*NEW LOCATION* but everything else is the same (Von + staff + fun/laughter) 3005 Silver Creek Road Suite 160 San Jose, CA 95121 (408) 274-0865 read more

Von Pauli Salons - Hair Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Von has been my hair stylist for probably 25 years, I'm guessing. Years ago I was looking for a new stylist and when I saw a woman whose haircut I admired, I asked her where she got her hair cut. When I arrived for my first appointment, Von had to rush out of the salon to pick up her daughter. She told me to go have lunch and come back later... So I did just that! She was surprised when I showed up after lunch! Well heck, I needed a haircut badly! She did a beautiful job and I was happy. I always make the first appointment of the day because I hate to wait for my turn, especially when I've arrived on time. If there is another customer in front of me, Von always acknowledges me and thanks me for waiting. I appreciate that! But to avoid that, I just book the first slot. Tip: Make an appointment and show up on time! Von does not appreciate people who are late or are no-shows. I have very short hair but Von takes the time to really cut my hair precisely so that it looks polished and sleek! My former stylist would cut my hair in 10 minutes, and then I'd have to "fix" it when I got home. Not so with Von, she is meticulous and takes her time! I totally trust whatever decisions she wants to make regarding my hairstyle and cut. She knows I don't like it too short (I don't want to look like a boy!) and she also cuts for the season or upcoming events in the future. Short for summer, longer for winter. Even though I have graying hair, Von has told me she will never color my hair (even though it would bring her more income!) She likes my "natural highlights" and so do I. I hope I never have to look for another stylist in my lifetime! Von's the best! read more

Von Pauli Salons - The fabulous Von! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I have been going to Von since I was a little girl. Last weekend I went in to cut my hair. My hair has grown so long since Covid started. I usually just get a straight cut but this time I decided to get more layers and curtain bangs. I was hesitant at first but hair will always grow back so why not. The results came out amazing. She knew exactly what I wanted and what fits my figure the best. Von never disappoints! read more

Von Pauli Salons - Hair Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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I been von pauli salons before since this year! Co Van cuts my hair every 6 months for rest of my life!

Many things I don't like about this place and Van: - Van didn't listen to what I really want as well as didn't put efforts on cutting/perfecting my haircut - Whatever I requested, she tried to give me lessons about hair, corrected me and criticized on how bad my hair was done by the previous barber (VERY ANNOYING & RUDE) - She charges more if you ask for temp curling after the haircut. Plus she doesn't really know how to do it - Be prepared for many personal questions she would ask you - $40 for hair cut and curve: Not worth it - Cash only and parking is limited read more

Von does a great job with my cut, color and root touch up. I've been going to Von since 2003 and she does such a great job. She knows the right cut for my face and is honest when it comes to over coloring or processing hair. She'd rather work on this in stages rather than fry the hair. Von also styled my hair for a wedding and it turned out great. Call before because she gets booked up quick! read more

Took my mom here for a perm and coloring. Let me start off with-we will never come back to this salon. The owner, Von, was the rudest and more arrogant person you'll meet. Customer first does not exist here. We arrived a few minutes late, she told my mom immediately that if she would have arrived one minute later, she'll not help her. My mom then proceed to ask her how much will bury a perm and coloring cost to make sure she has enough cash with her, Von immediately said "if you don't have enough, then leave" wtf? She was rushing throughout the whole and was not paying attention to details. The hair dye got all over my mom's forehead, ears and neck. My mom brought her own hair dye yet she still charged my mom the regular price and even try to charge my mom extra for blowing/styling-if you're charging over $100, those better be included. I pointed out several mistakes she made before I left to do something, she told my mom I was impolite which I laughed. What does she know about politeness with that attitude of hers? Overall, it was one of the worse experience. read more

I've been going to this salon off and on for a few years since I moved to the Evergreen area. Honestly, part of the reason that I get my hair cut here is that my mom gets hers cut here sometimes. Another part of the reason is simply that it's close to home. Van usually cuts my hair. She's an iffy 50/50 of sorts. Half of the time, I walk out with a cute haircut with nice layers that grow out well. The other half of the time, my bangs die. Her haircutting ability is not bad when her scissor happy tendencies don't overpower them. This salon is pretty convenient and a cute, nice elderly lady usually shampoos my hair with good smelling stuff that makes my hair super duper smooth. Convenience and reasonable price are what bring me back here, sometimes. Anyways, if you value your bangs, make sure Van doesn't cut them too short. She has a habit of doing that. read more

C. Van is the best hairstylist. She always makes you look great and feel satisfaction. read more

Von Pauli Salons - Hair Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Many folks think Van is rude. No she is not - she is HONEST and will tell you what's best for your hair. She can upsell you so many services and tell you to a list of services to rack up a bill but NO, she will not do that - she always tells you what's best for your look and the health of your hair. She can appear brash or loud sometimes, but I only see this as being passionate in what she does, which is often, misinterpreted or misunderstood. I know Van - she is a very skilled stylist, always with the trend and will always tell you her honest opinion. I have debated with Van a few times on style and services - but in the end, after listening to her sound advise, I always walk out of her shop looking like a million bucks and feeling young and light again! I would rather have that than walking out of a salon looking awful and resentful of my stylist. read more

I HATE VAN!! Van is one of the rudest hair stylists I've ever had. I had to go to Van a few times because my usual hairstylist Helen, who used to work a booth there (thank god she moved), was out of town or not working when I needed a haircut or what not. Honestly, as a hairstylist all you need to do is ask what the customer wants, do the haircut, and ya know maybe make some pleasant conversation with me. But literally every time I get my haircut by Van, she criticizes my hair and the previous hairdresser who cut it saying they did not do a good job. WOW, the wonderful lady who has been cutting my hair for 9 years now works in the booth 2 seats down from you! Not only does she criticize my previous hairdresser's work, she doesn't listen to what I want done with my hair or she just doesn't know how to cut it. I am never satisfied with my haircuts from her. My mom also believes she is very rude and has since moved to getting her haircuts at a different salon as well. Every encounter I've had had with Van was not very pleasant and I am very glad that my hairdresser has moved salons! read more

I didnt know what to expect but came with a friend who raved about how Van cuts great layers...I guess it works on long, silky, smooth hair...but unfortunaly, I have thick, dry, frizzy, and not so long hair. Van used the razor to chop my hair and it left it even frizzier... of course after the cut, she styled it to look decent but it was such a hassle to try to make myself look presentable afterwards. read more

I came here for a quick trim I explained to van what i wanted she threw me to someone else to wash my hair after the wash i sat in her chair waiting for her to begin. She finally starts to blow dry my hair and i don't know if she got bored or just didn't want to deal with my hair but she asked ME to blow dry my own hair!! Nope i will NEVER be back to this place read more

Van is the best stylist. I had an appointment and i got served ON TIME! She has a vision on the best hair that fits my face shape. She took time to cut my hair and asked me to "enjoy her". I come here 2-3 times in a year and have been her customer for 12 years. She's professional and willing to listen. Highly recommended! read more

I have a huge love-hate relationship with this place and Van. Service wise, this place really deserves maybe 1.5-2 stars. But because I continue coming back and often walk out of here loving my hair, I have to give this place 3 stars. As others have mentioned, Van isn't the most pleasant person to deal with. It's a really hit or miss with her, but I haven't had a terrible experience. She definitely comes off pretentious, but most of the time, I just go with it because hey, the lady is working her magic on my hair! Personally, she's never offended me or said anything rude when I'm around. Then again, I've been coming here for years and so has my family. The main reason why I keep coming back is because she is great with layers. If I need a good layering session for my hair, she is my go-to. Warning though: you really need to emphasize what you want down to a tee because if not, she will start snipping away like there's no tomorrow. I make sure to tell her exactly where I want the length to be, where I want my shortest layer, etc. Once you get her to know what you want, it's not hard for her to cut it that way. I've experienced times when she has gone shorter than what I wanted, but it has never been anything so drastically different from what I was looking for. You can honestly get a great cut from Van as long as you clarify what you want and voice your opinion during the cut if it seems to be straying from your idea. Pricing is extremely reasonable in my opinion and is cheaper than many other places in the area. She is a little wishy washy with her prices. Again, it really depends on her mood. Bang trims are usually $5. I've had my hair layered into a V for about $35, and the past summer when I cut about a foot off my hair for a long bob, she only charged me $25. read more

For my 18th birthday, I wanted a new look. Bangs, layers the whole shebang. My sister's friend recommended this place and my mom was like "why not?' So we walk in, we ask for the pricing of this hairstyle I fancied. She said $35. My mom was iffy but she was like "whatever." Van cuts my hair and I show her a picture of how the layers are going to be and layers. After cutting and talking, she talks crap about my mom about how it's an American store and she shouldn't be doing things the Asian way. UH, EXCUSE ME. Just because you're an Asian woman with a salon in America doesn't make it an AMERICAN store. PUH-LEASE, get your facts straight. Also don't talk smack about your customer's parents, Say it to the person straight up, not to the person cutting the cut. ANd something about "Oh, I can just look at the picture and remember everything." SURE... NOT. She didn't get the bangs right and layers were NON-EXISTENT. It was just a V-cut. "I don't need a second look. I'm a professional." -_____________________________-' Really now. $35 for bangs and a v cut? My mom can do better and other places can do bangs for less than $10. All I know is that I'm not coming back here again and boy did my mother give her a piece of her mind. SAYONARA, ASIAN SALON. The only time I'll be coming back to that area is for the banh bao, nuoc mia and the supermarket. read more

I LOVE VAN!! I went in wanting to get a perm after a friend had referred me to Van. As soon as I walked in, Van took one look at my hair and told me that my hair was way too damaged for a perm to hold. She told me that she didn't want to damage my hair even more and told me not to go somewhere else to get a perm (I wasn't planning on going anywhere else since Van's pricing is really good). I was pleasantly surprised by her honesty & appreciated her opinion, and opted for a hair cut instead. After getting my hair washed, I sat down with Van and showed her a few pictures of what kind of hair cut I wanted, and she gave me some of her own opinions and recommendations on what would look best on me. It's extremely hard to find a hair stylist who really understands what you want and be able to execute it well, but Van did a PERFECT job! What I really liked about her was that she snipped off some pieces of my hair first and showed me the length before she continued. She has such a cute personality and we hit it off very well, which is something I definitely look for in a hair stylist. I hate getting my hair cut in silence!! After she finished cutting my hair, she showed me some tips on how to style my new hair and even put some volumizing powder in my hair to lift the roots up. It's like she read mind because I was just about to ask her to do that! All in all, we were both VERY VERY pleased with the outcome of my new hair (I got a long bob) & she told me to come see her in about 6 months for a perm if I still want one then. For a wash, cut, & styling, it was $25 which was what I was expecting to pay. I've definitely found my new favorite hair stylist and will come back for more soon! read more

Haircuts are nice but the owner's attitude is unacceptable. Humiliate clients in front of others. Cash only. $40 for a super easy hair cut and shampoo. The worst experience of my hair services. I do appreciate her honest inputs and suggestions. Does it worth it ? I don't think so. read more

I have been Van's customer for more than 10 years. She always do a great job and super on time person. I am a difficult customer and not easy to be satisfied by any hairdresser . Since I knew Van I have never disappointed at her cut not even one time for the last 10 years. She has such a good memory to remember what I like about my hairstyle. Even though I told her that i don't mind to get my hair cut every 6 weeks but she still doing what best for my hairstyle not trying to cut too little in order to have my visit again soon. I hope that she will not retire early because I still need her talent as long as possible. Thank you so much Van read more

It was a very last minute plan and I did not regret it! The price is sooo reasonable since I had so much hair cut off. My hair made me like short hair and I never liked short hair on me. I was only a long hair type of person. They did a really great job and it feels so much healthier now :) read more

I used to be really iffy about coming here just cos she was my mom's stylist. That made this place seem very uncool when I was in middle school... But after jumping around to other hair places, I always find myself going back to Van. I'm usually always happy with my cuts, shes very good with layering long hair, and she gets the side swept bangs perfect... most of the time. Sometimes she cuts them a little too short, and i'm a little pouty leaving the salon, but her cuts always grow out nice! I recently chopped off ~12 inches of my hair for donation and asked for an A-line cut and I was also pleasantly surprised that she did short hair well too. She was careful not to cut my hair TOO short because my hair was just soooooo long before, it would be very drastic! The only thing I wasnt happy was when I decided to go for the full fringe bangs this one time. I think it couldve just been my thin/lack of hair, but it just didn't look good! It seemed sparse and choppy. Not just one length, but zig zagged. Wouldn't go back to Van if I wanted a fringe bang. She's very popular with... everyone! So it's smarter to call in and make an appointment. Sometimes she'll try to squeeze you in and tell you to come in NOW even though shes booked... I'd recommend turning her down and getting an actual appointment, cos sometimes she'll rush through your cut because she squeezed you inbetween appointments! All in all, Van is my main squeeze for haircuts! I usually leave happy, and I feel like she charges decent pricing. FYI she charges by length, when I have short hair its ~$20-25 and when I had my super long hair it was ~$30-35. Also she is CASH only or checks. No credit cards! read more

First time getting a haircut from this place and I am for a lost of words. I usually get my hair butchered at almost every place I go to so I developed a fear of haircuts, however Von Pauli Salons exceeded what I wanted for my hair. Gave the hair stylist a picture of what I wanted and got exacted what was pictured. I am really happy with the results and will be coming back soon. read more

Von/Van has been cutting hair for over 2 decades and has plenty of returning customers for just as long. I myself have been getting my hair done there since I was a little girl. I've tried different places but my layers are always noticeably uneven so I've had to get them fixed here. I'm giving this place 5 stars because the prices are VERY reasonable. Prices are charged based on length/thickness of hair which is very fair. The cons are that she works rushed when it's busy. Now, that doesn't mean the quality of your hair cut is going to be any less good. She's very good at being efficient and I like being able to get in and out quickly, but it's understandable how it might bother people when she works quickly. Also, she doesn't take credit/debit cards, only cash or checks so that may be inconvenient for some people. read more

Not a lot of people can get short hair right. But Van can, and apparently she's been in the same salon for 20 years. I was dragged here by my mother after much sulking. I was pretty put off by the hordes of Asian families thronging to the supermarket in search of cheap eats, and even more disconsolate after stepping into the salon's small space. We had to wait for a while even though we had an appointment, because there were 2 walk-ins and more were waiting to come out of the corners. Van isn't the most personable lady, but once she has you in her chair she can jabber at you in Vietnamese, English, or Mandarin. If she isn't jabbering at you, she's babbling on the phone, I'm guessing to set up even more appointments. That doesn't really stop her from being a whiz with scissors and razor though. Her hands move at lightning speed and she makes her cuts with a lot of confidence. After my haircut, I completely changed my mind about the place. A cute bob and highlights cost me $80 including tip all told. Totally worth it to put up with the dingy decor. Besides, you can't see anything once your hair's all wet and in your face anyway. read more

I've been going here for ten years and over the past ten years Van has managed to transform me with varying styles from edgy funky cuts to romantic waves. Sometimes she's brutally honest and will flat out tell you if your idea won't work with your hair. This place requires good communication if you want a good cut. Show a picture or know exactly what you want. It's kind of a toss up. Half the time I leave absolutely loving my hair and I can tell Van is proud of her creation as she gleams with pride. But the other half it turns out to be a botched mess and when I point it out to her she ends up insisting it's fine while frantically trying to fix it with a look of worry in her face. She worked a miracle on my hair for my high school prom five years back. Turned my extremely short boycut into an elegant updo. People were asking me if I got hair extensions to get long hair. It was just bobbypins, hairspray, a curling iron, and her special touch. Last time I got a messy highlighting job with spots of bleach where it didn't belong. I wouldn't go here for highlights since the professionals are usually too busy to do it themselves, so the untrained assistants end up doing it. For a $25 haircut, $40 perm, and $60 highlights, it's hard to complain about the prices. And definately go when its not a weekend. I've found that most of the times that I left disatisfied were also busy days when they were packed with customers. read more

I ONLY let Von Pauli cut my hair, I always leave her salon SATISFIED and feeling beautiful. Von Pauli uses cuts you will not find ANYWHERE in our city. Trained by a specialist from ITALY the experience you find at her salon is unique and well worth while. If you're tired of bad experiences and looking for someone who you can trust with your hair I only and highly recommend you come to her salon I %100 guarantee you will be amazed and will never go elsewhere again. read more

For a long time business owner and hairdresser, I'm surprised she's still in business. She not only doesn't listen to what her clients request, but she argues and raise her voice to her customers! I have to say her cut is nice but with that attitude, it's no wonder why no one can work with her except for her husband who's like deaf and mute with her because she talks nonstop and about everyone! She washes hair, answers the phone, greets the customers, cuts/dry hair therefore she's always rushing to the next client. Her salon is surrounded by other salons and lots of great hairstylists so it's no wonder clients leave. read more

They cut nice hair here (well depends on who you ask for) but they need to get their priorities straight. I came in & was told to wait 20 mins and they'll be able to take me but 20 mins go by and still nothing. Then about 15 mins later a costumer comes in and then without telling me anything the hair stylist lady calls the other (new) costumer in to cut her hair. I had to ask her if she was going to take me like she said she would and she told me oh sorry, I forgot I had a appointment. Can you wait another 30-40 mins or can someone take you. I have things I have to do and waiting an additional 30-40 mins is NOT something I want to do. Overall this place is a mess & they need to update their business skills. read more

I went to Von's Pauli for the last three decades. Every time I come here I walk out with a beautiful cut that I always feel very happy and satisfy with the service she provided me. I live 50 miles from her place but I still try to come to her for a hair cut. My daughters also love to get a hair cut from Van. read more

I have similar experience as other reviewers. Van does a solid job and is skilled with razors if you don't mind razors. She's a bit scissor happy at times but it'll turn out ok and sometimes great. She's great at sidesweep bangs and her cuts grow out nicely. I keep straying to more pricey places and end up coming back to her out of frustration b/c I can't find anyone worth the higher price. For $20-$25, I can't complain. Beware w/ coloring, it's cheap but you get what you pay for. Mine was blotchy and they left the color on too long. My hair really pays the price b/c it can't with-hold much processing w/out looking and feeling like hay. I've had much better highlights that were well worth triple the price. read more

I've been getting my hair cut from Von since 1990 (26 yrs). After all these years, she never disappoints. I've gone to others over the years but have always gone back to Von. I've had others cut, perm and etc..to my hair but I've never been as satisfied as I am with Von. She prefers appointments but she would always takes me in same day whenever I call her for availability. She knows what look best, the best cut and how to even fix it when others cut it wrong. read more

Got my hair done here last year; still looking good

Van is a very nice and talkative lady. She explained everything she did to my hair but I cannot believe how much hair she cut off. I specifically showed a few millimeters trim with my finger. I also said NO LAYERS. I looked on the ground and 3 inches were cut off. I can't tie my hair in a bun anymore. Ponytail is hideous. I am crying because it takes a lot of effort to change black hair to white hair and to grow your hair that long. I tried my best to accept it but I still haven't. I will never go to a salon again because of this experience. This is a clear example of someone not following directions. When I tried to speak up, she said "no, I like it this way." First of all, it's my hair and it's what I like, not what you like! read more

BEWARE! Don't get a perm! They burned half of my aunt's hair off and did not offer a refund. They blamed her scalp. I have NEVER heard of hair falling out due to scalp issues when getting a perm. Obviously, they have staff that has not been properly licensed and left the solution too long. No apologies were given. We will definitely pursue this further. BEWARE. read more

The first time I went to see Van for a bang trim, she showed that she listened to my instructions by doing exactly as I wanted though the cut wasn't perfect b/c the two sides were not even. I told her, she said that's how it's supposed to be, but she fixed it. I was just thrilled that she at least listened and didn't cut my bangs too short. This was the reason why I came back to her for a full hair trim and color. This time, I was disappointed because not only did I have to deal with her employees who didn't know what I was trying to say or wanted, I was dealing with a short tempered Van b/c she spoke to me as she was doing a client's hair in a manner that I didn't deem appropriate/professional, and she told me to come back if I wanted my hair done. I thought it was fair since I didn't make an appointment in advance. However, I wanted a full trim and specifically told her not to cut it too short; but, she cut it short anyways. As for the hair colors, I showed her a picture of how I wanted my hair to look like, she made suggestions on how I should have it colored, it sounded great, and I thought it was gonna turn out similar to the colors in the picture -- nope! When my friend saw me, she was surprised herself b/c she was expecting the colors to be different to what I ended up with. Two months later, I decided to give her another try by going back to her for a bang trim. My bangs were long enough for her to cut and style them in any way I wanted. Again, I showed her pictures of a cut that I wanted in different views, she looked at them really quickly and made me feel that she knew what I wanted. It was a disaster the moment she started cutting them b/c she cut them way, way shorter than I asked. There was no way to go back from it, and I was in such a disbelief that I couldn't even say anything to stop her. Stupid me, I let her finish cutting them, paid her, and walked out so unhappy b/c she ruined my bangs! My sister and mom didn't have anything good to say about my bangs but asked why I'd let someone cut my hair like that. I normally let my bangs fall naturally down my face without having to style them, but b/c of what she did, I now have to style and use hair spray on my bangs every single day before I leave the house to avoid looking like an idiot. I'm furious and will never do business with this woman ever again!!! read more

I can't rave enough about Van and her quality of work. I don't understand why people here are complaining about her prices. This is probably the cheapest place to get a nice haircut from. I've been to places that would charge me $80 for haircut and it doesn't even compare to Van's work. I went to another salon about three months ago and my stylist there is amazing at coloring but the way she cut my hair left me with uneven layers. I came back to Van today and she was able to fix it for me! She's amazing and honestly $28 for wash and cut... You really can't beat that! read more

When I first stated going here, I really really liked the results. The only person that cuts my hair at Von Pauli is Huong. My mom referred me to her, and I've been going to her since 2007. I don't change my hairstyle too often, so I go to Huong for trims. She's great at layering and cutting bangs. However, I haven't been too satisfied with my recent visits. I think she's losing her touch to keep up with the latest styles. That, or she's just getting bored of cutting the same hairstyle. I've gone to others to get inches chopped off, but never here. I feel like it's a little too risk-ay because they aren't up to the latest trends. The manager still refers her clients to early 90s hair magazines. To sum it all up, Von Pauli is a good place to get a cheap, clean trim and layers. I wouldn't come here to get that "new look" and that whole shebang. read more

Van has cut my hair for many years. I have also had highlights, perms, and color. I always get compliments for my hair after visits with Van. Van will offer suggestions on what would look good on you. She loves doing hair and making people look their best. The salon itself is equivalent to what you call a hole-in-wall for restaurants. It's narrow and small. However, the price is reasonable and the hair cuts by Van are very good. read more

I recently relocated to SF from SoCal and had to find a new stylist. I'd been afraid to just pick a random salon since I'm very particular about my short hair cut. After seeing her work on a on a co-worker, I decided to give her a call. I was not disappointed at all. She was very accommodating in her schedule; her care was fabulous and thoughtful. I was treated way better than places that are charging nearly three times as much. Von and her staff were incredibly attentive and I walked out of there LOVING my hair and getting the pick me up that I needed. She was well worth my drive! read more

i am sadly disappointed. If you dont mind the philosophy of quantity over quality, get your hair done here.