Definitely debated whether or not I should write this review, but thought I would just to give a word of caution and hopefully help other other people who might be concerned about the same things I'm concerned about. Namely, I truly hate it when hair stylists take off more hair than you ask them to. I just want to say that everyone I interacted with at the Salon was very friendly and my hair stylist seems very talented. The haircut she gave me is objectively a very nice haircut! I don't doubt her talent at all. Another person might have been thrilled with the cut she gave me. But it wasn't what I asked for at all, and I was pretty shocked by the end result. I asked for hair a few inches past my shoulders and unfortunately what I got was at least 3 inches shorter than what we had discussed. And it was extra disappointing because this is something we actually discussed, I showed a picture, pointed out where I wanted the hair to fall, and I told my stylist that though I needed several inches cut off (my hair was very very long) I had never had short hair in my life and that I definitely did not want to go too short. She assured me she wouldn't go too short and that we could take "baby steps" and I could come back afterward and go shorter if I found that I wanted a shorter length. She cut my hair and after a little while, she mentions hesitantly that she may have taken off more than we discussed. My heart dropped, I saw that it was indeed very short. It's ok, it's ok, maybe it won't be too bad? But by the time she had blow dried my hair, it was clear it was VERY short. Shorter than anything I've ever had in my life. To her credit, my hair stylist was very apologetic and she styled my hair in a very nice way that made the cut look pretty good. I tried to roll with it. Change is good right? And afterall, hair grows back. It will be fine. Everyone at the salon assured me that it might take a week or so to get used to the new short hair, and I hoped that would be the case. It's been two weeks and I mostly hate the short hair more and more as each day goes on. It's difficult to style, I don't feel like myself with the very short hair, and also, it's too short to put up into a pony tail or bun which is aggravating with the heat and also with the lifestyle I lead. That being said, other people have complimented me on the hair, so it obviously looks good. It just wasn't what I wanted at all. So, I definitely would still recommend the salon. They are very nice and talented here, but be SUPER DUPER EXTRA explicit about *exactly* how much hair you want them to take off. And even if you feel like you were really clear (I thought I was very clear), watch like a hawk! I made the mistake of kinda closing my eyes and taking my glasses off and not watching very closely. I wish I had, cause that I maybe could have caught the mistake before it was too late. read more

Hard to get me to sit still but in Noemi's (& the awesome crew) capable hands, I am time tripping and it feels like a few minutes with a good friend. I don't care where or when you are, get over to Future and get your hair done! Or try any of their other great services. read more

FUTURE Vanity/Novelty - My girl, Noemi did it again!!! Fabulous peekaboo in Violet and Blue. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

My family and I love the service at FUTURE. The front desk attendants greet us with warm smiles and get us anything we need. Alesha always gives me a great color and cut with kindness and care. She tamed my girls unruly curls with a cute cut. My stepdad gets his hair cut by Mavis. He adores her sweet natured personality and attentive style. Last week I experienced the most amazing facial by Amanda. Her healing hands pampered my parched face. I left feeling hydrated and relaxed. Definitely going back for more. I will continue to recommend FUTURE Vanity/Novelty to friends and clients read more

I've been getting my haircut with Katrin Sears for over 15 years . She is attentive , talented and listens well . Specialist with color .

I will never get my haircuts anywhere else. I have lived the salon life for as long as as I've had hair to cut. FUTURE is up there with the best if it isn't the best. If you can find a way to get on Eden's calendar, you won't regret it. She's a true artist who also knows her products. read more

I think I've found my hair salon! After 6 years of being a resident of Oakland / piedmont area, I was losing hope in finding a good and reliable hair salon but that all changed today... I highly recommend giving future vanity / novelty a try.. it won't disappoint! I was greeted nicely by the receptionist who introduced me to my future hairstylist, Jade! She was patient, friendly, professional, and really knew her craft.. I also got a warm welcome by the owner! I will be back, lol! read more

Eden and Katherine are the very best and deliver exactly what my hair needs at each appt. Last time Eden did gorgeous balayage and altered my base the slightest bit to give me a spicy reddish brown. I'm so glad we took pics that day because I had to share the beautiful results w my friends! I have been going to Future since they opened many yrs ago and I always look forward to my monthly trek across the Bay Bridge. There are excellent restaurants and shops on College Ave which top off a great day. I highly recommend Eden and Katherine! read more

My hair stylist Courtni did a FANTASTIC JOB coloring my hair red and styling it! I have dark brown hair so it is a bit difficult to get the color to stay. But I am completely in awe with the results here. The color stayed, and my hair looks so smooth! Not to mention that everything they use is natural so there is no ugly ammonia sting/smell. Making an appointment is easy and everyone is super helpful. Love this place! Price is moderate too. (I spent $500 for essentially the same thing last year at a different salon...sigh) read more

Have been here twice. Once before COVID and again more recently. They offer excellent service and really take time to listen to you. They are taking a lot of precautions for the pandemic and it felt very safe to me. Got highlights and a cut and was really pleased. They also use a good amount of natural products which I like. read more

Had such an amazing experience today. Blown away by the talent of Mavis! She really listened too what I wanted, and gave me the perfect new hair I was hoping for! Thank you again read more

FUTURE Vanity/Novelty - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

If I could give zero star I would. My wife has been coming here for her hair coloring for several occasions, and has had positive experience with Kacey. However, on her latest visit, she had hair done by another stylist and it was a total disaster! The whole experience has left us very much disappointed! First of, her appointment was delayed. The receptionist called ahead and told my wife that they are running late by 15mins and was told to arrive for 2:15pm. My wife arrived for 2:15pm, but wasn't seated with the stylist until 3:00pm. When she approached the receptionist at 2:45pm to get a status read, she received tutting/sighing and eye-rolling and was told that she'd be tend to in 5mins. My wife even offered to have her appointment rescheduled. No-one should have to put up with such attitude! Disgusting! An hour later from her original appointment, the stylist guaranteed that my wife would get the coloring she wanted within 2hrs (as she had another appointment to tend to at 5:00pm). Again, my wife didn't want to be rushed and offered to be rescheduled but the stylist was adamant that she would get the coloring done within 2hrs. My wife had wanted her hair colored Blue/Grey - instead, she got 'Rose-Gold'. The stylist tried to play it off, saying how much she loved it, and that it looked great! Bottom-line is, my wife wanted blue/gray - NOT rose-gold! My wife felt that she was forced to keep the coloring and didn't want to make a fuss of things. She paid for a service that was not her spec or satisfaction. When my wife wrote the company, the owner responded that she would call and try to make this right - that call never came! Won't be coming here again; nor recommend any family or friends. We will be taking our business else where! read more

I had two appointments at Future Vanity and was very impressed with the salon, staff, quality, and customer service! Most importantly, the level of skill of hair masters was better than anywhere I had gone before. I had color, toner, cut and everything was done to my satisfaction. I can't wait for them to reopen so I can go back! This is my go to place now! read more

I've been getting my hair cut and styled by Eden for the last few years, and I can't say enough nice things about her. I always trust her to make my curly hair look great, whether it's a cut, keratin treatment, or balayage. In addition to being an amazing stylist, Eden is so fun to talk to and sitting in her chair feels like catching up with a friend. Highly recommend! read more

I had a really great experience with this salon. Friendly staff and fun atmosphere. They have a sign outside that says free consultation which I did and got connected with the fabulous stylist, Casey. Highly recommend her or a visit to this salon. read more

FUTURE Vanity/Novelty - Great baylayage with pink streaks by the fabulous Casey - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I've only been coming here a short time but it's a great salon. Super friendly, accommodating, and pleasant. Eden is my hair stylist and she is a super star. She is incredibly talented and can see the vision of what you want even when you can't fully. I highly recommend her and this salon. Eden is one of the sweetest people ever and always does a great job! read more

Had the best experience at future yesterday. Rosa is a Queen!! I am always scared to try a new stylist for the first time, and I'm so happy with my cut. Not only did my hair turn out great, but Rosa was friendly, funny, and easy to talk to. The salon was very clean and cute, and the girls up front were helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend future to anyone looking for a new hair home. I will for sure be coming back in the ......future..... see what I did there? ;) read more

Literally every person that I've seen today has complemented me on my hair! Even strangers. Mavis is amazing and she guided me to the end result because she knows what she is doing. After 4 years of getting hair cut, colored and styled with Mavis, I can vouch for her top-rate consistency and skill. read more

Today I went to Future Salon for the first time, after searching for a new salon for what seemed like forever. The second I opened the door I was kindly greeted by the sweetest receptionist, her smile and ultra friendly, warm demeanor made me realize I made the right choice with this salon. I booked my appointment with Katie, and I am SO HAPPY that I did! She gave me the best haircut and scalp massage I've had in years and I seriously feel like my hair has its groove back again . Katie was extremely professional and payed meticulous attention to my hair and what I wanted the end result to be. She maintained the length of my locks and gave me the perfect long layers I had been wanting. Thank you Katie and Future Salon for being a game changer! You have a new forever loyal client read more

FUTURE Vanity/Novelty - Long layers by the lovely Katie - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been looking for a place like this for so long! I'm happy I found it. I decided to get in and have a previous talk with one of their hairstylists. Alesha stepped in to me and we talked about mine and my daughters' needs. I scheduled an appointment for my kid and we felt immediately confident about the way she started explaining my girl what she was doing on her hair. I brought in my second girl, she had an amazing haircut just like imagined and she's happy about it. I came again, this time for a small haircut and a ballaiage myself. The result turned out amazing! I'm now working on a Keratin treatment and they have a huge range of eco-friendly italian products to go for. Next steps includes coming for lightening my hair tips and a facial evaluation with Amanda. Can't get more excited and satisfied than that. I've been recommending and will keep doing so! read more

I wish i had a before and after picture of the absolute magic ashleigh did for my hair. I came to the salon with bleach fried hair, orange roots, and bright yellow midshaft to ends. It was a hair emergency. She gave me a color correctionbc i was clueless how to fix it. She offered suggestions without being pushy but discussed realistic results instead. I got a cut as well. I walked out feeling like a million bucks. This is the best my hair has ever looked. And i get so many compliments on the color. Request ashleih!!!!!!! read more

I called and scheduled an appointment at 12:30pm with a hair stylist. I parked my car and pay for 2 hours of parking, walk in the salon at 12:15 pm. The receptionist tells me, "I didn't get a chance to explain this to you over the phone. The hairstylist will not be ready until 12:45- 1ish". I had a meeting at 2pm, so waiting for a hairstylist until "1ish" was not an option. I am baffled at the unprofessional demeanor. Why was I given an appointment at 12:30pm, if a hairstylist was not available? And why couldn't the receptionist explain that there is no hairstylist available until "1ish" over the phone is beyond me. If reception is this unprofessional, I can't imagine how unprofessional the service would be. read more

This place is everything you could ask for in a salon. Eden is amazing, and did everything she could to make sure I left feeling happy and beautiful. I recently had a "stylist" from another salon completely thin out, darken, and in my mind "ruin" my curly beachy hair. Eden was the best!!! She talked with me to make sure we were on the same page on our visions. She knew exactly what to do to get my hair back to where I needed it to be, and recommended several different tips for fixing the thinning and weird trimming the other salon had done. We are now on a schedule to get me back to 100%. My hair looks absolutely amazing!!! I feel so beautiful and am so thankful I found FUTURE. This salon is so clean, professional, and all of the products smell SO GOOD! Book your appointment with Eden today!! read more

I just had my first visit to FUTURE vanity yesterday. I had a wonderful experience from start to finish. The receptionist was so sweet. My hair stylist, Courtni was amazing! She was sweet, funny and truly honored what i wanted. I have long hair and avoid haircuts at all costs because I'm always afraid it will be cut too short. She made me feel comfortable and did a wonderful job. My hair looks so much healthier and i will continue getting my haircut here. Thanks, Courtni! read more

First visit to Future and Mary Johnson gave me a beautiful long layered cut. Usually when I get my hair cut I feel like the hair dressers have to cut off a lot of length to get my hair back to a healthy state. Mary did a great job keeping my long naturally wavy look while getting my hair to look and feel healthy again. Great atmosphere and friendly staff would definitely recommend! read more

TL;dr at the bottom. It's a clean, cute place and everyone is very nice. I came pretty early to my appointment and the front desk and stylist did seem a bit thrown off by that, but I was just nervous I'd have a hard time finding the place or have a hard time parking (plot twist, both were easy.) Sorry for coming by so early! But anyways, they got me into a chair even though my appointment wasn't till later. I really appreciated that. I didn't mind waiting, but it was nice. So important detail: I have curly hair. More specifically "ethnic" hair. I would say around 3b/3c with some 3a in the mix. It's big and poofy, probably a little damage. I have only had my haircut professionally three times in my life because no one seems to know how to cut curly hair or people charge up the ying yang for a curly cut. I had JUST found someone who could cut my hair, and then she poofed off the face off the earth. SO after TONS of research, I found this place, got my appointment, and you know what happens next. I was pretty confident because the reviews were good and the reception recommended someone who knew curly hair well. But then I started to get a little nervous because she didn't ask how I part my hair or ask very many questions about my hair's tendencies or history. I KNOW I probably should have mentioned that by myself, but I just sort of felt like she is a professional and I trusted she knew what would look good. Dry haircut, pretty normal stuff, really nice head massage, nice smelling shampoo. It was all good. Got back into the chair to finish up the cut and I was thinking, 'Okay maybe the gel/cream is smelling a little strong nowwww.' But I was again like, whatever it's O.K. I was sort of expecting my hair to by styled in some sort of way. Like a twist or something???? But I was still just putting faith in her hands because everyone has been saying she knows curly hair. ANYWAYS, she scrunched product into my hair and I sat under a blow drying chair and I was thinking..I feel like...this is going to only dry the top of my head. Plus I was sort of running out of time at the point, I needed to be somewhere else (my fault. Don't schedule things back to back people). I get from under the dryer and like...my hair was okay. It's all crunchy because of the gel. I felt like the layers were...interesting. It wasn't parted on the side so I thought maybe if I just parted it, it would be good. And she was looking at my hair was like, 'Hmm...it's a little crunchy, we can add some creme. I don't wanna send you out with wet hair so let me use a diffuser.' So we did that. And I was like, yeaaah. I can work with this. It's the length I want. I can style it differently when I go home. It's all good. She also mentioned she should have asked how I parted it and I was like, Oh it's fine. IDC. I'm good. BUT THEN she is still looking at my hair is like, 'I should have twisted it. I just scrunched product in it. I know you're going out tonight. :/' So clearly she wasn't happy with her work. I was STILL like, "It's okay! I'm good. It's great." In the end, I pay, she gives me samples, gives me a coupon, and tells me if anything needs to be fixed, come back within a reasonable timeframe and she will fix it. Cool, cool, cool. ANYWAYS. It has been a month and I finally decided that I'm not in love with my haircut. With other salons, I have walked out feeling INSTANTLY transformed. I felt like, YAS. WERQ. LOOK OUT WORLD. NEW HAIRCUT, WHO DIS? But this time I walked out with my haircut. And...that was it. I didn't feel great, just glad my hair was cut. And now a month later I'm realizing my hair shape isn't doing anything for me. I can't put my finger on it. No matter how I part it, what product I put in it, or anything, it just looks weird. Is it a mullet? It is too short on top? Is it not cut enough. I dunno, but I need something different so it can stop bothering me. I really should have said something earlier and not have been consumed with denial. But everyone was so nice and I was in a hurry. My bad. So yeah. I'm a bit sad about it, but everyone at this salon is great. TL:dr,- I have curly afro hair, stylist here can cut curly hair...but maybe just not afro curly/ethnic curly hair. Otherwise, this is a really nice salon. read more

Been coming here for years, Eden has seen me through a myriad of hair decisions and has never failed. I've come out of this place with drastic hair changes before and never been disappointed! Super fresh vibe, nice staff! read more

For years, decades actually, I've been getting blonde highlights. And I've spent hundreds of dollars on highlights that aren't quite right, while trying to find the stylist who will get it right. I came to Alesha after having tried another Oakland salon/stylist and being disappointed with the result. And I have to say, Alesha got it right! I am so pleased, several weeks after, with my hair. I told her what I want, and she got it. So happy to have found my Oakland stylist! read more

I've been consistently going here for 3 years and have never had anything but a great experience. The staff are knowledgeable and kind, and they also use and sell high quality products. Eden is amazing and has really transformed my hair into the look I've always wanted (which looks great when I want to wear it straight, or with my natural curls). I highly recommend Eden and this salon! read more

Do you know how great Rosa is? I went to someone else for a haircut (they were close to my office and I was short on time), maybe 5 months after Rosa gave me a cut/color, and the stylist legitimately said, "Your hair looks great. I don't think I'm going to be able to make it look better than it already does. Why don't you go back to her?" So anyway, that's how great she is. read more

EACH STYLIST HAS THEIR OWN PRICE GUIDELINES FYI- maybe thats a big city thing but we dont do that even at the high end salons where I'm from : ) Well I'm new to the area and I'm so glad I booked with Rosa. Not only was the Yelp coupon I used a hook-up, Rosa totally hooked my crazy outgrown hair up too. It was a middle of the road salon in my opinion. I have been to nicer but that does not mean that the stylists are more skilled. I was offered some water with lime (tea too if you choose) when I sat down and they made sure I had my protective covering on before having at my locks. I was in there for highlights and cut. Rosa did a brilliant job fixing my two months worth of out grown hair. Plus we had quite the unique conversation. She is very kind and interpreted my hair desires into a wonderful masterpiece. She also adjusted my developer level from what my previous stylist used which was too intense for my hair. I was very happy with the results. When she proceeded to cut my hair she took her time and made sure I got exactly what I wanted. I asked for the thinning scissors and she did a great job with that and shaping my hair. She made sure I was happy with my bang length, which is a huge deal to me. The worst is when the stylist just decides to cut em short without taking their time. Rosa was a delight. I am so glad I trusted her with my hair. I figured I would be trying a few hair salons before committing but honestly she kept me happy and still spiced it up for me. It was just want I wanted out of a cut and color. I'm really glad I took my chances on Rosa because she knew exactly what to do with my super full thick some-what unruly head of hair. AND I almost forgot... My hair is so thick that my two hour block (booked by the receptionist) needed to be extended for and extra hour. Thats how much hair I have. Instead of trying to juggle two clients she pushed back her other client who luckily was in the homework zone and had her come in later. I thought it was nice of her to call the other girl over an hour BEFORE her appt. time so she didn't show up and have to wait. However I did feel bad her appt. had to be pushed back. So make sure you book what you need if you have a ton of hair like me : ) Thanks Rosa for making my hair look shiny and gorgeous. read more

Eden is amazing! I came in and told her to chop off my hair. I have not had a short hair cut in over 15 years and was always hesitant to do so. Eden did exactly what I wanted and more! She worked with my hair and knew exactly how to add texture and did better than I expected. If you are looking for a drastic change and want someone who knows their stuff Eden is your girl!!! read more

This Rockridge salon is amazing! It's bright and inviting, plus it smells heavenly in there! I recently received a customized facial and massage from Leslee. She was wonderfully friendly and listened to all my concerns. If you're looking for some serious deep tissue massage in Oakland, this is your gal. I hold a crazy amount of tension in my neck and shoulders and she took the time and energy to really work out my knots. The facial was relaxing but thorough. I told her about how I suddenly had some dry patches on my face which I've never had before. She customized a moisturizing facial and my dry spots are practically gone! I love this salon. It's upscale but not pretentious and the quality is fantastic! read more

Casey is a magician! I went in with a photo and said "this but pink!" and she spent six hours getting me from dark brown to the perfect shade of hot pink balayage. I adore the color and can't help but dance every time I see a mirror - it's gorgeous! Don't hesitate to go here - every staff member was pure joy to interact with :) read more

FUTURE Vanity/Novelty - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Just had my second cut with Rosa. I sought her out specifically because reviews indicated she could handle strange hair textures, and she really can (really!). My hair is deceptive. It looks like regular flat white-girl hair from a distance, but try to cut or style it, and you start to see that looks can be deceiving. Many a stylist did not seem to get this, and would take a straight razor to it despite my asking them not to. After too many frizz-bombed cuts, I got really good at cutting my own hair (Rosa said so!), but I don't like having to be so DIY all the time. That's where Rosa comes in. And, she's a cool lady to be around. Smart, relaxed, and unpretentious. PLUS, Rosa's cuts grow out super nicely. I let four months slip between visits and it still looked amazing. read more

Noticed the Davines products as I was passing by today. Walked in inquiring about a new shampoo/conditioner. The Salon Concierge was happy to tell me about the products, she KNEW the products and gave me an ample amount of samples to try. Not at all pushy or trying to sell me on products I wasn't interested in. I really appreciate that in a sales associate. I am so excited to come back and purchase my new daily hair care. It's cute inside. Well styled and clean. Definitely check this spot out. Cheers, Me, C- read more

I found this on yelp and called them up for a n appointment. I love the whole customer experience - from getting an appointment via phone, getting my questions answered via email, to walking inside for the actual appointment day itself, being offered a drink, robe changing so the cloths doesn't get any excess hair. To the cutting, shampoo, styling and paying. And even reminding me I have 3 weeks to call back and tweak my hair if it doesn't feel right. And oh, Lily (the dog) is so cute, friendly and calm. Rosa is the one who cut my hair. Love it. Very chill and really an expert on cutting. She made me feel at home right away. I went from long hair to chopping off about 25 inches of my hair. Super love it. It was modern looking, professional, super short but sexy, and easy to manage. I have finally found someone for my short hair cut. Whoo hoo. read more

WHAT happens when you cant get an appointment with your regular hair stylist?! or they are getting too busy and cant keep up? You panic.......then you Go immediately to Future Salon on College Ave. From the moment Nicole answered the phone. She was warm, professional and extremely helpful, I knew I had found the perfect place. attention Receptionists: You are the First impression of a business! Give Good Voice! After setting up a consultation appointment with Karen H. I was impressed. I found the salon to be very clean, full of natural light and no harsh chemical smell like at most salons. Future salon has a very soft and inviting atmosphere. Very easy and comfortable like a gently worn favorite cashmere sweater. The service was impeccable. When you arrive for your appointment, you are warmly greeted, given full acknowledgment (ie. eye contact) and offered a libation of your choice including Champagne! It goes without saying that Future has hired masters of their professions. Karen H was wonderful. Listening and Guiding me ever so effervescently, that I immediately fell at ease because she knew exactly what to do to color my hair. Her work/art is superb! Her confidence is healing! Its Such a relief to relax and "let go" to someone who knows what they're doing! Thank you Karen! You have a new loyal client! Thats not all....... there's more........LV helped me with doing a detailed and gentle face waxing. Being that I am disabled, she was kind enough to change location of her service, so as to avoid my having to climb up a rather big flight of stairs to her private work space. If you are looking to be treated with respect and given phenomenal service by a staff that are masters of their fields, look no further......... your FUTURE salon is the place! read more

This place is great. Rosa did my color - I had a super specific idea of what I wanted, sort of a strawberry blonde, but not too orange and not too red and not too blonde and all kinds of other picky things. This lady gave me some of the best color I've ever had in my life. She's also whip-smart and fun to talk to for the eternity that getting lady-hair done takes (and this from me, someone who is awkward as hell in trite social situations). Thanks Rosa. You're a total badass. read more

Had my hair cut short here yesterday by Eden, very happy with the hair cut. She was super fast and on point. The shampoo they use on me smells sooo good ! read more

I went to FUTURE for a haircut by Rosa, and departed with a lovely layered cut. I have really long hair and just wanted a few inches off but to keep my layers. Rosa did exactly that and even asked if I wanted to thin the bottom a bit to make it look less heavy. I hadn't even thought of that but it was a great idea. The salon has great ambiance. They offer you a drink upon arrival and make you feel relaxed. If I lived in the area, I would definitely return. read more