I was recommended to Lawana by a family member who has been quite happy with her service for the last few years. I thought I would give her a try for a new cut and was excited to try something new. Well the excitement was cut short as soon as I walked in for my weekday appointment and not one person out of five or six stylists looked up, made eye contact, smiled or said a word to me. I thought to myself "alrighty then...this will be interesting", meanwhile three other women show up and put on robes...obviously THEY knew the drill. 35 minutes after my scheduled appointment Lawana says not "hi" but "do you have a picture of what you want?" then alludes to the fact that I was being unrealistic about my cut, so then I defer to her and say I'm open since "you are the professional". She then sits me at a shampoo bowl and leaves the shop without any explanation, still feeling hopeful, I assume she has to take/make a personal call and I'm okay with that. I sit at the bowl for another 20-30 minutes, no Lawana. Then the only person in the whole shop that seemed halfway friendly attempts to get me started but has no direction from Lawana, because Lawana is not there! As I sit in the chair thinking, what the h---, I say to myself, " I am too old for this s---". One hour and 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment I tell the cute little shampoo girl that I'm leaving since she was the ONLY person in the whole place that seemed remotely interested. If you are over 35 and value your time, and expect some degree of customer service this IS NOT the place for you! Read Less

This was the fastest I've ever had my hair done. Don't get the wrong idea though... No corners were cut and I still received top notch quality service from Omar. The scheduling and payment (& gratuity) are both online which made the entire process streamlined. Need your locs done in the Bay Area? Come see Omar here. He'll hook you up. Read Less

Still getting my first service here and already feel like I've received more than a 5 star service . Amazing atmosphere . The music is nice, the stylists are polite and professional, the shop is very clean. I love the set up here.. there is a very modern elegant look to it and that to me is amazing . I come here to get my dreads taken care of by Omar . He specializes in locks and trust me ladies and gentlemen you have not got your dreads re hit if you haven't come to see Omar . Best job anyone has ever done with my hair . He is knowledgeable about the products one should use to achieve and or maintain healthy hair. On top of that at home care as far as what to do and not to do with your hair when dreading. Now I only come for my dreads but doesn't mean I can't see! As I sit I see everyone hard at work multitasking ...helping each other , as well as building rapport with new walk in clients as they may come in, and servicing their regular clientele upon arrival . Top of the line business in downtown Oakland . Best in town... don't believe me .. book with anyone at this spot and see for yourself you won't be disappointed. By the way most appointments can be made online how convenient?! Read Less

Still getting my first service here and already feel like I've received more than a 5 star service . Amazing atmosphere . The music is nice, the stylists are polite and professional, the shop is very clean. I love the set up here.. there is a very modern elegant look to it and that to me is amazing . I come here to get my dreads taken care of by Omar . He specializes in locks and trust me ladies and gentlemen you have not got your dreads re hit if you haven't come to see Omar . Best job anyone has ever done with my hair . He is knowledgeable about the products one should use to achieve and or maintain healthy hair. On top of that at home care as far as what to do and not to do with your hair when dreading. Now I only come for my dreads but doesn't mean I can't see! As I sit I see everyone hard at work multitasking ...helping each other , as well as building rapport with new walk in clients as they may come in, and servicing their regular clientele upon arrival . Top of the line business in downtown Oakland . Best in town... don't believe me .. book with anyone at this spot and see for yourself you won't be disappointed. By the way most appointments can be made online how convenient?! Read Less

Is your face just a bit too hairy? Do you need expert guidance when it comes to your brows?Want to dramatically improve your appearance in 15 minutes (or less)? Book an appointment with Keli as soon as possible.I am PICKY when it comes to my brows. They're important! They frame the face. They frame your eyes. Everyone knows eyes are windows to the soul. That's how people fall in love. (I think.)In the past, I've only had my eyebrows threaded (ever ever). My skin is very sensitive. It flakes and I can get red marks/bumps during a brow session, even when no products are used. One eyebrow grows higher than the other, and it's a lot thinner. I call it my janky brow. It's always been an issue. My eyebrows aren't twins; they're sisters. And one sister is definitely prettier than the other...NEVERTHELESS, Keli had both my brows looking more beautiful than ever! The best they have *ever* looked, since they say they were born. I was amazed. Thrilled.I feel so great. Keli offered to pencil them in just to add a more dramatic touch to the arch. She did an AMAZING job. I'm so excited to watch them grow into their new shape.I booked my next appointment right away. Read Less

I've been to the high end beauty salons on Piedmont Ave & Lakeshore, but nothing compares to Mood! Kelly was simply AMAZING!! After a couple weeks, my hair was looking like a hot mess. I went in for a simple wash & flat iron  and was amazed. By the time Kelly finished washing and blow drying my hair, it was already straight. In fact it was so straight and perfect, I thought we were done. But no, Kelly had more awesomeness coming. After she flat ironed it & added a touch magic, my hair was so silky smooth that I couldn't stop running my hands through it. Perfection! Kelly brought my hair back to life: Worth every penny! Read Less

I went to this Beauty Bar for a Brazilian wax. I purchased a really good deal on Groupon. The first couple time I went I was very pleased with the service. I scheduled my final waxing as my Groupon was about to expire.  A day or so before my appointment I started my cycle and wanted to reschedule. Anna mentioned that I would be charged a cancellation fee if I needed to reschedule my appointment. Anna was willing to give me a Brazilian wax while on my cycle which I thought was completely DISGUSTING!!! As a woman, I thought she would be more understanding but I was wrong. If I had received better customer service I would still be a customer today. Read Less

Anna for Brazilians, y'all! Affordable. Quality. Thorough. Professional. I have only ever had one better Brazilian experience, and overall, I've had about a million of them. So, that's impressive! On top of that, her personality and customer service cannot be beat. We actually texted back and forth for about 1.5 weeks and she constantly kept me updated with available appointments until one worked for me. She is a doll! Read Less

If you have natural hair, don't come to this shop! Don't do it! I came here the week before last to get flat ironed by a professional for the first time in years (I normally have a natural style, short cut or braids/twist). The atmosphere was full of attitude, and most importantly the owner Lawana ruined my kinky coily nappy hair! I left the shop with straight lifeless hair that smelled horrible. When I washed my hair a few days later I noticed straight hair breaking off all over my head, my hair still stank like chemical and heat and the front, back, and parts of the middle were and still are completely straight. WTF!I called in and let her know my situation and she offered to wash and deep condition to get the smell out. When I went in and asked what type of products she used she and her employee answered with an attitude, she then told me that she didn't do natural hair and heat damage would go away. She flat twisted my hair (which I wanted) then I left.Never again! If you want to save your kinks don't ever, ever, ever come here. Read Less

I made appointment came in 10 minutes before my appointment and was told that someone will be with me in seconds. 30 minutes later nothing what the f*** am I waiting for? I'm gone rude ass place waste my time Read Less

Worst salon experience ever for me. My appointment was for 4:40, but I was not seen or even acknowledged until 5:00. A woman washed and conditioned my hair, then another woman, without even introducing herself  started blowdrying my hair, she didnt speak to me the entire time. When she was done blowdrying my hair she just walked away. She could have atleast said "your stylist will be right with you" or something. Noone communicated with me & i didnt know what was going on. I sat in that chair waiting to get my hair flatironed for 45 minutes, then I had enough so i walked to the front counter and asked how much it would be for the wash/blowdry, even though I feel it shoulda have been free because of the terrible service.     The woman at the counter yelled out to the woman who was supposed to do my hair and then told me she was ready for me. Lol i sat for 45 minutes without anyone saying a word to me and now that im walking out all of a sudden shes ready. The damage was already done though. I said id rather just go and was charged 25 dollars. No one apologized for the wait, or lack of communication. I guess my stylist was still doing someone elses hair, but idk why she couldnt just  let me know. Shoulda never scheduled my appt at that time if she already had someone. This place is really unprofessional. Im taking the 65 dollars they would have charged me for a flatiron to a place that actually has class! Read Less

I have had nothing but amazing experiences here!I needed to have a weave (Foxy) removed that was well past its expiration date (RIP Foxy). I scoured Yelp to find somewhere that could take me ASAP because my scalp and tresses needed some serious TLC. This came up and what caught my attention was someone's low review. Her hair stayed too straight after going there. WIN for me.I called and scheduled a Saturday morning appointment. I went in and wow, it was not what I was expecting. Been to the shop before? It's crowded. They're running late. There's just a lack of organization in a way. Not here. I was immediately greeted and checked-in. I was asked to have a seat for a moment and then brought back to a chair. Bless their hearts for that removal because my head and scalp were a H-O-T mess. Lawwweddd. Like I said, that weave was past its expiration date and I exercise...you do the math of that disaster beneath.Fast forward, Dess and another stylist helped me to feel and look good by handling my breakage with a cute a-line bob that's making me feel like Sasha Fierce. #sashay #work. I called a week and a half later for an appointment for a relaxer because the natural hair journey just isn't for me. No burns. Quick. Painless and once again, flawless.I love this place for its cleanliness, professional feeling, and the work is excellent. Every client that I saw had healthy hair and seemed to be repeat clients so I'll for sure be continuing my growth journey by seeing Dess for touch-ups, cuts, and maybe even some color. Thanks ladies!!! Read Less

I went to Anna a couple weeks ago and had such a positive experience. I went in for a wax and Anna is quick, friendly, and I will be going back! I had a groupon and I can't beat good service with a great price. Read Less

DONT GO TO THIS SHOP FOR FLAT IRONS IF YOUR HAIR IS NATURAL. I went here on the recommendation of a friend whose hair always looks great. I wear my hair natural and wanted to get it temporarily straightened for a company party I was going to. The stylist Des seemed very knowledgeable and I told her I was not confident that my hair would really get straight but that she had come highly recommended. My hair was washed and blow dried by someone else in the shop prior to Des doing my hair. They used Acai Thermal Straightening Balm prior to blow drying my hair. Once it was done, my hair looked great. It was bone straight and I told Des I would come back in a few weeks. My hair did smell a bit fried but because I have never had an issue with heat damage I did not think much of it. Fast forward two weeks when I washed my hair and it did not revert.  The entire texture of my hair from root to end had changed and in multiple places I had straight pieces in the middle of my strands and  the front of my hair  was completely straight. I was devastated :(. 3 years of natural hair growth damaged by one appointment. I could not believe that so much damage could be done by one appointment. I looked up the Acai product and it turns out it is used in Brazilian blowouts and should be used with a blow dryer only NEVER a flat iron. I cried because I am going to have to cut my hair  because the damage cannot be undone. I realize that the person that blow dried my hair probably uses this same product on other clients that already have relaxer so she probably did not think about what it would do to my natural hair. This coupled with a stylist that used a flat iron on top of a chemical product spelled disaster for me. IF YOUR HAIR is natural, I would stay away from this salon for flat irons and silk presses. They will get your hair bone straight but you will not be able to repair the damage if you choose not to keep it that way.  It is really too bad. I was looking for someone I could go to regularly to maintain my hair to rest my hair and my sides from braids. Now I am so shell shocked by this experience, I probably wont go to the salon for years to come. I paid $80 + $10 tip to have my hair chemically ruined. I hope the stylist and the shampoo person reads this review and are more careful about (1) the products being used (2) the amount of heat being applied. I did reach out to the stylist but have not heard back from her. I am not surprised what do you say when you have ruined someone's hair. It is chemically altered from the root to the ends so I put braids in it just yesterday to grow the damage out. Lesson learned. I don't want this to happen to anyone else, so please heed my words if you are think about going here for the first time and ask about the products being put in your hair. Read Less

I called on a Saturday morning with a same day appt. they were able to accommodate me by booking with Des. This worked out perfectly because she was referred to me by a friend. I arrived and was asked to robe and have a seat. in 15 min I was getting my hair washed , dried and out the door. She did a fantastic job on my silk press and they weren't too pricey. Read Less

Anna does a great great job on my waxes! Not to mention my mani pedi. Can't wait for my next appointment!   Thank you Anna for doing such a great job and for being gentle with my sensitive feet! Your the best. Read Less

I have been a client of Lawanna for a couple of months now and I am so impressed with her! I have had the same hairdresser for most of my life before I moved to the Bay area, so I was nervous to try someone new! The first time I sat in her chair I knew within minutes that she is an expert! She is kind, friendly, knowledgeable and professional! I've had her cut, relax, style and color my hair and each time I walk out looking fabulous! The new location is also great! It's classy and clean with a professional yet friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend their services! Read Less

I was heading to Vegas for Spring break weekend and my usual waxer (Kimberly at Smooth and Sassy, AMAZEBALLS) was all booked up. I had no choice but to seek out a new aesthetician and thankfully all the wonderful reviews on Yelp led me to Anna. Anna was punctual, efficient, quick and clean. Everything you would dream of in an aesthetician, especially one you let so close to your sensitive bits. I had a super positive experience with her, and so if you're thinking of a wax of any sort, I would definitely give Anna a call. Anna never double dips!! (IMPORTANT) and uses a mixture of hot and cold wax for clean and painless results. She is also super meticulous. I had a ball of a time laughing with her through the wax experience and have not experienced any ingrown hairs. What more can you ask?Compared to Smooth and Sassy (my go to waxing spot), Anna's waxing sessions take slightly longer and she does need to go over your body more times to get you totally clean. BUT if you're not picky, Anna honors her Groupon prices and has a sweet package deal on waxes that will probably save you over $20 per session compared to anywhere else. Anna absolutely affords amazing service for an amazing price so if you're sitting on the fence for who to call for your maintenance wax, I'd definitely go to Anna. But if you're a first timer and you want to absolutely make sure you will have a positive experience and are willing to pay a little more to guarantee it, definitely go to Smooth and Sassy. Read Less

This is for Anna, we all know finding a new nail tech is stressful. I must say Anna is an amazing person and great ar what she does! Today she made my experience with her incredible.  She did a superb job on my mani and pedi. My eyebrows look perfect, my hubby even noticed...which is saying something. I will definitely be coming back to see her!! Thanks so much for a wonderful relaxing afternoon and great conversation!!! Read Less

This review is for ANNA - I got a pedicure, gel manicure (and previous gel nails removed), and my eyebrows done. She was warm, friendly, accommodating and made me feel comfortable for the entire 2 and 1/2 hours I was there. She uses natural products for the most part, and gives great esthetic advice on products and treatments. She doesn't make you feel pressured about ANYTHING. She took time on everything she did for me, and I appreciate that she painted my gel nails up to the top of my nail (longer grow out time). Her music selection is also fantastic, I must add. :) I will definitely be back. I highly recommend going to Anna if you appreciate the quality attention and more natural side to getting your nails done. PS - she put me up on understanding that getting anything waxed is highly bacterial if the place where you go doesn't throw away each stick after each wax application... good to know! She keeps her place, tools and products CLEAN! Read Less