This is my new Oakland spot!!! I called ahead and made a reservation the same day and Patricia was able to fit me into her schedule. It was easy to find and there was metered parking right out front (1hr increments). I filled out a short questionnaire which goes to show how she feels about her customers and keeping them for future business. I was led to the back and we discussed what I wanted to do with my hair while she combed thru my hair and got used to my curly texture. Then I leaned back for the wash and voila!! There was a fancy foot rest that was popped up so I didn't have to strain my neck while my hair was being washed. We headed to the front and she did a little blow drying and then worked on my trim. All the while we had great conversation about my career, family, my home and such. My silk press, which is using a flat iron to make the hair smooth and amazing, turned out great. She put product in before and after to help it hold out from the frizz monster. I am very happy with the service and overall satisfaction of getting my hair done at First Impression! read more

First Impression Hair Designs - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

My search is finally over! My hairstylist, who I loved, retired about 3 years ago, and since then I have been through the ringer trying to find someone who could take care of my hair. I'm a simple woman: wash, blow-dry, and flat iron is all I require. But somehow I kept finding people who either did not use tools properly, did not use quality products, over charged for their service, or were unprofessional. As a result I lost a lot of hair and had to cut it off. Well, after making my first appointment with Pat Davis yesterday, I can exhale. My search is FINALLY over. Let's start with the customer service experience: I was able to book my appointment online. The on-line booking process was simple, fast, and easy to use. I received a text confirmation a day or two before. And, when I showed up, Pat was there! Believe me this is a big deal. I don't know how many times I done had to wait outside of a shop for the stylist to show up! Pat greeted me with a smile, and I could tell by her energy, she's a good person. She was kind, patient, and listened to my concerns about my hair and I knew right away I was in good hands. As she did my hair she shared with me what she was putting in my hair, what it's purpose was, and her assessment of how my hair felt before and after the product. Pat took her time, was gentle, and used great care from start to finish. I don't like a lot of heat on my hair, and she respected that, and used the temperature I was comfortable with. My hair is now looking and smelling and feeling great, and I could not be happier! Thank you Pat, you are a gem! *I should also add that the shop Pat is at now, Weeds, if very conveniently located and there is plenty of street parking as well as a private lot. Another huge plus. I'm booking my next appointment today! read more

This place is great, I felt so welcomed. Sometimes when you walk into a new salon, you feel a bit intimidated by the attitude of some stylist. Not here. Patricia was so friendly and easy to talk to. She did a beautiful color and cut. I just randomly picked First Impressions, and Patricia, and Im glad I did. I will never go anywhere else. There is also a free parking lot. read more

As a hair retailer myself, i deal with a lot of stylists! Sometimes, I am compelled to share my opinion with fellow Yelpers. Pat is worth her weight in gold! I was impressed with her attitude the from the moment I phoned her shop. It seems that basic friendliness and customer service would be expected, but I've called some salons and been treated rudely or hurried off the phone befor I ever make it in for an appointment! Pat has been in the game long enough to know how to do most any if the basics (flat ironing, relaxers, Silk pressing, etc), but she is also knowledgable and up to speed on the latest techniques; weaving, extensions, strand by strand, color, or anything else. I am extremely pleased with my experience in dealing with her. She is a true professional. If you want great, courteous service from a PRO, it doesn't get any better than this. PS. Call me old fashioned, but I cannot stand stylists who don't even do their OWN hair. Pat has AMAZING hair, I know that means nothing in terms of a review, but it DOES. If you can't do your own, don't touch mine. Just my two cents. read more

This is my second visit here. Pat is amazingly diligent, honest, and detail oriented. I come here for the Brazilian Blowout, the first time i came here i was here last appointment, it was late, and rainy. Pat did a great job, however i dont think she applied the product to my edges so the rest of my hair was smooth, while my edges were untouched. Despite that i was still very impressed with how long the product stayed in my hair (without formaldehyde). This time around Pat did an unbelievable job, thoroughly applied the product, and rinsed and blow dried and flat ironed once again. Pat is very honest, and skilled. I would absolutely reccomend her for your next keratin treatment if you are in the bay area. Also Venna (Jenna) im not sure what her name is i forgot but she is the nail tech there, and she also does an incredible eyebrow waxing! In fact, i have been to soo many different women for eyebrows, and she is by far the best. Especially if you are particular about even-ness without having most of your eyebrow hair waxed off, she knows exactly what she is doing! Also, she is really detail oriented, the last time i got a basic manicure and it lasted two weeks to be honest. Two weeks for a basic manicure (no gel) is very long. Great quality work, they appreciate their clients, genuinely honest! Please visit Pat and Jena (Nail Tech) they will take great care of you! What is better than getting your hair and nails and eyebrows done in the same salon without breaking the bank?! read more

Check out the pictures of the Brazilian blowout! My hair went from extremely curly to luxuriously straight simply after blow drying! I am one of the few people who has super curly hair and has always loved it. I never flat ironed it, but I was looking to try something new and after seeing the Brazilian Blowout on Pat I was convinced I wanted to try it. The blowout lasted for 4 months while using the special shampoo and my hair was beautiful wavy if I let it air dry and perfectly straight after blow drying it! If you are thinking about getting it down I highly recommend coming to First Impression Hair Design! read more

Great haircut, color and highlights again. Dory is the best! She treats my hair like a work of art. Listening to what I want and creating a style that's perfect. Can't wait to go back . Thank you for making my hair beautiful. read more

Pat is very professional and reasonably price. I visit her place of business for the first time last month. I experienced an establishment that was conducive not habituating a flamboyant, rude, or loud behavior. Pat directed her attention towards my needs and walk me through the process, by giving you time to ask questions. Pat also seem very honest. if she does not know something she does not make-up things, but gives you possible direction on how to obtain the information you are looking for. She was the only person of color whom I found to know how to give a Brazilian Blowout. I pray and I believe I found my hair person. I was looking for someone who will be concern about the health of my hair. read more

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I came in without no scheduled appointment and Pat is the one that gladly took me in to do a trim. I was asking her about hair styles prices that wasn't listed online. She was telling me that it all depends on the type of hair and the length when the client comes to the salon. It varies. She is really good at making sure your hair is perfect. Very detail oriented. I paid for $18. Since my hair is medium length. Took her about 25 to 30 minutes to finish the cut. It was slependid. read more

Found this salon walking the streets of Oakland. Looking for an afternoon quickie - wash and roller set that is... The owner graciously accepted me without and appointment and set me on my way. The price was abit steep for a simple roller set ($50) but I guess I was paying for convenience. Seems that the place is pretty popular. Might want to book in advance. read more

5-stars! First of all, I am VERY particular about my hair and do not let anyone touch it but Pat, the owner of the salon. I have never used any treatment on my hair before and usually alternate between naturally curly and flat iron/press. I would generally describe my hair as delicate becuase it is very fine and of moderate length. Usually I would just got to Pat a few times a year to maintain my natural hair. About two years ago, Pat consulted with me and I decided to get the Brazilian Blowout to try something new. Since then, my hair has been BEAUTIFUL! The Brazilian Blowout by Pat has made me a believer in trying something new with my hair. Even with my hair highlighted and a blowout touch-up every 6 months, my hair is healthier than it's been in almost 10 years. My strands are thicker! Before the blowout my hair was thin and very prone to breakage. Now, when my hair is straight it is full, rather than the usual limp. When my hair is worn curly, my curls are SOOO much more manageable, appearing more wavy/curly than just curly. The great thing is that when I let my hair grow out (I took a break from maintaining the blowout for about 5 months) my hair returned to its normal texture, no damage. Love this salon and all of the services! read more

I went here for a(free)extention/hair piece consultation. I met with Pat after talking with her first about my interests on the phone. Pat was absolutely wonderful! I was late, I felt terrible. She didn't make me feel bad one bit. Answered all my questions, asked me pertinent questions, so to provide me with her best expertise. She was very very helpful. I will be getting my service done here & referring her my clientele as well. All staff was welcoming, very fair, reasonable prices! A+ read more

So after trying to find a stylist guru, Pat is my savior. She cares about your hair, helping it grow, and she is the most skilled when it comes to a full head weave....that is if you want it to look real and natural. I got my first weave here, and I must say WOW!! I love it soooo much, and it looks natural. Pat gave me hair samles and purchasing advise before she did her magic in my head. She is honest, reasonable, and now I think she is my new best friend. lol!! Don't go anywhere else but here. Don't get fooled with those others with 5 stars that I should have hated on, but did'nt. read more

First Impression Hair Design is a professional establishment. I started seeing Patricia Davis several years ago. She has gotten me thru my hair ups and downs. I continue to go to her shop because I know my hair will always be healthier, shinier and stronger after my visit. Before making Pat D. my Hair Stylist, I visited a few salons in the immediate area. Those other salons were unprofessional; included long wait times and bad attitudes. When I visit Pat's shop, I can be guaranteed, good music, intelligent conversation and great hair advice. I've referred many friends and family to this salon and they all had a good experience. I went to Pat when I got married 2 years ago. People still talk about how beautiful my hair looked that day. First Impression Hair Design is worth your time and money! read more

Great place for all your hair needs. Great service and great people. You will leave happy and will look forward to coming back. You are to have all your questions answered on how to keep your hair looking wonderful. I highly recommend this salon read more

Great salons are very, very hard to find(!), so I was inspired by the amazing service I had at First Impression Hair Design to write my first review. Pat is amazing. She's extremely skilled, has an incredibly pleasant demeanor, and is a great listener who really wants to give her clients the best possible service in every sense. I was looking for a good salon in Oakland and was almost giving up hope when I read the review someone else posted about how great Pat is. After visiting her salon, I couldn't agree more. When I went to the salon, my hair was in a terribly damaged state, and Pat not only fixed the condition of my hair, she did such a great job with my hairstyle that I was still getting compliments months after my original appointment! Honestly can't recommend her highly enough... read more

First Impressions Hair design is a great place for those who are not exactly sure what they want to do with their hair. I was going for a radical change from long hair to a short cut, but had no idea what kind of cut I wanted, Pat, the beautician, gave me a great cut that was just right for my hair structure and facial features. Pat is also great with Hair extensions and color. Highly recommended! read more

The salon owner is very nice and friendly, but she caused me to have massive hair loss by improperly applying the Brazilian Blowout directly to my scalp. I received the Brazilian Blowout here approximately one month ago, from the owner. Since then my hair continues to fall out in large amounts with the roots attached. I later learned that the Brazilian Blowout treatment is NOT supposed to be applied directly to the scalp, because there is formaldehyde (or formaldehyde derivatives) in the BB, and the chemical causes hair loss if it comes into direct contact with the scalp. Some web sites say the hair loss is permanent if the chemical touches the scalp. I was never warned or informed about the risk of permanent hair loss, or that the Brazilian Blowout contains formaldehyde or formaldehyde derivatives. Furthermore, she said the straightening effect would last for a few months, but it destroyed my hair texture and only lasted one week. One month later, I only have 50% of my hair left and had to chop off about 8 inches of hair because the texture and quality of my hair totally deteriorated. If you go to this salon for the Brazilian Blowout, do so at the risk of ruining and possibly permanently losing your hair. read more

As the year of 2014 quickly comes to an end, I just wanted to give proper appreciation to the Salon owner of First Impression Hair Design, Pat. My husband and I moved from the East Coast to California's Bay Area in April of 2014. In May of 2014, I was faced with the challenge of finding a trusted stylist/salon for the purpose of relaxing and styling my hair in celebration of the one year wedding anniversary of my husband and I. After reading the reviews posted by clients who were serviced by Pat, I decided to call and speak with her. Pat, from our first phone interaction was very social and kind; willing to answer all kinds of possible questions and wanting to learn of her potential client. For the occasion mentioned, I needed a prompt appointment slot, and Pat was able to schedule me for that very same day following the end of our phone call. Upon meeting with her, Pat was as sociable and kind (all the while, very professional) as she was on the phone when I had previously spoken to her. The service provided to me, was timely! The hair wash was satisfactory; Pat truly knows a lot about healthy hair care and it reflects in her delicate hands and approach with clients. Henceforth, after styling my hair, Pat also provided me with great advice on how to maintain the style for several days following my anniversary. Proudly, the anniversary photos that I took with my husband to commemorate our growing love and new journey in the Bay Area came out beautifully, thanks to Pat's hair assistance. It made me wish that I had known her the previous year, when I was getting married! I also visited Pat, once more for a touch-up of the relaxer. In short, for those who may be indecisive regarding whether or not to give Pat a try, just call her. Her kindness and knowledge of hair care will win you over, and you will book your first appointment. Thank you so much for your kindness shown to me when I first arrived to the Bay Area, Pat. I really appreciate it more than you know and will always think of your service whenever I look at my one year wedding anniversary photos. Happy New Year, in advance! read more