Mario over processed my hair Very unprofessional 8hr + appt. For highlight and base I left crying had little hair left after the appointment was done. read more

This is the best salon I have ever been too. It is a magical salon transported into the heart of east county. Hard to spot in a small strip mall near burger king you never would imagine this kind of upscale salon to be in this area. I have refused to pay for hair cutting or color for so long. Ive let my friends, my dad, my bf, pretty much anyone bleach, dye and cut my hair for about 7 years. I had come here a few times recently for a cut with my mom and had wonderful experiences. It is owned by a couple who really cares about their business and your hair. Mario always takes his time making sure your hair looks perfect. He has given me styling tips, even showing me how to use a flat iron to make my hair wavy. I came in today for what I considered hair emergency. I hadn't dyed my hair in about a year and got bored and decided to bleach my dark brown hair platinum blonde. Well the bleaching went alright but my hair was brittle, breaking and uneven in spots. I had tried all sorts of conditioning methods even bananas to no avail. Mario was able to turn my brittle broom hair into soft luxurious REAL hair! Liz and Mario are wonderful and you will feel right at home in this posh salon. If you are thinking it is a bit out of the way, it is definitely worth it I will recommend that all my friends come here. Thanks salon armas! read more

See all

Mario, you did it yet again! Sorry I don't have a pic to post of my beautiful hair. I have never had more compliments on a hair style. I decided to go short with a color. Mario has a talent for choosing the right style and color to compliment. Soon it will be time to go back to my touch up. I will never go anywhere else for my hair. Thanks so much Mario and Liz. I love you guys. People should be coming your way soon. I can't say enough wonderful things about you. read more

After my first visit, I was raving about Mario to everyone who would listen... Unfortunately, I came back again for highlights and a trim and was less than pleased. I started out by telling him my wedding was the following week and I wanted to go a little brighter than the first time, so he mixed up some new color and went to work. He seemed kind of rushed and didn't put nearly as many foils as the first time. He kept mentioning how his son had a thing at school later that day and he couldn't miss it and also stopped a few times to make phone calls to his wife and other clients. When he checked the highlights he seemed really concerned and rushed me to the sink. He then decided I didn't need toner because it didn't look brassy. Maybe. Or maybe he just didn't want to take the extra time, who knows. All of that was kind of concerning but he did such a great job the first time, I wasn't sweating it... The real reason for the low stars is what I noticed when I got home... HALF AN INCH of roots showing. He literally started all the highlights half an inch from my scalp! Is this normal?! I specifically told him about my wedding the next week so he would know how important it was for these to look perfect. It looked like I hadn't gotten my hair done in a month!! Take a look at my pics and maybe you'll disagree. Maybe I'm a bridezilla and being over dramatic.. But I know one thing: I will never be returning. Unrelated to his work, but worth noting that his wife works along side him and both times he was kind of condescending to her. It was uncomfortable to listen to. read more

Salon Armas - Not so great this time.. - Hair Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

My hair is amazing now! I have been getting compliments every day! Mario did an excellent job and he made sure everything came out perfect. I never knew my hair could look this good! You will be treated with awesome service, I am definitely going back! read more

Salon Armas - Hair Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

I've been looking for someone new to do my hair, since my stylist moved out of town. I found Mario on yelp and many of the reviews seemed to be written by people who were in a similar situation to the one that I was in. I have brown hair, with highlights, and it seemed like every time I had it touched up, my hair kept getting lighter and lighter, overall. I was way over-do for a cut, and my hair was so over-processed, it felt like straw. Mario has that rare combination of experience AND a desire to stay current, with styling and color. I told him what I didn't like about my hair, and showed him a picture of a haircut that was similar to what I wanted, and he took it from there. I love the way that my hair turned out. It feels so healthy and the color is back to something that looks like it belongs on my head. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to post a review, on yelp! I can safely say that I've found my new stylist! I can't remember the last time that I was this happy with the way that my hair turned out, both the color and the cut! read more

I've had very good hairstylist throughout the years but I've never left fully satisfied. I was feeling like it was time for a change and I wanted to try a new salon I was saying to myself that I should feel beautiful after leaving a salon and I've never fully felt that way until this experience !! Mario and Liz do an incredible job this is the first haircut I fully loved and he spent so much time with my hair has little golden highlight. Mario had some great suggestions with my haircut and layered it and kept my length first haircut I love! He really has the best of both worlds because he'll he has experience but also will give you a modern style. He's very good about knowing what will look nice for your style really glad that I read the yelp reviews and they're all true this place is just fabulous be back soon!! read more

I just my hair cut and colored there today and I LOVE IT. Kept my long length vamped up my dull layers and colored my hair a cotton candy pink and hot magenta. Now ive had a 6 yr streak of misses. And a long time desire to have trendy looking hair without chopping off all my hair. I am so happy to have,found this place. Liz was so patient with me because my hair had a tough time lifting. Instead of giving me a half ass color she stuck with it and made sure it came out great. Most places wont even consider putting on the pink color for me. And trying to dye my own hair isnt the most fun experience. Im glad she stained her hands to accomodate to me. :) new year new hair. And now I have found New a place I can trust my hair to. ive fallen in love sith salon armas read more

Salon Armas - Hair Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Mario and Liz have not only been doing my hair for years but they have been great friends for years! They are such great company to be in. The atmosphere they create is so comforting and enjoyable. Every time I visit the salon I leave feeling so vibrant and beautiful. Mario always says he can't sleep if he doesn't completely finish your hair - style and all- even if you are just going home to bed! ;) I am a VERY picky blond, and Mario knows how to work his magic on my strands. Salon Armas is a hidden gem. Become a client before every one finds out the secret!! You will NOT be disappointed. Tell him Carolann sent you. :) read more

I have been going to Mario and Elizabeth for years now... And I will never leave. They strive to make sure you get what you want. Mario is an expert in color and Elizabeth listens well and makes sure you leave happy. read more

Ok, so I've been meaning to get on here and do this for a while. I've been to Mario and Elizabeth 3 times now. I found them right after I was in a serious accident and left with major scars on my head. (Which are shown in the first pictures--sorry. I had to give them their justice due.) They fixed my hair up so nice and cute every time. They have just done such a great job and are so caring-- I would recommend them to my mother,(and I did)! hehe. Every time I walk out I seriously feel like I had a head transplant! :) Pictures are worth a thousand words, so if you don't believe me look and see! :) read more

After 2 years of no haircut and growing my hair out...I decided I desperately needed a cut. I am pretty cheap and usually like a groupon or coupon. But whenever I yelp the reviews on the groupon places I say forget it! Today I went straight to yelp and five stars. Well I called on a Friday afternoon and she said she could take me ASAP. Yea! I arrived and was greeted by the team of Liz and Mario. So warm welcoming and professional plus a great looking salon too! She gave me magazines to look over styles felt my hair made suggestions took her time and let me chat out all my questions and concerns. I usually don't feel comfortable saying very much at other salons. Okay so I felt like a million bucks with a shampoo and she gave me a conditioning treatment!! Fabulous cut I mean perfect clean shiny styled cut to clean up my dead ends. Took such time. Thanks Liz! read more

I have been going to Mario and Liz since I was 18 and wouldn't and haven't trusted anyone else with my hair. They've always been great to be around and help me get the look I want. It does take time though so be prepared. Always worth it. read more

Everything but my appointment time was to my liking. I made an appt for 2pm and got there just on time and still had to wait an hour to get looked at. But overall good work! read more

I am African American and Liz and Mario helped me transition out of using relaxers on my hair. I am now able to have them flat iron it once a week and it's every bit as straight as it was when I was getting relaxers, but now it's the healthiest it's ever been without having to use all those chemicals that were destroying my hair. They've also recommended a lot of really good products that work really well for me. I highly recommend them both. I am very pleased with the results! read more

This is the second time I came to get my hair color and cut and I absolutely loved it both times, I think Mario and Liz are amazing people and have a beautiful salon, only thing I have to say I didn't like was the fact that I came in with a budget and was exceeded, I did mention it to Liz and then Mario and wasn't going to get a hair cut, turns out we just lifted the color and didn't add any highlights, he cleaned up my hair cut and I still walked out paying $150.00 which was not within my means of spending, but at that point what are you suppose to do, I defiantly recommend this place but do think they should give you a price range before hand, other wise love everything else. read more

For years I was keeping my hair closely cut to the scalp and bleached blonde with a platinum toner. Well, my hairstylist retired and sent me on a path of destruction. I found my first stylist who could not keep my appointments straight so after the second flub I decided to hit the streets looking for another. The second stylist was a young thing who did not know how to get the bleach right let alone the toner so I hit the streets yet again. This time I gave up and decided to just let my hair grow out and go back to my dull dark color. I was just blah until I found Mario of Salon Armas. It was on just a fluke that found him. I always said I would never keep my hair short and dark and I tried to live by that motto but I had been without hair for so long that I needed a cut. Not knowing where to go I remembered whenever I went into Empire Beauty Supply at Parkway Plaza's adjacent strip mall across from Macy's I saw that they had a salon in the back. I decided to give them a call and that is where I found my magician, Mario. My first visit was just a short cut. I was pleased with the cut he gave me and I spoke with him about maybe going back to my blonde/platinum path. He told me whenever I was ready he would be there and he was. I called on a Wednesday night, he was so pleasant and gave me an appointment for that Saturday morning. I went in and he worked his magic. For the first time in years, I came out with my hair the color I wanted and I couldn't be happier. Mario and his beautiful wife Elizabeth are so pleasant and their salon is quaintly placed behind the beauty supply store. It is quite, clean and I felt right at home. I would recommend this salon to everyone I meet or see who ask me about my hair. See, I am a black/asian woman with this platinum hair so a lot of times when I go out and about people just look at me because my hair color is so different. In the past women would approach me to ask me where I get my hair colored. Now, I am going to tell them without hesitation, Salon Armas and recommend they go for whatever their hair needs are because I know Mario and Elizabeth will meet and most likely exceed their expectations as they have done for me. Please, go and try them out, they ROCK... read more

Great salon! Liz took care of me today. Both Mario and LIz are super friendly and easy to talk to. Liz did a wonderful job on my cut and color. I can't wait to go back again. Highly recommend coming to Salon Armas. They do a great job and for a great price. read more

I've waited quite some time to get my haircut and have always had lukewarm feelings to the salons I've been to. I've tried the pricey trendy salons in downtown, to independent ones, and to the cop out Fantastic Sams or Supercuts. Each time I've always left with kind of an okay feeling, sometimes it would just feel like a trim or that the stylist interpreted what I wanted in their own way which is different from what I wanted. I got tired of my long hair that was mostly dead at the ends and really did very little for me so I wanted a change and I'm glad I looked around Yelp for this salon. Mario and Liz were super friendly and inviting. I went from chest-length hair to almost chin-length along with coloring and I'm so happy with the results. I brought a picture and for the first time I think ever my hair actually came out like I wanted, event better than expected. Even being the last customer Liz was nice enough to show me how to curl my hair and they both made me feel welcome the whole appointment. All in all, super satisfied. read more

Salon Armas - Hair Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

I love Mario and Liz! Liz has been doing my hair for a while now and I always leave feeling like a million bucks!! Great prices too:-) they' both have great personality and always make you feel welcome!!! read more

Mario and Liz are great and I had a wonderful experience for the first time. Mario was nice and easy to talk to. He explain what he does to my hair and also give suggestion. I came out of the salon feeling great. I have a new look and a new place to return to make sure my hair is being taken care of by these lovely couple. read more

The lovely couple that own this business gave me wonderful service. I wanted a sexy wig and a full makeover. I was very pleased with the whole outcome!! read more

Best haircut in years! Liz and Mario charmed me the minute I walked in. They're pros who really love their work. Awesome price, great service and wonderful people. LOVE! read more

Love this salon! I left a new women with my signature haircut! Mario and Liz are such wonderful stylist, I always leave looking polished :) If you want a great new improved look, go there. They are also pleasant to hang with. Thanks again read more

okay let me start by saying that I liked both Elizabeth and Mario; they are a very nice people and very welcoming. I went there for the first time for a hair cut-the good thing is that they have a nice first time customer haircut price, which I think it is amazingly reasonable- I mean the hair cut is Wow! & I did a treatment at the Salon for my hair before actually cutting my hair and another wow! It is worth the trip. Professional people & their job is excellent! They make sure that your hair cut is perfect and that your hair is adjusted! I would for sure come back again when I decide to cut my hair! read more

As much as I liked my previous stylist, I was coming away from his hands disappointed. He just didn't seem to get, or do, what I wanted. I scoured the yelp reviews and found Salon Armas. I liked that it had five stars and figured I'd stop in to see what it would cost to redo my do. Mario sat me down and told me what it would take to get me to the color I wanted. Although I was a little shell shocked at the initial price, I now understand the undertaking both he and his wife had to do in order to get me the color I was looking for. I have fairly thick hair down to the middle of my back that had golden brown undertones with a blonde halo and grey roots mixed with my natural dark blonde hair. It was a nightmare. Seriously. I let it go so long from the last color that It was looking like I was some kind of tweaker. Mario got me in the next morning. Poor guy had his work cut out for him. He told me that he would bring in cool brown tones that would work better with my skin color and dark brown eyes. I had not been a brunette in many years because of previous disappointment with stylists using warm colors in my hair. The color is beautiful and what I wanted. It's rich looking and honestly looks better than the tired blonde I was hanging on to for so long. He did a great job with the cut as well. The other reviews said how nice he and his wife were...and they are so true. They are both very friendly and make you feel very welcomed the second you walk in. I also like that he doesn't double book, so you get the quality time for which you pay for. The upkeep will also be cheaper - which will be great. I'm just so happy to have found someone that listened and knew what they were doing. You will not be disappointed. read more

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. A lovely family business I hope to support for many years to come. I don't do the salon thing usually, but finding Mario has changed my mind. He really listened to me. Spent plenty of time getting to know my hair, and I left with a haircut that I'm still raving about two days later. You know how it is when you get home, the style usually goes flat, then there's that first shower you take and you think oh, it's done, back to plain ol' me. Well, nope. Two showers later, and I'm still very happy with my hair. It just falls into place. My hair. The location is great too. The strip mall they are in is right next to a busy Mall, however, without all the busy indoor mall crowd. Plenty of parking right in front of the shop. Near Best Buy, Borders, and a Jenny Craig center. Just google it and get there! Tucked away in a beauty supply shop that also has great products. And speaking of products. I never felt that Mario was pushing products as you usually get when you go to those chain hair-cut places. I'll be back. read more

I went to Salon Armas over the weekend and brought my mom with me. Mario and his wife Elizabeth (i think that was her name) were super nice. We were there for a few hours, which is fine with me because they did a great job. I got a cut and color, and Mario and Elizabeth offered suggestions that would suit my hair, etc. We were both very happy, especially since we didnt walk out with the same generic haircut. I've recieved several compliments and will be going back! read more

The most important thing you can find when you move to a new area is a Hair Stylist. I move a lot for work so it is sometimes very hard to find a good one right from the start. I got lucky here. I found Mario and Elizabeth Armas, at the Salon Armas! I went in looking terrible and came out looking like a new woman. He chose the color and the cut and what a difference! I would recommend this salon to everyone. Thanks Mario it's looks great. I have had so many compliments from people. What a wonderful salon! read more

I was much overdue for a hair cut. I had a falling out with my hair stylist of 10+ years and have been on a search for the past year for an amazing hair stylist. I am so glad I went here! I called on a Saturday morning for an appt and they got me in within 2 hours. Liz cut my hair and did a wonderful job! She took her time and it was nice to not feel like she was rushing. I have very long & thick hair and she cut it exactly how I wanted. She gave me a conditioning treatment & also styled my hair (flat iron) just how I like it. Liz & Mario are a very nice couple and I am so glad I was able to finally find a hair stylist I love again! I will definitely be back and recommend this salon to anyone wanting a great hair cut! read more

I just went to have my hair color lightened. My appointment was at 1200, I was there 15 min early and sat in a waiting chair for over an hour before I was helped, I told Mario that I wanted to go lighter and didn't want to have red in my hair, I understood that it wasn't going to be exact to what I wanted because my hair was so dark. Not only did I wait for over an hour for my scheduled appointment, I was treated rudely, rushed and not given the best treatment. I am only slightly pleased with the actual color of my hair. I would never recommend this place to anyone for the price and the service, I was quoted in the salon by Elizabeth 60 dollar, and ended up paying 90. Very unhappy. read more

I have been to the salon 2 times now and am very pleased with the cut and color I have received. Mario and Liz are a great team. They are very passionate about what they do. And they care. My first time in, Mario took the time to treat my hair to much needed oils and conditioner. I have received so many compliments on my hair in the last couple of weeks! I couldn't be happier with it. I highly recommend Liz and Mario at Salon Armas! read more

I have been going to Mario for many years and have always been super happy with the work he does on my hair. Mario is a true professional and an artist. I would highly recommend him and his wife Liz. Give him a try you will be happy! read more

If I can give Salon Armas a 0 star, I would. Beware, he is full of trickery. You would agree with the price. Then halfway into doing your hair, he will increase the price or he will not finish your hair. You will be trapped and don't know what to do. Horrible work, and zero professionalism. He is a scam artist. read more

It was such a positive experience visiting this salon. Liz did a great job on my blow out. Chatting with Liz and Mario was like visiting with family - they are so nice. Mario does highlights for Liz and her hair is gorgeous. The salon itself feels luxurious without any pressure to purchase product. I will definitely visit again the next time I'm in the area and I'll make time for a hair cut too. read more

I just moved to east county and was in search of a great hair stylist in the area (i.e. one that could do both cut and color at a reasonable price). I also wanted to find a place I would feel welcomed and comfortable....Salon Armas far exceeded my expectations! I have been doing my own color for a couple of yrs now (as Im a brunette with and didnt think there was much to covering up my grey hairs with dark hair color). However, I've learned over time that box color only lasts about a month and then all the greys are back in full force, so I finally decided to start going to a salon again. The scary part for me was to find a sylist who could also give me a great cut. From the time I walked in I felt like my satisfaction was top prority for Mario and Liz (the owners that both worked on my hair). Mario gave me the consultation, and I felt like he really listened to exactly what I wanted. Liz started first and applied my beautiful highlights and color. She and Mario are both really lovely to chat with too...I felt right away like I made new friends. Once Mario took back over and started to blow dry my hair I could see the perfect color/hightlights....EXACTLY what I asked for! Mario then drycut my hair. Years ago I had a fabulous "hair cutter" that would drycut my hair (but he didnt color very well) and I thought to myself about Mario, "This guy knows what hes doing". I walked out feeling really beautiful and I have Mario and Liz to thank for that. This is by far, the best salon experience I have ever had and I will definitely be back!! read more