I've been going to Janeth for about 3 years now and I honestly wouldn't trust anyone else with my hair. When I first started going to her, my hair was super damaged and short, and over time she completely transformed it. My hair is now so much healthier, longer, and stronger thanks to her care and consistency. She always takes her time, listens to exactly what I want, and somehow makes my hair come out even better every time!! She also does my extensions and blends them so perfectly. I always leave feeling pretty, and refreshed after my appointments!!! Not only is she amazing at what she does, but she's also such a sweet and caring person who truly cares about her clients. The salon atmosphere is always relaxing, it honestly feels like a little self-care day every time I go. lol If you're looking for someone who truly cares about hair health and makes you feel beautiful every appointment, I 100% recommend booking with Janeth!! read more

This review took me months to write because reliving it is genuinely upsetting. I want to start by saying the stylist I saw, Caitlyn, is a sweet person but she destroyed my hair. I went to her in October for a refresh of my highlights. I was already nervous, since my previous stylist had moved away and always took great care of my fine hair, making sure it never got damaged. I told Caitlyn upfront that I was anxious about letting someone new bleach my hair, given a history of stylists frying it, and that I chose her specifically because she's a senior stylist. She reassured me she doesn't use heat dryers and starts with a low developer, so my hair would be fine. Once I was in the chair, I explained exactly what I wanted: a little brighter, a refresh of all my highlights, but keeping the dark root and dimension shown in my before photo. She agreed and got started. She never mentioned pricing, so I assumed it would be around $400 at most. During the appointment, she suggested going through my ends because they looked dark. I said maybe next time, since I wanted to preserve the integrity of my hair. Later, she mentioned she'd gone ahead and done a few extra pieces at the bottom anyway something I never asked for. By the time she finished washing my hair, it was already dark outside, so I told her not to worry about blow-drying it. I went home with wet hair. Even then, it looked extremely blonde, which worried me, but I assumed it was just because it was wet. At checkout, I was shocked: the total came to $650. I left a tip anyway because she was watching the screen as I paid and I felt put on the spot. (Receipts attached.) When I got home, my husband immediately said my hair looked way too blonde and pointed out broken pieces. He was right. Over the next few days, it kept breaking. My hair had taken years to get healthy, and in one appointment it became dry, brittle, and was falling out. The extra strands she did without asking only made the breakage worse. I ended up buying box dye to fix the color myself, since I hated how it looked. As of June 2026, I've had to cut at least 8 inches off, and I'm still working to repair the damage. This experience caused me real distress -- I loved my hair, and I deeply regret trying a new stylist. I'm sharing this so it doesn't happen to anyone else. Before, after, and current photos are attached. read more

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I'm posting this about two years later, but after an amazing experience somewhere else recently, I realized this treatment wasn't the norm and I should share. I'll start by saying my cut and color turned out nice. It wasn't exactly what I asked for, but it was for my wedding, and I trusted the owner's suggestion. The experience itself, though, is why I'm writing this. I'm naturally timid and a bit of a people pleaser -- that matters here. My first appointment (the cut) was pleasant. We chatted about wedding plans, and it went fine. The second appointment (the color) started well too. Then politics came up. The owner brought up Diddy's trial and made comments about shady elites. I mentioned an article I'd read about the new head of DODGE and the corruption it alleged, trying to add to the conversation. She immediately shot back that she fully supports DODGE and wants to "drain the swamp." I said, "oh yeah, absolutely," clearly caught off guard but not wanting any tension. From that point on, she handed me off to an assistant. The color was never checked on for about an hour. The assistant washed, dried, and styled my hair while the owner sat across the room chatting with other clients and employees. I was never directly addressed again unless I initiated, which I hadn't until it was tip time. When I paid, the assistant rang me up while the owner continued chatting about weekend plans with another employee. I handed her the tip; she smiled and turned right back to her conversation. I gave the assistant the same tip amount -- she was wonderful and the only reason this gets an additional star. 1 for the haircut and color (not what I specifically wanted but was happy) and 1 for the amazing assistant who kept me company and was a pleasure to talk to. I never said which side I was on. I even tried to agree to keep the peace. But one comment about an article I read was enough to put me on her naughty list, right before my wedding, which I was experiencing all the wedding adventures alone. No one else accompanied me, and I had a hard time dragging myself to any other appointments thereafter. Two years later I realize I could've handled it differently, but the professionalism and patience I showed were not returned. The area is lovely, the staff seemed nice, I wish I had put my faith in other stylists here as I have heard a lot of good things about them. Unfortunately I can only post a review on my own experiences. What I asked for: Choppy shag with bangs, copper color with bright platinum money pieces and face framing platinum. She did not want to do bangs and something so choppy close to my wedding (fair, I have had bangs most of my life though, and my wedding was in Vegas, very rock themed and wanted the hair to match, I obliged). The color I asked for was copper (she did a great job here) but I asked for platinum where all the yellow is. She convinced me to try champagne color, which was a very soft pale blonde with a pinkish hue. It was yellow. Again fine, would have looked way cooler with a shag and some bangs. read more

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Margaret is the BEST!!!! She's literally the best cut and color I've ever had!!! It's hard to find one person that can do both. She's not just good at one-great at the other, she's actually amazing at both! read more

Vanilla Salon - This is the before - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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My visit to Vanilla Salon was extremely disappointing. My highlights did not match the color I asked for. The highlights turned out visibly uneven, with some sections noticeably lighter and others darker and brassy. I went back to the stylist to try to correct these issues and all they did was apply toner. The toner didn't fix any of the issues and instead covered all the highlights completely! I had to go to a different hair salon to correct these mistakes and get the blond highlights I originally requested. read more

Happy I got to work with Brian Elk. He's very attentive, patient, and chill. Ended up getting my hair booked and was surprised by how quick the process was - it only took about 3 hrs for my balayage, including blow drying and curling - I originally anticipated being at the salon for 4-6 hrs based on my past experiences. I'm sitting in the chair right now as he's blow drying and finishing up my hair and I'm super surprised by how he managed to transition my hair. My hair also feels healthy still. So ecstatic I discovered this salon; I'll def be seeing Brian again in the future, and would recommend you book with him. Brian has been doing hair for over a decade and apparently worked under Guy Tang in the past as well, which attests to his ability. The salon itself is very relaxing. Loved that they provided seltzer and one of my favorite snacks, Gardetto's. read more

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Thursday was my first time visiting the salon. It was clean, beautiful great service. Lindsey did a great job on my hair. I found a new hairdresser. read more

Janeth cut and highlighted my hair beautifully! She is super sweet and an absolute pro. She pays attention to all the details and gave me such a pretty shade of blonde. read more

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Margaret is phenomenal, amazing and knows hair like no other! Head- in fact, run to go have her do your hair!! She fabulous!!!!!

Okay people. This is visit number three with Margaret at Vanilla and if I could give ten stars I would. Margaret is an angel, salon has great vibes, all great stuff! But let's actually talk about my invisible bead extensions (IBE) Margaret installed, because this is where it gets really great. IBE is niche, not every stylist does it, and honestly not many do it well. Margaret does it like she's been doing this for 20 years. The wefts lay flat, my parts are undetectable, color match is spot on. Nobody can tell where my hair ends and the extensions start. That's the whole point of a good install and hers is good. I did a seamless high pony today at work and felt like such a diva. We spent A LOT of hours together because she is meticulous to the point where she'll fix one single strand if it's even slightly off. That's why it looks natural instead of bulky, and why my scalp isn't sore or weighed down at the end of the day. TLDR, the investment is worth it, the time is worth it, Margaret is worth it. This woman ate. First time doing IBE in my life and I'm never going back to tapes or k-tips or clip-ins again. If you're an extension girlie, go see her. She's still kind of under the radar right now so get in while you can. Some people might think this is dramatic but honestly, as an over 40 year old woman who doesn't always feel confident, this has been a game changer. I feel hot. I feel feminine. I feel amazing. DO IT. read more

The vibes here are truly A+. Kat did my cut and color right before my wedding, and I'm so grateful I found her. From the moment I sat in her chair, it honestly felt like chatting with a friend I had just met for the first time. She's incredibly sweet, easy to talk to, and the whole appointment felt relaxed and fun instead of stressful. She was also very honest and thoughtful when we talked through the color and the changes I wanted. I really appreciated how transparent she was about what would work best for my hair and the cost of everything (no surprises, just genuine care). My hair came out beautiful and exactly what I needed going into such a special moment. I left feeling excited, confident, and very well taken care of. I'll absolutely be back. read more

Vanilla Salon - Hairstylist Kat! - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I cannot recommend Stacy enough! I came in with significant dark regrowth and uneven tones (see my "before" photo), and I honestly wasn't sure if we could achieve the clean, bright blonde I wanted. But Stacy being the true professional she is, managed to lift my hair to a stunning, icy platinum while nurturing it back to health (the time difference from the before to now is just under 2 years). We also added extensions for length and volume, and the color match is flawless. You can't tell where my natural hair ends and the extensions begin! She finished the look with some beautiful, soft waves that made the whole style come together perfectly. If you want a stylist who truly understands blonde and extensions, go see Stacy and her team of incredibly talented stylists so you can fall in love with your hair too read more

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Janeth has such beautiful, sweet and radiant energy! I had the best 1st appointment/ experience, She was very honest with what was possible for my hair and did an amazing job. Definitely transformed me into a new me my hair looks so healthy and vibrant. I can't wait to see her again Soon ! read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I came in for a hair refresh after chemotherapy regrowth. Bita took her time and after I showed her inspo pictures she delivered a better than expected cut. I love my hair again and can't wait to have more services by her!! read more

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Loved my experience with Julie. She took very messy thick long hair and transformed it into just the style I showed her. Appreciate all her hard work! Would highly recommend. read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I had a full foilage done with Brittany, and I am absolutely in love with the results! I have wanted this exact look for years, but no matter how many hairstylists I went to, no one could ever achieve what I was envisioning. Brittany understood exactly what I wanted and delivered it perfectly. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she also took the time to listen, explain the process, and make sure I was comfortable every step of the way. The color, dimension, and overall blend turned out even better than I imagined. If you're looking for someone who truly knows how to bring your hair goals to life, I can't recommend Brittany enough. Thank you for giving me the hair I've always wanted! read more

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Love, love Margaret!! She made my hair look so beautiful and fresh! She was super attentive, made sure everything was perfect, and really took the time to make sure I was happy with my hair. I absolutely love how it turned out! read more

Ive been going to Vanilla Salon for a few years now and it is always a pleasant experience. Every stylist is very professional, honest and willing to work with what you want. They have taught me a lot about my own hair type and are so helpful with practical styling tips! Also their prices are fair for the Costa Mesa CA area with vibes that are hip but mature. read more

Vanilla Salon - Haircut. Shag. Bangs. Curly hair. - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I love Brittany at Vanilla Salon. She is so awesome at doing layers and knowing just how to cut my hair so it lays right and looks great with very little effort on my part. My daughter went to her too and also got a great cut. My hair is extra thick and wavy underneath and she knows how to work with it well. Also she's super nice and the salon has a welcoming and friendly vibe. Oh and her head massage during shampoo is heavenly. Highly recommend! read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I've been going to Julie Zarvos for my hair, and she is absolutely amazing! She's incredibly attentive and really takes the time to listen to what you want. Every time I leave, my hair looks and feels fantastic. Julie consistently does such a beautiful job, and I always feel so confident afterward. If you're looking for someone who truly cares about their clients and delivers great results every time, I highly recommend her! ‍ read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I had an extremely positive, amazing experience at Vanilla today! It was my first time there. Julie was absolutely incredible! She listened to me and she delivered exactly what I wanted! She also took her time to explain the process to me before we started, which was very much appreciated! My hair has never looked this good at this length in my life! Thank you so much Julie! I will definitely be returning to her for all foreseeable cuts and other hair care needs! read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Back again to Vanilla Salon because I loved the results the 1st time! When you walk in you feel so welcome. They have renovated and moved next door and it's amazing! Great lighting, fresh colors, and modern / trendy atmosphere. The extra touch which I love is they offer you a beverage! Stylist Stacy was so friendly and the attention to detail making sure I got what I wanted was what everyone dreams of when they are trusting someone to cut their hair! I got a cut, layer, and bangs and couldn't be happier! Music was a vibe and volume was nice and relaxing! Thank you Stacy and I will be back! read more

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Julie is phenomenal! She made my hair look amazing and gave me a style that's easy to care for. read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Stylist did exactly want I requested . Liz is great with color and the cut is perfect read more

Vanilla Salon - Money piece in the front with bob hair cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I went to Vanilla Salon for the first time & had my hair done by the amazing Brittany! My hair hadn't been cut professionally in waaayyyyy too long, and she made the experience so fun & worthwhile. She took her time washing, cutting, and styling my hair for me, which was so wonderful. I would give 10/10, for it was exactly what I needed & more! My layers and bangs look perfect now, and it was so worth spending the time & money. Thank you Brittany! read more

Vanilla Salon - Haircut by Brittany at Vanilla Salon. - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I can't recommend Julie enough. She amazing and totally honest. I wanted pink highlights once and she explained to me that it would look a lot better if I bleached my hair. Well, I didn't want to and she still knocked it out of the park. She's very knowledgeable when it comes to hair. Pure perfection!! read more

Vanilla Salon - Pink hair don't care. - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

You have to go to Kat! She is seriously amazing. She took my horrible home bleach job to a beautiful sandy blonde. Highly recommend this salon. She listened to everything I said and delivered! She's also really fun haha. Also it's a really pretty salon. read more

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Bita has been taking care of my hair for a while now, and she is truly the best hairstylist and colorist I know. She's always welcoming, professional, and really takes the time to pay attention to every detail. I always know I'm in good hands when she does my hair. She listens to what you want and somehow makes it even better. My color always comes out beautiful and my hair feels so healthy after every appointment. I highly recommend Bita to anyone who walks into Vanilla Salon and is looking for a great hairstylist and colorist ‍ read more

I can't say enough great things about Stacy! She took my crazy multicolored disaster of a hair color and fixed my crazy roots, gave me hilights, and fixed the base of my hair. I have no idea how she was able to figure out a solution because I had so much redness and brown and blonde in my hair but she and her assistant did an awesome job. She also gave me an amazing curly cut that has given me the volume of my dreams!!! They are so sweet and welcoming and I love being confident in my hair again. After going to multiple stylists in the past 5 months to fix my hair and not getting what I wanted, she's the only person I trust. read more

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My hair stylist Brittany had recently moved to this salon & I was excited for the change of scenery and this salon did not disappoint! From the moment I arrived I was greeted with a smile and asked if I'd like some coffee or something to drink. The atmosphere in there is very vibrant and great natural lighting. I Drive all the way from Camp Pendleton to see Brittany; she's the best! Whether I'm wanting to be blonde or brunette or somewhere in between she always gets me to where i want to be with no damage to my hair. She's down to earth and I always feel safe talking to her about every aspect of my life while getting my hair done! Thanks Britt! Look forward to all my future appointments read more

Vanilla Salon - To brunette - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Brittany Mae was an absolute delight! I walked in with some uneven colors throughout my hair, specifically a lot of red tones. I was a bit nervous since this was my first time at a new salon, but Brittany was so sweet and told me what exactly she'll do to get to my hair goals. I mean the picture speaks for itself: i walked out with a beautiful chocolate brown with gorgeous blended highlights that give my hair so much dimension and movement! Not to mention the atmosphere of the salon is so pretty and they provide snacks & water! Can't say enough great things about this salon and Brittany. I will definitely be back read more

Vanilla Salon - before - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Julie at Vanilla salon has been cutting my hair for 20 years. I highly recommend her! read more

Vanilla Salon - Haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ashton was incredible. He took the time to really listen to what I wanted, asked thoughtful questions, and answered all of mine without rushing anything. He heard me and executed exactly what I had in mind -- confidently and with total control at every step. Beyond the cut itself, he's genuinely great to chat with, clearly experienced, and has excellent music taste (which never hurts). I'm so glad I finally found a spot AND a stylist I actually want to come back to. I'll absolutely be returning to work with Ashton. The salon was well decorated, smelled like vanilla, and had such a relaxing vibe. read more

Vanilla salon is such a cute and inviting atmosphere. They always offer complimentary drinks and all the stylists are very friendly. My stylist Julie is the best- she is very attentive, really listens to what her clients want and dedicates her full attention to each individual client. I got curtain bangs for the first time and she took the extra time to show me how to style them on my own so I'd be comfortable recreating the look at home. read more

Ashton took me in as a last min walk in because my stylist is on vacation and i had some DARK roots. he killed it 10/10. it's hard to trust a new salon but they are definitely trust worthy read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Janeth took me in as a client about ago when I was phasing out from being blonde back into my natural root of being a brunette. She absolutely took care of my hair and got it back to its strong and healthy look as well as blended my 22 inch extensions perfectly. I love sitting in her chair as not only is she so sweet, she's an amazing consultant for me and my hair. read more

Super cute and clean salon but OMG Recia! She's the best stylist I've ever had!! She did a thorough consultation with me about what I wanted and what maintenance I was willing to do and gave me the best haircut I've ever had. Book with Recia ASAP!! read more

No one cuts my hair like Stacy, thanks for the long layers and bringing my hair back to life after being on the other coast for too long. I also told Anthony that was the best wash I've ever had ‍ ohmyy read more

Vanilla Salon - med/long layered cut and dry - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Had a wonderful experience at Vanilla Salon. Stacy had some great ideas about how to refresh my hair style especially since I'm getting ready for my daughter's wedding. I couldn't be happier with the results. read more

Vanilla Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Stacy at Vanilla Salon was phenomenal. I wanted a haircut that would look good air-dried since I do not like to blow-dry my hair, and she delivered beautifully. I'm very picky about my hair, and I've now had this cut for about a month -- I honestly love it more and more every day. Thank you, Stacy! I will definitely be back for my next cut. I think I've finally found my go-to hairstylist. read more