I could not be happier - seriously - and I am one picky chick when it comes to my hair!!! I see Darcie, and she is beyond phenomenal!!!! She takes such good care of my hair, she actually gives a damn! Her cuts are picture perfect, her color skills are nothing short of magic, and she gives a bitchin scalp massage when she washes!!! I now take my daughter there - she is only six but she has the most chic cut: short in back and longish in front. I look forward to my appointments because I enjoy her company and I really feel like I get what I am paying for and then some. She has also cut my best friend's short hair and he is the trendiest, pickiest Mary on the block! If he approves, it's gospel! Great vibe, not pretentious, but hip and stylish, welcoming and professional. I also love that there is no pressure to buy product. Did I mention that Darcie rocks??? read more

Beyond it's cool, industrial meets boho vibe, one of the salon's stylist Ellie worked wonders! She made magic on my pandemic-neglected hair, with warmth, humanity & humor! thanks for making me feel sassy & ready for the world, Ellie!! read more

This review is for Veronica. I was a client of hers from her previous establishment and followed her here. She is extremely talented and always makes you feel at ease as soon as you sit in her chair. She came highly recommended and I knew right away I made the right decision. I drive from Hayward to Alameda and it's worth every mile. As far as the salon goes it is extremely modern. When you first drive up to it in the middle of a bunch of warehouses it seems out of place but when you walk in it all makes sense. Young lady at front desk was very attentive and everyone in the establishment seemed to be very friendly. If you can't get an appointment with Veronica I can guarantee anyone in there will give you a great cut/style. read more

I sent spank a polite email with photographs of my hair explaining what their stylist Paul victor did to my hair and they never emailed be back. I'm pretty surprised and taken back by the whole experience. If spank messes your hair up do not expect any accountability or even a response. It is disturbing beware of this salon. read more

Spank Salon - These are the "highlights" he did on my root growth. As you can see there is the weirdest bleach line going across. - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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COMPLETELY SATISFIED!!! Today I went into to Spanks for a Cut and Color with Monica and I couldn't be more happy with the results full circle! from her top notch customer service to her fabulous work! Long story short - I FINALLY get to retire all my hair ties!!!! ‍ THANK YOU SO MUCH! read more

I can not recommend Paul Victor enough. My GOODNESS this man knows color! His cuts are spot on, too. He truly understands how hair flows and changes at different lengths & weights. He's my go to guy! And truly, if you want color done - there is NO one better. Book him. He'll make your hair a work of art! read more

Spank Salon - Gorgeous color by Paul! Faded to an amazing pastel unicorn-color that got many compliments! - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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When I moved to Alamenda, I needed a new hair salon and everyone that I talked to recommended Spank. I booked my appointment with Ellie for a cut and color. She did an amazing job and I am so happy I was able to meet her. She listened to me and really made sure I got what I was looking for. She gave me great recommendations on my newly treated hair which I greatly appreciated. The salon itself is extremly clean and has such a cute feel to it. I would highly recommend you visit Spank and book with Ellie! read more

Ellie is a saint! I've been seeing her since 2018 and haven't looked back since. She is amazing at understanding what it is I'm looking for (extra important for me because I have absolutely no idea what the proper lingo is) and delivering beyond my expectations. Every single time! The best part? She's a genuinely lovely person who actually cares about the people she works on. Thankful to have her in my life! read more

I made an afternoon appointment with Yao via the online booking system and everything went smoothly. Yao was very nice and gave me a good haircut. The salon is in a central location but not near other businesses. It is really more like a coworking space for stylists than a single business, with each person setting their prices and conducting appointments end-to-end -- I don't believe they employ a receptionist or other admin staff. The salon has an open, industrial feel, is quite loud when it's busy, and is clean and modern. I used to get haircare in SF, so it's nice to see neighbors at Spank in our small island! I made a second appointment and Yao wasn't available on the day I was hoping to come in, so I scheduled with Bradley. One of the options in the online booking system was for 9:00am and I chose that one. At 9:00 I was in front of Spank and there was a big chain on the front door. I confirmed the appointment time and checked business hours and it says it opens at 10. I called the number but it's only an answering machine so my only recourse was to leave a voicemail for the stylist.. I stood outside in bad weather until Bradley arrived at 9:15 (when I was just about to leave). He had a reason for the delay so I don't really blame him. The problem is that the system shouldn't schedule routine appointments outside of the business open hours. Bradley is a kind person and has lots of experience as a stylist, but he didn't really listen to my needs. I explained that I wear my hair in a topknot every day, but wanted it somewhat shorter than it was. He cut it so short it won't even go into a low ponytail. I'm pretty heartbroken I'm going to have to wait for months to wear it the way I need to. read more

I love Spank Salon! I used to come to Spank with my hairstylist who retired. I ended up going somewhere else for low maintenance root cover up's but when I decided to go lighter I ended up needling a color correction. My original Spank hairstylist recommended Ashley and I'm so happy to be back at Spank. Ashley went above and beyond correcting my hair and explaining step by step everything she was doing. She takes her craft serious! The outcome was so beautiful, she was so sweet and it felt really good being at the salon. You could tell everyone loves what they do and the vibe was so chill and peaceful. read more

I'm very happy that I crossed paths with Ellie. I've had the same hair stylist for 6 yrs now and I wasn't happy that she doesn't listen when I say I want to retain my length. It's hard for me to find someone that cares for curly 3B-3c hair and cares about your hair goals. I love my blow out and I am so happy to go on my hair journey with Ellie. I feel I will achieve waist length curls with her care and detail. read more

Booked an appointment online with Kelly. Left her a voicemail to confirm. Took off work to go to this place and when I show up she had no idea about my appointment and was in the middle of someone else's haircut during the time I booked. She was like "I haven't checked my messages today." Clearly this lady cannot even manage her own client schedule. Also she was rude about it and acted like it was my fault that she didn't even know her own schedule. The salon does not have a receptionist that answers the phone or books appointments but they can't even get their online appointment system together or check their messages. read more

My hair is pretty boring and I have a weird cowlick in the front. But once Ellie got a hold of it, all was better! I finally have some style that I like while still not being too high maintenance for me. Highly recommend Ellie! read more

Yao is a stand up human being, in addition to being an excellent cosmetologist. I would recommend anyone to him, laid-back women, and also very picky ones. My sons, my husband, and others who need a clean up and shapely cut. I suppose I particularly like him, because he'a simply a solid mensch, and I trust him and want him to succeed. read more

Starr... The best hair stylist I have ever had. She is professional, and she knows her work. I am pleased with everything she has ever did with my hair. Check her out at least once. You will be hooked. Thank you Starr YOU ROCK!! read more

Ask for Tiffany! She did so amazing! & I love the chicken running around. I'm all about rescuing animals, no matter the species.

I went to Spank at the old location, on Encinal, but it shouldn't make a difference... I stopped by on a walk and asked, How much was a haircut? $40, I was told. Whoah. OK, so how much for a trim? $40. Hm, love the attitude. Well, I'm desparate, so I make an appointment. She signs me up with Robert. I come back for the appointment, and as I'm sitting down, there's a sign on the mirror that says Robert is charging $45 as of such-and-such date. *sigh* He doesn't ask me much of what I want, and when he's just about done, I realize... He has given me a 60's housewife flip. Nice. Washed it out and will never go back. Sheesh. read more

LET ME EDIT THIS BY SAYING THE CRUSTY SCABS ON MY SCALP ARE HEALING NICELY TODAY ONE WEEK LATER!!!!!!!! AAAARRRRGGH I was recommended here by a friend who has fabulous hair. So, I was unable to book with her stylist and settled with another. I had just had a baby and VERY DAMAGED hair from the past. I had her wack it all off and put highlights in. Keep in mind, I wacked all the bad stuff off and my hair is now healthy. I was very pleased with the results. 2 months later I call back to try and make an appointment for a root touch up. I called everyday for about a week with NO RESPONSE from anyone about making an appointment. I was even put on hold then hung up on. Desperate, I tried once more and actually got the stylist on the phone. (HOOORAY) I booked my next appointment. I get there for my touch up and decided to go a shade lighter. She put the bleach in my hair and put me under the dryer. Meanwhile she took another client while I was processing. After some time, the dryer stopped and I sat there with bleach in my hair for exactly one hour and 10 minutes!!!!!!!! I finally looked at her with concern and she broke away to wash it out. I knew my hair would be F'd up at this point. SURE ENOUGH.......a lot of it broke off!!!!! It felt like mush. She needed to put a toner in my hair which she did at the 'poo bowl and let me sit there in an akward position for another length of time. Another employee was kind enough to put a towel under my neck. Then her creepy client was wandering around and told me to "bite her face if she does a bad job on my hair, or he will do it for me"....EEEW! So, needless to say, my new healthy hair lasted only 2 months and I'm back to broke off damaged hair again. The stylist was nice enough, sweet girl, but unfortunately the amount of dough I spent to have broken damaged hair is not worth another trip back for me. I'm a great tipper when I get the job I want done correctly with care. HAHAHA.....AFTER RE-VISITING THIS, MY STYLIST WAS MONICA....I GOT F'd TOO~! read more

I was staying at my boat in the marina, just down the street, visiting from San Diego. I went into spank because the boat life doesn't make it easy to blowdry or style your own hair very easily. I went in as a walk-in, just as Gabi was finishing up a client and she was able to shampoo and style my hair. What Gabi didn't know is that I am actually a hair stylist in San Diego. I didn't mentio this because someone's other hairstylists get self conscious when they do another stylists' hair. Gabi is not only talented, but she is professional and very informative. She used awesome products on my hair and even gave me a sample to use (which I did and loved.) As a client, I was very impressed with her work, and as a fellow hairstylist I was in awe of her professionalism and talent. I always have to wash my hair either every day or every other day, and 3 days into her blowdry, my hair still looks awesome :) She also went out of her way to inform me of some cool places in the area where my boyfriend and I can hang out while I am in Alameda. It is hard to rate salons, because every hair stylists' interaction with each client is very unique. However, if Gabi is any reflection of how the salon is run and the talent of the other stylists, I highly recommend this salon and Gabi : read more

I have been to numerous salons in the past, and had been content with the cheap $8 haircuts in Chinatown. That is until I was introduced to Spank by my friend and now personal stylist, Ashley. She has convinced me that being a frugal low maintenance guy does not mean I have to settle for mediocre quality with the low cost. I spent $35 for my haircut, which included shampoo and style, and she never cuts corners (no pun intended). Although there is no such thing as perfection, Spank certainly strives to achieve it. Go see Ashley, and you will not be disappointed. read more

Finally, my search for a great stylist and salon is over! I have been salon-hopping for years now and never found a stylist I really liked. At other places, I get this whole "hipper-than-thou" attitude, which I loathe. I found Starr through a friend's recommendation. Starr is just great. The whole salon is great. They have what seems like a diverse clientele (I have only been there once). I needed a haircut as I was interviewing for jobs. Starr has a lovely, relaxed personality, and I found her very easy to talk to. After showing her photos of haircuts I found on Pinterest, I got exactly the cut I wanted. In less than a month, I had my dream job at my dream company. Coincidence? I think NOT. read more

I was, admittedly, in a bad mood today when I came in for my monthly hair cut, but Monica turned all of that around! Despite my mood, Monica delivered - a great hair cut, smiling company, and allowed me to leave in a completely improved mood. Thank you. read more

I want to give a big shout out to Ashley Johnson at Spank. She is a hairdresser who loves her work; it's clear from the start. That is the very best recipe for happiness all around. She is personable, professional, and diligent. As an Alameda resident who wants to stick close to home, I am delighted to find the best colorist ever right here! I couldn't be happier. The salon is the perfect blend of industrial chic and hippie-comfort. Just my kind of style. Bravo. read more

Five stars? I can only give them five? Okay then five it is. Anyone who has moved to another state knows that one of the worst parts of relocating is finding a hair stylist (and salon) to replace the one you loved back home. I moved to the Bay Area in November and have been searching since. Tried a couple of places, each a couple of times. Good experiences, but not great. We Are Hair in Alameda was good but I felt rushed due to their 30 minute appts and the lack of friendliness of the staff. Also parking can be a hassle there. Another place I tried did decent work but their business practices were terrible. Cancel an appointment? Okay then, we're going to punish you by not offering another slot on our calendar for 8 weeks. Alrighty then! Buh-bye! After reading the raves about Emmanuel on Yelp, I took a deep breath, called and expected no openings on his calendar for weeks. A guy this good has to be booked solid for months, right? As luck would have it, someone had just cancelled and he had an opening on that Saturday afternoon, two days later! So of course I took it. Fantastic sign #1: I liked the environment at Spank. They weren't at all snooty and the space is far from pretentious (contrary to an earlier post). Everyone -- staff and clients alike -- seemed happy, friendly and glad to be there. The decor is in line with the area and feels relaxed, yet professional. Fantastic sign #2: the client Emmanuel had in his chair when I arrived (I was 20 min early) was a 10-year old little boy. Not a spoiled, bratty little rich boy, but rather a cute kid who looked like he spent a lot of time on the baseball field. His mom was a normal, easy-going, un-fussy mom-type who I gathered brought her little boy in for a haircut because some big event was happening (wedding or something) for which he needed to look extra special. Emmanuel gave him the proverbial little-boy haircut AND he was amazing with the kid. THIS is a nice guy, folks. Emmanuel greeted me in the waiting area and took me to his chair so we could discuss options for my hair. He was helpful, honest and decisive. Emmanuel also washed my hair (those places where some poor person making $2 an hour plus tips does the hair washing really bum me out). Throughout the appointment, he was friendly, engaging, interested in what I had to say and about as nice as a person can be without raising suspicion about their motives ;-) The hairstyle is terrific and (to quote Emmanuel) I look "cute as a button". The price was totally reasonable for the time spent , the expert cut and the terrific personal service. My hair stylist search is over! WOO HOO! read more

Sounds like it might depend on your stylist here. I got Emmanuel and I got lucky. Loved the cut and liked the color. I want to knock down a star because I tried to get an appt here about a year ago (at a good friend's advice), before they got the receptionist. Called three times in a month and a half - NEVER got called back. I basically gave up on the salon, but was wooed back by a different friend who said they'd hired the receptionist and things are better. True dat. So the star stays. UPDATE 10/1/07: So my Mom, who lives in Florida (via Los Angeles)is making a rare appearance and tells me to find her a hair stylist to give her a decent cut whilst she out here. I am in luck, as I like my current stylist, Emmanuel. My mom, I love her, but her really vain (and passive aggressive and doesn't deal with conflict well). I was a little worried she'd come out and get all uppity with if she didn't like it (She'd NEVER say anything to E; I would get the brunt of her dissatisfaction... ....sigh). She loved it. In fact, she liked the way it looked when E flat-ironed it so much, that she promptly went out and bought a $150 flat iron. Good Luck with that in Florida, Mom..... read more

True story: I'm walking along towards the Castro and as I pass two guys one says "you've got great hair", "thanks" I say as I walk on ahead. Then I hear behind me " do you think that color's natural?" "of course, you don't get color like that from a bottle" I smile to myself and think "Thank you Isabella!" Isabella has been coloring my hair for years and she's the best!! Everyone thinks I'm a natural redhead and I have no problem telling them it's actually the talent of my fabulous colorist. Isabella recently moved to Spank salon and even though I live in SF I happily traveled across the bridge to Alameda for her. This was the first time I went to Spank. The salon itself is stylishly decorated and has a laid back friendly feel to it. They offered me wine or coffee when I arrived, brought me a little trail mix snack, and even have a little backyard patio area to hang out in on a sunny day. Their prices are very reasonable, parking was super easy, and heck, you can't do better than Isabella for color, so I was a happy red headed camper! read more

This review is for both Gina (aka Isabella) and Gabi... both gals ROCK. Gina has been coloring and cutting my hair for just over a year now. When I first came to her my hair was badly damaged and balding. My last hair gal (I'm being nice) was too rough with my head and over processed my hair... long story there... I had to run!! Gina has guided me, gently and patiently, on the journey back to the hair I knew my head was still capable of producing. Between the damage and the mis-matched lengths of broken pieces, she has truly transformed my hair! It is still a journey... but the turned corners come faster... honestly I can truly say, my hair has never looked better. Gabi runs the show and she is brilliant... let me start by saying... I suggested a friend call to make an appt for a hair cut, new to the salon. Gabi qualified her, making a match made in heaven for both my friend and for her stylist. (Yao, btw) The salon sells Kerastase products, incredible line. I get kinda obsessed with products and I explored the Kerastase website with wild abandon. So I bought a shampoo and conditioner with uber moisture for my healing tresses. Unfortunately all that moisture was too much for my fine hair and it started to get like cotton candy. I brought the products back and Gabi helped me with the exchange. She recommended keeping the shampoo and trying a lighter conditioner, one I would have never imagined... it absolutely did the trick. She is one smart, intuitive gal. I am eternally grateful for them both!! read more

I knew -- just KNEW -- there had to be a "hip" place to get a haircut on this mom and pop island. After scouring Yelp, I found Spank Salon and immediately made an appointment. Pleasantly located off the beaten path, in a more industrial neighborhood, this salon was just the experience I was hoping to discover. The space is warehouse-like, the stylists: young and hip. I got a cut and color, both of which I was happy with. My stylist accepted credit card payments through her iPhone app, which was super cool. I'll definitely come back when I need to be reminded that I, too am still young and hip. :-/ read more

Spank is the best SF salon outside of SF- it's hip and cool but not in an annoying Hayes Valley way (I went to Oxenrose for years and sometimes felt like they'd someday stop taking my appointments because I lack edge). Appointments can be hard to come by so do book ahead. Since it's on a weird little industrial way, there is parking aplenty (although it was just 10 minutes walk from my old house- I do miss walking there!). I routinely get beautiful hair cuts here. Thanks, Spank! read more

Yao has been doing my hair since 2011! He's the only person I will ever let cut my hair. His attention to detail and his ability to give you what you're looking for while keeping in mind the texture of your hair are his winning talents. I even get compliments on my hair during it's grow out phase! Every time I make the drive to Alameda, I know I'm in for a treat. He always remembers the last things that we've talked about and is such a kind, easy going family man. If you're in the market for a long-term stylist who gives a killer scalp massage, look no further! Thanks for everything Yao! read more

Spank is the Swank! Back in 2006 I was looking for a change - my hair was a little past my shoulders and a little past my patience for it! My hair no longer reflected my growing and changing tastes. I needed a forward-thinking haircut, and fast! I had heard of Spank Salon and on the recommendation of a few friends I took the gamble of trying out a new hairstylist -- the recommendations were so enthusiastic as to convince me to save up for the $50 haircut (no short feat i assure you - being a college student with no job or allowance!) I made an appointment with Robert, received an amazingly cute cut that got me hooked! I don't often have the time and/or money to afford the $55 dollar haircuts - but believe me Robert's are worth every penny. Not only do they look great the day of, they only get better as they grow out! Robert is a true artist with hair and I am all for the success of those also pursuing creativity-based careers! It's been three good years and I can't even count all the complements I've received about every single new haircut! Some things to keep in mind for a surefire pleasant experience: - book an appointment at the first inkling of wanting a haircut - come prepared with what you want (either a picture, or that you want them to do what they think is best, but in that case know what you definitely don't want) - good things come to those who wait (sometimes they get a little backlogged (understandable, as they are in the process of making dreams come true!) -keep your expectations within reality and you're sure to be more than satisfied by Spank! read more

Kellie at Spank is AWESOME! I described the color and cut I wanted to her, and she is the FIRST stylist/colorist ever to have gotten it just exactly right! Lots have come kinda close, but none have been perfect. Until Kellie Williams. Highly recommend! Also, salon is clean, and convenient, (I live in Alameda) and the rest of the staff seem very friendly. read more

Been in to see Ashley a few times now and each cut is perfect! Also had my hair bleached out on the last visit so I could go purple- loved the results! Cost is on par with most upscale salons and the reality is- you get amazing service for what you pay for. :) Ashley rocks! read more

I've been coming to Spank for years and have been so happy with the care that Robert has given my hair that I've referred all of my family and friends to him. The highlights and cuts are great, and I just trust that I'm in good hands whenever I go there. Plus, he is such a kind man that it's a joy to be there! And, recently, I needed a wedding updo, and Yao did a fantastic job! I was so pleased with him and the gorgeous look!! Gabby at the front desk is great too. I love Spank! read more

Spank Salon - Wedding updo from Yao (highlights and cut by Robert) - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I lived here for a year before finally deciding to find a new colorist because the struggle is that real. I reached out to the salon and Gabi got back to me and put me on her schedule. Her availability was great and she has a real knowledge of products and technique. I have 3b/3c natural curls & wear my hair curly 99% of the time. I told her what I wanted & Before I even came in she was able to recommend products to help maintain my hairs moisture and balance. When i came in she was very attentive and gave me talked me through her plan. I had already some bright colors through the front of my hair and she removed and toned and ombre'd and balayaged and worked it out! She was so on point and was really focused on maintaining the integrity of my hair. Also she's funny as hell and always makes sure I'm comfortable. So excited to have a new colorist! So many compliments on my hair! read more

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This salon is amazing. The atmosphere is modern and stylish, local art on the walls, and bunnies! There is a lovely courtyard to spend time in as well and parking is easy. Starr Piwowarski is my stylist and she really listened to what I wanted and modified it to not destroy my hair. I get compliments everyday and my hair feels wonderful. She really took her time and she is super creative. I cannot say enough about this place, there is a reason they are number one. Starr, thank you, I will be back! read more

Spank Salon - Tada! - Hair Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

If you're a dude, I highly recommend going to Yao @ Spank. In my adult life, my hair has either been extremely long or buzzed. Now that I wanted something in between, I went to Spank. Yao and I, wait for it, talked about the hair style I wanted for about 15 minutes before we decided on something. He showed me a bunch of doos on his tablet until I felt that he knew exactly what I wanted. He told me exactly what he was going to do so I wouldn't be worried during the process. I walked out of there a little worried about what I had done. Had I made a bad decision to completely change my style? I got home to my house a little after 7pm. All night I caught myself walking by mirrors in my house, stopping and saying, "Dang, that looks good." Thanks Yao. You're hella cool and you know what you're doing. 55 bucks + tip for wash and cut turned out to be well worth the peace of mind. read more

Looks like Yelp is moving all 1 star ratings to "not recommended." I had the worst haircut of my life. I would advise anyone to choose a different salon. Very uneven. A 5-year-old could have done a better job. In addition, stylist Bradley was very inconsiderate, rude, and had no compassion. I would never in my life go there again. I told him he had cut my hair too short, and he kept going and cutting it shorter. He also did not apologize for ruining my hair. The blow dry was also incredibly incompetent. He has poor communication skills, and is very unprofessional. I have visited over a dozen salons in Palo Alto, San Francisco, LA, etc. I would pretty much recommend any salon over this. Anyone reading this, please choose a different salon! read more

My hair looks Awesome! Yao cut my long stringy locks into this high fashion Assymmetrical flirty new do! Gabi turned my grown out brassy color to this rich classy red. Was recommended a shampoo to help keep this great color and it is really working. Go you will be happy you did read more

I do not trust anyone with my hair besides Emmanuel. I moved to LA a few years ago, and still waited until my visits to the bay to get my hair cut and/or colored by Emmanuel/Manny. My hair got so long, that I tried a place in LA for only a trim, and COMPLETELY regretted it. Emmanuel does amazing trims, amazing hair cuts, and amazing color. The service is always amazing and it's always nice to have small talk with him each time I go. Susan is also amazing in the products she sells. I have yet to set up a facial with her, but I do use TRUE, and based off of the facials she has done in other people I know, she does an AMAZING job. read more