I have come here twice and both times did not need to make an appointment more than a day out. Some may think that means they aren't busy but it simply means to me there isn't the overhead you often see at other salons. The owners do the hair and seamlessly trade off to help one another out. I like the focus to just be about my hair and this salon does that and does it well. This is the kind of place I can regularly come to, know I will get the same stylists, and most importantly come out satisfied with quality every time. Last of all, the pandemic reminded me of how important it is to support local and family owned businesses. So this is one I plan to continue to be a patron. read more

I got highlights done and did husband and wife team did wonderful work. I will definitely go back.

Went well n without appt for shampoo blow-dry. Vincent was able to take me and did a perfect job for me. Thank you.

Great haircut with Kennex! Reasonable pricing! Easy to get appointment. Parking nearby at great location read more

Not only I got the best haircut in a while but the lady also fixed the really bad bangs I gave myself. Also, the lady is just soooo sweet and nice every time I come. The price is unmatchable too! Highly highly recommend! read more

VIP Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Vincent cut my hair just beautiful styles. I looked very young each time he cuts my hair. I meant to write this review sooner, I was interrupted by my tennis games. No excuses, I want you to know Last time I visited Vincent was 2 months ago and I show him a picture on my cell phone for a new style. He did even a better job!! He understands your hair quality and texture, very honest, great price!! Great location and very very clean. I highly recommend either Vincent or his wife they both are great!! Thank you so much Vincent! Rosario read more

VIP Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I'm surprised this place gets some poor reviews. I've been going here for a couple years now, seeing Kennex, and I'm always very pleased with my cut. My mom also sees Kennex and her husband for cut and color. She's also always pleased. I try to keep my hair as long as possible at the bottom, which Kennex tries to do for me. I also get what I think of as dramatic layers, so I get a lot of volume when I curl my hair. I've tried to get this cut from every hair stylist I've been to since high school and no one has done it right. Kennex did it amazing the first time and I've always gone back. It definitely helps if you bring a picture. She's also good about telling you if what you want is realistic or not for your hair type The prices are very reasonable. I think I pay $40-$45 for a "long hair" haircut. My mom has said the same thing about their prices for color (I'm not 100% sure what they are). The space is clean, never super busy, it's a relaxing atmosphere. Parking can be tough along 25th Ave. so keep that in mind if you have an appointment time. I always make an appointment ahead of time, which is pretty easy. The last time I got a cut, I walked in on a Saturday and was able to make an appointment for the Sunday, the next day. I definitely recommend checking them out for yourself if you're looking for a new hair stylist! read more

Kennex is not only the kindest most lovely lady I've ever met, she gave me the best haircut of my life for such a good price. I showed her a couple pictures and generally described what kind of cut I was wanting and she completely exceeded my expectations. The haircut felt like it went by so quickly because we were having such a good conversation. She cut it to the exact length that I had asked for and gave her honest opinion on what she thought would look good with my face and hair type. I can't wait to come back--- I'm only trusting Kennex with my cuts from now on. Thank you! read more

Great haircut! I've been coming here for a few years and I always love it. They sometimes run a bit behind schedule but I'm glad they don't rush! read more

Avoid. I'd honestly be surprised if Vincent has had any type of training. My haircut was OK, but as you can see from my photo, he carved a hole near my ear. read more

VIP Salon - Hole. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Overall Kennex gave a good haircut and I'd consider giving them another try but wouldn't jump at the chance. Facilities were average and clean overall. Hair style and cut specific magazines have been heavily used. Haircut was good. Unfortunately after showing her a picture of a long layered look, when she thought she was done I had to remind her with the picture I wanted side bangs and some framing around my face. Also, my 1 inch trim ended up more like a 7 inch cut to just below my shoulders. So much for keeping my length. :( I had an appointment over the weekend and she ran 30 mins. late even though I had called her to check in 20 minutes beforehand. It's okay to tell a client if you're running a little late most salons aren't on time. I'm just bummed I made the effort to ask and still ended up waiting. :/ read more

Vincent is the best! Love his personal touch and letting me practice my cantonese when he cuts my hair

The worst haircut I ever got, and I've had many bad ones trying different places in the South Bay. It was so bad that I had to machine it away after coming home, and believe me I'm not picky at all. He did a lousy and quick job and kept dismissing feedback. I asked him to fix a few things and he either argued that it looks good or tried for 3 seconds and expected that I say it's fine. There were no customers waiting in line, so he wouldn't have a reason to finish quickly. He used a light plastic bag like cover instead of a proper cape, and the thing kept floating at the slightest breeze and got hair all over my clothes. The shop was not in great shape either with hair all over the wall paintings. read more

I bring my daughter here for a haircut and it has been great every time. The couple who own the salon are very nice and very attentive and welcoming. My daughter loves coming here and I have also gotten my hair trimmed here and it was good. The location is great, clean and they have everything you might need. It is a neighborhood place for a good clean haircut. We are glad we have found this place. read more

I want to give a big "shout out" to Vincent! He and his lovely wife own VIP Salon in San Mateo! He colors and cuts my hair and it doesn't "break the bank!" Not only this but today while he was doing my hair (Just the two of us, both wearing masks, doors open on front and back entrance and exit) a woman popped her head in! Vincent yelled to her, "Just a minute!" He then ran to the back of his shop returning to the front of the shop with a big container of toilet paper and another of paper towels! This particular customer had been into him yesterday and said that she had waited much too long and couldn't get any toilet paper or paper towels now! He informed me that he went up to oyster point Costco arrived early and pick them up for her and then he called her to tell her what he had done! Talk about going above and beyond! I just love him (and my hair)! ‍ Dolores Bryant-Gevertz thought you might appreciate this! He is a great guy! Thank you for suggesting him to me read more

VIP Salon - My hair color by Vincent‼ - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

My wife was in desperate need of a cut and style for a wedding. Of course she decided last minute so we were scrambling to find a place. Thanks to Yelp, we found this Salon and they were able to squeeze her in later in the day. The salon was nice, I had a comfy couch to chill in while waiting for my wife to her her hair 'did'. The only negative was that Vincent said it would take 40 minutes but it ended up taking more than an hour (it wasn't Vincent who cut her hair, it was his wife I think). On the flip side, she didn't really charge a lot for the amount of time she spent. read more

I stopped by yesterday after almost 5 years! Vincent is still the best hairdresser in Peninsula! At VIP Salon you can find quality and the price is more than reasonable! I'll be back soon! read more

Not bad for a haircut/style/wash for $35. You have to tell Kennex what style you want though (the magazines are old) Closed on Mondays. It is a duo (husband and wife shop) read more

My neighbor goes to Vince and she raved about him. I checked him out on Yelp and WOW 5 stars!! I had to try it. I live super close so this was perfect. He has quite a clientele now so try to book in advance, walk ins are hard to do since he's booked up. I've been to him twice now and REALLY like him. Cut and color (includes shampoo, blowdry/style) is $85. He takes credit cards too. He really knows his stuff. I wanted a darker color and needed a good bit taken off since I was pregnant at the time. He was awesome. He knew the right color and the length for me both times I have gone to him. He'll be honest with you if it's not the right color for you and if you should trim a bit more if your hair is unhealthy. I will definitely go back! Thanks VINCE! Keep in mind this is a very simple salon. There are no products to buy which I like because there's no pressure to buy anything. read more

Do not get a cut from the male barber. As one of the previous reviews said, he was very heavy handed and rushed. I tried pointing out a few issues with his cut...he even rushed through those. Gave me the worst haircut I've had in 5 years. Will not return. Update: male barber called me 3x while I was at work and left me an irate message (I had to hang up on the first call because my customer was calling on my work phone) about this Yelp review. This was the icing on the cake. Getting verbally harassed after my hair was butchered. Would not recommend for any other individual to go through the same experience! read more

I too am not sure why people are giving this place a bad review. I've been coming here for years. This place is run by a husband and wife. The wife cuts my hair. She's really tentative, is super nice and does a good job with my hair. They always have clients. A testament to how good they are. read more

Vincent done my hair cut and color with highlight. Super loveee it. He even advice on getting my dry hair cut shorter. Now I feel my hair healthier and never know i could look this good with shorter hair. His layering is awesome make my hair not flat. He also very kind not rude. I will be back to this salon with Vincent for future hairstyling. Thanks so much. read more

VIP Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I've been seeing Vincent for years. He cuts men's hair mainly using his fingers and a scissors rather than with a comb and an electric trimmer. The result is a superior cut that tends to hold the same shape after you next wash it. Vince performs this old school approach even at the personal risk of cuts to his fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome potential. He is the consummate professional; he is always there and very flexible with scheduling. He is highly recommended. read more

I've sent all my female coworkers to Kennex at VIP Salon! She's so kind, honest, focused, and makes sure you are happy with your cut and style. I sported a pixie cut for a couple years, so I saw her every 2 months like clockwork to get it shaped up. I also have dense, thick, wavy asian hair, so I really wanted to make sure to find someone who knew how to handle it. She doesn't pressure me to get it straightened or treated, etc., unlike some hairstylists... Logistics: parking can be a little tricky during the day because they're located in an old downtown area. Call ahead - I normally get offered a same-day or next-day appointment. For a wash, cut, and style, $35 is extremely reasonable, and I always walk out feeling like a million bucks! read more

I took my family here for a hair cut and all were less than satisfactory and service was rude. I'm not sure if it's because it was the end of the day and he wanted to go home, but he rushed all 3 haircuts of which was worse than any supercuts or great clips type place i've been to. He told my wife the haircut was going to be $35, then at the end added another $5 and said the hair was long so she had to pay extra. Funny how you didn't notice her hair length before she sat down!! Try your luck with other shops around town with better service that charge the same $20 for mens and $40 for womens cuts. read more

Me out of the salon: Hmm, it doesnt look great, so maybe ill wash it and blow dry it better Next Morning: uh, something is not right...let me just put it up in a ponytail...oh crap, even in ponytail my hair looks like crap coz its not even! Another day after: thats it, lets face it, the cut was bad and i can not come back to this place.... read more

It was one of those days where I couldn't stand looking at my hair anymore. I was extremely unhappy with my last haircut - short, chunky ends...kind of like an old lady's haircut. It was time for me to find another hair stylist. I have a budget of spending no more than $40. I decided to check my trusty Yelp and came down to a few choices. First, the reviews need to be good; second, price is also important; and third, location, location, location. I decided to get a haircut from Kennex (correct spelling). I called and spoke to Vincent, her husband, who is very polite on the phone. They were able to squeeze me in yesterday. Parking was easy because I came before the lunch hour rush, but I almost walked past the store front. The salon is simple, nothing fancy, but most importantly, it is clean. Although I had to wait about 20 minutes, she was apologetic and spent her time finishing up on another client. It is important not to rush, so I understand. Before cutting my hair, she asked me what I wanted. I should have brought in photos (I will next time). She explained how she is going to cut my hair and give it shape. She took her time and worked her magic. She has been a hair stylist for over 12 years at this location. Vincent also does hair and was chatting away with his client, who was getting highlights. Kennex and I spoke here and there, but she is a type that likes to focus on what she is doing. I am fine with that. My daughter, who has long hair, will get her haircut in a few weeks from her. It would be a big deal since I have always cut her hair. I plan to come her again and would definitely recommend Kennex. read more

Nice couple from Hong Kong who does cutting and shampooing for a reasonable price $35. In general Asian folks know how to cut Asian hair better and they sure did not disappoint. If you want a fancier hairdo or need to style your hair maybe this is not a good place to go. I went there to get my straight hair styled for a photoshoot the next day. Vincent told me my hair is too thick and heavy, so the waves done from the curling iron won't last till the next day. He even suggested that I buy a curling iron to do it myself at home. Why do I come here and pay for your service if you cannot style my hair and make it work somehow? For the same price Lisa at Magic Hair Salon in San Mateo does a lot better job at styling. She also does the more fancier stuff like hair extensions, etc. read more

I needed a haircut and found this place by my work. It had 4.5 stars so why not? The guy who cut my hair was very friendly but can't cut hair..... I asked him to cut my hair a little above the shoulders & to have it layered. I specifically made a point that my previous hair stylist made my hair look choppy and it was the worst experience. After the haircut, I noticed the front was a little choppy so I had him fix it. When I got home I realized how bad my haircut was. The back was super bad! It was choppy and uneven. Now I have to find another place to fix this mess. read more

Made an appointment with Vincent, I got the time mixed up and showed up 30 mins late...he couldn't do my hair which I completely understand as it was my own fault that I recorded the time wrong. However, he was pretty rude about it and I was still in desperate need of a haircut...so he said "she could do it" and pointed at the other stylist there. I don't remember what her name is but it was the worst haircut Ive ever had...I showed her a picture and she didn't do anything close to it. The pic I showed her was super simple: straight with some side swept bangs. At the end when I told her it didn't look anything like that, she said, "Yeah, I didn't think you would look good with that haircut." HAHAHAH!! I cant say anything about Vincent except that hes rude..but stay away from the lady. read more

Got my haircut from Kennex ( I think that's how you spell it) last Tuesday. I called to ask if I could walk-in, and I think Vincent picked up the phone. I asked him if I could come right now, he said sure, I said who is speaking, he replied Kennex ( He thought I asked who will cut my hair :D ). I got there, both Kennex and Vincent were attending other clients, so I waited for about 10-15 minutes. Then Kennex came and said she would wash my hair, and I asked so are you going to cut my hair, she said no Vincent, Vincent said no Kennex, so we landed with Kennex. I was okay with either, so I showed Kennex some pictures as I had pretty long hair and wanted to cut it pretty short. She was super hesitant at first because I have curly hair and would look ridiculous and she's right, but given that I always blow dry my hair or straighten it regularly, she was on board. She washed it, then cut it, then blow dried it straight and added finishing touches which was awesome. I asked her to cut it a little shorter, at that point she gave me good feedback to not, which I appreciated. I can imagine some people would take that negatively if they are to self obsessed (she told me I would look like an old lady if I cut it shorter LOL). She spent a total of an hour and 15 minutes just on me. She did a great job and all that only cost $40!!! .. Things I totally loved were 1. She didn't try to sell me products for my curly dry frizzy hair which always happens in most places .. 2. when she blow dried it, and then cut some more, that was a great idea .. 3. She didn't waste a lot of time talking to others and small talking with me .. she was all business and making sure I was satisfied .. read more

I've been here twice and should have been here a third time. I got some decent haircuts the two times I was here, considering the haircuts were very inexpensive. The third time I made an appointment with them I showed up at 5:45 p.m. and the entire place was closed even though I had a 6:00 appointment and the sign on their door says they close at 7:00. I called them and they said that I never made an appointment with them on that day (although I did). They decided to leave early because they thought they didn't have anymore appointments for the day. Again, I think this is a decent place. However, you need to make an appointment in advance before coming, and make sure you confirm your appointment day and time with them a day before because they leave the shop before the closing of business hours. Oh yea, and confirm the price before getting the service done because their prices change from visit to visit. read more

A hidden gem in San Mateo. While I love my salon in the City, it's hard for me to get there after work and my weekends are usually packed. I was seeking a place near my office where I could go after work and during my lunch hour. And both Uncle Sam and a recent vacation have left me implementing some austerity measures of my own, including cuts to my beauty budget. Vincent is very no-nonsense -- he's not very chatty, but pleasant and gave me a terrific haircut and style, and was very quick. I gave him a picture of what I was looking for, which I think is the secret to getting what you want from any stylist. Seriously, $30 is a steal for a professional shampoo, cut, and blowdry. -- and one of the best haircuts I've ever hard. The salon is very nice and in a good location with easy parking. read more

I've been holding out on cutting make hair until after my wedding but couldn't take it any longer. I called VIP salon for a trim and all over color and left very pleased and satisfied. Their prices are super reasonable and service was swift and pleasant. I didn't ask names but the guy was really nice and fast. It's a peeve of mine to sit in the chair for 3 hours but he got it done in an hour. Thank you! read more

As usual, I wanted to give my hair a shampoo/blow-dry/style at the very last minute. I was able to call on a Friday, and get in immediately Saturday morning at 10am. When I arrived- I walked into an immaculate hair salon-- with tasteful yet simple decor. Vincent greeted me and got right down to business. He has a nice demeanor, but doesn't talk much, which is kind of nice because he doesn't waste any time chatting; just seems to be very focused on the hair. He was done in under 40mins! It was great. My hair looked wonderful when he was done-- I would return to Vincent in a heartbeat. read more

Been going here for years and won't get my hair cut anywhere else. Great attention to detail and affordable prices

Like everyone else 5 stars is the only way to go with Vincent and VIP Salon. I like many others have followed Vincent since SF. Seems like over 8 plus years. I can't imagine life without this man or his lovely wife Ng. They are truly like family. Amazing service, friendly atmosphere, such reasonable prices ( I keep telling vincent to raise his prices and his respond is No good, keep low happy customers!). His honesty is rare and much appreciated. Highly recommended!! read more

Wow, i was pleasantly surprised! Kennex cut and styled my hair today. She was professional, yet interactive. She did agreat job, being careful not yo take off too much. She did an excellant job. The Salon is clean, has good music and a nice atmosphere. AND...she charged me a reasonable fee. I WILL go back again. Check them out. Thank you read more

I can't tell ya how much how Vincent does my hair so fabulous! You go out looking like a model!! I swear he has super powers! Awesome service! read more

I've been going to this place to have Vincent cut my hair for the past few years. I usually actually wait to visit my best friend in NYC who is a hair stylist and had always had her cut my hair, but I couldn't wait and came here a few years ago and have been coming here ever since. I always give Vincent a rough idea of what I want but leave it up to him to decide on the details - how long my bangs will be, etc. If you live in San Mateo and are looking for a quick hair cut (with a shampoo + blow dry), look no further! read more