Andrea completely revived my hair after some disastrous experimentation and worked miracles to get me wedding ready within 2 visits. My hair always feels healthier AFTER coloring appointments with her which has never been my experience in the past and is truly a testament to her craft. Not to mention she is incredibly kind and attentive :) read more

Franco and Brandon are the best. I've gone to them for over 20 years and now go there every time I am back in town

Katey is amazing! Im relatively new to the area and literally stopped a stranger on the ferry and few months ago and asked her who did her hair! She told me to to Complements and I'm so glad I did! The location is central in Alameda with lots of free parking. The salon is also gorgeous and very comfortable! read more

Complements Hair Design - Partial highlights really helped blend and accentuate my color. Katey was so nice and the place is super gorg! - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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My testimonial to how much I appreciate this locally-owned business is this: I have been making the 1-hour drive from South San Jose to Complements Hair Design every few weeks for seven years. It's a gorgeous and welcoming environment, and I can't say enough about the talents and kindness of Brandon, Franco, and everyone else on board. Every visit is like a mini vacation from any stress in life. (P.S. Don't know why Yelp says I'm from SF. I live in San Jose.) read more

It has been over a year since Andrea originally dyed my hair fire engine red, but on a trip back to Alameda and the salon, did I make a decision to end my love affair with the red and went to a rich warm brunette. It is easier to take care of long distance (I REFUSE to let anyone other than Andrea or the Complements team touch my hair) and is what I had growing up. I also decided to add bangs like I had as a kid. Andrea was honest and didn't know if bangs would be the right look for my face (since I'm not a chubby 5 year old anymore), but if I was insistent, she would cut them. I was firm and she agreed and between her and Franco, I got some BANGIN' BANGS! Originally they were straight across, but it has been almost 3 months and my bangs are still bangin'. Once again, Andrea has helped me feel more confident in the way I look and I could not recommend her enough! read more

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Andrea is truly amazing!! The only hairdresser I've had where I can sit down in the chair and not have to stress about anything! Having long blonde hair I'm very skeptical about anyone doing anything to my hair but since I've started seeing Andrea I've never seen anyone else! Very professional, personable, and most importantly talented! Will never go to another salon/hairdresser again! read more

I wanted to write this review as I know a lot of people may be cautious about returning to certain businesses during this pandemic like I was. I can 100% vouch that Complements Hair Design in Alameda has taken every precaution to make you feel comfortable and safe but has not lost that touch that makes this place so special. I have been going to this hair studio for a few years now and have always had an amazing experience. This was my first time with Andrea, as my usual stylist had stepped back from hair, and she did not disappoint. From the booking of the appointment to her sending me the new safety precautions and instructions for arrival to the experience in the chair, everything was smooth and I never felt at risk. The best part is her cut and color was amazing. I can say probably one of the best colors I have had. Upon arrival, I was provided with hand sanitizer, a separate entrance to limit my interaction with other clients or staff, an overview of the sanitizing that is performed in her studio, and even a disposal mask so I didn't get my mask dirty from color! So no need to worry as the usual great experience that Compliments has always provided is not lost but now has the added benefit of all safety precautions during this new strange time we are all faced with. read more

This review is long overdue. I absolutely love Jodi, and followed her from Ajuda to Complements! First off, the spot is in a beautiful location. Next to Park Street, you can drive out, park the car, and be ready for a night out in Alameda in less than two hours! There is a small parking lot, however I am terrified I will hit the -ahem- much nicer cars than mine so refrain from parking there. Street parking all around, make sure to keep an eye on the meter. I'm always greeted at the door, asked if I'd like tea or wine, and either wait for Jodi or sit right down. I go about once every six/seven weeks and am always in love with my hair cut and color. This is my third or fourth year with Jodi and have not had a bad cut to date!! Jodi is great at listening to what you want, will give great advice if requested, and works her magic every time I go in! I recently felt a bit more bold than usual and she delivered!! All in all, atmosphere is fun, people are great & knowledgeable, and get ready for a ton of compliments!! read more

Franco is the most talented hair magician on earth. He can work his genius on any type of hair. He is fucking amazing with color...I have sent many friends to him with many different styles and he has given them the best hair cuts and colors of their lives. Unfortunately, there is a long waiting list for him and so this review is totally useless to you. When I was in NYC, I went to another fool for touch ups and the motherfucker two-toned me and gave me a g-d shag. listen. a shag is for bitches who need an interesting/weird hair cut to distract from their unfortunate mugs. i'm the cutest. i don't need a shag. Franco understands that. Also, he is the best looking man on earth. This is not up for debate, it's a fact. Check Guinness. (I am clearly relying on the fact that you are too lazy to actually go check Guinness. OR AM I?!) read more

Andrea is no joke! She will do everything possible to get you what you want! I met her in the late 1990s when she was starting out. She was great then. Then I hooked back up with her in June 2021. OMG! That girl has only gotten better! Not only does she do great hair, but she has a super duper personality! Such a marvelous person. Go here and you will leave grinning ear to ear every time! I will never see anyone else! read more

Andrea saved my hair! I had been going to a salon in alameda for the last 8 years and every time my hair seemed to get worse, sloppy job, and rushed. My highlights were all different colors, uneven and my roots were very dark. My hair was also really brassy! I hated it. It's been awhile since I have been to a really great salon, and I'm so thankful I found Complements! It has amazing decor, great lighting, nice space and clean. Not to mention it's right next door to my job. And dog friendly Andrea was enthusiastic, fun, professional and knew exactly what I wanted, and she created it better than I even expected! Thanks again Andrea! I'll be back soon! read more

Complements Hair Design - Much better before and after!!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

Is it bad that I fly all the way from Seattle every 6 weeks just to have Brandon do my hair? Brandon is the ONLY person I trust with my hair! I have been seeing him for years, and although I have moved all the way to Seattle, I still fly back to Alameda just to see him. He's seriously that good! Thanks to him, I have managed to grow healthy hair, all the way down to my butt, and don't get me started about how well he does color! I can not say enough good things about Brandon (and Franco, and Andrea, and everyone else at Complements). They do absolutely amazing work, and aside from their amazing skill, they are all just fantastic people. It's also worth mentioning that Brandon and Franco are *basically* interior designers as well, and have the most beautiful salon!! It is such a treat to spend time there. read more

Katey was incredible. I've been going to her for years, she offers seasonal specials. Most recently I've gotten a Brazilian blowout from her and went in tonight for Balayage highlights, which turned out so well! I'm thrilled! She was so sweet and accommodating--offered me wine during my cut! You're the best Katey!! read more

Complements Hair Design - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

UPDATE: Marlo has her own place now, Studio M salon. Go there, you won't regret it!

This review is for Jodi's amazing hair magic! Jodi does it all: - hair color that looks natural yet has depth and richness; - she suggests hair cuts and hairstyles complimentary to your features - she stays current on hair techniques by taking classes and learning new knowledge - she did a fantastic wedding hair trail that goes with my personality and went along with my dress! Jodi always makes me look beautiful! Thanks SO much! read more

Katey is the best. My fine hair is in the best shape its ever been in. She listens and totally gets what I'm going for, and it always turns out wonderful. I've grown out my hair with her for my wedding (she did my hair for that too--I loved it!), and took the plunge with a modern bob too. All fabulous, and I know I can trust her to help me look my best. Plus she's a blast to hang out with and a great listener. All around amazing :) read more

I have been going to Brandon for about 3 years. He cuts my hair regularly and has styled it for several occasions such as homecoming. The atmosphere in the salon is welcoming and comfortable. I am always satisfied when I leave! read more

Suzette is amazing. She always has good advice on what to do with my hair when I want to change things up. She has such in-depth knowledge of new products and styles. My hair always comes out healthier after some time in her chair. I would follow her anywhere! read more

My hair has never looked better. I am always amazed at the results when I sit in Andrea's chair. Not only is she personable but she also has the most gentle hands to ever touch my head. The gentle hands thing may not seem to be that big of a deal but I happen to be the owner of one big ol' mess of hair. It is coarse, extremely curly~and I've been told by many a hair stylist~enough hair for 4 people. So you can imagine it is not a hair stylist's dream to wash or even deal with my hair on any level. It would be a dream come true if Andrea could wash and untangle my hair for me on the daily. No matter what I ask for, Andrea is always more than happy to oblige. I went through a phase where I liked my hair really dark. Andrea would very subtly advocate for a golden brown shade that she thought would look best on me. It took me about a year to come around but I am so glad I finally did. I would never go back to my dark days. She was so right. I tend to not be very particular about my cut (you can see I'm already pretty particular about a number of things) and let my stylist throw ideas out there. That being said, if Andrea wants to give me layers, she always makes sure to discuss any sort of change with me at length to make sure that I will be more than satisfied when I leave her chair. She always is willing to offer her advice but it is very clear from her demeanor your satisfaction is her top priority. I've heard horror stories about stylists pushing their "vision" onto their clients~and those clients walking away in tears. I can guarantee that Andrea is the opposite of all that. She is also an absolute perfectionist but, again, not in a stifling way she just wants to make sure you look your absolute best once you leave her chair. I usually like to have my hair blown out & then have loose curls added in. If she is not satisfied with even one of my curls she will redo that section of hair. She'll give me a mirror once she is done so that I can check my head from all angles to see if there is anything that needs to be fixed. Of course, I never do find a thing because it has all been handled. It truly makes for such a relaxing salon experience knowing that I will walk away feeling fantastic about my appearance~ no matter what mood I was in upon my arrival. Get to Complements and get yourself into Andrea's chair. Your search for a spectacular stylist is officially over. read more

DJ is a warm and consilderate person, as well as a fabulous stylist! He takes a great deal of care and is meticulous with color and cut. He took the time to teach me how to care for my wavy hair, and showed me the "diva" method. This resulted in volume and waves where I wanted them. The salon is attractive and clean: a very lovely environment to spend time in getting beautified. I highly recommend DJ! read more

Cannot recommend Andrea enough! I've been around most of the Alameda salons for my cuts and colors- and Andrea is the only one I've come back with more than once. I like my hair black- and when I say black I mean PITCH BLACK. The dye she uses on my hair is really high quality and stays put like no other- and I mean ZERO bleeding after, onto my pillows, onto my towels, onto my gym clothes... I have spent much more on my color, only for it to bleed all over everything for the next month. Cut and styling are also always top notch- such attention to detail and care in how she works. I've had stylists who seem so eager to turn over ASAP to the next client, but I know Andrea's passion for her craft means she will always do it right. If you want a high quality color, a killer cut, honest styling advice, and a really friendly atmosphere, Complements is the place to come and Andrea is the lady to see. read more

Complements Hair Design - Lovely color, cut, and curls by Andrea. The curls even lasted 2 days, and my curls never stay! - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I went to Complements for the first time today and it was fantastic! It's a beautiful salon and all of the people who work there are really friendly. DJ cut my hair and he did a fantastic job, as always (he used to work at Twist). He did a Deva cut for me and took a huge amount of hair off. He did such a good job that I was getting compliments before I left the salon. And he's such a perfectionist - even after styling, he trimmed a little bit more here and there so my hair was fantastic. read more

Franco has been my stylist for 19 years. We joke that we have a 20 year anniversary coming up next April! He is such a talented stylist, fabulous colorist and my personal therapist (LOL)! He has cut my hair short when no one else would, he has continued to keep me up to date on the current age appropriate styles with a bit of flair. I have great hair, great color and a great style. I look forward to my appointments as the salon is comfortable, beautifully decorated with my favorite "trash" magazines to read..while I sip a cup of lovely tea (or champagne)! His partner is Brandon and I feel I am part of their family. I have watched their family grow up and they mine. Great people, great talent, great atmosphere! Love you guys! read more

I just had the most amazing and natural caramel/milk chocolate highlights done by Tracy Matesic at Complements Hair Design. She really took the time to listen to what I wanted and did a fantastic job. I've found my new stylist for color!! read more

If you want a thorough, welcoming experience go see Katey! She gave me a beautiful red to blonde transformation. I have a lot of difficult hair and getting it done has always seemed like a scary task. Katey took her time and was able to give me the results I wanted. I felt at ease! The salon is beautiful and filled with great energy and friendly faces. I highly recommend it!! read more

Franco has been my stylist for 20 years (yes, he went into this business when he was 12). He started with world-class professional training, has styled the rich and famous, and now he works his magic in Alameda. How does it get better than this for us plebs? What really p**ses me off is he looks the same as he did 20 years ago. What is up with that? Just shows that he knows what he's doing as far as bringing beauty to the world. I hated my hair until I put it in his hands, and now it is obedient and lovely. Franco has taken years off my look and I am indebted to him. On top of all that? He is just a very cool dude: intelligent, thoughtful, talented and kind. You should go here! read more

I've been going to Marlo for a number of years. Marlo is not only an outstanding stylist she is also an expert colorist. She absolutely rocks !! If you need someone who will listen and respond go to Marlo. read more

Tracy is an absolute genius with blonde highlights, especially if you're looking for thin strands of natural-looking, extra-cool blonde that closely mimics your former natural shade. My hair was pure white when I was young, then bright, cool blonde (with an ashy underlayer) through college -- but turned a terribly blah, very dark ash by my late 20's. Deciding to highlight when I reached 32 worked well when I lived in San Diego (where nearly everyone and her mother is salon-blonde, regardless of coloring); but when I moved to Oakland eight years ago, it took ages (and several awful, bright-orange disasters) before I found Tracy at her former salon in Berkeley. She was able to turn the fried, B-movie-Nazi-yellow fright wig on my head back into glorious, pale, shiny blonde, and I remained a loyal customer until two years ago, when I moved to the City. I tried several (expensive!!!) SF salons for highlights, but every appointment yielded hideous, too-orange, poorly placed streaks, each set more damaging than the last -- so I finally sucked it up this autumn and crossed the bridge to Complements, where Tracy began the process of bringing my hair back to life. In just one appointment, she was able to improve my appearance so dramatically that total strangers commented on my "pretty hair" in public! I would recommend Tracy to anyone. read more

There is not one single thing I would change about Complements, they are outstanding! I've been a customer for years and Brandon is the only one that can do anything with my hair! I would give extra stars if I was allowed! read more

There is no better hair salon in the Bay Area, end of story. The sad part is that Franco, Brandon and the crew are so great that it is hard to get in to see any of them! Be persistant and charming if you have your heart set on going here, and then thank your lucky stars that you will never have to go anywhere else again. Franco can produce the most amazing combination of highlights, lowlights and everything in between that people will think you just spent the weekend at the beach and came back with that awesome hair color. 17 years later I would never dream of going to another salon. read more

I went in as a "muddy" blonde that always pulls red tones when I lighten my hair and now it looks amazing. Bianca was my colorist with a little help from Brandon and the blonde highlights they gave me are perfect. Everyone is super nice and professional. read more

Suzette is terrific! She takes the time to hear what you would like, and provides honest input to come up with your final hair style. She is always positive and flexible, such a joy to work with. As I age and my hair line recedes, she has worked with me to come up with a great hair style that hides my growing forehead! I love Suzette, and know she will always give you a great cut. read more

Have been seeing Franco now for 12 years. Would never think of going anywhere else! He is incredible and does everything perfect everytime! Everyone in the shop is amazing - great great place!!!! read more

Not only do i love my hair but I enjoy my time with Marlo. The boys are really fun to be around. The salon is classy without being pretentious and all clients are provided adequate time. I've never been rushed or had to wait longer than a few minutes. Marlo is amazing - she talks to you about what YOU feel is working with your hair, what YOU feel isn't working and where YOU want to go. She just gets it. read more

Having spent years driving to SF and spending large sums, I found Marlo!! Brilliant with curly hair- evidenced by my many "curly girl" friends who are now Marlo converts. Great service. Great skill. Great find!!! Can't say enough!! read more

This review is for Sue! Love her! Have been following her wherever she goes for 10+ years now. She has now landed at Complements and they are so lucky to have her! She recently refreshed my late 40s blond hair and made me feel fabulous and beautiful again. The hi-lights are perfect. Beautiful contrast. Thank you Sue! read more

My daughter and I have been going to Brandon for more than 10 years. He is practically a member of our family now. Brandon is a master colorist and does makeup too. The salon is very inviting and welcoming. I enjoy my visits and would never consider going anywhere else. Make sure to make advance appointments as many others have also discovered Complements and they are always booked. read more

This has been a long time coming, because Marlo is a hair goddess. She's the only person i trust with scissors near my head. She listens to what you want and can somehow divine exactly the cut you need by a vague description, and she's the only person i've been to who can give me a cut that'll work straight or curly (I have naturally Shirley Temple hair, but I flat iron it half the time). She's also an epic colorist. She's patient with me (I don't go in often and my hair is usually split-ended from several different home-coloring projects) and I never feel like a huge pain in the ass, which I'm sure I am. Thanks Marlo! I tell everyone who says they need a haircut to go to you. read more

My friend and I were desparately seeking someone who knew how to work wonders with our hair. While searching on line (Yelp) I learned of Complements Hair Design and the wonderful comments written. I sent my friend on a mission (since we both have had back luck in the past -- one was particularly distressing for me; won't go into it here :-) ) to scope it out. She came back with an appointment for both of us and a wonderful story of what a great person Brandon seemed to be -- his humor was refresing and if he can put up with my friend on the initial meeting, then we knew we were set. We have been going to Brandon to be beautified ever since. Brandon seems to know just when to push a style or when to hold back until he feels you are ready for the big change (which he is usually right about). I have many compliments on my hair and so does my friend. Everyone in the salon is friendly, knowledgable and clients seem to be pleased with the work from their stylists. They do not make you feel rushed and you feel as though you are welcomed into a high end salon. The cost is well worth your hair being your crown and glory. P.S., the best welcome hosts can be found at Complements Hair Design -- Gigi and Bentley. Teri and Gloria read more

Here is the place where you can find real professional hair stylists. Both Brandon and Franco are brilliant. I have Brillo for hair and I saw Franco just a few days ago and now I look great! ( As well as a 66 year old woman can be.) Make an appointment - you'll be amazed by what these gentlemen can do for you. PS Their new building's interior is beautiful. Take time to look at the artwork, too. read more