This review is for the on-site esthetician, Molly, as Brilliant Skin Works within the salon. I was referred to her by a friend, and I'm simply in love with her services & recommended products! From the start, Molly was super nice and answered all my questions and educated me thoroughly during our consultation. We did a custom blended facial, and she put me at ease by explaining everything she was doing and the products she was using. Afterwards, my face felt amazing! She recommended a foaming cream cleanser and dermodality restorative drops (for acne scarring), keeping in mind my limited budget. I never felt rushed, pushed into purchasing, or dumb for asking questions. My facial was a week ago, and my skin still feels great. I'm using the products, and I'm seriously in love with them. I'm definitely going to continue going to her, and referring people to her as well. Thanks so much Molly! Also, if you 'like' Brilliant Skin Works on facebook, you can see a detailed list of her services AND she offers great specials and deals. read more

I have been going to Brian at Salon Serene for deep tissue massage for several months now and he is great. I am a runner so my legs are constantly in need of repair. Brian does a great job and I always feel like I have fresh legs the next day! The prices are better than most other places I've been; I usually get a 60 minute deep tissue massage but sometimes splurge for 90 minutes and add hot stones. The hot stones are the best! So relaxing. Several times I've gone in and he didn't have a client right after me so he went a few minutes over and never charged extra. Running a half marathon this weekend and already looking forward to my massage next week! read more

I've been going to Salon Serene for most of the time I've lived in San Diego (approx 2 years). Before coming here, I tried many other salons and had a hard time finding anything worthwhile. Serena is awesome! I have long, fine naturally blonde hair and she understands how to lighten my hair without damaging it. My hair has grown a ton and its healthy - thanks to Serena's careful, awesome work! She takes time to understand what you want and works with you to get there (in my case, grow out my hair while keeping it super healthy) In addition to doing hair really well, she is also a blast to chat with. She remembers what we've talked about, etc. You're more than a number to Serena. The pricing is also really reasonable and you get a lot of value for your money. I drive 30 miles round trip to go here and its worth it! read more

I've had my hair cut and colored by Serena twice now. I have very thin hair and not a whole lot of it, so I am always nervous when trying out a new stylist. (who isn't?) I'm not exactly sure what she did differently, but she gave me a haircut that made it SO easy to do my hair each morning. She also made an excellent suggestion on a styling product that was perfect for my hair and she taught me some styling techniques. She definitely went above and beyond. On my second visit to Serena, I decided to get brave and have her change the color of my hair just slightly. I was ready to go a little darker, but I wanted something very specific. She nailed it! I walked out with exactly what I wanted. If you have fine hair like me and you are looking for a stylist you can trust. You found one! For that matter, I am sure she is equally talented with other hair types. read more

I went to this place after forever searching for a place that could cut my hair how I wanted. I have shorter hair, and I color it blonde. So i have trouble finding places that wont take too much length off, since I want it to grow long. I love this place. I had Serena cut and style my hair and she did an amazing job. Not only did she cut it exactly the way i wanted it. and she didnt take a lot of length off. She is very personable and really seems to enjoy her job! She also did a great job of styling my hair! I will definitely be recomending this place to everyone I know! read more

I've been going to Serena for several months now. I was a little nervous to leave my usual hairdresser, but Serena immediately put me at ease. She listened to my concerns and understood what I wanted, then took the time to talk to me about how best to achieve what I was looking for based on my hair type. It's obvious that Serena is passionate about hair - she could tell specifics about my diet based on the condition of my hair, and gave me suggestions of foods and supplements to improve its quality. I took her advice, and my hair has been looking shinier, thicker, and healthier ever since! I've been getting lots of compliments on my structured bob, and its been a breeze to style on my own. I've also seen pictures of some pretty cool, trendy styles/colors that she's done - if I didn't work in such a conservative industry, I would definitely give some of her funkier styles a try! She does great hair no matter your age, hair type, or style preferences. I highly recommend Serena! read more

I had a KGB deal coupon that offered an hour long massage for my friend and me at a discounted price, and as it was my girlfriend's birthday around the corner, I decided to purchase the voucher and give this place a try. After several phone calls that went unanswered, Serena called me back and let me know apologetically that the massage therapist had injured herself and would not be back to work. She then offered to exchange any other services to honor the voucher, which was extremely generous of her! We decided to get facials instead, and had a blast. I liked this place for how accommodating the owner was, how the prices were reasonable, and the selection of snacks and drinks while you wait. read more

I have been visiting Serena for many years. she is very conscientious about my cuts and always works around my busy schedule to book my appointments. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a good stylist. read more

I received a Groupon for a massage as a gift. I don't usually go to male massage therapists and wish I had been told I would be seeing a Brian. I have had several massages in the past and I would call this one mediocre. He was nice but felt I just got my skin rubbed with oil and didn't feel comfortable the way my legs were draped. Most massage therapists tuck the sheets in between your legs, he didn't so I felt like my total butt was exposed. Also,it was not serene since the chatting down the hall was ongoing. I noticed on their web site that they charge $90 for a massage-wouldn't pay that kind of $$$. read more

While I enjoyed the facial with Molly I did not like the atmosphere. While it is fine for a hair salon, it is not what I expect for a facial. Although Molly had relaxing music up very high, the entire time I heard non-stop conversation and laughing from the salon. Again, that is fine for a hair salon, but when I get a facial I want more of a spa like atmosphere. So, while I might try them for salon services I will go elsewhere for a facial so I can truly get into it and relax more. Also, it really was not a 60 minute facial. It took me several minutes to fill out the three pages of required paperwork, get changed, etc. I expect a little of that and maybe I was just grumpy because of all the noise. I really wanted more of what I experience at other skin care places. It's too bad because it is very close to my house. read more

If you're considering a facial by Molly with Brilliant Skin Works at Salon Serene, I highly recommend it. She is super personable, tailors a custom blend of treatments to your specific skin care needs, and helps to create a relaxing environment while doing so. Great atmosphere, and great service. I was led her through a Groupon deal for a 75 minute facial, and I am very impressed. I'll be returning regularly for her amazing services to help me with my adult acne.. she answers your questions and recommends what will work for you! Plus her relaxing sounds of Norah Jones while receiving a peel doesn't hurt either. =) read more

I got a haircut by Serena and was very unhappy. I had hair down to my waist line and asked her to cut off 3 inches and add just a little bit of layering. She ended up cutting about 7 inches off and now my hair is way too short. I wanted to keep it long and get rid of the dead ends and she did not listen. The layering is also dramatic. I am very active and my job requires me to have my hair back. I have tried putting it into a bun and it all just falls out, I tried a braid and it all comes out. I put it in a pony tail and it falls out too. I can not just regrow my hair back so now I am in a tough position. If you have nice long hair and want to keep it that way, I recommend not going here. read more

Before meeting Serena, I had the worst time finding a salon with a stylist who could actually produce what I said I wanted. I always left disappointed in my hairstyles. About 4 years ago, I came across Serena's name. I had reservations about making my way over to yet another salon to get my hair done, but I was desperately in need of something new. I'm so happy I took the chance in going to her. When I walked in, right away, I knew she got me. I refuse to go to anyone else now. Every time I leave, I feel new and refreshed and happy with the results. Honestly, if you want someone who doesn't just say they can do what you want, but can actually do what they mean, go to Serena. She'll treat you good. =) read more

Wow, this salon is wonderful. I have to force my mom to get her hair done half the time, but she willingly took herself back for a second round all on her own. That's saying a lot. Salon Serene is an upscale salon without the snootiness. It is easy to get to, has plenty of parking, and most of all you're going to leave looking like a million bucks. read more

3/2012 I already bought this deal after I got the hair deal so couldn't get a refund. Big mistake. I thought that the salon maybe be bad at hair cuts but they cannot go wrong with a facial. I was wrong. The facial was so ??? worthless. For the first time I felt like, I just paid to have this girl wash my face? I have had many facials in the past and this is the first time I have felt like it was a waste of money. You fill out forms with your concerns and you would think they would read it. Maybe they do but evidently she did not get from the form that I want/needed extractions done. All she did was spray water, blot with napkin - this was done about 3-4 times? I don't recall getting a mask or definitely did not have any extractions done. I think I got my face washed? I did ask her about it but she said, you didn't tell me. I said it is on the form my concerns and why I am here. Overall, all I can think of was oh my goodness, I just paid money to have my face washed and sprayed with a mist and blotted. It was not a very relaxing experience and I am never coming back to this "Salon Serene" and would never recommend this to my friends. 9/2011 I found what I thought was a good KGB deal for for hair cut and color at Salon Serene. I was disappointed for having to pay extra for my length of hair, I guess I should have read the fine print. I was excited to get my hair done before my girls trip. Serene was very friendly and super chatty which is sad that I have write this negative review but I have to be honest. I am not happy with my results at all. I needed a trim without losing too much of my length. I had layered hair prior to going in but came out with a blunt chop mid hair and bottom straight across. I did not notice this after the cut b/c my hair was curled so that the layers would stand out. Once my hair was washed and curls were gone, my hair looks awful. The layers were there but it was not smooth nor did it blend in. It was a straight across cut and then a straight across bottom. It is very noticeable :( read more

I found this salon bc they offered a KBG Deal online. I made a appointment with Terri for a full highlight and hair cut. I am naturally a dark brown/black hair color and Ive been dying my hair blonde 4 years and have had alot of bad experiences so I was very nervous to try somewhere new. Terri was very sweet, she did a great job on my hair. It came out blonde blonde just like I wanted not orangey or yellow looking. The salon is very peaceful, it used to be a doctor's office so there are seperate rooms 4 each hair dresser and it made it very calming. It's also calming and beautiful they way they have it decorated. The products they use are Pureology, Redken and there's also all organic products if I remember right. I think the price was about 125 for a full highlight and cut. read more

Went there with a gift certificate for a 1 hour hot stone massage. I get a massage every two weeks and this place is just "OK". The therapist never touched my neck and experienced therapists always work on the neck unless directed otherwise. The massage business is very competitive and several locations offer 1 hour massages for $59 or less. This place charges $90 (according to the gift certificate) - way too much. You can do better for much less money. read more

Serena is the best, hands down! I was in need of a complete hair makeover since I hadn't touched it in over a year. My ends were fried and my hair was dull with last years highlights. I went on a whim and gave her a call since her salon was close by and I'm SO glad I did. Not only is she very easy to speak to (you know sometimes it can get a bit awkward between the silences) but shes open and comfortable to be around. Oh, and she LISTENS to what YOU want! I went from a streaky mouse brown/blonde to a dark chocolate brown and my hair /still/ feels like I just walked out of the salon (this was about a week ago!) The dye she did was AMAZING and looks completely natural. Not only that she makes sure to get all those pesky split ends without over cutting! I'm seriously in awe of this woman. I will be going back to her for sure! read more

I've been going to Serena for years. She's amazing, I'm very picky with the length of my hair and she does exactly what I ask. I highly recommend her!!! Not to mention she's the nicest person you'll ever meet. read more

I have been going to serena for ever I WOULD NOT GO ANYWHERE else she is the best!!!! in color and cut thank you serena for your salon!!!! Roberta read more

I've been getting my hair styled by the owner, Serena, for probably around 16 or 17 years now. I'm mixed and have hair that sometimes has a mind of its own. But in all the years that I have gone to Serena, I have never been disappointed. And we have certainly experimented enough with my hair over the years that this was a real possibility. Serena has taken my naturally curly brown hair from red to black to blonde, and every color in between. She's straightened my hair. She's put extensions in my hair. She's followed every whim and every fad over the years, and my hair has always looked amazing when she finishes. She is a true artist and is talented beyond words. More than that, she is extremely caring and sensitive to her clients and it shows through her craft. Salon Serene itself is a gem. It's not all noisy and chaotic, like some of the other hair salons and spas I've been in. As soon as you step inside Salon Serene, there is a quiet zen feeling that is very refreshing. It's a cozy and comfortable place to get yourself pampered, by gifted and friendly people. What more could anyone want? read more

It was the worst massage I've ever had. It was like the massage therapist called in sick and they ask the receptionist to step in. This guy had absolutely no idea what he was doing. I've had plenty of massages and he used NO techniques. It was SO creepy & weird. I couldn't wait to get out of there, it wasn't relaxing or therapeutic at all. read more

I just had one of the BEST massages EVER by Brian.Just the right amount of pressure. Great ambiance. I'll be going back for more.

I had a massage from Brian two days ago with a Groupon my husband bought me for Christmas. Brian was very professional, friendly and did an excellent job. I always felt comfortable and enjoyed the experience. Thanks Brian! read more

What a joke this place is. I bought a groupon for a facial and have left a couple of messages to try and schedule an appointment with no call backs. I did talk to Molly who said she doesn't work there anymore which I can understand but when I spoke with Bree after leaving a message a month or more prior she was very rude and instead of asking me when I would like to schedule an appointment simply said that she was booked and didn't offer an appointment after that. Very unprofessional if she is trying to get new clients and Lisa left her a message a couple days ago and never received a call back. Given the attitude of the other girl I'm not surprised. I'm going to see if Groupon will let me use the $36 I spent on the Groupon for this salon elsewhere. Forget this place. I have used Groupons all over town for different salon and restraunts without issue. I guess sometimes you get what you pay for or nothing at all. read more

Serena the owner is amazing! First time meeting her she was so outgoing and easy to talk to. When adding new color to my hair she really cared about the health of my hair and made sure not to over process the color that was already in my hair. She put these great looking tinsel pieces in my hair which I love and I was able to get my nails done while my hair was processing. She does it all which is nice! Her business is very clean and inviting. She has free coffee in the waiting area and sodas and snacks to purchase if you are hungry. She is all the way in El Cajon but after meeting her I am willing to drive all the way out there again just to have her do my hair. read more

Rhonda did my pedicure this afternoon and she was wonderful! I had to bring my 4 year old daughter and she was really patient with her. She did an amazing job and I will definitely never go to another salon for pedicures. AMAZING! read more

Salon Serene is a great salon. I've been a loyal client of the owner, Serena, for many years. She cuts, colors and highlights my hair and always leaves me feeling beautiful and pampered. I change my color, length and style frequently and Serena always does a fantastic job on my thick, pin straight hair. The salon carries excellent products and has very good prices. I've also had pedicures, massages and facials at the salon and have always been very happy with my experience. read more