I've been going to Marissa at Color Lounge in Fairfax for over 11 years, and I can't recommend her highly enough. The biggest compliment I can give her is that I completely trust her. She's incredibly talented, but she's also honest. About two years ago, I decided to stop coloring my hair and embrace my natural gray. Considering that coloring is a big part of her business, she could have easily tried to talk me out of it. Instead, she supported my decision, gave me thoughtful advice, and even told me my gray looked beautiful. That kind of integrity is rare. Marissa never pushes services or products you don't need--she genuinely wants what's best for your hair. I've also been getting keratin treatments with her, and they've been fantastic. The results look natural--smooth, healthy, and easy to manage without making my hair look unnaturally straight. My last treatment lasted nearly eight months, which made it well worth the investment. One piece of advice for anyone considering keratin: listen to Marissa's instructions. I learned that the hard way! Once, I went straight into the ocean after my treatment, even though she had advised me not to, and the saltwater definitely affected the results. On another trip to humid Mexico, I thought the treatment had disappeared, but as soon as I returned to California's drier climate, my hair looked smooth again. Keratin reacts to humidity, and Marissa does an excellent job explaining how to care for it. Follow her recommendations--including using the proper shampoo--and you'll get the best possible results. Beyond her skill, Marissa is warm, professional, fair, and truly passionate about what she does. Every visit is welcoming, relaxed, and enjoyable. If you're looking for someone with exceptional talent, honest advice, and genuine integrity, I wholeheartedly recommend Marissa at Color Lounge. After more than a decade as her client, I wouldn't trust anyone else with my hair. Now, 3 months after my last keratin, this is how I wake up in the morning! I love it! read more

The Color Lounge - 3 months after last keratin, no styling at all, my hair is so much more manageable. Woke up this way! Every day is a good hair day. - Hair Salons Near Me - Fairfax, California

Total waste of $400 for a failed treatment and zero accountability. I've had many keratin treatments over the years and know the process well. This was a total failure. The appointment was rushed (under 2 hours) and I even noticed my hair was sticky to the touch when I got home. Despite waiting a full week to wash and using sulfate-free shampoo, my hair is patchy, frizzy, and kinky. In all my years, I've never seen such patchy results. This is actually worse than a treatment simply "not taking" - my curl pattern is completely inconsistent, with straight patches, wavy patches, and frizzy patches all over my head. This is clear proof the stylist didn't properly apply the product or heat-seal the sections. I actually had to flat-iron my own hair every morning because it wouldn't stay straight. I didn't even reach out until after my first wash to give it a fair chance, but the stylist was dismissive and claimed I "didn't understand" the process. Most professional salons offer a fix or a refund when a treatment fails; this stylist refused both. Look at the photos--this is not a professional result. Save your money and go elsewhere. read more

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I am so grateful for Marissa. Before covid, I went into the city for my color. I have red hair, and far too many bad experiences with well-meaning stylists who left my hair Jolly Rancher Red or Prince Purple. During covid I did my own hair, but I was too timid to experiment with red, so I resorted to light brown. I didn't think I could find another colorist who would be so great with reds. But Marissa is absolutely amazing. She listened to me, discussed the options, and ultimately gave me back my beautiful natural shade (enhanced, of course) before the grays started. Thanks Marissa!! read more

Love this place and these people! Christie did an amazing job brightening up my winter hair with some beautiful partial highlights! She is friendly, easy to chat and connect with, and fantastic at what she does ... an enjoyable experience all around, I will definitely be back! read more

My wonderful hair stylist Atsuko Tomabe went back to Japan, so I had to look for another stylist. I had been with her for many years. I moved to Fairfax from the East Bay 15 years ago and tried somebody local but didn't like him, so went back to Atsuko. After looking at yelp and next door, I decided to try the Color Lounge. I made an appointment with Marissa, and have seen her twice now. My hair looks great! I am glad I found her. read more

Christie is one of those uber-talented and special stylists you rarely find. I've always been thrilled with the quality of work; she is super sweet and fun. She listens and is super thoughtful. The salon is beautiful too! I've been going to Christie for several years and have no plans to change that. read more

Where to begin. It was a true blessing to have Marissa as my hair stylist for my wedding last summer. I had a general idea of what I wanted my hair to look like but really was looking to her for guidance and advice. The end product was phenomenal! Marissa incorporated every aspect of what I wanted into the style, made a few recommendations, and I absolutely loved the result. Everything came together flawlessly and my hair stayed in tact despite the Bay Area wind. She worked with my scheduling needs from the get go and was very welcoming. I was really relaxed in her company and felt as if I was getting my hair done by a friend who I've known for a long time. Marissa also cut and colored my hair a couple weeks prior to the big day and I have to say that her Balayage technique is top notch! She gave my hair the sun-kissed look I wanted and framed my face beautifully. This is a labor of love for her and you can tell how much time she spent on the design elements of her salon and other small little details that were very peaceful to the eye. Also her hair products are by far some of my favorite out there. Thank you so much Marissa! See you next week :) read more

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Marissa is a Magician. I am deeply grateful to her extraordinary color correcting skills!!!

Marissa is phenomenal! She listens to what you want, steers you out of bad ideas, and delivers a great style!

Marisa has a wonderful eye for color and made me so happy with the results of her work! I am thrilled to be a part of her clientele and extremely grateful for her work! She is a gifted artist and I highly recommend her for hair color. You can't get better than this!! Thank you Marisa!! read more

I've been going to Marissa for 8 years and love what she does for color and cuts! It is such a joy to find someone you can trust to help you look your best! read more

The Color Lounge - Cut and Color - Hair Salons Near Me - Fairfax, California

Marissa just did my daughter's hair and it looks amazing!!! Being a tween, my kiddo is very particular about her how she's choosing to begin to express herself and her hair is a huge part of that. Marissa nailed exactly what she wanted! She's returning to school in two days after a year of distance learning, and could not be happier going back with this new style and color. She also adored Marissa, as did I. Awesome person, awesome skill. Thank you so much!! read more

My hair and I were only too delighted to be reunited with Marissa again! Her beautiful salon is bright and a serene oasis. Marissa was able to restore my hair and work with my attempts at home coloring during these precarious times. Cannot recommend her enough for her talents and a lovely human to boot! read more

I drive from the East Bay to Marin just to get my hair done by Marissa. She's the best! I always feel like a million bucks after seeing her, my hair feels silky and healthy, and I get tons of compliments on my color. I love coming into this slice of heaven, it's so chic, stylish, beautiful, clean and up to date with Covid protocol. And Marissa's demeanor, care and attention to detail always lifts up my day. This place has all the right vibes, and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for premium work on their hair!!! read more

I've been all over the country from New York to Chicago to Miami to LA, searching for the right color and cut. Marissa has mastered both. Also, she is extremly cautious regarding Covid protocal. I feel comfortable and safe because it's one on one. Her new studio is chic and contemporary and I would give her 10 stars if possible. read more

The Color Lounge - Hair Salons Near Me - Fairfax, California

She did an amazing & beautiful job styling hair for my wedding party and me. Love that she can literally do any hairstyle we wanted and make sure it stayed secure throughout the whole day. She's thoughtful & nice and I'd recommend her any day. :) read more

Marissa is great! Took my daughter to her for her FIRST haircut at 10 years old...she was nervous but Marissa did her thing and she left the salon so happy and excited. She immediately went on the phone to call her friends and tell them. Pretty awesome first haircut experience read more

This review is long over due. I was planing a wedding for my best friend when I discovered my original stylist got sick. I called Marissa, told her I need her help that day to do the bride hair. She was on the spot and she did an amazing job- better then the original one. Now I use Marissa all the time for my clients hair needs and for my own. I am not coloring my hair yet but my clients are always raving about her color skills. Super professional and fun to work with! read more

I first began going to Marissa last summer after a bad color experience, I researched talented colonists in the Bay Area and kept coming upon her reviews and had to check her out. She initially corrected my color and gave me a very flattering cut for curly hair, that's when my love affair began! A talented colorist and stylist who can actually cut curly hair?! I'm in! She takes the time to hear your specific needs and concerns and is very gentle and caring with your locks. Please check her out, she is so beyond worth it! read more

I went to Marissa to get my hair styled last August. Probably one of the best experiences I've had at a hair salon! She was efficient, professional and created the exact look I wanted. Very rarely do I go to a hair salon and come out with EXACTLY what I asked for or envisioned. I looked great for an important event and credit it to my fabulous "classy Amy Winehouse" hair! :-P Thanks Marissa! read more

Just came back from Marissa for a haircut and highlights. After trying several salons I now can say that Marissa did the best job. She is an amazing colorist and all my grey hair is covered by the highlights. Also the haircut is exactly what I wanted. After using several salons in Marin and being disappointed with the results considering the prices they ask, I am really very happy to have found Marissa! She is professional, kind, great listener, amazing colorist and stylist. Her price is very fair compare to most salons in Marin. No doubt for me that from now on I will use Marissa for my color and cut! read more

If you're looking for someone who will make you look and feel fabulous, look no farther than Marissa. She's truly as good as it gets. A real pro. She is a wizard with the scissors and she can color like no other. She is outstanding at listening to what a client wants, and executing exactly what is requested. If on the other hand, you might want some guidance finding the right style for you, she has an excellent eye. She knows what will work for your hair type and she won't lead you astray if a certain style won't work for you. It's hard to find a good hairdresser. You have to try a lot of them before you find the right fit. Take it from me: try Marissa. You'll be glad you did. read more

I could not be happier after my first visit today. Marissa really listened to me and the result was I got exactly what I wanted - beautiful color with a few perfectly placed hand painted highlights, a great precision cut & smooth blow out. I really appreciate how she cares to understand the science of hair color and the use of quality products. I am looking forward to future appointments after looking for a long time for the right person to replace my favorite stylist who moved out of state. read more

Loved my short sassy new do! Marissa is very talented and I look forward to my next new look with her!

Awesome color! Always a great experience getting my hair colored by Marissa. Highly recommend her. She also cuts my daughters hair and it's consistently great. No need to look for anyone else. You can be sure to walk out with a beautiful cut or color from Marissa. read more

You won't go wrong with Marissa! She is the whole package - she listens intently to what it is you want and asks questions to make sure she understands and gets it right. She takes her time to do a beautiful cut. My hair is curly and not just anyone can cut my hair well. I was surprised that on my first visit she got it just right. She is easy to book an appointment with - very accommodating- and she works in a very convenient location. read more

Marissa is extraordinarily talented at designing an updo that suits your desire. She gave me the most beautiful updo for my wedding... it was seriously more lovely than I had envisioned. Highly recommend her for a special event updo! read more

When I first came to Marissa I was in need of major hair help...the last hairdresser I went to turned me into ginger-spice and my wedding was just 6 months away...I always dreamt of being a platinum blonde bride! Marissa did not only color correct my hair but a few appointments later my blonde dreams had come true. I booked her for my wedding day as well...and my hair was classic, stayed perfectly in place the whole day, and was just as I had envisioned. I have been going to her for years now. She is amazing at understanding my hair goals and always exceeds my expectations. From cuts to color to big changes and small ones, I always leave my appointments with Marissa feeling refreshed and happy! What makes Marissa different is 1. She is an awesome person 2. She brings focus and energy to every appointment 3. She knows how to do blonde the right way read more

Today was my second color, cut & style with Marissa. I have very fine, thin and greying hair. The first visit I was very pleased and she did an excellent job with the color. I rarely leave a shop so happy mainly because my hair just doesn't have enough body to style. Again, I was smiling when I left and she is an amazing colorist. My hair is healthier and shinier rather than brittle with the products she uses, even at my age. The cut was great too. Not an extreme change but got lots of compliments immediately. I will be going back for a third and fourth.. read more

Marissa does wonders for men as well. I was struggling at men's salons around Marin to find a simple cut and style that works for work and for fun. Too many other haircuts left me with wings, ridges, bends and bumps. Marissa has been great. read more

Marissa is the best! She was actually able to fix a terrible haircut that I thought I would just have to wait for it grow out. And, she gave me the most beautiful highlights! I've received so many compliments! I finally love my hair again. Thanks Marissa! read more

Marissa is awesome! I highly recommend her! After moving here from the mainland, away from my best friend who had been doing my hair for years, I was super nervous to try anyone new, but she did a great job adding some layers and trimming my split ends without taking off too much length (which I am always worried about!) the layers she added thinned my hair out just enough to make it manageable in this crazy humidity!! read more

Wow! I'm so impressed with Marissa's artistry. Perfect hair cut and color! She listens to what you wants and delivers!

Marissa is basically great. She uses really good products (no chemicals) to both dye my hair and treat it. I have always been super happy with my hair cuts and she is fun to chat with! read more

I am delighted that I drove to Marin from the east bay to have MARISSA do my hair. She is SO GOOD! She is a perfectionist, paid attention to my ideas, and corrected a terrible cut and color I had done at another salon. My hair is fine, and needs a different sort of cut than would be done on thick hair. I highly recommend this tslented stylist. read more

Marissa did a great job of getting rid of the frost in my hair. A great new look great prices and super friendly to be around. I would highly recommend her and I will keep going back. read more

Marissa did highlights on my hair and they came out so good! I love my hair now! I highly recommend going to Marissa to get your hair done! She is outgoing, personable and gives great customer service! read more

The Color Lounge - Here is the Before and After pictures of my hair! - Hair Salons Near Me - Fairfax, California

Marissa is truly an artist and a professional at what she does. I ended up seeing her work and contacting her inquiring about my wedding. She instantly got back to me, sent me information and her website. After further review, I could tell she was going to be good. From what I saw her hair styles were diverse and clean, so I ended up booking her! I am pretty picky about my hair, so I wanted to meet her prior to the trial and wedding. I made an appointment for a partial blonde highlight and cut. She did an amazing, detailed job on the color so I was ecstatic with my decision about choosing her for the wedding. I made another appointment for the color and the bridal trial. I had shown her a few pictures of my vision and she went with it. Fast forward to the wedding... Marissa traveled over an hour, bright and early to the bridal suite and was there before we even arrived and ready to go! She ended up doing 7 services, including my bridal hair and all was done so well and stayed within the timeline. For my hair, she created a new vision for the side, curly pony and it was everything I dreamed of. I still get comments about my hair style at the wedding today! After the wedding, I decided Marissa is my new hair stylist and I look forward to my next appointment with her. As mentioned, I am very picky and she really knows her stuff and does great work :) I highly recommend, you will not be disappointed! read more

Marissa was highly recommended to me for my wedding the moment I got engaged, and I am so happy I was able to work with her! She was always professional, personable and a lot of fun to work with from the very start. My bridesmaids and I were thrilled she had been a part of helping us get ready. With all different hair types and styles, she was able to create a beautiful and unique look for each of us, and they all turned out perfect! I can't count how many compliments I've received, I'm still hearing "best updos I've ever seen." I am so grateful Marissa had been available to help me get ready for the most magical day of my life, I felt like a queen on my special day! She truly is an artist, and I have no doubt that I will work with her again, and I'm looking forward to it! Thank you, Marissa!! read more

While she is really personable, there is absolutely NO skill in color. I have seen here twice and a a half, and the last time she ruined my hair so badly, she offered to refund, and then left the stqte and never made good on the promise (please PM me for all the emails) and I am STILL reeling from the lack of color....the heartbreak of the fee she took, and the lack of refund she promised. Look. No matter how my hair was, (I am from Los Angeles, I know hair) I asked for black ad blonde. I got, at best, a muddy brown. BOTH times. Over months. She offered to refund, took off, never did, Horrible, hair school job. Will never make it in the city ;) (Unless your standards are super low and like a nice person for your whole paycheck of month :() read more