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August 2025 by Jen Powroznyk
Edit: I'm editing the review just to say that since I wrote this review the owner of the salon has reached out to try and rectify the situation. I've not responded because I'm just past it now, but they really have gone out of their way to try and contact me to try and resolve things, which I think is worth noting. They seem to care, I just had an unfortunately bad experience - notably it was 2 years ago so maybe things have changed!
I am leaving this review 2 years after the service I received. I am still upset by it sometimes today.
I had been getting highlights for years and finally had a really nice base that I was really happy with. I needed to do a tone and had just moved to the area so chose this salon to go to. I told the stylist that I wanted to tone down my blond to be close to my natural colour (a true brown). I’ve done this many times before. The stylist said that to get what I was asking for I would need to put a permanent color, but that it would wash out. I questioned her a bit, saying I typically prefer a dark toner so that I still keep the blonde and wash out. She insisted and put a very dark permanent color on my hair. I left looking like I had a black / burgundy hair. I knew something was wrong when I got home and after a week I called to ask if the stylist could help me remove some of the colour. When I went back, they told me this wouldn’t be possible but that she could tone the red out. I agreed and the result was nearly perfectly black hair.
All of my highlights were covered over with this super intense dark permanent dye. I was so upset. I ended up going to another salon and payed $700 to try and have the colour lifted, which was harder than it should have been because I now had 2 layers of dark dye on my head.
So many years and dollars of working on perfect highlights that just got thrown down the drain.
I genuine believe this was just a miscommunication, but the result was beyond frustrating. I wish I would have been more insistent that first day that I did not want a dark permanent dye all over my head. I never wanted to leave a review because I felt bad about it, but sometimes I just feel so angry about that whole experience and I am writing this for my own catharsis. I was so sad with my hair afterwards, and my hair im still growing out the damage from the $700 colour correction appointment.
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July 2024 by wenting zhu
Stylist: Grace is the best stylist I have ever met. She communicate clearly before the haircut and make sure we are aligned on the outcome. My hair is shining, smooth and styled well after her care. Her work is beyond my expectations.
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July 2024 by Bruno Morato
I’ve been coming here for over two years and I’m still often impressed by the quality of the service provided. From Lauren at the front desk to, especially, Jane on the scissors, everyone is extra professional and kind. Couldn’t recommend more.
Hair type: Men’s mid-length wavy hair
Stylist: Jane
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July 2024 by Twinkle Vashishth
[posting it again as the owner requested me to take it down for a third Balayage revision but something just doesn’t feel right]
Here’s my original review -
I dont recommend this place for a blonde balayage. They must be good at other things I’m sure. I got a blonde balayage almost a month ago and still wearing my hair in a bun. The money pieces were done so thick and look so ugly. Also I have an orange looking balayage instead of blonde. Huhhh… anyway, no hate. I’m sure they’re good at other hair stuff.
PS - Owner is a really genuine human being, he offered various ways to correct it. But I personally do not want to go for a third revision (to the same salon) within 45 days. I'll be going to a different salon.
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June 2024 by Lisa M.
Great salon!! My Fav hair stylist is Christine! She is very professional, sweet and just SO good! Not only does she listen to what you want but also gives her opinion as well. She excels in not only hair cutting but also hair color. Glad I found this place!!! Lisa
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June 2024 by Lisa G.
Christine is amazing! Seriously the best with color. She has recommended I try a new shampoo my hair has never been better!
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June 2024 by Cynthia Harper
Essence salon is one of the best salons I've been to. Christine, my stylist, is friendly and helpful and does such a wonderful job with my hair that I look forward to my next visit. When I first had an appointment scheduled, I had to cancel because I came down with a migraine the day before and the guy who answered the phone was helpful and kind and got my appointment rescheduled (later in the month but I expected that). I would definitely recommend this place to people (and have!). If you're looking for amazing stylists, this is the place to go.
Hair type: My hair is longer (a little longer than shoulder length) and just bordering on wavy/curly but mostly a frizzy mess.
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May 2024 by Jenna Hall
I absolutely loved this salon! Grace is a true master stylist and made my hair look better than I could have imagined. I came in with waist-length, box color red hair that I thought would take several sessions to get back to my natural shade. Grace executed my color correction perfectly while still keeping my hair shiny and smooth and she gave me a fabulous new haircut. She is so caring, patient and talented; even though I was a first-time client, I felt like I had known her for years. Highly recommend!
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May 2024 by Alay Shah
Thrilled to have discovered my favorite salon and hairstylist in the Bay Area! Loved my new haircut by Yessenia! Her professionalism and attention to detail were remarkable. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
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May 2024 by Melody X
Asked for balayage but got something like highlight. And the haircut was done asymmetrically too.
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March 2024 by Molly Sneed
I have been going to Essence Salon for several years now, always getting my haircut by Grace! She is so talented, warm, and caring. It is such a treat to see her every time and I trust her completely with my hair!
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February 2024 by Emilio Mendoza
I've been going here for a while and the haircuts I've gotten have been really high quality. Sarah always has great vision and professionalism.
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February 2024 by Erica C.
As an immigrant from Taiwan, so glad I found a stylist who is also from Taiwan as well - Crace! Grace is friendly, professional and helpful! She did a great job coloring my hair. Will definitely come again! :)
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January 2024 by teadrinker
Grace did an amazing job on coloring my hair. It turned out very silky too! Appreciate the extra hair care advice. Very patient and skillful!
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January 2024 by Masha Zadeh
My hairdresser was so gentle on my hair, patient, accurate, clean, and generous with her knowledge! The management of Essence Salon is fabulous as well, very customer oriented. I love this place and will come back again. Glad I finally found my favorite hair salon and hair dresser in the Bay Area!
