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    Vanilla Salon

    4.8 (415 reviews)
    ModerateHair Salons
    Open 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Services - Vanilla Salon

    Bridal hair services

    Chemical treatment

    Color only

    8 More Services

    Haircut

    Cut and color

    Applying hair extensions

    Hair extension coloring

    Reapplying hair extensions

    Hair extension removal

    Hair extension services

    Hair styling

    Vanilla Salon Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Vanilla Salon

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    Reviews With Photos

    Today
    Kelsea B.

    This review took me months to write because reliving it is genuinely upsetting. I want to start by saying the stylist I saw, Caitlyn, is a sweet person but she destroyed my hair. I went to her in October for a refresh of my highlights. I was already nervous, since my previous stylist had moved away and always took great care of my fine hair, making sure it never got damaged. I told Caitlyn upfront that I was anxious about letting someone new bleach my hair, given a history of stylists frying it, and that I chose her specifically because she's a senior stylist. She reassured me she doesn't use heat dryers and starts with a low developer, so my hair would be fine. Once I was in the chair, I explained exactly what I wanted: a little brighter, a refresh of all my highlights, but keeping the dark root and dimension shown in my before photo. She agreed and got started. She never mentioned pricing, so I assumed it would be around $400 at most. During the appointment, she suggested going through my ends because they looked dark. I said maybe next time, since I wanted to preserve the integrity of my hair. Later, she mentioned she'd gone ahead and done a few extra pieces at the bottom anyway something I never asked for. By the time she finished washing my hair, it was already dark outside, so I told her not to worry about blow-drying it. I went home with wet hair. Even then, it looked extremely blonde, which worried me, but I assumed it was just because it was wet. At checkout, I was shocked: the total came to $650. I left a tip anyway because she was watching the screen as I paid and I felt put on the spot. (Receipts attached.) When I got home, my husband immediately said my hair looked way too blonde and pointed out broken pieces. He was right. Over the next few days, it kept breaking. My hair had taken years to get healthy, and in one appointment it became dry, brittle, and was falling out. The extra strands she did without asking only made the breakage worse. I ended up buying box dye to fix the color myself, since I hated how it looked. As of June 2026, I've had to cut at least 8 inches off, and I'm still working to repair the damage. This experience caused me real distress -- I loved my hair, and I deeply regret trying a new stylist. I'm sharing this so it doesn't happen to anyone else. Before, after, and current photos are attached.

    Wish I had some bangs to fill out that forehead
    Madison V.

    I'm posting this about two years later, but after an amazing experience somewhere else recently, I realized this treatment wasn't the norm and I should share. I'll start by saying my cut and color turned out nice. It wasn't exactly what I asked for, but it was for my wedding, and I trusted the owner's suggestion. The experience itself, though, is why I'm writing this. I'm naturally timid and a bit of a people pleaser -- that matters here. My first appointment (the cut) was pleasant. We chatted about wedding plans, and it went fine. The second appointment (the color) started well too. Then politics came up. The owner brought up Diddy's trial and made comments about shady elites. I mentioned an article I'd read about the new head of DODGE and the corruption it alleged, trying to add to the conversation. She immediately shot back that she fully supports DODGE and wants to "drain the swamp." I said, "oh yeah, absolutely," clearly caught off guard but not wanting any tension. From that point on, she handed me off to an assistant. The color was never checked on for about an hour. The assistant washed, dried, and styled my hair while the owner sat across the room chatting with other clients and employees. I was never directly addressed again unless I initiated, which I hadn't until it was tip time. When I paid, the assistant rang me up while the owner continued chatting about weekend plans with another employee. I handed her the tip; she smiled and turned right back to her conversation. I gave the assistant the same tip amount -- she was wonderful and the only reason this gets an additional star. 1 for the haircut and color (not what I specifically wanted but was happy) and 1 for the amazing assistant who kept me company and was a pleasure to talk to. I never said which side I was on. I even tried to agree to keep the peace. But one comment about an article I read was enough to put me on her naughty list, right before my wedding, which I was experiencing all the wedding adventures alone. No one else accompanied me, and I had a hard time dragging myself to any other appointments thereafter. Two years later I realize I could've handled it differently, but the professionalism and patience I showed were not returned. The area is lovely, the staff seemed nice, I wish I had put my faith in other stylists here as I have heard a lot of good things about them. Unfortunately I can only post a review on my own experiences. What I asked for: Choppy shag with bangs, copper color with bright platinum money pieces and face framing platinum. She did not want to do bangs and something so choppy close to my wedding (fair, I have had bangs most of my life though, and my wedding was in Vegas, very rock themed and wanted the hair to match, I obliged). The color I asked for was copper (she did a great job here) but I asked for platinum where all the yellow is. She convinced me to try champagne color, which was a very soft pale blonde with a pinkish hue. It was yellow. Again fine, would have looked way cooler with a shag and some bangs.

    Check in
    Kathleen M.

    I came in for a hair refresh after chemotherapy regrowth. Bita took her time and after I showed her inspo pictures she delivered a better than expected cut. I love my hair again and can't wait to have more services by her!!

    before

    Brittany Mae was an absolute delight! I walked in with some uneven colors throughout my hair, specifically a lot of red tones. I was a bit nervous since this was my first time at a new salon, but Brittany was so sweet and told me what exactly she'll do to get to my hair goals. I mean the picture speaks for itself: i walked out with a beautiful chocolate brown with gorgeous blended highlights that give my hair so much dimension and movement! Not to mention the atmosphere of the salon is so pretty and they provide snacks & water! Can't say enough great things about this salon and Brittany. I will definitely be back

    Karina O.

    Janeth has such beautiful, sweet and radiant energy! I had the best 1st appointment/ experience, She was very honest with what was possible for my hair and did an amazing job. Definitely transformed me into a new me my hair looks so healthy and vibrant. I can't wait to see her again Soon !

    Mei Z.

    Happy I got to work with Brian Elk. He's very attentive, patient, and chill. Ended up getting my hair booked and was surprised by how quick the process was - it only took about 3 hrs for my balayage, including blow drying and curling - I originally anticipated being at the salon for 4-6 hrs based on my past experiences. I'm sitting in the chair right now as he's blow drying and finishing up my hair and I'm super surprised by how he managed to transition my hair. My hair also feels healthy still. So ecstatic I discovered this salon; I'll def be seeing Brian again in the future, and would recommend you book with him. Brian has been doing hair for over a decade and apparently worked under Guy Tang in the past as well, which attests to his ability. The salon itself is very relaxing. Loved that they provided seltzer and one of my favorite snacks, Gardetto's.

    Ritika T.

    Loved my experience with Julie. She took very messy thick long hair and transformed it into just the style I showed her. Appreciate all her hard work! Would highly recommend.

    Hairstylist Kat!
    Luciana S.

    The vibes here are truly A+. Kat did my cut and color right before my wedding, and I'm so grateful I found her. From the moment I sat in her chair, it honestly felt like chatting with a friend I had just met for the first time. She's incredibly sweet, easy to talk to, and the whole appointment felt relaxed and fun instead of stressful. She was also very honest and thoughtful when we talked through the color and the changes I wanted. I really appreciated how transparent she was about what would work best for my hair and the cost of everything (no surprises, just genuine care). My hair came out beautiful and exactly what I needed going into such a special moment. I left feeling excited, confident, and very well taken care of. I'll absolutely be back.

    Haircut. Shag. Bangs. Curly hair.
    Erica W.

    Ive been going to Vanilla Salon for a few years now and it is always a pleasant experience. Every stylist is very professional, honest and willing to work with what you want. They have taught me a lot about my own hair type and are so helpful with practical styling tips! Also their prices are fair for the Costa Mesa CA area with vibes that are hip but mature.

    Blonding and extension install
    Amanda M.

    I cannot recommend Stacy enough! I came in with significant dark regrowth and uneven tones (see my "before" photo), and I honestly wasn't sure if we could achieve the clean, bright blonde I wanted. But Stacy being the true professional she is, managed to lift my hair to a stunning, icy platinum while nurturing it back to health (the time difference from the before to now is just under 2 years). We also added extensions for length and volume, and the color match is flawless. You can't tell where my natural hair ends and the extensions begin! She finished the look with some beautiful, soft waves that made the whole style come together perfectly. If you want a stylist who truly understands blonde and extensions, go see Stacy and her team of incredibly talented stylists so you can fall in love with your hair too

    Laura C.

    I love Brittany at Vanilla Salon. She is so awesome at doing layers and knowing just how to cut my hair so it lays right and looks great with very little effort on my part. My daughter went to her too and also got a great cut. My hair is extra thick and wavy underneath and she knows how to work with it well. Also she's super nice and the salon has a welcoming and friendly vibe. Oh and her head massage during shampoo is heavenly. Highly recommend!

    Pink hair don't care.
    Indi L.

    I can't recommend Julie enough. She amazing and totally honest. I wanted pink highlights once and she explained to me that it would look a lot better if I bleached my hair. Well, I didn't want to and she still knocked it out of the park. She's very knowledgeable when it comes to hair. Pure perfection!!

    Ashton took me in as a last min walk in because my stylist is on vacation and i had some DARK roots. he killed it 10/10. it's hard to trust a new salon but they are definitely trust worthy

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    2 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Vanilla S.

    Thank you for choosing Vanilla! We had so much fun making you blonde!!

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    1 year ago

    1st time to Vanilla Salon Julie did a fantastic job on my cut and color... fantastic blow out too loved it and yummy cookies too

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    2 years ago

    Stacy and her assistant were super sweet offered me drinks and gave me the best experience. Stacy and me the exact hair goals I wanted.

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    Vanilla S.

    Thank you so much for choosing Vanilla salon! We’re so grateful.

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    2 years ago

    Bri did a great job on my hair! She took her time and did my highlights exactly how I wanted them.

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    Page 3 of 11

    Ask the Community - Vanilla Salon

    I'm looking to grow my natural hair out - and transition into my beautiful gray - anyone have a colorist they've found that can help transition into this successfully?

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Vanilla Salon

    Stacy had some great ideas about how to refresh my hair style especially since I'm getting ready for my daughter's wedding.

    Mentioned in 56 reviews

    Read more highlights

    SAGE / on seventeenth

    SAGE / on seventeenth

    4.9
    (144 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Certified professionals

    If you're looking for a blonde specialist or extensions expert, look no further. I've been a client…read moreat Sage on 17th since it opened, and I found Lindsay after my cousin went to her for a color correction right before her wedding. I haven't looked back since. It's been over 6 years now! Lindsay is truly exceptional. She just has a way of making blondes and extensions look effortless and completely natural. She really understands what will suit you, not just what you ask for, and she delivers it with precision every time. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and you'll leave feeling confident, refreshed, and beautiful! One of the things I appreciate most is how knowledgeable she is. From hair and scalp health to products, she always knows what's best for where you are in your hair journey. Her recommendations have completely transformed the health of my hair, and I trust her completely. She can truly do it all. Whether it's color, correction, cut, or styling, everything she does feels natural, elevated, and very you. I constantly get compliments on my hair. Sage on 17th as a whole is such a vibe. The space is beautiful and welcoming, and every stylist there is talented, professional, and consistent. Whether I'm there for a full service appointment, a keratin treatment, or a blowout for an event, I know I'm in excellent hands. It's the first place I go whenever I need my hair done. They also have an amazing selection of hair care, candles, and gifts, which makes it feel like a one stop shop. I always walk out with a bag full of goodies. If you're looking for someone you can truly trust with your hair, especially for blondes or extensions, Lindsay is the best. It's one of those places you keep going back to because you know you'll be taken care of and always leave feeling fabulous!

    I am so happy I've found this hair salon. The salon has a chic, modern, and cozy ambiance and…read moreyou'll feel right at home. I booked with Colby and I wanted a small trim, some face framing layers, and bulk removal from the crown and he understood the assignment! He was patient, understanding, and gave me valuable insights of what would look good on me. I enjoy his upbeat personality. I could tell he's passionate about his craft and customer satisfaction. I will definitely be coming back!

    Photos
    SAGE / on seventeenth
    SAGE / on seventeenth
    SAGE / on seventeenth

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    Rapor Salon and Barber

    Rapor Salon and Barber

    4.8
    (202 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Matt did everything right with me and my hair. I have been seeking a hairdresser, since my long…read moreterm chica left for Hollywood. I would go visit someone based on multiple sourced reviews, only to be disappointed. This time around, I went to Reddit. Matt had replied to a request for a good haircut, providing a link to his cuts. They were unique, reflecting an artsy vibe, instead of the status quo. It was easy to get an appointment. Matt took his time exploring what I wanted and didn't want. Fortunately he has a preference for razor cuts as do I. Respect for a person who doesn't need scissors to shape the cut first. I He brought me a lovely French press as I had missed my morning dose. Matt is personable, making the wait entertaining as the magic took place. So charming,. My hair was cute on the day of the cut, but I did not capture it. The photos are from the next morning. I got exactly what I wanted and LOVE this hair.

    THIS IS $290 I came to this salon in March and returned in…read moreMay for the same service: a highlight root touch-up. Aside from a few highlights around my face and on the top of my head, it didn't look like I had recently had my roots highlights touched up at all. My hair looks grown out as if I had not even had it done. Watch the video and you be the judge. When I brought up my concerns, the owner, I sent her this same video (Emily) explained that this is what the salon considers a partial ROOT highlight touchup. I already had my hair previously bleached . I respect that explanation, but for $240 plus a $50 tip ($290 total), I expected a more noticeable result. She offered to correct it for an additional $50. I'm sharing my experience so others can make an informed decision and have a clear understanding of what this salon considers a partial highlight ROOT service.

    Photos
    Hair by Cristina.
    Hair by Cristina.
    Vintage fringe
    Vintage fringe
    Rapor Salon and Barber

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    Hair Society

    Hair Society

    4.8
    (105 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    I've been going to Thao at Hair Society for several years now. She was the first person to ever…read morecolor my hair, back when I still had virgin hair. I remember feeling extremely nervous the first time I lightened my hair, worried about potential damage. Thao guided me through the entire process and reassured me that she would keep my hair healthy while also making sure it remained low maintenance. Over the years, I've gone from dark to light and back to dark again. Each time, Thao has been incredibly professional and patient. I remember sending her numerous inspiration photos, and she was always honest about what was achievable with my hair. Without causing any damage, she successfully lightened my hair without it ever becoming brassy. Keep in mind when you go light, you have to get it toned and maintain your hair or it could potentially get brassy. Thao is very personable and always makes me feel welcomed and comfortable--like she's not just my hairstylist but also my therapist. I constantly get compliments on my cut and color, thanks to her. Whether it's your first time getting your hair done or you've been coloring it for years and need someone new you can trust, I highly recommend Thao! Hair Society recently relocated and is now at Tomahawk Salon, located at 775 West 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

    I just had the best experience with Amanda at Hair Society, just look at the before and after!! She…read moretook that mess, said holdupp and turned my $h*t show into a masterpiece, she really understood the assignment. She said Bibbidi-Bobbidi- Boo honey!! I am looking and feeling summer time fine‍ Amanda was and will forever be a hair genie, and she is super kind and deserves all the stars and more. Have a blessed day

    Photos
    Inspo photos for Thao
    Inspo photos for Thao
    Inspo photos for Thao
    Inspo photos for Thao
    Hair Society

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    Arukas Hair Resort

    Arukas Hair Resort

    4.5
    (238 reviews)
    7.6 mi
    $$

    This was my first time coming here, and I have never had a haircut experience like this before, in…read morethe best way! I had an appointment with Asako, who is the owner, and she is very kind and extremely talented. I had the most relaxing scalp and shoulder massage, and she uses aromatherapy which makes the experience that much better. She also has different choices of tea, an iPad, blanket and pillow so that you feel really comfortable. I had to cut my bangs a bit shorter because I had damaged the ends, and so she cut them into curtain bangs. She was incredibly sweet to even show me how to best style them, and recommended how to avoid damaging my hair. She really went above and beyond. You can tell that she really loves what she does. Ever since I moved 5 years ago, I had been on a search for a hairstylist whom I loved and now I've found the place I'll keep coming back to. Thank you so much, Asako!

    It felt like Christmas came early this year for me when I found out Asako was back and booking…read moreclients again. She's been my primary stylist since I can remember, and there's just no close comparison anywhere else. Her knowledge, professionalism, style, and expertise when it comes to hair is just out of this world. Especially her attention to detail, and honest skill to communicate and share what may or may not work. I can't count the number of times she had to craftily (and patiently) fix my bangs from my failed attempts and experiments. I'm just happy to know that Arukas is back and relocated in Tustin, CA. I'm booking my next appointment now before I post this...

    Photos
    These are my reference photos for the haircut
    These are my reference photos for the haircut
    Arukas (right) Konami fixed the butcher job done by Brian Guy Studios (left). Thank you for helping me look human again.
    Arukas (right) Konami fixed the butcher job done by Brian Guy Studios (left). Thank you for helping me look human again.
    Arukas (right) Konami fixed the butcher job done by Brian Guy Studios (left). Thank you for helping me look human again.

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    Arukas (right) Konami fixed the butcher job done by Brian Guy Studios (left). Thank you for helping me look human again.
    Thao & Hair

    Thao & Hair

    4.8
    (188 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    I came in for a cut and balayage. It was about 6 months overdue for both. I showed Thao photos of…read morewhat I wanted and described a lob with warm, super natural balayage. Not the kind of white ashey blonde that most hairstylists do. I was also on a time crunch to pick up my daughter from school in time. I was totally apprehensive about giving someone new a try, but she totally delivered on exactly what I wanted, both the sexy cut and the perfect warm balayage. She also got me out in under 3 hours, which is crazy fast! When my husband saw my hair, he said, "I don't know what this is but whatever it is, THIS IS IT. This is the look." Best. compliment. ever. haha

    I want to share a really lovely experience I had today with a new hairstylist I recently found Thao…read more‍ Thao is incredibly sweet, friendly, and easy to talk to, which made me feel very comfortable right away. Even though I only came in for a haircut, she took the time to give me honest advice about my hair. She recommended that I should focus on treating and restoring my hair first, and then come back next time for coloring so the results would look better and healthier. What really impressed me was her thoughtfulness -- she noticed that my roots had grown out unevenly in color, so she went ahead and blended the color to match the rest of my hair. And she didn't charge me anything extra for it, only for the haircut. You can truly tell that she cares about her clients and takes pride in her work. She's not only skilled but also very genuine and attentive. I will definitely be coming back to her again Highly recommend her if you're looking for someone talented, honest, and kind!

    Photos
    Balayage hair
    Balayage hair
    Beach blonde balayage
    Beach blonde balayage
    Balayage hair

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    Balayage hair

    Vanilla Salon - hair - Updated June 2026

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