4.23.2024 - It was time to go dark. I can't remember how many years I've been bleaching my hair, but it was time for a drastic change. What better way to welcome change than to get rid of the old hairstyle and take on a new look. Definitely need some getting used to, but I'm totally digging this color: Medium Neutral Ash; along with my new chopped hair: Drastic V-Line Bob. Overall look is great and feels great. Yet again, Maya has steered me in the right direction. After what feels like over a decade, Maya seems to know what I want and need more than I know myself. Whenever I'm indecisive or uncertain, she knows and she's right. This obviously comes from years and years of experience. During all my visits, including this one, I always felt good and happy knowing that she genuinely cares for my benefits. Yes, money is a factor as we all need to hustle and bustle to make a living in this crazy expensive state, but truly, her motives are not entirely geared towards that. It takes a lot of planning and commitment to make sure not to damage my hair even more so than they already are. She really looks out for the best interests of her clients, foremost than her own. Anyhowsers, posting a pic. Thank you Maya for my fresh new look. See you in a few months! read more

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After reading a recent review about how Maya doesn't know how to cut wavy/curly hair, please take a look at your so called "wavy hair" and acknowledge it is in no way close to being called that. Myself, my sister and my mother have had wavy/curly hair types that Maya has expertly worked on for years. I recently wanted to embrace my actual wavy hair texture and so I asked Maya for a super short cut and couldn't be happier. I absolutely love the curly shag I rock because of her amazing skills and have truly fell in love with my natural hair texture thanks to her skills. I have not used heat on my hair for over a year & am super happy with getting my bangs trimmed every few months. Maya is also booked by appointment only and it says so on her Yelp page as well so all reviews that mention her not taking walk ins have reviewers that unfortunately don't know how to read. read more

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I've been coming to Maya for over 8 years. I think she's reasonably priced and does an INCREDIBLE job with my hair. EACH time. It's a no fuss salon environment and that's fine with me. I don't need all the expensive waters or beverages, I just want a quality hair cut that fits my life style and work. I have a ton of hair, and maya always does an incredible job with my layers. My hair also grows out well, which I appreciate. People also comment on how well my hair grows out: Additionally, she always wants to know how I like to style or NOT style my hair. She doesn't upsell and is straight forward. And through the years, I've appreciated the chit chat and laughs we've had. It's hard to imagine going elsewhere. Try her out. You'll be amazed. read more

Maya knows hair and can figure out the best cut and color to make you look great! She is funny and cute and always enjoy my time in the chair. She has reasonable prices and provides very high quality hair care. My whole family goes to her and always happy with the outcome. Sometimes we think we know what we want, but may not be the best look for our face shape, age, etc. She will guide you honestly and give suggestions to find your best look read more

I have been going to Maya for many years and am always happy with the result. She understands well what I want and gives me great advice. She's great! read more

My son and I've been going to Maya for 10+ years! She is the best. She is knowledgeable, cuts my hair perfectly. I love my hair every time I leave. Maya is also honest when it comes to your hair...she'll help guide you regarding best cut, color, treatments, etc. My son refuses to go anywhere else for a haircut. I'd recommend . read more

I went to Maya for a haircut and styling for the first time this past Saturday. She did a fabulous job! I wasn't able to go to a hairstylist for more than 14 months and was excited for this appointment. I love the way she cut my side-swept bangs, gauging just the right length so that my bangs partially hides my face, making me look somewhat mysterious! I am also delighted with how my hair frames my face, giving me an overall "lighter" look. Maya has an eye for what suits my face as well as my personality. Although she had not met me before Saturday, she adeptly figured out that a "clean" look was more suitable for my personality. Maya is an artist and a perfectionist. She was very thorough, checking and re-checking, and trimming some more after she blew dry and styled my hair. Her hands were steady and sure. She managed to make my hair look like it had a lot of movement. I've been to stylists who charged much more than Maya but the results were not nearly as pleasing as what Maya did. Maya was worth the wait and every penny. read more

Maya Hair Salon - Maya did a fabulous job! - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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PROS: - Maya REALLY knows how to cut hair, especially if it's of the smooth and straight variety! Extremely precise with the type of style she gives her customers and will make it a personal mission to ensure you don't leave the salon looking like an ugly duckling. - She's snarky and chatty, if you're into that sort of thing. CONS: - The salon itself has seen better days; a tad sad and drab. - I'm not into snarkiness nor chattiness at the salon, unfortunately. I like to relax and zen out while I get my hair cut, I'm more of a massage-with-spa-music type of person than a barbershop-banter type of person. She reminded me of a loud auntie who shows love through criticism: poking fun at my quietness in the chair and berating me for not styling my hair with a blow dryer and curling iron every morning. - I got the impression that she doesn't appreciate or know about coarse, wavy hair - which I have. I hated how frizzy my hair was at the time, and she attributed it to me not putting enough effort into my own beauty routines... Hell, its no secret that I've never and will never be the kind of person to give myself a blowout every morning. I went home after leaving the salon and watched a ton of YouTube videos about how to take care of coarse hair, and realized that there ain't no shame in having a few natural kinks and waves. **Spoiler alert: the frizziness wasnt due to my lazy sloppy beauty routines, nor was my natural texture ugly (as she had led me to believe) - I just needed to get the right shampoo and not touch/brush it so much while it's drying. As a professional hair stylist, I would have expected that Maya would have been able to just tell me this instead of talking smack about my frizz. THE SHORT OF IT: this is a great spot if you have smooth, straight hair and like talking shit in the salon chair. As for me, I'll go somewhere that appreciates my natural hair texture and allows me to leave the salon more relaxed than when I arrived. read more

My friend recommended Maya's Hair Salon and I am so happy she did! I told Maya ahead of time that I was planning to cut 12-14" off to donate and she did not hesitate. She takes time to go over the style you want and recommends to cut it a certain way that would most best fit your face shape. Now keyword is recommend- she doesn't push you to do it a way you don't feel comfortable with. Overall, she knows what she's doing and is super sweet. Highly recommend! read more

Miss Maya squeezed me in last minute and listened to my hair woes from the last and most atrocious botched haircut of my life 6 months ago that left me traumatized (no exaggeration). It was the kind of unfathomably jagged haircut only a drunk three year old could perform, or so I thought. I should have know when the woman's hair looked literally like Cruella De Ville, not to put my life, er my hair in her hands. Note to self-if in the future, I don't like my hairdresser's look-as in it leaves you thinking "What the hell?"--RUN!!! But I had none of those alarm bells with Maya who looks amazing. She studied the scraggly outgrowth from my botched haircut and talked me through what she thought would help get things in a better place. She cut with care making sure I was okay with her ideas and didn't get carried away being too snip-happy like Cruella did. So no bad surprises like the last time. I was so relieved not to be feeling like I had to buy a wig this time. Thanks Maya! read more

I've been seeing Maya for 10 years now because that is how much I like her and trust her with my hair! I still get the same great complimentary-to-my-face haircuts since I first started seeing her! I was excited that after so many months of a much needed trim, I get to see Maya again this weekend. I have to say here, Maya has *really* stepped up and beyond my expectations in keeping her salon safe and sanitary: - masks required - forehead temperature check upon entering - sanitize hands with provided antibac gel - clear plastic cape (instead of black fabric) - sanitized tools, even the mirror she let me hold to check my hair - sanitizing between clients My most recent visit this weekend, I decided to go super-short hot weather, working from home haircut and again, I received so many compliments, from good friends, to co-workers, my picky mother, and my usually quiet Dad! Thank you Maya~~! read more

Maya has been cutting and coloring my hair for the last ten years. She also cuts my 15 year old daughter's hair and my daughter loves her cuts. Maya is a perfectionist and I am always happy with my color and cuts. The other thing I love about the cuts is that they look great as they grow out and I am able to go much longer between cuts than I have with other stylists. I completely trust Maya and recommend that you try her for your next cut. read more

Another great haircut by Maya on 11/11/17! :] This is the third time I went to Maya for a haircut. It's rare that I go to see the same hairstylist for a haircut three times in a row~ My artsy friend recommended this place when I was looking for a hairstylist. Because it was close to my work in Pleasanton, I thought I give it a try and I've been going to Maya ever since. Before I met Maya, I went through many hair stylists because they gave a good haircut once but couldn't deliver the second time I went. I've been happily going to Maya for a haircut for the last two years and, even after I moved, I still drive about 1 hour to get a haircut from her. She's a rare find who's professional and caring at the same time. I know there are many professional hairstylists but not many care about their customers' happiness with their new haircuts the way Maya does. Here are some highlights: - She's attentive to listen to what you want/need in your haircut and then let you know what's possible with your hair texture/length and then incorporate your wants/needs to suggest a hairstyle that'll look good on you. When you tell her that you want to keep the length, she will listen and doesn't chop away like some hair stylists. - She then works her wonder looking closely to make sure one side is not shorter than the other side and your hair falls in a way it's pretty. - She instructs you on how to blow dry your hair or how to maintain your hairstyle so it's at its best. - She then gives you the time to look at your new haircut to see if any parts bother you for some reasons knowing that it's her customer who's going to wear that haircut. She then listens and then fine tune it. I'm so thankful that I met Maya. I know I can count on her with my haircut. Also, I like her as a person. read more

After reading all the glowing reviews I booked with Maya. No matter how good a stylist may be, they'll be a very lonely stylist if they treat the client with a rude, belittling and snarky attitude and let their bad mood guide the shears instead of the talent. Thankfully hair grows back and there are a multitude of fantastic stylists that not only make you beautiful on the outside but make you feel beautiful inside as well. read more

After a horrible hair cut (mullet comes close) I could Maya. I've been going long enough that I point out a problem then sit still. She always knows best. read more

I was getting married in a few days and Maya gave me the best haircut I'd ever had. She even showed me how to style my hair with product and a blow dryer. I felt like a million bucks and everyone was telling me I looked like a movie star! She also squeezed me in when she had a full schedule after I told her I was getting married. If you are looking for good conversation and an amazing hair do I highly recommend Maya!!! 5 stars all the way! read more

I've been going to Maya for years and she always does an amazing job! She spends time recommending the ideal cut and color for your face shape and always makes sure the cut is perfect with a great amount of attention to detail. She does a fabulous job and I always walk out of her salon feeling beautiful! read more

This review is specifically on Melissa S. who rents a station at Maya Hair Salon. I was originally referred to Melissa by my cousin who had been going to her for 4+ years and I liked the color/highlights that my cousin had. My first appointment was less than perfect and I was really looking forward to it since I hadn't had my hair done in more than 9 months during my pregnancy. The mistake was that I wanted two different color highlights but she misunderstood and only gave me one color highlights. To try to make up for it she tried to go back and add the other highlight color. That was my first experience. Second was that she didn't call me back for three days and when I did book an appointment with her she cancelled on me that day. Instead of calling she texted me that her stomach wasn't feeling well. Third experience I had an issue with her highlights. They weren't close to the scalp. When I walked out of her salon my blond highlight were almost 2/8" to 1/4" from my scalp. I called her the next day to let her know and that I wanted to fix it. No phone call back. Last straw was when she didn't call me back for a week because I wanted to schedule a hair cut and possible touchup. So I decided to have my cousin call her to see if Melissa would call her back...and she did but didn't return my call. I called one last time letting her know that she needed to call me back. Instead she texted me the next day saying "Don't take it personal that I didn't call you back...I'm returning vm one by one...I had to go out of town." There's no excuse for leaving a customer hanging for a week. You're running a business and if you're on vacation or you know you're not going to get back to your customers in a timely manner you say that in your voicemail. Eventually she apologized in her text message and I told her that I have to look elsewhere for someone that is going to take my needs more seriously. I'm a working professional and mom so I expect a little more but for the price I was willing to put up with her excuses and unprofessionalism. Not anymore because it doesn't work for me. I need a place that is going to be serious about their business and customer service. Nothing personal! I think her cuts are really great and her color is pretty good but her follow up sucks. read more

Maya is the sweetest and most funny hair extraordinaire I have ever met! She is my go to gal and does a great cut and style whether she is insanely booked or having normal day. read more

Maya Hair Salon - Hair cut by Maya! - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

First of all, I LOVE MAYA!! I have been coming to her for years!! I found her by chance when I first moved into Castro Valley. My hair is difficult; it is curly, waving and yet still frizzy!! Then to top it off I for being 40 I have some serious gray hair!! She does my hair fabulous and shiny too!! Weather she is straigtening it or leaving it curly or coloring it one of the many colors that I pick...it always comes out healthly looking and feeling!! I color it all the time too! I have a 16 year old son, which for a boy is super picky on who and where he gets his hair cut from. He will NOT go to anyone else but Maya. Even his father was going to take him to get his hair cut and he said NO, Mom will take me. Now I am a single mom and his father doesn't pay child support so I would have loved to have him pay for the hair cut - this shows you how serious my son is. He gets his hair cut every 3 weeks like clock work!! When I go to Maya's, it is such a friendly and fun place, I can relax, laugh, talk with her and she is a real friend!!! I wouldn't go any where else!!! Try her!! Her prices are great too and as a single mom I need this!! read more

I've Heard Great Things Here. I shall Cheat on my lil vietnam and chinese ladies and come here Thanks Yelpers read more

With my regular hair stylist out of pocket, I found Maya in my home town and I couldn't be happier about that. Maya is Hairdresser On Fire, just so busy. She initially told me to go away until much later, but when I illustrated the dire situation my shaggy head was in, she reluctantly agreed to sit me while letting me know she usually needs at least 30 minutes for a man's cut. 30 minutes? My regular only takes 8 minutes max. With a wash (my favorite part). So Maya digs in, I apologize for the rude nature of my not having an appointment, and thank her for squeezing me in. Her 30 minutes with my scalp was more detailed than any haircut I've ever received. The high fade technique utilized incorporated 3 different blades. Not 3 different guards, but 3 different individual precision tools that only a professional would own. I think the last one she used cut very short hairs one by one while humming the M.I.T. fight song. When it was time to blend the fade into the mop, she had to pause and refresh then decided she needed to shampoo to accurately assess the situation. Even though I was short on time, I wasn't about to miss out on my favorite. So, at a time when she really shouldn't be seeing me, let alone doing a cut and wash with someone who didn't have an appointment, she took me to the sink to spend some extra time she didn't really have only to discover that I wasn't in to bad a shape. She just wanted to be sure. We hit it with some wax, made an appointment, and I left. I gotta tell ya...I look pretty damn good. Cleaned up, high and tight, and a little better prepared for the situation at hand. Maya did great to make me feel welcomed even though she thought I was selling something...her wit and humor are as quick as they are funny and I highly recommend her shop Thanks Maya read more

I've been going to Maya's for years. She does a great job and is fun. I have a tricky face....long face, high forehead, pointy chin. My hair is wavy curly and graying. She is able to take all that into consideration and cut my hair so it fits my face and look. No matter if you have a heart shaped face, long face, square jaw or round face, she knows how to cut hair to balance your features. Her salon might not be ritzy, but don't let that fool you. She's really good. When I started going to her my hair wasn't cut in a flattering way for me. She told me it would take a few cuts to get it to be the right shape and style, and she was right. I always get compliments on my hair. read more

I just started going to Maya after getting my haircuts at nail salons for years. For an few extra bucks than what I'm used to paying she does a great job. She provides exceptional service by offering suggestions that are personalized according to your head/face shape and takes her time with you. She's got a great personality and makes the haircut experience a pleasure. I'm looking forward to making her my stylist from now on. read more

Maya Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This review is for the other stylist, Maya. I have been going to see Maya for the past year (highly recommended by aquaintances), and she has been nothing but FANTASTIC! She is diligent with keeping appointment times, takes the time to search for the right style, cut, and color for my hair texture and face shape. Everytime I came back from her salon, compliments galore! I'm a faithful regular. She is a gem in the casto valley, tri-valley area! I've also referred three of my friends, and again, nothing but happiness and gratitude from these women! Please see her! She makes you look and feel wonderful. read more

I've been going to Maya for over a year now, with probably 6-8 hair cuts, and I couldn't be happier. She listens to what I want, doesn't do anything drastic without talking to me first about it, and I always get a great haircut. I actually found her from reviews here on Yelp. I'm definitely picky about what I want, and she does a great job to accommodate me. She's incredibly hard working, often willing to take me at 730 or 8am for an urgent cut, and she returns calls promptly.. Sometimes she returns my calls at 730 at night, and you can tell she's still at work. Her prices are very affordable, she charges me $22 for my haircut. She cuts my daughters hair too, and a cut and color was under $100. Compare that to twice that at the "spa" up the street. I don't want to be pampered, I don't want fluff, I just want a great haircut, and that's what Maya does. I'm also a service professional, and so I can appreciate the quality of her work, and her commitment to her business. As for the negative reviews, read their other reviews, and you can see that it's not about Maya. read more

I had a last minute in person interview that was not expected. I checked yelp and found Maya after a simple query. The location of the place is slightly hidden. Anyone with a GPS will be able to find it. One can tell that Maya is closer to a hair stylist vs a person who just trims hair. When i gave her my simple requirements, she analyzed my face and gave me suggestions. Her suggestion turned out great. She is also funny and easy to talk to. Makes the whole experience actually enjoyable. I would definitely be returning. read more

I've been here twice, first time she took her time, and did a great job. I loved my hair cut, she did everything I wanted. The second time she kept talking and cutting and really did a bad job, and charged me a lot more than the first time I was there. So baiscally paid for her to ruin my hair, and I had to wait a long time for my hair to grow out so that I can get my hair fix by someone else. read more

Maya excels at what she does and this is evident by the amount of time she takes to make sure the haircut you will be receiving is not only the one you want but the one that will be the most flattering for you. The haircut I received has left me much more satisfied, by far, than any other haircut I have received from an overpriced salon. read more

My friend introduced me to Maya years ago. Maya said it's been 9 years, but it seems shorter as I am still in the honeymoon stage of our relationship. I love her!!! I wish she was in the city. I attempted to find stylists closer to my place, but I would run back to Maya with my tail between my legs. I receive better customer service and haircuts from Maya than all the pretentious salons in Oakland and San Francisco. Thank you Maya for my VIP treatment. I'm so glad you're my stylist. read more

Maya is one of the best hairdressers I've been to that is on the more affordable side. She is extremely good at listening to the client and understanding what we want. She's also very experienced and knows all the little weird things on my head... for example, my head shape, hair texture, ethnicity, and letting me know what is the best products and hair styles for my face shape and hair texture. I have ALOT of thick asian hair that is on the coarser side. No one has ever been able to give me a good haircut with layers without thinning out my hair which makes each coarse and thick strand more bouncy (resulting in even THICKER hair... like a yield sign on my head) She's the only person that's been able to fix my crazy thick asian hair... i can't recommend her more. I've even took my brother, mother and boyfriend to her after. read more

I don't want the three stars to be mistaken; she is good at cutting hair at least as far as I can tell from having her cut my hair once. I had her cut and layer my hair. I asked for it to look fuller and indeed the end result looks a lot fuller then when it was long. I had also said I didn't want long layers since they tend to make my hair look thinner. She did very well doing what I said and taking what I said into account. She even asked me about the length I wanted and succeeded in making it that-- not shorter like a lot of other places. My only complaints are one that it was a little pricey and two after cutting my hair, she styled it and really didn't take my face shape into account. It made me look really weird and I couldn't figure out why. I later determined that it was that she curled my hair inwards instead of outwards away from my face which didn't balance my face but made it look less balanced. If she had looked at my face shape she could've seen that I have a large forehead and thus need the hair to go over my forehead and then away from my face to balance my smaller heart shaped chin and jaw-line. I am not sure yet if I'll be coming back. I would recommend her for hair cuts since she wasn't bad and was really nice and friendly, but I'm still in search of an awesome place to come to again and again. Additionally, I really want someone who can look at my face shape and stature, hear my way of life, and make recommendations for styling and haircuts. However, she did offer hair tips and care advice based on the texture of my hair. Her advice there was good and much appreciated. read more

Maya is wonderful. when I first started going to her my hair had a lot to be desired. She told me my hair color was wrong for me and wanted to give me layers. I was hesitant. She told me for now she would let me decide but next time she will push more. I laughed because it made me comfortable that she believed in what she was saying. I hate when other hair stylists only do what you say and don't give an opinion because "we" dont always know what looks best on us. I took the plunge and let Maya chop the crap out of my hair and bring me much lighter. I now love my hair and hate when it starts growing out. I see she works on 20 somethings, 50 somethings, men and women and many different ethnicities. She is a funny woman and does a great job. read more

I just found out about this hidden gold mine a few months ago. It's a great, relaxed environment. The owner is always cheerful and it's wonderful to watch her work as I wait for my appointment. This establishment is not only a hair salon but it also has a wonderful manicurist. read more

Due to the fear of another "bad" haircut, I have not gone to a hair salon in over a year. The last haircut I had was from a roommate about a year ago that resulted in a tears. Since then, I have been determined to grow my hair and for this reason, stayed away from hair cuts in general. However, after a year of ignoring the uneven lengths and the damage that home-color processing had done, I decided I was in desperate need of professional help. I've been home for a week (I go to school in San Diego), and my younger sister and mom pushed me to go to Maya's hair salon. I remembered the GORGEOUS A-line haircut that Maya had given my sister for her Senior pictures and decided to trust her advice. When I got to the salon, Maya asked me specifically what I wanted. I asked her for a trim and layers so that I "teasing" my hair would be easier. I was so surprised at how much attention she was gave to my hair . Maya continuously asked what I wanted and how I wanted certain lengths, and actually LISTENED. She never cut anything without my permission and I really appreciated that. With my previous experiences with getting a "trim" and "layering" my hair at other places, I would always end up disappointed because the length would always end up significantly shorter. Since I had waited so long for my hair to grow back, I was worried that Maya would also drastically shorten the length. HOWEVER, I was so excited to see that my hair not only looked healthier because she had gotten rid of the damaged areas, but the length was still the same! I will be moving back permanently to Castro Valley in about 3 months, and I know for sure that I will come back to Maya for my routine trim. Thank you Maya! I love my hair! I have never been this satisfied with a hair cut! My mom and sister love it too!! read more

Maya is an awesome hairdresser! Before she cuts your hair she does an evaluation of the texture and how it flows against your face. She is very meticulous and listens to what you want. I've been going to her for over a year and she always does a fabulous job. I would highly recommend Maya Hair Salon! read more

My favorite hair dresser. My husband and I have been her customers for 3+ years. She does wonders for our hair, especially with my highlights and low lights. She is honest with her opinions, so don't ask questions you don't want answers to! =) read more

Maya is lovely! She cut my and my sister's (very different) hair a few days ago and we both loved our haircuts. She is an artist- very thorough, attentive to detail, and able to envision what looks good on different people. She is also very fun to talk to and gives great tips on how to style. She is also reasonably priced--she spent over an hour on each of us, and the shampoo/cut/style was only $45 a pop. Will be coming back for my next haircut! read more

Ive been goin to Maya for years. I always get compliments on my hair. Maya gives a great precision cut she is a master stylist just totally Awesome. She also does the japanese hair straightining this salon is a true gem a great find. read more

I Love the way she play and do with my hair. Very professional and a great friend. Highly recommend her. read more