I don't get my hair cut that often because I am basically too lazy to drag my ass to the salon AND I wear my hair in a pony tail 99% of the time. I was finally up for a change and decided to try Artbeat after reading all of the reviews. Try (who is a new talent at the salon) gave me a great cut and great advice on my coarse, wavy, hard to manage hair. The location is great, the street parking was pretty easy and the salon was clean and nicely decorated. I will definitely call to see Try in the very near future. read more

Unfortunately, my favorite stylist Melody has moved down the street. But I still highly recommend Artbeat (Charlene in particular).

I highly recommend Chris if you're looking for a men's hair cut. He gave me a nice clean cut, intended to be styled for an interview last week. I have high standards for my hair and liked what I saw after he had finished. After a few days I realized that after a long day at work, my straight hair would start to misbehave on me. I decided I needed to have it a little bit closer and the part line a little bit further up (my fault for not realizing this sooner). I went back today and he fixed it so now it won't unwind and sits nicely. Overall I got great customer service and was impressed with the hair cut enough to bother writing this Yelp review. read more

I was so excited about my haircut this afternoon, that I jumped up and down in the salon! I told my stylist, Noel, that I wanted to grow my hair out, and I liked the length of my bangs. He cut my hair in such a way that it looks gorgeous--it's long in the front, short in the back. It looks awesome. Thanks, Noel! And thanks, Artbeat, for the lovely ambiance. read more

I haven't had my hair done here. I go to someone really excellent, farther from Berkeley, but I will say that I have seen more than a handful of cuts and colors from this salon, which have been excellent--some on friends, some on strangers. The work seems to have been done by different stylists, too. I guess this is the "it" salon in Berkeley, and I will try it out when my own stylist retires. Edit Remove People thought this was: Useful (2) Cool (1 read more

This place is amazing! I've had my hair cut by Noel twice now and both times I have walked out with a stellar cut. I have never gotten so many compliments on my hair before this. Besides being extremely charming, Noel really takes his time in helping you to decide the best cut for your hair. He's great at taking your wants into account but also gives helpful advice on what would look good (and not so good.) He gives great head massages too and the Aveda products are wonderful! read more

Best haircuts and color I have ever had.seriously I have been around ...Vidal,Festoon,Architects and Heroes,Jonathen Antin. (Yes, really) love the products. (Aveda) and the staff knows and believes in their stuff. read more

I highly recommend Genevieve! Not only was the haircut great, but so was the entire experience. She took her time, began with a head massage, and was very friendly. The salon itself was very nice; small, intimate, with cool people; I think they're moving to a bigger a space, though. The price was reasonable for what I've seen thus far in the Bay area. I will definitely be back! read more

I tried this salon for the first time today, based on reviews here on the site and I loved it! Everyone there was very nice. The atmosphere is cool but comfortable. Everything was first class but the price was very reasonable. The stylist, Try, listened super well and did a beautiful job. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted, but had ideas and Try was amazing figuring out how to give me the exact color I had in my head and more "interesting bangs." I left thinking "tell everyone!" read more

Try is an amazing stylist and person to spend time with while you are getting your hair cut or colored. She really listens to you, works with you and is honest about what will work for you and what wouldn't. I've never left disappointed. She also gave me a great education about caring for my hair and in the last 6 months I've seen dramatic improvements! This is also a fabulous salon in general. I always feel pampered and cared for when I come here....the tea is heavenly as well. read more

Almost three years ago I met my best and only stylist. Noel has always come through with giving me the style I always wanted, even though I never go in with a solid idea of what I want. I say, "hot and fun," and he's come through every time. Cut, style and color are all fantastic. I followed Noel from San Francisco, and now make the trek from the city to North Berkeley and it's definitely worth it. You know you've found a truly gifted stylist when people stop you on the street and tell you what an awesome haircut you have and where, oh where, did you get it done? I recommend Noel every time. Artbeat is nestled in a very cute neighborhood in North Berkeley. The ambiance inside is great as well, the art on the wall ads a modern vibe to your experience. read more

I had Brianna! She is a new talent and she did an amazing job. She was so fun to talk to as well! Loved my final product!

Irene did my make-up a few weeks ago and made me beautiful! I have never been very good with doing it myself but I trusted Irene with my make-up for graduation pictures and she worked her magic. Her skills are superb for any woman's special event. Even my boyfriend was pleased with her work, complimenting me on how natural I looked. This was sooooo much better than Glamor Shots when they were around! Check her out, she rocks at make-up! read more

I just moved to the east bay from SF and I'm trying to find a place to get my hair cut and eyebrows waxed. I tried this place out for the first time and wasn't too impressed. The space is beautiful. Service is good, people are friendly, but I didn't think it was worth the cost. I've had my brows waxed by 2 other salons and have had no problems. When I got them done here, I was told about the natural products and how gentle it was, but ironically it was the first time it has EVER burned my skin. Will not be going back. read more

I have been going to Genevieve since January of this year and I am very happy with her doing my color and trimming my growing out hair. She is a very talented colorist and stylist and I love the fact that she can tell me how to style my hair at home and get almost the same effect that she produces. I go for a professional but not too serious look and in her hands I always like what I see in the mirror. read more

Need great, relaxing, reliable, and reasonable skin care? Go see Irene at Artbeat. She is phenomenal! I have been going to her for years and will never stray. She is knowledgeable and gentle. Irene you rock! Thanks for always keeping my skin and eyebrows in check! read more

It was my first time going to Artbeat Salon and I absolutely loved my time there. The front desk where lovely. I also loved the whole atmosphere of a salon. And the stylist, Whitney wasn amazing! I loved how she completely understood what I wanted. She is also really sweet and cool to talk to. I really trusted her with what I wanted. It was better than what I expected. I loved my time there! read more

I had been going to Aveda salons in CO and then TX before moving to the Bay Area. I knew I wanted to keep going to Aveda salons as I love their products and the philosophy. I was extremely disappointed with the first 3 that I tried in this area. None measured up to the experiences I had in CO and TX. Then I found Artbeat. While the salon is a bit small compared to the others, the staff and service are both top notch. Irene is top notch. I always go to her for a waxing followed by a facial. My skin always feels wonderful when she is done. The experience is incredibly relaxing and she doesn't make me tell her what I want, she looks at my skin each time and tells me what she thinks would be best and asks if I have any specific problems and then tailors the facial as such. Just as any professional would do. Tavia is also great. I actually found her at a different Aveda salon and then on my first appt with Irene at Artbeat found out that she had returned to Artbeat from her time at the other salon. My hair color / highlights had been completely messed up by a new person at a different Aveda salon. Tavia was able to not only get my hair back to decent condition, but to slowly move toward the color I originally had without making any drastic changes. She is extremely attentive to detail and is a pleasure to have a conversation with. I would definitely say that Artbeat is by far the best Aveda shop in the Bay Area. I can't wait for their bigger salon when they will be offering even more services. read more

I just had the best wash and style experience with a "new talent" at Artbeat! I loved him! I would have paid double what I paid to look that good and the best part? His funny life stories came for free! We chatted as he styled and I got a handful of comments about my hair that night from people at my holiday party! Can't wait to go back! Love Travis! read more

Artbeat is awesome. I moved to another town but have found no other salon can treat me as well as they do and provide wonderful hair services like Artbeat. Currently, I am seeing Omar for my cut and color needs. He is very nice and attentive to detail. The ladies at the counter are very welcoming and pleasant. Everyone at Artbeat has great positive energy. read more

I am going to go with the middle score 3-star rating. It was a smashing 5-stars until one coloring adventure that had ruined my hair for two years. I started out with Emily whose color work was excellent. She never once messed it up. One day I could not get her, so I tried Judy, who was new. She was slow, talked incessantly about herself, and did not listen to my request, but just did her own thing instead, what she likes, lots of gold, which is the opposite of what I asked for. Emily stepped in to correct the mess. She saved it. The next visit, I met Charlene who had done the most beautiful natural looking blonde, with one small problem right in the front. When I went back to fix it, I felt badly that I was taking up her afternoon and suggested something from a magazine photo of copper brown (penny ) looking color that I had always wanted to try. We did a wash out tint (her idea to use this combination). Instead of the copper penny looking tone, she put in what was the equivalent of a candy apple red that made my hair look like pippi longstockings. It was, by my friends' remarks, "not **THAT** bad." It was bad. Despite that, she also gave me a fantastic cut, the best cut anyone has ever done on my hair; I have not been back. It took a year or so to get the red color corrected out and around $360. The reason I was disappointed was that the owner is a color specialist, considered one of the best in the east bay, and by artistic standards. Emily is fast and easy going, gives great color. Charlene gave the best cut. Noel gave the second best cut (who is no longer there). I have had other people mess up my hair worse than this. So considering that person, this was not that bad. LOL read more

I have only positive things to say about Artbeat - and that makes me happy! It is rare to find a salon where the people answering the phones/scheduling are friendly and helpful as are the people who call to confirm your appt, AND the atmosphere is aesthetically pleasant, AND the products are good for you/the environment/animals, AND the stylist is both nice to talk to AND excellent at what they do. I've found some of those qualities before, but not all in one place. And, if I'm paying premium prices (on a very limited budget) for a service which is a rare treat, I want all of the above. Thank-you to Artbeat, especially Noel (who Really listens, is incredibly thorough with color and skilled with scissors, and offers great guidance towards your long term hair visions!) read more

ASK FOR TRACY! I have long hair and am experiencing an attack of going-grey. I get highlights and a trim every 6-9 weeks, and having a stylist who knows how to do long hair without trying to be too dramatic is important to me. I'm a busy girl. Because Tracy knows my hair so well, I slide in her chair and she usually has my color already mixed and doesn't waste my time. I cannot stress how important this is! I don't have to wait a single minute for her! She even goes so far as to make adjustments to my color treatments, so I don't end up with brassy color. My clients can't tell when I've had an appointment, Tracy is that consistent and personal. You will look your whole life for someone like this; Tracy knows her stuff and she's so good at conversation, the time passes and you don't even notice. Added to that, the products (Aveda) are worth every cent you pay for them, and the atmosphere is great! read more

It took me a few tries to find the right stylist when I moved to Berkeley. But I've been going to Judie for a few years and she's awesome. She is sweet and personable, but let's me read my people magazine in peace too. She offers suggestions , but keeps it close to what is realistic for me (no crazy purple highlights!). The staff is all friendly and offers me tea and mimosas! I also like the hand massages and the great massage selection. I have never considered going anywhere else. read more

This is part 2 of a review for Melody Jones, post Artbeat Salon era...Unfortunately (for Artbeat Salon), Melody has moved on to the next phase in her career - but fortunately for the rest of us, she hasn't moved on from what she does so fabulously well - sharing her style and expertise with our hair! ;-) You can find her at Darin David Salon @ 1722 Solano Avenue. Ph: 510 524 8121 ************************ My vote is for Melody Jones - I had one of the best experiences I have ever had at a salon!! I initially set my first appt with Artbeat and just had the staff pick a stylist for me. However, when I arrived for my appt - the stylist I was assigned to was still busy and Melody had finished her previous appt early, so the staff offered to have my hair cut by her so I wouldn't have to wait. I am so glad I decided to go with Melody!! She has great style of her own, and she worked WITH me to get the haircut that would work best for me. She listened to my wants and concerns, gave me her input/suggestions and touched base with me more than once during the hair cut to make sure everything was on track. My hair cut is incredible! It works with my hair's natural wave and texture, frames my face really well and is still low maintenance while getting ready in the mornings - which was really important for me. And I really believe it is because of Melody's talent and expertise. The salon also sponsors local art, which is very cool - and gives you something interesting to look at while you're hair is being transformed by your stylist. ;-) If you're looking for a new stylist - you must try Melody, you won't regret it! read more

I've had the same haircut for 20 years - long and straight, all one length - but I felt like it was time for a change and a more "professional" cut. I went to see Try and explained to her the general idea of what I wanted. She presented me with a couple of options, listened to what I wanted and gave me the cutest haircut!!! Even though I cut 6+ inches off my hair I haven't regretted it one second because the new cut is so cute. I've even already been back for a trim and slight modification to the style and the second cut was as good as the first. I highly recommend Try - I'm excited to continue to try out some new 'dos now that I have a stylist I can trust to cut my hair. read more

Like: -convenient location on Solano -inviting, warm space -friendly stylists Dislike: -walk out with mediocre haircut - spend $75 -two days later, my hair looks like comical It's one thing to spend $20 at Supercuts and get a bad haircut. It's another thing to spend a pretty penny and end up looking like Harpo Marx. I am not sure why I gave this two tries, but I did. My stylist was very personable and sweet, but I'm sorry to say, is not very skilled with the scissors. Where oh where can I get a professional, great haircut in Berkeley? It sure isn't happening at Artbeat. read more

I've been going to a place near where I live in South Berkeley, but two friends told me that they weren't that happy with my results (hair styling). So I tried Artbeat on recommendation of a friend. I liked everything about it - very good experience. I needed a haircut for a set of job interviews (in other words, one of those "no-fun make it look professional" types of things). All of the people were efficient, professional yet nice people. A lot of attention to detail and things turned out great. I'd strongly recommend Jaydee (no knock on the others; he is the only one that I have tried). And it looks like they are really good at fun haircuts too. Another good thing is that if you have to wait or are early, the Solano neighborhood is good for browsing/shopping. You may ask why only 4 stars - well, my friend said that she thought it should have been a little shorter in the front - so a very minor negative. Maybe you can blame ME for four stars not five; these things are a judgement call. Anyways, top recommendation, I'll be back! Oh, FYI, evidently they are often very busy like other top salons, so you want to call in advance. read more

I was extremely unhappy with my experience at Artbeat Salon. I went to Artbeat because I could get a same day appointment. I discussed with the stylist that I was going away for an important weekend and that I simply wanted a color touch up (roots) to match my existing color. I also asked for a few highlights (I specified 5 foils). However, in the end, a full partial highlight was required in an attempt to control for the sloppy application of a color that was much too dark. As the color was being applied, I commented that it looked awfully dark but was assured that after shampooing it would be fine. I was a little shocked at the result .... I left Artbeat for my special getaway with a very big, dark, "band" around my head. It was an expensive embarrasment. The frustration was that the stylist claimed it was a perfect color match. I have since been back to my own stylist for a color correction. He told me the color on my hair was several shades darker than the color he always uses. I will not do that again, nor would I be able to recommend this salon in good conscience. read more

The best salon experience I've had. The staff here is so friendly and accommodating. My first experience was having all my hair chopped off in order to donate it to Locks of Love. My stylist, Amy, was awesome. We looked through some magazines they have and found me a great new look! read more

It was my first time in this salon and I will not definitely going back. Since I am living in the same neighborhood then I decided to check this place out for a regular haircut. I had an appointment with Jill and as soon as I told her that what I want, she told me t it's better that I go to a barbershop in Oakland!!! Then she started cutting my hair and then I realized her hands were shaking, at that point I knew I'm in a wrong place. She simply doesn't know how to cut a man's hair, she doesn't know how to use a razor and she stated that she is cutting hair for five years which I don't buy it at all. This is the interesting part, in the middle of my haircut , she asked another guy to cut my hair since she didn't know how to do a simple hard part!!!! By the end, they charged me $55 for a haircut that I'm going to fix it tomorrow in a REAL HAIR SALON not this place. read more

I got my hair cut and colored at Artbeat several times. I changed stylists to give them a chance and a fair try, since I have thick and course-textured hair and a lot of it. I had a few sessions with the owner who finally blew it enough for me to give up and try another of their stylists. The owner burned my head during a straightening session and it was "whoops" and a very insincere apology. I told the reception desk in a clear, firm and calm manner about my lack of satisfaction and of the one incident where I was burned. I never got ONE cent reimbursed, nor did I ever get any follow-up or apology from the owner. Expensive, too. You'd think they would appreciate such a loyal customer. Guess I was wrong. read more

I got the best haircut in the past several years by Alexxis. She is wonderful. She knew exactly what I wanted, which might be dull by other's standards, but works well for me. Thank you Alexxis! I can't recommend this salon enough. read more

I heard good reviews about this place from a friend, so after a particularly horrid hair trimming experience at another place, I decided to give this place a shot. I came here to get a bad haircut fixed, so I wasn't really picky about my style. Since I had so little hair, I asked my stylist Monika for a simple asymmetrical bob with a slight a-line. My key emphasis was that I just wanted it to look good. Anything looks better than the horrid state that the last hairdresser left my hair in, but Monika did a great job of trimming my hair and layering it to make its thickness more manageable. I wish I had come here in the first place instead of the first salon I went to! When my hair is longer, I will definitely come back here to get something crazy done to my hair like the sides shaved or extreme asymmetrical layers or dyed blonde or whatever. Because I wasn't picky with my style or how the end result was, I'm only giving a 4. However, it was overall an extremely positive experience and I have extremely high expectations for this place when I get my next cut. I would definitely recommend this place to friend. Can't wait to come back! read more

Great salon! I love Jill there, she's my go to for hair. She has fixed all my butchered hair cuts and rescued me when I experimented with my color at home. The ladies that greet you at the door are so sweet and I always feel well welcomed here. I love the environment and the music is great. I also love the tea! I can't wait til my next hair appt! read more

I love my pixie cut. Barbara is incredible!! I have fine hair that can lie flat and look boring. Barbara gave me a soft, touchable fringe that fits my features (and my mother-in-law told me I look 10 years younger). Barbara is patient and listens, assessing the shape of my head and facial features and making suggestions. When she cuts she is meticulous - cutting it dry first, then wet and then dry, fine tuning until it is perfect. I have been going to her for a year now. I can't recommend her enough if you want this kind of attention and outcome. read more

Horrible! I went to Tito after reading all the great reviews about him. I wished I never went! First, he made me wait an hour before seeing me. Then he took forever to cut my hair. And it's not like he talks... he's just slow! Then my haircut was horrible. He tried to style it and since it wouldn't do what he wanted it to do, he kinda left it as it. When I left, I looked like I had hat hair. Very disappointed! read more

Really nice place, super friendly, easy to like. I wasn't really looking for a fancy salon or anything over the top, just a nicer-level haircut than I'd been getting. I was nervous it'd be "too much" but I felt right at home. Amy my stylist is the best. She had great ideas, was friendly I enjoyed the whole experience. read more

Recently moved to Berkeley & was worried about finding a salon but Artbeat is amazing! I've seen two stylists and both have been exceptional. It's an Aveda salon too, which is a plus for anyone who appreciates that product line. Overall, this salon is highly professional and welcoming, and they make it easy to want to come back. read more

Being new in town, I called the front desk and asked who I could talk to about finding the right stylist for me and my hair. The receptionist said enthusiastically that all of the hairstylists here can work with any type of hair and are all great at what they do. I said okay, I have fine hair that needs to layered. Otherwise, I have to spend a lot of time styling it. With a good layered cut, my hair falls into place with a quick blow dry and product. I asked, who is good at layering fine hair there? She assured me that everyone is. So I booked the next available appt, which happened to be with Omar, a senior stylist. Ok, the most expensive, but I'm sure he'll be a pro at layering. I'm willing to pay for quality. When I meet Omar and tell him I want a layered bob to create movement and not involve a lot of styling. He says that fine hair should not ever be layered and he convinces me to go one length. I figured okay, he's the expert. He wasn't very good at communication and he even seemed a little pist off. But I thought maybe I just need a really good cut. The whole time he was cutting my hair, I got this pist off runway model vibe from him. Like, I so rather be in Milan on the catwalk, then cutting this woman's hair. I don't think he likes what he does and you can definitely feel it with every chop. He then cut my hair into a one length bob with my bangs cut straight across. It looked like a brown helmet. Oh, I know this haircut. My mother used to give me this cut in elementary school. He didn't even me if asked I liked it. And I don't think we have the same version of the term 'movement'. My hair went straight down like a Lego person. I was stunned how bad it looked. He didn't really seem to care and gave an air like he can't be bothered. So I took my very expensive helmet out of his chair and then went to pay a lot of money for it, leaving steaming mad. It's not flattering and the one length with out layers, flips up around my ears and the back of my hair if I don't painstakingly style it. I wish I could just put it up in a ponytail, it looks so bad, but Omar cut it too short for that. He buzzed the back part, which I can't stand and didn't ask for. I can't speak for the rest of Art Beat, but don't go to Omar for a haircut and if you do, don't expect a lot of communication or care. read more