I've been seeing Alvin for almost four years. In that time, I've referred him to all of our local friends and family. I don't think there is anyone I know in the San Mateo that doesn't see Alvin regularly! Scheduling appointments with Alvin is easy and that's really important as sometimes I make an appointment for 3 people back to back. We only get our haircuts and highlights by Alvin because they always come out looking amazing - and did I mention grows out so naturally too?? Alvin is also fun to chat with so it's never a dull appointment:) Thanks for being so awesome! read more

Alvin does great hair, simple as that. I was really pleased with his confidence. I have had a hard time finding people who've worked on men with curly hair and Alvin assured me he's done it many times. In the end I got a clean cut look that works styled or not and his fading skills are on point. Both sides of my head are perfectly balanced and exactly what I was looking for, I would come back just for the quality of the cut. Scheduling with Alvin is super easy, just text and he'll fit you in. I'm glad I could find someone close by who does a great job at a great price. Would recommend for men who are looking to get their hair styled, especially cleaner looks. read more

I just have to say and show my appreciation to Alvin for taking my last minute request. I tried to chop my hair and did a not so bad job, but i thought a more professional touch would look better. Alvin saved my hair, definitely. Very friendly and accommodating, and he did exactly what I wished and wanted for my hair. Thank you so much and stay safe :-) I'll see you again next time. Def coming back. read more

Top Image Salon - Pixie hair is the way to do it. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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TL;DR A really stellar haircut experience, and major props to Alvin and Sola Salons for prioritizing safety and sanitation as the pandemic is certainly not over yet. I have visited Alvin twice this month to fix a train wreck of pandemic hair -- overgrown hair that was once a short bob, random grays that grew in lieu of pregnancy hair growth. I had my hair cut, a consultation on what to do about the grays, and another appointment to have color done. Pros: Alvin is patient, professional but not pretentious, easygoing. He was also able to see through what the problem was with the existing haircut to correct it and make it finally feasible to style. Thank goodness!! The salon is actually a confined studio space within the larger Sola Salons building, which contains many glass cubicle studios (think corporate conference room style with sliding doors). Ventilation was going strong and common spaces are taped off, my temperature was checked at the door and nobody walks in without an appointment. They take safety seriously and I greatly appreciated this, especially since I was planning to do a 2-3 hour procedure here. Very clean and neat studio. Quality styling products and quality tools (e.g. T3 curlers, etc). Seems to be taking only one client at a time, which helps with full undivided attention. This was important to me with color procedures and making sure every phase of the coloring was done on time and on point. This is a personal preference, but Alvin gets the job done without excessive yammering. I absolutely cannot stand stylists, dentists, sales ppl who engage in excessive small talk and it gives me anxiety. Plus the last salon I went to had stylists who kept talking less than a foot from my face and I didn't want excessive exposure to covid. So, less talk was a huge priority. Price includes wash and dry. This seems to be a rarity in the Bay Area for some odd reason. Price is average for a higher quality cut. Cons: Not cheap, but I am prioritizing a clean and cautious experience over anything else right now. Additionally, color is not something I trust with anyone, so I was happy to pay for Alvin's patience, experience and expertise. read more

So I had a Yelp Deal that I needed to use. I actually bought it in hopes to do a hair update before my bf's sister's wedding and then I just never got around to it. Then realizing, oh crap, it's going to expire, I called Alvin to see if he had any availability. Of course he was a dear and scheduled me on a Friday when I had a day off. I arrived and well he remembered who I was! Well apparently he read my review and was touched by my kind words. Well I meant every word! Well this time, my hair cut wasn't going to be as drastic. I came in telling Alvin that I was growing my hair out and just wanted something to lighten up my hair as it was getting a bit "heavy." After a shampoo, he worked his magic. The thing was, I didn't know what to expect as I didn't come in with a picture. I totally left it to Alvin as I trusted him. In the end, I was a little in shock and well thought that it wasn't what I wanted, but when I left and looked at it a little longer, it was exactly what I wanted. Alvin took out all the heft out of my hair and my head of hair was feeling lighter! He kept the length, but gave me layers to add different dimension/texture to my head of hair. What did I learn? Trust Alvin and he will know what to do with your hair if you have no clue what to do with it. And well it's hair, it will grow back so have fun with it! read more

Today was the first time my girlfriend said she liked one of my haircuts in 6 years of dating me. Alvin did an amazing job. My last few cuts with others weren't consistent and it showed a month later when my hair grew out. Alvin not only washed my hair but he took his time measuring where to cut. He fixed the errors from my last cut and now my hair looks amazing. Well worth the $55! Also his shop is in a private studio inside an office-style salon spot with each hairstylist having their own studio office. First time seeing something like this. Pretty cool. read more

Alvin was a find out of nowhere and he really did a great job with my first haircut with him. Very professional and the private salon is an added touch . read more

Alvin is great. He always does my hair how I like. He also seems like a genuinely nice person too! Definitely recommend.

Alvin is a actually a magician. On a more serious note, I had my hair cut and color appointment with Alvin yesterday and I'm thoroughly happy with what I got. After some idiot damaged my hair last year, I haven't had the confidence to go to a hair stylist until now - I had just let my hair grow out and it looked BAD - split ends galore. I was apprehensive when I first went to the salon, but Alvin put those doubts to ease in minutes and I knew I was going to look great at the end of it. Right from the start, he listened to what I had to say and paid attention. While being a great conversationalist, he was quick and efficient as well. He stuck to my time constraints, but did not do a hurried job. The highlights he gave me are a great caramel-red color and the hair cut is a slightly layered cut with side bangs. Totally worth every penny - he's definitely my go to guy for hair now! read more

Top Image Salon - Caramel-red highlights with a slightly layered cut - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I found Alvin through Groupon and was really happy with my trip to the salon. My hair was getting really long and scraggly. My schedule has been crazy so I didn't have time to get a trim and through serendipity the Groupon came up. Maybe I'm weird but I really love the salons at Sola Salon Studios. I don't like the craziness in a regular salon and appreciate the undivided attention the stylist can give me. Alvin was really good at listening to my request (no layering, cut 2 inches off). He did a great job with the cut and gave me a fantastic blowout. Highly recommended! read more

I love love love getting my hair done with margie. She is great at coloring exactly what I like. I always fall into dying my hair red and then switching to browns a=with highlights, but what ever way i want it she does it. After having my hair trimmed with her every 8 weeks, my hair has grown faster than it has when i was a kid. OHH plus when she washes your hair, it feels like a massage =) so good.... I definitely recommend coming to her for updos color and or cuts. Alvin is a great stylist too. Every time i see his work its always fantastic. They both do great service thats well worth your money. They are professional and very friendly. i love going to them and you guys should too. =) read more

Top Image Salon - Color done by Margie: Red:top____Black:bottom - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Thank you very much for your talent and dedication your your customers. 12 years of doing a spectacular job with my hair. The only way for you to loose me as a customer is if I loose all my hair :) read more

Alvin is the BEST! He listened patiently as I described the look and cut I wanted then he did his magic! I have been looking FOREVER for a hair stylist who is good with short edgy stylish cuts -- Alvin is great. Definitely a keeper read more

Alvin is amazing! I just got my hair colored and cut. He did a fantastic job on both. It was my first time. I definitely will be back.

all the people here are AWESOME! they know how to do hair, makeup, blow-outs! The who shabangabang!!! As an artist and photographer; it's so important to know good hair/makeup people. I highly recommend Alvin, Nancy and/or Elisa for all your salon-related needs! I'm definitely gonna be a regular there! Sincerely, A very satisfied customer. read more

Alvin is fabulous! Best hair cut ever! He is super professional and expert. I will definitely be back!

I have one of those rare Asian hair that is thick, coarse and an amazing amount. I have had the hardest time finding a stylist that understands this type of hair.....until I met Alvin. He is absolutely amazing! I came in for touch up, hair cut and color. Sadly I couldn't do it all in one day. So for the first visit I told him I need to do something with my hair. He looked and examined it and said this what we're going to do. I left it up to him and I was absolutely impressed by his: 1) calm demeanor 2) professional approach 3) quick but gentle approach 4) and true honest suggestions The aftermath was impressive. He thinned my hair, and softened it with some great products. (oh and he also didn't push me to buy anything or push me to one direction unless I asked.) I was absolutely happy with the result and I felt refreshed and presentable. The second visit ( a week later) I received the same kind attention. I went in for my highlights and the color we agreed on matched exactly once it was completed. I can't say that with a lot of stylists. I spent a good amount of money. More than I typically would but it was worth the visit to Alvin. I am definitely going back for touch ups and cuts! He is absolutely personable and knows how to cut hair. I'm an artist myself, and I pay very close attention to detail and notice when people also take pride in their work. Alvin absolutely delivers! read more

Alvin did a great job cutting my long and thick hair. We went for a big change and I couldn't be happier. He's attentive, professional and a pleasure to interact with. I took a chance of trying him out based off of yelp reviews and I'm happy my search for a hairdresser has ended. I'll be back guaranteed! read more

I was in the market for a new stylist. Someone who was trendy but classic, modern but not loud... I found him! I have to admit that I found him at first on Groupon and then did further inquiry on YELP. **call and inquire, he might honor the groupon price without having to purchase it through groupon** Salon is very unique. I liked it, a lot. Very private but still has that salon feel. He's very friendly and pays great attention to your vision on what YOU want your hair to be. If you ask, he will gladly give suggestions and it's quite refreshing to hear what a professional suggests if you ask me. He vibes with your personality so feel free to be expressive He's a master of his craft to say the least. He did a great job on my cut and look forward to seeing him again for possibly some highlights! Thanks, Alvin! read more

I followed Alvin from Regis to his new salon and just got a very dramatic hair cut last week which is amazing. Each time I get a haircut it is always something VERY different and he comes through every time. I have been to many expensive salons such as Cowboys and Angels, Bladerunners, and many other $80+ hair salons and he can do anything they can. Alvin is VERY affordable for his level of technique and precision, half the price I paid in SF or Palo Alto. Yay Alvin! read more

Top Image Salon - Asymmetrical a-line by Alvin - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Since moving back to San Mateo about a year ago, I was looking for a great stylist at a reasonable price. I searched on Yelp and found Alvin. Alvin is superb at cutting hair. On top of that, he's really easy to talk to and an overall great guy. I've been going to Alvin now for over a year and have been really happy with each and every cut. I like the environment as it feels very private and relaxing. Alvin is almost always on time as well, which is really appreciated. I can only recall one time where I had to wait 10-15 minutes or so. I would definitely recommend Alvin to anyone in the area looking for a new stylist. read more

Alvin is awesome! Love that I can go in, quickly show him a picture or describe what I want and HE GETS IT. Reasonable pricing and comfortable space. read more

Had a great experience with Alvin yesterday when I got my haircut. I did get a more dramatic haircut (went from long to short). He did a great job. It's a little too short but I know that I should always give a haircut a 2 week grace period and my hair grows pretty quickly so I am going to keep positive. I know that it is just a big change for me. His services were great though. He was careful with his supplies, washed my hair and styled it at the end for around 50-60$ per haircut! I think for the price it is extremely great service. I will probably return and then update my review depending on that! (I don't give 5 stars to a beauty service unless I return). We had good conversation and I'm glad to have found a hair salon so close to my house with these great results. His studio is inside a larger studio called Sola Salons and his room is number 8. It has a private parking lot which is very convenient. He even dropped a hairbrush and immediately threw it in the sink as to not use- i respected that. Thanks, Alvin. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Easy parking, his own salon room, extremely attentive to what you want, cleans and styles your hair with quality products and never gives you a sales pitch - a trip to Alvin can be a nice relaxing visit or a fun chat - your choice. Skilled with men and women haircuts and styles, keeps on top of his game by attending industry events and research. read more

Been to this place exclusively for a few months now and every cut has been spot on. Alvin is a great guy and knows what he's doing. He listens to how you want your hair cut very attentively and delivers exactly what you wanted. Very reasonable pricing too for what you get: your own personal salon with the full attention of a great stylist on your hair. read more

Got my haircut from Alvin and he did exactly what I wanted from the pictures I showed him. He is very meticulous and carefully in sectioning each parts of my hair. I have thick hair and he cut my hair without using thining sheers and it looks amazing. I have the volume that I wanted. read more

Top Image Salon - My new haircut by Alvin - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Recently came and had my hair cut. I'm very particular with my hair, as are most people. After all, how you carry yourself gives a glimpse of what you are about, IMO. So after reading reviews for different salons I finally came across 'Top Image Salon' and made my decision to have an appointment made after reading the many positive reviews. The parking is ample and not metered. Upon entering the establishment, turn right and it's at the end of the hall. I immediately noticed the area is very clean with music in the background. After hearing the specific look I was going for he immediately began and finished with one of the most **beautiful** cuts I've had in a while! So much so, that when I returned home my hair was the first thing my hubby noticed! Needless to say I enjoyed the many compliments that followed. So I found it only fair to write my review and compliment Alvin's work. He's a professional who loves what he does and it shows and my review is a testament to this. read more

Review for Margie: I have been cutting my hair with Margie for over a year now. I have lived in the Bay Area for a little over two years, and wished I found her sooner. It took me over five stylists to eventually find Margie. She recently moved to a new location, and love her new location since its more intimate compared to her last location (Regis). Regis is a good salon, but hate feeling crowded and hate going to a mall just for a haircut. Margie has her own space, so you deal with just her and no one else. If you are looking forward to a stylist that listens to their clients, not pushy or rude, and is also dedicated to her work, then this is the stylist for you! Stop stressing, worrying, and wondering if your new stylist is good or if they are going to ruin your hair. I know you'll be very pleased that you selected Margie as your new stylist. I highly recommend her and she is a stylist that you can always count on! read more

Alvin is a great hair dresser. I went there as I wanted to be surprised and needed someone new to give me a fresh look. He did a decent job. Though I didn't have anything on my mind, I was 100% satisfied, I felt it could have been more better I would most probably give it another try. read more

Sorry Alvin, I know this is long overdue but I've been seeing him since I bought a groupon deal. I researched him before I did, and I saw many great reviews! I am so glad that I did because I never would have found him! I didn't know what I wanted, all I knew is I wanted my hair a little shorter and to add some layers to give my dull thin hair some volume and shape. After I told.him what I wanted, he started working. He talked to me and the cool part he wanted to get to know me. Not only was he just cutting it, he was so precise on what he was doing. He took his time and I can see he wants to see a great results. And he sure did! After that, I am a returning customer ever since. The last time I went he gave me a beautiful ombre hairstyle and cut some cute bangs on me. He really knows how to make it work! Thanks Alvin, you absolutely have talent. read more

Nice hear cut. Very relaxed atmosphere. Fully equipped saloon. Quiet and private. No lines as it's appointment only. Very punctual.

One word for Alvin's cuts - PERFECT! Alvin is the best stylist I've ever been to. There are some pretty good stylists out there, but I always feel like when I walk out that this could be different, or that could have been a bit better. Not with Alvin, though. When I get a cut here, I walk out 1000% happy with my hair. The fade game is perfect. The top game is perfect. He takes great direction based on how I want my hair to look, but also gives great input and recommendations based on his experience, and it always turns out awesome. Love everything about it! 5 stars, easy! read more

This was the first haircut I've gotten in over half a year, so Alvin had a lot to work with. I showed him a few photos and he matched it perfectly! Great job read more

You know that you like your hair when you leave the salon and just have to go out for a glass of wine because your hair looks too good to take it straight home and hide it! I have been looking for a good stylist in the area since I moved here a few years ago, and I think I finally found someone that I can trust in Alvin. I have VERY fine hair and it tends to be a bit of a nightmare. Over-processing burns it easily, and it responds to color differently than thicker hair does. The last woman who did my hair left my dark brown hair striped with bright white, thick "highlights". Alvin did some very amazing blending work and now my hair color is perfect. I wasted a lot of money running my new hair around town all afternoon, but it is worth it. The salon is also a very enjoyable place to spend a couple of hours because it is small and not overflowing with people. There are only two chairs and two stylists, which makes for a calm, laid back atmosphere. Alvin got me in on the day that I requested, I didn't have to wait, and he spent a good amount of time making sure that my hair was perfect. Prices are about average for the area, but I used a groupon, which made it a great deal. read more

Alvin is such a great, patient stylist who can work magic with a pair of shears. My girlfriend had cut my hair a few times before, but this last time turned out not-so-good. The original style that I wanted was a severe A-line, with long bangs. But what I ended up and getting fixed by Alvin was severely short, choppy bangs, and a noticeably uneven cut. I left with exactly what I wanted as a result of my redo, do. My inspiration is Ginnifer Goodwin's short, cropped hair and Alvin worked it. Not only does my hair grow in a "unique" way, as Alvin put it so nicely, but its that Asian hair that's a bit difficult to style as well. Thank you, Alvin for a wonderful cut and color - I've gotten compliments the moment I left your salon! If you're looking for a stylist who actually listens and knows what he's doing, call Alvin! read more

Alvin is amazing. Hands down the best haircut I've ever gotten and the price is so reasonable. I am not going anywhere else in the Bay Area to get my haircut. And even though I live in San Francisco I am ONLY LETTING ALVIN CUT MY HAIR. He is so great. He knows how to thin hair and spends time on the details. He's amazing. read more

Recently had the absolute pleasure of having my hair cut by one of the most talented hair designers I have ever been to, Alvin Wen. I have spent a lifetime in pursuit of talented stylists and have only met a few that are superior; Alvin is most certainly one of the best! Alvin listens to exactly what the customer wants and then performs his magic~ His artistry has to be rated a "10" along with the most sincere, friendly & caring manner. The moment Alvin starts cutting your hair, it is evident that he is a master at what he does. This has been one of the best haircuts I have ever had and when it grows out a little, it still looks amazing~ If you are in need of a stylist that you can trust implicitly, Alvin is the one. read more

From the time I met Alvin, (late 2007) I followed him to every establishment he's worked at, because he really is the best. My first introduction to Alvin was just by chance. I walked in to the salon where he worked at that time and my name came up. I had a couple of haircuts there before, and was never blown away. Since I didn't feel the need to be loyal to any particular stylist, I decided to have Alvin cut my hair. Alvin was polite as I described exactly what "look" I'd hoped to achieve. Alvin listened and went to work. I was totally blown away!! He managed to make my hair look exactly how I wanted it to look! As most people know, describing a particular "style" is much harder than it seems and is even harder to get the stylist to make it happen. Needless to say, I still get my haircut by Alvin, even though I live approximately 100 miles from the peninsula, where he works. My haircut is always exactly what I want so I will be a client of Alvin for years to come. read more

Found Alvin through a friend and I am forever grateful I did. He understands my hair type and my hairstyle to the tee and cuts it perfectly every time. I've been to a handful of hairstylists before, and Alvin is easily my favorite. Alvin is also a very friendly and down to earth guy who you can easily trust and have a conversation with. I would highly recommend Alvin for all your hair care needs...he's great! read more

Alvin is an experienced hair dresser, but this is a new venture for him. I have been using his services for myself and my kids (9 and 14) for a couple of years now. He creates impeccable hair cuts! Meticulous precision and beautiful results. My kids love him because he has young style and can make it as trendy and as stylish as they like. The other hair dresser in the salon is Nancy, my husband fancies her work, an u like the results! All in all - this is a new exciting business upshot and I recommend you give them a try! Prices are reasonable too, btw. This is a new salon so Alvin and Nancy are still getting situated but both of them are really good so I have no doubt their business will take off. read more