She did an amazing job with my hair and only charged $45! On top of that she refused to take a tip because I lobbed off 12 inches and was feeling a little shocked losing all that hair. It wasn't her fault and I still wanted to tip! Now, a day later I love my hair! read more

Virginia is truly a blessing. She is professional, kind, honest, and undeniably reasonable. She spends ample time with her clients and is consistent in her styling and cuts. I'm so happy to have found her. FYI: Book your appointments far in advance--she's incredibly popular (not a surprise) and books up quickly! read more

I got my hair cut my Virginia in July and I absolutely loved it. I haven't been back since then because she books up weeks in advance now that she is so popular and I needed a haircut quicker than she could offer the two times I tried to go back. If you do get in you can get a great cut for $20 (at least that is what she was charging last summer) with shampooing before hand (I hate when places dry cut your hair - it just doesn't seem as professional). Often you will be the only person in the salon too since it is a small salon - only two seats - and she is the only employee. read more

This place is awesome! I spent ten minutes after my haircut trying to convince her to charge $50 because she is totally worth it. Listens to what you want. Asks detailed followup questions. Very careful of your needs: water, candy, bathroom, warm enough? The wash and head massage are lovely. The cute was exactly what I asked for and the best cut I have gotten in years. No more Aveda for me!!!! Go. Send your friends. This lovely lady is worth double what she charges. And she is raising a teenagers, so let's help her out! read more

Virginia is the best hairdresser I have found for a long time. She is careful and considers just what I want, and very skilled at cutting hair. And having a shampoo is like getting an expensive massage! She is a delightful person, the little shop is very calm, and her prices are amazingly low. -- JP, Berkeley read more

Virginia is one of the sweetest women in the world. She seems very humble and down-to-earth and is an all-around gentle woman. But, bah... this isn't a review of her character, so let's continue on! I started seeing Virginia about two years ago when I still lived in the East Bay. I moved to Petaluma in 08, and I still make my trips out every month and a half to Berkeley just for her... oh, and maybe the Asian Mall in El Cerrito.... At the time I first started going, this establishment was fairly underground, but boy has business boomed for her! She is super booked now, and with good reason. She is the best hairstylist I've ever come across, and I could never trade her in for anyone else. I never feel rushed, and I never feel like she is burning holes in the back of my head with an evil glare if I tell her to cut "just a little more". She takes the time to ask me every step of the way how I want my hair, and she never makes you feel like the style you've chosen is horrendous, unlike other ladies who'll actually scowl (duh, I can see you in the mirror!) if you say you want it just a wee bit more choppy. After a cut, my hair always feels the best it's felt since... well, the last time she cut it! The woman gives you high-end salon care and treatment for dirt-cheap prices. A tip to new Vika patrons: make sure you schedule your next appointment after you get your haircut because reaching someone on the phone can be a little difficult! read more

Today was my second time to Vika's. In my opinion she has not lost her touch AT ALL! I love her work, how she listens to what I want and how gives me recommendations and asks for my opinion about them. I just love it and the head message..........is just heavenly and all for 20+tip? unbelievable :) so happy with her work. Sad that I am leaving Berkeley soon, but I think I will come back at least for my haircut ;) to things to have in mind: 1) Make your appointments soon cause she's fully booked way in advance, I was just lucky that she had a cancellation :) 2) there is 24 minute parking in front of the salon but it usually takes more than 24 minutes, it's not usually guarded heavily but if you don't like worrying about your car, like me, you can find one hour parking right on the corner, but you shouldn't be there the last minute :)) read more

She was great and I got a wonderful haircut (and head massage?!) for $20. The only tricky part was scheduling, which took me forever because of the high demand. She's very friendly, very talkative, and I suggest this to anyone. read more

There is no need for a $70 haircut!!!!!! Vika made me a firm believer! She is wonderful, the sweetest lady ever! I usually never come out smiling from a salon, but she has changed me. My haircut was wonderful and I felt so relaxed after the head massage she gave. You cannot go wrong with Vika, but be sure to make reservations beforehand! she is one busy lady. read more

Virginia is a great person and gave me perhaps the best hair cut that I've gotten to date. I'd absolutely recommend going to her salon over the big chains. Support Berkeley small businesses! read more

Virginia is sweet, caring women who knows how to cut hair. As a man with curly hair, I have been dissatisfied with most of my previous haircuts in the East Bay. Virginia gets it right and she is a small business owner who really cares about her clients. Go see her for an affordable haircut. She's worth the wait. Also, you should call 3 weeks ahead of time, b/c she fills up. read more

I went recently to Vika recommended by two friends who have been going to her for many years. She is very nice and professional. She accommodates your needs and knows what's best for your hair type. And she is fast! I was totally satisfied and plan to go back. read more

Virginia has a new client, me! I needed a "correction" to my bangs that the $80 hair cut I paid for at another salon 2 weeks prior kinda botched. She was patient and worked gradually because there wasn't much room for error on the length of hair I did have. She saved the length and made strategic adjustments here and there - I feel pretty again! That is the difference to me between a stylist and a some one who simply cuts hair. So happy I found her. She's the only there so if you call, don't be discouraged by having to leave a message. She called me back within 24 hrs. Thank you Virginia. -Annie read more

Great price, great cut, great shampoo-massage from an interesting cultured stylist not hung up on yacking about the latest celebrity gossip bullshit. Got exactly what I wanted along with good coloring advice: came in with out-of-shape long dry hair and left with a seemingly completely new head of hair in a silky soft new layered style with lots of movement that makes me feel brand new! Yeah, actually getting someone to pick up the phone is difficult but you'll have to put up with her answering machine and calling a week or two AHEAD of when you need your hair cut to grab an appointment at this salon. Despite this I still rate 5 stars. Very happy with my the service I received once I got in. read more

I was visiting friends in Berkeley and really craving a haircut for the first time in a year! I was nervous to get my hair cut again because I had let a friend do it before and she really messed up my layers (one way too short!) Fortunately for me, Virginia was super accommodating (fitting me into the day of my call) and very attentive to my hair needs! Virginia offered me water and candy. She knew exactly how to cut my curly hair and give me bangs again. She gave me a lovely head massage when she washed my hair. She kept up lovely conversation. She made sure to ask if I was ok with putting products in my hair and if I wanted anything changed at the end of my haircut. While Virginia's space is definitely small, it makes for a cozy space and you can be sure that your money is going towards a sweet woman rather than a silly hip facade. When I gave her a tip she asked if I was sure- of course! She took great care of me and the price of the haircut was fair ($30)- why shouldn't she be tipped??! read more

This is the only place I can get my haircut. Always cuts my hair exactly the way I want, gives an amazing head massage and is genuinely a wonderful person. I have really curly hair she cuts my hair SO WELL - I am so grateful to have found her. Also, she is so kind and thoughtful - I know I'll come back to her no matter where I move in this country. read more

Yay Yelp! I moved up to Berkeley about 2 years ago from Los Angeles where my favorite hair stylist lives. I've tried out different salon around Berkeley without clicking with a stylists. The cuts always seems OK but never really as good as my favorite LA stylist until...Virgina! She's doesn't rush to starting cutting nor tell you how it should be cut...She asks questions, actually listens and does exactly that! In short, she's very talented with a pair of scissors! I found her on yelp so yelp gets 5 stars too! read more

I love my haircut, thank you Virginia. By the way, I liked to get some chocolate. I liked the head massage and that she asked about what I want . read more

I was really looking forward to my hair cut appointment, due to all the positive reviews. Since she was booked out, I had to make my appointment a month in advance. However, due to a series of miscommunications, my appointment got cancelled!! (I got a reminder call on Monday, and I didn't realize that I needed to call back to confirm, I just thought it was a customary reminder call. Then I accidentally forgot my phone at home for the entire day. And during that time, I got another call. When I got home late at night, I had a voicemail saying that since I didn't call back, my appointment got cancelled "since I didn't need it.".) I called back a few times and left a voicemail hoping I could still get my appointment back, but to no avail. Why would someone who makes an appointment a month in advance not want to go to the appointment? I had the appointment blocking out my early Wednesday afternoon for a month! Please don't cancel my appointments. If I don't show up, then charge me the cancellation fee. But don't cancel my appointments for me. read more

I'm in love, enomorada de Vika! This place is not what I expected at all, see my previous spending habits had me in those snotty places where a haircut cost $80 and color $110. After reading all the rave reviews on Yelp for this salon I was game. I was in need of getting back to my roots and figured even if it didn't come out nice I could live with it cause its only hair... Parking was easy to find on the street, not timed or anything. I walk into the shop and it tiny, I start to worry no wine or lattes here but oh well. Then Vika starts asking me what I would like and I start to explain that I want to grow out my layers and I want my hair one color no more blonde and brown and black mix! She was extremely knowledgeable and showed me the color chart and made her recommendation. The shampoo was awesome nice and relaxing. She took her time cutting, blow drying and ironing straight. She even took me outside to see the color in the sunlight which I found a nice touch. So I'm thinking ok this is going to cost me an arm and leg but she says ok that will be $45. I looked at her and said 'per service?' And she said no total I wanted to hug her and jump for joy but I refrained myself and said 'please add a $20 tip.' I'm so beyond happy and have already scheduled my next apt in her busy books. Thank you Yelp for guiding me in the right direction, I am one happy camper! P.S. Vika is from Mexico and speaks Spanish. She also has curly hair so she knows what to do with my mess and she's super duper nice and sweet. read more

Virginia listened patiently to my 13-year-old son's request for highlights and a very specific haircut. I truly believe that the best hairstylists listen carefully to their customers- even if they are picky teenagers. :) My son was thrilled with his haircut and natural highlights. A direct quote: "I'm never going anywhere besides here to get my haircut again!" I can't wait to go to Virginia once my hair grows out from a recent short haircut I got when visiting my hairstylist sister. I am so confident in Virginia's skills- and she's an amazing caring person too. Just the type of local businessperson I want to support! read more

Vika Beauty Salon - Great haircut and natural highlights! Just what he wanted! Thanks Virginia!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

My grandma always said a lady's hair is her crowning glory, and Virginia will you feel like freakin royalty and look even better. I've had some $200-dollar haircuts, but Virginia is the BEST. Virginia is amazing. Seriously. I cannot recommend her highly enough, she gives the best haircut in San Francisco, even though you have to go to Berkeley to get it. She is awesome at what she does, but she doesn't have attitude about it, which is rare in the industry. I went to see her after a certain stylist at Blade Runners (SF) gave me a haircut that literally left me in tears for days after - I went in with long layers and asked for a 1/4" trim, and came out with my hair three inches shorter and bobbed into what I can only call "mom hair." I felt weakened and demoralized like Samson after Delilah got through with him, and then one of my pals recommended Virginia for some remedial scissoring. She usually has same-day, and always same-week, appointments. Her salon is tiny, but beautiful. First, she talks to you about EXACTLY what you want, listening carefully and repeating it back to you. If you bring in pictures, all the better. Oh, and her candy jar runneth over. Then she gives you the most incredible 20-minute scalp massage and shampoo, sits you down in her chair, and expertly cuts your hair into gorgeous perfection. Then she styles the hell out of it, and if you ask, will tell you how to replicate her tricks for fabulousness at home. And then, after two hours in hair heaven, she says thank you and says it'll be 20 dollars, please. So, of course, you tip her 100 percent, because even for $40, it's an unbelievable bargain. And your money goes to support a single mom who works for herself doing something she's awesome at, rather than to some snooty salon owner. How cool is that? read more

Speaking as someone who cares about their looks but aspires to eschew petty vanity whenever possible, I can no longer feed into the mythological mandate of the $80 (or more!) haircut. I believe that you generally get what you pay for but you needn't pay top dollar to get something spectacular. In that vein, I have long since grown bored with hacking my way through slick ambiance and slogging through puddles of look-at-me-pretense to get some dead hair severed from some live hair (or less dead, anyway). I certainly honor and appreciate (and am willing to compensate) a true artist (or simply an accomplished technician) with a great aesthetic. I am quite clear that I do not wish to be subjected to someone's awkward cosmetology learning curve (at the expense of my daily confidence ala Dr. Seuss does Vidal Sassoon® in a Cuisinart®) in the pursuit of saving multiple bucks. My last trip to a popular salon featured a 22-year-old hung-over Klub Kidd (are they still around?) who spent more time regaling me w/ stories of how she'd just gotten her drivers license suspended and screaming at her co-worker that she needed her Star$'s caramel latte made w/ nonfat milk that she dedicated to the inconvenient obstacle of cutting/styling my hair. Given my lack of enthusiasm for visiting another salon with a brightly lit all-you-can-stomach ego-buffet running through the middle of the shop, I looked up Virginia of Vika Salon right here on Yelp. I had parked in front of her shop 29 times but never really noticed it was a beauty salon - perhaps because several nondescript salons have occupied same space over the years. Virginia impressed me right away. She was prompt and professional about getting back to me and setting our appointment. She was refreshingly welcoming when I arrived for the appointment. There was zero drama, zero pretense and absolutely no "agenda". I was so thrilled that Virginia lived up to all of her reviews here and - no lie - she gives one amazing shampoo/scalp massage. The haircut is effortless, fun, cute & flattering. In essence, everything I asked for and more. I feel completely vindicated that there is this wonderful woman who cares about her clients and doesn't charge them for ego-bloat of having your hair done by SOMEONE™ at SOME SALON™. Virginia at Vika is a great down-to-earth hairstylist with a straight forward venue where you can go (without trying on 16 outfits first for fear of a blistering up-down catty style) to maximize your coiffure-iousness. She has earned my loyalty after one fabulous visit. ¡Muchas Gracias Virginia! read more

Virginia is an amazing hairstylist! This single mother, who hails from Oaxaca Mexico, is truly gifted when it comes to cutting hair! If you are a naturally curly haired girl like me, then I highly recommend her. She is trained in the Diva Cut technique, and she only charges $20! (I got my hair cut New Year's Eve, made a same day appointment and have been receiving compliments ever since!) Oh and like others have said...the AMAZING head massage and wash is included. Non-curly haired girls and Fellas: she can cut your hair too! So call her up today and support this gifted stylist! read more

Vika (Virginia) is fantastic! I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is the best haircut I've had my entire life. I am learning to live with my wavy hair -- not straightening it anymore -- and other hairdressers either treat it like cutting straight hair, or try to fluff it up into big curls (fine if that's your thing, but it's not what I want). Vika just "gets" it. I've even had friends notice that my hair looks great, and ask what I'm doing differently -- the answer is nothing (no extra styling or different product), just getting a cut that actually works with my hair. Thank you, thank you. I will not go to anyone else. read more

"Your hair is beautiful!". I remember hearing this from various randy adolescents, but not so much now that I've passed 70 years. That is, until i met Virginia, when I hear these words plenty! Here's my latest story. My husband was in the emergency room recently. When it was clear that he was going to be fine, I left his side to visit the rest room. As I passed by the registration desk, I heard, "Your hair is beautiful!" I was already feeling relieved, but after that I started feeling good. I remember thinking, "Thank you, Virginia!" So, thank you, Virginia! read more

before you read this review, you need to go read my glowing review of grasshopper. yes, i'm the type of girl who spends over 100 on her haircuts. or should i say, i USED to be. virginia is wonderful. my hair looks freaking rad. for such an unassuming place, she really does have style. it's a haircut i would gladly have paid 100 for. here's the thing. the reason she can't charge that is because she doesn't have the ambiance of an upscale salon. don't let that fool you into thinking that she doesn't have upscale skills. she does. she most definitely does. you might even question if it's a fabulous haircut after you get it. after all, you just got a haircut from a teeny tiny salon from a nice woman with an accent. the psychology of marketing will do that. then, you step out of her salon and you get 5 compliments from 5 different girls begging to know where you got your hair cut. that is just plain nuts. i have ridiculous hair. lioness is how most describe me. virginia tamed my hair and yet still retained my signature messy-ish style. she gave me a fantastic haircut. that's a fact. i will even post a picture later so you can look ;) please when you go, be nice to her and give her a great tip (i personally tipped 100 percent, but that's just me..funny bc when i read the other reviews before i went i was like "no way would i tip 100 percent that's just silly" and now i see why!) i am SO happy with my hair. i will recommend her to everyone and never stray. i just hope she stays close. i can't imagine someone with her talent will remain so affordable for long. read more

I throughly enjoyed this $20 experience. As a East Bay newbie, I had no idea where to get a decent haircut--so I took other Yelpers advice, and tried this place. Great recommendation!! Virginia really listened to what I wanted, and when I saw the results (apparently NOT what I wanted), she offered different solutions. I walked out LOVING my haircut. I did not feel rushed at all, and it was apparent she wanted me to leave completely satisfied with my haircut. And I am!! I also enjoyed the lesiurely, incredible head massage with my shampoo...all in all, a delightful experience. read more

Virginia is a very sweet and very talented lady! Her eighth-grader greeted me professionally as soon as I came in, offering me a magazine and a place to sit. I forgot to bring in a picture of what I had in mind, but I found a sort-of similar picture in one of her magazines and described what exactly I wanted, and she nailed it. She's very good about explaining what steps she's going to take with your hair, and how to style your hair afterward as well. Make sure to tip well and support this hardworking single mother! read more

Great haircut. I have curly hair and she did a great job (dry cut then wet). She spent almost an hour with me. You just can't beat the price, the quality and/or the customer service. Her hair washing...,.ahhh the scalp massage was just great. I wish I could do that everyday. Not having to shell out $60+ for a haircut anymore is a huge plus. I just can't do that anymore...I am a broke student after all. Virginia is also very nice and her place is very well kept. read more

Virginia is an excellent hair dresser, and an awesome person! I get multiple compliments after getting my hair cut by her. I trust her completely, and love her personality! She's the best. read more

All the other Yelpers spoke the truth: Victoria's amazing scalp massages nearly put me in a coma and her cut was great. She consulted with me about my previous cuts and talked me through each step of the cut. She's very friendly and outgoing--very nice to chat with. Plus, she's VERY reasonably priced--so tip her well! Would recommend to everyone. :) read more

Excuse me while I toot my own horn for a minute...........I look freaking adorable!! And it's all because of Virginia, I can't take any credit for it. The haircut that she just gave me is hands down the best that I have ever gotten. From start to finish it was extremely professional and warm, something that I have never experienced in a hair salon before. This is coming from someone that will pay upwards of $100 dollars for a haircut, but always was a little disappointed with the results. So glad that I found Virginia, I would recommend her to anyone. :) read more

Today was my first haircut with Virgina and I will easily tell you that this is now the spot I will be returning to in berkeley. I have lived here for 4 years as a broke college student, in search of a reasonably priced, good haircut. Not only that but the attention she pays to you is rare and wonderful. I would like to give her the title of "Charmstress" since that scalp massage and warming aromatherapy pillow she placed on my chest all- the -while was incredible. AND she only charges $20. On top of that, you don't have to hear her gossip about ridiculous movie stars while she's cutting you're hair. Love love love her and will be returning soon since now I can afford more than one haircut a year! read more

On the one hand, I liked going to see Virginia about two years ago, before everyone discovered her, so I could basically walk in and have her cut my hair any time. On the other hand, she is the sweetest, nicest, best hair stylist I've ever been to, so I'm really happy for her that she's doing so well now. It just means I have to actually schedule a hair appointment! read more

I have lived all over the country and have had my hair cut by everyone from greatclips stylists to high-end salons rank from the newest line of products. Let me say that Virginia at Vika is by far one of the greatest I've come across in the hair industry. Mind you, I have extremely thick, curly hair. It takes a viking in order to tackle my head. In terms of aesthetics, Vika is cute and homey, complete with a smiling Virginia oozing warmth. It's a welcome refreshment compared to the often sterilized and industrial looking new age salons. My favorite part of getting a haircut is usually the shampoo/ head massage. Virginia's shampoo is a relaxing, comforting dream. She actually spent time washing my hair and gave me one of the best head massages I have ever gotten. She really pays attention to the customer and shows one-of-a-kind dedication and service. When we journeyed to the chair, I had an idea of what I wanted but admitted I needed some guidance. In past haircutting situations, my stylist has always been too reluctant to try anything new (my hair does has its limitations, I guess). Virginia did a spectacular job by taking into account the type of hair I have and gave me two options, one more drastic than the next. In the end, I decided to try something new for myself. Virginia whizzed through my hair with the scissors as if my curls were flowers lovingly being picked from a field. She knew exactly what she was doing and at no point did I feel scared as to what the outcome might be. In the end, she helped me learn how to style my new do and got the new bob ready for an afternoon out on the town. Vika and Virginia are truly spectacular. Did I mention the Price? $20 for an amazing haircut unparalleled in over-priced hair shops. If the price shouldn't make you run to Vika ASAP, than the overall experience and resulting cut should! Thanks Virginia! read more

I think people really love this place b/c it's so cheap. But, for me, I'd rather pay more for quality. Vika, is a nice enough person, very pleasant. However, she seemed like she didn't know how to color hair and when she was acting puzzled, I started to worry. She put me under the dryer, something that I haven't experienced in about 15 years with the color on. The color came out o.k., thankfully but trust me, she seemed nervous and that made me nervous. The subsequent blow out was horrendous and my hair was super frizzy. The other problem is the place is super tiny and needs to be cleaned and updated. I saw dirt everywhere and thought yikes, are these combs clean? Would never return myself, kinda gave me the hibby gibbies. read more

Vika is really nice and on-time, which I appreciate so much instead of the usual fifteen minute wait for hairstylists. She is very considerate and somehow transformed my flat, boring black straight hair into highlighted hair with volume. I was hesistant to chop off my long hair, but the way Vika chopped off almost six inches and styled it..I'm sooo happy and LOVE it! Can't wait to go back to her. read more

I love Virginia and see her every couple of months. She recently increased her prices, but still a great cut and style for much less than what most local salons charge. read more

I chose Virginia based on these outstanding Yelp reviews, even though *such* good reviews are always slightly suspect. Now I understand everyone's enthusiasm. I called on Wednesday to get an appointment before the weekend; Virginia was booked but said she'd figure something out, even though I was a new client. She fit me in at 7am on Thursday morning! She normally opens at 10 but was already booked from 8am on. The haircut includes an aromatherapy shampoo and scalp massage that is far beyond anything I've gotten for $20, and the cut itself was excellent and professional. Highly recommended! read more