I visited The Last Resort as my last resort for my elopement wedding in September 2021, and I must say that I am beyond impressed with the quality of their services. As a South Asian bride, I was initially worried about finding a salon that understood my unique hair and makeup needs, but this salon exceeded all my expectations. The owner Valerie was able to schedule a hair & makeup trial a week before our wedding too. The staff was extremely welcoming and attentive from the moment I walked in. They took the time to understand my preferences and listened to all my concerns, making me feel confident that I was in good hands. Valerie, the hair stylist and makeup artist Judy, were both highly skilled and knowledgeable about working with South Asian skin tones, and they worked together seamlessly to create a stunning bridal look that made me feel like a queen on my big day. The hair and makeup stayed put in the breezy Big Sur weather even during the drop top Camaro that my husband drove throughout the day. Not only did they do an exceptional job with my hair and makeup, but they also went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect. The team provided me with valuable tips and advice on how to maintain my look throughout the day, and they even helped me adjust my veil and jewelry to ensure that everything was in place. Valerie was like my mother making sure I was comfortable, happy and full of joy on my wedding day! Overall, I can't recommend this hair salon enough to any South Asian bride looking for a talented and dedicated team of professionals to make her look and feel her best on her wedding day. From their exceptional customer service to their expert skills in working with diverse skin tones and hair types, this salon truly exceeded all my expectations. I keep returning here for hair and makeup occasions every few months. read more

Valerie has been cutting my hair for nearly 6 years now and she is undoubtedly the best person ever to cut and style my hair. She really listens to what I want and is very careful. She's really pleasant to talk to, her salon is clean and airy and everyone there has always been friendly and cheerful. She also hasn't changed her rates ever since I began seeing her- they're very reasonable, for the attention and high quality service I get. Interestingly, even though I normally wear my hair short, Val's haircuts always manage to look good even when they are growing out! I've always felt that that is the mark of a really good stylist - she gets to know your hair (texture, how it moves, what styling products work best or in my case, what style will work even without using any products or blow drying!) and recommends options that will fit your lifestyle, your hair and your fashion sense. The other thing I like about Val is that she is very health conscious. I've never smelled any noxious styling or coloring chemicals in her salon. And she doesn't try to sell me a bunch of styling products that I don't need. Other salons I've been to have always doused my hair with styling products and then tried to sell them all to me. Val has never done that to me, although she has thoughtful recommendations if I ask. If you want a haircut that you'll love and a relaxing place to be for an hour or so, this is the place to be. read more

We went to The Last Resort to get our hair done, and I don't know where to begin with how great Val and her staff was. First of all, she opened for us on a Sunday and didn't charge us an extra fee to do so. Second, she let us chill out upstairs, doing make-up and getting dressed. She helped with my nieces hair at the last minute, without charging us, and she was so relaxed and cool. The woman she brought in to help was also amazing, and, between the two of them, they did really beautiful beautiful jobs on our hair. Not to mention, we were two brides, since it was a lesbian wedding, and Val was super super cool about that. My hair was in a finger wave, and it made the entire look. My wife had a beautiful french twist, which Val put a new spin on by adding these cool feathery edges to (to match the feathers in my hair). We got SO many compliments that day. Thanks, Val for making us look so beautiful and feel so relaxed before such an important day! PS did I mention that when I was stressing about getting my dress dirty by touching it, Val just insisted that I take her hand sanitizer with me to the photos. insisted. THATS what kinda' person Val is. read more

Valerie saved my day! She was really there for me, as a helping and loving person - something that is priceless and so rare. Oh.. and she did miracle work on my hair, too! From the first moment i walked into her salon, i was happy that i had chosen her to be my hairdresser for my wedding. She not only created the hairstyle that i described to her and made me look beautiful on my wedding day, she also made me feel more relaxed by calming my fragile nerves. When i told her that Alexis, the party rental company, that we hired only brought half of the dishes, she picked up her phone and called them! I had not been able to reach them before.. I was immediately relieved. Then i realized that i had forgotten my wallet at home and she was not terrified - in contrary to me. There would be a few things that i would change about my wedding, but my hairdresser would certainly not be one of them. read more

There are two locations. I was attempting to let people know about a fabulously talented stylist named Gwendolyn at The Last Resort on East Cliff Drive , near the beach and Harbor area. She took me in very quickly and really did a fantastic job of shaping, (and reducing the amount of gray...without looking obvious). I felt like a" half million dollars". While I was there, she was finishing up on a woman's styling cut and color with high and low lites, (I think that is what they called it!), and she was so happy with how Gwen had made her look that she began to cry with such happiness! (She was gorgeous!) The Salon is very comfortable and classy. Gwen and her associate really make you feel great! I put her cell # (831-818-0489) into my phone so that when it's time I will be calling her to do her "magic" again... read more

I want to commend Teri Willer who works at The Last Resort as the BEST hair dresser i have ever been to. I have been going to Teri for over 30 years and I follow her where ever she goes. Teri colors my hair with low lights and high lights that look so natural, that no one knows that I color my hair. She cuts only what I want, she listens to any request i have and i believe the 2 star person had a bad day, because Teri is a fantastic person and i enjoy going to see her every time. My twin daughters have been going also ever since they were 16 and now they live in Santa Barbara and will only see Teri and she accommodates them with their visits when they come home, they are now 26. You will be lucky to get your hair done by such a professional person as Teri, I recommend her highly. read more

What a great experience. I liked Valerie from the very first phone call. My appointment was for wedding hair and makeup. In my pre wedding scramble I got the rehearsal appt. wrong. After a phone call from her she was kind enough to still see me even being late. When I arrived they were welcoming and very nice. Brenna did my makeup and lashes. On my wedding day Valerie and Brenna gave me the best start. Not only did they both do an amazing job but it was fun. Being lifetime Santa Cruz residents we realized we knew some of the same people. Even so , I felt like I was hanging out with old friends . So not only was I happy with their work but also had a great time! My experience from start to finish was impressive. I highly recommend the Last Resort for your wedding or anything! read more

This is somewhat confusing...I want to tell everyone how happy I am to see Gwendolyn Beauregard back at her former location now renamed "The Last Resort Salon" under the ownership of Val...This is not the one in Soquel, but near the beach at East Cliff and 13th avenue. I truly can't wait to be pampered by Gwendolyn's professional styling, coloring, and one on one attention, so I book more frequently now...I would have posted all 5 stars, and I will as soon as the "OWNER" enforces the "No Smoking" rules of the establishment. Also, I have had trouble getting directly booked with Gwendolyn, so I was suggested to call her on her cell phone which is (831)818-0489...Give her a try!!! You will be glad that you did!!! read more

I'm new to Yelp but I felt like yapping about Lori @ The Last Resort!!!! I've been going to Lori for probably 3-4 years, that alone should speak for itself! I was looking for a long term hair dresser & Lori met & continues to meet all my desires! She cuts exactly how I want it (depending on the day, the month & my mood), & does a wonderful color job! Thru out the years I've had long, short & several lengths inbetween not to mention several colors & highlights (depending on how daring I've felt)... I've walked out with my 'new 'do' or old 'refreshed do' everytime feeling great! She's VERY friendly, personanable & professional all in one! read more

This salon is amazing and welcoming! My great friend and stylist Teresa touched up my roots and gave me a wonderful stylish hair cut. I loved all the ladies and they all were happy and talkative! I went in not feeing well that day and after the tasty glass of wine i enjoyed from Star Benne next door and the lay down shampoo chairs they offer i was feeing great!! i have got so many compliments on my hair and feel great about telling everyone who say "i love your hair!" to go see TERESA at The Last Resort! Its well lit , modern, and top notch!PS this is for the E Cliff location!!sorry xo read more

I went to Georgina at Last Resort and she was AWESOME! I am one of those dreaded people that brings in a photo of some gorgeous celebrity with fabulous hair and says "MAke me look like this". Gina didnt skip a beat. She did my hair beautifully and I coulnd't be happier. She also was ready and waiting for me when I got there, and she did not have herself over scheduled so I never felt ignored. My only suggestion is for the Salon owners to perhaps have coffee/tea in the salon for the customers, and staff! It would make the experience of having your hair done much better. read more

I've been Sasha's regular client for Brazilian waxing for over a year, and never had a bad experience. She is very gentle and fast which is a perfect match for me, since I can't afford to spend more than 20 minutes on the esthetician table due to an extremely busy schedule. She is an outstanding professional plus the conversation with her is always nice. Her working area is spotlessly clean and professional looking, besides I totally love her music selection :)) Sasha always does a very clean job and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my waxing needs. read more

I have been going to Heather Smith for all my waxing needs for the last few years and I cannot say enough good things about her. She rocks! She always makes my brows look amazing and does a great job with brazillians as well. She really knows what she's doing and creates a relaxed but professional atmosphere. I would recommend her to anyone, young or old, and especially to first-time clients who might be a little nervous about waxing. Her technique really is less painful...I don't know how she does it but it's true. read more

VAL IS THE BEST! So I was in desperate need of a Brazilian, and even though I was a first time customer, Val let me make an appointment with her last minute on a day she wasn't even working! Soooo sweet, and is a complete pro! Really did a great job, with minimal pain and the salon was very comfortable and relaxing! She was very thorough and had great technique, least painful experience I have had (and I have had quite a few at various locations). Did I mention the extremely affordable price? Amazing! read more

Val is a very good friend of mine, but even if she weren't I'd still go to her at The Last Resort because she is a phenomenal stylist and colorist. She never rushes and sincerely wants to please each and every client. Her ego never gets in the way of making sure you are satisfied whether it's your hair, face, or body she is working her "magic" on. She truly is an extraordinary professional! And the behind the scenes right hand man, her husband, Ash, is a wonderful compliment to this successful salon. read more

Val and Brenna are an amazing team, professional and fun! This team traveled to my hotel to help me get ready for my wedding and were able to complete my hair and make-up, my mom's, and new mother in law's in no time at all! Not only did my hair and makeup look AMAZING it stayed amazingly well and I did not need to worry at all about how I looked all night. I would highly recommend The Last Resort for any bride looking for a hair and make-up team for their big day! Thank you Val and Brenna! read more

This is a wonderful find!! I asked Valerie to help with a bad hair cut and color I had previously and she transformed my hair. It has been so soft and wonderfully shaped. I love the highlights. The Last Resort is a wonderfully intimate saloon and you do not feel the drama of other saloons. And it is also unlike other saloons because it is very reasonable priced. I am so happy to finally find a hair dresser I like again! Definitely something to check out. read more

Heather is a very talented esthetcian. Her waxing skills are the best i have experienced in the past 5 years that i have been getting waxed. she is thourough, concise, and creative. she can even create a lightening bolt on your nether regions. woo hooo. she does the best facials i have had, and i'm a facial slut. my skin glowed for weeks, i think i even looked thinner afterwards. three cheers for yelp.com for helping me to find her. read more

Once you go to Gretchen...you'll never go to get your hair done anywhere else. Seriously. I've been all over Santa Cruz looking for someone who knows their stuff...and she's it. She does great cuts and awesome color for very reasonable prices. And she has a really great personality, so you'll never, ever be bored while you're there. If you're looking for someone with real skills, call her. Stop wasting your time other places! read more