I showed Molly a picture of the hair color I was going for and she exceeded my expectations! She gave me natural looking and the exact shade of high/low lights that I was looking for. She also recommended that I switch from purple to blue shampoo and so glad I did! Also, Helena is great with the scissors, I got a cute shag cut and my daughter requested a wolf cut with really fun, random pieces. The salon is modern, clean and super cute and close by my house, so happy to find this gem! read more

LADIES!! If you are looking for extensions in the Bay Area, Kat is your girl!! She is an amazing stylist and made my hair dreams come true! I was so hesitant about getting hair extensions but Kat was able to walk me through it the entire process, answer all of my questions & ease my mind about the process. I am beyond thrilled about how they turned out. I don't know how I ever lived without them! read more

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I've been a client of Kat for over 6 years, let me just say this girl knows what she's doing!! For a long time I struggled with finding a stylist who would listen to me and actually tell me what would work for my hair, hair type, cuts and colors until I found Kat! Kat has been doing my red and different pigments of red on me as well as my cuts and every time I leave her chair I feel so satisfied. Not only can I send her pictures of what shade I want but she will execute it with depth. She always has great communication and I also feel like I can fully trust her to tell me if my ideas are too crazy for my hair, I also fully trust her judgement on what looks good and what doesn't and what colors will blend nicely together. She executed a vision and it's always top notch. The product she uses is really great quality reds from most salons fade really fast but I always find myself only needing touch ups rarely. I always get so many compliments on my hair and I will always refer them to Kat. Chop salon is also a very clean and nice environment. 100000/10 read more

Chop Salon - Vivid - Hair Stylists Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I got my hair done for the first time at this salon earlier today and absolutely love how it turned out! As a college student, I always find it difficult to find a new place to get my hair done away from home. Chop salon is now one of my favorite salons and I am so glad that I found out about it! I went in with a pretty concrete vision of what I wanted for my hair and AnnMarie did such an amazing job listening to exactly what I wanted and somehow managed to make it even better than I expected! read more

Chop Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Molly's reopened!!! Yay!! Everything was well distanced, all employees masked, limited customers and clear signs. I went shorter than normal after so many months (I was past due in March) and love it! read more

Favorite haircut...ever (that's a long time!) from Annmarie! And, it gets better each day. Easy to manage, and finally brought out curl and lessened poof. Annmarie was confident to go a little shorter than others, and a bright, cheerful space, great haircut! read more

I've been to Chop a few times and absolutely love the space. It's such a gorgeous salon with a clean, inviting vibe. I had a cut with Sarah today and she is truly amazing. She took the time to really understand the styles I wear, and then gave me advice on the cut that would best suit my preferred styles. She was so friendly and actually taught me how to style my wavy/curly hair - she walked me through the steps on how to get the best look. Sounds fairly simple, but no stylist has ever taken then time to explain to me how to make my wavy/curly hair work in a non-frizzy/poofy way. I will be back to see Sarah and can't recommend her enough! read more

Ok I can finally post this review which is long over due, the only reason I have held back is out of respect to Cristina and not wanting to make her work situation uncomfortable because she is truly an amazing stylist and this is in no way reflects my interactions with her or quality of work she has performed with me, the owner and co worker on the other hand are another story. I believe the email conversation pictures attached speak for themselves and my experience at Chop salon, this was not about wanting free services, there is a huge lack of customer service in this place and with an "it's only hair attitude" I.E. you could care less what I look like as long as you have my money, I would never return here even if you paid me. CUSTOMERS BEWARE there are so many other salons in the area that actually care about how you are feeling when you leave their salon and they check their egos at the door!! Also this is a full truth review, if you don't believe me feel free to read the review below mine she seems to have heard the catty attitude of employees here as well.... read more

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Chop Salon absolutely rocks! Molly has been my hairstylist for about a year, and I just love her! I'd had a hard time finding a decent hair stylist in Berkeley when I moved here, and after a few years of searching I have found my regular spot. During my first cut with her, Molly did exactly as I asked and was sweet and helpful! I decided to ask her to do a test run for my hair for my wedding, and it was beautiful! When I saw my hair I cried because that was exactly how I wanted it to be. In the months leading up to the wedding, Molly was helpful and communicative, and even offered to coordinate with another salon that was doing our makeup (although we ended up not needing to do that). On the day of, we arrived bright and early to Chop Salon where champagne and bagels were waiting for us! Molly and her colleague did five of my bridesmaids' hair, plus my mom's, and mine.I had a last minute change to mine (despite promising I wouldn't, eek) but Molly was accommodating and made it look absolutely perfect! We were even ahead of schedule once we got finished, which gave me a few minutes to breathe in a busy day. Everyone loved their hair, and we got many compliments throughout the evening! read more

Chop Salon - Beautiful wedding updo by Molly! Right side. Photo by Urbaners Photography - Hair Stylists Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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Annmarie is now my go-to gal for truly amazing compliment-worthy hair. She is a total sweetheart and I always leave feeling like a million bucks (and looking like it). Can't say enough good things about her and the salon, which is always playing good tunes and very chill. Love the location too. read more

I feel strongly writing this review because my hair cut experience with Annemarie at Chop Salon today was too good to not to spread the joy! I called Chop Salon a few days ago to ask for recommendation for a hair stylist. Someone on the phone recommended Annemarie. I used to go to Keter in Berkeley and I like my hair stylist. She happened to be out because she was on honeymoon. I couldn't wait for her to come back because she was all booked for a month. My hair cut today at Chop was fantastic. Annemarie gave me a hair cut that is chic, contemporary, and not what I expected, but better! I definitely will go back to her. I really like this place. read more

Annmarie is the BEST!!! every time I am in need of a hair rescue shes my ER hair doctor! any time I'd fry my hairs by going from dark hair to light, putting in extensions when my newly needed short hair is driving me crazy and I nee some funky hair to keep me calm, or just amazingly beautiful natural extensions for my wedding. She is hands down amazing...always in good spirits, always smiling! cannot say enough good about her. read more

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Love love love love AnneMarie. She does my hair and I always get compliments I feel so beautiful afterwards all thanks to her I'm a loyal customer for life !!!! read more

Finally after 6 months I could get a hair cut. Annmarie does a fantastic job and the sweetest person. Thanks annmarie!! The shop is super clean with all the safety protocols in place. For your hair services this is the place to go. Welcome Back Chop Salon!!! read more

Molly at Chop Salon is the best stylist for curly hair that I've found since moving to NorCal 5 years ago. She rescued me from a haircut disaster a while back and I haven't looked back since! Molly listens to what you want, is extremely knowledgeable about her trade and I've been more than happy with every visit I've made. My curls are the healthiest they've looked in years. Thanks Molly! read more

Elizabeth is my girl! Who can say you just go in and tell your stylist you want a cut and color, and go on your phone and bam, you look up and your hair is completely fabulous! Ugh- she gives me hair life! And she's so funny and awesome to talk to. Female business owner and super talented- Elizabeth is the woman! read more

I came here yesterday to get my hair colored. I had Christina. She was SUPER nice and easy to talk to. I let her know right away that I was indecisive about what color I wanted. All I knew that my hair was a hot mess, and in need of some serious help. At first I was going to try balayage, but when she got a good look at my hair, she suggested practical highlights and a root touch up. Because of my hair having waaaaay too much going on. I was totally down with that. I had full trust in her. Another thing I liked about Christina is she was very informative. She always told me what she was going to put in my hair before she did it, and why. I appreciated that so much. I've already booked for a touch up for 7wks. She even told me that after our touch up appt. The next I can get balayage, because my hair will be an even color. (Something like that). I can't wait!! I'm posting the before and after pics. Oh and by the way Cristina, my hubby LOVED IT!! read more

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Kat has been doing my hair at Chop Salon for the past year now and I could not be happier! She is such a fun person and skilled colorist. I usually get highlights and a long layer cut and she always goes above and beyond what I expect. The salon is also very light and welcoming. Definitely would recommend! read more

I like this haircut even less the more I live with it. It is anything BUT hip and trendy, and now it's starting to look like a dreaded reverse bob ... grrrrrr. read more

Solid service. I had an appointment with Courtney on Saturday. I wanted to do an updo but unfortunately I had super short hair and she advised me that it was better to trim it (despite me wanting to grow it out) instead of try to keep all the wisps up. I agreed. She shampooed and conditioned my hair before starting to cut, and went through the whole process of trimming it. Very professional and nice, and was courteous in showing me how me hair looked like before she blew dried it and finished trimming it out. I paid 65 for the cut, which is a pricey to me because I already had short hair and the whole thing took less than 30 minutes. I usually pay 65 at other salons to get my hair (when I had it at shoulder-length) layered and colored. I would have given it 4 stars if anyone else besides me had noticed my new haircut. read more

I had a horrid experience. Long story short. -I didn't get what I wanted so I got a twenty dollar off the total. I tipped the girl 20% - she told me to come back Tuesday to get it fix, if I wasn't into it. So I did - when I called to book it, I wasn't told I'd be paying full price for fixing the stylist error - oh and AND my blond is turning green!! - when I first got my hair done I saw the manager and I thought that she was a beautiful woman, unfortunately she was unkind and dismissed the fact that my hair was turning green and did not look like the picture(s) at all!! So sad it was not the best experience ever. It wasn't the money, they missed the principal of great costumer service read more

Ok, so it isn't that I received a "bad" haircut, I mean it's fine, but lemme explain. I walked in with what had been an asymmetrical pixie bob cut...6 months ago. On top of it I still had about an inch of old old old pink/white at the bottom of the long side. I asked the "apprentice" stylist to please: 1) even out the asymmetry 2) Cut off any remaining pink/white 3) chop off that silly outgrown pixie mullet in the back! She consulted her boss lady and they had a conversation on the other side of the shop. Like playing Telephone. The stylist "started" by cutting the back of my hair. And then that was the end...didn't even trim up my layers. At some point she commented on how she liked the pink/white. But wait...I asked you to cut that. So I ask again if she can cut the pink/white off, she hesitates, goes to ask the supervisor and they both basically conclude that "That would be a totally different cut" and that I'll have to wait until my next cut. Well...I guess that's the point. I wanted and asked for a totally different cut. My hair is STILL asymmetrical, with old color overgrowth, and after a month my "mullet" is back though at least the back is overall more even with the rest of my hair. Maybe the supervisor should consult with the apprentice AND client next time? Or possibly repeat back what the client has said so everyone knows they're on the same page? Who knows, maybe it was an off day, but I'll probably spend my money somewhere else next time. read more

This is an interim review: I had my hair cut and highlighted here last week, and am going to hold off making a final review for another week or two because I want to see how it looks as it's growing out. I think my stylist's name was Colette (she was very quiet). She did a great job on the cut. It's not easy to pacify my hair with a scissors; I have fine, feathery, Swedish hair with zero natural body. If it doesn't the way it's trimmed, it falls entirely flat on my head and sulks for months. It's the color I'm still on the fence about. I told her I'd been lazy about the highlights, hemmed and hawed, and then eventually decided that I wanted the roots brought into line with the tips of my hair. That's not what Colette did, but maybe I wasn't entirely clear--she made it so that I could grow the highlights out and they wouldn't look so bad--I definitely wanted my hair lighter. My boyfriend wasn't sure that I had any highlights put in at all (though in Colette's defense, that's because they look good--they're subtle and classy). The cut was ~$55, removing ~6 inches of damaged hair (I was the last one to take a scissors to it a few months ago... a paper scissors, no less). When I entered Chop, my haircut was bad, uneven, and scraggly; I left with hair that looked like it belonged on someone much classier. Definitely worth the money. The full highlight job was ~$125, and whereas I'm not sure if I'm 100% satisfied, that might have been my fault. Aside from the initial communication glitch, I was in a rush to get to an even right after my appt. and had no time for color corrections. So... it *does* look good, I'm just not sure if it's what I wanted. Important note: Chop was the only salon that could get me in as a walk-in for a cut and highlight on the day I called. I appreciate that flexibility. In conclusion, I think people here do a good job--just be super clear about what you want. read more

Annmarie is a god send ! I recently chopped off my waist length hair for the first time in my life and just wasn't really feeling it. The stylist who did the chop didn't want to do the cut I wanted because she wanted it to be more "chic", so I let her go for whatever she wanted and hoped it would turn out okay. I looked like a five year old boy trying to be a Beatle, which has the potential to be adorable but wasn't what I was looking for. One morning I woke up and couldn't take it anymore, so I called the closest place to me. Chop got me in right away. Super cozy place, nice people, great vibes. I showed Annmarie a few pictures of what I originally wanted and she was game. She offered her input, told me what would go well with my bone structure, and gave me a luxurious shampoo/head massage. Did I say she was a god send yet? She's awesome to talk to and really listens to what you're saying. She followed my requests to the T (actually-- she kind of telepathically did what I wanted before I had to chime in-- yeah, she may be a hair psychic). NEVER before have I been like "whoa, I like this" as the cut is happening ...and then been like "whoa, I like this" once it's over ...and then been like "whoa, I LOVE this" when I got home to investigate ...and then been like "omg I still love this and people are STILL complimenting me on the street" a month later. I could continue on talking about Annmarie's skill for a few more pages, but then I'd feel bad that you were still sitting here reading this with your same old boring haircut, wasting your time instead of making an appointment at Chop. Just go do it. read more

I'm writing this review as a former employee, so clearly my opinion is biased. You may be wondering why my opinion is even valid, so let me just say that there are plenty of places that I have worked where I'd rather not say anything about them, because what I do have to say isn't very nice. I loved working at Chop for a number of reasons: -Betty (the owner) is a rad lady. Incredibly friendly and supportive. I don't have a bad thing to say about her. -It is a local/neighborhood salon that produces high quality work... yes, it is possible to get excellent cuts and color without visiting those huge salons that feel more like factories. -The vibe is trendy and laid-back with craftsman toolboxes as stations, a cherry red accent wall and local art. -The art is constantly changing. Betty brings in local artists and gives them a place to display their work, wether it be paintings, pictures or sculptures. So why should my opinion as a former employee sway your decision to get a hair service at Chop? Well, happy employees produce better work...bottom line. The only reason I am a former employee is because I moved 3,000 miles away, otherwise I would never leave! read more

Betty is the best! My hair was highlighted the way I wanted it and she did it quick! I told her I had to be out by 1.5 hours and she worked her magic and got my highlights done within the time frame. Betty is a really sweet gal. I had modeled Krafty Kitty and she styled my hair really nicely for the runway show. She has a lot of talent and I would love to go back to her again. read more

I was initially hesitant at giving a full 5 star review especially for such a brand new operation as this one since that usually indicates a review from a family member or best buddy but really, I couldn't find any fault from my experience here or a reason to knock a star off. The place seems brand new and they still have their grand opening sign up. It's nice, very clean and has eclectic touches like art pieces on the wall and craftsman tool cabinets doubling up as the styling station. I got seated with Courtney, who I believe works on Tuesdays without a wait. She was attentive, provided me with suggestions and guidance without being pushy and overall just did a wonderful job. Service included wash, a short scalp massage, cut, blow dry and style. I was very happy with Courtney and Chop. read more

So I get my hair cut VERY rarely, mostly because I just feel like its too much work and effort to make the appointment, get there and then make small talk while risking being completely unhappy. I am thrilled to say that Annmarie, has changed my mind about that. She listen to my concerns about my hair cut, ( have really long hair, below my butt and wanted to go with LONG layers not taking too much off) and also put in her professional opinion, which was great! Not only did Annmarie do a fantastic job, with the haircut, she was a pleasure to chat with. I recommend Annmarie without hesitation! She was great! read more

Betty, Betty, Betty... there is nothing bad I could ever say about the lovely Betty. Who literally reconstructed my self image by making my haircuts magical. She worked at another salon (that's where I first got her magic touch) then at another and finally in her own! (Congrats!) I lost touch with her for a few months and got 2 terrible haircuts elsewhere (never again!)... the salon she worked at wouldn't give out her info. But, by a stroke of luck, I ran into her and got her card! Let's just say my self esteem is way up with her great cuts and I always look forward to future trims, cuts, shaping and general pampering. Thanks Betty! read more

I'd been going to another salon in Berkeley and always just had sorta so-so service... The old place was always running late, it was swirling with chaos and honestly just not that clean. So I was on the hunt for something better and lucky for me, Annmarie and Chop Salon were perfect. My appointment started right on time and I was greeted right away, even though the receptionist was finishing with another customer. The salon was spotless, there was coffee and tea offered, good tunes playing and a generally warm and easy atmosphere. I got a great wash and head massage combo and Annmarie listened to my cut desires and my normal routine. Annmarie got to work and did a wonderful job - she was quick but didn't seem rushed at all. My cut came out perfect, we talked about my color ambition for next time, and I will definitely be back. read more

Chop Salon is absolutely amazing! The environment, the staff, the energy, and every single stylist is awesome. I specifically go to Annie, however, being in there while others are getting their hair done I would trust anyone of these ladies. Annie has achieved every look in every way that I have asked for. Thank you!!! There's so much personality in this shop! They are all extremely talented and take pride in their work. I would definitely recommended anyone at Chop Salon. Keep killin it ladies! read more

Betty is the color guru. While not gray enough to need "that kind" of color I'm spending the last of my years sans gray to bleach and dye my hair various shade or red purple or teal. Betty never lets me do stupid things to my hair. She always finds some diplomatic way to say, "Um no, that would look really awful and there is no way in Hell I'd risk my good reputation on THAT!" As for cutting - I give her the basic requirements for my hair: thin the shit out of it and don't make me look like a soccer mom. Funky is good. Leave it long. (or chop it off depending on my mood) She's awesome. I won't go to anyone else. (except for one of my besties who does hair but does hair too far away....) LOVE BETTY! read more

Courtney was WONDERFUL! I went this afternoon with my 18 month old daughter, and not only did Courtney give her a super cute hair cut, but there weren't any tears - added bonus! My daughter's hair grows fast, so this wasn't her first hair cut... but this was by FAR the easiest. Courtney was fast, and very entertaining. I think I'll be going back to Courtney for my own hair too!! read more

Love Elizabeth's (Betty) work! I had been wanting to get my hair restyled after a "stylist" at a chain salon didn't really give me what I asked for in November. I had also been tossing the idea of getting bright purple highlights in my hair for a while. I decided to just go for it and decided on Betty at Chop Salon since she also does my sister in law's hair. So I called Betty and set an appointment. When I walked into the salon, I was instantly relaxed with the laid back vibe of the place with it's nifty Craftsman rolling toolboxes for stylist stations. I told Betty what I was looking for and told her that I would let her do what she thought was best for my face shape and she did her magic. I never felt rushed or like I was in her way. She cut my hair in a way that I had imagined and the purple highlights are still going strong! Thanks again Betty for the great service and cut/color. When I need an update, I'm definitely going back to see her at Chop! read more

Best. Salon. Ever. and Rebecca? Best. Stylist. Ever. She took me from really long to really short and is now taking me back to long(er). She works with your hair texture, your commitment to product and styling, and gives you a cut that works for you. Have I mentioned she is the best stylist? Ever? read more

Love this place got a facials by Domonique and it was amazing , I got a microdermabrasion with a 24k gold mask

I have been seeing Kat for years now and she has worked magic with my hair! I will never trust anyone else to color my hair from now on. I get compliments all the time on the color and will always recommend that they go to see her. If you are looking for someone to bring life back to your hair, go see Kat! read more

I've been seeing Annmarie for years and am thrilled every time I leave. She's masterful at translating my vague, babbling descriptions into exactly the picture I have in mind. The edginess of the place makes me feel right at home (if not a bit old, heh!), and my ever-changing style wishes, from subtle to drastic, are always expertly executed. While Annmarie is buddy fo' life, whenever I look around the salon I see equally genius work being pulled off by the other badass ladies there. I originally started coming here because it was in walking distance of my house, and am more than happy to follow them to the new & improved location. So excited that they're expanding their brilliance. read more

I got my hair cut with Annmarie (boy - I hope I spelled that right) today, and it is honestly one of the best haricuts walking-out-of-the-shop, that I've had in a long while. I have coarse, slightly-wavy hair that I'm told is not easy to cut, but Annmarie really nailed it. She was familiar with my hair type and I could tell from her recommendations that she knew exactly what she was doing (first time someone knew not to use thinning shears on me). The best part is that the haircut passed the post-bike-ride and post-shower tests: the cut still looked great after the 15 minute bike ride home; and after I took a shower and towel-dried (to wash away the black-magic of the post-cut styling). Very happy with the cut - will be coming back for my next one. read more

After growing my hair for about two years, it was time for a trim. I requested that the stylist cut 1-2 inches, bringing it to about shoulder length. The stylist was friendly and the shop was lovely, but the haircut left much to be desired. I walked away with a what can only be described as a bob, well above my shoulders. I've let it go two months to see if it would grow in, but it continues to frustrate me. I wasn't ready to give up my long hair, but I'll soon return to short hair just to be done with this cut. Long story short - the result was not worth the cost, and I learned my lessons: communicate carefully and emphatically what you are looking for from your haircut, and always anticipate that too much will be trimmed - it's much easier to trim further than to grow back. read more