I gave The Last Resort 5 stars back in 2018 they are still as incredible as ever. I ended up having to drive to Salinas to see Adriana (my first stylist there) because she moved. I was unable to see her for a few months and the grey really went crazy - I had about 6" of grey roots growing out from a great set of highlights. This time I saw Jennica, and she knocked it out of the park! It was quite a job not only covering the grey, but making the highlights look like my hair grows out like that naturally - quite a feat. And, not only did she do a KILLER job, but the price was totally reasonable. I was thinking I might have to take out a second mortgage to pay for it. I'm thrilled with my hair and she deserves all of the 5 stars I'm giving her and The Last Resort. read more

I couldn't say enough GREAT things about Val and her team! I got married at the end of July, and we had a tough time finding someone to do hair and makeup. Luckily my planner found The Last Resort! I have long, straight hair that doesn't hold styles well, but I was intent on having romantic waves and curls on my wedding day. Val had me in the salon for a trial run on the day of our rehearsal dinner, and my hair held from about 10 in the morning, through the rehearsal dinner, and until I went to bed that night! The next day (wedding day!) Val and Judy (makeup) met me at the venue to get started. I had a couple of changes I wanted to make to my makeup, and Judy was very receptive and got me the exact look that I wanted. Meanwhile, Val got to work on my hair right away. She also did my (very shy) sister's hair and my (very emotional) mom's hair, and earlier that day had done hair for my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and friend! I was a little worried about timing, but I sent everyone's requests to Val, and she worked everything out perfectly. My mom was really fretting about her hair, but Val was so reassuring. She is truly skilled at working with hair AND with people! She helped us all feel at-ease and made our hair look beautiful. I'm new to the area, so this also set me up with a great contact for future hair needs. ;) I've already been back to Val for a haircut! read more

The Last Resort - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

Valerie was my life safer! I had a black tie wedding I was supposed to be attending on Friday. Things didn't go as planned for my original hair and make up so I called The Last Resort on Tuesday. Valerie and her make up artist was able to fit me in for that Friday morning. I forgot the make up artists name, I believe it is Judy, but they were both so great. So friendly and funny! I am not good at my hair or make up, so anything would have been good for me. But they made me look AMAZING! I had a great experience at the salon and will definitely be going back even for my normal hair cuts. I've attached a close up of my hair and make up! As for the salon itself. It was so clean and beautiful inside and out. Parking was right next to the building and a great location. I can't wait to go back! read more

The Last Resort - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

Valerie is amazing! She is warm and friendly she really listened to what I wanted. I had totally butchered my hair (thank you YouTube tutorials!) and my hair was in bad, desperate shape. In a short time, I felt completely comfortable with Valerie as she styled and cut my hair. In the past with OTHER stylists I always pay close attention to every cut just in case I need to stop them before something they cut too much. Not with Valerie. I felt quite at ease that she understood what I was hoping for in a hair cut and in the end, my hair was even better than I had imagined. Aside from such great service, my time with Valerie felt like I was visiting with a long time friend. I can't recommend Valerie enough and I look forward to going back! read more

First time visit, based on reviews, and Veronica did not disappoint! I was looking for a fresh new stylist and look. She was professional, welcoming, offered great advice. Made an appointment for follow up cut before I left. read more

I cannot say enough good stuff about Val! She bends over backwards to accommodate my strange hair requests and I always leave her place cuter and happier. I have actually fallen asleep in her chair after muttering something to the effect of, Just make it look cute, I trust you" and awoke with just the style I was looking for..only better and more refined. Did I aso mention she can read your hairs mind? She pours over your every detail like a mother cub and will plauck a stray eyebrow while she's in the neighborhood. I feel like she looks at the person as a whole and does all she can to help everyone achieve their best look. read more

Excellent job on my daughters first hair coloring job, she's been super proud !! Thanks for your patience and care!!! read more

The Last Resort - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

Valerie and Amy came out to Pema Osel Ling in Corralitos to do my bridal hair, my sister-in-law's hair, my flower girl's hair, my Co-Maids of Honors' makeup, and ultimately help create our picturesque looks for the best weekend ever! After doing a hair and makeup trial somewhere else, it was really important to me to find stylists who knew how to guide me (just cause you pin it doesn't mean it will work!), and who would exude confidence the day of. When our flower girl was missing for her hair session, Valerie kept the family calm. When my florist forgot to include extra flowers for my hair, Valerie went for a walk and found sweet, beautiful buds that looked like they were planned months in advance. I love me a resourceful vendor! By the time I had scheduled for my trial at Last Resort, there were only ten days before the wedding - not a lot of time for any changes in personnel so it was a bit of a risk. In meeting Valerie and Amy, though, I had full confidence that I had taken the "Last Resort." After a full trial somewhere else, I was ultimately turned off from having anyone else do my makeup, and even though it's certainly not the norm, Valerie and Amy were fine to at least do my makeup trial just so I could get my Co-MOHs' feedback for their looks. My Co-MOHs wanted to do their own hair, and Valerie and Amy were open (and not pushy in any way) with that, too. My flower girl's hair is tricky to style, but Amy's work stayed in place all night. (And remarkably, the FG stayed put very well while getting her hair done!) ...and there was laughter and good energy as we all got ready for the wedding. Precisely what I wanted for The Big Day. read more

The Last Resort - Hair by Valerie - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

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Hands down, my hair was my favorite part of our wedding! (Besides friends, family, and kissing the groom of course!) Valerie was amazing and helped me plan my hair from across the country as I am on the East Coast. I didn't know exactly what I wanted when I came in for my one and only trial a few months before the wedding. The trial went well, but I ended up changing my mind closer to the wedding. We didn't have time for another appointment prior to my wedding day, but I felt confident that Val would do a beautiful job. The day of, we played around a little bit to figure out exactly what I wanted for that day. I ended up with a gorgeous dutch crown braid that made me feel like complete royalty. Valerie did the most beautiful work! She also did the hair for my mother and MIL, which they loved. I would recommend Valerie 100%! Thank you for doing my wedding hair, I will remember it forever. read more

The Last Resort - Thank you for the gorgeous braid, Valerie! - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

We chose to get ready at Val's Last Resort Salon based on her enthusiasm via email, awesome yelp reviews, and the cute loft they have upstairs. Val was incredibly helpful with ideas and input on different looks. I emailed her some celebrity photos as well as photos of my veil and flower piece. I had two sessions with the girls at LR. My first was the trial run which I took advantage of on Thursday before the wedding. The groom and I had our photos taken that day in a desperate attempt to bring some calm to our big day. What a great decision! Everything was incredible. Extremely laid back (I had enough to think about that day!). read more

The Last Resort - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

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Valerie styled my & my mom's hair for my cousin's wedding. We're not from the area, and did some research prior to making an appointment. Valerie was incredibly kind & immensely talented - we had such a fun time getting to know her... and our hair stayed for the entire evening! Would definitely recommend her services. She went out of her way, even driving us back to our rental & doing touch-ups when we swung by before the ceremony. Thank you, Valerie! read more

Val and Judy are AMAZING, both at their respective crafts, and at being kind and wonderful humans. Val gave me a beautiful updo for my wedding in August, it was exactly what I wanted, and Judy worked wonders with my makeup, especially since I had a stress breakout just a few days before the big day, of course. They even stayed after they were finished doing our hair and makeup to help me get dressed: Val was literally sewing pearl buttons on the back of my wedding dress blouse to help my mom. (Last minute fixes ALSO cause stress, haha, thank goodness for caring and helpful people!) I truly can't recommend Val and her team enough. I am forever grateful. read more

Sadly, I decided to take down my review of the last resort. For these reasons: "this letter is to demand that you remove the various false comments from any and all web sites. If these comments are not removed, my client serves the right to take all appropriate legal action." this letter was sent to me by an attorney from the capitola law firm I am in no financial position to get sued for a freaking yelp comment (even if I did feel strongly about it). I'm a 19 year old, college student, struggling to survive as it. read more

This review is only for the waxing service. I'm sure the hair salon is fabulous as everyone says. This is NOT the place for a Brazilian wax. Not even as a last resort. The worst wax I've ever had (unfortunately I can't remember the waxer's name, but I do know that it was not the owner, Valerie). I've been getting Brazilians for over two years now and I've never seen such a sloppy job. Incomplete results and the worst case of in grown hairs I've ever had, even with proper exfoliation and brushing. The conversation flowed, but I don't pay for a Brazilian wax AND chitchat. Search elsewhere for your waxing, don't waste your time and money here. ----Edited later------ After my review for The Last Resort was published, Valerie, the owner, immediately called me to go over the appointment and apologize. She offered my money back or another service to make up for the last one. I am very impressed with Valerie and appreciate her business ethic and kindness. I give two more stars for her integrity and business savvy. p.s.- apparently the girl who did my wax is no longer at the salon, so everyone is safe. read more

All of these reviews are definitely right, Val is the best. Went in to get a Brazilian (which is cheap here compared to most places). Val was really really nice and friendly. This definitely wasn't my first Brazilian and I have to say this was one of the best I've gotten! Usually I wait 6+ weeks to make sure the waxer can get everything off (I have had bad experiences where the waxer said I didn't wait long enough and then I had to pay all that money for them to not be able to get everything off)...this time I had only waited 3 1/2 weeks and Val did a great job!! Flawless work :) On top of giving me a great Brazilian, since I just moved here and am looking for a new apartment Val even said she would try and contact a friend who might be able to help me out! Even though I'll probably be living in the San Jose area for school, I would DEFINITELY drive all the way back here to go to The Last Resort again. (It was THAT good) I don't want to go anywhere else!!! :D read more

I have fine curly hair. Do you know how hard it is to find a stylist who understands curly hair? Curly hair so fine that taking of an extra 1/4 inch translates into more than 2 inches of shrinkage? It is so hard!!! Val has a daughter, full grown, who has curly hair. So it is a pretty safe bet that Val can cut it pretty darn well. I took that bet and won. I called and asked for a trim. She was booked all day, but offered to squeeze me in at the end of the day. She really didn't have to do that, but she was, it seemed, more than happy to do so. She not only trimmed my curls, she made it look great, didn't wash my hair, educated me on how often I should actually wash my hair to keep it healthy (for me, no more than 3x/week; NOT everyday), chatted with me about this and that, and then charged me an incredibly reasonable price. When I asked when I should come back for a hair cut, she told me I would know. And she's right. When my hair starts to tangle too easily when I wash it, I know I need a trim. She knows I know that. Why make an arbitrary hair cutting schedule? I love it, and I am going back when I feel the need. read more

Luan was exceptional! Very friendly and professional. My facial was amazing and I look forward to going back.

This is a great place. Val is amazing, wonderful, talented and kind hearted. She did my cut for locks of love (14 inches donated) -I did in honor of my friend Jackie who is a breast cancer survivor. And she did an amazing job - it was the exact cut I wanted!! I love it! Can't wait to go back! read more

When you're at the Last Resort, you feel like family. Val is my go to for hair cuts, color, and skin care. She listens attentively to what I want and then applies her expertise. I'm always happy with the outcome. Val accommodates my lifestyle by scheduling cuts for my daughters and me back to back. They love going to see Val for haircuts because she is so warm and she never cuts their bangs too short. The Last Resort is clean and affordable and the staff are professional, friendly, and skilled. I am committed for life! read more

The Last Resort Salon has only 1 flaw, and that is that they aren't closer to where I live! I LOVE how my hair and makeup came out for my wedding, it was unbelievable! It rained on my ceremony, but we still had it outside, with a reception to follow under a tent (also outside). I danced the night away and took photos in the woods - at midnight my hair and makeup was still amazing. No one could believe it. The next day, after sleeping, my hair was still on point! I wore it that way all day :) They staff is amazing and so friendly. I was so nervous the day of the wedding and they really helped me calm down and once my hair and makeup was on my nerves started to settle a little. I've been to their salon as well and it's comfortable and cute! For my wedding they came out to the venue and made everyone look fantastic! I really can't thank them enough. I wish I lived closer so they could be my regular hair salon. You won't regret choosing them! read more

Val and her team did an amazing and creative job on my wedding day! I found her through Yelp and she was very quick and responsive to my emails. Her prices are reasonable for both hair and makeup and she did a great job creating the styles and looks that we all wanted. She was able to plan correctly to get my 3 bridesmaids hair done, my maid of honors hair and makeup done, and have my mom's hair and makeup done before we even arrived at the venue. Her Salon is very comfortable and clean and was perfectly situated for our big day! When we arrived to the wedding venue Val and her team got me ready right on time and kept me calm. They are all so easy to talk to! You can tell that Val and her team have great experience and it was very very appreciated by me :) Thank you Val! read more

I've been going to Gretchen for about four years to get my hair done - in fact, I've followed her from a couple of different locations because of her skill and professionalism. I have never had anything but an excellent cut from her and her styles frequently even improve with time so you're never left with "in between" hair. Her recommendations on color are also very astute and executed to perfection every time. I'm not a wild hairstyle kind of person so most of my highlighting is very natural-looking. Gretchen did such an amazing job highlighting and coloring that even when I let it grow out people did not believe I'd had my hair professionally colored and were sure it was naturally lightened. Gretchen is also adept at handling a wide range of hair. I recommended that my sister visit her for a cut and color because she has very fine, curly hair that is difficult to manage and is often poorly cut. She was extremely happy with the outcome of Gretchen's cuts which transitioned easily between curly and straight styles. In my opinion she's the best stylist who has ever cut my hair - you will not be disappointed by her skill and advice. read more

Yelp saves the day again! Val is now officially my new hairstylist. She rescued my crazy hair and did so with attention to detail, over great conversation, and even took the time to style my hair! All for $40 woo hoo! Students (and sensible people alike) will appreciate you for your fair pricing and great work and will reward you with repeat business and spreading of the word. Can't wait to bring my mom in for a much needed hair makeover!! Thanks!!! read more

Adriana was a godsend! I was in desperate need of a trim, and was vacationing in Aptos. I took a chance, based on the yelp reviews, and I could not be happier! She was direct and communicative about how exactly she was going to cut my hair. She was professional and her hair cutting technique was on point! My hair is back to be being healthy and shiny! Thank you so much Adriana!!! read more

I first learned of this place through the intranet. The owner Valerie Maas, is the absolute best. Not realizing it was a hair place at first, as I was going for waxing, which they use the top of the line wax., then I did my hair with her, both trim and color., it was the best I had ever had. And I have had my previous hair person for years. She is flawless, great experience and a very good with color. read more

I see Teri Willer at the Last Resort and I have have been having her do my color and cuts for the last 10 years. I now even live four hours away and I have seen 3 different stylists in my new town, but no one can do blonde like Teri does, to me it's well worth the drive! I feel so lucky that I have Teri to do my color just the way I like it. Also she does very good blow outs, my hair always looks so good after my appointments! Lastly my sister and Mom have also been seeing Teri for many years and we will continue to do so because the quality of her colors and cuts is incredible! read more

The Last Resort - We all get our color and cuts done by Teri Willer at The Last Resort and we could not be happier! Teri does beautiful work! - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

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BEST. PLACE. EVER. DO. NOT. GO. ANYWHERE. ELSE. Seriously! I got waxed for the first time by Sascha, and she was so gentle and caring about my comfort! There's no long wait, and the place is really small so it almost feels like you're in a private salon all to yourself! Upstairs for waxing is decorated so lovely that I could have taken a nap if I really wanted to while she gave me a Brazilian, which hurts, but wasn't as bad as I totally thought it would! (Although I must admit I have a high pain tolerance when it comes to waxing). Be sure to really speak up if something bothers you! The wax was a little hot for me, and I was too stupid to say anything, when she obviously cared about my comfort. Besides me being stupid for my own good, I would recommend this place for ANY salon need, their prices are SUPER reasonable too! $40 for a Brazilian? Too good, but totally true! Will definitely only trust this place with my waxing and everything needs! Also, it's not a bad thing that my boyfriend loves it too! Haha read more

Love Val and Denise. I can't say enough nice things. They take the time to get to know you and become like a second family. And of course they do your hair in the meantime. I have tried various color trends and Val has always been in the know. I have also had the pleasure of having Denise color and style my hair. She takes the time to understand your requests and then provides her thoughtful feedback before styling. They both ensure that you always leave happy. read more

I came here with my BFF and her daughter who were both getting their hair styled for a wedding. Val, the owner and stylist, was very cool and talented! See photos...we lucked out by finding this place. Hair-do's turned out amazing, and lasted all day! read more

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she was super sweet! I called the day of for a Brazilian wax and even though she was doing the hair/makeup rehearsal for a wedding and had been working ALL day, so was kind enough to stay around for me to get over. A very positive experience @ an excellent price! read more

Val, Thank you for making my wedding day so special and my hair so beautiful. Val simply creates wedding hair masterpieces. She is just amazing. The photo speaks for itself! read more

The Last Resort - Wedding Up-do - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

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I have been looking for a good hair stylist and went onto Yelp! I found The Last Resort and I am so glad I did! Val was so accommodating not to mention very reasonably priced. She knew exactly how to cut and style my hair! I have found my hair stylist. Thank you Val - best haircut/style in a long time! :) read more

The Last Resort - Hair Salons Near Me - Soquel, California

Thank you Val and Brenna for kicking my wedding day off to an amazing start! The Last Resort was the *PERFECT* spot for us. They not only provided us with amazing hair and makeup (myself, my sister, and my mom) but they welcomed us into their salon and provided a space for us to get ready and for me to get into my dress before heading off for photos. Brenna did my makeup, and after the trial it was a little bit heavier than I wanted. She worked carefully to help me get the look exactly as I wanted. Val also was flexible with me when my trial hair wasn't quite what I was envisioning, although she did it exactly as the photo I gave as an example. She patiently worked with me to provide exactly what I wanted. My hair and makeup felt perfect, and I know they contributed to the success of the day. My mom and sister were also both very happy! Thank you, ladies of Last Resort!! read more

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Val earned her five stars from me before we even met in person. If I could, I would make it ten. She's fantastic! When my husband and I decided to host our wedding far from home, we knew we would have to put blind trust in our various wedding vendors. Some took advantage of that fact, but Val went out of her way to help us. When I told her that I was thinking about putting flowers in my hair and in those of my wedding party, she volunteered to pick up both real and fresh flowers for the occasion! She even managed to find them at a rate much much much cheaper than my florist would have of charged us. As for her talents as a hair-stylist and make-up artist, she is a total pro! She listened everyone's wants and concerns, and offered fantastic suggestions. All the ladies in the wedding party looked beautiful! Val also has a wonderful demeanor. While I was starting to stress about the last minute details of my wedding, Val calmed me down with hilarious stories of drunk bridezillas. By the end of the afternoon, I could help but feel like Val was already an old friend. read more

Gretchen rules!!! She and can do anything with hair. If you want kick ass funky colored hair, or so called natural highlights she your gal!! Plus she is super funny and can always make you laugh when your in her chair. read more

The BEST resort. What a wonderful oasis in Soquel. Val is an incredible woman and stylist. It's so clean and relaxing to visit. They offer many beautifying services from skin to Wedding Hairdos ‍. I highly recommend this salon for your next facial and haircut. read more

I was looking for someone to give me an updo for a photoshoot and couldn't find anyone around willing to do that (?!). Apparently blowouts are in and that's all most places will do! Finally realized I live right down the street from The Last Resort and took a chance - I'm so happy I did. Valerie was incredibly kind, down-to-earth, AND gave me a GREAT updo which involved teasing, which she did expertly and effortlessly (I wanted an early 60s bouffant vibe). Not only did Valerie know exactly what I was talking about, but she is a PRO at this type of retro hairstyle. Also had my makeup done by Judy and it was PERFECT for the photoshoot. Her makeup style went wonderfully with the retro vibe. Would give this place a thousand stars if I could! It is a Godsend to find a salon that understands retro looks and the people there are NOT snooty or judgmental about my style/preferences, which is really important to me. Love love love and I plan to have my hair done in a retro look as much as possible at The Last Resort just for everyday - that's how much I liked it! read more

This review is for wedding hair at the Last Resort. If there were 6 stars on Yelp, I would quickly give that review. I cannot say enough good things about Val and her team. From the moment I first contacted her to the final hug goodbye, it was a great experience. She's easy to reach via phone or email, completely helpful in consulting your "look" for the day of the wedding, and is overall a warm and lovely person. Val did my hair for my wedding and it was beyond my highest expectations, even better than what she did for my trial. Not only did she make me feel beautiful and comfortable the day of my wedding, she also generously opened her salon to my four bridesmaids, flower girl, and mother of the groom, even though not all of them were getting their hair done by her team. We were able to get ready at the salon before heading to the venue, and it was just perfect. When one of the girls who had planned to do her own hair was frustrated, Val managed to squeeze her in and knocked out a gorgeous Audry Hepburn-like twist, and still managed to finish everyone else on time! The Last Resort in Soquel is perfect for wedding parties, and Val and her team ensure you are relaxed, comfortable, and have everything you need. I could not have asked for a better experience on the day of my wedding, and starting my day with the Last Resort was perfect. I highly recommend Val to anyone getting married, or really for any event, period, she is worth it and you will not be disappointed. read more

Valerie is an angel, she saved my hair from the worst haircut ever and on her day off. So i have super straight hair and went to a salon recommended by family and even has great reviews on yelp. Long story short I had to stop the stylist cause I started to notice the random and non sensical cuts she was making. Walking out with hair that looked like a weed whacker just went to town on with random bookshelf layers I cried all night called different salons with no luck for a quick save. Left a message with Last Resort and received a call back with in couple hours. Valerie heard the desperation in my message and told me to come in first thing in the morning on her day off. Not only was she sweet but super knowledgeable on different hair types and styles and managed to save the length on my hair. She fixed the layers and now I feel confident to wear my hair down again. This place is clean great service great cuts and has stylists that truly know what they are doing and listen to what you want. Thank you again Valerie your s life saver. read more

I cannot believe how much time (and money) I wasted on my search for a salon in Santa Cruz. This place is perfect! As a wedding coordinator I heard client after client rave about The Last Resort and eventually I began recommending them based on the amazing hair I continued to see. Finally, I made my own appointment. I worked with Val who was so sweet and eventually Teri and Denise colored my very dark and previously treated hair, to a full weave of blonde. They knew exactly what I wanted, even when I did not. The color was perfect after the first try and anyone who transitions from brunette to blonde knows that it is so hard to get the perfect ash blonde in one shot. I am still in shock how perfect the color is and how healthy my hair feels!! Not to mention, I truly believe Teri and Denise were JUST as excited about my hair as I was. It was so fun!! Please do yourself a favor and call this salon!! read more