What a wonderful salon!!! I am a retired and former stylist at Salon 121 and would like to say the staff at 121 are incredibly talented and professional! If you are looking for a fresh new look, you will be in good hands with any of the stylists!!!! read more

Horrendous experience: 1. Made an appt for a haircut on Friday 5/18, for 5/19 @ 4pm. 2. Arrived 10 minutes till 4pm. 3. No one at reception desk, a few stylists looked up, but no one helped me. 4. Sat down. 5. Left to purchase a beverage. 6. Returned 2 minutes till 4pm. 7. Waited till 4:02pm, same response, no one acknowledged me. 8. 4:03pm, fed up and left in search for another salon. I don't care HOW busy you are, someone needs to step away from their client for 10 seconds, to let the client waiting know someone will be right with them. Cut/style $65. NOTHING is cute or chic about this salon. read more

This place is great! Especially if you're looking to walk in and have your hair trimmed. I saw Gina just now and had her buzz down my undercut and trim my bangs! She gave me a great deal and was quick(as well as a great conversationalist!)!! read more

Beatriz is a very attentive and wonderful hair stylist. She is multi talented and can do whatever hairstyle you wish. Give Salon 121 a try, you will not regret it! read more

Salon 121 is cutely decorated with a personal touch. Stephanie James (formerly Gobright) has been my hairdresser now for 13 years and she is incredible. She always has great suggestions, but also doesn't push them on me like many other hair dressers. She is very fair when it comes to her pricing and she always does a fantastic job. I get my hair dyed red and it has always been difficult to maintain a consistent color throghout. She has mastered that and when I get it cut, she always makes it look cute. I always love the way she styles my hair and she is fabulous interacting with all different kinds of customers. She is very social and can always make a person feel comfortable. She did my hair and makeup for my wedding last year and I felt like a princess. Everyone said how beautiful I looked that night! I can't say enough about Stephanie James (formerly Gobright) because frankly, she is a master of her art. She is so highly skilled and with how difficult it can be to find a good hair dresser, I am so lucky to have her as my stylist. If you want to try someone new, you definitely can't go wrong with Stephanie! read more

I happened to meet Gina Gubatan at Peet's Coffee and made an appointment. I am so glad I did! My bad hair day comes when I have my strait hair serviced by someone who does not know how to cut your hair so it lays smooth and contours to your face. Not easy to do! This time Gina did not disappoint! Gina did one of the best hair cuts I have had since my Mom (also a professional hair stylist). The sweet lady is a pro. I highly recommend her to any and all my friends. Gina was at Vogue and is now at Salon 121 on main Street. Thanks again Gina! Billy read more

I just got back from having my hair cut and colored for the first time with Kenya, and it turned out great!! I took in a picture of a short hairstyle I liked, and she was very honest and said that this was probably going to be too short for me -- we talked about it and decided on a style with the same general feel, but more length. She also fixed up my color -- low lights plus highlights for a natural blonde look. This too turned out great. It's on the spendy side (but not so much for Los Altos) -- $165 for a cut and highlights, but she did a seriously great job. Note she only takes cash or checks. read more

Sylvia is Fantastic!!! I walked in 8 years ago not really knowing what I wanted other than a change. She suggested some low lights around my face to bring out my big blue eyes. I needed a good cut badly and was thrilled with the end result. Most of the time when I leave a salon I end up going home and re-styling my hair. I wanted to go out on the town!!!! Needless to say, I've been loyal to her since. I just love all the staff...so nice to me every time I'm there. read more

This review is for the stylist Doanie! She is amaaaazing! Having lived abroad the last six months and moved around from coast to coast and place to place for several years, I was in dire need of consistency when it came to touching up my highlights when I finally moved back to the Bay for good. I first tried out another place and was really I satisfied with the color of my highlights as well as the uneven trim that I got so I was hesitant to go back again. Then I found Doanie! This girl is so good at her job and will crack you up while she does it. I got all-over highlights and she trimmed some of my uneven ends. Not only did the color and placement of my toned highlights turn out perfect (no ombré effect along the hair length) but my hair is finally even again with her quick trim. I'm trying to grow out my long bob and Doanie listened as I told her what I wanted. So glad because I never have to search for another Bay Area stylist again. She's going to be responsible for my roots and layers in the future! I've also recommended her to all my friends and my friend, an almost bride, is heading to her before her wedding this weekend. Thanks Doanie, you rock! Also, the salon is gorgeous, contemporary, and with fabulous professional products. A plus all the way. read more

Michelle did my hair and makeup for our wedding last weekend. She did such a fabulous job; I'd recommend her highly and her colleague Kayla (who did my mother's hair and sister-in-law's hair and makeup too). We all looked great and our hair and makeup held up all night through sweat and tears! Salon 121 is a gem--such a calm and non-stressful place for wedding hair and makeup. All of the stylists there are so friendly and kind-- no one is snobby at all! Also they stayed on schedule and I wasn't stressed out that we were running low on time. Overall it was a dream! The hair and makeup trial with Michelle was great as well. She is so talented, gorgeous and good with people too!! Huge thanks to Michelle and Kayla--we had such a wonderful experience and will highly recommend going forward to friends as well! I'll be back! read more

If you are in need of a cut and color...head to Salon 121 and ask for Loren! She is the best hairstylist ever :) I was looking for a new, fun hair cut and semi explained what I was looking for and Loren said "Okay I have got something in mind". I was a bit nervous since I usually go into salon's with a picture in my hand of a hair cut that I want. I trusted her and am glad I did. This is by far the best hair cut I have ever had and will definitely be going back to Loren! A little pricy but totally worth every penny. The other thing I really liked about Loren was that she cut layers that framed my face perfectly...she actually took into account what would look good on me! read more

After many years of looking for the right hair stylist, i have finally found her "Vida" is her name. I have long hair and would like to keep it that way. Every hair stylist i dealt with always tried to pressure me to go shorter and always hinted about cutting it shorter. Honestly i disliked this pressure, thats why i never returned to those salons. I came across Salon 121, decided to check it out and walked-in, Vida was the person that approached me and was very friendly and welcoming. I expressed what i had in mind for my hair, she trimmed it and surpassed my expectations. I personally prefer my layers to blend not steps/ or levels, she sure does professional blending and i am a satisfied customer. My friends notices how my hair grows faster and healthier and are looking to set up an appointment soon. Will continue to come! =) read more

Great Service, wonderful staff...Kristi can do it all! I love it there, don't take my space!

Love this Salon 12. Michelle M. really knows how to do blonde. She is a talented person as well as extremely professional. She always amazes me when completed and I look in the mirror at my hairdo. read more

I walked in on a Tuesday afternoon, not knowing what to expect after having just been dissed by a couple of other Los Altos salons who seemed put out by my request for a same-day appointment. I was greeted in a friendly way and lucky enough to have my hair cut and styled by the sweet and wonderful Monica. I've been growing out my grays and feeling frumpy, and she knew exactly what to do to make my hair look flattering and stylish. Both my husband and teenage son said the cut made me look years younger! And the bill was only $45 -- a bargain! Highly recommend this salon! read more

Super great service at a fair price. Love my new hair stylist Melissa she is very accommodating.

You know you have a great stylist when someone stops you in a parking lot and says "I've just moved here and don't have a hairdresser yet. I LOVE your hair. Who is your stylist?" Thank you, Kristy! read more

I've had my hair cut by Michele for years! She's truly an amazing stylist and wonderful to talk to.

Vida and Sarah are wonderful! I walked into Salon 121 in Jan 2012 looking for a new stylist. Sarah, the friendly, upbeat red-haired receptionist greeted me at the door with a most welcoming smile and immediately referred me to Vida, a new stylist :) I'm delighted to share that my experience was excellent from beginning to end ... so much so, that I'm now a regular customer, visiting Salon 121 once a week for a wash & blow dry. Vida is a great person who is very gentle, experienced, professional, and best of all, excellent with cut, color, and style. 1. In the mood for a change? Vida will happily work with you to achieve the new refreshing look that you desire (as she does for me). 2. New color? Her suggestions are always fabulous (I can vouch for that). 3. Looking to improve the health of your hair? She will put a program in place for you (as she does for me). I'd highly recommend the winning Vida/Sarah combo 100%! Many thanks to both of them for making me feel like a valued, appreciated customer ... and for providing such a positive salon experience ... every week :)) read more

Gina has been cutting my hair for years now! My hair is perfect every time. It's hard to find someone that is as skilled as she is and provides great conversation at the same time. I look forward to seeing her when I know my hair is starting to get long! She has become more that just my stylist, she is a personal friend as well now! I highly recommend seeing her if you are looking for a quality hair cut and an enjoyable experience at the same time! read more

I got color done by the stylist Gina and I absolutely love it! Came out even better than I thought it would. I also liked the look and feel of the salon, and the location of it is a plus! I look forward to getting my hair done again by Gina in the near future! read more

My wife had a terrible experience at this place on our wedding day- here is what she has to say: I made a consultation prior to my wedding day at the Salon. I was assured that I would have enough time on my wedding day to make necessary changes if my hair and makeup did not come out as planned. However, here is how it really went down, ON MY WEDDING DAY: 1. I was worked on LAST among my wedding party, and therefore the salon owner and makeup artist RUSHED through my hair and makeup, working on them simultaneously. 2. My hair did not come out as we had planned ahead of time. The top layer of my hair was curled, but underneath it had been teased and was frizzy and ugly. My hair is already thick and I have a lot of it, so I don't understand why it needed to be teased. 3. The hair-do only lasted for a couple of hours, and it was frizzy and messy for the rest of the night. It makes me ANGRY when I look back at my wedding pictures! 4. The makeup came out OK, however, the "artist" NEGLECTED TO USE WATERPROOF EYELINER!!!!! My makeup ran immediately and smeared all over the eyeshadow. I had no time to salvage it during the wedding. 5. The lipstick that was used looked nice in person, but it made me look pale in pictures. I trusted that the makeup artist knew what they were doing, but clearly she did not. 6. I was also assured that I would be out by the time I had discussed, however, I was 40 MINUTES LATE to my own wedding due to their poor planning!!!! 7. I was also told during my consultation that I would be allowed to play music to set the mood on the day of the wedding, but on the day of I was told that it would "disturb the other customers" Overall, I had a horrible experience at Salon 121. I do not recommend anyone go to this place for your wedding makeup and hair, as clearly they don't care how special your big day is to you. read more

* * * Update: I stopped going there about a year ago * * * i'm very, very particular about my hair . . . i think short hair is harder to cut and maintain than long hair is . . . i've broken up with more hair stylists than i have with guys over the years because some of them just don't get my hair - the hair stylists, that is. i've been getting my hair cut by kenya kim for going on 5 years - that's longer than some marriages last! kenya's awesome . . . she listens to me before she even puts those scissors anywhere near my head and i feel like a million bucks by the time she's done. i have cow licks from hell but kenya knows how to work it so they don't show. i heart kenya and would never dream of going anywhere else! check her out at at htttp://www.kenya-kim.com. read more

Monica has been cutting my hair for 5 years! She makes me look and feel great ! Love their salon atmosphere, everyone is friends there and makes it an cool place for me ( as a man ) to get treated to a nice cut. 5 stars, come get your hair done here! read more

I got a bridal hair updo trial with this Saloon that would be for 30 minutes. I showed the stylist a picture that i would like to be done. She just put my hair up with little effort, and said it's gonna look something similar, i know what to do, but this is just a trial and we have only 30 mins. I understand that she would not do me the final version, but the abstract looked no where near what i showed her. I told her the mistakes she had done, and how she should have done instead. She acknowledged and said 'oh yes yes i know what to do, i pictured in my mind and time is up'. I was really upset and a bit angry and told her that i can't make a decision on what she things that it would look like in her mind. Since they didn't want to lose a customer, they decided to make a discount on my visit, and asked me to book another appointment for a full hour. If i wasn't getting anything out of the first visit, what was the point of booking it and wasting my money and time? I had no idea after all what she was going to do if i was to choose her, or alternatively, i had to come back and pay extra money to get a better idea. I also got my makeup done by another artist at the same day. It was ok, but wasn't really like amazing or anything. She did a decent job. But did not listen to the fact that i wanted more pronounced eyes. She did a nice day time makeup and told me that it's old fashioned to do anything more. Once the makeup was almost over, she opened one of her bags that i did not see before, and it was covered with something dark, which to me looked like mold. It was the bag with all the moisturizers and sprays.. Overall, don't waste your money by booking for just a trial hair updo, if you really want to go with her, book a full hour, hour and a half, to make sure you get close to the final picture. Also, i did not like how i was treated there. They were both kind of arrogant. read more

Kenya Kim at this salon really rocks. She has been cutting my hair for more than 10 years. I have followed her from 2 other salons. She now cuts and colors my husbands hair, and my daughter, who is very picky, being 17 years old. She listens to you, and is a precision hair cutter. You wont be disappointed. She is amazing read more

I've been going to Sylvia at this salon for several years, referred by a close friend who has been going to Salon 121 even longer than that. We are both very happy with the services received, haircuts, highlights, facial waxing etc. In addition, I find the atmosphere to be relaxing and soothing which adds to the experience. I highly recommend this salon. read more

Great salon, awesome location, and such nice and professional hairstylists. I love Kate, she does such a good job each time and really makes you feel comfortable. This salon is great for walk-ins or schedule an appointment. If you call to schedule my I highly recommend Kate... You will not be disappointed!!! read more

Salon 121 is comfortable, convenient, and is now my place for hair cuts. Ask for Doanie Truong. She's an incredible stylist. Very thorough with her work and always has great suggestions. I used to do walk-ins only, at mega establishments like supercuts or at quick and cheap barber shops. Result varied. Most of the time I'd leave scratching my head trying to figure out why my cut looked so strange. Doanie does a great job every time. It's so much more satisfying to know that I can get a consistent cut that looks great. Make sure you make an appointment with Doanie. She's difficult to get as a walk-in. read more

We came in with our daughter, who is going through radiation treatments and losing her hair, Kristy was so kind and gentle with her and gave her a cute, edgy haircut for her last week with hair. Everyone working was very nice and it was apparent that customer care is important to them. We live out of town but will make a point to come back when we are in the area - I have already recommended them to a few locals :) We are very appreciative~ read more

I have been coming here for almost 2 years now. Michelle is awesome! I have come for hair cuts, and even scheduled a few cut and style sessions before events same day. They have also remodeled a bit inside, and looks great! Still highly recommend! :) read more

Cute place downtown. I've been going here for nearly a year to get Kertain treatment, color and cut. I have naturally super curly hair, Monica does an amazing job with it. I'm always beyond pleased with the results. read more

Monica is THE BEST. Monica styled my hair for my wedding last weekend and did an AMAZING job! I decided to ask Monica to do my hair after seeing her work at my lovely friend, Kate Fox's wedding. While planning for my wedding, I changed my mind about how I wanted to do my hair more than a few times (including the morning of my wedding). Monica handled my hemming and hawing like a champ. She has a great sense of humor and knows how to put anxious brides at ease. I had sent her a few pictures of what I had in mind for my bridesmaids, but what Monica actually did went way above and beyond my expectations! My bridesmaids' hair had the look I was hoping for, but Monica's work was so much more beautiful than what I imagined. My hair looked amazing. Admittedly, I'm a bit biased. But seriously, my hair looked awesome. It was curled and woven and elegant and everything I wanted, and...it stayed flawless all night! If you want to look beautiful and feel confident on your wedding day, book Monica! read more

I travel all the way down to Los Altos from San Francisco to get my hair cut by Kenya Kim at Salon 121. Recently, I turned my wife on to Kena's superb work, and even brought my daughter down to get her hair done. We all love Keyna's warm personality and amazing skill! Highly recommended! read more

Just had a great haircut by Monica. I wear my hair short and I find that it is very difficult to find good hair stylists for short hair, especially in the Bay Area. I know what I like and what I don't like but I don't know always how to express that it in technical terms. I don't want a messy hair cut, or a dowdy one, or one that requires a lot of blow drying. I want it to be modern but not messy. Monica, with her friendly, approachable manner, helped me express my desires and reflected back to me what she thought I was looking for. She was right on target. I'm very happy with the cut - it's feminine and well crafted. I will definitely go back to Monica. I should add that she is also great with long hair and up-dos. Monica styled my daughter's hair for prom and she received many compliments all day and night starting with a lady we came across in the parking lot as soon as we exited the salon. Monica also cut my other daughter's hair with long, flowing layers. Very pretty style. My husband has been going to Christie (the salon owner) for several years now and he is very happy there as well. He has very straight hair and requires a precision cut otherwise any flaw will show when it grows out. He will not go to anyone else! All in all we are very happy with Monica and Christie at Salon 121! read more

I've never gotten my hair colored before, so I was hesitant to go anywhere. However, a coworker of mine said she gets her done here and loves it. I took a chance and went for a ombre hair style with Monica. I LOVE IT. I was concerned it would look bad because I straighten my hair often and did not want a distinct line where the color lightens. Plus, I didn't want black hair to bright brown. I told her I wanted a subtle ombre and she did amazing. It is EXACTLY the way I want it. Also, I thought it would be pretty expensive when I was researching places to go. But Salon 121 is reasonable and worth it! Everyone in the salon was very nice. It wasn't very busy for midday on Friday. The receptionist was very friendly and I even got to meet the owner. Monica made sure I knew what she was doing to my hair and what the process was. She offered me water and a magazine a couple times. Overall GREAT experience and customer service. Definitely go here for your next cut, dye or even for nails! read more

Kristy is my Bay Area hair lady! Over the years Kristy has colored, cut and styled my hair several times. I've NEVER shed a tear or wished I had not had my hair done. She has a warm welcoming personality and an eye for the best cut / color for my face and skin tones. She even taught me how to (attempt to) style it on my own, in ways that work for non-professional stylist. She is not pushy; she listens and communicates thoroughly leaving me feeling relaxed and looking beautiful every time. I have found that she meticulous with each cut and does not rush or overbook. In addition, she has cut my finicky teenage son's hair, to his and my liking; which is not an easy task. The only thing that would make this salon experience better would be a glass of wine. read more

I've never let anyone other than Gina touch my hair. She's an expert stylist who stays updated on the latest styles and trends for men. Not only are her haircuts never disappointing, she also has a genuine personality and is a great conversation. I've recommended Gina to countless friends and family members who have turned into repeat customers. I will continue to only see Gina to cut and style my hair until I don't have any more hair to style. read more

Kenya Kim is Salon 121!!! Kenya is a great stylist who takes her time and really listens to what you want. She is very good with cutting Asian hair. Kenya understands texture and is very thorough with her cuts from layers, trims, etc. Whenever I see Kenya she always takes care of me and when she's finished the whole salon is always admiring my hair. read more

This was one of the most expensive ($240) hair cut and highlights I have ever gotten and was a huge disappointment! When I made an appointment, the lady who I ended up with was the new lady at the salon. I have VERY curly hair and it was very clear that she did not know how to deal with it. The actual hair cut was ok, not as good as other places I have gone to. For the highlights they straightened my hair (which left it so damaged) and after they bleached it, they put a dye in it which turned it back to its original color. So right now it is the same color as it was before. When I called to complain, they said to come back after 2 weeks so they could fix it. Unfortunately I was traveling during that time so now they said they will not fix it for free. There are so many salons in this area, go somewhere else! read more