This is probably the best hair salon I've been to in recent memory. I got a haircut here with Grace that I really liked and was great. After around a week I had some modifications I wanted to make so I went in and Ellie helped make changes at no cost. Her cut was excellent! Exactly what I was looking for. The service is great, the salon is very relaxed and cheerful. Highly recommend! read more

"Not only did they take me mid afternoon as a walk in, but they listened to how I wanted to look and offered great suggestions. My hair is sensitive to bleach and they had manic panic color - no bleach needed! My hair ended up a jaw dropping, glossy, metallic bluegreen and I have been getting compliments since then! I will be back! 27 years' experience cutting hair, and lovely lovely service.." read more

Maxi Hair Salon - Single process Hair Coloring - Full Highlights - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I highly recommend Ary at Maxi hair to anyone who is looking for a talented hairstylist. I am thrilled with the Keratin treatment that she applied to my hair two months ago, and today's haircut is awesome! She completely transformed my previously frizzy and unmanageable hair into silky smoothness! Ary is super friendly, detailed-caring, and attentive! She deserves 10 stars!!! read more

This is such a hard review to leave because they always have such a kind energy at maxi - the student discount is such a plus! However, I came in last week to get layers put in my hair. I showed the stylist, Ary, a reference photo of what I wanted and said I didn't want any length taken off, just layers. Ary agreed and I was in the chair for close to 1.5 hours - she cut my hair and I headed home! When I went home and washed/dried my hair, though, I realized all my hair was basically the same length (with a variance of about an inch max). I was really confused as to how I could have been in the chair for an hour and a half and have little to no change. I called and asked if I could come back in because I hadn't been given any layers - they were so nice and let me come back! I showed Ary the picture again and she clarified that I wanted layers in the bottom half of my hair and I said yes like the picture. I was in the chair for another hour and at the end she showed me my hair - I was confused because there was again no visible layers. She told me that she doesn't like the look of visible layers and my hair is too "fine" for visible layers (which isn't true because I usually have them) so she "blended them" for me. I was annoyed that after 2.5 hours I couldn't just get some noticeable layers in my hair like the picture I showed her twice - I guess Ary didn't like the picture. Unfortunately I won't be coming back :( also Ary pulled my hair a LOT for a lot of the process - I usually wouldn't say anything but I was honestly tearing up‍ read more

Maxi Hair Salon - Inspo pic - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I love Maxi - the owner sets a nice welcoming vibe, and the talent is top notch! I have come here many times for a curly cut and they always know how to make my curls shine. The quality of the cut is great for the price too. read more

I went into the salon with a super blunt cut and straight bangs. I love my bangs, but sometimes I have to style them out of my face and due to the bluntness of my cut, the bangs did not blend well. Grace was absolutely lovely. Super friendly and a knowledgeable stylist. I asked her for face framing layers and layers through out and she executed it perfectly. She rounded out my hair and gave me layers that blend so well. She also texturized my bangs so I can still wear them blunt, but they blend much better when I do need to push them to the side. Plus, they have wonderful student discount. Would definitely recommend. read more

Update: The owner called me unannounced asking why I had written my review and was extremely argumentative and defensive. She completely disregarded and invalidated my experience at the salon, saying that she didn't know "how it was even possible" for it to have happened. Instead of listening to my issue, she spent the first five minutes talking about how I was destroying her reputation and how upset she was by my review. I reminded her that regardless of how she felt, this was my experience and told her I wouldn't be comfortable returning given what had happened. She replied she would only be able to offer me store credit for what I paid, provided I first take the review down. The entire point of the call felt like her harassing me until I took down the review. The call was completely unprofessional and the owner displayed highly difficult behavior. read more

Great salon, lots of stylus to choose from. Good student discounts. Willing to accommodate walk-ins.

I am a loyal customer - Maxi demonstrates Excellence, service, creativity and value - Ellie and Farah have been leading the way in Berkeley for several Decades. They get it right - color, cut, hair repair, new design, old fave- every time! I will keep coming back as long as I am on the green side of the dirt ! read more

This was my daughters first time getting her hair professionally dyed. Ellie made my daughter's birthday dream hair come true. She listened to all of her wants and needs. The outcome was gorgeous and she was so happy. read more

Maxi Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Maxi has been leading the pack in Berkeley/ east bay for decades. Founder Farah and daughter Ellie and the whole Maci Hair care team stand for excellence, creativity, service, and value. Whether you are looking for a cut, color, hair repair, new design or faithful favorite - look no further - they are your solution. I am a loyal fan - and will keep coming back as long as I am on the green side of the dirt . read more

I've been coming here since 2001, had multiple hair dressers, and have always been happy with my haircut. Ellie runs a very good business and she creates a positive culture for everybody. Different hair stylists work better with different types of hair or are better with guys/women, but they will match you with someone who can do good work for you. Very good quality, very good experience. And Parking is easier than you think - go to Hillegas just south of Dwight read more

I am so paranoid about getting haircuts (especially curtain bangs) but I really liked this place! I got a trim with Ary who was so informative and detailed. She explained what worked best for my face shape before starting. I appreciate how affordable this place is for students. Definitely book your appointment on their website :-) read more

So pleased with the quality of service and end results of my time here! Ary took my hair and lightened it to a point I didn't think was possible! The salon was very clean and everyone was so accommodating, not to mention very reasonable prices especially if you're a Cal Berkeley student. 10/10 would recommend! I mean come on just look at the before and after! read more

Maxi Hair Salon - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Wonderful hair salon! All hair stylists very good. In addition to receiving hair cuts, coloring, and permanents, you can get your eyebrows looking great . Best salon I've been to in the last 10 years. I recommend that you visit it and see for yourself the magic they perform. LC read more

I had the most wonderful experience at Maxi Hair Salon. I have previously had two perfect haircuts with Grace and I loved them. This time I wanted to do something a little different and Ary cut the most beautiful layers for me. All three haircuts have been excellent and Ary was super attentive and made sure to cut my hair in the way that would suit its natural texture best. Everyone IS So kind and lovely and overall it is a great experience and I would recommend it for everyone in the Berkeley area. And, they have a student discount that makes it affordable. Love Maxi! read more

Ary is quite literally the best at cutting hair, she's amazing i highly recommend everyone to get their hair cut by her she's sweet and she's very reassuring on every little thing she does. I highly recommend this salon to everyone, all the workers are very kind and respectful!!! read more

Grace is A+! I tell her what I need and she has me walking out like a million bucks. Raf

Without exaggeration, I have waited over 3 years and have travelled 1,800+ miles to get my hair cut at Maxi. I'm a long time customer of Ellie's, which is why this all make sense. Thank you, Ellie for making my appointment worth the long wait, and allowing me take back some comfort and familiarity back east with me. I hope to come back to town again sooner and look forward to seeing you again. read more

This is a long review, but this is the worst hair experience I have ever had. I made an appointment, gave a picture as a reference for what I wanted, explained my hair history, and walked out with a hair color I didn't ask for with terrible hair damage. I went in for a balayage. My last balayage was many months ago, so the ends of my hair just needed some toning, and my roots were very grown out so they needed to be done. I ended up almost completely light blonde. I have naturally black hair, so the switch to blonde was NOT a good look. I said multiples times that I wanted blonde more towards the end, but darker on top. I understood that the starting price was $200. But then, It was an additional $100 to do my hair because it was "double processed." I didn't understand what this meant, so I asked and did not receive a clear answer. Then they said they were going to add $65 for olaplex to make my hair softer since bleaching is so harsh. I had already disclosed that my hair had been balayaged before and that the ends of my hair were dry, via text a week before my appointment, and at no point did they say that there would be additional costs. To be clear, I was fine paying the additional amounts, but there was zero transparency that this could happen. My stylist was working on another client during my appointment, leaving my hair toning for so long. When everything was washed out the roots of my hair were so brassy. I have none of my original hair color left. I'm shy by nature, so everytime I was hesitant about something or confused, I would try to ask about it but I felt rushed and like I just needed to trust my stylist. By the end my hair was so damaged and dry from the bleaching. Then my stylist decided to straighten AND THEN curl each individual stand of my damp hair-- at what looked like an incredible high heat setting because I could visibly see what little moisture was left of my hair leaving through copious amounts of stream. Even the parts of my hair that was new growth are damaged. My hair is naturally so soft and thick, and now it feels ruined. I have dyed and bleached my hair in the past and it has NEVER felt like this. I was strong armed into paying $65 for olaplex that really seemed to do nothing. They were really nice, so I admit I was good about concealing how upset I was. But honestly spend your money somewhere else if you're getting it dyed. I was so excited about this too since I've heard balayage gets better with every session. Instead I spent nearly $400 on the worst hair damage in my hair just to go back to my natural color. Cannot even explain the full depth of my disappointment. I want my time, money, and hair back. Pictures of my hair vs what I asked for included. read more

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Grace was fabulous! I haven't gotten my hair professionally cut in awhile but she made me feel very comfortable and walked me through all of the steps that she was doing. She was also very meticulous and made sure that everything looked good and I was satisfied with the final result. Cal students please come here -- the student discounts are such a good deal for the service you get! read more

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I had an appointment with Grace. I wanted to get bangs but wasn't sure what type of bangs. And after Grace expertise and recommendation I am glad I went with just cleaning my side bangs. She listened to what I wanted and gave me such a good haircut and a very good price. I washed my hair before I came and glad that worked out too. This place is great and a budget. This salon give you a great experienced stylist. So happy with my hair. Will come back again. read more

Maxi Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've been to Maxi hair salon many times and I've always had a great experience! I went from black to full blonde (through multiple rounds) and all the way back to black, and the results from Ellie had always been amazing. Root touch-ups were always great as well. Could not have asked for better service. She always asked me specifically for what I wanted and gave me exactly what I asked for rather than what she thought was best like some hairdressers. But her suggestions were always top-notch. The salon is beautiful, homey, and well-kept. I highly recommend this salon and Ellie if you're ever looking for a hair dresser in Berkeley! read more

Maxi Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I had Ary and she did an amazing job with my hair! It was so damaged and dry before but she not only cut and styled, but also gave me amazing tips for styling and keeping it healthy! I got so many compliments! She was so kind and so fun to talk to too! Can't recommend her enough! read more

I've been going to Maxi Hair Salon for the past 2 years and it's the only place I trust with my hair-- especially with Ellie Jay! She's super attentive to detail, executes every request, and has an insane amount of experience. If you're a college kid on a budget, this is your place. read more

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My friend has been on her long hair journey for a while now and was really proud of her growth. She was a childhood cancer patient and has struggled getting her hair long ever since. She was doing no heat styling, so many hair treatments, silk pillows, and regularly got trims to keep it healthy- she was literally doing EVERYTHING. She went in for a cut today and her stylist cut off 5 inches when she asked for a trim. She specifically said one inch AND even showed him how much. Her hair growth has meant so much to her in the remission process and how she's seen herself as beautiful and I honestly couldn't be more livid. She didn't want to post this herself, but I seeing her cry worse than I've seen her in a breakup made me find this place. Don't come here just for the discount, it's not worth it. read more

Hands down the best place in Berkeley. Probably went through 5 other places before landing here and have been a consistent customer for multiple years. read more

Thanks to a homie that shared this place with me when I was looking for a cut. It's now the only place I go to in the East Bay!! I continued to get my hair cut here that I decided to bring my daughter when she wanted a shorter haircut. At first, my kid was getting cut by another stylist (I can't remember the name) and the stylist realized they were not going to be able to achieve what my daughter was asking for. Instead of continuing and leaving my bb botched up, the stylist asked if Ellie could take over, and I + + really really + + appreciated that! And yes, Ellie did an amazing job recovering my lil one. The services are priced fairly, PLUS, a student and birthday discount! read more

I went for keratin conditioning today. Grace was the one who did my keratin conditioning process. Her customer service is excellent. She's very sweet and gentle. When I was under the hair steamer she kept checking in if I was doing okay and if it was getting too hot. She even gave me a juice drink and a bottle of leave in conditioner. I would definitely go back again for another keratin conditioning because my hair feels so soft and looks so shiny afterwards. read more

I scheduled an appointment with Ellie to do some highlights and she did amazing!! It looks so natural and the color fits my hair perfectly. I showed her a picture of what I wanted so that definitely helped. The staff is so sweet and I had a great experience. Definitely recommend! read more

Maxi Hair Salon - After!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ellie is fabulous. She runs this business with great care for customers and for her associates. The care, concern, and personal service are outstanding. I don't know much about hair salons, but I do know a lot about small businesses and consumer satisfaction, and I can attest that this is one of the very best. read more

I have really curly hair and Shahnaz styled it so well in time for my birthday dinner. Go to her for nice and voluminous straightened hair. She's also so sweet! read more

Just to preface, I am VERY protective of my hair- before going to Maxi Hair Salon, I'd been going to the same hair stylist since I was 10 (I'm 23 now). After bleaching and dying my hair, I decided it was time for a cut just to rid my hair of dead ends and any serious damage. I walked in (I don't recommend doing this- they get very busy so make sure you book an appointment!) and Ary took me after around 45 minutes. She was AMAZING- I asked for a slight trim with curtain bangs, and she gave me EXACTLY what I wanted. When we got around to cutting my bangs, she walked me through what the lengths would look like, how heavy she thought I should go, etc. She even pointed out my uneven hairline and shaped the cut so it would look even/symmetrical! She also gave me extensive advice on how to treat my damaged hair in order to save money, and gave some opinions on what future colors would suit my skin tone/complexion. Homegirl knows what she's doing. All my ladies with stubborn, Asian hair, go to Ary!! She'll treat you right. For as long as I am in the East Bay, I will NEVER go to another stylist!! Love you Ary, see you soon girl :)) read more

I've been going to Ary here to get my hair cut for the last couple of years and I can't give a higher recommendation. She's super friendly, always on time, and gives me exactly what I need each time. This place also has 50% student discounts so it's the best rate for a haircut I've found in Berkeley. This is the place to go for your haircut! read more

Maxi Hair Salon is a great place for men's haircuts! I got my haircut from Ary during my time in Berkeley and she always did a great job customizing my haircut to my head shape and giving me input on hair styling! This on top of the cal student discounts make it a great place to go! read more

Moved to Berkeley a while ago and came in for Janelle the first week. Haven't gone any place else since. Every time I come in, she listens to exactly what I want, and I think she has even began to understand cutting my hair even better than I can explain to her! Students get student deals, and she got lineups for the bros all day long!! Highly recommend trying Maxi's if you're in the Berkeley area. I got a tight and angled mid fade with a slight balancing of the layering on top. If you love nice and zeroed out fades, Janelle is zero the hero for you! read more

I love this hair salon! Ellie is the absolute best and will do anything to make her clients happy! + she is extremely talented.

I've been at the salon twice and both experiences were great. Staff are so kind and work hard to make the space a welcoming environment. Ary did an AMAZING job with my hair color and was very collaborative in finding exactly what I wanted. Great environment, great staff, and great results!! read more

I came in one day after seeing the discount sign outside for students. I had a bunch of questions, so the lady behind the counter said I could make a consultation appt for the next day. I came back, and showed her a bunch of pics I liked, and she told me what I could and couldn't do. After giving me a price for a balayage, I decided to just do it. The woman I was talking to was busy with a few other clients, so Olivia offered to do it for me. She cut my hair to this beautiful layered masterpiece. I had not gotten layers in 4 years, after my mom had taken me to too many Vietnamese hair salons that had given me a baby mullet. I was really happy with the cut. Then she started bleaching my hair. I forgot to ask how long this would take, and had just realized that I would be sitting in a chair for a few hours. I was starting to doze off in the chair as she put foil in my hair, and my head felt so heavy, but she was nice about it. She carefully painted on the bleach and was very consistent about it, even though my arms probably would've fallen off if I were her. After washing and toning, we were finally done. To be honest, I was hungry and tired, and just wanted to leave so I didn't really pay attention that much to how my hair looked, but its the next day, and I love it so much. I thought it would be too subtle to make a difference, but I love the ashy brown balayage she gave me. I FEEL BRAND NEW. My hair still felt so soft after too. If you're a student I would definitely check this place out. read more

I can't recommend this place enough if you're in the East Bay. I'm very picky when it comes to my hair, and after trying numerous salons in Berkeley, I finally stumbled upon Maxi. I've been trusting this salon with my hair for 6 years now--with good reason. The prices are very reasonable, and every single worker is highly skilled in cutting hair. The owner of the shop is also very kind and sweet. Highly recommend giving it a visit. read more