I have looked for 4 years for someone who could cut my short fine hair. Nicki did the best job ever, she did what I ask and took her time. Hip Hip Hooray thank you Nicki Linda B read more

Michael did an amazing job. My daughter and I both have thick wavy hair. When layers are too short it's poofy, too long it's flat. Michael listened and gave us exactly what we wanted. Scrunch and go!! read more

Absolutely wonderful family salon! Such friendly staff and very accommodating. I felt comfortable being able to voice what I wanted and make changes and Michael came through giving me a wonderful trim and blonde colour! I love my hair! I 100% recommend Ciao Bella Salon! read more

New favorite hair salon! This is the first and only salon I'll be going to in Gainesville now. They did an amazing job on my curtain bangs and layered hair. It is a family owned salon, and they are the sweetest people. I definitely recommend Ciao Bella to anyone who wants a professional haircut. read more

I have never left a Yelp review or had an account until now. I went in for a straight blowout today and left with frizzy and still curly hair that the stylist tried fix by adding oils. I was going in bc I didn't think I would have time to do it myself but ended up having to go home and redo my hair anyway should have saved my $ and just done it myself. read more

Ciao Bella Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I was in desperate need to get my hair done and had no clue where to go in Gainesville. After getting a few recommendations, I decided to try Ciao Bella. It's safe to say that this is the best my hair has looked in a long time. Haley did a full blonde balayage on my hair and it came out exactly as I imagined. She made it look natural and the perfect blonde shade for me. I think she did a really great job and I can't wait to go back again. I 100% recommend this place! read more

Ciao Bella Salon - Full blonde balayage by Haley - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I never do this but feel like I have to warn my ladies. Do NOT trust your hair to the people at Ciao Bella salon in Gainesville located in the Sun Center!!! Went in for a wash and BLOW OUT (that's all; no color, hi lights, cut, etc), a SIMPLE blow out that, depending on how good the stylist, takes from 45 to 60 minutes for my hair. I had plans at 630p and they booked me at 330p (only slot open), plenty of time I thought. Her wash was beyond pathetic...I do a better job on my dog. I should have left at that point but no, I sat in the chair for TWO hours. Yes, TWO hoHOURS. The stylist (will call her "Rebecca") clearly had no clue how to blow out hair...! Why 2 hours? Well, for starters she had the dryer setting on cool (for this hair!?) and was barely using the brush to dry (let alone curling the bottoms with the round brush). So after an hour and 45 mins, she turns me to face the mirror and I literally gasped. I looked like Bozo the Clown. Like light socket Bozo. Amazingly, she ASKED me if *I* wanted her to use a flat iron...uh duh, she had to! Result? Even with the iron, I looked ridiculous. The owner saw it all and did nothing. Forget that now I'm late for my 630p plans (which she was aware of...). There's more. To add insult to injury, I went to pay and they tried to charge me an astronomical amount (more than DOUBLE the price I pay in SoFla). I asked to speak with the owner, nicely and quietly so the girl wouldn't be embarrassed, TWICE. That, of course, didnt happen. Although he called later and left a message that he would personally dry my hair for free, he seems to forget that I live in south Florida and was only here for a weekend (and my address was on the form I filled out upon arrival, the very form he took my phone number off of). As if I would trust them again?! I wish I could give zero stars here. Stay away! PS: Attached is a regular blow out using nothing but a dryer and round brush by my stylist in Weston (who takes 50 mins to cut AND dry my hair) next to the lovely 2 hour job done by Rebecca at Ciao Bella. You tell me. read more

Ciao Bella Salon - My stylist uses a round brush. That's it. - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Saved my hair after a bad cut. cutest pixie I've ever had! Super skilled staff!

I was just so happy that they were able to take us in right away. And my daughter loves the place so I love the place. I hope that this salon becomes a spot for some daddy-daughter Time. read more

I got my hair done there pretty recently and it was decent for gainesville, but i called back to inquire about prices and was completely blindsided by the attitude i got from the receptionist. I am still in shock with the response I got. I was excited to go back if I needed to but I am big on customer treatment and because of the way she spoke to me makes me not want to ever go back there again. No need to treat someone so rude for no reason, poor girl must have had a bad day and was taking it out on what could have been a returning client. read more

This is the only salon I will go to in Gainesville. They have been wonderful. It is so easier to book an appointment and their prices are reasonable. I highly recommend Sophia Le. She is so nice and listens to exactly what you want done to your hair. I always get anxious about getting my hair cut, but she puts you completely at ease. I know she'll cut it exactly as I tell her! read more

Ciao Bella Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Tatum is amazing ! Did a beautiful job on just a simple trim but she was very friendly and accommodating. The owner was there and was in the mix cutting hair. Chill atmosphere that is very inviting. A bit hard to find location ...hole in the wall but definitely worth it !! read more

The only place I go to have my hair done. Isabella is truly the best at what she does. It's so obvious how passionate she is about her career and it shows through her work. The salon is beautiful and cozy. Love this place and Isabella! Couldn't recommend more. read more

This is my second time getting my hair cut here. I was very pleased with the customer service. Great little salon in downtown Gville! I will go back again. read more

I love my cut, and root touch up, but the price is astranomical for what was done. I wish I could afford to continue to see the same stylist, but its not reasonable read more

First time going to Ciao Bella Salon yesterday and I will for sure be going back! I loved the little local shop and how they put a lot of attention into the work they did. Another patron was there with met getting her hair colored and done and she summed it up perfectly by saying, "you feel like a new person after your done!" I agree with this 100%! The shop is located in downtown Gainesville. It is situated behind the hippodrome next to a tattoo parlor and Boca Fiesta. It is a charming little shop with about 8 chairs, two shampoo tubs, and a little welcome area. They do take walk ins but it is recommended to get a appointment and you can make the appointment online or in person. I worked with Michael and he was super nice and shared his story with me. He did a wonderful job hearing what I wanted done with my hair and making it happen. He put a good amount of time with me and it was great. Only issue that happened was I booked my appointment online for 4:15. When I arrived they were shocked that I was there. They had another women that was being worked on who was getting colored and I think she is a regular. They told me that her hair is drying but and they will start with me but once her hair is done drying they needed to stop with me and go over and wash her out and blow dry her hair. I was okay with it but wish they would have planned the hair stylist better to accommodate both people. It was not fair to both of us that this happened. Overall a great experience and I will be back. Next time I hope the person giving the haircut can spend the whole time with me, but we will have to see. I recommend! read more

Everyone at Ciao is so friendly and welcoming. I have curly hair that completely has a mind of it's own. Haley really listens to my concerns and does such an awesome job cutting and layering my hair and making my curls look wonderful! She has gone the extra mile each time I have been in to get my hair cut. She was even open to using my products because they are the only products that really work well for my curls. Haley is so sweet and very easy to talk to. We have great conversations while she is doing my hair! I highly recommend Ciao, and Haley!! read more

After being very frustrated with my hair the last few months, and the lady I was previously was going to Ciao Bella Salon was an AMAZING FIND! I called hoping to get a cut and color that day and they were able to scomodate my schedule perfectly! I was scheduled with Sam, assured that he was a great stylist I made the appointment. Sam was awesome from the very start. He was very knowledgeable about what I wanted/ what he thought would be a good idea for my hair, professional and fun to talk to. I loved that he took his time with my hair, I never felt rushed at all! The end result was exactly what I was hoping for! He really listened to me and what my vision was for my hair. I strongly suggest you try this hair salon! All the people there are very sweet, and the salon is exceptionally clean (a big thing for me)! read more

Ciao Bella Salon - Great Date Night cut, color, style done by Sam - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Very unsanitary. I personally watched them share scissors between two employees and 2 different customers. Very rude owner. Prices are not bad but it's not worth having to deal with the extremely rude owner. Staff is nice but the owner is a real mean. I would not recommend this business at all. read more

Visiting family in Gainesville and needed to get a blowout. Booked this salon per reviews. Michael was my stylist. Very chatty at first. I was trying to tell him how I liked my hair styled. He did not want to hear it, interrupted me to let me know that he had been doing this for 20years and I was going to get the best blowout. Needless to say the result was a flat blowout with no waves or volume that got frizzy within the hour because it was not polished. Honestly my hair looked better when I arrived. Disappointed read more

I visited ciao Bella today as an out of town visitor. The salon was beautiful, clean and well maintained. Georgina was my stylist and she was passionate, knowledgable and kind. The only issue I had was upon leaving I was told the owner decided to add $30 dollars to my services because Georgina spent so much time with me. I didn't mind paying for this but thought it was rude. Perhaps because he knew I was from out of town and wouldn't be back he could pull a underhanded move. It was awkward for the stylist checking me out to have to deliver this news; it was clear she didn't want to ask me for more after witnessing the initial quote. All in all, the experience was fantastic and I would have gladly paid more for my cut and color with Georgina; I just didn't like a last minute price increase that made me feel like the owner was trying to nickel and dime me. The most important takeaway is that Georgina is AWESOME!! She is a fabulous hair stylist, and I love my new do--she made everything worthwhile. read more

Ciao Bella Salon - Compliments of Georgina!!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

They did a beautiful job with my hair! I wanted it cut short from long, so I was pretty nervous but I was very pleased. Felt like a very luxurious experience too! read more

I loved going here! New to Gainesville so this is the first salon I've gone to here. The staff is very nice and I got a great haircut! I forgot her name but my hairdresser listened to exactly what I wanted and she was very sweet! :-) read more

I absolutely LOVE my hair! Darcy did an amazing job. I cut my hair very very short and was nervous I wasn't going to like it, but it looks amazing! I would definitely recommend to anyone! read more

I went in for a complimentary consultation, a hair masque and styling, and another time to buy some products. I recommend Ciao Bella because of the environment, service, results, everything. Two things special about this salon is their expertise with unique hairstyles and the rewards program. If you're looking to experiment with your hair, this is the place that can take care of you. For the rewards program, I've gotten birthday discounts and referral bonuses. They've changed it recently to a points system, so I'm not sure if the birthday discount is still happening. The salon is very classy. Each time, the receptionist was very warm and I had a good experience. For the complimentary consultation, I asked for Georgina after reading some older Yelp reviews. I was looking to dye my hair purple, and she apparently is the person to go to for colored hair. She had black/dark hair with purple streaks, so I felt confident that she knew what she was talking about. She gave me tips and products and colored hair care. Their selection of products is limited to Goldwell, Morrocanoil, Verb, and maybe 2 others. They all seem to be companies for a cause or companies that use better-for-you ingredients. It's a plus that the website is functional and they send profesional emails. I can tell the employees put in effort to keep up the salon's put-together image! read more

Ciao Bella Salon - After a keratin/moisture conditioning treatment and styling - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This was one of my best hair experiences. I was scheduled with Sophia Le. I'm always apprehensive when I go to someone new. I have very thick, curly, and long hair, half way down my back. From the very beginning of the appointment Sophia was wonderful! We discussed exactly what I wanted and she made my hair look great! She made sure before I got out of the chair that I was completely satisfied with my look. She also recommended some frizz control hair products that she used in my hair today. Someone even tried to pick me up on the way back to my car! I will definitely be back for my next hair cut and style! Thanks Sophia for helping me look sexy! read more

Not inexpensive but hair care can definitely be one of those areas where you get what you pay for. Michael's experience and expertise comes through in how he handles my thinning, fine hair. The color is great - and he really stays with you until it's perfect. I'm in love with this salon. read more

Ciao Bella Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Best Salon in Gainesville!!!!!! It is really hard for me to find a good salon for my curly hair, but they do a GREAT job!!!! I have tried a few salons in Gainesville but this is by far the most professional one. read more

Ciao Bella Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Quick response time on Facebook and I was in the chair the next morning with Michael. Clean and all precautions taken to make me feel comfortable. Great cut! read more

Staff is very friendly and helpful. My mother and I are new to the area and have been putting off finding a place to get our hair cut at. But I'm really happy we were able to be seen today! I told Michele what I wanted and he really made sure that he understood what I was asking because he told me what he would do and then got my input before he started. What I liked the most about having him help me was that he explained how I can keep my hair healthy and recommended products that I can use to avoid damage to my hair type (frizz, split ends). Everyone who was working here today was very friendly and I look forward to coming back to get another cut and style. read more

The reviews here are obviously very positive, which is why I called them a few weeks ago to make my first appointment. After chatting with the receptionist, we decided I'd see Darcy. I read reviews about her here and was excited to meet her. My scheduled visit was coming up and I went to my account online to check the time. Only then did I see that I was no longer seeing Darcy, but someone else. Nobody contacted me to see if I was okay with that. When I called the salon to ask, the girl on the phone had no explanation, just asked if I wanted to reschedule. I said no. I know their website says they encourage you to work with all stylists, but what if that's not my choice? Anyway, I won't be going there, and suggest you check to see who your stylist might be before you show up for your visit, if that's important to you. (Edit: To clarify, I discovered my stylist was changed almost a week before my appointment. It wasn't a same day/sick day thing. I'd totally understand that. And nobody called me.) read more

Sophia did an incredible job creating "peacock" inspired color for my hair. She worked with such artistry and thoughtfulness on this epic project, incorporating blues, greens, and purples into the canvas of my hair, and the flawless final result really reflects her passion and skill. Now I can't walk down the street without random people going out of their way to compliment my vibrant hair. The best part is that Sophia made sure to take good care of my during the bleaching process, using gentle products and constantly checking in about my comfort the whole time. My blue hair is silky, soft, and shiny. If you want a dazzling color job, Ciao Bella is the place to go! Michele has also cut my hair for years and is a wizard with the scissors. I definitely recommend this wonderful salon! read more

I booked an appointment to have a blowout with clip in extension placement for a wedding-Sophia Le did an AMAZING job. Very skilled, easy to talk to, and does exactly what you want! Highly recommend! read more

This is the best salon I've ever stumbled upon, so so glad I came here last year and have been going here ever since. The owner is spectacular and uber talented and polite, and so are the rest of the stylists. They treat you like family and always listen to what changes I want this time with my hair. 10/10 read more

Hair cuts might be simple, but good hair cuts are far from it. Sometimes they take 20 minutess, sometimes an hour. Sometimes cheap, sometimes expensive. Ciao Bella Salon excels as a place where expertise, training, and professionalism all combine into one great cut you'll walk away thrilled with. The Space Nothing says trendy like being placed right in the heart of downtown. Ciao Bella is nestled into the Sun Center area right beside a couple of restaurants. Parking in the Sun Center is allowed so getting there is pretty hassle-free. Inside everything is bright, clean, and chic which immediately sends good signals. Walking in the receptionist to check in with is straight ahead, the lounge area sits on the left, and the field of styling chairs fill the length of the place. Among some of the simple, yet great, perks were cucumber-infused water for drinking and a K-cup machine to get a little caffeine. The Service Genuinely found not one single hiccup the entire time I was here regarding the friendly nature of the team, and in fact was really impressed by both them and the owner (who was supervising the shop). While I was sitting in my chair I heard great conversations that made it clear regulars stay regulars here. Love that kind of relationship with a stylist and it makes the process of getting a hair cut almost relaxing! One other really impressive note was that the owner, Michael, actually helped/trained one of the newer stylists showing her patiently a technique to help improve the quality of one gentleman's cut. Wow. He wasn't the slightest bit demeaning and I know I would have been thrilled as that customer. The Cut A fellow Elite happens to work at this shop and highly recommended Georgina as my choice of stylist. As soon as I got in the chair I raddled off the same line I give every single person that does my hair: "I've got a cow lick in the front, double crowns in the back, and prefer to do as little to my hair as possible in the way of product". She killed it: attention to detail as she began cutting, asked questions to get a better idea of what to aim for, and an assurance that I could talk now AND later on to her about any concerns (which she would address complimentary if I needed to come back). Love that, but I didn't need to at all! As for the process, it took about an hour from start to finish and my hair was washed before AND after the cut (hate those tiny hairs that get all itchy after a hair cut but she totally side-stepped that with her process). Final Thoughts There are tiers of stylist with respective price-points if you are lower/higher maintenance. Knowing the the owner is assisting the fresher talent makes those "lower tier" options completely sound choices. The cost is for sure more than a Super Mega McCuts Deluxe-type place but the value is definitely matched by the cut/atmosphere. No-brainer if you need a place to do your 'do read more

Terrible customer service-terrible cancellation policy during Covid. Look for another place, there are plenty who care about the health of their staff and clients. read more

I wish there was a way to give more stars, because this salon goes to eleven! If you are within an hour radius of this salon and you aren't getting your hair cut here, I don't know what you are doing with your life!! This is the BEST salon experience I've ever had. First and foremost: the customer service is stellar. Tina and her team truly know the meaning of those words and go above and beyond to treat you like royalty! Little chocolates and Italian espresso while you wait - to.die.for. Better than any other coffee shop in the 'Ville, no lie! Recently I drove 8 hours just to have Michele (Michael) Anzivino cut my hair. You read that right: 8 hours. Why would any sane person do that? Read on... Full disclosure - I'm an incredibly particular, super OCD lunatic when it comes to my hair. I moved to Gainesville for grad school and the time came to get a cut. I was so anxious. You know what I mean...who knows how it's going to look, what if something goes wrong?! It's your hair, out there making first impressions, framing your face. And hey, only time will fix a crappy haircut, ugh! I googled "Master Stylist Gainesville" and Michele Anzivino/Ciao Bella popped up. I took a deep breath and booked the appointment. I told him about my hair, how I usually styled it, basically what I was looking for as far as a cut. I have long, fine hair and other stylists always want to chop it off or heavily texturize it. I deferred to his expertise, put my faith in his abilities and told him to do what he thought would look best. 7 years later, he is the only stylist to whom I have been able to say that and the results have been STUNNING every single time. He has the technical expertise to cut my hair, but more than that, he listens and understands what I want and executes it flawlessly. Cut, color, style: he is the MASTER of it ALL. I have NEVER found his equal, even among other "master stylists" from different salons in different states. I've paid far more than he charges and have received far less. I would happily pay triple, because an amazing cut and 100% confidence in your stylist is priceless. And the 8 hour drive? I relocated away from Gainesville in 2008 and have only been able to come back once a year at most. For the past 3 years my hair has been put through the ringer, over-texturized, unevenly cut and one mess of a style after another. I was finally fed up. There was only one person who could make me look and feel beautiful again. And as usual, he gave me THE best cut!! I left with a smile on my face and a sense of satisfaction that I have not had for far too long. The bonus was watching him cut Ryan Lochte's hair (his appointment was right before mine). Totally worth the trip! Before you think I'm completely off my rocker, I did stay for a few days and visit with local friends. The trip was totally centered around a haircut though ;) read more

Georgina is my hairstylist, and she gets me. I give her a general idea/feeling of what I want, and then I just let her cut my hair however she sees fit. I have been going to her for just over a year now, and I have LOVED every single one of my haircuts. The first time I went in, I wanted to donate my hair, so she made sure to section my hair in such a way that we could get the most length. Additionally, I had a FABULOUS short hair cut. Now that I'm trying to grow out my hair a little bit, the styles she's giving me don't even really seem like I'm growing it out (no awkward mullets or side hair). Each cut is fresh and amazing, and I love them. Everyone at Ciao Bella is super sweet and friendly, and you are always greeted and remembered. Now with their loyalty rewards program, I highly recommend this place. read more

Clean, modernly designed salon in downtown Gainesville next to Thai Fushion (used to be Pontiac Grill) and Amelia's in the Sun Center Plaza. Parking was fine in the early afternoon at Sun Plaza lot, may be more difficult around 6 p.m. given the area. Stylists seemed attentive to their clients rather than chit-chatting amongst themselves, which if you've ever experienced, is really annoying! If you've been down on finding a good place in Gainesville, give this place a try! read more

At Ciao Bella, the scissors are sublime, and they won't waste your time. Their stylists are sharp, and you leave looking fine! read more