I've been yelping places to get my hair cut at and came across this salon and Jen. Let me start by saying I was really nervous to get my hair cut. My hair is pretty long and I wanted to add more layers to it. I showed Jen a picture of what I wanted to accomplish. So right before she made the first cut I pretty much freaked out asking if that would be too short and she assured me she's a professional and knows what she is doing, and that I'm in good hands. She was 100% right. After she dried and styled my hair it looked exactly like the picture. She seriously did an amazing job! This is the best haircut I've ever received! Thank you Jen!! read more

Updating my review since I recently went in once the salon reopened. Vandy was incredibly Covid-conscious and sanitized everything prior to inviting me inside. There were plastic screens between all the stations and Vandy would spray down anything I or anyone else touched. I am terrified of Covid but felt safe with her. She's also great at doing my hair, but safety is the most important consideration during these times. read more

I went in today to get my hair cut and colored by Monica. She did an outstanding job. I haven't had my hair colored in over 15 years and was a bit nervous. Monica's confidence put me at ease. She exceeded my expectations. I left a happy customer! read more

I'm so beyond happy with how my hair turned out! My hair was dull and really damaged and it showed. It made me so insecure for the longest time but Georgianna brought it back to life, as well as my confidence! It looks better than I imagined and it already feels healthier. Georgianna really cares about her clients and the health of their hair. The whole salon is great. Great atmosphere and I would recommend anyone to come here, you won't be disappointe read more

Rae Talbot Salon - Hair by Georgianna - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I've been going to ***Jennifer Melena***. (IG Insta Hairslangger) for a couple years now and have absolutely loved every second. I am 50 years old and my hair is 26 inches long (without extensions) and reminds me of the virgin hair I had when I was 19. When I first came or her, I showed her a picture of what I wanted to do to my hair but was quite surprised when she said she wouldn't do it. The reason was because she explained to me how damaged my hair was from all the years of processing done to my hair. Instead of just going with what I originally wanted, she helped me nurse my hair back to the healthiest state it has been in a while. With regular visits, recommending the best hair care, she still gave me the hair that I've always wanted by fixing my hair from the inside out. I came to her with my hair length beginning at my shoulders, it is now 26 inches long and it is so incredibly healthy. be prepared to hear nothing but the truth cause she is a no nonsense, typa gal. read more

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Vandy is a fantastic artist! She is skilled, efficient, and kind company. I never miss a chance to get my hair done by her.

I love love love Jen and Christina! had two awesome experiences here and I feel like they really know what they're doing. All while keeping me a healthy haired blonde! read more

First off the salon is really cute and clean. They are a Kevin Murphy salon which I love! This place was very easy to find right on the blvd. I booked with Haley that's actually who this review is for! She did an amazing job on my hair to say the least. I got there a little early was greeted promptly and both my daughter and I were offered something to drink. She got me right in the chair no waiting. We talked about my hair I showed her some photos. She listened to everything I wanted asked the right questions and then got started. From start to finish is was a great experience. She is very knowledgeable and definitely listens to what you want on top of making suggestions. I wanted something low maintenance but brighter for summer. She lightened my base a little and the a full balayage. Which will grow out and blend beautifully. She did an amazing job I love my hair it looks and feels wonderful. Book with her she is great at her craft! Thank you Haley for making my daughter and I feel welcome! Definitely will be coming back!! read more

Rae Talbot Salon - Full Balayage done by Haley - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Vandy was excellent! She did a perfect cut, and was communicative about what I wanted and what she recommends. Great experience, cant wait to go back! read more

I have gone to Amanda at Rae Talbot twice now and have left 100% satisfied each time!!! Amanda really took the time to listen to what I was looking for and worked with me really well. Throughout the entire process she was constantly making sure that we were in the same page before she moved to the next step. She is also so sweet and fun to talk to! The atmosphere in the salon is lovely. All other stylists are super kind. It's such a fun place to be at while getting your haircut! I totally trust Amanda and am always confident that she will do wonders! 10/10, HIGHLY recommend!! read more

Emma is amazing, funny, super sweet, but most of all talented! I want to say I've been coming to see her since june 2016 and I've been nothing but happy! we have done multiple different colors and every time they have come out perfect and I still get compliments on how awesome my hair looks after almost 8 weeks and countless washes. Seriously Emma is so awesome when it comes to coloring and styling hair and she makes hair appointments fun to sit through!!! All the ladies there are also so sweet and it shows that they really care about their clients. And I can tell they are all friends outside of work so it makes the atmosphere enjoyable. read more

they advertise that walk ins are welcomed but when walked in wasn't greeted not once and there was a hairstylist that looked straight at me twice and couldn't even had said be right with you or welcome in nope nothing read more

I love Vandy! I had discovered this salon through yelp and decided to try it out. I went to Vandy who dyed my hair and because I trusted her and her opinion, I decided to get my haircut by her as well (which is big for me) and she didn't disappoint! I definitely recommend this salon to any friend! read more

Rae Talbot Salon - Vandy did an amazing job with my dye back in December so I trusted her with my haircut! She did an amazing job! - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I've had my hair cut here three times, each with different stylists. Although the first two times were over priced, I was happy with the cut. However, the last time I went, Jen cut my hair and the results were awful. She used this "new technique" which I did not question, but seemed very random and almost reckless. At the end I was charged $70... no color or other treatments... just 3-4inches off... which seemed inappropriate. Once I washed and dried my hair, it looked like a blocky mess of layers. They have since grown out, but looking back at the pictures with my friends, we laugh at how bad they were. I haven't been back and don't plan to. You would expect with the aesthetic and prices of the salon that all the stylists would know what they're doing, but sadly thats not the case. read more

This place is so cute and I love the Kevin Murphy products they use! I've been coming here for about 3 years now to see Nicole and she does a great job! Love love love it!!! read more

Rae Talbot Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Anthony is wonderful! The first time I came across his work was through Instagram. He was about 1.5 hrs away. After the first appointment, I was convinced that he was worth it! His work speaks for itself. He has a vast amount of knowledge in what he does and I always look forward to our hair dates. He does not make me feel judged, like other stylists have in the past. He's good with delivering what I ask for, even when I don't know exactly what I want and giving recommendations. read more

This salon is by far the cutest! The whole place is totally chic, the girls are incredibly talented, sweet and gorgeous! I personally saw Nicole who is so gifted and gave my the most amazing color and cut! Exactly what I was looking for and more! My husband loved my hair so much he ended up booking wth her too! The products they use are top notch! We will be lifelong customers! read more

Rae Talbot Salon - My unicorn frap hair! - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I have been working with Vandy for a few months now and I am so excited to have found someone who is so talented! I originally sought out Vandy for wedding services but have continued coming for cuts and just got the most beautiful balayage done! Can't stop checking out my hair, I'm crazy about it! read more

I walked into this salon 4 years ago and asked for the impossible yet Nicole came through 100%. Since then I have gone to her for every cut every color makeup and more never once disappointed. I show her an image & she exceeds my expectations. Taylor the owner is kind, cool and amazing she loves her staff & makes the shop feel homey. Her pups complete the experience. Ignore the bad reviews, if you want your hair to look better than it ever has then this is only place to go. read more

I am very disappointed at this place, after the pandemic their prices skyrocketed. I came in for a highlight and i was informed at the chair that the price i booked for is not the actual price but a range. I have medium length thin hair, and the price i booked for was $280 but when i got to the chair i was informed it was starting at $280-$480. At the end of the day i walked out with a half ass job because i didn't want to pay her ridiculous prices and she did nothing close to what i asked for. I will never be going back. read more

I can always count on Anthony to revitalize my hair and make me feel fabulous again. He's been doing my hair for years and I won't go anywhere else! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. read more

I had previously gotten my hair hair colored at a different salon. The woman left my hair a bright orange brassy color. I booked my appt at Rae Talbot since it is local and many girls from my high school have worked or personally gone there. Walking in the salon it is clean, very chic, and welcoming. Amanda S. Was my stylist she was so sweet, and knowledgeable about products, i am completely clueless when it comes to hair care. I showed her some pictures of what i had in mind and she worked her magic. She listened to me and was able to fix the carrot top disaster on my head, she toned down my roots to match my natural color and gave me an all over balyage. Im so much happier with my hair and will most def be going back! read more

Rae Talbot Salon - I love my hair! Thanks Amanda for giving my this lighter color for summer! :) - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

If you ever go to this place avoid getting your hair done by Crystal, she's the worse. The other girls were so nice and welcoming, not her. I went in wanting an ash balayage. In the middle of doing my hair I noticed she just parted all my hair in 4 strands and started bleaching my hair with no intention of blending it. When done, I told her that it wasn't the color I wanted it. I wanted an ashy balayage and I got an ugly orange brown. I asked her politely to fix it and she gave me such a nasty attitude. I got there at 2pm and left at 9pm, at the end she wanted to charge me extra for the mistake SHE made. I didn't end up getting the color that I wanted. She's the worse. I'm giving the place a 4 star because they were so welcoming but not Crystal. read more

I've seen Vandy twice now for both cut & highlights, and can't see myself going to anyone else! It's obvious by how meticulous and invested in the outcome of the process that she has a natural gift. As a new mom, I'm not able to spend as much time on my hair (or keeping up with my outgrowth) as I'd like, so I can't appreciate more how strategic Vandy is with making sure I can still be blonde without crazy roots! Thank you, Vandy for being so devoted to your clients and sharing your artistry with us- you're a gem and I can't wait to see you again! read more

This review is for Emma R. I've been to the salon twice now for bleach and tone root touchups. I have platinum blonde hair which has been difficult for me to obtain consistency on my roots in the past. Emma really knows what she's doing and the last two times my roots simply disappear and everything is blended so nicely. I've gotten so many compliments on my hair, thank you Emma! read more

Vandy is the girl to book! I asked her to do a color and style that a previous hairstylist said would not be a good fit for me. She was very accommodating and worked with me on what I wanted, in a way that would work for my lifestyle. I ended up with the best cut and color job I have ever had! Vandy is excellent with Covid regulations and made me feel very safe the entire time. My hair looks and feels amazing. read more

I have seen Vandy for about 10 years. She is the best hair stylist I have had! I have moved around, gone to other salons, but I always come back to her. She also did my hair and makeup for my wedding. My hair is thin but when she works her magic with a basic cut and highlight, my hair has volume and dimension! It even grows out nicely if I stop coloring for a while (like during COVID lockdown). The salon is beautiful, welcoming, and accommodating to my needs. Vandy was really great about following safety guidelines when I went in recently, and I got a beautiful color and style. read more

I get my hair done me Georgianna and she is AMAZING! I have a problem of changing my hair between brown and blonde every so often and she has found the perfect solution to helping me achieve this without killing my hair! She also listens to you aardvark provides feedback on why something will or will not work which I love. She is so knowledgeable and I would never let someone else touch my hair again! read more

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I just found my favorite hair salon. Coming across an affordable and accessible hair salon is a challenge. I've been to almost every single one in the Castro Valley area, and this one definitely takes the cake. First off, all of the hair stylists are extremely nice and attentive to what you want. At the same time, they'll be honest about what they think would work best with your particular face, hair texture, and skin tone. But more than anything, they want to make (and keep) you happy. Let's be blunt--it's not about making the moolah for them. It's actually about making you fall completely in love with your hair. This is why they choose products like the Kevin Murphy line. Cruelty-free, paraben-free, and all-around straight goodness for your hair. Since the products aren't swimming with chemicals, you won't have to cry at the thought of you hair getting damaged--because it isn't! My go-to stylist is BriAnna Castro. She wants to achieve the look you're going for, while keeping your hair healthy. I got a balayage from her ($95), and her prices are affordable compared to a lot of other hair stylists in the area. If you want to check out her work, you can browse through her Instagram portfolio: www.instagram.com/cosmobrianna. Not only is she talented, BriAanna is passionate about what she does. And it shows when she gets just as excited as you do when you get your new 'do! I hope Bri never leaves Castro Valley, and that this salon is here to stay. I'm never letting anyone else touch my hair! read more

Rea did a great job on styling my hair for a glamorous 1920's Gatsby party. She is very nice and creative. And, the shop has a great aroma. I will go back there again next week for my birthday hair styling. read more

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This place is awesome! When I walked in, the salon was clean, professional and chic, but not in an intimidating way. My appointment was with Nicole, but Taylor also worked on me. I went in for a dramatic colour change, and when all was said and done it looked really incredible! I couldn't be happier with my experience here and would recommend the salon to anyone. The prices were really reasonable, especially considering how AMAZING it turned out, EXACTLY what I wanted. I have gotten so many compliments on my hair and questions about where I got it done, at work some of the customers have even started calling me "the girl with the hair". GO HERE! read more

We have been following Taylor, the owner, for years now. She is AMAZING for all special occasion styles. I have 3 girls now in college but they saw Taylor for every dance, prom, birthday, graduation, etc... And if you have, know, or have been a teenage girl, you know how picky they are. Taylor has also done my hair a handful of times for special events (a couple weddings, dinners, etc.) As an adult, I didn't want to look like I was going to a prom. Taylor did my hair very soft, up and loose. I recommend her for everyone of all ages. We started seeing Taylor in Pleasanton and now make the drive to Castro Valley just to see her. At least now I know she owns this studio so she won't be going anywhere soon. 8 Thumbs Up from the girls & I. read more

Amazing Color, Amazing blow outs and has brought my hair back from damage that had been done before her. I get daily compliments on my color and how vibrant the color is. If you have ever dealt with Red color, then you will know how fast most reds fade and turn to a copper color. Have never had that problem since I have trusted Jennifer with my hair and it shows why I make the 65 to 70 mile drive from where I live to have her work with my hair. She must be doing it right since I have gained the nickname "the Flame". read more

This review is for Nicole R. She did my highlights and the color was absolutely beautiful (that's what the three stars are for), but it left my hair in terribly damaged condition. I've been getting highlights for years, and I've never had such a bad experience with the way my hair felt afterwards. She also recommended a Kevin Murphy purple shampoo which was absolute garbage. It was expensive- around 70$ for the shampoo and conditioner. I went back few weeks later for a haircut hoping it would revive my hair and she butchered my hair. I asked for a V style cut but that is not what I got. I couldn't tell at first because she curled it but the next day at work everyone was shocked at how horrible of a haircut I had gotten. I went back to get it fixed and she further butchered it. I had to find a new hairstylist to fix it and had to take 8 inches off. Again; the color was beautiful and I've posted a picture of the color before the haircut nightmare. read more

Rae Talbot Salon - Crooked haircut by Nicole R. - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I have been getting my hair done by Nicole for years! She is a color goddess and always nails what I'm looking for, even if I don't know exactly what I want. She has saved my hair from bad highlights the one time I strayed away and brought my hair back to life after many rounds of bleaching. Nicole has dyed my hair all types of colors and I am still left with healthy long hair every time! Not only is she a color goddess, but she is also amazing at makeup and styling! She did my hair and makeup for my wedding and I've never felt more gorgeous. My only request was for Shakira like beach waves and she delivered! We worked together for a year and a half to get my hair to the light color I wanted (right before I got engaged I dyed my hair black). It was a work in progress, but we got there. Even now that I have moved for a different state I always make sure to see Nicole for a touch up when I'm in town! 10/10 read more

Rae Talbot Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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AMAZINGGG! By far the most adorable salon I have ever been to. When I originally came to this salon, my hair was extremely damaged and brittle. Nicole worked her magic on my hair and brought it back to life. The Kevin Murphy products may seem pricey but they are worth every penny. So glad castro valley has an exceptional salon like this. read more

I first sent my daughter in for a Christmas Makeover and was set up with Georgianna who was described as being, "young and hip." She was very attentive to my daughter's ideas and delivered a cut to perfection. A few weeks later I went for myself, I have curly thick hair, and we came up for a strategy to grow my hair out, and she cut an age appropriate look for me. Georgianna is very personable and gives her clients what they want and doesn't stray off from their instructions. Will definitely return. Plus, the dogs are fun to hang out with while waiting. read more

Since moving back to the Bay Area I have had such a hard time finding someone who had the time, patience and right price point to cut my hair! Georgianna has been absolutely wonderful and truly pampers me every time I come in. Everything from being greeted at the door to walking out, I am completely taken care of. Yes, I have only gotten my hair cut here BUT I have seen first-hand the amazing color work she can do! I HIGHLY recommend Georgianna and this salon to anyone and everyone looking for a trim, a new cut and/or color! read more

Today was my first time at Rae Talbots and it met beyond my expectations! The staff is very welcoming and friendly and the environment was very relaxing. I came in with incredibly damaged hair that was a brassy brown color. After receiving a hair cut, dye, and Olaplex treatment my hair feels and looks significantly healthy and rejuvenated! I absolutely cannot thank Jen Melena enough for her service. Jen was also very helpful with product recommendations for my hair and made the whole experience fun. I will definitely be returning to Rae Talbots and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a salon to go to. I assure you, you will not be disappointed. read more

Rae Talbot Salon - Cut, dye, and Olaplex treatment by Jen Melena! - Hair Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Nice haircut. I've had problems finding a good barber My has been telling me I should go to the salon she uses I was bull headed thinking it was only for women, but I finally went. More pricey than a barber but well worth the money read more