I've been coming to Marina for haircuts for a while now -- I've had my own hair cut by her and have also brought my son to her. This time, I brought my two 12-year-old daughters, and once again, Marina was absolutely amazing! The girls were very nervous about getting their hair cut because they had very specific styles in mind and were afraid they wouldn't turn out the way they wanted. They showed Marina pictures of exactly what they wanted, and she exceeded all of our expectations. Their haircuts came out exactly like the pictures! It's been a few days now, and the girls are still thrilled with their new hairstyles -- and they keep getting compliments everywhere they go. Thank you so much, Marina! You made two very nervous girls incredibly happy. We'll definitely be back! read more

I have very fine, thin hair and it sometimes seems like stylists don't know how to work with it. More than once in the last decade, I've walked out of a salon feeling worse about my hair than when I walked in. If you have fine, thin hair, you know how devastating a bad haircut can feel. Upstairs Salon helped me feel good about my hair for the first time in a long time. The decor may feel a little dated, but Mariana's skill and expertise is anything but. Her experience and precision far surpass any of the trendier salons I've visited in the last decade. The results truly speak for themselves. During my first consultation with Mariana, I realized she has the experience I'd been missing with other stylists. She immediately noticed things about my hair no one else had. For example, she told me she'd be cutting my bangs in the direction my hair was growing. This small detail makes a huge difference in how I feel about myself. After my haircut I feel consistently confident about my hair for the first time in a decade. my hair looks so healthy that my sister even thought I had extensions in. Upstairs salon has a no frills old school feel, but don't let that fool you. Mariana's skills and experience are exceptional. I'd take genuine expertise over a trendy looking salon any day. I only wish I had found her sooner. Thank you Mariana for giving me my confidence back! read more

Omgoodness !!!! Terrible customer service. Went back and forth by text trying to get an approximate cost for some highlights. They asked for a pic. Sent. They said they couldn't because they needed to see my hair type. Ok. Then I clearly communicated I could arrive by 5:15, even before. I even double checked by text around noon the next day, if 5:15 was still ok, and received a text back stating, "yes dear." A few hours later (while my phone is off because I am workin) calls & texts about me needing to confirm the time, that the stylist left, another could come. And then another call stating they'be been trying to reach me to confirm 5:15. We had done that. In fact the time was requested and noted a few times before they confirmed by text. Yikes !! read more

Upstairs Salon - Pasadena I can't say enough good things about Upstairs Salon in Pasadena! Marina is absolutely amazing. I have very thin hair, and she makes it look fuller and more stylish every time. It's not easy to find someone who truly knows how to cut thin hair, but Marina has the skill and talent. The salon is always spotless, uses top-quality products, and I always leave feeling more beautiful and confident. I've even received so many compliments from friends and coworkers after my visits. Highly recommend Marina and Upstairs Salon. read more

I went in for a haircut like always amazing and gives you a great service. Highly recommend read more

Marina!! Thank you. I'm so glad I'm back in California!! Since the 90's you have been the BEST!!! I cannot say enough about how great I feel when I leave your salon. The best haircuts ANYWHERE!! You always do exactly what I ask and it turns out better than I dreamed!! read more

Marina is a bomb, her experience, wisdom and know how...makes me feel good about myself anytime I get a hair cut with her. I am at home with her. read more

I've been to some of the top hairdressers in Beverly Hills, but none come close to Manuel. His talent and attention to detail are unmatched. Each haircut is a masterpiece, and he takes the time to understand exactly what you want. The atmosphere in his salon is welcoming and relaxed, making every visit a pleasure. If you're looking for the best hairdresser in Los Angeles, look no further than Manuel. Hands down, the best place ever! read more

My regular cosmetologist was off of her game recently and left my hair in a disaster. I found Marina on Yelp and was impressed with her consistently superior reviews. She was able to fit me in the same week I called. We had a productive and realistic talk about my hair and how long it will take to grow back to a manageable state. As a European trained Vidal Sassoon cosmetologist, she did an extraordinary job. Her price was a fraction of other salons in the area who sell glitz, but aren't as professional or skilled as Marina. I am extremely happy with my cut and look forward to my next service with this wonderful lady! read more

Very happy with my haircut. I have fine thin hair and Marina managed to find some body in it! I appreciated Marina listening to my ideas of what I want and making suggestions. read more

I chose this salon because they had such good reveiws and lots of pictures of short hair styles for older women. I wanted a short pixie cut, the stylist had a beautiful short hair cut and I wanted the same. Older women want to have their hair look soft and feminine as our features tend to look harsh as we age. Well, I look like a drill sargent, she had 5 inches of hair to work with which should have been plenty for a nice pixie cut but I got what looks like a a very square army buzz cut. I've washed it, gelled it, tried to even it up in the bangs but I will not be going to the aniversary of my friends as I'd planned unless I can borrow some army fatigues. I gave my dogs better hair cuts that I received. read more

Professional, Safe Hair Care with Style and Artistry Initially I was concerned about going to a hair salon during COVID. No so anymore! Marina pays as special attention to COVID disinfection as she does with her application of expert hair care. Her salon is clean. Period. Every reasonable measure in place and then some. I feel safe there. As a new resident to the area I researched many hair salons. I wanted a professional hairdresser with experience, elegance and uniqueness but not the pretension befitting many salons in the area. I'm so glad to have found Marina. Her worldly outlook and elegance finds its way to your head through her expert scissor handling--she asks many questions to learn what's desired and doesn't sugar coat any bad ideas. Don't hesitate, call Marina now and you will soon look and feel like a million bucks. read more

Last year I received a terrible haircut at a Fantastic Sams. It was such a bad experience that I avoided hair salons for an entire year! I came to Upstairs Hair Salon to fix my unhealthy long dry hair. Marina is so sweet and understanding, she really took her time and asked lots of questions about preference of length, layers, ect. I'm very happy with my new refreshed hairstyle and I highly recommend this place to anyone! read more

I just got my best haircut in years from Marina. When I moved to Pasadena last year, I tried an expensive new person at a fancy Pasadena salon. He had a great vibe, and the décor was gorgeous, but time after time, there was something off about either the cut or color and I never got what I was looking for. Going to Marina's was a shot in the dark for me. Her place is not fancy, but her talent is 100% high-end. When I explained what I didn't like about my old cut, she bluntly said, "That's because it's completely wrong for you," and she proceeded to redo the shape and give me a cut I love. Great color too. My old stylist couldn't get past his own aesthetic. Marina is all about making me look my best. She listens, she knows what she's doing, and I hope she's in business forever because she's amazing. Bonus: she's a lovely person and charges about a third less than what I'd been paying. Highly, highly recommended! read more

I highly recommend Upstairs Salon! My first visit with Marina to get my hair cut turned out amazing! Looking forward to going back to get highlights and color. Marci V read more

I have been coming to Marina at upstairs salon for some time now and I love the way she always does my hair. She is a very nice person and very professional. I'm always happy with my hair style & cut. Thank you Marina! read more

There are several Groupons listed for Joseph Renee, ranging from Haircuts, to grey-coverage, to deep conditioning, to semi-permanent gloss etc. I was given one as a gift but now have had a horrible experience. Not sure if they are trying to scam customers out of their money, but he uses an "automated text system" which I'm sure is something like Google number. The person on the other end insisted on seeing my Groupon scan code, redemption number, and SKU over a week before my visit. When I provided just the SKU, they insisted again on seeing the entire scan code. Are they trying to charge in advance and then not provide your actual service? After finally sending them the image of what I paid for, but covered portions of the scan code, they responded "We cannot book this appointment requested per the merchants request." Huh??? What is going on here? I have not heard back since then, despite asking for additional information. read more

My first meet with Joseph Rene started with a hair consultation. I have been to high end salons but never had a hairdresser spend the time to listen and go over what my hair needed and explain in detail what he was going to do. Joseph understands what you want and is honest about what can be done not to damage your hair, to keep it healthy and give you the best result in return. I knew when I left that chair, I trusted him completely. I was back the next day for my hair appointment. Joseph is a Master at what he does and makes you feel beautiful! He's super nice, funny, and just a delight to talk to. He even surprised me with cookies from the downstairs deli!! He goes above and beyond expectations. He is so welcoming and a genuine soul who truly cares about his client. He is also so clean and tidy, never leaves a mess around during the process. I left the salon with a fresh haircut, natural looking highlights and no more mismatched colors. I will refer all my family and friends to get their hairs done by Joseph and will be back soon! read more

I've been to Upstairs salon a few times and Marina has usually done a good job cutting my hair. Yesterday was not what I expected. I showed Marina a picture of my usual haircut, thinking that she will do exactly what I asked but it wasn't the case. She did cut my hair way too short and now I have to wait until it grows back. I have to say that I am very disappointed; I think that when you go to have a haircut, it is to feel better about yourself and not to feel worse. read more

I have been going to Marina at Upstairs Salon for years and she is the best. She listens to exactly what I want and always delivers. She is meticulous with her color and her cuts last beautifully. She is a warm, loving lady who is a pleasure to spend time with. read more

Upstairs Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I discovered Upstairs about a year ago, and I'm very happy that I did. Marina is just fabulous. I've kept my hair length long all my adult life, never wanted a change. After a few visits with Marina, I felt I could trust her and I guess I was ready -- I went lighter in color and shorter in length. Marina is a talented artist, she really takes the time to do a precision cut that frames my face and gives me the volume that I love. I continue to get many compliments, thanks to Marina! read more

This is update #2 and I have to say that Marina stayed true to her word in refunding my money. I don't know whether it was because I called her on it here or if she had intended to but hadn't got around to it right away. It doesn't matter. I humbly accept the refund and think this shows good faith on her part. Will I ever go back? No. Would I recommend it? Still no but I do appreciate her taking some of the pain out of this experience by refunding my money and offering products/services from her salon. Thanks Marina. read more

I just moved around the area and decided to check out the place after another place didn't do what I asked. I'm glad I did! I told Marina what style I was going for and how many inches to cut, and she did just that. She also gave me advice for what type of cut would flatter my facial features/make my hair look fuller and decided to do it. It turned out great and got a lot of compliments :) Best Pasadena hair salon! Thanks Marina! read more

My wife went in to possibly save her damaged hair before a wedding we had to attend. Luckily they were able to save her hair and it looked amazing after. A little far from us so wont be a regular but definitely going back if we are in the area. Thank you for the amazing job. read more

My appointment with Joseph Rene was rescheduled twice in a matter of 3 days after they had told me they were ready to open back up and were taking appointments. The dont answer the phone, just an automated text message system that puts you in a group chat with other random numbers. The second time they rescheduled they texted me the night before my appointment at 10 pm and said they hadn't made the necessary COVID 19 precautions they needed to. Why give me an appointment (twice) when you're not ready? read more

I am a fashion model and needed a last minute trim the day of the shoot! Marina was extremely accommodating and found time for me to come in! The cut was wonderful, and she even recommended a new way of styling that I have since been using. All in all a wonderful experience! read more

Upstairs Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Joseph Rene made me reschedule 3 times. Twice I had a confirmed appointment and then he just decided to take the day off on two different days. The third he said my appt want confirmed at all. You can't even talk to him on the phone and uses a semi-automatic text messaging system to schedule clients. It's ridiculous. I called Upstairs Salon to try to talk to him but they said he's an independent contractor with his own scheduling. I finally gave up and traded in my groupon for another salon. Enough wasted time and energy. So unprofessional. read more

My favorite place!!! she knows what kind of hairstyle fits on you. I brought my cousin last time, and she also likes her new hairstyles. I highly recommend it! read more

My first visit to this salon and Marina was amazing! My hair is wavy, little curly, thick in some areas and thinning on the top. The hair cut and style Marina provided is perfect and I have not felt this good about a cut in a very long time! Highly recommend. read more

We drive in from Sacramento to have Marina cut and style our hair. She is a true hair style artist. we are never disappointed. One of her specialities is a Sassoon cut. Not many stylists know the craft of this style. read more

Since the pandemic, this is the first time I came back to have a cut at Upstairs Salon with Marina. I am very careful about safety regarding COVID and was thrilled to see all of the safety features they have built in. They strictly control the number of people there (really just one stylist and client in the room) with open windows and full ventilation, with plexiglass, masks and rigorous cleaning before and after you leave. And I am thrilled, as always, to get a precision cut from Marina! She spends almost a full hour with me and shapes my thinning hair so that it looks full and current. It perfectly fits my face AND the cut continues to look good for up to 6 weeks because of the very exact way that she cuts. My barber for life. read more

Just had my first visit to Marina ! She is an expert at styling the best color and cut . I received many compliments on my new shorter cut ! Thank you read more

I spent some time wishing for a total restyle of my hair going from long to short but had just not found anyone in LA who I really felt confident to do such a drastic cut. After the down time with the pandemic I got to do a bit of research I found Marina. I needed someone skilled who I didn't cost the earth every time you needed a haircut. Marina at upstairs salon is a very very skilled professional. I can't stress enough how skilled she is not only at cutting hair but quite frankly understands what you want? I have had a long to short haircut before but this time there was NO stress. Quite the reverse. We didn't talk much at all we both wore masks but she just got into her grove and totally transferred me! Marina don't go moving out of state I need you to be my forever hairdresser and I have already passed your number along. Thank you so much I love my new style xxoo read more

Marina at Upstairs Salon is the best! I had thoroughly researched local salons after my stylist of many years left California. Marina consulted with me as to what I was hoping for and along with her expert suggestions, she gave me a perfect haircut at a very affordable price. I found her unpretentious salon to be very comfortable and her many years of experience inspired confidence and made me very happy I reached out to her. Give Marina a try - you won't be disappointed! read more

I've been going to Upstairs Salon for over 8 years now and they've been amazing. It's difficult to find someone who understands the dynamics of your hair and recommends styles accordingly. Marina at Upstairs Salon provides excellent service and has a great community of hair experts working with her who not only cut/style your hair for that visit but also work towards long term care of your hair. Highly Recommend Upstairs Salon. read more

Just back from my second great cut and first color with Marina at Upstairs Salon. I'm new to the area and finding a new hairstylist seemed daunting. After reading reviews, I selected Upstairs Salon. I'm so glad I did! Marina offers a precision and customized cut designed to flatter one's features. She's also a color wizard and masterfully blended my increasingly gray hair into my original color. I'm sold on Marina's work and Upstairs Salon! read more

After nearly a year of growing out my hair, I finally had the hairstyle I wanted. Unfortunately, the people cutting it had no idea how to layer so my hair was left heavy and flat no matter what I did. So clearly it was time to find a new barber. I called Upstairs Salon and was assured by the owner that she knew exactly what my hair needed. I arrived for my appointment armed with pictures of where I wanted to go with my hair and she immediately told me, "I do not want to see pictures, I know what to do with your hair." I should have walked out right then and there, but I try to give professionals the benefit of the doubt. It was fine at first, Marina told me she was going to thin out the sides and layer without taking too much off. I thought 'perfect', because I had already told her I like the hairstyle I have now and don't want to change it, just make it better. No less than two minutes later, she hacks of 2/3 of my hair with the first cut. At this point, there isn't much one can do unless you want to run out looking like a half-thatched lawn. Even half way through when I told her that she was taking so much more than I asked, she said, "but you are going to look so fantastic!" Not a single bit of layering happened to my hair, just straight slicing!! Needless to say, she told me what I wanted to hear before the cut began and then immediately did whatever the f$%k she wanted. I walked in with 6-inch hair expecting to leave with 5 inches at the least. I walked out with no more than 1.5 inches on the top. Afterward she exclaimed, "Now your face is open to the world. I wanted to update your style, your hair was so old fashioned before." (It would have been nice to get let in on this plan before it went down) She had no intention of honoring my wishes, and now I'm back to a frizzy mop sticking out at all ends for another 3-4 months until it grows back. All that talk on her website about listening to the customer and making them feel cared about is total crap! I am going back tomorrow to ask for a full refund. read more

I found Marina because I was looking for a hair salon near the Playhouse District in pasadena. My hair styled by several salons in the area. Either the cut was off or it was a bit pricey. In Marina I am delighted - the cut was lovely, it is holding its shape and the prices are fair. With all the compliments I have received Marina is the hair artist for me. Thanks Yelp read more

Joseph Renee will not just give you a haircut, he will give you your new look. Very fun stylist who truly cares about the end result. Just what I was looking for when I was looking for a salon in Pasadena. He literally wants to provide a haircut and style that would make you confident enough to walk into work like Miranda from Devil Wears Prada. read more

This place was awful! First off, didn't tell us it was cash only until after my boyfriend got his hair cut. It was a awful job too, he was very clear, an a comb over is not difficult. Do NOT GO HERE, or if you do, do not let Luis touch your hair! We are heading to another replace now to fix it. read more