salon having a single chair with no chitter chatter going on on each side of you. I have to agree to this. The studio is simple and quaint. There are no products lining the walls, no equipment hovering over you, no people walking in an out. It is just you and the hair stylist. I actually really like that. I came away with a great highlight and cut, I heard new music that I fell in love with, I explored a very interesting location, I met a very interesting person, had a great conversation and learned very simple techniques to training my hair. I didn't think I would be returning because this is not really in my budget but maybe I'm wrong. I have a feeling I will be back. :) read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

I've been going to Nick for the last 2 years. My hair has never looked and felt nicer! My hair is naturally brown and I love getting highlights. In the past I've definitely made a mistake of going to the wrong salons that damaged my hair. When I moved to Santa Cruz I wanted to make sure I found the best specialist and I'm very glad I found Nick. I also wanted to wait a bit before posting any reviews to see how my hair feels after a few visits. Nick takes the time to listen to my concerns and preferences. He also takes the time and effort to educate and explain about the products I'm using. He's super transparent about all the products he uses as well. The real testament to his skill is the how soft and healthy my hair looks and feels after visits! I've already booked my next appointment. read more

Almost 9 months since Nickolas has touched my hair!!!! I'm obsessed with how it's grown out (something I NEVER thought I would say!), and from the moment I left his chair to today, it's been so strong and so healthy despite the INSANE amount of product he had to use to transform this mane!!!! His technique and talent is pure magic! I'm excited to see what he does next Disclosure: Before I went to Stowaway, I had not let anyone touch my hair for almost 4 years!!!! I struggled for a long time to grow my hair out and to get my hair healthy and strong so I refused to see anyone unless they were top-tier... and let me just say, Nick is the real deal!!! Whether you're local, or not, he's most definitely worth your time and you will not leave disappointed read more

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100% recommend! First the location is beautiful. Nick is amazing and he took a great care of my hair including putting attention to the hair health while maintaining great color results. We did several sessions to get to the right color but my hair literally feels like silk and it was totally worth it. The vibe is awesome too! read more

My first time seeing Nick, it felt like I was catching up with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. Nick is super friendly, professional, and attentive to what I need every single time I step foot in the Stowaway Studio. Needless to say I've been coming here for a while now. Prior to my most recent visit, I let Nick know that I'd be getting married and needed to have my hair ready for all of the wedding photos we'd be taking in Maui (amazing trip, btw). I let Nick know I wanted to cut it a bit shorter (a month early) than usual to give it enough time to grow out for our wedding. He gave me the best cut I've had, and left me feeling confident for my wedding day and photo shoot. I'll be going to Nick as long as he'll have me. He's a great dude, I couldn't have asked for a better hair stylist. read more

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This review is long overdue !! Nick did an incredible job on my hair. I absolutely love the balayage, blonde tones and cut. He is beyond talented. 10/10. The salon is charming. It is tucked between redwoods and gives you a cozy vibe. read more

Always amazing service and I leave happy with my hair every time! I've been seeing Nick for years and refuse to let anyone else touch my hair. He's a master of his craft. The studio is so peaceful and surrounded by redwoods. I get a haircut with babylights and the color stays vibrant for months read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

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This is a long over due review for Nickolas who started styling my hair in 2022 and I was so happy to find someone with the skill level that Nickolas possesses. He is a true master stylist that gives the best haircuts I've ever received, crisp and precise I'm so obsessed! His blonde Balayage is amazing I love his placements and the color is always on point. I get so many compliments I can't express how much I appreciate his skill level and knowledge! read more

I've been going to Nick for over a year, and he's a true artist. He helped me transition to gray stylishly. He's also a good human and is kind and flexible. I'm glad I found him! read more

Stowaway Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Aptos, California