For years I've been seeing my cousin, who is a superbly talented stylist/colorist, for my hair needs, but she unfortunately has had to cut her hours way back due to a serious health concern, so I was (reluctantly) looking for a new salon. I'd driven by Empire Salon many times and read the great reviews, so while I was scared to try someone different, I finally booked an appointment--and I'm glad I did. Michelle (the owner) and the other stylist at Empire, Louise, are very warm and friendly. Michelle is, like my cousin, truly a miracle worker when it comes to hair. My hair was in such bad shape that I was sure she was going to recommend I cut it short. (Think months of swimming outdoors + repeated highlighting + heat styling. It looked BAD.) When I told her that ideally I'd still like to be able to pull it back in a ponytail, I was sure she'd say that too much of my hair was beyond saving. However, when I walked out of her salon, I still had long hair, and even better, it still looks and feels amazing. The ultimate test for me of a great cut is that even after washing, and with no styling, my natural hair still looks good. I have fine, very wavy hair, and the first time I washed it after Michelle worked her magic, I just let it air dry and used no styling products... and it actually looked good. Not perfect like she when she professionally styled it, of course, but good. She'd even made my color look so much better--WITHOUT COLORING my hair--just by cutting and styling it. This woman has genuine talent. Also, her prices are reasonable. Finally, she has a small dog named Bear who treated me to canine karaoke. (Bear "sings" along with Michelle--who has a great voice--to Whitney Houston.) That was an unexpected extra. :-) I highly recommend Michelle and Empire Salon. One last thing: Michelle originally owned a much larger building next door to her current salon. That was where I'd originally seen Empire, so initially, I went there and knocked on the door, until I double-checked the address and realized she'd moved to a different building just to the right of it. There is also plenty of free parking in downtown Niles. read more

Michelle is an incredible stylist who clearly has experience working with shaping hair in a flattering way. It had been a long time since I last had a haircut and my hair was looking shapeless and dull. Michelle gave my hair fresh layers that framed my face and did a simple style that made my hair look beautifully healthy. She was also easy to talk to. Overall, I had a great experience! Special shout out to "Ber Ber" and her fun outfits lol. read more

Went here for a hair session to turn my hair to ash brown, it wasn't as light as I wanted since it's my first bleach session with virgin hair but still really satisfied with my results. Michelle was so attentive and friendly, and the process went by very fast. I was really worried my hair would be dry and dead by the end of the session, but it's not! End hair result was super soft and fluffy. I'm pretty happy with this color! read more

Empire Salon by M - photo taken just after finishing! hair w/ sunlight - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

See all

Michelle was so sweet and did such an amazing job on my hair. Can't wait to go back to see her!

Love playing with my hair color , had to try Cooper this fall. I love it sooo much. Done by Michelle. read more

See all

I visited Empire Salon a week ago after looking at multiple 5 star ratings on Yelp. I was assigned Marina... She is definitely sweet to talk to but my fade cut went wrong on one side... she apologized as well.... But hair doesnt grow back. I did not give her any tip and It was during the chit chat that I realized she joined there 2 days back. It was a bad day for me and waiting for my hair to grow back properly... I dont wanna drag the ratings down much because of a new joinee but this has been my experience first time trying out read more

OMGGG i always love my hair this place is my go to salon.Super thanks to Michelle she is very professional and always provide an excellent costumer service! she always exceed my expectations!! super lovey hair color everytime.. definitely recommend her read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

See all

I have scabbed burns from the chemicals and dye sitting on my scalp and skin for so long !!!! read more

Empire Salon by M - HORRIBLE - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

Went in with open mind, I had my hair previously highlighted. I got an appointment with Jacky told her what I wanted ( easy to maintain, and cover my white hair ) she suggested some ideas and I went with it and came out really nice. Definitely found a new salon, to keep going back to. The place is really neat and organized. Highly recommended. Too bad didn't have the before but only the after. Jacky took it maybe she can add read more

Empire Salon by M - Final result - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

I just got my hair done here after I was recommended by my close friends. Let me just say I was not let down! Michelle is an amazing hair stylist and gave me the exact cut I wanted. Her staff was also very friendly and kind. Not exaggerating when I say it was the best cut I have ever received. The interior was beautiful, clean, and sanitary. Theres a lot of parking spots in the area so that was a plus. The price for a wash, cut, and style was amazing. Michelle is a very kind and free spirited woman who will make you feel priceless! She's extremely sweet and provides a great service. Get your hair done here and don't forget to tip! :) read more

Got a root touch up and trim with Jackie about a week ago. I appreciated how she took her time throughout the process, especially with the shampoo/conditioning which I always felt my previous stylists rushed through. My hair looks and feels so healthy and fresh! Jackie was super nice and I felt comfortable trusting her with my hair. Can't wait to go back in a few months :) read more

I really loved the place. It was clean and they maintained social distance very well. They were very responsive on Yelp for the appointment and I loved my haircut. read more

Empire Salon by M - Haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

Yes I finally found an excellent salon in Fremont!! I was desperate to get my hair colored (waiting a year due to the pandemic) and so glad I got an appointment with Jacky. She was super accommodating and made sure I felt comfortable (being 38weeks preggo). Also love love love my balayage/hair color and cut! Just look at the photos, it was a transformation lol. Also the owner of the salon was super nice and hella responsive on Yelp which helped me book the appointment last minute. Prices are also super reasonable. Overall highly recommend! read more

Excellent salon. Very clean and they follow all social distancing/mask rules. Jackie gave me an excellent haircut (cut my pandemic grown hair into beautiful layers) I will return for sure read more

I went in September 2020, they were open and I was even able to go inside and get my hair done (I've seen places do it all outdoors.) Everyone wore masks and it was all very sanitary. This was my first time going to this salon! I have been wanting to balayage my natural brown-black hair for a long time. Michelle looked like she did great work! I called and easily scheduled an appointment for a week out. I got a price appraisal after describing my hair and what I desired and it felts a bit pricey- $300 for a balayage on short-medium length hair. Entering the salon, the staff was so friendly. The front desk person offered me something to drink and connected me to the wifi while I waited for Michelle. I wasn't sure exactly what color I wanted, I just told Michelle I wanted a caramel-sh color, or anything she thought would go with my skin tone. The entire process was really fun and easy. Michelle did my hair alongside another stylist named Alexa (I believe) and they explained what was happening the entire way through. I would recommend bringing a device, because there are parts where you just sit and wait for the bleach or toner to set in. I was so happy with the way it turned out! I loved the color and the depth, my roots weren't starkly showing. My hair did feel a little dead afterwards, but after a shower and some conditioner it is basically back to normal. I am really glad I went to empire salon, and if I wanted to color my hair again, I would go here! The only reason it's 4 is because it was kind of expensive for what it was, considering my hair isn't super long, but I think the amount of time they spent on it made it worth it? read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

This review is for Jackie! She does an amazing of being a good listening by understanding your requirements and going the extra mile to deliver best results. Went to a salon after a year and wanted to have a change in my looks. So happy about the haircut she did and it suits my face frame too. The salon has reasonable price as compared to other extravagant salons out there in Bay Area. Highly recommend her! read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

See all

Well...I didn't think that being handed off to another stylist would turn out to be a blessing in disguise! I was seeing another stylist before and was coming in to get my hair toned after coming back from a beach vacation. The stylist had something came up suddenly so she passed me over to Michelle. That was the start of a great relationship between us! Michelle is an amazing stylist and most importantly an amazing person. Keep in mind, stylist are essentially therapist in disguise lol! She's fun to talk to, listens to what you want, and knows what she's doing. She's easy to get a hold of and will accommodate you, if she has room for it. She's always done amazing things to my hair. If you're looking for someone who truly cares about what you want and gives you an honest feedback, then I am happy to share my girl, Michelle! read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

See all

I got my hair cut with Ivan. Loved it . Thank you so much. Looking forward to see you again read more

Empire Salon by M - Haircut by Ivan .. loved it, a big thank you to Ivan - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

I'm very grateful to the Empire Salon and Marina for squeezing me in on Friday after a failed attempt at trimming my own hair!! I love the Bob cut and it has lots of fun layers! I think you've made my highlights last longer too, the way you cut it! I've received compliments all weekend & couldn't be happier! Thank you Marina! You are very talented and I am a very grateful new client!! read more

After a strong recommendation, I've been seeing Michelle, for several years now. She is extremely professional, personable and honest. Her style keeps me looking current. She is amazing at her craft, because her cut and color are done so well. My forever Hair fairy ‍ call Michelle she will Take care of you. read more

See all

Jacky is awesome! I was really scared to come into the salon because it was my first time ever getting my hair done! I honestly didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted but she did a good job of making my hair look amazing! I didn't even know what color I wanted and I took her suggestion and I'm glad I did. I'm so happy I went to this salon because I love my new hair! Every time I look in the mirror I'm shocked that this is what I look like. Jacky is also such a chill and sweet stylist, I would definitely recommend going to this salon!! Especially if you're a first timer like me!! The salon itself is really nice and clean too!! 5/5 stars :) read more

Empire Salon by M - My hair before- jet black - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

See all

Came here 3 times and 2 of those times I had to go back to get my hair fixed. They are really responsive and were willing to fix it. The last time I decided not to and just live with the failed peek a boo bleach job. read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

I just moved out here and have been in need of a haircut! This salon was my first choice and I definitely got lucky with my choice! I had Jackie, she's super sweet and she made my hair exactly how I asked. Thank you Jackie!! *All the workers were nice and welcomed me as I walked in; even complimented my hair after too! read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

Michelle is truly the best hairstylist there is. I am a model and many had done my hair, but Michelle is truly the most professional and caring, she is very knowledgable and honest. My mom also started going to her, and can't be happier. She is the best with extensions+coloring+styling. I highly recommend her to everyone as someone who has been to countless others. read more

I was referred to Michelle by Mitos and I'm so grateful! Michelle was excellent and colored and cut my hair exactly the way I wished. The place is also very nice and clean. Couldn't be happier and will definitely be back! read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

See all

Talking about taking your beauty, looks and Hair style to the next level. Michelle truly has the magic touch in cutting and styling my hair. Very professional and funny. Can't wait to my next cut and see your salon. I heard it's very elegant! read more

I highly recommend Empire Salon by M. They were able to squeeze me in last minute for a haircut with Michelle to add layers and shape my bangs. The staff is very friendly, the shop is clean and cute, and the service was great! Pricing is very reasonable, too. read more

I went to Empire and saw Jackie. I HIGHLY recommend her. She listened to my wants, consulted with me on how to do my hair, and gave me product recommendations. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience. read more

Omg I love it! Jackie your amazing! At first I was really nervous because my hair was just in bad shape . But Jackie was so kind and really help me and gave me tips on how I can nurture my hair hair better. I always wanted to dye my hair lighter , previous hair salon never listen to exactly what I want but Jackie was amazing she knew exactly wat I wanted and went for it! I will be going back for sure! This salon will definitely perform miracles on your hair! Thanks Jackie! read more

See all

Jacky G did an AMAZING job on my COVID hair lol. I had roots for days with a prior balayage and she spent the necessary time fixing it and making it the beautiful color that I was looking for, for Spring 2021. I'll definitely go back to her. The salon itself was very clean and modern and nestled in the Niles neighborhood. I love what she did and I hope you will too! read more

I switched to Empire salon for all my beauty needs once my brow stylist Mariam moved to this salon! I've been getting regular blow outs every weekend for events and the ladies here are amazing! They make you feel so welcomed and beautiful, and not to mention the ambience of the salon takes your experience to a whole other level. And I cannot emphasize enough how out of this world Mariam's eyebrow threading skills are! So quick and so painless she is the ONLY one that I trust with my brow shaping. I live in Canada part time and I wait until I'm back in California just so Mariam can be the one to get these bad boys back in shape! read more

I got my hair cut and colored by Maribel, and she did an amazing job! She made me feel comfortable and was very transparent about my hair. She was helpful in recommending products and answering all my questions. Definitely will recommend Maribel! She's my go-to hairstylist! read more

First time here - was able to text to make an appointment, only a couple people inside at a time, and everyone wore masks. So thankful to Jacky for my post-vaccine trim lol! Love it! read more

Empire Salon by M - So thankful to Jacky for my post-vaccine trim LOL Love it! - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

I got a keratin treatment done here two months ago. Maribel and Michelle are very nice and friendly. Scheduling an appointment is a smooth process with them and they do answer all your questions. I plan to visit next time for a haircut whenever I'm back in California. :) --Myra read more

Amazing Salon! I have never been happy with the haircuts I get until now. I was unsure what I wanted but I showed Michelle my inspiration and she delivered! I am so happy with my haircut and it was a very reasonable price. Definitely going again. It is also a new and very clean salon and all the staff are super nice! read more

Michelle is the best! I've been going to her for over 10 years. I usually let her have free reign because she knows what is in style and frames my face best. read more

I found Michelle on yelp and it's like the universe was matching us up!! I've been desperately looking for a stylist in the East Bay. I have gone to her ever since. When she told me she was opening her salon, I was so excited for her. She always cuts my hair just as I ask. I've had so many past experiences with other stylists who simply doesn't listen. I can't wait till I can get a hair cut! Open please! I need a cut! Michelle is the best. read more

Michelle is very kind and sweet. She's very skilled hair stylist and love her hair cut. I've never encountered any problems after she colored her hair; she must've used the best products :). Try her and you won't be disappointed read more

Empire Salon by M - Hair Salons Near Me - Fremont, California

I've been going to Michelle for a year now. She is not only amazing at what she does but also she has a beautiful personality. She goes above and beyond your expectations and you'll never walk out of her salon feeling disappointed. read more

Michelle is amazing! She has a lot of patience and will give you suggestions on what look would be nice on you. I highly recommend her.