My fiancee only gets his haircut here for 3 years now after going to Great Clips and Sam does not disappoint. It's hard to find barbers that are good at cutting Asian hair and Sam does a great job. He's also a great conversationalist, it's calm inside the salon, and is located conveniently on Park Street, so you can grab a bite right after. We would definitely recommend Sam and Bella Hair Salon. read more

My favorite barber.. 7 years+ and running, never a bad cut.. s/o Gian for putting me on. Back when I used to live in alameda I slowly converted my whole family from great clips to Sam, never looked back. read more

Rude ass hell. Sign says open and he's in there but doors locked, when I knocked he just looked at me then turned around like I wasn't even there and his customer is literally just sitting in the chair while he's doing something else smh read more

I have been coming here forever, guessing 10 years. Sam has done a great job with my hair and is reasonably priced. He is quite a conversationalist if you want to talk or will leave you alone if you don't want to chat. Love his sunny location on Santa Clara. Call for an appointment and be on time! read more

I'm not one of those people who has 'hairstylist'. One of those, 'only Antonio touches my hair'. But I love Bella Hair Salon. Ever since I discovered them in '08 I been going back to them when I can. While my friends were getting their nails done at fusion, I decided to walk in and get a dye job if the price was reasonable. When they told me $55, I near hit the floor. Usually for a dye job with my length of hair ( 5 to 8 inches) it would cost me $80, because they have to do all this pre-whatever stuff. But not here, they sat me down and just dyed my hair the color I wanted. And the best parts were that dark as my hair was, a light color was able to show up and the color lasted for nearly a year before roots started showing. The following year I came back to have it done again and they remembered me. They had info on what they did, how much they charged me, and were going to charge me the same price. With a hair cut and a wash the whole thing cost me the price of just a dye job somewhere else. This time I couldn't go back for nearly a year and a half, yet they still had my info and knew exactly what I was looking for. I changed the color slightly, and they noted it. They also noted the estimate they gave for how much it would cost for a touch up. I have been to one other place that only charged me $65 for my length of hair, but the color didn't show up at all. You couldn't tell the difference between my real hair color and what they did unless the sun hit just right. And only then it was only for a week. So when I found this place and saw the wonderful job they did I was glad to keep coming back. read more

Bella Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

Updated review. I've been coming to Bella for over 20 years. Sam always does a perfect job on my hair. He gets me in and out, great conversation, and has a clean shop. Covid has effected all businesses, but probably hit the hardest on salons. Give Sam a call and book your appointment today. read more

This Salon has been a treasure and a gift to Alameda. Sam has cut and style my hair for over 20 years. Professional, honest ,friendly and accommodating. If you are looking for a stylist with whom you can trust with your appearance, you will find it with Sam. Thank you Sam for being here and being part of our community. read more

I hate to be the one who posts a contrary view, but my experience at this salon was not so great. Problems: * Sam did not cut my hair anything like the photo I brought in. * He used the edge of the shears and damaged my hair. * He charged $10 more than the price he quoted. I read all of the great reviews on Yelp so I decided to try this salon. When I made my appointment by phone, I asked Sam how much he charged to cut and style medium/long hair. He said it was $45 to shampoo, cut and style it. I repeated the amount and he confirmed $45. I brought a very specific photo that was appropriate for my length and type of hair. It involved a few long, piecey tendrils and long bangs. We talked about it, I told him exactly what I wanted, and he said he understood and could do it with no problem. My hair is naturally curly. I color it, so it is dry and easily damaged. I pamper it with good products and style it with a ceramic flatiron to keep it smooth and shiny. I told Sam this. He said he understood. While he was cutting my hair, I noticed that he wasn't cutting the front and sides anything like the photo. I stopped him several times, pulled out the photo again, and explained again what I wanted. He said he understood and would fix it. But it just got worse. He cut my hair a lot shorter than the photo, didn't cut the bangs anything like the photo, and instead of a few long/piecy tendrils, he cut thick layers that pouf out and look like a bi-level helmet. He did not flatiron it. Instead, another sytlist there did a blow-dry style that looked like Mary Tyler Moore on acid. I blame myself for pretending it was OK at that point, but in my defense I just wanted to get the hell out of there before it got any worse. There was no way I wanted them to do anything else to my hair, so I didn't want to try to complain about it. When I went to pay my bill, I told him to add a $10 tip (he took a long time to cut my hair so I figured his time was worth a tip even if I didn't like the cut) and he said "It's $55." I looked at the receipt on the way to my car and saw that he had charged me $55 for the haircut -- not $45 as he had quoted me -- and added the $10 tip to that for a total of $65. Obviously I should have gone back right then and there, but honestly I just wanted to go home, wash my hair, and see if I could do anything with it myself. When I washed it and looked in the mirror, I broke into tears. It was just awful. All of the ends were chopped up and fuzzy. I was just sick about it. The next day I went to an Aveda salon and asked the owner for help. She asked me if Sam had done a razor cut. I didn't know, but I told her he had done at least part of the cut by sliding the edge of the shears along my hair. She said curly hair should never be cut that way and that it had really damaged my already dry and colored hair. She recommended I do some deep-conditioning mask treatments at home (to save money) and just try to let it grow for awhile before cutting it again. It has been almost a month since Sam cut my hair. I wasn't going to write a review because I hate to say bad things about nice people's businesses. But I feel it is important to add a different perspective to these glowing reviews so that other people don't just jump in naively like I did. I'm sure Sam gives good haircuts to people whose hair he understands. He just really, really didn't understand mine. read more

This was the most horrible haircut that I ever experienced. I went by the great reviews that Sam got, but I didn't expect that most people liked the jagged, scraggy, uneven result he produced for me. It's been a month and it has yet to begin to grow out. read more

Sam is great, I love getting my haircuts from him. He is truly a professional when it comes to styling hair, cutting hair, dying hair, gelling hair, you name it, etc... He only does appointments but wow! It's really worth it. People from all walks of life go to Bella Salon for haircuts; elementary school kids, middle school kids, high school kids, old kids, adults in their 20's to 70's even get their haircut from Sam. Some barely even have any hair. Price is well worth it, even as I'm a starving college student. Sam is also very talented when it comes to designs being shaved on peoples hair, he can make spider webs or stars, etc for the people that want to be unique. He is also a ladies man, he's got excellent communication skills with them. He has been cutting hair for nearly 2 decades and looks like he's only in his 20's. On the other hand, just don't get a haircut from his sister, shes good too but Sam makes her look like an amateur. I hope this helps. read more

I can't believe this place doesn't have any reviews yet, but it must be because the salon does so well by word of mouth. Back in 2004, I was working my first job out in San Leandro near the Oakland airport. One day, I decided I wanted to get a hair cut during lunch, and came across Bella Salon on a Google search. I gave it a try, and four years later, though I now work in San Francisco and live in El Cerrito, I still make the trek out to Alameda to get my hair cut. Sam and Amanda do awesome cuts at very reasonable prices, and spend a lot of time with every customer. I have thick hair, and they always take the time to blowdry it even if they have other customers waiting. There's always a friendly vibe and they have tons of local customers. My sister has super thick curly hair that few stylists are able to tame, but Sam actually understands curly hair, so she never goes anywhere else. If you're looking for a trendy, modern setting, this place might not be for you, but if you're looking for a great cut at an affordable price you should definitely give Bella a try. They're usually packed on Saturday, but if you call on Friday you can usually still get an appointment for the next day. read more

Great place for a hair cut but it seems they no longer answer the phone and won't call me back when I leave a message to schedule an appointment- did their phone number change? I've been trying to call to make an appointment for a couple months now... maybe only accepting walk-ins right now? Any other way to make an appointment? read more

Went in to get a haircut today by great recommendations from my tennis buddies... Generally, you have to call in to make an appointment with Sam (FYI he doesn't pick up the phone if your area code is outside of the 415 / 510, so when I called from my cell (310 LA area code), he didn't pick up....)...Sam says call him twice if you have a different area code and he will pick up So my friend who is a regular called and he picks up, and I get a walk in appointment.....Sam is very personable and nice, and very detail-oriented...not like supercuts, or great clips...Sam's service is beyond those of a normal chain hair salon....he takes the time to make sure everything is even, and that it's to your liking....it's funny because you would never know the place existed if you didn't walk by and actually go in....I will definitely be getting haircuts from here from now on... read more

Sam is so good and precise. He cuts my son's hair and we're in and out quick. Make sure you make an appointment since he can be booked up sometimes. read more

I "walked-in" without seeing Yelp first. I received a men's scissor-cut trim, which came out looking much better than a standard men's barbershop haircut. Clean & friendly atmosphere. I'd recommend it. read more

My son has been coming here and getting his hair cut by Sam. He really does a great job on my sons hair. Not too many people can cut curly thick hair. Great place in Alameda. read more

I've been coming to Sam for do get a haircut since for more than 15 years. That wasn't hyperbole -- I've literally been coming here since I was 5 years old. He hasn't let me down even once in. I used to live in Alameda as a child, but even after I moved to Berkeley, I still make the drive down here for a monthly haircut. Nobody does it like Sam. Period. He's really just that good. Despite his busy schedule (he's got tons of loyal customers and is often pre-booked well in advanced), he and his wife are incredible accommodating. One time, he even made time on a *Sunday Morning* when his shop isn't even officially open because I had an important meeting the following day and I wanted to look my best. There isn't a better barber in the entire Bay Area. Sam knows exactly how I want my hair to be done, and despite his long list loyal of customers, he appears to have everyone's preferences memorized. He always does a great job, he's always on time, and his customer service is second to none. Come to Bella Salon. You'll never get a haircut anywhere else ever again. Note: as of this writing (12/16/17), the Park St. Address of this page is out of date. They're now a few blocks away, on Santa Clara Ave. read more

sam made me feel like a suburban housewife who just got a haircut from edward scissorhands... it was that good. if you're looking for a reasonably priced haircut in an unpretentious environment from a freakin' pro, GO HERE. i swear, from this day forth, my babies and their babies are all going to get an edward scissorhand experience. read more

I remember being one of Sam's very first customers when Bella opened. Decades passed and I've never looked back. Sam and Lee treat me like family. I broke my leg last summer and I can say that Sam's care and concern blew me away. Not only is he a master stylist, but he has therapeutic attributes too. He truly cares about his customers and is a beautiful person. The Bella Team will take care of you, Period with a capital P! read more

Sam is the best barber I've had. Maybe it's because I've always had my hair cut by women, but getting my hair cut by a guy this time who understood what I wanted was refreshing. He is very friendly and speaks to you a lot while he's cutting your hair. Thanks for the great haircut, Sam! read more

I have been going to Sam for almost 15 years now, and I feel bad that I haven't given him a review yet. He is simply the best and I wouldn't trust my hair to anyone else. Soon I will be bringing my kids in to get their hair cut by Sam also. Sam is reliable and friendly and you can talk sports or cars with him all day. Can't go wrong by going to Bella Hair Salon! read more

I refuse to go anywhere else since I've started going here, its been several years already and Sam will remain my hairstylist. I am very protective of my hair and even hate getting haircuts but then that is inevitable. I like how Sam listen to all my request and delivers the results I want. I feel i'm paying for the quality service. There are many salons on park blvd, give this salon a try! it's never busy just set up an appointment and you will be taken care of. read more

I love Bella Hair Salon. Sam is a gem. He does great cuts and color work. He matched the color that I wanted perfectly. Whenever I get my haircut my friends always ask where I got such a great cut. I tell them, "from Sam" in Alameda. They do not take credit cards, but do take personal local checks or cash. read more

Sam not only cuts hair very well, he cuts it consistently. I've been here about 10 times now and each time he has cut my hair exactly as I want it. He's so reliable a couple of my friends went to Sam to cut their hair a few days before their weddings. I myself went to him to get my hair cut a few hours before I proposed to my fiancee. Besides his competence as a hair stylist, I can tell that he genuinely cares for his customers. Update: I also went to him for my pre-wedding haircut. Got a flawless haircut as usual Update 2: Sam accidentally sold me the wrong hair products. I went back to explain the situation and he immediately exchanged it to the right product. Plus, when I told him the product sold for less on Amazon he even refunded me some of the money I paid. read more

I don't understand how this guy has so many good reviews. I decided to go with my friend and her 6 y/o daughter because she had gone before and said he did a good job. I wish I would have listened to my instincts about these little cheesy shops and avoided it completely. I have been growing out my hair for over a year now and he basically chopped off about an inch and didn't do anything to even make it look good. First off he didn't even wash it, just used a spray bottle and then went to hacking it off with no real plan. Then the dye job was just as bad as if I'd done it at home out of a box. No matching of my own color, the roots are about 3 shades lighter than the rest. He doesn't know anything about not leaving the color on the already darker areas as long as the lighter ones. When his wife went to blow dry it she didn't even ask me how I wanted it I had to tell her that I blow it straight. After she was done I expressed how shocked I was at how short it was now. But he didn't do anything but tell me he took off "this much". He was working by himself while doing 3 different customers and I watched as he cut my friend and her daughters hair and he did the exact same style of cut. I wish I would have trusted my instincts and made the trip to Walnut Creek to see my last stylist, who actually went to school to learn the art of hair styling. If you value the way your haircut should turn out then avoid this place. PS: The photo they have on here is what his style looks like coming at you with those shears. read more

Sam has been cutting my hair every month for about 20 years. He knows exactly how I like my haircuts. If you want a good cut, go to Bella. Once you get to know Sam, you can talk to him about anything during your visit. We have a good a laugh every time we hook up. read more

Do not recommended for a beard trim. Did a poor job. No apologies upon complaint. Will not be back after this experience

Sam is a fabulous colorist and stylist, and Leann gives the best shampoo. Conveniently located, with easy parking, and reasonable prices, Bella Hair Salon is a gem in Alameda. Highly recommend. read more

I found this salon on yelp. Called there and got an appointment very same day. FINALLY I found someone who did exactly what I wanted for very reasonable price. It doe snot have fancy interior but the quality of the haircut and coloring hair is the same like you're pay in trendy salons. Very goo. Will be going there all the time read more

My son has been going to Sam since he was two; he's twelve now. Sam is awesome, always accommodating. He's a great stylist. My son loves his haircut every time. read more

I've been going to Sam for about 15 years. He consistently gives a great haircut, even though I have fine, thin hair that can be challenging to work with. I recommend Sam to everyone, and have heard only positive feedback. I continue to see him even though I haven't lived in Alameda for many years. Need a new do? Go to Sam! read more

We have moved away from the island to Fremont and we still come to Sam for haircuts. He is the best hands down. Been seeing Sam for cuts for 11 years. read more

My son an I have been going to Bella for our haircuts for years now. Sam has always been great. Great cuts and styles. Great conversations. Great prices. Thanks Sam!!! read more

Sam is amazing AND knew just how to correct the botched shape of my short haircut without taking too much length off. So reasonably priced, I am a convert for life!! Going to see if I can get a single process color next time around too :) I created a Yelp account just to leave this review! My first ever! read more

Sam has cut my hair for over 20 years now and now he cuts not only my hair, but my son. If there is a way to make 6 stars, Sam earns it. Sam is always on-time, and punctual with each appointment. More importantly, his hair style skills of cutting is excellent. He would usually ask how you want it cut respectfully and sometimes he would even make a great recommendation if once awhile I asked him to give a great modern young look. Sam is nice to talk to and fun to be around. He can tell you everything about Alameda, as I don't live in Alameda any more. In fact, I do drive more than 30 mins to come to Alameda just to get a haircut. Please give him a try if you haven't. and I bet you'll keep coming back. read more