Capelli Lounge

I’ve been going to Capelli Lounge for years now, and I can always count on Laurie to give me a great cut for my short, fine hair. In fact, it always comes out best when I don’t give any instructions and just let her do her thing. They no longer have a receptionist, so you just make appointments directly with the stylist, which seems easier to me, especially since I can just text her. The salon is not at all pretentious, and it’s always a relaxing experience.

Shoutout to this place for having a colorist «Aaron» burn my hair in a brassy result. Other than that this place is recommended if you are going for something brassy and completely opposite of what you came in for.

Just had to leave another shoutout for Kei. Every morning, I roll out of bed, look at my hair, and LOVE it (for once!). Best haircut of my life. Wherever Kei goes, I will follow. Hope he stays in Westwood/​SoCal forever. Give him a picture of what you want and he will customize it to flatter your facial structure. Thanks Kei!!!

Just came from getting my hair cut and styled by Veronica! LOVE IT! She does AMAZING work! I noticed that most of these posts are out-​of-​date, so I wanted to fill you all in with a more recent review. I’ll include headings, so you can read what you’re actually interested in!
My First Visit
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The first time I visited Capelli Lounge was actually about four years ago. My hair was brittle, breaking, and in need of serious help! My mom was blessed with perfectly straight hair, so she didn’t know how to help me manage my mane of curls and frizz. I think after living in L.A. for a few years, though, I was like Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina when she goes to Paris and completely remakes herself. I needed it, but I didn’t know how! So I went to Capelli Lounge not just to get a haircut, but to get training in «how to do your hair».
It was just meant to be I guess that Veronica had an opening when I scheduled. I came in with a barely layered frizz ball and told her that I needed a new look, and help in knowing how to maintain it. Veronica did a *great* job styling my hair with short layers, then told me exactly what she was doing and which hair products she was using while blowing it out. (Yes, this was my first blow out ever!) She told me what cylindrical brush they use, what size, and why. She showed me what way to flip my hair when wrapping it around the brush to get the desired effect. She taught me how to use both the hot and cold functions on the hair dryer. Then, she also told me how to style my hair when I want it curly.
I left feeling like a million bucks, with all of the knowledge and products to replicate the look myself at home. And I did! With Veronica’s patient teaching, I knew exactly what to do.
Going to a Cheaper Place… and Regretting it!
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So I have to admit, that first trip cost a pretty penny. A cut, blow dry, new styling brush and new products does definitely add up. So, as a student, I thought that my next trip I would save by going to a different, $ 20/​cut place in Westwood. I did all the research, checked on Unilocal,and THOUGHT I found a stylist who would work out. Well, this was my lesson in learning that you really do get what you pay for. After having such a fabulous job done by Veronica, I was almost in tears after seeing the result at the cheaper place. You know what I did? I called up Capelli Lounge and the next day Veronica fixed it. If all you want is an inch trim off your hair, I suppose you could go to the $ 20/​cut places. But if you want your hair styled, you won’t regret going to Capelli Lounge!
Pricing
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Now if you read the above, you might think Capelli Lounge is more expensive than most. Actually, it is quite reasonable when you compare it to like-​quality hair salons. I got my hair washed, cut, styled, and blown-​out for $ 80. In LA (or other big cities), I know people who pay more than $ 100 for similar service! Capelli Lounge is currently (as of October 2014) also doing a promotion for students: Only ~$ 40 for a cut (for women) when usually it’s about $ 65! (Blow dry additional cost.) Honestly you really get your value’s worth. The stylists have gone to school for training, so you are paying for their knowledge and education — so that you’ll look great!
Stylists
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I mostly have had my hair styled by Veronica, but once had it done by Kei. My husband also had his hair done by Kei once or twice. Veronica is awesome – moving to LA from Scotland, Veronica comes with both U.K. and LA experience, and it’s really fun to talk to her about where her life has all taken her! She is super friendly and definitely knows what she’s doing. Like I mentioned above, she will answer all your questions about styling, and can recommend what products will be good for you (without it feeling pushy).
Kei is a bit more on the quiet side, and very detailed. He cut my hair dry, but it felt like he was sculpting, cutting each individual strand just right! My husband enjoyed getting his hair done by Kei, and had a similar experience.
Customer Service
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I read a review that said they had awful service here, but maybe that has changed because I have only ever had great service at Capelli Lounge! They always greet me and are very professional. There was one time that I didn’t communicate what I wanted to Veronica very well and was too shy to say anything at the appointment. A week later I decided to call back, and that very afternoon Veronica washed it, re-​cut it, and blow dried it all over at no extra cost – and I *loved* it!
Summary
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I decided to write this review because I really enjoy my experience at Capelli Lounge, and I want their business to do well! Hopefully this helps someone decide to check it out. You won’t regret it! ;-)

I’ve been going here for years. Veronica is the best!

I first met Melissa after reading a Unilocal review by someone who had moved but was still flying into LA to have her hair cut and colored by Melissa. I figured if she’s that good, I’d give it a try.
I have very thick, wavy, curly, unruly hair that most people can’t cut. Melissa can handle it no problem. She’s an amazing artist. I tell her to do whatever she wants with it and each and every time, she gives the kind of hair cut that makes strangers stop and compliment the hairstyle. That’s never happened before.
She also knows that I’m someone who won’t spend time styling or primping so she always gives me a low maintenance haircut that I can just wash and go.
She’s great at coloring– the color is completely natural and blends in with my hair. It’s non-​toxic and doesn’t fade.
I highly recommend Melissa!

I went to Capelli after reading some reviews, trying to find a new person to cut my hair when my regular guy moved. It was close to work so I gave it a shot and I am SO GLAD I did!
Laurie blended my grown out highlights and my hair looks better than ever! Everyone was friendly and the space is welcoming. Capelli, and Laurie, are my new favorite place!

I went here after reading a bunch of reviews about Melissa. Its pretty close to my house so I can just walk over and get a hair cut. Perfect.
I had Melissa cut my hair three times and all three times it came out well. She isn’t an artist like my last stylist but she isn’t obnoxious, flirtatious, and pretentious either. So my trade-​off for super edgy haircuts, is a very nice and understanding person. She washes my hair, cuts, and drys. I really appreciate that since my last salon, he had an assistant do everything besides the cutting. The best part is I not only get a great haircut, it grows out quite well too. One time, I told her I wanted to go short. She cut it very short and I was scared. I am glad she pushed my boundaries though. I hated it when I tell the stylist to go short and they are afraid so they cut off only an inch and I basically have the same haircut I came in with. I would recommend her to anyone. Cash only. One star off for the receptionist though. Sorry Melissa, that guy is horrible.

I am from Northern California and have yet to find my perfect stylist in LA (although I have found many good ones!). I decided to give this place a try to get a simple bang trim, in hopes that if I liked it I could go back for a more serious cut. To my dismay, this will not be the place I return to for my cuts, or even simple trims. I had wispy, straight across bangs at the time with a few longer pieces on the edge to blend them out.
I asked that the stylist follow the same shape, but just shorten the bangs by about half an inch to keep them from getting in my eyes. Well, instead of following the shape, my stylist simple cut them straight across, chopping off all of the pieces that blended my bangs into my super long hair, and even went past the original bang line (a la Betsey Johnson’s bangs), creating a thick bang that I did NOT come in with or ask for.
In addition the man that did my hair was extremely rude, he had me wait while took a break to smoke, which is also gross considering he then had to handle hair. I will never go back, which is unfortunate because after seeing the cute interior, the reasonable prices, and positive reviews, I would have thought they could at least succesfully execute a bang trim.

Is it possible to give negative stars on Unilocal?Capelli Lounge is HORRIBLE. From the rude and obnoxious front desk clerk to the inadequate and irresponsible hair dressers, it’s one of the worst salons I’ve been to. I prefer a supercuts to this place.
I went in for a body wave some time ago, and I was told that they had done plenty so it wouldn’t be a problem. I questioned the hair dresser when I arrived because he has laid out very small curlers when I specifically asked for large rollers. He told me that my hair was really fine so it would relax a lot even with the small rollers. WRONG.
I ended up with this awful poodle looking perm, exactly what I had asked him NOT to do. I expressed how much I didn’t like it, and was basically told it would be very expensive to reverse. The manager, Stephanie or Veronica or something, was rude and callous and more or less told me it was my fault. They had me sign a release before they would even shampoo it to relax the curls.
It’s been 8 months and my hair is still damaged and the curls still haven’t gone away. This mess cost me $ 300, not including the $ 100 of hair care products i had to buy to deal with curly hair. I now spend 30 minutes straightening my hair in order to hide the disaster that Capelli lounge created.
Worst experience ever.

Go see Michael at Capelli Lounge! He is the best in Los Angeles, bar none! Prior to seeing him I visited salons all over L.A. including the supposed «A» list locations, and was continually disappointed with mediocre cuts at outrageous prices. With Michael, I have loved every cut and because of this I have been a faithful client for many years. This includes following him across town when he changed salons. He knows hair! And let me tell you I have run the gamut of complicated hair styles. With Michael cutting your hair, you are guaranteed to have a style that looks fresh, current and flattering.
No only is he an expert stylist but he gives superior customer service, and is extremely nice. I always look forward to seeing him when it’s time for my next cut.

I don’t know what is going on in this city, but apparently owners and management have sent out a memo to «reception» and front desk staff to be rude, unhelpful, and over all bristly. I like coming to this salon because Melissa is a great stylist– What I HATE it making an appointment.
Every time I call, I am treated like an inconvenience and met with a hint of animosity. I also hate walking in and being ignored by the guy at the front desk while he clicks his mouse on the computer, ‘prolly facebooking. I have been here three times. All three times I was not even greeted with a hello. Worse than that, I was dismissed, not even glanced at. The first time I was here, I stood around like a horses ass because I didn’t even know Melissa. I was here for a consultation. I finally had to ask the front desk dood where Melissa was and announce myself! Are they kidding me? This salon is the size of my pinky toe and you are too important to greet your clientele? Where are the owners? Why do they allow this to happen?
Secondly, I had a friend call to make an appointment after I raved about Melissa. She called, was treated horribly by the receptionist, and called me back saying,
Friend– «I am not going there.»
Me– «Why? What happened?»
Friend– «The guy that answered the phone was so rude to me. I was trying to understand Melissa’s schedule and her prices, apparently he doesn’t like to be asked any question. So, I just hung up. I don’t want to be stressed about making a hair appointment.»
LET ME TELL YOU, I AM HORRIFIED! How dare a front desk clerk make me look bad by his poor customer service and extreme lack of manners. Yo owners/​Managers, whoever is in charge. you need to do some front desk cleaning or you are going to lose a LOT of clients. Personally, I don’t care if a receptionist is rude to me. I mean, they are making minimum wage, and I… quite frankly am not. But, to have someone behave like this and make ME look bad when I am bringing you business, NOT cool. I will NEVER subject anyone I like to this type of treatment again. Unless there is a change, I will only be coming to Melissa and steering everyone clear of this place.

I’ve been going here for about 2 years now and I really like my stylist. But I made an appointment about 3 weeks ago to get my hair blow-​dried (I was taking engagement photos that afternoon, and wanted my hair done)
I walk in on the day of, and they told me that she wasn’t working and that they had tried to call my cell, but it was the wrong number. I asked what number they had, and she read off my CORRECT cell number. So it sounds like they just forgot to call me or can’t figure out how to work a phone.
Needless to say, I was upset and the salon offered no good solution Except to say that Melissa only works on one day of the weekend and it was Saturday. When I asked when they «tried» to called me, they said they tried to call on Saturday, but I would hope they would know more than a week in advance their stylists’ schedule.
So beware– this salon is terrible at
1. scheduling and notifying you in a timely manner of the scheduling change
2. dialing phone numbers
3. offering reasonable solution
If you have something that you really need to be done that day, make sure you confirm (several times) that your stylist is working that day (although I did that when I initially called.)
Edit: I was probably a bit harsh since I was upset by this whole situation. It sounds like the owners implemented some extra confirmation email process to ensure that these scheduling mishaps don’t happen again. Given I’ve had good experiences in the past, I’m going to bring my review up to an A-​OK, which is probably a better representation of my experiences here, both really good and not so much.

I don’t remember his name, but he was one of the male hairstylists. I had him cut my bangs and he did a TERRIBLE job. It was like he was blind or something. I wanted a side-​swept bang and they ended up being really short and jagged and completely uneven… I’ve heard good things about this salon (a friend recommended it to me) but I won’t go back.

Only come here if you feel like getting insulted and having your wallet raped. My friend and I came here to get our hair done by Michael (first of all, when we ask for 2 appointments, why would they give us the same guy?)… anyway, he was SO rude. Among the slew of insults he threw at us, the most memorable were him telling my friend her hair was thin, her roots were very grown in, her hair was dead, my split ends were bad and my curls were unmanageable. Now, honestly, neither of us has bad hair and his comments were completely uncalled for when all we were there for were some simple blowouts. My friend wanted him to curl her hair and he complained saying her hair was too limp for that and when I asked him to style in some waves he told me he was too tired and over the day. Really? What are we paying for? He charged us about $ 80 each for his attitude. I will never come back here again.

One word — AMAZING!
In a city where even a bad haircut can run $$$, I was lucky to find this place.
I had just come off a bad hair cut in an effort to pay less than $ 100 for one & was scared to get another one, but after 3 months of growth, I had to. I had gotten a recommendation for Michael at Capelli Lounge & made an appointment.
I didn’t have high hopes, but I was blown away. My hair looked FABULOUS and it was less than $ 100! I couldn’t believe it. I will no longer let my hair fall into disarray or fear anther haircut (or bill).
Thanks Michael — you ROCK!

Melissa is my favorite hair stylist. I live in San Francisco and plan my hair cuts and colors around my trips to LA, so that she can do my hair. As a performer, my hair is very important (for me as well, perhaps too important) and I trust Melissa completely. I am also very particular and like to keep my hair long, healthy, stylish and colored vividly, which is a tall order. Melissa has managed to maintain and update my best looks for years, and I am so grateful for this. She is also an immense joy to be with it is always a pleasure to be in her chair.
(Parking is actually easy, because there is a garage right across the street)

I’ve been going to this place for almost two years because I followed Michael from Luxe Lab in Santa Monica. He’s AMAZING and finally after going through 5 stylists in the area, I’ve found just the right person AND in a salon without any of the pretentious attitudes you get at most high-​end salons. I even left my stylist at Fred Segal for Michael because I always cringe from all the weird vibe over there. Grant it, I now pay $ 75 instead of the $ 125 for a wash, cut and style.
If you’re looking for a high-​end stylist (who can handle lots and lots of hair like me) with a comfortable and low key atmosphere, make an appointment with Michael. You can even show him a photo of your ideal hairstyle and BAM! — 30 minutes later you’re looking in the mirror with the exact same style. He will make some modifications to the style to fit the shape of your face because he’s good like that.
The salon is tiny and may be hard to find for the first time. It’s located right next to the Coffee Bean located on the Corner of Gayley & Weyburn. You’ll see the Capelli Lounge sign and entrance on Weyburn Ave.
I usually park at the parking lot across the street for $ 7.00 because finding street parking in Westwood can sometimes prove to be too difficult.

Oh Meli P, I mean B… wow.
Girrrrrrrrl, I miss you so much. I’ll have to make an appointment with you before my wedding. HA! The layers, the high and low-​lights, and when I get a wild hair… georgous RED or a modern mullet. A true artist. Never disappoints. Not even way back in the experiemental days in her kitchen. Love you Lady!
Ashlee Collins

You have no idea the amount of stress my hair used to bring me, but thanks to Melissa at Capelli Lounge those days are over. I love my highlights and I just wanted to let everyone know! If you are tired of the Beverly Hills attitude but you still want great results, try Capelli Lounge. A wonderful and relaxed environment.