Read my last review for more on Sue. To add to that, Rosa, the owner did nothing to try to fix the situation. She did, however beg me to overlook what happened and come back to the salon... very unprofessional! Also, a word to the wise- they write their own reviews, not all of them, but most... so dont count on all the glorious reviews being true! read more

I found Sue on Yelp and was so happy with her that I created a Yelp account just to give her props. She gave me a great cut even though I had really no idea what to do with it AND she did it complimentary because I was donating my hair to Locks of Love. How great of a person is she?! read more

Level 5 Salon is super convenient, right off the 580 on MacArthur. The space is open and very relaxing. Everyone is really nice. Sue McDonough is my # 1 stylist - she's been doing my hair for many years now and she is an amazing talent - she always gets it exactly right. Sue is also active in the community, organizing events that benefit those in need. I strongly recommend Level 5 Salon and Sue! read more

Peggy Poveda was amazing!! I loved her style and tips! She did my haircut and color (bayalage). It was my first time adding color to my hair, and I am very content with my visit & hair color. It looked beautiful, and my hair was really soft. The salon is spacious, nice staff and they provide snacks/beverages as well. I was recommended by my sister, and I booked my appointment online, very easy and they answered any questions I had, I really enjoyed my visit, Peggy has so much knowledge and she really loves her job. I am excited for my future visits with Peggy! :) read more

If you have straight, fine hair that never seems to look happy, Sue McD will fix you right up. I brought in a picture of a nice looking short hairstyle and Sue dove right in with her magic scissors and fantastic energy. I loved my visit and my new cut. Sue also recommended some great products as well. Hooray for Level 5! I am one very happy customer! read more

Wow, from someone that's used to 10 dollar chinatown haircuts this place really is different.To my surprise a blind date suggested that i take my frizzy, dry, and extremely dark hair to one of these salon places for a visit; i did and wow. I randomly walked in to make an appointment with Dawn. She spent about five minutes playing with my hair. Upon our conversation we decided that the dead protein nesting on my scalp likes to attack each other. Then this wonderful lady pulled out a butch of tubes and said JAPANESE STRAIGHTENING SYSTEM. After a bunch of jargon, lingo, and blah blahs, she puts me in front of the mirror and showed me something that I've never seen in my life: HOPE. I apologize here and now for ranting to women about getting your 100 dollar hair cut. That was the best hair cut I've ever had! There is one thing I must say. This place made me so uncomfortable. Never have I been pampered by a person who cuts my hair. She actually asked me if I was comfortable. She made sure that there was support for my neck when she was washing my hair. And she tried extra hard to stomp and think for me the different things I can do to make my hair look a tad bit better. Who does that? One more thing: hair stylers and salons and like separate. Like these girls use this place to cut other peoples hair. Bring cash here. They take card but they're so great that they deserve that instant reward. Second review to come following 9/13 my second visit. read more

Love Sue! Great job. Highly recommend any fun colorings! Can't wait to go back!

Peggy is absolutely wonderful. Her hair styling ability is great. Peggy has styled my hair for 7 years now and she never disappoints. I have referred numerous friends and they are very happy as well. I highly recommend everyone at Level 5 Salon. read more

Peggy did my hair. She listened well and seemed to have a natural talent for style. I recommend her.

One day my boyfriend came home and recommended that I go check out this great Salon down the road from our house - he went on and on about how wonderful Rosa was - the owner who had just opened her shop. So, I checked it out and he was right. There is remarkable talent at Level 5 Salon - and you don't have to drive all the way to Berkeley or San Francisco! I have been seeing Rosa for over 2 years now, and couldn't be happier. read more

As soon as we walked into this place we knew it was going to be a wonderful experience. They offered us tea or coffee and greeted us with wonderful smiles and made us feel right at home. Sue styled my girlfriends hair and let's just say that she looks magnificent. Absolutely magnificent. We are very pleased with this facility and would encourage anyone to make an appointment there if they feel like being treated with courtesy and professionalism. Thank you sincerely Sue you did a spectacular job we are both extremely pleased with the style you created for Erin. read more

Another 5 star review for Level 5, and for Dawn Moodie (925.339-3994) in particular. She's an amazing stylist and really has an eye for bringing out people's best features. She's also smart & friendly and just a pleasure to know. Highly recommended, esp. for guys (like myself) who want to look good but don't otherwise have a clue about fashion or looking their best. read more

Sue McD trimmed and gave me 8 strands of highlights. I went in a bit nervous since i hadn't colored my hair in a long time. I could tell she was reading my vibe and went with something simple and nice. In the end, my hair felt great (somehow i felt like her cut made my hair seem fuller) perhaps it's my imagination. Whatever magic potion she put on I'll come back for some more. :) Thanks Sue! read more

During the holidays i was desperate for a haircut. Since I've had a baby, its been too hard to go to the city to see my fav stylist, Stacey (see my previous review of diPietro Todd). So I tried this place because of the previous reviews on yelp and was disappointed. I have to say the haircut by Rosa was pretty good, although she didn't do anything drastic but give a trim on a great haircut that I had previously by done by Stacey. She was definitely professional and paid attention to how I wanted my hair. This is why it got the 2 stars, almost 3. Where they lost me was the place itself. It was a little dark and it felt a little dirty. Could it be that I came on a holiday week? It was relatively busy, but can they be too busy to sweep the floor of hair remnants from previous hair cuts? I go to a salon to feel pampered, even when all I'm getting is a haircut. When the hot water was gone for my shampoo at my 1:00 appointment, I don't feel so pampered. I know I may sound a little picky. For $45 a cut , I think I can expect more. I so wish it was better since its so much easier than going all the way to the city. Sorry but I wont be returning. read more

I love this salon. Roza is my stylist and she is amazing. My hair always looks great, which was not the case before I started going here.

I just moved here from Miami and was looking for a new hair colorist and stylist. I made an appointment with Sue McD and I definitely made the right choice. She did a fabulous job on both my cut & color and is very friendly, fun, and intelligent. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a great cut or color. She is truly talented and even gave me styling tips and recommended what products to use for my type of hair. The salon has a great vibe and all the people who work there are friendly and upbeat. read more

So far I have left 4 messages to get scheduled for this salon an it seems they don't want my business. I don't care how busy we are in our jobs you should always return messages. Very disappointing and unprofessional. read more

This review is based on my cut and my son's cut - the salon itself was very clean, the stylists were very friendly. My son has curly hair and wanted a short - short - hair cut. It was short, he looks good, but the cut was messy. I had to ask for straggler hair to be cut from around his ears. My husband was very disappointed when he got home - it just looked messy - so he took him to a local cheap place to get it cleaned up - now it looks great. My hair was in bad condition, no questions about that. Because the cut included a wash and blow out I didn't style my hair before I left the house. Just washed and a pony (all one length). I want the ends trimmed to rid me of the splits and then long layers and showed her a picture. I advised her I just washed and threw my hair back. She started cutting my hair dry ... don't like that .... didn't ask me where I parted it and then used those razor layer scissors on it for the layers ( I had told her in the beginning I do not like those). My hair looks okay but scraggly. It is just below my shoulders (not long anymore). I also had to ask if I got the wash, which was supposed to be included. She said yes if you want it... of course I want it - I paid for it... I just didn't want to ask for it. My hair was blowed out but not completely so it felt damp when I left. Not the 'luxury' 'pampering' I was looking forward to. I don't hate it but when I look in the mirror I don't smile and think 'wow - I really like my hair." My stylist was Suzette. I guess we looked at the picture I showed her very differently. Oh well - maybe next time. read more

I had been wanting to cut my hair short for a LONG time, and Sue did a GREAT job cutting, listening to what I wanted, and showing me how to style my hair! This is the best cut I've ever gotten, honestly! I have fine hair and the cut makes it look full, I'm always getting compliments on it. Sue and Rosa are very helpful, sweet and easy to talk to. The salon is beautiful and I love that they are involved with the community. I will be back, thanks ladies!!!!!! read more

I am not a big yelper, but when I was telling my co-worker that she HAD to go see Peggy for her wedding hair, I noticed that she had 2 bad reviews from one couple.. You have got to be kidding me? lol Peggy is amazing! She does AMAZING work on color and cut and also does a great job at up dos. I do realize that there are some people that are just never going to be happy ( the couple that yelp her previously..sorry groom), but you'd be a fool to miss out on this stylist because of that review! Every time I walk out of her salon, I end up handing out her business cards because people literally stop me on the street and ask me who does my color... read more

Just came from my first appointment at Level 5 and LOVE MY HAIR! Rosa did a great job and the atmosphere was really warm and welcoming. I was a 'model' for her to try out a new color line so she didn't charge me... and it came out perfect! They are very community oriented and environmentally sensitive - check out their site. read more

This is just a testament to why an excellent haircut is so damn expensive. It's been probably over a year since my haircut with Rosa, and my hair grew out really well. It needs some trimming, but seriously a year later and my hair still looks (mostly) great! I'm prompted to write this review (and confession) because my friend took me to a chop shop that charged me $15 for a who stylist couldn't cut her way out of a paper bag. (She gave my friend a great haircut, but it's the only style the stylist knows how to cut). *sigh* there's my confession. Now, I need to go make another appointment to have my hair fixed. *sigh* read more

I decided I wanted a new look and thought I would go to a salon in my own town that sells the Aveda hair products that I love. I am so lucky to have found this salon and John Yates at Level 5 Salon. He was friendly, professional, highly skilled and best of all listened to what I said. I showed him some photos to give him an idea of what I was looking for and he created a hybrid hair style that so so suits me!!! I just love it!!! Last night I went out to dinner and my favorite server told me I looked 5 years younger, now who doesn't like that kind of compliment? Thank you John!! read more

My first visit here with Sue and it was great! She made me feel very comfortable, like an old friend. She made suggestions for my hair I had never considered and when she was done- boy, was she right. My haircut and color looks great, it's easy to maintain, it wasn't expensive, and my husband loves it. I'll be back! read more

Why have I taken so long to review this place! It's a great place to get a cut. The prices may seem expensive, but I think they are moderate--- especially given that the right haircut done well is priceless. I've been seeing Roza to tend to my locks for months now. She's helped me cut my hair short... I've brought her a picture one time and she nailed it. Nothing but compliments. I'm growing my hair out (for the time being) but I asked for highlights for my last visit.... nothing too drastic... just something to add dimension to my hair. Boy did Roza deliver! She gave me highlights that "whisper".... very subtle but with a high impact. Not only that--- but my hair actually looks and feels healthier for some reason! Big points for being open after 5 PM on Fridays. Cute salon and atmosphere with neat goodies and jewelry on sale in the front area. Thanks, Lupe, for the recommendation on Yelp. :) read more

This review is really more for one of Level 5's amazing stylists, Irene Avelar. My friend recommended her to me for my wedding in May and I am so glad she did! Irene is great! Not only is she super sweet, professional, and immensely talented, but she is incredibly reasonably priced as well. She even includes a free trial (which most others I spoke with required, but charged for)! The trial went well and I was so pleased that I booked her right away. The day of the wedding Irene was calm and collected, despite the fact that we were running late and she basically had to think up an alternative updo for my bridesmaid on the spot because her hair was not cooperating. Thank you so much, Irene, for helping me look so lovely on my wedding day! read more

Level 5 Salon - A simple vintage updo with a modern flair. Thanks so much, Irene! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Leandro, California

I LOVE LOVE Rosa at Level 5!! She is my absolute favorite because she knows hair like no other, is very honest in her opinion and she does not BS! I just got my Keratin done with her and an ombré color, I couldn't have been more happier with how it turned out. Thx Rosa Carretero- Fung!!! read more

Roza Stewart has been doing my hair for years, before she was even at Level 5! She's fantastic--great skill and very friendly. We always have a great time at my appointments! She does my cuts and color, and while sometimes she wants me to go blonder than I like, I always love my hair when she's done!! :) Sometimes I'll go in just for a blowout in between cuts/color! The salon is beautiful--everyone is super friendly and it's always clean and welcoming. I highly recommend Roza and all the gals at Level 5! read more

I've been going into the city to chi chi salons for many years. My stylist became unavailable so I thought why not try something on this side of the bay. John gave me a wonderful cut, exactly like the picture I brought in. Perfect! read more

My daughter and I both came here this evening for the very first time, and we were BOTH quite pleased with what Peggy was able to do with our hair. For a teenager AND a mom to agree on anything speaks volumes. I have problem hair and my daughters hair is to her waist so we both take some extra time and attention. Peggy even took the time to completely blow out and style our long hair after the cuts. I was so impressed with my cut tonight I already have an appointment booked to return later in the month for some color services. I can post some pics then. I think my daughter and I have found our new hairdresser :-). My husband even noticed my hair tonight LOL. Thank you Peggy. The shop is very charming and located near downtown San Leandro, convenient to my home and work. read more

I called Peggy at Level 5 Salon when the lady that normally does my hair had a family emergency and wasn't able to see me. Peggy was so nice, she squeezed me into her schedule the very next day!! I don't like having new people cut and color my hair, BUT this time I did!!!!!! I love the color and cut she gave me, and not just that, I really enjoyed my appointment with her!! She was so informative, and kind!! Peggy not only did a great job, she made a client for life!! I will recommend her to everyone! read more

I have my new favorite salon. Dianna is AMAZING. She takes the time to cut your hair the way you want it to look and likes flair and unoriginality. She has a killer personally to boot and makes you feel like you've known her for years. The salon itself is clean, everyone is courteous and nice. $25 for a damn good cut, customer service that supersedes that of many five star hotels and stylists that KNOW what they're doing. Will definitely be back again! read more

I made a same-day appointment on a Saturday morning with Rosa for my first visit. The salon is open EARLY on Sat. which is great if you don't want to waste your day off getting a haircut. Rosa was very nice, and the wash/cut/style was SO reasonable -- $45. They're also very community-minded, which is great. The cut, when I got it, was okay. I thought the layers were a little short and a little blunt. Well, here I am a month later and the cut grew out *beautifully* -- way to go Rosa! I could have done without the political chat from all and sundry, though. I don't go to a hair salon to listen to people's political rants -- next time I might bring my ipod. read more

When it comes to styling, healthy hair care and nice hair cuts for African American's hair, Melissa is the absolute best. I've been going to Melissa since 1993, and I she has never let me down. She has been in the business for a very long time, and she really knows her stuff. I will highly recommend her to anyone. She does a great job on my relaxer and hair cut/trims as well as color. I've noticed that she does a beautiful job on press and curls also. She also is very good with children's hair, wedding parties and special occasions. Her prices are very reasonable compared to other stylist in the area. She is very professional, she listens to her customers and she is very much into pleasing her customers. Keep up the good work Melissa!!!! I can't forget to mention that the other Hair Stylist at Level 5 are very nice and professional too! read more

This was my first time having my hair highlighted and Rosa did an amazing job! i told her what i basically wanted and she gave great imput on what she thought would look good too. She accommodated my weird schedule so my best friend and i could have our hair done together and while i waited, had awesome chai tea that sue provided and relaxed. its a very cute well maintained store and has a great ambiance. im not used to paying more than $25 for a haircut at supercuts but i could definitely get used to this! it was such a treat having my hair washed and cut. now i feel like a million bucks! read more

I just walked in the door after spending an hour with the lovely Roza Stewart (there are two of them...so make sure you ask for Roza with a "Z" although Rosa is awesome, too, I'm sure! After she made very sure that short meant short, I went from boring bob to the coolest short pixie cut in the world. I walked in the door, and the first words out of my husbands mouth were, "Wow! That's the best haircut you've ever had!" He's right. Call Roza today! read more

I use to go to Phoenix Rising Salon in Montclair. I originally went there and was dissatisfied with the service. John Yates reached out to me after he arrived at this salon as a new stylist, and responded to my yelp and negative experience. Because of him, I decided to give it a second chance. He was an amazing stylist and colorist, he recently left Phoenix rising and went to Level 5. Of course I had to follow him!! He truly is an amazing stylist and does a fabulous job. He has made a loyal client out of me. If you want an amazing experience he is your guy. read more

I love my color and cuts from Roza Stewart. She is amazing! My hair always looks fabulous from her expertise!

I have this friend who always has gorgeous hair. I swear, I've never seen it look bad. I finally asked her who cut her hair, and she told me about Rosa. Not only did she get her hair cut there, but her entire neighborhood went there. I was excited to try her out! I've been going to her for a while now, and I totally love her. The salon is beautiful, and everyone there is really friendly. Rosa is freaking wonderful! She has a very calm presence and totally pampers you. And her cuts are amazing. I am really lazy about getting my hair cut, so even if I wait a while, it STILL looks pretty dang good. I went there today and got yet another fabulous cut, plus had some colorful hair extensions. They're just temporary little dealies, but I totally love the little pop it is giving to my hair. Sigh.... I really love Level 5 Salon and Rosa. read more

First time comer. Was looking for a good recommendation for a new hair stylist, and was told by multiple of my girlfriends to go see Peggy Poveda She did an amazing job, I love my new color and cut. Definitely will be going back to her again. read more