My husband & I had a very tough time finding a makeup and hair team for our wedding Sept. 1st, 2019 in San Juan Bautista. We called many places up and down the peninsula and the prices were very high for the teams and even higher if we wanted them to travel and work at the venue the day of. We found Vanessa the owner of Studio Nine through one of her stylists Josh. Josh cuts my husband's hair at Furey's Old Town Barbershop and got us in contact with her. We setup an appointment and were not disappointed with her salon. Her salon has a high glam aesthetic that you cannot find in Salinas. Her prices are extremely reasonable and she is so kind and welcoming. The day of the wedding we had some minor hiccups with our ladies but mostly because of lack of communication on the ladies parts. One of them did not communicate the exact look she wanted so it was redone and another did not realize that the price they were quoted was the base amount and goes up depending on difficulty and length. So make sure that you communicate to your parties the prices are a base and to over communicate the looks they want. Overall however our ladies loved them! We heard raving reviews from all the ladies at the wedding venue when they arrived and they all looked absolutely phenomenal. The prices were reasonable and the location is a gem. I would use them again in a heartbeat for an event. read more

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I have been here a total of 4 times so far and each and every time I walked away loving my hair (which was not the case at previous places I have been to) I first came to Vanessa for a color correction, my hair was orange/brassy and not only did she somehow manage to fix the hot mess but she also made me fall in love with it. For my second visit I went in and decided to change the tone of my blonde and bring down my shadow root to make my roots look more blended (because I was lazy and didn't want to maintain it). The third time I went in to get a haircut and she did an amazing job helping me achieve something that framed my face well. This last time I went in to get a full balayage since my hair has grown quite a bit and she and Kim gave me my hair goals. I really appreciate the honesty and how willing they are to work with you in every step of your hair journey. I love coming to the salon because it has such a welcoming environment, every time I'm here it feels like I'm reconnecting with old friends. read more

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Vanessa Ortega robbed me. I went in to see Vanessa after my coworker recommended her. I followed her on Instagram for months, and liked her work. I went in for a balayage & trim on short-medium length hair with previous grown out baby lights but healthy. I came prepared with a little over $300 cash, which is what I expected to pay for services. She is professional and her salon is very nice. When it came time to pay, I nearly shat myself when she presented a bill for $520. $520 in Salinas, California with Vanessa Ortega. Not in Hollywood with Guy Tang. To make matters worse, when I washed my hair two days later, it was stretchy and breaking when wet and dry and crispy when dry. Even after using all the Moroccan Oil products she recommended. The hair cut was the worst I've ever had. I immediately scheduled with my regular stylist. She had to cut about 4more inches off, and I now sport a short bob. I just ran into my coworker and told her how much I paid with Vanessa. Her jaw nearly hit the floor. She has never paid that much with her for balayage with Vanessa, even with hair down to her lower back. This woman is a scammer, taking advantage of new unsuspecting clients. -No girl. You are not worth that much with your less-than-mediocre work. Get down off your high horse.- read more

Studio Nine - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

Vanessa scheduled and canceled on me the day of the appointment. She said she would reschedule, never heard back.

If you go here, ask for the nice young thin man to work on you. He does a great job and cares about his clients. Ana SUCKS! I came here last weekend (Sept. 1, 2018) to have my hair and make up done for a wedding. This was the place one of the grooms chose. I had a 9:30 a.m. appointment, but waited over an hour for them to even start working on me. I think the person who worked on me was Ana, but not sure as she never introduced herself and barely spoke to me the whole time (although she did talk to others who were working as though I wasn't there). I showed her several similar photos to indicate the hair style I wanted. I had even submitted these photos in advance at the request of the groom, supposedly so they could be prepared to produce the desired style. She proceeded to pin my hair in a haphazard fashion that didn't look anything like the photos. In fact, my hair was not even symmetrical and looked like I had just gotten out of bed on the right side. I made comments as she was doing this that indicated I was concerned that she wasn't doing what I had asked, but she assured me that it would in the end. When she was done, my hair looked NOTHING like ANY of the photos I had shown her. I had shown her the [photos during her "work" as well. The pictures were all of slightly pinned back hair with flowing long curls in the back and a few "escaped" locks. She had my hair randomly pinned up at the back of my head and it was just a hot mess on top and sides. I told her that was NOTHING like what I had shown her. She proceeded to remove some of the pins and made some curls in the back...think mullet. The side that was a hot mess continued to be a hot mess, but at least she slicked down the completely slept-on look somewhat. Now I've been here over 2 hours and my make up still isn't started. I will say the girl who did my make up at the end of my time there did a good job and she was very personable. When I went to pay, I was informed that I was being charged an additional $30 because of my hair. Apparently they charged me extra because she "had to do it twice". I asked why I was being charged because the "stylist" didn't know what she was doing and didn't do what I had asked her to do in the first place and we met with blank stared. Even the person who was responsible for this fiasco just stared at her phone and said nothing. I did pay the $30 because it was now 12:30 p.m., the exact time I was supposed to be at the event location for photos, so I didn't have time to argue with them. I wish I had paid cash instead of with my card so I could have just given them what I agreed to ($150) which is far more than this person deserved. Also, because of this person's inability to do her job right the first time, I missed the whole photo session and almost missed the wedding as I still had to return to my hotel room (30 min away) and dress, then drive to the even location. I have been unable to reach anyone to discuss them refunding me the amount that I was overcharged for their ineptitude. read more

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Vanessa is seriously the best there is!!! Giving me all of my hair goals!!!! She is forever my go to stylist now. I have 5 months of out grown roots and dull blonde and she brightened me up and blended everything! She is amazing!!!! read more

Studio Nine - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

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Finally! I have the cut that I have been asking for. Thank you Vanessa. I'm going to be exclusive to her from now on. My daughter is getting married tjis year and I am hoping that she can do my makeup & hair also my mother's & my sister's too. Make an appointment with Vanessa and get exactly the cut you have envisioned for yourself! read more

Studio Nine - My hair was styled beautifully and easily for when I saw and held my granddaughter for the first time! - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

First time coming in to studio nine by recommendation I walk in nervous about trying new place before that I had already seen the work of Vanesa on her Instagram i was impressed by all the before and after photos of her clients hair amazing work. I walk in to the salon I was amazed how clean and unique the salon looks very cute Vanesa was very welcoming she is super nice and friendly she mentioned it was my time to relax and be away from my routines. I show her different color hair styles she definitely did the hair color and and style I was going for her work is so professional and not only that she offer me some amenities water, tea or coffee I left very happy with her talented service I also had the opportunity to meet Jasmin J.Glowww skin for a consultation for a facial so nice and professional I can't wait to go back for my facial and my next hair session i recommend this place it's worth and their work is amazing read more

Studio Nine - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

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I was quoted at $185 for platnum blonde hair. When I left I was charged $300 for blue roots and yellow hair. Save yourself the embarassment and find someone who won't let their clients leave with BLUE AND YELLOW HAIR. Update: When I went to get my hair fixed the salon asked me if I had done this myself. read more

Studio Nine - This is what vanessa and kimberly did to my hair. They charged $300 and blocked me when i confronted them about this. - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

Worst thing that can happen when needing a 1/2 inch trim is to get a 2 inch trim on a dry hair that just got unbraided. Meg sounded too confident cutting dry unbraided hair; so I asked if she always cut hair that way. To what she responded "it's the best". Not going to lie I wanted to run and I should have. When I got home I straightened my hair. The right side was way shorter than the left, but it also had random long strands of hair. I was so upset I ended up fixing it myself. I wish people would just be honest and say "I can't do it". Don't steal, don't cheat people. If you suck, you suck...do something that you are good at. Let's not even go into detail about customer service . Never going back and for sure do t recommend that place. read more

This salon will not disappoint. To be completely honest I came here for the first time in 2017 after having such a terrible experience at another salon. Vanessa happily decided to work with my hair. She gave me self confidence and also gave me the look I had in mind. I only had to explain a little for her to understand what I was looking for. Vanessa is an artist and very sweet. I left happy and in love with my hair. Ever since then studio nine is the only salon I trust with my hair. Oh by the way her studio is beautiful, very clean and welcoming. Definitely recommend this place. Come and see for yourself! read more

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This place does not refund for any service even if you book 3 services and go and somehow don't have time for one of them you get charged regardless and are not even asked to maybe reschedule the one service you already paid for, but didn't have time to finish. Now I have to dispute this overcharge with my credit card company read more

I went to studio nine because I heard Vanessa was great with color. Vanessa was busy and I was able to see Ana. Ana is just as talented with color! My hair looked gorgeous when she was done. The color is stunning! I am so happy, I highly recommend going here and I would trust any of the girls to make you look great! read more

I have been getting my haircut here for years, Vanessa is the best. I have followed her from salon to salon and I'm so happy that she has her own place. She cuts my daughters hair and my wife's hair as well. Always on time, never cancels, very professional. read more

I was told I was getting quoted 160$ I went and got charged 300$ I asked for a balayage style hair and Ana ended up doing highlights and didn't dye the bottom half of my hair I will never go back again and I will not recommend them to anyone that is not right the amount they're charging for the work they are doing on people's hair I asked her if she can fix it and I sent her pictures and she never replied to me read more

Studio Nine - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

A COMPLETE rip off. I am so disappointed with what my hair was. I wanted a balayage but got ORANGE streaks after a couple washes although I did use a blue shampoo. After two sessions I had spent over $300. The photos on the left are of my hair from the sessions with Vanessa and on the right are photos from when I got my hair fixed by someone else. Don't bother going here, they'll rob you of your money!! read more

Studio Nine - Hair Salons Near Me - Salinas, California

There is no doubt Vanessa is the best colorist and more that the Peninsula has!!! It has been years, my hair has never been better and I haven't looked so good!!! Will always give it to you straight and not just tell you what you wanna here for a buck or two. She listens to what you want and delivers every time. The cuts are always spot on and the color rich and long lasting. Do not hesitate!! My advice is to book early because she is in demand and rightfully so!!! read more

I came here because a friend recommended it for me. I took a shot on my wedding day to get my hair and makeup done. BEST DECISION EVER! Not only did Vanessa do EXACTLY what I was asking for. She did it even better! Once my hair was done, Krystal then started doing my makeup. I usually don't wear makeup so I was super iffy. However it was my wedding day do I did need it for pictures. I trusted in her and I was not disappointed. Everything on my face ( including the Eyelashes ) felt natural. I even liked that she asked before applying the lashes if I'd like to have them on. Throughout the wedding , people were asking me who done my hair and makeup because they just loved it! Thank you for helping add to the best day ever ladies! read more

Vanessa is an amazing hairstylist and the only person I'll trust with my hair! As a hairstylist myself I'm extremely picky and I know what's right and what's wrong, and Vanessa is absolute perfection. I will never trust anyone but her! read more

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well I went in for a consultation & was really happy about getting hair extensions & I went in for my appointment & walked out happy cause I had long hair & then I sent Vanessa a dm telling her that the extensions were outgrowing & she replied saying that she was out of town & that she Would dm when she was back & she NEVER did! so I had to dm Michelle she has a salon in Monterey & she looked at my extensions & i Had told her if she can remove my Extensions & she said that she couldn't cause I had a full head & that she Had a Appointment but then she looked at my hair & looked at the extensions & she was like this is not a full head of extentions I was like no way really she's like yess & I got so mad!!!! I was like she dead ass robbed my money I paid so much for my hair & it wasn't done right! So Michelle helped me & removed my extensions she's like why would she put tape-ins with the i-tips? I don't know about hair or else I would of said something but i will never ever go back to that place! & she never replied after I told Her to fix my extentions read more

I came from out of town for my wedding and was very nervous about someone I didn't know and trust handling my hair and makeup for the big day. Vanessa and her team couldn't have done a better job! They were extremely professional and a lot of fun to spend the morning with. They arrived at my hotel on time were set up and done with our hair and clean up within 3 hours! Not one person was disappointed and we all looked amazing! AMAZING!! If I lived closer I would be a regular at Studio Nine! read more

Best place to get a tattoo ever! Krystal is amazing at what she does. Her art leaves me speechless every time. She makes you feel so comfortable and makes the whole experience absolutely perfect. The new studio is beautiful and has very creative decoration throughout. These 2 woman are fantastic at what they do and take great pride in their work. I cannot express how absolutely beyond satisfied I am with Krystal's work. read more

Never again.... Got quoted $160 for blonde highlights, paid OVER $400..... wtfffff, never have I ever paid that much for shitty work, I showed the lady a whole strand of missing hair she forgot to color & just stuck it under some foil, hmmmm, ok. Not your ideal hair salon, maybe if your willing to put a whole check down for crappy work someone else can do for cheaper & better! read more

Love Studio Nine! Warm, inviting and positive environment. Vanessa does great work, and her balayage skills are amazing. Always looking forward to my upcoming appointments. read more

Beautiful Salon with beautiful results. I went in with dyed black hair and was sent home with a clarifying shampoo to take some of the black hair dye out, came back three weeks later for my first session and my hair came out so good and lighter then I expected! Vanessa and Kim did a amazing job. I recently had my second session and I'm loving it, best of all my hair is still soft and healthy! Going blonde is most definitely a process but Studio Nine makes it a easy and enjoyable one! read more

Vanessa is honestly the best ever! She is so sweet, so professional. Her environment is so positive & clean! Her staff is so sweet. It's just a very welcoming place! I noticed she was booked out & I was so bummed but when she was able to squeeze in a haircut for me & exceed my expectations! I will NEVER let anyone touch my hair other than her from this day forward! Thank you Vanessa! read more

I have always been hesitant with hair and makeup because of so many bad experience. But I can honestly say this was the first time that I loved both hair and makeup!!!! I would strongly recommend booking hair and makeup for special occasions!!! read more