These two curly experts know exactly how to care for your tresses, I trust them implicitly!

Went for curly cut with Antoinette. I was 10 minutes late (I wouldn't recommend this. If you drive, give yourself ample time to find parking). Place is cozy but you and your stylist have adequate space. Appreciated the "tea room" where you can change, hang your coat, and grab a snack and/or beverage. Cut was phenomenal and Antoinette was efficient but friendly. read more

I spent years looking for a stylist who specialized in curly hair and was devastated when she changed occupations and wasn't cutting hair anymore. It took years to find someone who knew how to treat curly hair with respect and now she was gone. After months of research, I decided on STrUT Salon in Oakland. I was considering them already when a woman I know posted a picture of her new style, that sealed the deal. I chose the first available appt and I have to say favor was shining upon me when I chose Carmen. Carmen was patient, calm, knowledgeable, and very easy to talk with. I almost spilled my life story she has such an amazing demeanor. Mostly, she knows hair and did a phenomenal job. She treated my hair with such care and patience, I really felt respected. I LOVE my new hair and am happy I found my new hair person Try them out. read more

STrUT - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Absolutely thrilled to have found Antoinette! As a boy mom to a wild two-year-old, my hair usually lives in a "mom bun" - a style that's more functional than fab. Antoinette totally got it. She gave me real talk about my inspo pics and what we could actually achieve with my hair type (honestly, thank you!). I'm all about low maintenance, and she showed me game-changing tips I'd never heard before, from finger brushing to how NOT emulsifying my product might be the root of all my hair drama leading to loads of buildup! And who knew styling cream could go on in the shower? One visit with her, and I'm feeling like a new me. And the cut? Exactly what I needed to bring my hair back to life. Can't wait to come back in a few months - thank you, Antoinette! read more

This was a long awaited (and overdue) haircut at Strut. I've been wanting to visit Antoinette for years. I finally did today and she did not disappoint! The salon is very nice and well decorated. I love the different robes they have for clients to put on. Antoinette is so nice and professional. She was able to give me an amazing haircut despite me not bringing any example pictures. She somehow was able to understand my vague descriptions and hand gestures to give me a cut that I absolutely love. It helped that she asked me very specific questions and showed me how it was going to make sure I was still okay with it. She took my sad curly hair shape and gave it new life and bounce. If you're a fellow curly girl or boy, you won't be disappointed letting Antoinette give your curls a trim. Maybe you won't want to take the risk I did and show up without reference pictures but either way, you'll leave happy! read more

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I was referred to them by a friend. Her hair looks fabulous, so I was excited to give them a try. It's annoying to have to make a whole profile just to see scheduling. The stylist I selected is very popular, so I had to book a ways out. I was counting down to my haircut. Then, the week before, I got a text from the stylist canceling it - without offering a new date. I don't like that. It suggests raggedy customer service to me. And for a $200 haircut, I expect PRISTINE customer service. Those prices require perfection, going above & beyond. Also, the stylist apparently didn't cancel the appointment in the system because I kept getting reminders. If YOU are canceling the appointment, why isn't it canceled? Why would I be doing any administrative work? Something about that seems off altogether. They'd already lost me with the cancellation text. Also, I don't like the predatory pricing for Black haircare services from this current generation of stylists, especially natural hair. It's giving anti-blackness. read more

Arrived early for a cut and color with Carmen only to discover shop is closed despite a confirmation text for July 12 10:30 am. OK NEXT! When I tried contacting the salon I got a message that voicemail was full. We'll guess I just saved $300 read more

STrUT - Door to business - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Carmen has been my stylist for over12 years. She is a true artist, amazingly talented! Her technique is flawless every time and the haircut looks great for months. I don't know how she does that. She works with all genders and hair types. read more

I got my curly hair cut by Carmen a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely loved the experience. Historically, I've always left salons feeling disappointed with the results, but I felt like Carmen really listened to me and also educated me on how to care for my curls. I loved her energy -- she's so kind and laid back and easy to talk to. The salon is also very cute and cozy. I'd highly recommend this business and Carmen's services, and will definitely be back! read more

I am super sensitive about having my hair cut, and I had the best experience at STrUt!! I had my appointment with Antoinette, and felt the care and attentiveness from the moment I got there. We talked about my hair goals, current routine, and everything. Antionette literally understood my struggles and hair needs. I've already referred them to my family and friends lol. I'm looking forward to my next appointment and going on my curly hair journey with them! The shop is beautiful and so clean! They're Covid safety protocols are on point. Thank you Antoinette/STrUT. read more

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The ladies at Strut have been a huge blessing in helping my natural hair thrive. I've been going to this salon for nearly a year and a half and have received 4 cuts and 1 coloring session. Whether visiting Carmen or Antionette, both stylists take ample time to understand you, your texture, what you want (bring pictures!), and your lifestyle before touching a pair of scissors. When it is time to begin, they cut curl by curl on dry hair first to achieve a cut that works for your natural texture. This is then touched up after a wash and styling. While Strut hair cuts are great, what I most appreciate is the time both Antionette and Carmen take to educate you on how to care for your hair. With each visit I learn tips to help me better manage my hair: from how to best apply leave in to products recommendations for my texture to hairstyles to preserve curls during workouts. My hair feels healthier than ever and my curls have never had more definition. I have and will continue to recommend this salon to all Bay Area curlies. Keep up the great work ladies!! read more

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I love STRUT and I recommend it to any curly girl whenever I can! I have been going to this salon for over a year and my hair has never looked/felt better. The pricing is reasonable and you really can't go wrong with either stylist, Antoinette or Carmen. Both are wonderful and so sweet. They make you feel special when you come in by providing a fabulous robe and are very attentive to you during the appointment (ever been stuck under the dryer for hours? Not here) I book Carmen specifically because I like to add color. Let me say, Carmen is a magician with color! When I first came in, I had box highlights that had turned the dreaded copper color and dead ends for days from skipping haircuts for the last few years. I came in wanting curly bangs and blond highlights. Carmen listened to what I was looking for and gave me expert advice on what would look good and tips on how I would maintain the style (skipping appointments for months on end? That's a no-no) I came out with the most beautiful blend of icey blond highlights and bouncy curls! Each highlight was meticulously placed on individual curls for depth with none out of place. Like I said, I've been going to this salon for over a year now. I currently rock a short curly cut. Carmen made me feel so comfortable with my hair and her as a stylist that I trusted her to help me switch it up and go short for the first time in my life! I am loving it and can't wait to continue my hair journey at this salon! read more

STrUT - Short cut and color by Carmen - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Omg! Fabulous. Last month I had a Curly Cut by Antionette. She is so knowledgeable about hair! I've had my hair done by several folks in the area and this was truly one of the best. Antionette is such a skilled artist! And I was grateful for all the hair care suggestions too. I look forward to my next appointment in a few months! read more

I love my cut. Before my hair had been growing wildly. Split ends. No-'scaping layers. But I didn't care enough to step into a salon. Hair still looked good. I am sure a lot of women can relate. Salons have just traumatized me since after my "big chop" in 1998. Untrained stylist or trained stylist who are not good listeners have kept me far away from salons. The only times I have returned was for a blow out and for my wedding 'do, and those blowouts I can count on 3 fingers and just one wedding. So, here comes Antionette, referred by two of my naturally curly friends. Antionette listens and delivers. She is friendly, skilled, and patient and I walked out of there feeling HAWT. Now I will say that I had very high expectations going in. Why shouldn't I? I was also not so clear with what I wanted. I know my ends were old (almost 20 years since my last hair cut) and that I was going to lose length, but it was gonna be worth it for healthy, poppin' curls. Before my Strut cut, my hair was easily waist length when straight and well past shoulders as curly. I explained to Antionette that I want to get shape, some layers and keep my length--for the most part. We communicated a bit via social media prior to. I think a little more communication would have put me at ease prior to my appointment, but I know stylists are busy. So I understand. The booking was pretty straight-forward except that for some reason the consultation and the cut I booked were swapped, so it looked like I was to have the cut b4 the consult. I just pinged Ant. and she had caught it. No problem. I can't stress enough the importance of a thorough consult. It is on you and your stylist to come to an understanding of what you really want. You may be speaking the same language but different dialect. Just take your time and be patient with them and yourself before you get started. We both did that. Excellent. Moving on. Some salons I have been to will do a deep condish with the service and others you have to ask for it. Here you have to ask. There could be an extra charge. Get stuff like this sured up before you arrive so expectations are cool. I didn't ask while I was there. Pros: -Antionette can cut some hair and some curly black lady hair at that. I am thrilled. -Very friendly -Imparts hair care and Hair style knowledge -Doesn't try to push her hair-philosophies on you -Patient and professional -$90 for a curly girl haircut seems good to me Cons: -Felt rushed at the end when I was under the dryer. I was the last appt of the day on a Thursday. Left mostly dry and felt fab. -Communication leading up to appt could have been better. -Would have loved more "new-client-have-not-set-foot-in-a-salon" sharing of hair care tips, products, hair styling tips, etc. Learnings: -Schedule for earlier in the day, like with surgeries and medical procedures -Bring my own "styling product" for next time. I liked hers, but mine defines my curl better -Ask if the service includes a deep conditioning treatment I do my hair once a week, so I need to get all my treatments in and the style has to hold. Antionette suggest every 4-5 days. I will try it! :-) read more

STrUT - A great cut from Antionette---no dye. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I got a Deva cut!! Meaning next time you see me, my curls will be On.Point.Hunty!! (Clap-Snap-Twirl) Yaaas bitches, my curls are finally going to flourish! I am stoked and felt very educated by Carmen on how to keep my curls shiny and she didn't even try to sell me on her product even though I asked what she was using, she just told me to try out the methods she just taught me to keep my curls shiny and bouncy. I've managed to maintain my hair and have gotten many compliments on my new waves and shine! ((head twirls)) Wooo Yeaaa! I cannot wait till it grows out some.. my old cut was stunting my curl growth so, I feel like I'm on the right track now and am so excited that folks told me about Carmen in my curl crisis! :) read more

I was super excited to get a haircut here after seeing all the good reviews, but unfortunately the cut did not live up to my expectations. Not only was my stylist almost 40 minutes late to my appointment, the layers in my hair were so uneven I had to have my partner fix my haircut (over $200) when I got home. read more

I had my first haircut with Antionette yesterday and I have to say she is amazing. I am admittedly a SUPER challenging client when it comes to curly cuts--I've just had too many haircuts that have made me cry. I was so nervous going into the appointment, but now that I'm on the other side of I trust Antionette 100%. Antionette really listened to what I wanted. She took the time before the appointment to get a sense of what I was looking for (she even asked me to send photos the night before). She also listened during the appointment and made adjustments, which was really important for me because it was hard for me to describe exactly what I wanted (and didn't want) at the beginning. I walked out of STrUT yesterday feeling beautiful and confident, and I woke up this morning to a haircut that really works for me. Super grateful--highly recommend! read more

FINALLY, thankfully(!) after looking for a good curly hair cut I found Antoinette. A is super down to earth, a great listener, and spent time with me. Whereas I've felt rushed @ other salons (v thick hair takes a minute) A seriously made me feel like I was at a spa. I can't believe she brought me tea and put me in a silk robe for the price. For someone with anxiety after bad hair cuts I left Strut with a smile and no tears Thanks, A! read more

STrUT - Antoinette not only listens to what you want, she has the scissor skills and artist eye to make it happen - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I cannot praise this establishment and stylist (Carmen) enough. Ambience: ADORABLE and clean boutique-like salon that has a cozy feel, but still upscale. And can we talk about the music selection that's always relaxing my spirit!?! Moving on... Customer service: Carmen is oh so sweet as apple pie. Every time I get offered tea or water. She is beyond accommodating, as I needed to charge my iPhone one visit and she gladly provided . She's always punctual. Always communicative. Always personable. Service: I. Love. My. Hair. I get the deva cut every time, and every time, I feel more fly than an eagle, hunty. She talks me through hair care, pre and post. And she is soooooo knowledgeable. My friend referred me so I referred a friend and I hope the trend continues because this is worth every penny. I can't help but STrUT my stuff after every visit!!! read more

STrUT - All three of us after our last visit! Two deva cuts and one cut w/ bangs and styled. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Carmen is a curly girl genius. I visited Carmen in December for a maintenance trim and like many curly girls, I dread "the cut" mainly because I get used to styling my hair a specific way and after a cut, the shape is different. Since my hair cut which was about a month ago, my hair has been looking flawless. My curls are ultra-defined the shape is perfect. I've never had this much success with a haircut. Carmen's talent and skill are one of a kind and I highly recommend her to my 3c/4a chicas. It is so comforting to have someone slay my curls and color and not have to sit there worried. Pro - Tip: Book early! I don't even leave her chair without scheduling my next appointment. read more

I had the opportunity to speak with Antionette after I wrote my review and went in for a make up appointment. It completely met and exceeded my expectations with both the consultation and then the cut itself. There had been a mix up with appointment availability and the salon was completely closed the week of my previous appointment - and they took the opportunity to paint etc. An understandable oversight and I'm beyond happy with both my conversation with Antionette and the cut! read more

Antionette is Amazing! She listens and had wonderful professional and creative solutions for my "I don't know what to do with" mixey hair:) Excellent cut. Beautiful clean and friendly salon. Would def recommend Strut for my Curly friends! Thankyou Antionette read more

I am a fine-straight-haired (1B) woman with who walked in with hair reaching all the way to my butt. By the time I walked out I had the side shave, many layers, and an a-symmetrical cut that I had been dreaming of. I go through a cycle of growing my hair out very long- then drastically cutting it and keeping it short for a few years. Most of the time my length-cut is carried out by someone who seems daunted by the sudden change- and despite my asking for a more interesting-edgy cut usually ends up giving me a conservative version of what I asked for. Carmen was not afraid, and she was exactly what I was looking for in a hair stylist. We talked through all the different things I wanted from the haircut, and what I could realistically expect my hair to do- and with what products. She gave me a cut that could have the look I wanted, with the work I am willing to do (I am not a hair curler, or half-hour prep woman) and I love it! I have been getting compliments for days and I highly recommend STrUT and Carmen in particular to anyone looking for an awesome haircut! read more

STrUT - My new hair cut! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been seeing Carmen since 2017 and love my cut every time. Carmen and Antionette are authentic and kind and the salon always feels warm and cozy. Highly recommend for curly cuts. read more

Carmen is my new bestie! My new curly cut and color is everything! I was referred to her by my curly headed bestie who did not lie when she said "they're BOTH amazing" I'll definitely be returning read more

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Terrible service and lack and professionalism, it was so hard to find a salon i felt comfortable going to but unfortunately the service i got was not worth enduring the unsatisfactory customer service i had to tolerate. read more

Definitely the place to go for all textures of hair...especially my type 7 kinks! Even better, the salon is owned by two young, gorgeous, unpretentious, and professional black women...ummm YES!! In the past, I've gone to salons where there is usually only one black stylist. The stares and questions when I'd come out from under the dryer looking like Ms. Celie could be a bit uncomfortable to say the least. Even better, they're honest and up front about their costs. Finally, gone are the days where a Press n' Curl with a trim will run you upwards of $300 - $400. Antoinette is my stylist. She knows her stuff when it comes to natural hair and she is always eager to please... which is nice since I'm generally conservative (and picky) when it comes to my look (think Condoleezza Rice meets Beyoncé). My only criticism (besides her being way prettier than me) is timeliness: Man...there is nothing more embarrassing than standing out on Piedmont Avenue in your post-braid afro, waiting for your stylist to show up. Although, that only happened once...and I'm over it...kinda ;-) That said, you can book your appointments online which is a major bonus and you can always call or drop in for an appointment. The atmosphere is friendly, upbeat, fun, and just all around great. This is a MAJOR bonus for the Piedmont and Oakland community. read more

I got highlights done By Carmen and I love them! She's been caring for my hair for a while now and getting my curls healthy and hydrated. She's also amazing at blow drying my hair. She does an amazing job on all hair types!! read more

STrUT - Highlights and blow dry styling done by Carmen - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Love going to this salon! Super friendly people, great music, and great service. The cost for a wash and cut is pretty standard. They use an online appointment system which I've found super useful for scheduling reoccurring sessions (though I really don't go that often). They've also been very flexible when I've had to reschedule last minute. Carmen has been amazing and always really helpful brainstorming with me about when I don't know what I want, which is pretty often. I highly recommend this location! Check them out. You won't be disappointed. read more

Antoinette was nice enough but the curly haircut I received was not worth the cost for me.

Today I accompanied my adult daughter to her first appointment for a curly girl haircut with Antionette at STrUT salon. I have was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and comfortable the salon feels. It's small and cozy. I loved the atmosphere. Antoinette is a true professional and she has a calming vibe that let us know she was listening and really cared about haircutting as an art form. She never seemed rushed but instead made us feel welcomed and cared for. Curly hair can be challenging. But Antoinette carved out the perfect (I do mean perfect) curly girl haircut for my beautiful daughter. I was so impressed that I'm considering trying my luck with my natural curls. If you want true professionalism, great knowledge about the do"s and donts for curly hair, I would highly recommend Antionette. We already have our next appointments! read more

Synopsis: Recommend! Dets.: I became acquainted with Antoinette and STrUT when she styled my hair for a fashion show. I found her warm, engaging, and knowledgeable about hair (mine happens to be locked). She suggested I come to STrUT for color, and I'm happy I did. I've had my hair highlighted twice and will return when I'm ready for a refresh. My color has not faded or become brassy. Highly recommend. read more

I never actually tried Strut because it was too difficult to make a simple appointment. I was told I needed to provide my credit card information and create an account. All that just to find out if there were available times to be seen!?! I found another place to go that was more than happy to provide times and options with no hassle or additional commitment, and most importantly my credit card. Clearly this place isn't interested in new clients. read more

So happy to have found Strut! Antoinette rocks! She has changed my hair care regimen completely to a healthier version of what I had been used to. My curly hair has never looked better. read more

I love, love, love STrUT. Carmen is my stylist and I *adore* her. She has done my hair for years, always great and willing to listen to me and help me explore. The vibe of STrUT is warm, welcoming and fun. Both Carmen & Antoinette are friendly, caring and talented women. They are also friends, and their friendship draws you in and makes you feel like one of the gals too. I love coming here. Not only to I get a great Haircut (and Dye Job, as I rock Purple hair permanently), I get to relax and have a 'therapy' session with Carmen and Antoinette. While I was pregnant they were both attentive and made me feel sexy and awesome. They allowed and encouraged me to bring my baby with me to my first cut post, because else my locks would have gotten even more ragged. And it was so sweet and wonderful, and they were thrilled to see him. I always recommend them, and I get complimented on my hair for months and months after I go in. read more

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Antoinette was so knowledgeable about natural curly hair and gave me great insight into my hair and how to hydrate it more. I'd been looking for a place to really hydrate and activate my curls and I got that. I loved that she didn't make me feel like my hair was unhealthy or damaged while doing it. She was sure that I was satisfied and the environment was extremely comfortable and professional! Loving my curls! read more

I'm so glad that I did my Yelp research and came cross STrUT, and, more specifically, Carmen. I'd been looking for a salon for quite some time that did curly and textured hair in the East Bay (harder to find than you'd think), so I was happy and optimistic to discover the nice reviews for STruT. Carmen was wonderful! I took my teenage son (with super thick, over grown hair) for his first professional haircut, and Carmen was lovely with both of us. She was sweet, warm, patient and also respectful of my son's style preference, which differed from mine. Carmen had a no-pressure, calming demeanor that put my nervous son at ease, and she knows what she's doing. She used great products, took her time to gently massage and finger detangle my son's hair and explained proper curly hair care and maintenance to him. He left untraumatized and looking good with soft, shiny, hydrated poppin' curls. I enjoyed the private, intimate layout of the salon and the orange vanilla tea that she offered me while I awaited. I'll definitely take him back again and will happily book my own appointment in the future. read more

Soooooo AWESOME! Antoinette is a miracle worker for curls. I have thick hair which is hard to manage. She thoroughly explained anything she was doing and gave me the tools to maintain my curls. I'm one that is very skeptical about who I let touch my hair but she will be my go to from now on! Will definitely be back. read more

TLDR: This is the best haircut I've ever gotten in my life, and I will be back. If you have curls and want to look good, you better get here too. My recent move from NYC to the Bay Area happened to coincide with the realization that my extremely fine, fairly long, and very dead 3B hair was a hot a** mess. I had spent the better part of the last 4 years growing out hair dye, relaxers, Brazilian blowouts, weave breakage, and just bad decisions all around to get back to my natural color and texture, but after a harrowing experience in a Dominican salon last year that I've loving dubbed the NBC or "Nonconsensual Big Chop" I was, understandably, more than a little shook about sitting back down into stylist's chair and watching my hard won inches get whacked away. Alas, unless I wanted to never wear my hair down ever again, something had to be done, so I went where all seekers go to find, and, by the power of Google, I happened upon STrUT Salon and Miss Carmen in particular. I rarely write reviews, BUT Carmen is a magician. She is such a magician that I seriously debated whether or not to write this review and share her magic with other people but I meditated on it and realized (1) I'm a good person and (2) Carmen is an exceptional stylist who's gift must be shared with the world if I'm to gain karma credits. To start, I appreciate a salon with an efficient electronic booking system. I made the mistake of not understanding that the consultation didn't allow for me to get a haircut after, but note that you have to book both the cut and the consultation but the consultation is free. I came in on a Saturday for my consultation and Carmen made me feel instantly comfortable because it was extremely clear she knew what she was talking about. I didn't really know what I was going for, but Carmen is a great listener and really talked me through the cut and long term plan to get the vibe. I really wanted to get the cut after meeting her but she was booked (duh) so I made an apt for the next week, and got a google cal invite while I was in the chair -- yay efficiency! The cut. GURL, I look amazing. I was a devacurl poo-pooer before this (they always looked crunchy and 90s mousse-mistake to me for some reason) but Carmen has me converted. She convinced me (not pushed me) to get more layers and go a little shorter up top, and I'm so glad she did. The salon is super cute and clean--a great place to relax and beautify--plus the whole apt took a little over an hr from start to finish (amazing for someone who's spent hours in a past life slowly perishing from lack of nutrients and dehydration in black hair salons). Carmen educated me along the way on how to care for my new bomb curls, used great products that I was glad to purchase there, and she's just an overall sweet, cool person. I didn't get any color but will do so in the future. The sis who walked out of her chair before me had this dope purple/blue/indigo lusciousness going on, so I'm confident Carmen can handle some honey highlights. read more

I'm always looking for stylists who can "deal with" my curly hair. I followed Carmen from one Salon to this one. I love the location and the intimate feel of STrUT, but mostly I'm grateful to know someone who can listen to me well, in regard to what I want, and produce a great haircut that lasts for a while. My daughter also comes with me to get her haircut here...between dying her hair pink and choosing unique styles, she's never been disappointed. Parking can feel like a barrier to dealing with the Piedmont location, but I've never had issues when I go off the main street and don't mind walking a block...and window shopping on Piedmont is always a plus! read more