I ventured into Antidote on a lark one day, since I'm only in Alameda on business for a short while, and I'm so glad I did! I had some horrible split ends that needed a trim, and I wanted to get a touch-up on my color as well. Mary did an excellent job customizing a color to suit me (I believe she dubbed it "chocolate eggplant" LOL), and she helped me with deciding on the proper type of framing for my face. Mary was very accomodating, and we had great conversations during my time there. Her scalp massage was amazing! She also gave me one of the best blowouts I've ever had. If I lived in Alameda, I would make this my home salon. I'm actually quite sad I won't be able to stay a client with them, but I will definitely refer them to my friends in the area. read more

Hair: They're not kidding when you book a Junior Stylist. I got Angela who seemed to be very green. Two other stylist kept coming over to help her out or advice her how to style my hair. I brought a picture in but I still had to tell her how it should look per the picture. The place is so clean & front staff was very courteous. Makeup: Jessica did my makeup for a wedding I was in. I brought a picture of how I wanted my eyes to look & she blew me away with her talent. My eyes weren't similar to the model but she made it work! She used all MAC products & even gave me tips. She was professional & took her time to make sure every detail looks great. I'm definitely going back to her again. read more

I've been going to Antidote since they opened in the south shore center and have been seeing Mary for about a year now. I always just call the day I want to go and they always seem to be able to fit me in. Mary does an excellent job, always smiling and happy to chat. I love the fact that I can just go in and have the usual without having to explain what I want each time. Jessica and Jorge are awesome business owners and the place is very chic. Love the decor and the music. The products they carry are great and it's just the most pleasant atmosphere. They make it feel friendly and not to business like. And if you have to wait, pull yourself up on the day bed in the front and request a coffee. Fabulous! read more

I have been a client at Antidote Salon for at least 7 years and highly recommend! Jorge is my stylist but everyone does an amazing job. If you are looking for a new place for hair services, book an appointment. You won't be disappointed. read more

As much as I dislike the "half-star system" I would definitely give Anitidote Salon a 3.5 based on my first visit using their $50 for $7 5 deal. While I pride myself on being a natural blonde since birth, which is TRUE...I do get a little help once and again brightening up and dimming down for the fall and summer...otherwise I'm a tow head root to tip. I've been aching for a stylist who not only is talented with my locks, but has the personality of a rock star to boot. Tall order, believe you me. Anyway, my junior stylist was sweet, perhaps a little too timid at first meeting. She clearly did a fabulous job, and took care of me with professional Aveda products. HOWEVER, the dynamic between her and her manager (I can only assume) was a bit off putting. She wasn't very attentive hospitality wise due to her shy nature, but I didn't feel as if she was being rude. There were some not so subtle exchanges that made me feel a little uncomfortable. And awkward silences that occurs when I'm decaffeinated and I'm around a quieter person. Anyway, none the less a fabulous and quick execution. My locks are golden in the sun and I love the subtle low lights that glimmer. I would recommend even though the drive is out of my way. read more

I have never been the salon type, I've always been fortunate enough to have friends cut my hair. But when I moved to the Bay Area I had no choice but to find someone to cut my hair. After a couple of scary experiences at other places, I was referred to Antidote. My hair is fine and thin so I mostly just trim it to keep the length. My challenge has always been to find someone who understands that when I ask for a trim, all I want is a trim! Thankfully, Raquel understands that. She never tries to talk me into anything more. She's pleasant, she's attentive, she listens and she is good at what she does. I love that she is so gentle and precise. The online appointment system is super convenient too! Tell them Sylvia sent you! :) read more

I was here for a facial that I bought in Groupon. I can't recall the name of the lady that did my facial treatments but she was amazing and very knowledgeable. Very nice too and wouldn't pressure you into buying any skin products but would recommend what she thinks is best for your skin type. Too bad I live kinda far from it. Would totally recommend it though! read more

This review is for their new esthetician, Jackie! She was so informative and made me feel really comfortable about something I'm very self conscious about, my skin! She made the ABSOLUTE MOST out of my facial and hooked it up! If you're hesitant about getting a facial or trying one at a new place, go for it because she's great!! Can't wait until my next one! read more

This place is amazing, the ambiance is chic and relaxing. My hairstylist Liz always does a great job whether it's a cut or highlights, I am always pleased with the results ! read more

Great decor, superfriendly staff, excellent cut. Went here on a whim on the yelp deal and it was way more than expected. Did not feel rushed, Angel did a great job on my hair- listened to what I wanted and was friendly. Will be coming back for sure. read more

I love Raquel at antidote! She was amazing at communicating and explaining the whole process of coloring my hair to me. I'm not a natural blonde and so she did a great job of being realistic and helping me achieve what I wanted. Plus I love their dog Toby he's the cutest!!! read more

Antidote Salon - Before: over processed blonde/ After: Beautiful roots that blend into ash blonde. - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

Raquel Diaz is an amazing stylist! Never had a better cut and color - especially going brunette to blonde. She also brought me strawberries and gave me a chair to put my feet up today since I am 6 months pregnant! read more

Antidote Salon - Raquel Provided 5-star treatment for me, the pregnant lady today - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I had a haircut at another salon and my bangs were growing out in an awful way. Jorge was able to fix it, he knew what he was doing. He trimmed my bangs twice, it's a bit pricey however he was able to fix it. I need to come back for a haircut with Jorge to try him out. This review is based on the bang trim service. The bang trim cost $15, a bit pricey but he fixed the problem. He's also friendly as well. read more

Great to be able to get a really good haircut with service and a smile in town. Jorge is my stylist and he is doing a wonderful job. Try it out you'll become a fan too. The fact that Aveda products are used and for sale adds to the experience and the sweet aroma while being treated is a plus. read more

I am very happy with my my experiences at Antidote Salon. Jorge is very knowledgeable and has consistently treated my hair with care and I am always happy with the results. It's hard to find a stylist that can do everything but that is what I found in Jorge! read more

Horrible customer service. HORRIBLE! I'll start by saying that as a licensed esthetician, I have worked in the salon/spa industry for many years. Customer service is everything and with competition on every other street corner you would think businesses/stylists would understand this. Apparently I'm not the only yelper who's delt with the rudeness that is Holly at Antidote salon... I have gone and seen George a few times and he had been great! I made an appointment during my last visit nearly 3 months ago. This appointment was to get my color and cut, and clip ins cut shorter before I left town for MY WEDDING. 2 weeks ago Maricle called to tell me I probably wouldn't have an appointment because George was going out of town. Ok. Fine. Things happen. She did not offer me another stylist and gave me only one option of when to come in for my appointment that did not work for me. Hmmmm... Shouldn't you guys be accommodating me, not the other way around? So I call and Merical gets me set up with Holly who I had never met. If I would have know Holly was the most unpersonable person on the planet, I probably would have taken a pass. She came out, didn't greet me by name, introduce herself or shake my hand, no smile. Ok. I can tell this chick is a miserable person off the bat. Already I had hesitations sitting there with this cold person for an hour or so. I told her what I had discussed with George and she said she couldn't accommodate me. No apology. Just no. This is THE DAY BEFORE I LEAVE FOR MY WEDDING!!! Any other time I would have just rescheduled but I needed my hair done today. I walked out and spent my $220.00 elsewhere. According to previous reviews, Holly is not a crowd favorite. I know from experience that people like this are what drive business into the ground. She needs a wake-up call, a personality transplant, and perhaps a schooling is general kindness for the others she shares this planet with. I will not be back. Good looking out Holly. read more

Jorge butchered my hair. As a result, I have extremely uneven lengths giving me an unprofessional, white-trash look. This new look also made me look 20 lbs heavier. This haircut reminds me of the $10 haircut you can get in Chinatown. Horrible. Yet, he made me pay $45! If you are seeking a 80's punk look, this hair salon will fit your need. If you need a classical, respectable, professional look, go elsewhere. *****this is an update: a recent customer mentioned that George and his co-worker spent 1 hour each on his hair. (men's hair). How odd!!! I am a female with long hair and yet he only spent 25 minutes on my hair. No wonder it came out horrible. read more

I would give zero stars if i could. I have never been so humiliated and left the salon tears. I'll i wanted was to get my bangs cut and i don't know anything about hair. The first women asked length and i said above the eye and wondered if it would be blended in to the rest of the hair. She started to yell and another stylist came to help. Then we looked at pictures and i understood what they were saying after that the male started to do my hair and told me how ridiculous i was and decided that he wasn't going to do it and took off the drap and stood there for me to leave. I left as everyone watched in the salon. I forgot my hair tie and went back for it and they were laughing about something most likely me. Hair service is supposed to be about making someone feel and look better and I left feeling worst than I have in years. read more

I've been going to Raquel at Antidote Salon for three years. And without any hesitation I would give her 10 stars. Raquel has so many excellent qualities. First and foremost she gives great men's haircuts and does a great job cutting my wife's hair (that's it for calling out women's haircuts... or whatever they're called). And she gives a wonder massage when she washes my hair. Raquel has a real sense of humor... at least when it comes to my quirky jokes, and she's wonderful at conversation. But the most important thing is that she understands my hair and how much it means to me. For those of you who have lost your hair because of chemo you know how much it changes when it grows back... pretty strange experience... mine came back in waves and curls... but the nice thing is Raquel has natural curls, as such she's knows how to cut my now long hair and suggest the products I should be using... a big plus! If you're looking for a new cutter I highly recommend Raquel and Antidote... really nice and professional people. read more

I went in for a cut, and thought the salon was pretty nice. I went home and noticed I had two areas that had hair that was an inch longer than everywhere else. I called to get it fixed and made an appointment. Renee was 20 mins late, and when I got home, there was a spot that was still an inch too long. I just cut it myself and I won't be returning. I feel like I could have gone to Great Clips next door and would have paid half as much for the same crappy cut. read more

Unfortunately bought a groupon deal for them. Used one of three of the package for a three pack of facials. Needless to say, the first facial actually was pretty bad, however, I tipped the 20% on what the full price would have been and went on my way. Wanting to finish out the three series, for some dumb reason, I called, over several months and was given the run around from either the truth, that they did not have an esthetician any longer, to they were booked out (which was not true bc when I would book an appt to when they would have an appt, so far down the road, they would call me the night before, thanks for the notice! I have a life and have planned around this appt! And let me know that they don't have an esthetician). Isn't this a double standard?! They have a 24 hour cancellation policy. In that case, with them calling me the night before my next day, morning appointment, shouldn't they pay me for the cost of my facial since they did not give me anywhere close to 24 hours notice? Called me in the evening hours, after businesses were closed, knowing they wouldn't have an esthetician the next day, when if they had of been honest sooner, I could have planned my day accordingly at much more reasonable hour?! Isn't my time important? Uh, yes! Very! More important than money actually. So thanks and take that into consideration the next time you cancel on a customer and screw them over and think about their time and "24 hour" policy and what it may be worth to them. Idiots. This is not only lying, bad business and disrespectful but definitely has made for a customer who will never return and called groupon and let them know the unprofessionalism and groupon gave me a deserved refund. Learn how to treat your customers. Oh and also, when I was in there, it was dead, dirty, there was a dog running around which I'm not sure how clean that is for a salon and the people working there were eating in the front waiting area and were far from friendly. No thank you. read more

I had the best experience for my first visit to Antidote salon. I just switched Aveda salons and I couldn't be happier. The scheduling process online was very easy. They also texted me updates when my stylist would be available earlier in the day in case I was able to arrive sooner. Raquel was my stylist and I was so pleased! She gave the most glorious head, neck, and scalp massage while she was shampooing and conditioning my hair. It was so relaxing and I always love the smells of aveda products. I have very thick, long, and wavy hair, which Raquel knew exactly how to give me what I wanted but also knew how to make my curls keep their wave and and bounce to them. She was able to blow out my hair too during my appointment. I usually have to book a 90 min appointment because of how thick my hair is and I was able to do that here and not feel rushed. Thank you Antidote salon and Raquel for the wonderful experience! I will be back! read more

My birthday was coming up and I needed a haircut. I've just moved to Alameda, so I didn't have any references to go on. So I turned to Yelp. This place had decent reviews, AND a Yelp Deal! I'm so in! I called and made an appointment for that Friday. I told the receptionist that I have very thin/fine hair, and that I needed to have a stylist that understood how to cut my kind of hair. She reassured me that Jaime would be taking care of me. When I arrived, I only waited a few minutes for Jaime to take me to her station. I described again that my hair is very thin and fine, and how I normally have it cut, but wanted to do something a little bit different and more 'fun' than 'classic'. She washed then started to cut my hair. Since my hair is so fine, you can't really tell what it looks like when it is wet. This is why most stylists cut my hair DRY. I felt like she was taking a while, but she was nice, and we just chatted. When she started to dry my hair, I knew something was wrong. It does not take 20 minutes to blow dry thin hair. She just kept styleing and re-styling the hair, and curling it and re-curling it. It looked cute when she was done styling it, and, as agreed it looked different. I paid and went on my way. After walking around, I feel like my hair doesnt swing right or lay right. I figured it was the tons of styling product she put in there. The next day when I washed my own hair, I could tell that the cut was aweful. All of the cut lines were visable, the ends were crooked, it was WAY to short....everything was "off". I guess that is why she took so long to style it, cuz the cut was crappy. Two days and some tears later, I called the salon and told them I wasn't happy with the cut. She immediatly invited me in to have the owner take a look at it. The owner (Jose?--I can't remember now) was very accommodating. He could see how bad the cut was, and just kept telling me, "I'm not a magician...I'll do the best I can". Gee, that made me feel better. He just confirmed that the haircut was bad. He did the best he could and re-shaped it. He didn't charge me but I did tip him. I still have a balance on the Yelp deal, but I really dont want to go back there again. read more

I was so excited to try Antidote Salon based on the great reviews, but what a disappointment. I went to a "master" level stylist and had a partial highlights and cut. I specifically asked for a natural look without chunks of highlights, but it came out chunky. The highlights start about a quarter inch down, so it looks like I already have a quarter inch of growth. It's just kind of sloppy work. On top of that, the atmosphere was unprofessional. The receptionist and another stylist debated the difference between a hedgehog and a porcupine for about 10 minutes. I honestly couldn't get out of there fast enough. I have been going to an Aveda salon for more than 10 years now and this is simply subpar work. Maybe I just caught them on an off day, but I won't be giving them a second chance. read more

I've been going to Antidote for about 2 years now. I work with Raquel who is an excellent stylist and a lovely person. I always feel welcome and cared for. I go in for coloring (touch ups) and haircut, and it always comes out how I like. Raquel and everyone else on staff is extremely professional. Highly recommend Antidote, and if you have curly/wavy hair Raquel is a great stylist to work with! *perk: across from Sees Candies! read more

If I could give a negative star I would. The customer service at the salon is horrific! My friend went to get her hair colored and cut. Her hair is short and fine. This appointment took 5 hours. The stylist over processed her hair and lifted it to a crayon orange. Then she put in brassy low lights and bleached her hair to patchy white. In a panic she put violet toner over her hair and the ends picked up lavender on ends! After my friend cried and left the salon the owner offered to repair her fried and damaged hair (as he should). I joined my friend for morale support and explain what she wanted done. Immediately the owner was defensive. His apology was half assed. He explained it was a junior stylist and that was it. Just a junior stylist. So, I proceeded to ask him what he was going to do to correct the color? He expressed that he didn't need to explain what he was going to do. That he certainly didn't need to explain to me what he was going to do. He was extremely defensive and proceeded to put his hand in my face when I attempted to explain why I was asking what his plans for her hair were. Worst customer service. Poor skill set as a colorist. I will tell everyone I can to avoid going to this joke of a salon. read more

save yourself a lot of heart ache. This place is terrible. I had a very bad experience there, first with a really bad color job, then, when I had to go back to get it "fixed" they did not completely fix it, so when I went back a 3rd time, I was treated like shit, with much disrespect. Very sad. I don't have a lot of spare time or spare money, and this place made me waste BOTH. read more

Horrible! Went to a Junior stylist to get a simple trim. It looked decent but noticed how uneven my hair was cut. I went back the next day and Jorge was able to recut it, but man, What an attitude! He was upset I came back and blamed me for not explaining exactly what I wanted to the junior stylist. I was so angry by the time he was done. Never again. read more

I'm trying to decide if I like this place or not. On the plus side, I got a great haircut. That being said, I feel like I the prices are a bit steep for a junior stylist cut/ color. The stylist was sweet, but just really didn't seem confident in what she was doing. She seemed timid when coloring my hair and took a bit longer that I would have liked. I get it though...we all have to learn sometime...I just wish it wouldn't have been such a costly training session. $200 for a cut and color with a junior stylist...yikes! read more

I've been getting my hair cut at Antidote Salon for a few years now and I'll never go elsewhere! Booking online is easy and the staff is always courteous and pleasant to be around. Not only does Jorge make my hair look amazing (quite the challenge!), but he's an easy going conversationalist and always remembers what we talked about during my last appointment - even if it's been 5 or 6 months. You would be hard pressed to find another salon that delivers a similar level of quality and concern for their clients at Antidote's prices. read more

I had a great experience at Antidote on Monday. I went in ringing my hands about whether to cut my long hair into a short style or not. Jorge looked at my face shape and hair type and was able to make some suggestions that would fit my career and life style. I was scared to death when he made the first dramatic chop in my hair, but then his easy going demeanor made it possible for me to relax. I had asked for some highlights too, and they came out amazing. The combination of the trendy, yet professional style with the killer highlights has made me a believer that Jorge is a genius. 35 thumbs up comments on the pic I put on Facebook. A person at work asked me if I lost weight. I definately give the salon and my whole experience 5 stars! read more

Would NOT come back here again.. It would seem like they know what they are doing.. But not! I wanted to get my hair colored and highlights.. But my hair highlights turned out to green! (Not a color of choice for my hair). Plus, the staff are not very friendly.. Ughh! read more

Antidote has all the potential to be a fantastic salon. It's located in the South Shore Center, so easy parking. The salon uses Aveda products and I love Aveda. Unfortunately, I have really high standards when it comes to salons and haircuts. My last hairstylist in NY was amazing - paid extreme attention to detail and never liked to see me disappointed with a haircut (she never disappointed though!). Anyways, I was desperate for a haircut (hadn't had one since I moved to Alameda in July), so I thought I'd give Antidote a try. I asked for a senior stylist, since my thick, unruly Asian hair would definitely have led to a horrible haircut in the hands of a junior stylist. Holly was my stylist and she did a pretty good job. Not sure if I'll be back though. read more

It was expensive for a less than average haircut. It wasn't bad, but I couldn't tell a difference $75 later.

My first highlight and cut here was pretty okay. The girl showed me a few highlight color samples that looked good, but didn't really come out on my hair the same. I have really dark brown (asian) hair and it came out pretty brassy/blonde, but I asked her for light brown. The owner kept coming over and checking her work, which made me a little nervous and because she didn't get close to the root my roots were super dark and the colored grew out in month. The next time I went back to the same stylist and I asked her if she could get closer and she said she didn't want to burn my scalp, but she was able to get closer than my first highlights. The second color, was bad though. It was really blonde and I don't think the toner was the right color. read more

I love Holly! She cut my hair today just the way I had wanted it, and we had a lovely conversation about movies and Chinese food and our families abroad. I would definitely go back and get Holly even though I'd have to pay extra because she's a senior stylist. :) read more

Jorge was amazing! He fit me in at the last minute with another client that was getting a color and it worked out great. I needed a haircut badly and am one of those that are super picky about how I want my hair. I like my hair natural and easy to manage as I just had a baby. He offered some great tips, took his time and was very professional. I love my cut and will be back! read more

I called for an appointment, but their computer system was "down". I gave them my number and they promised to return my call when they were up and running again. Hello? Are ya back up yet? No matter, I won't be returning. read more

Went here for the first time and loved it!! Raquel did an amazing job and was extremely friendly and professional. I'll absolutely be coming back and would highly recommend this place. Love my cut. read more

Color was ok but another salon that doesn't like older people. Caveat Emptor.