I can not rave enough about Monica! Every time I'm in her chair I know I'm going to come out looking amazing! I am never nervous when I go in to try something new or different, because no matter what I want I never leave feeling disappointed. Monica does a wonderful job of taking what I want and making it look great on me! read more

This review is to counter the ugly and blatantly phony one-star review posted by Tanza D. Tanza D's review is purposely hateful and false and I have reported her to Yelp for trying to sabotage a good, hardworking, kind, and generous hair artist whom I have known and have had the good fortune to enjoy her work since 2012. I also know for a fact and will happily swear on a stack of bibles that Monica would never treat a client the way Tanza D. narrated on this platform. Yes "narrated" because anyone with sense can read her chapter-long review rife with inflated emotion, snark, and agitation and instantly know she's desperately vying for attention, #freestuff or simply being a keyboard jerktivist in efforts to diminish someone's livelihood. Tanza D. needs prayer and a conscience. Monica has been my stylist since 2012 and her work is professional, artistic, and accurate. She is very generous with her time and talents and she deserves the loyal and large number of clientele she has worked so hard to build. Any of her clients that read the one-star hit piece will know it's total BS. Also, read the other reviews here and see the truth. The truth is that Miss One-Star was agitated before her appointment and was looking to make a spectacle. It's just sad that someone like that can post such a phony rant unchecked. I hope Yelp removes her ridiculous story. read more

I have been going to Monica for over 20 years. That might seem like a long time and one might assume I've just become comfortable or stagnant with my styling preferences. Nothing could be further from the truth. I change my style, length and color fairly often and that's the reason I continue to go to Monica. She is hands down the best colorist I have ever worked with. Between myself and my daughter we have probably changed hair colors at least 35 times. Every time either of us have done so, Monica makes sure the transition is seamless and the results are gorgeous. She also makes sure that she does all she can to keep our hair healthy throughout the many colorings. As far as haircuts go, Monica's skills are exceptional. She is precise and meticulous when cutting hair. She cuts it wet and then completes the cut when it's dry, to make sure it's perfect. Her haircuts are so great I can go without another one for at least 6 months because my hair grows out beautifully. My 18 year old son has been going to Monica for the last 6 years. After receiving inconsistent and pretty awful haircuts from many upscale barbers and salons that "cater to males" I convinced him to give her a try. Now, he refuses to get his hair cut by anyone else. Ever. Monica is nothing like any other stylist I've known. She really listens to what you want and tells you how she thinks you should proceed. She spends a great deal of time with all of her clients making sure they receive the very best level of are possible. Even after 20 years she holds a consultation with me before every service. She does the same with my daughter and my son. Monica has worked hard and consistently to build her client base and her business. She is dedicated to great service and her profession. She treats people, new or returning, as friends. She is one of those people who still believes that at heart people are good and not cruel. She's free being herself because she's confident in all aspects of her life. She is not a fake chatterer. She's real and that's another one of the reasons I keep coming back. Monica rocks and always will! read more

Monica gets stuck with the mess I make of my hair after months of cutting it myself... and attempting at home highlights and bang trims lol! I have had my hair shorter for a year now which is fine unless I'm working outside and the 100 degree summer turns it into a hot mess!! Monica decided to give me a messy bob hair cut so my hair always looks done and it's super low maintenance! Thanks for saving a girl from 80's hair :-) read more

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I'm a sucker for the groupon. In fact, since this review made me think of groupon, I had to check the various groupon sites before getting back to this review. Now, I've been on a quest for highlights and/or all over color in the shade of an Anne Hathaway chocolate brown. Those of you who have seen me in person would/should be puzzled, because my hair is nowhere near that shade. The last hairdresser I saw was Monica Montalbano. As with all salon reviews, my breakdown's not particularly simple. I had parked at Star Pizza, as the sign had said, and strolled in on time. The receptionist gestured that I had arrived early, so I waited. I started getting antsy at the 20-minute mark. I put aside my magazine at the 30-minute mark (Zac Efron's only entertaining for as long as his abs hold my attention). At the 35-minute mark, one of the ladies at the front desk asked if I was sure my appointment was for the stated time. Um, yes? She calls Monica, and says that she'll be on her way. Monica arrives at the 50-minute mark. She was at a church meeting. Later, she realized she had erased my name, having thought I was someone who had already gotten her hair done earlier that week. I sat down, explained what I'd wanted (all over Anne Hathaway chocolate brown). She said she was having a hard time putting it without sounding like she didn't want to do the work but that it would require stripping my hair of the color I'd already had, which could get complicated. I'd blocked off that afternoon to get my hair done, so I was up for it. As my hair was turning out, and I said it was redder than I liked, Monica said that it would be really hard to get my hair a chocolate brown, as hair color has a tendency to pull red. Fair enough, but I wish she had said that at the beginning. My haircut was easy enough (movable layers), and the shampooist did a good/standard job. At this point, the standard rating I give out for hair salon's somewhere between a two and a three, as salons usually get the color wrong (and, I'm flexible--even if it's not what I wanted, if it looks good, they still get points). Even with the really late appointment start, the subsequent shuttling back and forth between me and the other clients (I wound up being there for 5-5.5 hours), and the late information on the difficulty of attaining my desired hair color, Monica would rate a three, as she did check on my hair color and did try to do something to make my hair work (she suggested putting highlights in the underlayers of my hair). However, the lighter highlights wound up a brown with yellow/orange tones, which I had said, in passing, was what I didn't like; my hair color wasn't particularly noticable (though, it may have been a miscommunication--"somewhere between that shade and that other shade" can be hard to decipher); my hair style didn't quite turn out like I'd expected (defined beachy waves became Farrah Fawcett-esque--it looked fine, but not what I'd asked for); and it seemed as though I might not be an anomaly. She had another client come in, whom she had to reschedule, because there wasn't enough time. Then again, my appointment took a really long time, so that was beyond her control. The client didn't mind, as it seems as though she has clients that she knows from elsewhere (church?) and longstanding clients. My experience was a two star experience, but, if you plan on being proactive and calling a day ahead to confirm your appointment and don't have difficult requests, well. There are a lot of hairdressers out there. I think my but is if Monica came highly recommended from someone you know, then she might be worth the risk if you fulfill the two requirements above. read more

It's been a long time since I've loved my hair stylist. I had been going to White Salon and while the experience was alright, I was by no means smitten. That was until a few weeks ago when a friend of mine recommended Monica at Figaro Salon & Spa to me. Since then, I have been smitten indeed. Monica did a wonderful job on my hair, giving me a cut and a color for about $100 less than what I normally pay. She listened to what I wanted, offered some advice, and gave me exactly what I had described. She also had late night hours (on Thursdays, I believe) which I've always found helpful. I really am happy with my hair and it's only appropriate that Valentine's Day is right around the corner because I think I am in love. Do yourself a favor and go see Monica and fall in love with your hair stylist (and your hair) all over again. read more

I was not familiar with this place until my friend's wife, Monica, got a space there. I decided to go because I needed a switch and my hair is too weird for a barber. Monica is fantastic. It's honestly the best hair cut I've gotten from anyone and extremely reasonable. I have recommended her to my friends, male and female, and all have raved (including the first review of Figaro left by Kymberlie M)! She listens to what you want, doesn't get fussy if you want something different and is super easy to chat with. The other people at the salon are very friendly including the sweet women who do the shampoo. It's really a great place to go to get your hair did. :) read more

I have always gotten my hair done by Monica and I wouldn't feel comfortable letting anyone try their hand at figuring out what I wanted. Sometimes I'm not even sure what I want when I go in, but I always love what I get when I go out! I recently got highlights done from about two appointments ago and I loved the color! I used to get highlights pretty regularly but decided to let my hair be natural for a little bit. I also chopped most of my hair off about a year ago and donated it and of course, Monica was the one with the scissors. I would never trust myself even if it was just cutting off a pony tail. The last appointment I had with her, I really wanted something a little more trendy and cutting edge since I was getting a little tired of my same old short hairstyle. My little sister and I both ended up getting really cool asymmetrical cuts which I love because all I have to do is fluff it a bit when I roll out of bed. I'm a super low maintenance kind of person. I would totally recommend Monica to anyone and I do! Most people who know me also know where I get my hair done. read more

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Monica Montalbano is the worst stylist I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. I gave her 1 star in order to make sure that this review was posted. But in reality I would have given her a negative 5 it was that bad. I booked an appointment after reading her Bio online. A quote taken directly from her online Bio " I honor you-I know how important it is to like what you look at in the mirror every day. I do like to play around a lot and am lighthearted but I take my job seriously." It's a complete lie, is all I can say. Quote number two from her online Bio "Communication-we will always have a consultation before a service begins. I'll always give you a chance to be heard. This is your hair and you deserve to have the best hair possible". I came to the appointment prepared with pictures of what I wanted in the style of a modern fringed pixie cut. I even showed pictures of the style I didn't want side by side of what I did want. I explained in detail the difference between the two and what it was that I desired. I shared with her that I had been letting my hair grow for the past 6 months to insure that the desired look could be obtained. I knew from past experience and knowing my own hair that I wanted it cut by the technique known as point cutting. I specifically ask her not to blunt cut my hair, and stressed this several times. I quote her "I don't blunt cut hair ever" so we agree that she would point cut my hair, and that the desired style could be achieved. I feel satisfied that we have successfully communication and that I had been heard. Wrong!!! The service begins, with a shampoo and massage. Nothing out of the ordinary from any other I have received in the past. I don't remember the brand of product used and was given no information regarding it. So, I can only assume it was nothing special. It didn't smell wonderful or unpleasant. No big deal, wasn't there for some luxurious shampoo or massage. However, I was there for a specific type of cut and style, and with the very first snip of hair she failed to do what I asked. I stopped her and reiterated that I wanted her to point cut my hair not to blunt cut it. She laughed and said "I am only blunt cutting it to take the volume out". (this should have been a red flag that I was not going to get the service I had requested and stopped her from proceeding any further with the cut, my 1st mistake) But instead I allowed her to continue with her explanation that she had a process and that I would love my hair. She continues blunt cutting my hair, and the conversation shifts to the usual niceties, what do you do, where were you born, are you married, do have any children... (Now, I remind you I have never met this woman and don't know anything about her.) Well that was all about to change because the conversation quickly moved to her telling me very intimate things about her personal life. Such as her 30 year old daughter was and ex-sex worker, I thought maybe I had heard her wrong and ask do you mean a prostitute, yes she replies. I thought it strange that she would share that with me but with no judgment I continue to lesson. From there she shared information about her daughters' mental illness and her 1st husbands suicide. At this point a feel very uncomfortable and sad for her family members. I question why she would share this information with me, a stranger. Maybe it's just me but as a somewhat private person I wouldn't share that very personal information with someone I just met. My point in sharing this is to warn everyone that Monica is not good at small talk, and socially inept. (2nd red flag, I knew at this point that Monica was not to my liking, my 2nd mistake) She has by this time finished blunt cutting my hair and starts to blow dry it, explaining that she will point cut it after it's dry. I realize that it is to short for the desired style to be achieved and even if she point cuts it I will not get the finished results that I had requested. I show her the pictures again and tell her that she has done exactly what I asked her not to do, she disagrees and continues the cut, sometimes blunt cutting and sometimes point cutting. At one point I even show her the difference in how to hold the scissors, she responds by call another stylist in the room to try and get him to support her. He doesn't and looks mortified to be put in the middle of our now heated argument. She then says that if your not happy, then don't pay. The cut is so bad that I am explaining how we are now going to have to fix it, because I have lost all hope in having the style desired. I agree that I shouldn't have to pay. She sighs, huffs and buffs, even at one point sarcastically makes a racial remark by saying yez-a-maser. I am furious and tell her, that her behavior is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it. I asked to speak to the manager; she informed me she was self employed and leaves the room. BE WARNED MONICA IS A TERRIBLE STYLIST AND A HORRIBLE PERSON!!! read more

I found Monica via Yelp, and thanks to Cee B., I was convinced she was worth a try! I have super long hair and had recently had the layers butchered by my previous hair stylist (who had always been hit or miss, but mostly miss). Monica did an excellent job explaining to me why the layers weren't working like I wanted and how she could fix them such that they could grow out properly. I'm so glad to have found her and will most certainly be back! I think I've found my new go-to stylist :) read more

Okay, I'm trying this again.... Today I had what I think is my seventh haircut with Monica, and it is just as awesome as the first one I had with her. I also watched her give someone else a cut, and I was pretty impressed with the results. She knows how to work well with different hair textures, and she really pays attention to how you want your hair. Plus, she is witty, funny, and super-knowledgeable. I always walk out feeling better than when I went in. Her on-line booking system makes getting an appointment very simple, and you get a reminder the day before. Overall, the best haircut experience I have ever had. Thanks again, Monica! read more

After spending almost 10 yrs with my former haristylist who knew every thing to know about my OCD-ness (as I call it) about my hair, he retired from styling and I was left with a VERY difficult decision of finding a new one... as a woman, and especially one with thin, baby-fine hair... this is a very difficult thing. BUT, a very good friend told me about Monica and said anyone he had every referred to her always came back with great things to say. So, on a leap of faith, I booked my first appointment with Monica. I have since had my hair done with her a couple of times and am planning my next visit pretty soon... LOVE her!!! She is absolutely a doll and I think I may have found my new stylist, and the fact that she didn't give me a hard time for having reddish-purple hair was a bonus too! See you soon Monica! read more

Monica trimmed my hair and gave me full highlights a few weeks ago -- both turned out great. This week, I impulsively let a co-worker cut bangs into my hair, and it did not look pretty. I frantically called Monica, stopped in after leaving work, and she gave me fabulous bangs in a matter of 10 minutes! Definitely a great hairdresser, I would recommend making an appointment! read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review sooner. I've been going to see Monica for upwards of 4 years now. I completely trust her with my hair and any of her suggestions for a new haircut. She convinced me to let her cover my gray and add highlights. I was nervous but, of course, I got tons of compliments. Monica really knows what she is doing for my crazy, wavy hair and I love her for it. read more

I have been depending on Monica for my haircolor for well over a decade. She is an awesome colorist - always leaving my hair looking natural and healthy. As someone who colors her hair regularly, the best compliment I can receive is no compliment at all. I just love that my friends and colleagues don't even notice when my color has been "refreshed"! Monica's work is subtle, beautiful, and perfect. If you're looking for a stylist, go see Monica! You'll find her at Satori on Washington. When you leave, hop over to a hip bar or restaurant and show off your luscious locks! read more

I found Monica by searching for Houston's best hairdresser. After reading the reviews on Yelp, I called for an appointment. I have seen Monica twice now, and agree wholeheartedly! She is awesome, and listens carefully to what you want, but will offer her advice as the expert if you are going off track, or for a look that won't work for you. Monica is extraordinary. read more

Monica does wonders with hair. I have always walked away happy with her work. While I am not a customer that requires products or processes, I am still one to come back even for a quick bang trim. Friends always look fabulous with more complex hair services. If there ever comes a time that I may need to venture into coloring or a higher hair maintenance I know Monica is my gal! read more

Monica does great work. Guys, don't be afraid to go to a salon to get a hair cut. You will notice the difference. Even when I don't comb my hair, it looks combed! she's that good read more

Monica was recommended to me by a friend. She did my highlights and they turned out great. When it was time to have my highlights done again, I made the mistake of using a Deal Find coupon at another salon. My hair was orange when the lady finished. What a disaster. I was in tears. Deal Find could have cared less. I called Monica and admitted that by trying to be cheap, my hair was ruined. She saw me the next day and we took pictures. The look on her face was shock. She started to work and fixed the damage. She is so talented. I have learned my lesson. No more cheap coupons. I only go to Monica. She is a color magician. I highly recommend her. read more

I went to Monica for the first time about a week ago and I loooved what she did with my hair. I have about shoulder length, wavy/curly hair that people often mess up, cutting it so it looks nice when they blow dry it, rather than when I wash it and let it be curly. It really looks great. I specifically got a Yelp account to review this awesome hair cut. I've been to several hair stylists in Houston since I moved here 4 yrs ago, and have never found one good enough to stick with. I think Monica definitely is :D read more

Love Monica! She was recommended to me many years ago by my hair stylist before he moved out of town. Once upon a time, I tried to do my own color - biggest mistake EVER. It turned out way too dark and Monica was able to strip it out without damaging my hair. She does a great job of blending my highlights so they look more natural. My haircuts are always great too. We change them up occassionally and they always work. Recently we tried an express-Keratin treatment and it worked beautifully. She works diligently to keep up with the latest trends, techniques and advances. Keep up the great work, Monica! read more

Monica took me in on very short notice. My hair was in desperate need of cutting and care. She is very knowledgeable and fun to work with. My hair is over processed and I had a lot of breakage. She gave me a haircut that took most of the damage off. It is so cute and makes my hair look much mor healthy. She is willing to work with me to get the health of my hair back which all hairstylists will do. The difference is that it was a hairdresser who got me into this state. I have seen a few since the disaster day. I trust Monica and can't thank her enough. I will definitely see her again! read more