ASK FOR TANYA (hair) OR TAMI! (nails)! I am a brand new customer. When I first walked in asking about servies, the owner Thanh was kind and welcoming. I booked color service for my grandma and Thanh noticed that she desperately needed a cut. Most people are intimidated by curly hair and will not bother to offer to cut. CUT Thanh (Tanya) gave my grandmother a perfect cut that took care of all of the damaged and uneven ends to make a cute style that looks any way that she wears it. I saw her cut two other people's hair and their hair was cut with such precision and looked awesome after. I could watch Tanya cut hair all day! COLOR Tanya also colored my grandmother hair and even though my granddmother is 92 years old, Tanya was kind and patient and very helpful with assisting my grandma with her disability and mobility needs. She never rushed my grandmother and treated her with dignity and respect. The color came out perfect even though my grandma has lots of gray and we all know that gray can be stubborn to dye. The color was gorgeous and even and my andmother was very happy. Also the products were top notch so the hair after a color feels so soft and luxurious! MANI/PEDI Tami did a mani/pedi for my grandmother and the nails looked like they came out of a magazine. I went two days later to get the same service and the pedicure was so luxurious with the heated stones even massaged on the feet. It was the best manicure/pedicure that I have ever had! I was extremely pleased with all of the services that we had and have already booked future services. read more

Update from my terrible experience with Cathy for a haircut. It's been 2 months and I went somewhere else to get a trim. This hairstylist couldn't believe what a terrible job Cathy made. This hairstylist showed me the many sections that were uneven and the sloppy work she did. Not only did Cathy cut off way more than I asked, she did a horrific job. NEVER AGAIN! They should retrain her or not allow her to do cuts. read more

Empress Hair Design - Thank you Tanya for being the first to dye my hair! Virgin hair no more! - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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I had a really disappointing experience here. I showed her a reference picture and explained exactly what I wanted multiple times, but she just wouldn't listen. The shape was different for every nail and my nails were cut way too short, nothing like the photo. The picture I showed had a soft, tinted powder look but she gave me a clear base instead. There were also a lot of visible bubbles when I looked at my nails in the sunlight. On top of that, the price was way too high for the poor quality of work I got. read more

The lady who did my haircut was really sweet. In total I paid $60, $50 + $10 tip. Unfortunately, they do not clean their stations in between customer haircuts and reuse the haircut capes. I got one that had been used by a male customer so when she put the cape on me I got covered by a thousand tiny stubble hairs. The chair I sat down in also had thousands of black and white stubble hairs. The cape was not cleaned at all and I was itchy for the rest of my hair cut and on the way home. I was wearing lululemon leggings so unfortunately they got stuck in my leggings and even after washing 3 times I will probably have to throw these new leggings away. I will never be back because of this experience. read more

Been coming to Tanya for years. She knows her stuff and I don't need to explain much. I prefer Tanya over any of the K-beauty salons around here. She is a hidden gem. read more

They don't know how to deal with naturally wavy hair thats frizzy! They blowed dried my daughters hair, which your not supposed to do with this type of hair. And dyed it the wrong color. She wanted a vibrant blue but got a blue that almost looked black. Her school pic is in a few days and it made her really sad. She also didnt like the straightness of her hair. She asked before hand if it will be like the blue she already has in there and the lady said yes. That dont look similar at all. Cost $85 to ruin her hair. Im going to be doing it at home with some splat instead read more

Empress Hair Design - The aftermath - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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I have been going to this salon for close to 20 years. They are ALWAYS professional, kind, respectful, and accommodating, Thanh is the owner and who I have cut, color and style my hair. I am always happy with how it turns out snd ALWAYS look better than when I went in. Her cuts are always easy to style & manage at home. When my hair has been a bit damaged she offers to condition it. So she takes notice of what my need might be. When The other girls do my manicure/pedicure, they also are kind, respectful and thorough. They go the extra mile to ensure you feel comfortable during the process I love going into this salon because it is always a warm, friendly & good experience. They do all ages, genders, children or adults. read more

I love this place! My family had been coming here for years and still try to even though we do not live as close. Tanya (The Owner/Hair Stylist) has been amazing with the service! She has been cutting my hair for years and has made me feel welcome like it's another home! The only concern I have is the prices, I understand inflation has been annoying but prices are out of most peoples budget. We will always continue to support business here! I do recommend this place but would just like to disclose the fees! read more

I love getting my nails done here. Tammy does such a fantastic job with them. She is also very helpful when I am indecisive of a color. She helps match the nail color for the occasion. Her designs are simple but pretty. She is very patient as well and focused. I would definitely recommend her if you want someone who is a professional. The store looks clean and well maintained. I do not worry about whether or not the tools and equipments are clean because I can see that they are. I have not had my hair cut here or done by them but I would not mind it because everyone there seems to know their customers very well. read more

Empress Hair Design - Nails done for a wedding. - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Ok so a month and half ago I made a mistake I went another salon thought I was getting a Japanese straight perm... long story short I came out of the salon with a digital perm. Didn't know how to care for curls as much as I tried and bought products for these curls of mine (naturally straight with little wave) I just ended up putting my hair in buns. Finally yesterday I am back to being myself. Thank you to my hairdresser Tanya she fixed my mistake and I'm loving my hair again. read more

Empress Hair Design - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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Ive been coming to Empress Hair for 4 years now. Sandy helped me fix my self-botched bangs during my first visit, going along with my vague requests, for "layered" and "long enough to tie in a pony tail." She's very warm and takes her time to execute your hair cut well. Will be back- 12th hair cut is free! read more

Empress Hair Design - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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This hair salon gave me a simple haircut which was quite literally the worst haircut I have received in my life. I came in as a walk-in, and was attended to immediately. I explained to the woman that I wanted 6 inches EXACTLY to be taken off. She raised a piece of my hair and tried to tell me that she was only going to take off an inch of the longest strand. It was only after I repeated my request that she brought out a ruler to measure out where she would cut off 6 inches. I thought that would be the end of this confusion. I was wrong. I showed her many examples of what I wanted my hair to look like: the slight V shape. She began to snip away. I trusted that she knew what she was doing. Finally, the trimming ceased. She handed me a mirror and I peered in, excited to see what had become of my locks. I was horrified. Over 11 inches had been hacked off and the hair that was once at my waist was now at my collarbones. To make matters worse, it was shaped into a square. As a non-confrontational person, I bit my tongue. I regret that. Hopeful that she may be able to make it look better, I asked for a more prominent V shape, and was firm on stating I wanted to keep this length completely. She snipped away at the sides. When I looked into the mirror again, my hair had become SHORTER at its LONGEST sections. It still looked choppy and terrible. I truly think this choppy mess is something my 11 year old sister could've done, if not worse. At this point I wanted to cry. I didn't even want to look at my decimated tresses. I paid and left. I am never going back to this salon after this traumatizing incident. I hope no others fall victim to the woman who does not know how to do simple measuring. Sorry to be blunt, but judging by what happened to my hair, it seems to be the case. read more

Everyone was wearing a mask and social distancing, great haircut from Sandy as always, been coming here for over 20 yrs!

Been going to Tanya for a few years...absolutely the best salon I've been to in years. If you want a great stylist who does GREAT COLOR & CUTS with best prices PLEASE GO SEE TANYA. Also, its an all woman crew...all do fabulous work...from hair, to nails, any if your needs. read more

I come here every few months for a trim and deep conditioning for a VERY low price, and they always do a great job. They always ask you what you want and listen! Also, my hair is very thick, curly, and pretty long, so it is hard for me to find a salon that does not charge an arm and a leg for a simple cut. They ask before blow drying and styling, I like that because I do not really like the done up look on my hair, I appreciate the curls and naturalness of it. But it is nice to have the option in case I want something different. I also get pedicures here once in a while and I love it! They have these awesome message chairs and they do wonderful messages too, with warm stones and lotion, I always feel leaving rejuvenated afterward. They are so gentle and my toes come out looking clean and pristine when I leave, and you can't beat the price either. If you appreciate a very friendly staff, affordable prices, and great hair/nails, give this place a go. read more

I have been coming to Empress Hair Design since they opened. I have known, Tanya (owner) for many years. I have followed her from Salon to Salon for about 20 years, and when she opened this place, I just happened to live down the street. SHE IS THE BEST!! She has integrity, honesty, and really cares about the customers...every single one of them! Tina, is another one of her employees that is excellent on hair and nails. I have known her for many years as well. Tanya has high standards when it comes to hiring employees. If they do not perform well and the customers are not happy, she personally takes responsibility and provides only EXCELLENCE in service. Her prices are very reasonable, and I highly recommend this place for hair and nails! Empress Hair Design is a place you can come to and trust you will be well taken care of! Barbie Deen, Santa Clara read more

I keep coming here as the ladies are: 1) respectful and non-pushy. They actually do what you request them to do. 2) reasonably priced. I pay 80$-85$ for a highlight & cut...shampoo and styling (I get it blown-out and hot-ironed straight). 3) they don't conjole you into making an appt for next time! I like to come here about 3 or 4 times a year...whenever I am in the mood to get a bunch of my fine, wispy hair lopped off. I really enjoy the freedom to just be a walk in. 4) No drama. I have experienced hair-dressers who rag on me for delaying appts "I have a family to feed"...give me unwanted advice on my pitful love-life "Tell me about him...(afterwards) oohhh, I don't think it will work out"...come in LATE EACH TIME even 2 hours when I am the FIRST appt! ...one ex-hairdresser dramaqueen used to go off to chat on aol and leave me stranded...for hours...she then knocked me off the schedule when I was 15 (!) minutes late (I dumped her services). This place is just walk in, walk out. 5) It's sandwiched in between 7-11 and Togos, so you can always get something to eat, something I think about too much obviously if you read my reviews. Nice also on a hot day to get a big soda and come back. 6) They all know my hair "your hair takes a LONG TIME". My butt goes numb from sitting under the hair-dryer...I don't know why but my hair resists greatly being bleached. It takes forever. The ladies know that so I don't care which one I get...they are all excellent. I have meanwhile been taking my teenage niece here who is blonde and wanted black streaks (they did both black and blonde highlights..so awesome and cool she was at school the next day)...and gave my nephew a mullet (!) when he requested one. (Painfully my influence as I keep showing him MacGyver movies and old 80s MTV videos of Ice House). read more

I always come here to get my hair done, I normally see tonya...but if she's not there, the other woman are super nice and good too. I HIGHLY reccomend this place, not super expensive as well. read more

amaaaaaaazing. I came here because a friend recommended tonya to me and i was blown away. I HATE getting my hair cut and this was the second time i've ever gone to a salon and i'm addicted to this place. I am extremely difficult when it comes to my hair, but i can honestly say i am 100% satisfied. oh yeah did i mention it's the price was awesome too? i've gotten my hair cut for $70 in Cupertino and it wasn't even half the job Tonya did. I got a cut and wash for $25 and i'm going back for peekaboo highlights. i actually don't know if they do peekaboos yet but i'll find out when i call tomorrow :p read more

This place is awesome. I get treated so well every time I arrive. Tanya cuts and dyes my hair perfectly every time. Her prices are really competitive, and then I can leave a nice tip. I am so happy with the service I receive at Empress Hair Design. read more

Sandy's been cutting my hair for years now, and she's done a great job. Price is fairly reasonable compared to a lot of places. Not much else to say about a haircut. read more

I have seen Sandy for root touch-up, coloring, highlights and trimmings, always excellent results. Meticulous and professional. Warmly recommend. read more

Went to Empress for highlights and a cut. I really loved Annie's job. My hair looks so nice and I would recommend getting your hair taken care by Annie. She does takes longer but at the end it is worth it. By the time my hair was getting styled, I decided to get a shellac manicure. I asked for a designed and the other girl said she could do. It was awful. I told her it did not looked nice but she said it was fine. That is why I give 4 stars. I will come again to get my hair done. Thanks Annie! read more

I was having a photo shoot for my 10 year anniversary and I needed an appointment. Annie was available and did my up do!. Loved it and will post. Will go back! read more

Empress Hair Design - Annie did my up-do! Was very impressed and it stayed in place all day :). - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I'm only giving this place one star because I've had a good experience in the past with a previous stylist. My mom, sister and I walked in and the white lady in the front didn't even acknowledge us. Instead we got a quiet hello from an Asian lady way in the back. Then as were sitting there listening to the white lady in the front complain how kaiser didn't want her as a nurse, we start browsing waiting for someone to at least ask what we want done and give us a time frame because we were walkins. We waited 15 minutes for SOMEBODY to talk to us. Nobody said anything. One guy walked in and sat down for 5 minutes and nobody even said hello to him. He got up and left. They lost 4 people and a lot of money. They had no idea all the crap us three girls wanted to do with our hair. Empress has just lost three customers because of one shitty stylists attitude. Too bad because we all like Tanya and she wasn't even there. read more

I have been going to Empress Hair for a few years but would always forget to write a review. This is place is great and the women are very friendly and know how to pamper. I paid only $80 for a hair cut (which I love), color and pedicure. The pedicure is only $20 and includes a leg massage with hot stones. They accept walk-ins and always seem to have someone ready for you with only a few minutes of waiting. Will continue coming here as long as they don't increase their prices! read more

I went there with a recommendation from my colleagues who are both very particular about their hairstyling. They were right on! They do a very good job at a modest price. The store is near a 7-11 and not fancy, but if it keeps costs low, kudos to them. They do not try to sell you things you do not need or make you feel bad about your hairstyle preferences. I like to towel dry and let my hair dry by itself and they can even make my hair look good. read more

This is not a good review. This review is dated June 8th, 2008. The salon did not treat my daughter with respect for a simple nail color change. My daughter wanted a french tip color change. The nail salon lady put it on wrong twice. My daughter explained to them before they started exactly what she wanted. A simple french tip. The nail salon lady told my daughter "I don't have time anymore" and told my daughter to go somewhere else, thus leaving no color on the nails! Why did the nail salon lady try to wash someones hair and paint french tip at the same time? Why didn't she tell my daughter to come back another time? She didn't, instead she then proceeded to go and finish a customer's hair wash, whom I may add had his head in the sink waiting. So we went somewhere else. We went to Vanessa's Nail on El Camino Real at Kiely. They were professional and clean. Don't go to Empress. There are a lot more nail places around in the area that are nicer. Empress is a dump. Weird decor. The nail salon lady is hard to understand. read more

I've been going here for at least a year now and I love it. Tanya, the owner is fabulous! She's really great with color and highlights. Don't be fooled by it's hole in the wall appearance. This place is really good. Also the prices are really reasonable. I paid $60 for both a cut and color. I used to go to a higher end salon and spent more than $100. Now I go here, with no regrets! read more