This past Saturday I got a hair cut with Ami (apologies if I am not spelling this correctly) and it was a very pleasant experience. I was surprised that everything got started with a scalp massage! It was a perfect way to start my appointment. Ami was really nice and easy to talk to. I had gone to this salon on a friends recommendation and I was not disappointed! Thank you guys so much! read more

I happened upon Bangs & Locks Salon when I moved back to Oakland and was looking for a stylist who knows curly hair. While not extremely curly, my hair has considerable wave and rebellious cowlicks, so when I found Ami Cooper at Bangs & Locks I knew I wouldn't come out of there looking like an astronaut's wife. (OMG...I've had terrible haircuts in the past). To be upfront, Ami knows curls. Since then we've settled on my regular style and curl management, which means I always leave looking like a cross between Joan Jett and Stevie Nicks. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a Jett/Nicks girl rocker? Puts fear into those hipsters for sure! Ami is knowledgable, creative, unconventional, and tremendously talented. Girls who got curls, fear not. Ami has got you. read more

I just got a fantastic cut from the owner of this salon, Laura. I have been seeing her for 6-7 years now and she consistently gives amazing cuts, listens carefully to what I would like done, and is very thorough. Laura is a senior stylist, so her prices tend to be on the higher end (70-80 can't remember exactly how much), but because she gives such thorough complementary bang trims (that with short hair ends up being a trim all around), it ends up being a very good value. Bang trims really help maintain the look in between cuts. I have had short, medium and long hair with Laura, and she has always given me the best cut of any stylist I've ever had. That's saying a lot. Laura has just opened up her own salon, Bangs & Locks, in a great neighborhood, Temescal. I know there are a few other people that came over from the Elixir Salon in El Cerrito to join Laura at Bangs & Locks. I highly recommend checking these guys out. Update on 4/20/12: I brought my almost 1 year old daughter to get her hair trimmed, and thought that Amber did a fantastic job. It was $15, she was fast, and did a great job with a moving little girl. The little lady looks so cute, and she's ready for her 1st birthday party in a few days. Yeh! I highly recommend using Amber for children's cuts. Update: January 2013: Laura, I miss your salon and seeing you to chat! Having moved to CT, I am no longer able to frequent this great business. But when I visit the area I will stop in. I highly recommend to all! read more

This review is so long overdue for Judy. I'm so glad to have found Judy again here at Bangs & Locks. She was my go-to stylist at Elixir El Cerrito - I panicked when I couldn't get in contact with her after Elixir in E.C closed, but all thanks to Yelp I found out she's now at Bangs & Locks! It's hard to find someone you can trust with your hair. I hopped around from stylist to stylist after my regular stylist moved to Santa Rosa. But after my first cut experience with Judy at Elixir, I knew she was THE ONE. She CAREFULLY listens to what you want and how you want it. And she makes sure you leave the salon happy with your hair. Thanks, Judy! read more

I've been going to Laura for years for a layered cut and highlights, and I hope I never have to go anywhere else because SHE IS PERFECT! I always say it is better than Botox because I leave looking 10 years younger. She is meticulous and detail-oriented, and really works with the hair (or lack thereof) that I have! She somehow finds my natural curls, and my hair always looks fuller. She is also great at advising on, but not pushing, products, and is a relaxed conversationalist who can chat about many topics- and is also fine with quiet if that's your jam! Bangs and Locks is always clean, and they go the extra mile by offering lovely herbal tea- it's a welcoming and relaxing spot. Wonderful group of stylists with a cool, mega-talented, savvy woman running the salon! read more

Judy is awesome! She really knows her clients and what works best. Very attentive. Definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a stylist that knows you as a person first. read more

I came here for a cut like 9 months ago. I think my stylist's name was Amber and I think she had long, straight, purple hair when I saw her... My cut was pricey but in line with the going rate in this neighborhood at $65 before tip (since my hair was above the shoulder). I didn't have super specific requests for my cut, I just wanted it "cleaned up" and "shaped" since I was in the awkward phase between short and long hair. The cut wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. It turned out kind of round, and longer in back than in front, giving it a mullet-y look. Not inclined to come back, but maybe a different stylist would be a better fit. read more

Great experience - every time! I drive all the way from San Francisco to get my hair cut by Laura. I have long hair and do not get it cut that often but when I do, I absolutely love it. Laura always takes great care to make sure to talk through exactly what I want. As I have been growing my hair out since I have been getting my hair cut by her, I have always marvelled at just how little hair she trimmed off and still made it look fresh and light. Additionally, she always blows it out and makes it look fabulous. I always get compliments the rest of the day after a haircut with Laura. I love the head massages and the way my hair smells when I leave the salon. Laura and crew are great and the prices are reasonable too! Highly recommend this salon. read more

I've been going to Amber for years now. She rescued my color after another salon gave me this horrible chunky allover dye and brought me (slowly but surely) from dark brown to platinum blonde. The early morning appointment times are perfect for my schedule, too! Highly recommend this salon and Amber's color and cut skills . read more

Amber has been patiently helping me grow gray gracefully over several years now, with high- and low-lights that have been VERY helpful in preventing the blahs. Highly recommended. read more

Delia cut my hair. She's a great conversationalist. I love my hair! The salon is clean, straightforward, and very friendly. They offered tea or water, which EVERY salon should do! It's worth every penny to get your hair cut here. Yes! read more

For several weeks I was debating whether to write this review, mostly because I was considering to give Delia another chance. However at the end I decided that I'll not be going back to the salon so here is my experience. The review is for a male haircut with Delia. Made an appointment via the web. Arrived at the salon several minutes before my appointment. There were just two people in the salon, Delia and the owner. Delia welcomed me, offered me tea and we proceeded to discuss the cut. I showed a photo of a past cut that I liked, she glanced at it and indicated that she got the idea of where I want to go. The cut started with a scalp massage that was completely unnecessary because it was done half-heartedly little did I know at the time that this is where my haircut will follow as well. After the scalp massage, she washed my hair and proceeded with the cut. Clip, clip, clip, cut, cut, cut, chit, chat, clip, cut, cut. 15-20 minutes passed, another customer came in, Delia greeted her and started to finish up my cut. The owner was eating her lunch and did not get up to greet the customer from which I understood that this was Delia's client. Delia gave me a mirror for the customary inspection. I was surprised that we were already finished...we were not even 30 min into the session. I looked at my haircut and I was not pleased. Made a comment that she did not take enough hair from the sides, hence there was too much weight and made my head look way too round. She proceeded to thin it out a bit. Once this was done, she took me to the cash register and ringed me up for $70.00 (30 min cut, including consultation and a wash). What I got for this was a regular barber cut. When I got home, I was not sure whether the salon was actually a barber shop and went to the website to double check. However no, the terms they used on the website were "precise haircuts" and "amazing cuts". Afterwards I proceeded to the booking system to confirm that appointments are indeed made available at 60 min blocks. So I searched for an appointment with Dalia and indeed, available time slots were at 60 min increments. I was pissed that she rushed me and did not do her job with sufficient care and attention to detail. I called her and expressed my dissatisfaction. She offered to squeeze me in later in the week. I initially agreed but something came up and subsequently I had to cancel, the day after she went on vacation so at the end it did not work out. In summary, it is possible that that Delia has the skills to do great haircuts; however in my case she did a lazy and uninspiring work. She did not bother to carefully inspect the picture I showed her, did absolutely no layering, and instead relied on the top-notch layering that was done in a previous salon visit in NYC. The hair on the back was done in a bowl-like fashion, just a straight line. Maybe Delia had already checked out and was ready for her vacation; however that ended up being on my expense. So in conclusion, if you don't care about style and attention to detail, do yourself a favor, save some money and go to a barber shop. If you are looking for an artistic and quality cut, go elsewhere. read more

I love Bangs and Locks! After reading so many fantastic reviews, I called to book an appointment-- and understandably, on a Thursday they were all booked up for the next several days. Imagine my surprise when Delia called me a few hours later to say they found an open slot and would I still like to come in? Delia was friendly, professional, did a GREAT job on my fine, thick, almost-but-not-quite-curly hair, and was done in an hour flat to boot. She recommended some Aveda products but wasn't pushy, and showed me how to style my hair at home and gave me a lot of advice. Also, I showed up for my appointment right on time and was immediately ushered to a chair. read more

I've gotten hair cuts and colors from Laura for over 8 years. She has always patiently listened and given me a style that folks rave over. When she opened Bangs & Locks, I was THRILLED. The location is convenient. It's easy to BART or park and you can pop over to Bakesale Betty's for a little fried chicken before or after your cut. The space is modern and full of light. She's built up a stellar team of stylists. I've gotten thorough consultations & the exact haircut I want -- plus fun, warm chit chat while I'm sitting in the chair. Highly recommend! read more

I went to Delia for a haircut and highlights and she did an amazing job! I used to see her at Sole but moved with her to Bangs & Locks and glad I stuck with her. As Julia says below, she is good at recognizing how much effort you will put into styling daily and giving you a great cut. Also, the highlights she did werewhat I want but won't look weird if grown out a little too long. read more

I have been seeing Laura at her Aveda salon since before it was Bangs and Locks. She and her staff are always extremely attentive and personable. She is also one of the most genuine, good hearted people I know. Laura is extremely professional and yet relaxed at the same time. I always get compliments on my hair after seeing her. I have tried to save money on occasion by going to cheaper places, but I always end up going to her to fix what other people have ruined. The Aveda products are amazing and the tea they offer you and massage chair only add to the relaxing experience. I highly recommend trying her or any of her staff members! read more

Delia Huie at Bang & Locks has been my hair stylist for years. She totally gets my need for a versatile haircut that looks great when my hair is naturally curly or when my hair is straight. She's truly talented and I recommend her highly. read more

Fantastic space. I've been going to Jenney for 4 years and I've loved everything we've done to my hair. She's great with suggestions. I'm also a follower I drive from SF every month she is totally worth it. read more

I have been going to Laura - who is the owner of Bangs and Locks for what, six years now and she is fantastic. Love that she is now out on her own - as the salon has a vibrate but relaxed vibe. Her team is amazing, both Judy and Amber know my name even though they don't cut my hair. Laura, specifically, is amazing with color, I have very fine hair and alot of it she tells me and my color always looks like I haven't done anything at all...which is exactly how I want it to look and a hard thing to achieve. My husband always asked why I drive 30 minutes to get my hair cut and I always say that I have very high standards and this team always over delievers. Thanks Laura! read more

Since I moved from LA a few months ago and parted from my stylist of 3 years I've been scared to find someone new to do my hair but I'm so glad I gave this place, and the owner, Laura, a chance!! Laura did my hair twice. The first time she did it she gave me a very nice dark beige, semi-blonde shade that canceled out the brassiness and previous blonde/light brown ombre I had. I loved the color and I had gone with her suggestion as to what would be best for my hair to give it a nice shine but I wasn't specific enough with her so I had to make another appointment to have my hair redone because it wasn't quite as light as I would have wanted but she happily helped out. I'm in LOVE with my hair now. Laura bleached my hair longer this time and my hair now is a dark beige blonde, almost has a grey tone to it; it looks so gorgeous, I've gotten so many compliments in the last few days! And on top of that, she dyed (I forgot the term she used) my roots and the top of my hair in a diamond shape a dark espresso, almost black shade that just sits on top of the blonde perfectly and blends well with the colors and layers in my hair. My hair has been bleached 2-3 hours total in the last 2 weeks but my hair doesn't feel or look damaged at all! Laura didn't even charge me when I came back in to have it redone just because she wanted me to be 100% happy with my hair and I am more than 500% happy with it now. I wish I had more cash on me to tip her when I came in. Definitely see Laura for hair color. She is a bit more pricier than the other stylists but very much worth the investment. She will give you a fantastic color suitable for your skin tone, while giving you exactly what you want, she is an attentive listener and will help you decide what is best if you're unsure, she is very sweet, doesn't destroy your hair like some stylists do, and she just knows exactly what she's doing. Thank you Laura! read more

Yeah! An awesome haircut by a lovely person in my neighborhood. Jenney is another parent at my daughter's school, and even though we hadn't met when she mentioned in an email that she was cutting hair at a salon in my neighborhood, I thought, perfect! I'll try her. I was long overdue for a cut, and I love being able to walk to places. Jenney is, first of all, a friendly and easy-going person to be around. This is very important when you are going to be spending an hour or more with a person in close proximity. We ended up chatting quite a bit, but I also felt comfortable in the natural silences. She listened well to my hair desires/thoughts, and was able to give me a great cut. Also, she started the whole thing off with a soothing scalp massage. I will be seeing Jenney again, and recommending her to my friends! read more

Amber is a great stylist. She knew just what my distressed locks needed and the cut she gave my hair was PERFECT. I highly recommend Amber from Bangs and Locks. read more

I'm new to the area, found Bangs & Locks via Yelp, liked the reviews. I wish I had heeded the warning of the 2 star review. I had long hair, and recently had a baby. The upkeep of the long hair took more time than I could afford with a newborn, so I wanted something more shoulder length. I took in multiple photos (even an actual set of photos of the same haircut from the front, side, and back) of examples, asked if they were feasible and was assured by Melina that it definitely was. I really liked Melina, and the customer service itself was great. However, the haircut is a disaster. I gave it a couple days before writing this review hoping that I was overreacting and just needed time to figure out the best way to style it, sadly not the case. It doesn't even vaguely resemble the photos I gave as examples, it's basically a shoulder length blunt cut, no layers or texture. I also told her that I really needed to be able to still put it up, and I can barely get it in a ponytail. So now I have a baby yanking on my hair all day, and a haircut I hate. It's a bummer to say the least, to decide to make such a drastic change in hairstyle and end up with one you can't do anything with. Finding a new stylist is definitely trial and error, I don't think I'll be back. 2 stars because Melina was very nice, there was barely any wait, and the price was reasonable. Would have taken a rude stylist, a long wait, and paid twice as much for a different haircut though :( read more

Delia for highlights. Damn, she's good. Many people in my life have no idea that I'm not actually a warm honey blond. (In fact, my hair is a drab medium/dark brown.) Meticulous, fast, knows hair and how it'll take color, and totally honest. If you want someone to BS you, skip Delia. I begged her for bangs for about a year, and she just said no - won't do it. She said they wouldn't suit my face. Finally, she caves, and gives me bangs - and of course she's totally right. I look like a 9 year old. So I grew them out, and it's been a bit of a joke between us since. She also takes into account how unwilling or unable I am to style my hair (she was cutting and coloring my hair for three years before I bought a hair drier) so she gives me hair cuts that will actually look good without effort, taking into account the weird way my hair kicks and its length. And the price is right. You could spend a lot more for lower quality work and products. I followed her here from another Aveda salon, and am so glad she stayed local. read more

A-OK sums it up. I had a good cut, but the price was astronomical. So, it evens out to a 3 star. The salon is rather cluttered, but it didn't bother me. What I didn't like however was a half eaten hot dog on a paper plate on one of the salon chairs. It sat there the whole time. (FART sound). read more

So Laura, the owner, formerly of Elixir in El Cerrito/Berkeley, has opened on her own as Bangs & Locks. This is an amazing salon, with amazing people, and still an Aveda salon...so amazing products for hair and skin. I love Judy. She is an amazing colorist and stylist. I have been allowing her to have free reign to do (almost) whatever she wants to do to my head. She has great vision and I get compliments on my hair wherever I go. You will not be disappointed with any of the stylists there. read more

Laura (owner & senior stylist) has been doing my hair for a while now, I followed her from El Cerrito Elixir Salon. I have always been very pleased with Laura's cut and coloring skills, in addition to her mad massage skills! (When she shampoos your hair you also get a wonderful scalp massage). For a long time, I was hesitant to do highlights because I didn't want that "stripey" look, but given that Laura has always made me and my hair very happy, I decided to go for highlights today and bring my base color up one step. Thanks to Laura, my hair looks AWESOME!!! She is a very talented hair professional, as well as having awesome people skills. I love how she just goes with the flow when I'm talkative and then later after the shampoo when I'm almost falling asleep in her chair! I always walk out of her salon feeling well taken care of and looking great. Thank you, Laura! read more

I have been seeing Ami for my hair for 4 years now. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. She is a true color artist! My hairstyle has changed over the years while seeing her because I finally trust my stylist to listen to my needs when I get a whim for a new funky cut or color. She has empowered me to try new things. She listens attentively and then executes perfectly. I have gone from a basic red shoulder length bob to a fun, funky asymmetrical pixie with different levels of red and blonde highlights that I would have been a bit hesitant to try before. She is a master at cutting short hair, I always love what I walk out with. It is part of my personality now! And frankly - no joke - I receive compliments on my hair from strangers on a daily basis. When they do I always refer her. I highly recommend Ami! read more

I have been getting my hair done here for years. Its nice to have a fantastic hair cut every time. Last time I set my stylist free to do what the wanted and she colored my hair in the most radiant red that got tons of compliments. I hope to have many more great hair cuts here! read more

Just got a shampoo and blow dry from Amber as a birthday treat. It was a great relaxing experience, massage shampoo chair, scalp massage, and my hair looks great! Nice and sunny salon and I loved that I could make an appointment for earlier in the morning. read more

Amber is awesome!!! Went in for my consultation a week before my appt and explained what I wanted. Let's just say my color and highlights have me feeling like a brand new woman. Confidence is on 10 and I am fiercer than ever!!! read more

I had been looking for a place in the East Bay and with the recommendation of a friend thought I'd try Bangs and Lock. Initially I did not choose a stylist, but luckily got Ami! I see her to color and cut my hair. She knew the exact blends of color during both times I've visited her. The first time I wanted a subtle brown ombre and this time wanted to go up a knotch in ombre colors. The process took about 3 hours (I have long medium thin hair) but the time flew by and is worth the wait. Both times the color turned out wonderful and lasted a long time. I love my new color and thankful that Ami is down the street! read more

Love my new haircut by the wildly talented Gunner. I came in with a mop and not a fully formed idea of what I even wanted and she gave me a gorgeous bob! It's nicely stacked with volume and a great angle. I have a huge cowlick and a ducktail on the back of my head. She texturized and razor cut it to perfection. I am so excited about it that I'm writing this review on the plane, I just couldn't wait. I will look fabulous in LA and will forever be a loyal client! read more

I love this salon. Laura knows how to cut my hair so that the part of my hair that grows funny and flips up doesn't. Without her I would invest instead in hats. Lots of hats. Comfortable feel. Good products. Scalp massage! And a great haircut. read more

My new cut and highlghts are AWESOME. Amber is the best colorist/stylist. I have had so many wonderful compliments on the color and hair style. My co-workers wish her shop was closer so they could get such a great hair style. She is soooo worth the drive to Oakland! Love the new location. Easy to get to & there's a Peets Coffee on the corner. read more

I truly enjoyed my judgement-free experience at this not-pretentious salon. Ami ask a lot of questions and made sure we were on the same page about what I wanted before she even touched my head. The service was great, the price was right, and the aromatherapy scalp massage was a great touch. The nicest thing about my experience is that at no time did I feel pressured to purchase any of the products she used on my hair, nor did she say anything about my roots showing. read more

First professional haircut in almost 2 years. Amber did a great job and I definitely plan on going back to her! Slightly pricey as far as haircuts go, but with a scalp massage, shampoo and cut it's worth every penny. read more

Ami was my hairstylist and I am so pleased! It is the first time in my entire life that I have gone into a salon with a picture of what I wanted and came out with a hairstyle exactly like the picture. I can't believe it! They say that hairstylists are beauticians not magicians but Ami is a magician!!!! She's an incredible stylist with amazing attention to detail. I feel so much better, I can't believe what a difference an awesome hair cut can make! read more

Jenney is amazing! She understood immediately how my thick, wavy hair works, and did something creative that exactly expresses what I was hoping for my hair to express. read more

Just got my haircut by Jenney and I love it! I made the appointment super last minute and I was so happy she could accommodate me. She was so nice and really listened to what I wanted. I will definitely be back to see her again. Thanks for the awesome haircut, Jenney! read more