I am stuck between 2 and 3 stars. I will say that this review has nothing to do with the salon itself because I love it but the end result of my cut. Went to see Teri for a cut. came in asking for a shoulder length cut with layers and bangs. What I got was a blunt bang(which I specifically said I didn't want!) and bob. My hair is thick so I need some movement and layers to my hair otherwise it just looks heavy. She barely gave me any layers( if you can call it that). I love this place but for $50 I can find another salon that will give me exactly what I want for less. read more

I went to Last Resort for my wedding hair because there were endless amounts of wonderful comments about Val. I sent her a picture of what I wanted and she assured me that she would have no problem doing my half up/half down curled hairstyle. She even told me we wouldn't do a practice round. Big mistake. First she couldn't re-create the hairstyle and had to do and re-do multiple times. Then she pinned up my curls so they wouldn't fall flat while I was doing all of the other wedding day routines. Well I waited until my dress was on, make up was done and bouquet in hand...we took out the pins and not only did my hair have little kinks in every curl because of the pins, the curls all fell flat and my gf had to recurl it all over again! Waste of $$$ and I was late to my wedding! This also sounds mean but is true, the salon is tiny and has very little ventilation and Val had some strong body odors, not pleasant while someone is doing your hair. I don't recommend this salon and never let a stylist talk you out of a practice round, I would not have gone back if we had. Very disappointing and embarrassing on my wedding day. read more

I can't say enough good things about Val. I drove by her salon many times and thought I'd look her up on the web and Yelp. She has a very inviting website and found her good reviews on Yelp. I asked my wife to go there for a change. It was time for a change; she's had the same style since college - long and straight, only getting shorter every year with a bit of grey creeping in. The only rule was "No Mommy hair." Val knew exactly what I meant by this and did not disappoint. My wife receives nothing but compliments on the style and the coloring/highlights, and she looks so much better/up-to-date with this style. As for waxings - my wife has been to a few places, but none have ever done it right like Val. My wife has commented that Val puts you at ease, then she's got the magic touch and wax that minimizes the pain and it's done! My wife also recommends her highly to her friends, so you know it's all good. All I can say, as the lucky guy who gets to look at my stylish wife, is that Val rocks! read more

I cannot believe how much time (and money) I wasted on my search for a salon in Santa Cruz. This place is perfect! As a wedding coordinator I heard client after client rave about The Last Resort and eventually I began recommending them based on the amazing hair I continued to see. Finally, I made my own appointment. I worked with Val who was so sweet and eventually Teri and Denise colored my very dark and previously treated hair, to a full weave of blonde. They knew exactly what I wanted, even when I did not. The color was perfect after the first try and anyone who transitions from brunette to blonde knows that it is so hard to get the perfect ash blonde in one shot. I am still in shock how perfect the color is and how healthy my hair feels!! Not to mention, I truly believe Teri and Denise were JUST as excited about my hair as I was. It was so fun!! Please do yourself a favor and call this salon!! read more

Val my hair guru! Val has been taking care of me for over 2 years... and I used to drive over from Dublin to see her! I now live in Aptos and am loving the fact that she is right down the street from me. It is impossible to say what the best thing about Val is, but I will tell you she really listens to your desires and ideas, she provides positive feedback and will always steer you in the right direction. She is an absolute joy to be around and she 'totally gets hair and skin'! I don't know what I would do without her! I've also seen her mentor her new stylists and she is fantastic with them. The Last Resort is the First and Only Resort for me! read more

Val was awesome. First salon I've been to since I've moved to Santa Cruz, and it'll definitely be the only one. Val listened to what I wanted without getting scissor-happy and her prices are reasonable especially for students. I highlyyy recommend her! read more

I can't say enought about my local Soquel Salon The Last Resort. You feel like family when you are there . Valerie the owner is fantastic and she is assited by her daughter Denise. I have been having Denise cut and color my hair for about a year now. I get a wonderful cut and color every time!!! The time flys when I'm there with all the laughter and fun salon chit chat. I am lucky to have found this wonderful salon. They do lots of other spa services and wedding services including hair and makeup. I would give them more than 5 stars !!! It's clean , affordable and so much fun plus they are expanding ! Enjoy!!!! read more

I got my first brazilian wax here with *Lauren* and although I was nervous, she made me super comfortable and was very thorough and professional. It hurts SO BAD, but feels so good after :) read more

I love this place! Val and Lauren make me feel very welcome and taken care of. I have only gone in for wax services with Lauren and she is amazing! Lauren is very detailed and thourough and makes sure that you get exactly what you want. Waxes hurt and Lauren does her very best to make sure you are comfortable. Also, their prices are unvelievable. Have to love that! I highly recommend seeing Lauren if you need an amazing waxer! I won't go anywhere else! read more

I love this place! I was in a panic for someone to do my wedding hair and makeup, and got a referral to Val. She was AMAZING! Not only did she do an excellent job, but she also was very calming and relaxing which was really helpful. I was so impressed that I have been going to her regularly for my hair color and cuts. She is Fab!!! read more

I contacted Val, from Last Resort Hair Salon, when I was at my true "last Resort". My co-worker had men tioned yelp so I took a look and came across rave reviews for this salon. It is jard searching through yellow pages and such so this made it a lot easier, I read her reviews and knew i could not go wrong. She was able to do hair for my wedding last minute when no one else could. Val was professional from th beginning and made me fel at ease once she said, "don't worry, everything will be okay, and I will see you on your wedding day". Professional, fun and sassy, just my cup of tea. I would reccommend her to anyone who still has time to look and to anyone who waited a bit too long like myself. Thank You Val you are more appreciated than you know. Love, Mary read more

I had the best haircut of my life yesterday, and my first brazilian. Val understood exactly what I mean when I said vague things like "long as possible" and "professional looking." As for the waxing, she answered all my questions, and taught me interesting terms of the trade like "keyhole" and "bunny tail." She doesn't use the strips, she uses a fancy french wax and the quality is obvious. You are in good hands at The Last Resort read more

Val is awesome! She has been doing my hair for about a year. She did a beautiful job on my hair for my beach wedding as well and my Bridesmaid. She recently cut 8 inches and colored my hair a fun red! I come in with a photo and she made it happen. I highly recommend The Last Resort and Val. read more

I was afraid. I had never really had highlights before. I believe I introduced myself as the woman with virgin hair that wanted to look like she were in her 20s again. Long story short, she listened to what I had to say, my man didn't notice which was the goal because I didn't want him to know I had spent the money and wanted it to look totally natural (but all of my girlfriends did notice!), I left feeling like I was in my 20s, and finally love my hair again. It no longer looks like "dish washer soap". I was thrilled with this experience and will most definitely return! read more

I recently got married in Santa Cruz and Val was recommended to me by our wedding location, Bargetto's. I booked about 3+ months in advance as she does book up quickly. I did opt not to do a dry run and she was fine with that. My only worry was that she didn't require any down payment or anything to hold the date and the neurotic in me was a little freaked out that my date may not be "held". Anyway, enough pretense...Val was amazing! She emailed me a week before the event asked if I would like to go to the salon or if she should come to me. I opted for her to come to me as we were staying in a beautiful inn and thought the pictures would be great. She said that was absolutely fine -- no additional charge for that! Day of, she was wonderful. She asked me to bring in a few pictures of hair and makeup and she took it from there. She combined those pictures with my hair type and face and did something that would look beautiful on me. Now, what I appreciated more than you could ever know was how flexible she was with my friends coming in and out ALL morning. Some of my friends got ready in the same bathroom as us and she just chatted and joked with all of us. She even showed them how to do their hair the way they wanted -- and she let them use her equipment :-) Thanks Val for making me look great on my wedding day and dealing with everyone in the bathroom!!! I got MANY complements on hair and makeup :-) read more

Val and Brenna did amazing hair and makeup for my friend's wedding in Felton. They worked very efficiently and did myself, the bride, and the bride's mother in a couple of hours. Our hair looked beautiful, and our makeup was so natural. Coming from out of town, we were so pleasantly surprised by the quality of their work and how kind and friendly they were. I would recommend them in an instant to anyone planning a wedding in the Santa Cruz area! read more

Val is a godsend. I didn't know about the French blue wax until her and I can't imagine ever using another wax or another person. She is very down-to-earth and was wonderful. Oh, and did I mention the cost was unbelievably affordable? Love The Last Resort. read more

Val DEFINITELY deserves five stars. Val was recommended to me by my photographer, and we first met back in March when I did my hair trial for my wedding. The hair looked amazing, and while she was working she gave us tons of great tips on skin care (for my mom) and Brazilian blowouts (for my bridesmaid). She even helped us find a place for our rehearsal dinner, I mentioned that we were looking for someplace laid back, inexpensive and yummy and she directed us to the perfect location (The Greek, also in Santa Cruz). Anyway, I loved my hair during the trial, and we agreed that for the wedding she would do my hair and makeup, and my moms hair. Then, about two weeks before the wedding I found out that my mother-in-law also wanted her hair done. Val said no problem, and scheduled her in. Then, around three days before the wedding, my mom decided she wanted her hair not only cut, but also styled. The ever accommodating Val said fine, she would it make it work. The day of the wedding everything went smoothly. Val did all of our hair, and there was a make-up artist who did my make-up and my mother's make-up. Our hair all looked great, as did our make-up. I can't remember the name of the make-up artist, unfortunately, but I would definitely give her five stars as well. Val and her colleague made me look and feel like a movie star, which is all anyone can really ask for on their wedding day! read more

Val is absolutely amazing. I went to see her with a friend who had never been waxed before, and we were both positively thrilled with our experiences. The salon is really cozy and we both felt totally at ease. The price was reasonable and Val really knows what she's doing. We're hooked! read more

WOW! Val was wonderful to me, even though I had to reschedule my appointment because I couldn't make the first one. I had been looking for a stylist for a while, and as long as I'm staying in Capitola, I'm going to Val! I don't talk that much when I'm getting my hair done, but Val made me very comfortable. The haircut was great, got a lot of compliments on it, and she talked me through every step of the way when I asked her advice on things. read more

Val is fantastic...she has been doing my hair for about a year and I always get compliments on the cut...she just recently helped me with a less than stellar color I got elsewhere (those gift certificates really should be saved for massage or pedicures, I know!) by correcting the highlighting and throwing in a wonderful apricot/coppery glaze to really condition my stressed locks...she's terrific, I tell ya! Call her... read more

I have to say, thank goodness for Yelp otherwise I never would have ventured in for a wax ... anywhere - it's the kind of thing that you really need to trust someone with. But with all of the positive reviews I thought that I would take the chance. Frankly, I was terrified: my sister and a few friends have done bikini waxes before at other establishments and warned me that they had walked like cowboys for the next week and never tried it again. But here I am the next day and couldn't be happier or more comfortable with the work Val did. AND she was extremely accommodating with her schedule. Thanks so much! read more

I have had Val, Kelsey and others too from this salon do my hair and makeup for photos and events. Every single time I have looked flawless. I always have people asking me where I went so they can go too. I just had my wedding yesterday and once again I looked great thanks to them. Val kept me stress free about my wedding day. She even sewed my veil for me do it would stay on perfect. I just can't say enough about everyone here, so happy! read more

What an amazing Salon I've found . Valerie has a great sence of business and extremely knowledgeable of hair . Such a fun personable shop to find . I took my mom in for a dye and cut . Our old styless was starting to really show her lack of knowledge and her color was getting worse with each visit . I myself was finding my cuts coming out worse then when I came in . But coming here was the best experience for my mom. She has extremely kinky , curly hair and found alot of people dont know what to do with hair like that . While Valerie was cutting she was explaining the do's and dont's and why she was doing what she was . We left feeling like there was a chance for a great cut still out there . I cant wait for my turn read more

I highly recommend Val for bridal/wedding day hair styles! I went to Val for a trial run in early April. At the time, I had not decided exactly what I wanted for my big day. I brought some pictures in for Val and she was very knowledgeable. She gave me a "half-up" style for my trial. This style looked great. For my wedding day I ended up wearing my hair all the way up. Val did an amazing job. My style was loose and very modern. It rained during the dancing portion of our outdoor wedding. Even with the rain, my hair still looked great all day. Val is a class act! read more

Val did my hair and my bridesmaids' hair for my wedding in March 2012. Val did an excellent job and I was thrilled with how everything turned out. Val and her assistant Olivia were very clam and really took their time with everyone's hair. I really appreciated that they budgeted enough time for everyone and did not need to rush, since no bride wants to feel rushed on her wedding day. Everyone looked great with their updos. I am sooooo glad that I decided to go with Val for my wedding day! read more

I love my new cut and color. This was my first time at The Last Resort and Brenna was my stylist. My hair is fine and sort of wavy and I almost never like my haircuts right afterwards, but this time it's awesome. I've been getting lots of compliments on it. It even looks good when I just let it air dry, which is a huge plus for me. read more

Had such a great experience getting my hair done at Last Resort. Called and got a same day appointment. Denice was kind and warm, we hit it off immediately. She took her time matching/finding the correct color and tone for my hair. I badly needed a haircut and she gave me exactly the right amount of layers. The studio is modern and clean. Very happy with results! read more

I picked this salon based on the ratings here on Yelp and was not disappointed. Olivia cut & colored my hair and did a great job. She really took time to study what my natural color is before preparing the mix and the result is a wonderful shade that is as close to my original color as I can remember. We discussed the cut a good bit too and she made a few suggestions which turned out great. The cut looks stylish both blown out and with my natural curl. The price was great with their 1st time customer deal, but even their regular prices will be just fine with me going forward. Thanks for a great new salon experience! read more

Val and Olivia did a fantastic job of makeup and hair for my wedding! I made the mistake of trying another place first, luckily I ended up here!! Moderately priced, friendly, they listen to what you want, and the results were totally beautiful wedding pictures! I can't thank them, or recommend their skills highly enough...more stars! Thanks again to both of them for making me so beautiful and our wedding extra special! read more

After reading the reviews on Yelp that Val is experienced with curly hair I booked an appointment. I'm a nervous Nellie in hair salons with my not so easy to manage head of curly, wavy, thick hair. Val put me at ease immediately with her warmth; she's got a gift for being very present, she listens and I could relax. I'm growing out my hair from doing a "big chop" 10 months ago to go completely silvery white and ditch the dye. Since then I got a couple of trims elsewhere but wasn't super happy with the results. Happy to say Val did a great job....success at last. Really nice vibe at her cute salon as well...highly recommend! read more

Wish we'd come sooner! ! Perfect salon, awesome stylists. They really listened to what we wanted. My daughter and I have long, Hawaiian hair that can be pretty unmanageable at times, so the haircuts we got were absolutely perfect! Kept the length but added style. We love it. Highly recommend and will be back if we're ever visiting California again. Oh, and private parking and super reasonable price! (Waaayyy cheaper than what we pay in Hawai'i) read more

I work as a health care provider, and usually don't have the time to style or deal with my thick unruly hair. Before I found Val, my hair was chronically in a pony tail. Now I wear it down proudly and am the envy of all my colleagues!!! Val is an absolute genius!!! I have been through so many stylists over the years and Val is the only one that can make my hair manageable and beautiful. She is super sweet and always knows exactly what will work for me. She is a keeper...my hairdresser for life!!! read more

Wow. I can't say enough great things about Val and the work she did for my wedding in July. Val and Amy (make-up artist from Vegas) did the hair and make-up for myself and six bridesmaids. They were not only fun and professional to work, but their work was flawless, and Val came to the rescue twice in a four hour morning. Once for a bridesmaid who had attempted to do her own hair (big mistake), and again when we realized my vail had a huge rip in it and Val ran out twice to find supplies to fix it. My entire wedding party got numerous compliments throughout the evening. I live in Colorado, but will be sure to time my trips to the salon to coincide with visiting my parents in Santa Cruz so I can go back to the Last Resort. read more

I have been going to Heather Smith to get waxed for a few years now. She ROCKS!!! I generally go for brazilians and for my under arms, but have also had my eyebrows done by her as well. I have never had a bad experience. She is very professional and makes what could be an uncomfortable situation as pleasant as it can be. I have recommended her to friends and family and have never heard anything but great comments come back to me. Everyone who I have referred to her has been happy and a is still a client. I would recommend her to anyone! read more

Thank you, Val, for helping my sister and me look so beautiful on my wedding day! I enjoyed meeting Val for a trial make-up and hair run a few months prior to my wedding, and the salon is indeed very cute. Val made me look very natural and I really appreciated that since I was not entirely comfortable getting my make-up done professionally (I tend to wear little or no make-up). On the wedding morning, Val was very receptive to my request to have a more traditional french twist, and she painstakingly made sure it was just right before seeing us off. It was simply beautiful and she made my blue eyes light up with her magical touch! I recommend Val for your wedding updo and make-up because she is very genuine, talented, and reasonably priced. read more

So, I have always viewed bikini waxing as one of those painful procedures women endure. I've done regular bikini waxing for years and it has always hurt, but not so badly that it wasn't worth doing during swimsuit season. After reading all the positive reviews here, I went for it and made an appointment for a brazilian wax for the first time in my life. I have always been afraid of doing it thinking it would be too painful. As everyone has reported, Val is wonderful and put me right at ease. Due to her skill and use of the blue wax, it was much less painful than regular waxes. I am hooked and will definitely be back! read more

Val is the absolute best! A truly caring and wonderful person and very talented stylist. The kids and I are regulars and we won't go anywhere else; we love her! Olivia is awesome - she did a great job layering my hair. She's got mad skills too! read more

I went to Valerie for the first time to get my hair cut and donate it to Locks of Love. She was awesome and I'm so glad I went to her over anyone else. She made sure I was comfortable with the length I got cut off and asked a lot of questions to make sure she knew exactly what I wanted. I brought in a picture of the haircut I wanted and she gave me the exact cut I wanted! She is so sweet and nice and very easy to talk to. The cut was only $20 because I donated my hair and she donates most of the money she gets from these cuts to Jacobs Heart at the end of the year which made me feel really good! I absolutely love my haircut and I'm so glad she took the time to give me what I wanted and to style it! read more

Salon was clean and well organized. Denise gave me a great hair cut and was quickly able to accommodate my schedule. Very happy with The Last Resort - congratulations, you have a new customer! read more