Darin Jon Studio

This salon makes me really happy. But it was a long road. I have tried various others in SB and loved this place. I have been getting my hair done here for about 4 years. I bounced around with stylists till I found one I enjoyed and seemed to understand what I wanted done with my hair. The unfortunate situation with Aveda Salons is that stylists work thier way up the food chain. It wasn't long till my stylist upgraded out of my price range. It was aweful, I considered not coming back. But I really love the service, the location and the atmosphere. I took a chance with two protege talents (which are thier beginning stylists). The first one should have scared me away, but I found loyalty to a woman named Nicole and just love her. I am glad that I will be able to stick with her for many years as she grows as a stylists. My advice with finding a stylist... is to not risk a daring style till you know thier strengths. Go for trims and touch-ups till you trust thier judgement. more

This salon was recommended to me, so I tried it. It's right downtown, very convenient. They greeted me nicly, offered me wonderful coffee, and I mentioned to the girl I don't blowdry my hair or use heated appliances anymore. My hair is very fine, but has curl. So she cut it, but left my bangs too long. I think she was afraid of cutting them too short. Then she asked if I ever straighten my bangs. I replied ""No"", which mean't , no do not straighten my bangs, which she then proceed to do so. She took the blowdryer and pulled on them with the ""HOT"" heat.-using a metal bruch. I sat there thinking, ""great, I have straight banks and the rest of my hair is curlly. I asked her how much training she had, and apparently had not been cutting hair very long. I walked out with bangs in my eyes, and just not real happy with the overall cut. The staff was great and I like the questionare card they handed me to fill out. They also gave me a free sample of some Aveda bath gel, which was nice. It smelled great. So their customer servce was wonderful. I have not returned since though. Maybe next time I go I'll ask for a stylist with more experience especially with natrually curly hair?? :-) more

Someone had suggested that I get a massage the morning of my wedding. So, I booked a complete spa package as well as a hair session with Darin Jon. Pros: service can not be topped... its the best anywhere. peole are down to earth and so sweet! the spa treatments are INCREDIBLE! Cons: *I* live in L.A... which makes this place a little bit far to visit on a regular basis :( more