Alicia is an expert in her field and a great person to boot! I have been going to her for many years and I completely trust her. I would highly recommend her to anyone. She has a very high standard and her salon is very clean and well-appointed. It is a very inviting space. She always does her best to accommodate my schedule and is very flexible. If you're looking for a new stylist, give her a call, you will be happy you did. read more

I am a traveling Healthcare worker and got assigned to Oakland/Berkeley and have been desperately needing a talented CRAFTSWOMAN and Alicia is that and more!!! My stylist is out of state so to find Alicia is a true gem and her talent makes me want to actually consider living here permanently!!! She and I met for the first time this week and she nailed what I wanted which were highlights/low lights and an incredible cut and shaping! I feel so lucky and I feel years younger and back in the game of LIFE! I have already gotten compliments and I immediately share the Artist responsible. I can't wait to see you again Alicia in about 10 weeks! Thank you so so much!! read more

I love Alicia and this salon so much! She always gives me fabulous cuts and colors. I've moved away, but when I wanted to change my hair color, I flew in just for her to do it! The darker colors also don't leave a red/copper tint like a lot of other salons. I cannot recommend her enough.  You won't regret coming here. read more

Alicia Orabella is a hair goddess. You can expect a highly skilled specialist who is attentive to your vision and will explain the process while being knowledgeable and cautious of any unsightly color chemical interactions that could affect the outcome. Honestly she's such a warm, dope af individual that I also just enjoy hanging out and chatting as the time passes at the salon. Zero haircut anxiety. Not only did this most recent style last me over TEN months of nonstop compliments from strangers, it helped me feel more comfortable and confident being myself. It's as if she transplants my personality onto my head every time and I cannot overemphasize the impact that has when you know your appearance reflects your self-identity. That's true artistry. Cheers to my hair stylist soulmate! Thank you for helping me embody my true self. read more

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Alicia is amazing! She is a artist! She does it all! I sent all my friends and family to her. And she does such amazing work.

Do NOT trust Alicia Orabella with your hair. She did an awful with my hair and it will take several months if not an entire year to recover. My hair is ruined and my self esteem is severely damaged. read more

This review is four years over due. I hope by now Alicia has some diplomacy and knows how to speak to people. My mom had a color appointment with Alicia and invited me to go. The vibe of the salon was cheerful, clean and up scale. We all had a pleasant conversation as Alicia worked on my moms hair. That is, until I asked what she thought about my hair and if she liked it. This is after my mom saying she hated her hair and Alicia gave her suggestions. Alicia glared are me and said " I hate your hair!" realizing that she came off as a b**** she blushed and said " sorry, your hair looks frizzy, it looks like it get tangled easily and I hate what you did to your hair. Mind you I have curly wavy hair (and ok I bleached and dyed my side burns, which now I see wasn't the best idea. But still, I was 22 at the time). I glared back at her and she got the message right away, she had lost us as clients. She blushed harder and tried to change the subject. Both my mom and I stayed quiet. I know I asked for her thoughts about my hair, but come on. Then when my mom got done with her appointment Alicia couldn't look at us. My moms overall hair color was sub par, it was way too dark and the cut made her look like she had a wig. Will never be back . read more

Alicia is a pro.She definitely knows how to highlight and color hair as well as give excellent haircuts.

I have been a client of Alicia Orabella for close to 30 years, and have followed her through 5 or 6 moves (all which have been over 30 minutes from my home). Her knowledge of color is superior and she has also been an educator in her field for years. I can't rave as much about her cuts because I'm not big on change and have kept the same cut for many years, which means she respects my comfort zone and my wishes. No matter if I just walked out of her salon or haven't seen her for 2 months, I constantly get compliments on my hair - Thank YOU Alicia for your professionalism and knowledge in your field. So excited the county is open for you to open your doors again and have me in your salon!!! read more

Orabella Hair Studio - Head shot showing my hair - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

Alicia is an absolute gem!!! You know when you come across someone so incredibly talented all you wanna do is hoard and keep their existence a secret?! I'm having one of those dilemmas now. Lucky for ya'll, I yelp and feel a need to la-la-Ssssssing praises when I find a great thing. My hairstylist moved away earlier this year ( July ) and I had to explore the terrifying reality of going to someone new. A friend recommended Alicia as a fabulous solution to my problem and I made an appointment. I have LOTS of hair and it needs to be cut into, blunt clipping /straight line cuts don't work on me. She listened to me whine for a few minutes about what I wanted-- as soon as she made the first cut, I took a relaxed breath because I could see she totally knew what she was doing!! Alicia gives a perfect haircut. ;^) Happy camper right here!! read more

Orabella Hair Studio - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

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Alicia is the best!!! I always have such a great experience getting my hair done. Years and years of training and knowledge and she's always learning more. I can't say enough about her. Thank you for making me feel beautiful!!! read more

As a 60 something, I wanted to own my grey but not THAT grey. With confidence and creativity, Alicia highlighted bits of the mousy brown and lowlighted bits of the grey with dark ash blonde. The depth and detail is warm and natural. You are an artist! And from now on you are my colorist! Not only was I immediately at ease, but it was a comfortable cozy environment with nearby street parking. Thank you! read more

Orabella Hair Studio - The depth and detail of the color is wonderful and warm. - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

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Absolute miracle worker!!! Alicia takes so much time and care to be certain you get EXACTLY what you want!! My color was ridiculous ater 9 months of box dying grey....she managed to not only even my tone to match, but demolish my grey. My cut is perfect and easy to style myself. The shop was clean, safe and 100% compliant with the COVID-19 restrictions. I've never felt more safe or satisfied with a hair salon experience. Hats off to Alicia Orabella!!! A true artist!!! read more

Alicia is an incredibly talented colorist and hair stylist. You do not have to worry about having a bad experience. She gives great color/style advice, uses great products and has an amazing skill set. She is a sought after educator in her field and is truly committed to her craft. I wouldn't trust anyone else. She is really one of the very best! read more

I can't say enough great things about Alicia. I've been getting my hair cut and colored by Alicia for the past two years and I have to say that my hair has never looked better. When I moved to the east bay, I was driving to the City or the peninsula to get my hair cut...and then I discovered Alicia. She really is an artist and has an eye for finding you the perfect color. Also, every haircut has turned out better than I could ever have expected. She genuinely cares about giving you the style and color you want so she takes the time to understand what you are going for. She then makes suggestions that are totally spot-on and executes your ideal haircut and color! I just now tell her generally what I want and then give her creative liberty to do her thing. Besides being so talented, Alicia is also a really fun and sweet person. I always look forward to spending a couple hours hanging out with Alicia while she works her magic and then I get to walk out feeling (and looking) like a million bucks. Thanks Alicia! read more

I was referred to Alicia by another highly recommended stylist because she is known by fellow hair professionals for being such a skilled colourist. I agree, I've never had anyone be able to match my natural shade and also make it look sun kissed. When I came in my hair was platinum, purple and three inches of natural red roots. I don't know how she accomplished what she did in one sitting. She's a star! Alicia books in advance so plan ahead and book your appointment in advance. read more

I haven't seen Alicia in a little while, but this review is overdue! To give you some context, and I'm one of those irritating girls that cares entirely too much about her hair. I'm not easy to please, and having super thick curly hair that I love like a child, it's been really difficult for me to find a hairstylist I like since moving to the Bay Area six years ago. AND THEN IN 2014 THE CLOUDS OPENED UP AND ALICIA, THE GODDESS OF HAIR AND COLOR CAME INTO MY LIFE. But seriously, the lady knows her stuff. I went in with orange, brassy hair from an old dye job and I left with super shiny dark hair that really complimented my skin tone. It magically made my skin look clear, even! I think what I was most happy with, though, was the cut she gave me. We had a lengthy discussion about how so many stylists have cut a lot of my hair off, not taking into consideration just how much curly hair shrinks. Not only was she patient while I ranted, she actually gave me a cut that got rid of so many dead ends while keeping my length and she added texture without making me look like a poodle. That was nearly 5 months ago, and while I def need a trim, it's grown out beautifully! You da best, Alicia! read more

I found Alicia on yelp, so THANK YOU YELP! I have been looking for a stylist since moving to the bay, and I did the unthinkable action of letting my hair go SIX MONTHS before getting it did. Im a curly blonde with fine hair. Alicia gave me a great cut and fantastic color. She also gave me tips for dealing with my thinning hair (thanks, thyroid, ya jerk!) So im making a few changes in my daily beauty regimen to make a difference. Looking forward to my second appointment! : )) read more

Called Alicia Sunday at 11AM, got a call back Tuesday at 11AM. Called her and texted her same day,Tuesday, at 3PM. Still no call, Wednesday so I called her again and here we are on Thursday afternoon and no call or text back. Alicia, If you don't want new clients please kindly say that. This lack of follow through does nothing but waste everyone's time. read more

Alicia is the BEST colorist around! My wife gets complements daily on her hair and everyone wants to know where she goes. Go see Alicia today! BTW, I love my new cut too! read more

Orabella Hair Studio - Cut by Alicia. - Hair Stylists Near Me - Oakland, California

So I came to Alicia - thank god! - for a color correction ... Very shellshocked from a series of mishaps. From the minute I arrived, I knew i was in great hands. Alicia is not just an expert colorist, she is an artist ... My hair has a lot of patchy gray and is not easy to get an even blonde ... After my second visit, i decided to go platinum and wow what an awesome new look! I love her!!!! read more

Alicia is truly an artist. She uses fabulous product and my hair always looks and feels great after she works on it. I have been going to her for years now and highly, HIGHLY recommend her to anyone looking for an exceptional colorist. read more

Alicia is da best! She does a fabulous cut and color for me, and the color is very natural-looking too.

Loved! A welcoming environment. I went to Alicia and she did an excellent job cutting my hair. She is honest, straightforward and does exactly what she says she will do. Such a relief after my disaster at Pony Salon. I will be back again and would definitely recommend. read more

Love this place!!! I had a hair disaster!! I went to La Princess Salon in Alameda for a cut and highlights. I ended up with black hair with blue and grey highlights and the cut was so uneven it was horrible, I googled best hair colorist and Orabella Color Studio came up. I called, emailed and text as I was in need of help. Even though she was on vacation she called me back right away (she could hear the desperation in my voice). Alicia was fantastic!!! She squeezed me in as soon as she got back. She gave me a bleach bath to correct what had happened by the incompetent hair stylist. I then made an appointment for her to correct the cut and get the proper highlights. SO HAPPY!!!! She is the best colorist I have been to. I will not go any other place but to Orabella's. Try Orabella Color Studio you won't disappoint as a matter of fact you will be happy you did. read more

What a great experience. I was able to get a last-minute appointment with Alicia, and she transformed my sad bleached out color with roots showing into a beautiful and totally natural-looking multi-dimensional color that I love. She's so, so great to hang out with and had zero attitude about my thin (and self-colored) hair - not something you can take for granted. Will definitely be back, thank you! read more

I love Alicia! Not only does her personality shine, her work is art! And, her new salon space is amazing, being there is like a little spa vacation! I've gone to salons before with an idea in mind, and been told either it's not possible, or had them try and make a mess of it. Not with Alicia. She works magic! She knows how to magically blend colors, so that it comes out perfect! All I can say is I love her and am truly grateful to have my own personal hair colorist now. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a great color. Thanks Alicia! read more

There is no one like Alicia...anywhere...period. She is a gifted colorist and hair cutter. Her placement of color is pure artistry. I've been going to her for over 15 years and I am known for my hair. It's my crowning glory because of what she does. I get compliments constantly and have recommended her to everyone I know. Her new salon is adorable! Comfortable, spacious and clean! Honestly, she is the BEST! read more

The one on one, the attention to detail, the desire to please and so much more make this salon simply fantastic. I had a lot of color correction (and hair that was trashed from previous salons) and Alicia went to work..and continues to improve my hair with every visit. Plus, she is just a true and caring person. I'm now a regular! read more

What can I tell you that other reviewers haven't? I've been coming to Alicia for over twenty years. She's not only great at her profession, she's an all round wonderful person. GET IN HERE! read more

I went to a place near my apartment in Emeryville and they fried my hair. Alicia was so amazing. She did the perfect color that tied in the prior overly blonde and seamlessly went to a strawberry blonde. She is so wonderful I can not say enough. After 20 years of moving around the country and getting my hair done, it is so nice to know a real miracle worker. read more

It doesn't get any better than this. This is a woman who is serious about her craft and an amazing artist. If you want your hair colored, look no further. I have been following Alicia around for over 19 years now. Her new digs are fabulous. The most amazing colorist and you don't have to go to some swanky, pretentious salon in SF to get the best. read more

I've been going to Alicia for two years. She's an expert colorist who trains other colorists all over the country. And surpise, she's reasonably priced!! She makes my dirty blonde hair very red and makes it shine with health--but it looks almost natural . . . not like Raggedy Ann or Ronald MacDonald. Her sense of color is so spot on, I've had people stop me on the street repeatedly to ask if it's my real hair color. And for folks not in the know, finding the right coppery red hue is a mix of chemistry and artistry. I've had others but Alicia is the best, hands down. Also, I like her personality. She's both friendly and direct. She'll tell you nicely if the blunt bangs you're looking for just aren't quite right for your face shape. In short, if you are very particular about your color (and cut), Alicia is your gal! read more

I made a yelp account just so I could review Alicia! She's everything you could ever ask for in a hairstylist: she listens to what you have to say, takes the time to get to know what you want, is friendly and easy to talk to. What more can you ask for? She corrected my color after a hair disaster, and I am eternally grateful! After that she has taken me from the perfect shade of platinum blonde to a natural looking dirty blonde. I get compliments everywhere I go. She really takes the time to find out what you want, and made the transition from platinum blonde an easy one (it's not easy to let go of that color!). Alicia is a gem! She is truly good at what she does, and is a wonderful hair stylist. I am so happy that I found her and will never go to anyone else. read more

I found Alicia after searching for help correcting a color accident that occurred under less experienced colorists. I reached out to her (when I read wonderful raves on Yelp) and she called me within the hour: thank you! She was sympathetic and made time to see me despite a busy schedule of regular clients, as I was heading out of town to see family. After I was seated in her chair, Alicia was cautious about making too dramatic a change to my color, although I was inclined that the color incident was a signal that it was time for change. Ultimately, she convinced me that less is more until she understood my hair and how it absorbed color. Alicia impressed me in her restraint, as opposed to making a grand statement to impress a new client . I look forward to visit two and beyond. Thank you, Alicia, for your willingness and ability to get my hair back on track. read more

I really needed a color and highlights with depth and went with the reviews on yelp. It was sooooooo worth it! The compliments just keep on coming! Alicia is a master at her craft and it was very much worth the wait to get an appointment. She used four colours on my hair and for the first time ever my roots were not the same color as the rest of the base which looked awesome. I now go once a week to get a Blowdry and each time I leave feeling bouncy! I can't recommend Alicia enough! read more

Omg! Alicia is great!!! She's my new best friend!! I had a bad experience with my hair dresser who only cut my hair. I asked her to bleach my hair because I dyed my hair dark and I wanted to go red and brought the color with me. After a few days I washed it and it became spotty and the color didn't stick. Then I called her and told her what had happened and she told me to color it again... bad mistake it turned into a ginger color. I freaked out and started to look for a color specialist and found Alicia. She took me right away and fixed my hair. I've washed it since and still the same color as if I just got it done. Alicia is great and super sweet she my new hair dresser hands down! Thanks Alicia for such an amazing job and experience. read more

I just moved to Oakland and took a risk on Alisha and am so glad i did. I have been highlighting my hair my whole adult life and no one has come close to the results from Alisha. I like a very natural blonde look. I really think if I didn't tell you, you wouldn't know my hair had been colored. She used three different colors to get the look I wanted- very warm with lovely highlights (and no grey). She also trimmed my hair and that looks great as well. She's also a fun person! read more

I am so happy that I decided to trust Alicia with my hair color and cut based on other reviews I found here. My natural hair color is strawberry blonde and it is almost impossible to get right in a salon. I took photos with me and she talked with me about what I was looking for. I wanted my hair to look like it's natural color - without the grey and white that is creeping in. My hair is also fine and wavy . . . going to a new stylist for just a cut is a gamble, let alone for color. Rest assured that Alicia is a VERY experienced and educated professional, as well as a perfectionist. She nailed my cut and color and I walked out of her studio with my head held high. What everyone else says positively here about her is completely true. Try her for yourself and you will be soooo happy you did! read more