I walked in this week with very healthy hair and left with extreme heat damage, fried ends and chunky uneven yellow highlights. When I stand in the sun, my hair is actually transparent. Virginia, you refunded my payment (thank you) and I wasn't sure whether to write this. I loved the haircuts I got from you before. But you cannot experiment on people's hair like this. And after this I do not think you should be coloring people's hair at all. I asked you directly before we started if you had knowledge and experience with blonde highlights and you said multiple times yes, and that you definitely could make it happen. But it turned out you had no idea how to do blonde bleach, let alone balayage. Once you rinsed out the bleach and saw how bad it looked, you didn't stop what you were doing to share what had happened. Instead of showing me the results, you applied a super-hot curling wand to give me a big hairstyle so I wouldn't notice the highlights. The wand on the new bleach left it with intense heat damage. The hair is falling out as I write this and my whole head stinks of burnt hair. This did not need to happen - you could have simply told me the truth, that you have no idea what you're doing with blonde highlights, and I would have been able to find someone who does, and my hair would still be healthy right now. Please let me be the last person this happens to. read more

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I came to Vika Beauty Salon to get the haircut that I didn't get at the last place I went to. Virginia referenced my inspo pic a few times and asked questions along the way to ensure she was getting me exactly what I asked for. I have paid far more for lesser quality cuts. She is friendly, detailed, and efficient. I mentioned to her the other reviews that suggest booking far in advance but she said that it only gets busy around the holidays. I was able to get a booking within a week in mid-January. Leave a voicemail and she will get back to you in a timely manner. read more

She is very nice and consults me a lot about exactly how I want my hair cut. Also very reasonable price.

Maria is a lovely soft-spoken woman who listens to you and gives you what you want! She always is attentive and meticulous and I always have a positive experience. read more

I've been coming to Vika for my hair needs for about 4 years now. She is so kind, sweet, and patient! Her salon is a small studio and she works independently which means it's nice, quiet, and clean. She is versatile and listens to your feedback for any adjustments. I've had her cut my hair to a pixie, short bob, and as I was growing my hair out! She responds usually within a day of calling or texting to set up appointments. read more

I have gotten 3 haircuts from Vika so far. My hair is thick and wavy and Vika is really good at giving me haircut and styling advice. The first haircut was a long pixie, which was the first time I had ever done something like that, so I was nervous. Vika did a great job and checked in with me every step of the haircut to make sure it was going to way I wanted it to. She styled it for me and even lent me some earrings and lipstick so I could see what I would look like with accessories. I went back to her for a touch up of the pixie a few months later. Because of COVID, I had to grow out my pixie, so I went back to Vika to help even out the growth and give me a bob with long layers and textured edges. I love the way it turned out. She always offers me water, which I think is a nice touch. read more

Vika Beauty Salon - Long bob - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Virginia listens to what you want. She is on time, fast and efficient. She does a great job and does it quickly.

Gratefully, I drive in from Davis for Vika's expertise cut and highlighting! She is amazing! Rarely, do I go to Berkeley for any other reason...though I lived there for 10 years. (I've TRIED to find someone here in Davis--but - they don't understand my hair like Vika and on top of that I have to pay way, WAY more $$$.) read more

1st time here, referred by a good friend. Love!! Vika is great! The other reviews were totally true. She really listens to what you really want done with your hair and makes sure she understands any specific details you may want done. Tip: for anyone who's not from the area, there is free local parking along the street. The zone right in front of her shop is green, but just got about 200 ft back and the residential parking is free and no time limit. Just watch out for the street cleaning day. Believe it's the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Vika is very friendly and makes sure that you are comfortable throughout your visit. She is not pushy on ideas like other stylists from typical salons. She's not selling you on her ideas or products. She wants to make sure that you get what you came in wanting. She makes sure you leave happy! Loved my new hair style. It took much more time than she originally thought and estimated but she was totally give with it. Thank you Vika! See you again soon! I will definitely be getting my hair done here from now on. read more

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I have been going to Virginia for years to have my hair cut and styled. She is great and does great work. She is patient and kind and very talented. My wife and teen-aged son and daughter go to her as well. My son showed her a hair style in a magazine and Virginia did her best to copy it for my son. My son was thrilled with his haircut. The whole family loves her work. I strongly recommend Vika Beauty Salon. read more

I remember getting my haircut from Vika and she made me feel so well taken care of! She listened to my requests, made some recommendations to my hair, and made me feel genuinely like a brand new woman with my haircut. 10/10 would recommend! read more

Vika is a treasure. She is very skilled, flexible in what she does, and a delight to chat with while she is cutting your hair! And her prices are shockingly affordable. read more

I've been going to Vika for years now, and for good reason (s)! 1. She's great at cutting hair! 2. She's great, period. 3. She's honest. Bring a pic of something that won't work on your hair and she'll tell you - or carefully explain the steps it will take to get where you want to go. 4. Bring a pic of something that WILL work and she'll nail it. 4. The head massage. Ahhhhh Book in advance and leave a tip! The prices are beyond reasonable. Look forward to seeing you looking good out there! read more

Vika Beauty Salon - Hands down the best haircut I've ever had! It even looked goof later when I styled it on my own Thanks Vika! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Victoria is amazing! She did wonders with my flat, lifeless, thin hair and made me look awesome. I'm very happy and also thrilled that she donates the hair. I'll be back! read more

Vika is great! Haircuts here are always worth the journey. Friendly, well priced, and reliable

Not that Virginia needs another 5-star review, but. . . I've never had someone wait so long before beginning the haircut. She didn't touch scissors until she was completely certain how I wanted my hair cut. I showed her photos of the backs of two different haircuts, and told her I like this one, not that one. I thought that was clear. I was wrong. Virginia's careful questioning got at what about this one I liked, and what about that one I didn't. There are so many different aspects to hair, and she wanted to be sure she was on the same page about which aspects I meant. And then, through our conversation she learned I speak bad Spanish and would like to improve, and she offered that we could speak Spanish for the rest of the session. And we did. Fue increíble! Oh, and the haircut? She totally nailed it. It was a dramatic change, and she gave me exactly what I wanted. Muchas gracias! read more

Curly haired ladies, this place is for you! (And for anyone else for that matter cause I had an overall great experience) I called Virginia and left a message on a day the shop was closed and she called me back the next morning. She scheduled me relatively quickly and I was in the next week. The place was super easy to get to, even for a person like me without a car, since there's a bus stop literally right out front. Virginia listened attentively as I described what I wanted and what I didn't like about my current haircut. She offered some minor suggestions that I think made it look better than it would have otherwise. This is saying something, because my curly hair normally turns into a lifeless blob when I let a stylist change my go-to cut. She made great conversation with me the whole time. She's quite funny and had me laughing a lot! When the time came to pay, she ran my credit card herself without offering me the option to tip her, which I felt bad about because I wanted to. But with that said, the haircut was $40 total. My last stylist charged me way more than that and didn't do as good a job, so the price is great. I highly recommend this place! read more

I guess you're not a true East Bay Yelper unless you've had your hair cut by Virginia. She was very intuitive and did a nice job and the price was right ($25). read more

Yelp was right about Virginia. I was pleased with Virginia's work. She is intuitive, skilled, and a very sweet person. She has an accommodating and gentle air about her. Her son is equally sweet. Together, the salon has a vibe that few can match in its coziness. I normally go to Sole salon for haircuts (45-50 dollar range which is the low rate at these places) where they offer you a cup of tea. However, my last haircut left me wanting though I paid a handsome amount. I don't pay 50 bucks for a cup of tea. Virginia is refreshingly unpretentious. I took a pic from a magazine and she explained to me what she could do. She understood me. Though she was sick today, Virgina was able to massage my scalp, clean, cut, and style my hair in about 35 minutes. The results were pretty much the same as the ones I get from Sole salon minus the tea. The price was extremely reasonable and that is why I gave her a 50 percent tip. Before you invest in another expensive haircut, give Virginia a try and you might be pleasantly surprised. Thanks Virginia! I hope you feel better soon and keep up the good work! : ) read more

This is it. Ever since my mom stopped cutting my hair, I've been on the hunt for an affordable salon I can trust: Panache, Regis Salon in San Jose, Lhasa Salon, Great Clips, Supercuts, etc. Panache was pretty good back in the day, but I can't justify a $50 trim for my long, straight, boring hair. The cheaper salons were all touch and go. I would always be nervous, unsure if the stylist would understand what I meant when I said, "I like my bangs a little longer so I can sweep them to the side." Virginia a.k.a. Vika got me. She knew exactly what I wanted and did it gracefully. She also made me feel like royalty with her shampoo and head massage. Mmmmm. I feel relaxed just remembering the experience. Aaaah...so luxurious.... Anyways, where was I? Oh yes, $25 for a head massage, shampoo, hair cut, style and blow dry is an amazing deal. Plus she's so nice. What more can I say? I have found my oasis in the middle of the stylist desert. It's Vika's on Sacramento. read more

I've been going to Vika's for years now, and Virginia has also cut my husband's hair and my kids. She is such a lovely, kind person, and works quickly and efficiently. And her prices are SO reasonable. I'm not good at talking about hair and what I'd like to have done - Virginia has been wonderful at helping me figuring out what I'd prefer and what would work for me, then giving me a fantastic-looking haircut. read more

Amazing. Just amazing. This was my first haircut here (recommended by a friend) and I'm never going anywhere else. She took the time to really understand what I wanted, then the cut was exactly what I'd hoped. She also honestly talked me through how to work with some unusual effects pregnancy has had on my hair and even threw in a mini styling lesson at the end to show me what she meant. I haven't felt this nice or comfortable in my own skin (or hair!) through my entire seven months of pregnancy as I do now. And did I mention the head massage at the beginning? Amazing. That's worth the (comparatively low, for the quality!) price of the haircut, alone. Love this place. read more

Virginia does an amazing job. She's down to earth and isn't like some of these pretentious salons! I love her!

So happy I found this place! I was impressed by the quality of cut on my long hair, that I like to wear in a particular way. Vika asked a few questions to understand my preferences then went to work! Very quick, affordable, and lovely to chat with. Highly recommend! I'll definitely be back. read more

OK, I'm writing this after my second cut by Virginia. I wanted to let the first one grow out to see how it looked. Great haircut! So much better than barbers. Virginia is a pleasure to be with and did a wonderful job. Best haircut I've had. read more

Vika Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I had to find a new hairstylist b/c my previous hairstylist moved out of State. I searched on Yelp and found Vika-Virginia. This is my second visit and both of my haircuts have been awesome! Virginia listens carefully and cuts it to how I like it. Virginia is also a sweet and kind person. She doesn't push products on you, which I love and also gave me natural product tips on how to treat dry scalp and/or oily hair(vinegar/baking soda). My first visit, I mention about doing highlights and she said I don't need it. I love how non-pushy Virginia is, no pressure to buy products or do more when I don't need it. Virginia cuts great and that's all I want from a haircut, simple, awesome cut. The price is reasonable, not SuperCut prices, but not outrageous fancy posh salon prices(which I've tried and the cuts definitely were not worth those prices). Virginia is popular and she works long hours. I call and schedule appts 2 weeks in advance. She is working, so cannot pick-up the phone, so you have to leave a voicemail and she will call you back, usually around 7:30pm with available appointment times 2 weeks out. read more

I was very excited to try this place, but I left a voicemail twice and no one called back. I wonder what one has to do to get an appointment. read more

Virginia is very attentive, sweet, and knowledgeable. She knows exactly what she's doing! $20 for shampoo, scalp massage and cut isn't bad either, perfect for us broke college students (I tip well to show how much I appreciate the service though!). Just make sure you call ahead for an appointment because she's always super busy, you might have to wait 3 weeks to a month for an appointment! read more

The best haircutter and colorist and such a genuinely wonderful person! Vika knows her craft so well. I feel lucky to have found her salon.

Vika has been my hairdresser for 5 years now and I swear by her. Before her, I never had a consistent go-to hair stylist because they all gave me mediocre cuts (and some TERRIBLE cuts that left me crying). When I found Vika, it was game over for the competition! lol. She is extremely knowledgeable about how to work with different hair types, especially ethnic hair. I am Asian with generally straight, thick hair and some subtle waves. Her cuts are simple and not pretentious at all, and she doesn't do anything dramatic or drastic to your hair just to show a Before/After photo to the public like high-end salons do. All I've ever wanted was a simple hair trim and texturized dry cut to take out the weight on the ends since I have thicker hair. Every hair stylist I've been to gets it wrong but Vika has come through for me every time. She taught me a lot about what type of cut my hair needs for less bulkiness on the ends and subtle layers that flow together nicely (not choppy). She also taught me how to style my hair to transform it to a natural beach wave look (which I didn't think was possible since I have straight Asian hair). Not only is her hair cutting flawless and immaculate, she also gives you a calming head massage at the wash station, AND women's cuts are only $40. That is unheard of, especially in the Bay Area. Salons will charge at minimum $80-100, yet she delivers an amazing cut at only $40. Vika is one of the most selfless, giving, and understanding individuals I've ever met and I'm so grateful for her presence in my life!! She usually books out at least 2 weeks in advance because she has so many clients and is in high demand, but I promise you, the wait is WORTH IT. You will not regret the opportunity to get a cut from Vika. read more

Where to begin? Virginia is the only person I will go to in Berkeley to cut my hair, as someone with a mane of massive curly hair. She excels in all aspects. I've gone to her twice now, and have had no problem scheduling appointments. She is definitely busy, but also it is simply a matter of consistently following up -- I came in on 2 days notice last time, and waited about 2 weeks to schedule this time around. She always calls back, so make sure you follow up on your end! As for the appointment, Virginia was extremely attentive to my needs and any requests I had for my hair. She made helpful suggestions, then would ask for feedback throughout the process to make sure I liked how it looked every step of the way. I have to mention that my favorite part is the head massage -- I would come back solely for that if possible. All in all, Virginia is a lovely and funny woman to talk to throughout, and she is incredibly sweet. I will always recommend her, especially to fellow curly/wavy haired ladies who have had difficulty finding a stylist. She also has great tips for products you can use! I hope to be back soon. read more

Just saw Virginia yesterday for a haircut. Yep, yesterday as in Sunday. I love her convenient hours! She gave me a trim, freshened up my long layers, and touched up my sweeping bangs. She gives an awesome scalp massage too. Got at least 10 compliments yesterday on my 'do. Virginia is for two types of people: 1. Folks who don't mind spending $100 for a haircut. She will give you that for $25. 2. Folks who don't want to spend more than $25 on a haircut. Come on, you end up spending that much at Supercuts. Pamper yourself and visit Vika. You will be amazed at how far $25 can still go these days! She does a great job whether you're a guy or a gal. Support a new small business owner and treat yourself at the same time. I live in Burlingame and drive to the East Bay to see her--that's how great I think she is! read more

Honestly I have never made a Yelp review and I don't really plan on making another one anytime soon but I am absolutely so upset by this that I will make an exception. I would give a -2 stars if I could. In the past 3 months I have called in total of 4 times (3 times leaving a message stating my name and phone number clearly) and each and every time I have not received a message back. Now some may ask why I didn't go to another salon sooner, a salon with obvious better customer service but this was the cheapest, closest and best salon near me and I have a tendency to always trying to save a buck. After 3 months and a ton of calls, I ignored the appointment only rule and decided that maybe if I dropped in I would get the haircut I desperately need and have been waiting for. I show up and I explain how I have called multiple times in the past few months and all I get in return is condescending excuses as if it was my fault that she didn't call me back. All in all worst customer service and I plan on taking my business to a place that cares about their customers. read more

I really wanted to like this place after all the great reviews, but to no avail... May be Virginia is a great master to go to with the short hair, but she BUTCHERED my super-long layers. I did not want to spend a fortune on just a trim,as I just wanted to get rid of split ends. Oh how horribly-boxy my hair looked after the "cut"... My heart was broken for the whole month :( She is a sweetheart and gives you a massage during the wash, but it boils down to the quality of the cut itself, and it was below mediocre. I would not be back. read more

Getting a haircut is a big deal for me. You don't understand. I'm pretty sure I can count the number of haircuts I've ever gotten in my life on my hands. That being said, I'm extra apprehensive about going to a salon I've never been to before. I had to schedule my appointment about 3-4 weeks in advance, just a heads up. I left a voicemail and she called me back the next day. Make sure you confirm your appointment with her the day or two before. I had brought pictures and tried explaining what I wanted, but I wasn't sure if she understood what I meant. In the end though, I ended up with exactly what I wanted--possibly even better than what I imagined. It's perfect, I've always regretted lopping off my hair after a haircut but not this one! Things I want to note: She also donated my 12 inches of hair to Locks of Love. She was really nice. I've never felt more relaxed at Berkeley than when she was washing my hair (that sounds weird but whatever, you'll understand what I mean). Best $30 spent ever. :) Totally worth the wait, just remember to schedule your haircut well in advance! read more

Just had a great haircut. I changed stylist to find a place closer to home. While I'm used to getting a standard deva curl dry cut, she cut it went explaining that since my hair has a very loose curl, she thought she could do a better job wet. It was great. Faster than I'm used to and cheaper too! She even turned on the Warriors game for me during the finals! read more

Vika Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Amazing! $20. Great haircut, including shampoo, with head massage. And a blow-dry and style. Virginia is very professional and meticulous. Popular as well. If you are thinking about getting your haircut, call now as she is booking three weeks in advance. read more

Virginia is AMAZING! I had my first haircut with her last Friday at 6 PM. I was a bit nervous about being her last customer of the day because I know that it's fairly natural for people to be tired and want to rush through the last part of their day. Virginia, however, took her time and gave me a solid hour complete with the following: 1. A consultation where she asked me what I wanted and offered her own suggestions. I brought in 4 different photographs of haircuts because I wanted 1 part of each of the 4 haircuts in the photos (not too short at the back, angled at the sides, sideswept bangs, chin-length). She did it ALL and I ended up with a unique haircut specifically for me. I went from having hair that went to my mid-back to a bob and it's amazing how comfortable I feel in it! She even gave me the option of donating my hair and she offered to ship it, too! 2. A shampoo and conditioning + scalp massage that was so relaxing! Again, she didn't rush through this process even though it was late at night and I'm really grateful to her for that! 3. A rockin' haircut. She offered me some magazines ('People' and 'O') and went to work. I don't know how she was able to cut my hair with me looking down at the magazine, but she did it. At different points along the way she would double check to see if I liked the length of various parts of my bob, if I wanted to add some texture here or there, etc. 4. Multiple offers of water and candy! I felt like I was at home... but this time with a Mom who knew how to cut wet bangs in a such a way that when they dried I wouldn't look like a hot mess. :) Priceless! Overall, $25 + tip for a relaxing and life-changing experience? (Yes, haircuts are life-changing, haha.) Absolutely. I highly recommend Virginia at Vika Salon! *Note* Please make sure to call for an appointment and expect to have a bit of a wait unless someone cancels. I had to make my appointment 3 weeks in advance :) Be patient when it comes to leaving a message, too. She does not answer phone calls in the middle of an appointment (at least she didn't when I had my hair cut) which is such a great thing for the person whose hair is being cut. She will, however, call you back after she closes up shop at 7 PM. I got a call back at around 8 PM I believe. She's worth waiting for! read more

Virginia truly is a diamond in the rough... I'm so glad to have found her!! I just got my hair cut by Virginia for the second time, and I must say she has some skills. I have long hair and asked her to give me some fresh long layers. She did exactly what I asked and my hair looks so cute! I've paid big bux in the past for haircuts at "top notch" salons, and yea, you do get what you pay for... but in Virginia's case, you really get hooked up. For $30, I got my head massaged, hair washed, cut, and styled... most importantly, I love the way my hair looks and feels. On a student budget, what more can you ask for?? I will be back to see her again and again! =) ~ Thank You, Virginia! **My first haircut by Virginia you can see in my profile pic** Oh yea... make sure to call a couple weeks in advance, she's pretty booked up (go figure!). read more

Like everyone else, I'm a VIKA fan =) I found Virginia after making the mistake of getting my hair butchered at Great Clips. She took the time to listen to what I wanted before giving the best head massage ever! I've been wanting to get bangs, and she suggested what length she thought would suit me best. After she cut my hair, she also gave me tips on how to style it at home. When I got home, I was a little apprehensive of what my husband would think since I just got a haircut two days prior and he didn't want me getting bangs. To my surprise, he really likes my new bangs, too! I've never had a hairstylist that I would go to regularly because they were either too expensive or not good enough. This is not the case any longer. I've finally found someone who is super affordable and knows what she's doing =) Thanks, Virginia! read more