Want to do a shout out for Frank Galasso. Very talented hairdresser. I've been going to him for so many years, I've lost count, but at least 20+. The vibe at Matthew Preece is low key, not hectic and noisy. read more

Matthew gets my hair. Best hair cut for my thick, wavy locks Loved chatting and hearing Matthew's interesting stories. Salon has a great vibe. Location is convenient. Parking is free. Everybody who works in the salon is friendly. I'll be back read more

I've been coming to Matthew Preece Salon for years! I see Ashley Brickell for a haircut every 2-3 months and have never gotten more compliments on my hair! Ashley has even come in on her off day to do a last minute blow out before an event. Every experience, from calling to book an appointment to coming in for my cut has always been a joy! Parking is plentiful and free -- always a plus! I would highly recommend this salon to anyone in need of a new stylist! read more

My first time here was a five-star experience, with up-and-coming Stylist in training Holly Burns. My hair which I thought was wretched, turned out so beautifully after the blowout treatment she gave me. I was thrilled to find my hair color and length and texture was still so beautiful, and who knew since I don't really know how to style my own hair LOL yg read more

This review is for Jenna, who does really lovely color and highlights. She worked with my rather complicated hair, which had been darkened and then lightened, and was able to maintain a lovely soft texture even though it's been processed all to hell. It was kind of evident before Jenna got to work on my head where the color story had played out--which bits had been dark brown in the past, which bits had been bleached, where the virgin hair was--there were like 3 or 4 distinct sections, and the color wasn't at all even. I told her to do whatever she thought was best to make it consistent and pretty and she suggested balayage, and she meticulously controlled which areas needed what color to give me a lovely all-over beachy highlight, with some caramel lowlights and toned things perfectly. I also always appreciate her wicked sense of humor. It's great to laugh a lot with someone friendly and end up looking really pretty! read more

Matthew Preece Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Tadas, he is amazing, wonderful awesome hair stylist he is master of art, he did excellent work in cutting such a cute style it is hard now a days to find a real professional talented hair stylist and I love my color he knows what looks good on you very flattering style he did plus he is very nice gentleman with nice attitude thank you so much Dear Tadas. read more

If any of you are looking for a new place/person, look no further and make an appointment at Matthew Preece Salon with KASEY. Kasey's my girl, I've been going to her for a little over 3years and have referred everyone I could (friends to strangers that I just meet) because she's so amazing. She specializes in long to shoulder length hair and highlights, ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS. I have been getting a plethora of blonde highlights (traditional, balayage, ombré) on my black, frizzy, Asian hair pretty consistently for the 3years I've been seeing her and she never disappoints. My hair doesn't look dry or damaged and consistently gets compliments, even more when it's time to get a touch up (funny how that works). She listens to what you want and makes the best suggestions. The salon itself is just like Kasey, amazing. They have some excellent stylists (celebrity level) and don't push products like most salons do after you just spend a "gazillion" dollars on your fantastic hair. And to clarify, you would spend a "gazillion" at any salon in the area, might as well spend it at place that really knows what they're doing! read more

I feel the Matthew Preece Salon is the best salon in Los Angeles. Matthew is a fantastic stylist and can make you feel beautiful not matter how long your hair is. He is super experienced and very professional. He also has the nicest hair salon and great staff! read more

Sean is absolutely THE BEST! I would give 10 stars if I were able to. He executes perfection every time and exceeds expectations..the talent and dedication really show in his work. Sean is a true expert! read more

What an upgrade! I went there (when it was Fred Segal Beauty) for almost ten years. The space has morphed twice and this is the best I've seen. The new space is open, but inviting and Zen like. I always felt the lighting in the old set up was enough to set off a migraine. There's a bit less pretention in the attitude than before. Thank heavens it all worked out. Not sure what I would have done with myself if they hadn't resurrected in this spot. They carry great hair products including he Shu Umera line which is relatively new. The conditioners smell heavenly. Not to mention that when you're done, you can go blow your paycheck in the Fred Segal Shops. read more

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About 6 months after I moved to LA from St. Louis in 2012 (after a couple overpriced and poorly executed highlight jobs at other salons on the westside), I was lucky enough to find an amazing colorist, Jenna, at a salon in Santa Monica. I've been so happy with my hair since she started doing it, and will never go to anyone else. I followed her to Matthew Preece Salon, which is beautiful, well kept, and in a great central location (also, parking is free behind the building!). Jenna has taken me from brown to red to blonde, back to brown, and back to blonde, and my hair has never been healthier or prettier. On top of her amazing techniques (she's particularly amazing at hand painting blonde / balayage), she is hilarious and so much fun to talk to while she's doing my hair. I can't recommend Jenna enough!! read more

Matthew Preece Salon - transitioning from brown back to blonde (balayage by Jenna) - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Stylist Sean James is so good that I drive down from the Monterey Peninsula regularly to get my haircut. He's also very nice!

I got a gift certificate for a manicure. Melissa did my nails. She gave me various options and showed them to me on a sample nail. I got to see the colors I liked and how they would turn out. She was very polite and chatty. I enjoyed the conversation we had. I'd go back to Melissa for a splurge since I'm only a college student. I would recommend her. I havent tried any other services so this is just for the salon part. I did check out the prices though. read more

I love this place, the owner Mathew is a total genius. Amazing work from all the staff and a very friendly and great vibe environment,definitely my favorite salon. read more

I jumped at the chance to buy a recent Yelp Deal to this salon, which gave me $150 worth of hair services for $75. It might be my only chance to experience such a luxury salon experience! Everyone I interacted with at the salon, from the receptionist who helped me make an appointment to the stylist himself, was absolutely lovely from beginning to end. I started to understand why people paid the big bucks to go to a full service salon where everyone is sweet and stylish and falls over themselves to make you feel at home. When I arrived it was more of the same, from a coffee table chock full of fun mags to my stylist's assistant, Stephanie, offering me coffee or tea or water many times (apparently the coffee there is delish, but I'm trying to cut back!) Soon I met Sean James, my stylist, a funky Aussie with colorful sneakers. I told him that I've been feeling very uninspired as of late with my hair, and was open to his suggestions. He asked me a bunch of questions, including whether or not I was single (apparently girls on the prowl need to keep their hair long for the menfolk!), and he confidently told me what he was going to do. Stephanie then proceeded to give me the best shampoo I've had in a long time, including yummy smelling Kerastase shampoo and an amazing head massage. I swear, that head massage alone was worth the $75 I paid! Sean worked quickly and even made time to give me a little lesson on how to blow out my own hair, although as I suspected I failed miserably when I tried it at home. What can I say, I'm just not a hair girl! When he was all done I had an amazing shaggy layered 'do. I was so happy but sad at the same time because I just knew I'd never be able to recreate it the way he did, and I was right... after waiting as long as I could to wash it out it's never really looked the same, though it's a big improvement from what I had before, so I'm grateful. For those who can afford this kind of beauty experience, I highly recommend it. Sadly, as Sean is a senior stylist he usually charges $200 per haircut. That's just too steep for me (even with the discount he offered me for next time, that sweet angel), so I'll probably save his services for when I want a drastic change. But I have to say it was a wonderful time there and I did not stop getting compliments for the next few days after my new cut! read more

Whoa. Do I have mixed feelings about this place. It is attached to my beloved store, Fred Segal. It is a very cool salon: it is well-decorated and the service is prompt. It is WAY expensive, which is almost to be expected. It is even expensive by Segal standards. This is not where you go when you want a bargain blowout. I have had some good services here, but, all in all, it is a place I go when I want something done by someone who is very very good but I know I am going to be in credit card debt for the next five years to pay it off. OK OK, I exaggerate, but seriously, this is a recession. Even this blowdryista wants to save where she can, and this is not the place to do it. The one truly awesome thing is that they will have one of their assistants run to Umami burger while you get your services. Ummm ... maybe it is worth the down payment on a small condo? That is for you to decide. read more

I can only review this based on how Matthew Preece cuts my hair because he is the only person there who has cut my hair and this is the only head of hair that I have. I am a man with uncolored, untreated short hair that is not as thick as it used to be. I used to have SO MUCH HAIR! Anyway, Matthew is the salon's owner, and he is extremely gifted. Since I started going to him a year ago I have been fat, skinny, stressed, happy, freaking out, not freaking out, etc. And every time he knows what cut is going to make me look and feel better and he executes it flawlessly. I let him do what he wants. I would be a fool to tell him what to do. Matthew has told me, because I asked, that he sees his job as a deeply spiritual endeavor. He explains it thusly: the job he does, when he does it well, changes the way that his client feels inside. LA-haters might call that superficial- that a haircut should affect your happiness- but they probably have really ugly hair, or really perfect hair, I am not sure which. But, when I leave his chair, this 47-year old washed-up has-been feels hip-hoppity-hap-hap-happy for a good week or two. Give it a try! Once, when I couldn't afford a Fred Segal Salon haircut, I went to an excellent barber. I hid from Matthew for a while (my workplace is near the salon) but, when he spied me a few weeks after the barber cut, he said "You got a haircut." as he gazed at my head as if it were a new form of sculpture and he was a lover of the arts. I 'fessed up and asked if he saw flaws. He said, "No, I don't see flaws ... but I can see your full potential hasn't been reached". Now, THAT is the kind of person I want cutting my hair. If this place is too pricey for you, here is what you do. Choose a coif that need be tended rarely. Don't get a 1/4" buzz cut. Get something that will last. Cut down your salon visits by 2/3 and you can triple your budget per visit. BTW, he did not cut my hair as pictured on my profile! read more

Of the two Fred Segal's in LA, I definitely prefer this location. The one on Melrose just rubs me the wrong way for some reason. I think part of the draw for me here is that it's never all that crowded...at least not when I've been and when I am contemplating foolishly spending hundreds of dollars on a purse, I need silence dammit, this is big time decision making here! The one perk that the other location has over this one is the cafe setting. This is a little too indoor fancy cafeteria feeling for me and i like the people watching at the Melrose one, but if you are here to shop and live on the West side then this is a great spot. read more

I know I'm going to get some hate for saying this- but Fred Segal was just meh to me- especially for the prices. I know it's a institution, but so are lots of things and that doesn't mean it's getting a 4/5 star review My g/f got her haircut there, and although the discounted Yelp Deal/Groupon price was fair- I have to say this salon was a letdown. At $75 (the deal price) it was probably 4 stars, but at the normal $150 for a haircut that's extreme even by L.A. standards. Not to mention their prices on other stuff- you're paying for the name (they're good, but not twice what another salon in Santa Monic would charge) Go here if you're looking to: Spent more $ than you have to (check) Are yourself pompous (check) A-Holes Galore (double check) A stylist who half listens to requests (triple check) A stylist who spends all of 20 minuts on a haircut for a woman none the less (quadruple check). read more

Whoa, this review was not an easy one to write as I have very mixed feelings about this place. Here it goes: On the merits of their reputation, I decided to give this place a try, even though, it's costly. The stylist who they paired me with was chosen because she is suppose to be highly skilled in both cut and color. A very lovely girl who really loves her work and works hard. However, after having had a separate consultation where I clearly defined what I wanted -- I asked her to do partial highlights with a specific color, and what color to avoid, and a long layered cut -- the end result was not what I had agreed to pay for. Despite her trying to fix the color a few times (I was there for hours!), the color remained exactly what I told her I DID NOT want. And the cut had no real style. After a week of feeling incredibly disappointed and really unhappy, I called the salon and said I wanted my money back - at least for the color, as the cut was not terrible, just not fantastic. What was weird is that the girl on the phone quickly began defending the stylist -- I found out later, the receptionist and the stylist grew up together and are great friends -- to the point of inappropriate! Regardless of who is right or wrong, alienating your clients is a bad idea. Needless to say, I asked to speak to the owner. Later that day, someone called me back, and offered to have the owner fix it. I thought I'd give it a second chance. I appreciated that they were trying to give me the color I was so excited to get. in the first place. When I showed up for my appointment, immediately the owner agreed with me that it indeed was the wrong color. And he spent a lot of time with me and fixed it! And while I am happy with the way he handled resolving an issue with an unhappy client, what I was not impressed with, is that they paired me with someone who clearly could not do what I requested. And, I felt the receptionist was out of line, which really turned me off. Waste of a ton of time and money for the first stylist, and having to go back! However, I would go back to have the owner color my hair again, only, he is out of my price range! read more

I had a groupon for a stylist from fred segal salon for highlights ($85 for $225 full highlights) I arrived to my appointment on time. The stylist name was Bethany not sure what her assistants name was. I started to explain how I wanted my highlights, I even showed them a picture of mila akuins and her honey highlights. I was extremely specific about the highlights because I had never colored my hair before. As she proceeded to color my hair I noticed she was only focusing on the top of my hair after I had told her I wanted to go lighter on the bottom. She finished in less then 15 mins because she did not do full highlights on my hair. The worst part I didnt and still dont see a difference in my hair the color she put looks exactly like my hair. My profile picture is the aftermath of this terrible experience. The only reason I gave it another star was for blowout which was really nice. I was soo disappointed with this stylist because I felt like she didnt a bad job because I had a coupon. Im just going to have to pay again to get real highlights. read more

Step away from the Promenade! ...and get your shopping booty into Fred Segal! For a true LA shopping, this is one of the places where you should be.... Yes, I said booty and I'll say it again. Booty! But enough of that (for now). This Fred Segal is great! The selection is broader here than at the Melrose location. There seems to be a greater range of price points to choose from so there's something for everyone on any budget...and it'll still be unique and not seen on every other person on every other corner. The sales are amazing and the little cafe in the back is a great place to rest your booty (there it is again!).... The service here can be hit or miss...more hit than miss which is good! Booty! read more

Was recommended by a friend to go here to see Sean James. Boy am I glad I did!!!!!! AMAZING. Almost no words. He is a blonde specialist and I am a freak about who touches my hair...now Sean will be the only one! Walked out of the salon with a few inches off, roots touched up & some high lights and I feel like a whole new woman. Can't say enough good things about Sean. GO SEE HIM!! read more

Matthew Preece Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Marisa rocks. she's just awesome, super professional, AND one of the loveliest people in this beautiful town. yes i am a man. but i am a man who has a small obsession with his hair. it's probably unhealthy yes, but i don't really do drugs or such so i let it slide. i met Marisa Durboraw at fashion week a few years ago and she mentioned that i should stop in for a trim as i was in much need of one. so i did and it was the best cut i've ever had. (do i throw that statement around lightly? no.) i can't articulate very well what i'm looking for when i sit in the chair. i kind of just want to say make it look cool and let the stylist do their thing. Marisa seemed to really understand/get what i wanted and she delivered in spades. she's my fav and I won't go anywhere else! read more

I came here when one of the colorists was transitioning to a stylist. I got my cut for A LOT less than what they normally run. First, I felt a lot of pretense when I walked in. I can't be sure if that's something I built up in my head myself since it's a designer salon or if it actually is. I was greeted and offered coffee. It wasn't overly welcoming, but they didn't scowl at me either. When I got to my colorist-turned-stylist I felt completely at ease. She was really nice and easy to talk to and gave me the best haircut I've ever had, for real. I was taking a leap and going with a full bang deal and they looked awesome! Honestly, I will probably never go back because I can't justify spending over $100 on a haircut, but if you have that kind of cash and like feeling fancy, it's worth trying. read more

Oh Richard... You make me feel sexy! I love you. I have been seeing Richard for a couple years now. He was at Fred Segal Beauty before the ownership switch. I liked the shop okay before, but now I love it. Good job Preece & Toff! It looks and feels super clean, airy, and uncluttered. The vibe is perfect, everyone is cool, but not so cool that you worry maybe your not cool or edgy enough to be there. Umm... my Mom even likes it. Richard is all that you want and need in a stylist. He has a voice, but will listen to your intimate knowledge of what makes your hair work. He definitely knows how to bring out the best in my hair. I can just relax and let him work, and know I'm walking out lovely. If you hate being a slave to your flatiron daily, ask him about the brazilian blowout. Good times. read more

Sean James is my go-to for blonde highlights and coloring. I had the same woman do my highlights FOREVER until I was referred to Sean, so I was obviously nervous about turning over my hair to someone new. Tell him exactly what you want and he will ask as many questions as needed to make sure you're on the same page. He's always made me feel extremely comfortable and is detail oriented, but he works with his assistant quickly. Albeit, Fred Segal is NOT a cheap-out option, but I believe you get what you pay for, and Sean's work always delivers and it's WORTH IT. My hair is the healthiest and strongest it's been. I just moved up to Seattle, otherwise I'd be back in Sean's chair TODAY! read more

Mixing your own scent from a variety of oils... Wondering what the hell you put in it last time... Wondering what you'll put in it next time... Try not to lose it... like letting it fall out of your purse... *sniffles*... Great stuff... very pricey of course... especially if you have to keep replacing the things that fall out of your purse... Wow... so now the collection has gotten all fancied up and everything is in French... have fun translating! and the prices have gone up 589%... ooooh boy... i better attach my perfume to a bungee cord in my purse now... read more

I started going to Fred Segal Salon because my stylist, Kelly Peach, had moved there. The salon is great (nice staff, clean, light, good energy), but the reason I go is for Kelly. My color always comes out perfect - I am often complimented on it and asked who did it. And, the cut is always great. I have thick curly hair and anyone who has curly hair knows that it's tough to find someone who knows how to deal with curly hair. Kelly is one of two people on the planet who "gets" my hair and how to deal with it. Plus, she's super cute, friendly and fun. Every minute in the chair is a good one. I will follow her wherever she goes. I also recommend you ask her to tell her 'Price is Right' story...it's a good one! read more

I called them on a Saturday morning to get an appointment for a Blow-Out in the next few hours as I had been invited to an event last minute. The receptionist couldn't have been any nicer, gave me an appt and then called me back later when the stylist had a cancellation to tell me I could come in early and that hopefully that would help me make my other appts on time! Bethany the stylist did a beautiful job and seemed to really understand what was going to work for my hair. I liked what she did so much I bought some of the products which I don't do often. They all could not have been more friendly and helpful to me and I will definitely go back as the location is so convenient for me! Blowout was $35 -- competitive with all the blow dry salons out there read more

Rachel is the Colorist.....she is a master at color and is a true professional. her color for me, as a brunette, is brilliant and so beautiful. i get so many compliments from other colorists and peers. her work is really an art and is custom to fit your face and coloring. beautiful work and always consistent!! i have recommended her to so many....she is THE colorist....she gives a great cut to match too! if your serious about GOOD hair, she is for you... cheers! read more

I have had several problems at other salons with how my hair turned out, but at Fred Segals I was very pleasantly surprised. Hilary Smith came recommended to me from a friend and I can honestly say she is the best hair dresser I've ever been to. She did my color beautifully and she styled it in a really cool way after. Seriously, if you are looking for a colorist/stylist in the Santa monica area, you will not be disappointed. I also saw some extensions she had done on her other client before I arrived and those looked very natural too. I will definitely be going back in the future. read more

This is hands down, the BEST place to go in Los Angeles. There is no other salon that will top this one, and I will tell you why: These people listen to you and they go above and beyond to give you the best cut. I have been going to Matthew Preece since he was at Fred Segal, and Every one of his cuts have well surpassed my expectations. They last many months beyond what would normally be the cut-off date, which is important to me because I travel throughout the country for work. Matthew Preece'salon surpasses all the others in that every one of the people who work under the Matthew Preece umbrella just blow all the others to pieces! No joke. Colors and cuts are beyond what you might have ever hoped for, and it is all within your reach. If you can go there, go! read more

Ilona is just the best! She is equally talented with cut as well as color which is so hard to find. She really listens to what you want and is honest about what works and what doesn't. I always come away feeling so much better inside and out!!! read more

Matthew Preece Salon - Hair by Ilona - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Like many of the reviewers, I prefer this location over the Melrose one anytime! It seems a bit classier, a bit more mainstream. It is definitely larger....waaaay larger and I love just about every department. This is a one stop shop for men, women and kids. You can eat here, groom here and wardrobe the family, house and pet. Yes, things can be pricey but there is plenty to be had here at every price point. I wish they had a Fred Segal credit card cuz then I would go CRAZZZY! read more

The Fred Segal Salon in Santa Monica is soooo gooood! I've been going to Krystal R. for a while now & she never does does me wrong. She reads her clients, especially me, so well. She goes subtle when appropriate, makes the right call on the drastic changes when she knows I'm ready, and is brutally honest when I've got some wild idea that she knows won't work on me. Always a great cut & beautiful color. Even when I don't have time to style or blow dry in the morning, i still look like a rock star. Her assistants are so attentive. Long, relaxing head massages & shampoos instead of rushing you through the process. They bring you espresso from the shop & even food from the cafe and just tack it on your bill for you. I would go every few weeks if I could afford it, but for now it'll have to be every other month. read more

My five star rating is completely attributable to Laura D. at Preece & Toff @ Fred Segal. She is the best colorists/stylists there, and in fact one of the best I have been to ever. She is so talented at what she does, my highlights look so natural most people do not think I color my hair. She is meticulous and detail-oriented, and usually goes out of her way to make room for you in her packed roster. I promise you that you will not be disappointed with the results if you see her. The salon itself is minimalistic, but lacks in ambiance Laura makes up for in skill and talent. Yes, the cost is not cheap, but I stand by the old adage, "You get what you pay for." It's an investment in looking good, and in turn you will feel better if you are starting to look too "rooty." Spend the money, and you will be happy. However, I cannot attest to the other stylists. The front desk is friendly and helpful, so I do praise their efforts as well. On another note though, I did get my eyebrows shaped there by another esthetician who's name I cannot remember, and I was not pleased. The prices did not render noteworthy services. I feel they were plucked too thin (not a fan of anorexic eyebrows), and just not worth that. I would recommend finding a different person to see or a difference place entirely. In sum, I recommend Preece & Toff, but I can only speak volumes of Laura D. read more

Marisa D! She works magic and love into a haircut that not only looks perfect when I leave, but continues to wear well over the next 3-4 weeks. That is the sign of a great cut. I can't say enough about her skills as a hair stylist. Go there and let her work on you, you will never go anywhere else. Beyond the cut, the whole experience is super nice. The whole staff is unpretentious and friendly. It's like hanging out a one of your friends' (Really, really nice) houses. Have a coffee while you're there, it's fantastic. Did I mention the parking is free?! read more

Emma did a fantastic job on my haircut! the best i've ever had. it was worth every penny....every read more

Finally hit up this place after seeing an ad for their 50-75% sale in LA Weekly. The deals were pretty good, though the clothes were still kind of expensive though not as outrageous as regular price. The best deals were the make-up and body products. I got great Stila stuff for 75% off! The layout of the store was a little weird...think flea market stalls in one big building where different depts are encased within their own rooms. The indoor cafe seemed nice, but didn't have time to eat there. Their parking lot is free which is good, though the spaces are small as someone else mentioned. read more