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The CO I Operative Salon

4.9 (56 reviews)
ModerateHair Salons
Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

By appointment only

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Services - The CO I Operative Salon

Applying hair extensions

Color only

Cut and color

The CO I Operative Salon Photos

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Look at that beachy beautiful color! It was dead, flat, broke ass brown black a few hours before. Natalia is a wizard!!
Taty G.

Natalia - the owner / stylist at Co/Op salon is GENIUS!! I had super brown black hair and decided I wanted to lighten it up... again. I'm crazy, I know! I showed Natalia a picture and she suggested (smartly) that we do this in phases so that I don't fry my witchy hair more than I already have. She promised me I would love it so I said, OK! First off, the color came out amaze! It was painted on so it has a summery, beachy look that we California girls love. Secondly, she put some magic Olaplex stuff on it that made it so soft! I bought that stuff because my hair usually feels like corn husk and now I have salon soft hair at home all the time. Stoked! Knowing I got grays (real talk), she told me I could do the roots on my own if I want with medium brown. I'm gonna head back soon for my next phase to lighten again! I feel super glamorous and the compliments have been non stop. Thank you genius Natalia!!!

Some layers and balayage
Tiffany D.

It was meant to be, and it all began from Instagram. For a few months, I wanted to "spice" up my hair. I was skeptical of going to a different salon, since the one I usually went to was 40 mins away. Plus, I didn't bond with my hair stylist anyway, so the drive wasn't worth it for me. I posted a picture on Instagram, then Co/Operative found and liked my photo using one of my hashtags. I'm a supporter for new businesses. So when looked at their account and realized they were new, I was also amazed by their work! Huge plus! I immediately called them the next day. Natalia picked up and booked my appointment on the day of. Neat! Natalia introduced me to Nicole. Nicole is the most enthusiastic, caring hair stylist I've ever met. She made my hair salon experience a fun and unforgettable one. Nicole also showed me how to care for my hair, and showed me how to beach wave my hair using a curling iron. She also followed up with me a week later to check up on my hair, so sweet! She's going to turn me into diabetic, ugh :p As for my hair, I absolutely loved it (and still love it now!). Nicole gave my boring, virgin hair a makeover with some layers and a balayage. I'm excited to see her again to go lighter! In conclusion, if you want THE hair salon experience where you won't realize how bored you are, or think, "Man, my butt is going numb, when is my hair going to be done?!" I recommend going to Co/Operative! Nicole and Natalia both bring life to your hair and to the chair. They are both awesome visionaries, so I trust them wholeheartedly with my hair! You should take a gander at Instagram account! Their account is @cooperativesalon and Nicole's account is @yourhairbynicole I hope their pictures convince you to give them a try :)

Megan M.

Book an appointment with Anna. I can't emphasize this enough. Anna started doing my balayage/hair when we were both living in Northern California. By a stroke of luck Anna and I happened to make the decision to move back to our homes in Southern California. Hallelujah!! Anna is a true gem and is an expert at her craft. She knows her stuff and is always looking to learn new techniques and elevate her talent. I have never loved my hair more and have never gotten more compliments. I am naturally a level 6 (ish) and my balayage looks effortless. Not only do I love my hair when I leave, I enjoy my time spent with her, she is easy to talk to and is great at working with you to figure out exactly what you want. I LOVE this girl.

Before damaged blonde
Destinee L.

Let's just start off by saying that this salon is soo cute and has an adorable patio witch you don't see very often. And now to the important part my hair is looking cuter and better then ever thanks to Anna! She took my damaged bleach hair and gave me a fall look to die for as well as making my hair feel and look a lot better!!

Jessica made my hair so pretty :)
Kyra N.

In the past, I attempted to lighten up my hair several times, and each time within a week, it got covered up with a dark brown box-dye. I loved that box-dye for a very long time, but now we have officially separated. I met Jessica on a hiking trip and decided after 14 long hours of mountain torture that as soon as we got home I needed to treat myself to a massage, some nice new nails, and a fresh hair style. We exchanged numbers and I couldn't wait to schedule my appointment. Jessica is so damn cool and has done amazing things to my hair. Because it was so dark, and there was so much dye in it, lightening it up this time has been quite the process. Each step has looked amazing though and every time I leave feeling wonderful. The first time I came in, I didn't really know what I wanted except for it to be lighter, but I had seen Jessica'a Instagram pictures and felt comfortable giving her creative license to do what she thought was best because she's such a badass. I now have the most beautiful hair I've ever had and I couldn't be more excited about it. If I could come have her do my hair every day, I would. What I like best is that I can show her pictures of hairstyles and she will talk them over with me and give me honest feedback. Plus, she always puts her own little spin on whatever we choose and it ends up looking even better than the picture. I also really appreciate that she knows exactly how I like it styled after and takes her time to make sure its perfect. Go see Jess! Even if you're a little apprehensive now, you'll be so happy you did :)

Hair by Nicole. Love how she styles my hair! And it's always a different look  :)
Shirley R.

Nicole is extremely professional and knows what's up. She has magic hands & a magical talent! Every time she styles, cuts, shapes colors my hair , I received many complements about my hair. I love her work & professionalism. When I leave her salon, I feel beautiful and confident. Nicole truly Cares about your hair and your looks. She's Honest and always educated about the new styles, fashion, new trends & products on the market I've been to many hair stylists in my life, but I know for sure that Nicole is the best !! And I'm here to stay !

megan f.

I had dark, virgin hair so naturally I was terrified to dye it. But I really wanted a change and I am SO HAPPY I finally took the plunge and got a balayage. Nicole is my stylist and every single dye and cut is consistently gorgeous. The owner Natalia is super sweet too and everyone makes you feel like family. The decor is super cute and stylish. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my hair now.

Katie Z.

I've always been extremely loyal to my colorist, but have never gotten attached to a particular salon until I stepped foot in to the Co/Operative in Costa Mesa. This small salon is full of clean, peaceful energy creating the most serene salon experience! The salon is so aesthetically pleasing, making you feel like you just stepped foot in to a mid-century beach bungalow. Co/Operative even has a full wall of open windows, giving off the best natural lighting EVER (which is crucial for good color). I visit Nicole here and she is incredible with color. She's been able to lift my color from a cool grey-ish platinum to bright white all while maintaining a healthy head of hair. She is super on trend, talented, AND fun to talk to. I highly recommend visiting Nicole at the Co/Operative for your next color/cut needs!

Our first session! Around midnight, started at 11 am! Totally didn't expect how amazing it turned out!
Arman G.

I totally recommend Jamilee for anything that has be done with with your hair. Jamilee has done some wonders with my hair, since November 2016 when we started the glorious journey of silver for me. Every session she has made my hair awesome, and has recommended the best products for my hair, and hasn't let me down. Even our first session lasted 13 hours, where i went brown, to cheetah blonde, then to silver. I would only trust her to do any coloring of hair, in any style!!!

Krystle B.

First time at a Costa Mesa hair salon! Rustic beach decor with cool metal fixtures. Well lit with natural lighting. The music they played was like I was in a upscale cocktail bar, Very entertaining and time passed so fast. Josie worked her magic on my mixed race kinky hair to give me green hair I've ALWAYS wanted. I work in the hospitality industry so I can't have my whole head green so we game planned for a chunky peekaboo highlight. Josie talked me thru every step of the way. Which is like the first ever cuz I'm used to having to go to Koreatown (yes from Tustin) to a Korean salon (no nobody speaks English) to get straightening treatments for my kinky ass hair. A head message! Dude I got a head message while Josie was shampooing my hair way way more relaxing then getting a facial. A wow factor for sure. I've never felt so welcomed at a salon before. I'm totally going back for my touch ups AND Josie told me she too can do Brazilian Blowout! And the coolest part of my visit was meeting an owner of Benji's Deli ! (I go there EVERY year for St. Patty's Day dinner). To get my hair done where she gets her hair done was cherry on top!

Aimee E.

Natalia has been rocking my hair for years and I will follow her anywhere. I am so excited she now has her own salon. It is beautifully designed, so comfortable and they even welcomed my big (well-mannered) dog while I had my appointment. My hair looks awesome!!! Congrats and thank you Natalia & Cooperative salon.

This is after I got it done and with a great blow out. I usually have curly hair.

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Natalia B.

Thank you so much!

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Natalia B.

Thank you lauren! Love ya!

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Amazing service, clean and beautiful salon. Excellent parking. Natalia did an amazing job on my hair!

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Ask the Community - The CO I Operative Salon

Review Highlights - The CO I Operative Salon

Natalia cut my sons hair and was able to make it look exactly as we wanted, which is no small feat.

Mentioned in 22 reviews

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SAGE / on seventeenth

SAGE / on seventeenth

4.9
(146 reviews)
0.4 mi
$$$
Locally owned & operated
Certified professionals

I had such a great experience at SAGE, especially with Colby!…read more From the moment I arrived, everyone was welcoming and the salon itself is beautiful. Colby really took the time to listen to what I wanted and understood exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to keep my long hair while adding movement and shape, and he absolutely nailed it. My hair finally looks the way I had envisioned. Beyond his talent, he was incredibly kind and thoughtful throughout the appointment. Before I left, he even let me know that if there was anything I'd like adjusted after living with the haircut for a few days, he'd be happy to take care of it. That level of care and attention really stood out. I'm so glad I found both SAGE and Colby. I'll definitely be back and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a stylist who truly listens and delivers.

I really wanted to love this salon because I was happy with my haircut and was excited to finally…read morefind a good local place. Unfortunately, the color experience completely changed that. I came in asking for a rich brown. Instead, I left with a very noticeable red/orange band across the top of my head that doesn't blend with the rest of my hair. I never asked for red hair, and the result is nothing like what I requested. Before I left the salon, after my hair was styled, I pointed out the banding because I could tell something looked off. I was told it looked fine, so I trusted the stylist's professional judgment. Looking back, I wish my concerns had been taken more seriously. I left for a planned trip to Europe shortly after my appointment, so I wasn't able to come back immediately. However, as soon as I returned, I repeatedly tried contacting my stylist and left multiple messages. I never received a response. When I finally spoke with the salon, I expected them to stand behind their work and correct the color. Instead, I was told I would have to pay again for an all-over color to fix a result that wasn't what I had asked for in the first place. At this point, I'll likely have to go to another salon for a professional color correction. Between what I already paid here and what it will cost to fix, I'm out around $500 or more. If achieving a rich brown on my hair wasn't something they were confident they could do, I wish they had been upfront about that before starting the service. I would have appreciated that honesty far more than ending up with a color I didn't ask for and an expensive correction process.

Photos
SAGE / on seventeenth
SAGE / on seventeenth
SAGE / on seventeenth

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Rapor Salon and Barber

Rapor Salon and Barber

4.8
(205 reviews)
0.1 mi
$$

Matt did everything right with me and my hair. I have been seeking a hairdresser, since my long…read moreterm chica left for Hollywood. I would go visit someone based on multiple sourced reviews, only to be disappointed. This time around, I went to Reddit. Matt had replied to a request for a good haircut, providing a link to his cuts. They were unique, reflecting an artsy vibe, instead of the status quo. It was easy to get an appointment. Matt took his time exploring what I wanted and didn't want. Fortunately he has a preference for razor cuts as do I. Respect for a person who doesn't need scissors to shape the cut first. I He brought me a lovely French press as I had missed my morning dose. Matt is personable, making the wait entertaining as the magic took place. So charming,. My hair was cute on the day of the cut, but I did not capture it. The photos are from the next morning. I got exactly what I wanted and LOVE this hair.

THIS IS $290 I came to this salon in March and returned in…read moreMay for the same service: a highlight root touch-up. Aside from a few highlights around my face and on the top of my head, it didn't look like I had recently had my roots highlights touched up at all. My hair looks grown out as if I had not even had it done. Watch the video and you be the judge. When I brought up my concerns, the owner, I sent her this same video (Emily) explained that this is what the salon considers a partial ROOT highlight touchup. I already had my hair previously bleached . I respect that explanation, but for $240 plus a $50 tip ($290 total), I expected a more noticeable result. She offered to correct it for an additional $50. I'm sharing my experience so others can make an informed decision and have a clear understanding of what this salon considers a partial highlight ROOT service.

Photos
Hair by Cristina.
Hair by Cristina.
Vintage fringe
Vintage fringe
Rapor Salon and Barber

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Hair Society

Hair Society

4.8
(105 reviews)
0.8 mi
$$

I've been going to Thao at Hair Society for several years now. She was the first person to ever…read morecolor my hair, back when I still had virgin hair. I remember feeling extremely nervous the first time I lightened my hair, worried about potential damage. Thao guided me through the entire process and reassured me that she would keep my hair healthy while also making sure it remained low maintenance. Over the years, I've gone from dark to light and back to dark again. Each time, Thao has been incredibly professional and patient. I remember sending her numerous inspiration photos, and she was always honest about what was achievable with my hair. Without causing any damage, she successfully lightened my hair without it ever becoming brassy. Keep in mind when you go light, you have to get it toned and maintain your hair or it could potentially get brassy. Thao is very personable and always makes me feel welcomed and comfortable--like she's not just my hairstylist but also my therapist. I constantly get compliments on my cut and color, thanks to her. Whether it's your first time getting your hair done or you've been coloring it for years and need someone new you can trust, I highly recommend Thao! Hair Society recently relocated and is now at Tomahawk Salon, located at 775 West 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

I just had the best experience with Amanda at Hair Society, just look at the before and after!! She…read moretook that mess, said holdupp and turned my $h*t show into a masterpiece, she really understood the assignment. She said Bibbidi-Bobbidi- Boo honey!! I am looking and feeling summer time fine‍ Amanda was and will forever be a hair genie, and she is super kind and deserves all the stars and more. Have a blessed day

Photos
Inspo photos for Thao
Inspo photos for Thao
Inspo photos for Thao
Inspo photos for Thao
Hair Society

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Vanilla Salon

Vanilla Salon

4.8
(419 reviews)
2.3 mi
$$
Certified professionals
Women-owned & operated

I've been going to Janeth for about 3 years now and I honestly wouldn't trust anyone else with my…read morehair. When I first started going to her, my hair was super damaged and short, and over time she completely transformed it. My hair is now so much healthier, longer, and stronger thanks to her care and consistency. She always takes her time, listens to exactly what I want, and somehow makes my hair come out even better every time!! She also does my extensions and blends them so perfectly. I always leave feeling pretty, and refreshed after my appointments!!! Not only is she amazing at what she does, but she's also such a sweet and caring person who truly cares about her clients. The salon atmosphere is always relaxing, it honestly feels like a little self-care day every time I go. lol If you're looking for someone who truly cares about hair health and makes you feel beautiful every appointment, I 100% recommend booking with Janeth!!

This review took me months to write because reliving it is genuinely upsetting. I want to start by…read moresaying the stylist I saw, Caitlyn, is a sweet person but she destroyed my hair. I went to her in October for a refresh of my highlights. I was already nervous, since my previous stylist had moved away and always took great care of my fine hair, making sure it never got damaged. I told Caitlyn upfront that I was anxious about letting someone new bleach my hair, given a history of stylists frying it, and that I chose her specifically because she's a senior stylist. She reassured me she doesn't use heat dryers and starts with a low developer, so my hair would be fine. Once I was in the chair, I explained exactly what I wanted: a little brighter, a refresh of all my highlights, but keeping the dark root and dimension shown in my before photo. She agreed and got started. She never mentioned pricing, so I assumed it would be around $400 at most. During the appointment, she suggested going through my ends because they looked dark. I said maybe next time, since I wanted to preserve the integrity of my hair. Later, she mentioned she'd gone ahead and done a few extra pieces at the bottom anyway something I never asked for. By the time she finished washing my hair, it was already dark outside, so I told her not to worry about blow-drying it. I went home with wet hair. Even then, it looked extremely blonde, which worried me, but I assumed it was just because it was wet. At checkout, I was shocked: the total came to $650. I left a tip anyway because she was watching the screen as I paid and I felt put on the spot. (Receipts attached.) When I got home, my husband immediately said my hair looked way too blonde and pointed out broken pieces. He was right. Over the next few days, it kept breaking. My hair had taken years to get healthy, and in one appointment it became dry, brittle, and was falling out. The extra strands she did without asking only made the breakage worse. I ended up buying box dye to fix the color myself, since I hated how it looked. As of June 2026, I've had to cut at least 8 inches off, and I'm still working to repair the damage. This experience caused me real distress -- I loved my hair, and I deeply regret trying a new stylist. I'm sharing this so it doesn't happen to anyone else. Before, after, and current photos are attached.

Photos
Sew in weft extensions by Owner/stylist Stacy @vanilla.salon.bosslady
Sew in weft extensions by Owner/stylist Stacy @vanilla.salon.bosslady
Hair by                Stylist/owner  Stacy       @vanilla.salon.bosslady
Hair by Stylist/owner Stacy @vanilla.salon.bosslady
Wish I had some bangs to fill out that forehead

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Wish I had some bangs to fill out that forehead
Thao & Hair

Thao & Hair

4.8
(188 reviews)
2.8 mi
$$$

I want to share a really lovely experience I had today with a new hairstylist I recently found Thao…read more‍ Thao is incredibly sweet, friendly, and easy to talk to, which made me feel very comfortable right away. Even though I only came in for a haircut, she took the time to give me honest advice about my hair. She recommended that I should focus on treating and restoring my hair first, and then come back next time for coloring so the results would look better and healthier. What really impressed me was her thoughtfulness -- she noticed that my roots had grown out unevenly in color, so she went ahead and blended the color to match the rest of my hair. And she didn't charge me anything extra for it, only for the haircut. You can truly tell that she cares about her clients and takes pride in her work. She's not only skilled but also very genuine and attentive. I will definitely be coming back to her again Highly recommend her if you're looking for someone talented, honest, and kind!

I came in for a cut and balayage. It was about 6 months overdue for both. I showed Thao photos of…read morewhat I wanted and described a lob with warm, super natural balayage. Not the kind of white ashey blonde that most hairstylists do. I was also on a time crunch to pick up my daughter from school in time. I was totally apprehensive about giving someone new a try, but she totally delivered on exactly what I wanted, both the sexy cut and the perfect warm balayage. She also got me out in under 3 hours, which is crazy fast! When my husband saw my hair, he said, "I don't know what this is but whatever it is, THIS IS IT. This is the look." Best. compliment. ever. haha

Photos
Balayage hair
Balayage hair
Beach blonde balayage
Beach blonde balayage
Balayage hair

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Balayage hair

The CO I Operative Salon - hair - Updated July 2026

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