Options Salon

Started going to James at Options lured in by a Groupon offer. I was new to the area and needed a precision cut on a newer bob stye. James was very professional taking my own requests and added his own suggestions. I was very pleased with the outcome and received many complements on a newer shorter style. I have been back 3 times and he now does my highlights all in what seems like half the usual time.

I agree with Deanne’s review. James seems quite hostile to the Groupon customer. I used a Groupon to get a haircut and was surprised that a cut with no blow-​dry was so expensive. The cut was fine — nothing special but since my hair is hard to cut, looking decent is a pleasant surprise. I asked James about getting a Brazilian Blowout and he said it would be great so I made an appointment to get one the following week. At this point I am feeling very comfortable with him and that he could be my stylist for life. I got by Brazilian blowout and loved it. It was expensive and I bought products and tipped a crazy amount since I figure I am going to be with him for the long haul so I may as well get on his good side. Recently I purchased another Groupon to get a haircut and called to make an appointment. I let him know who was calling thinking the $ 150 tip would jog his memory. He was so incredibly rude on the phone and gave me one appointment option. When I said I couldn’t make it on that day because of work, he said, «sorry, don’t know what to tell ya» — and that was it! I’ve pretty much just eaten the cost of the Groupon and consider it a learning lesson. Oh well — still looking for a stylist who likes big tips and treats Grouponers like legitimate customers! :-)

Excellent precision haircut! My hair finally looks great. James consistently cuts my hair
In a perfect way so it always looks great!

I bought a groupon because my old stylist had just moved away and I was looking for someone to take her place. I called and easily made an appointment, stating that I bought a Groupon for a haircut. After showing up for my appointment a week later I was pleasantly surprised to find the small, boutique hair salon in downtown Menlo Park. The gentleman who cut my hair was pleasant in conversation. I asked for a simple trim and layers to lighten my hair weight. After he cut my hair, he turned to me while my hair was still wet and said I was all done. I said my hair was still soaked. He looked at me like I was crazy and asked if I wanted a blowdry as well. I said yes. It was the morning and I had work in an hour, as a I told him 20 minutes previously, while chatting with him. I offered to blow dry my own hair if he had another appointment. He said no problem and continued to blow dry my hair. When I was done he said I owed him another fee for a blow dry. I was a little taken back. I thought I would be warned if a blow dry was extra. I wouldn’t have felt so cheated if I was warned first.
Overall, the salon did not use any special styling products, nor hair techniques that warranted charging $ 75 for a normal haircut and an additional $ 20 for a blow dry. I was disappointed. I was treated like a typical «Grouponer», rushed and treated like ½ a customer. If I wasn’t rushed and would have gotten a haircut that warranted that amount they charged, I probably would have made this place my new go-​to-​place to get my haircut, since it is so convenient to work. The bottom line… there are other «options» to get your haircut in the area… so do it.

James was such a pleasure at Options. Great location and free parking near by which is always challenging in the area. As soon as I got there James was ready to go. He was so precise friendly and knowledgeable. I bought a living social deal for the Brazilian blowout and left feeling like a princess. I find when I use a living social or groupon, people can be rude. James was nothing of the sort. I give here a 5 out of 5.

My hair: Frizzy, Curly, Puffy — DISASTER
I bought a livingsocial deal for a Brazilian blowout and called to schedule an appointment. Options isn’t open on Mondays, which is fine with me, I wasn’t in very much of a rush anyways, so I left a message.
James called me Tuesday morning right around opening time, 10:45am. He was very polite on the phone and very accommodating. I wanted to get the Brazilian blowout done as soon as possible and fortunately, after looking at the schedule, James could accommodate me on Wednesday in the afternoon. SCORE!
I went in on Wednesday 5 minutes before my 4:30pm appointment. James greeted me, sat me down in his chair for a minute to take a look at my hair and discuss what was going to be done. He instantly noticed the breakage in my hair due to surgery and wanted to know what had happened. I was surprised he noticed and also very happy that he took the time to answer my questions as to how its really looking back there. I have never had a treatment done, and so I was extremely nervous. James was very pleasant to speak with and very knowledgeable which instantly put me at ease. He directed me to put on a smock and sit down for a shampoo and the process started.
The Brazilian blowout took about 2 hours. James taught me how to blow dry my hair with a round brush as I am a bit of a novice when it comes to hair tools. He advised me to consider cutting off my dead ends, about 6 inches, but did not pressure me into it which I appreciate. I have long hair and 6 inches is a bit extreme in one go. He also explained which products from the Brazilian Blowout line he was using, advised me to purchase, but did not press me into it.
I took a shower this morning, and though my hair is back to its curly glory, I have more glamorous soft curls. The frizz ball disaster that I would wake up to every morning is gone!
James is very personable, friendly, and kind. He took the time to answer my questions, no matter how odd (we discussed my eggplant hair color of a few years ago) and gives great advice — I am now parting my hair to the side as it really does look a lot better this way!
I will definitely be back in 3 months to get this treatment done again and to also have a cut. I haven’t been able to find a stylist that compared to my last since she moved to Seattle a couple of years ago. But I will for sure return to James and highly recommend everyone to try James out! You won’t be disappointed!

I found Options Salon on Living Social, and after hearing good reviews about James, I thought I’d give it a try. I am so picky with hair stylists so I was being brave trying someone new. but I’m so glad I did! I got a Brazilian blowout (LOVE IT!) and a whole new hair style. I originally booked time for a Brazilian blowout, color, cut and style, but when I got there he suggested I didn’t color my hair because he liked my natural color. Wow he’s not a salesman and saved me some money :) I trusted James’ professional opinion and let him work his magic. It looks great! I get compliments on my hair all the time now.

James is great and available very early, which is a godsend for my busy schedule. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair.
If you want a great cut from a personable stylist at a flexible time, James is your man!

James is a perfectionist and really took the extra time my thick, frizzy, out of control hair needed to look beautiful. He did a brazilian blowout (the best straightening procedure out there) this past weekend and I was thrilled. My hair looks better than it ever has. I definitely recommend!

I read the review recommending James if I needed a change. I’m so glad I did, because it’s been a long time since I’ve been really happy with my cut and color. But what a difference it makes to have a cut that just works every morning, week after week! James also encouraged me to darken my color a bit. At first I didn’t like it, but now I am used to it and agree it is better. I highly recommend him!

I am so glad I found James on Unilocal!After several years with the same stylist, I was in need of a change. I nervously gave him the go ahead to cut 4 inches off, his idea, and I am so glad I did. His salon is quite peaceful and private to go along with his calm and warm personality. A perfectly relaxing atmosphere and a perfectly executed hair cut!

I’ve been coming to James for 17 years– after my «natural» blonde hair color starting going bonkers after I had kids. James perfectly matched my color and has given me great highlights and hair cuts ever since. I couldn’t be happier, refer friends and even bring my teenage daughters for haircuts now– and are they picky! James is comfortable to hang out with while I’m sitting there for a couple hours, is totally professional and warm and I couldn’t imagine going to anyone else! You’ll love him and what he can do for your hair– even if its going bonkers!!!

Can’t get a good Burger over here but my goodness, the guy can certainly cut hair. You can squeeze coffee out of him if you let him know in advance :)
Will always offer good advice on the condition of your hair and how you should treat it. If you want a professional style without paying too much for it, this is the place to go. From boardroom to bedroom you will look good.
ps. he can talk nonsense on just about any topic while you are there…

James is the best. My teenage daughters and I have relied on James since we moved to the Peninsula two years ago. When my youngest decided to transition from short hair to long, James counseled her through it over the course of months of carefully crafted hair styles, making the process relatively painless (for her and me). Never a bad cut, and always a welcoming smile. You can’t go wrong with James.

After fighting with my wavy, frizzy, long hair for years I finally went to Options Salon to try a Keratin Treatment. What I left with was the most beautiful, silky hair that lasted at least 4 months! James takes the time to make sure you get he look you want. Since its a small salon, you get individual and prompt attention. I’ve since returned for haircuts, which always end up resembling the photos I bring him in on my ipad or in magazines. Great blow outs and color too! Thanks James!

I have been using James for over 20 years. He is a master at color and styling. I always receive complements on my color and it always look natural. James is great at offering suggestions on styles that will work with my hair type and face shape which shows his expertise. He has a great personality and is very funny so it is always a fun time when I get my hair done. I highly recommend getting your hair colored and styled by James.

I knew I needed a new hair person when I saw a close friend immediately after having had my hair colored and styled. She said: «What have we done with our hair?» Instead of going to the office to prep for a client appointment I went straight home to re-​do my hair!
As part of my search for a new colorist & stylist I spoke to a colleague at work who recommended James. I have now gone to James for over 10 years. We started with highlights — then highlights and color — and now just the color. Not just any color out of a tube! James is masterful with color and he mixes the color just for me. During the time that I have gone to James for my hair, I developed a reaction to some of the hair products and James researched and tried new solutions that worked for me.
In addition to being an outstanding colorist, he is an excellent stylist while making it all look so simple.
The proof of his excellent abilities is that I receive compliments all the time and requests from people, some of whom I don’t even know, wanting his contact information! I confidently refer friends and clients to him all the time — this includes both men and women.
I appreciate that James is always on time! None of that endless waiting that you can experience at other salons. He is also accommodating and flexible understanding that his clients have demanding and changing schedules.
The salon is quiet and pleasant — an oasis on a busy day! James is talented and in addition is a warm, caring individual. You will feel like you are multi-​tasking — getting your hair done while spending time with a friend.
Give him a try… you won’t regret it!

James is awesome. I first started going to see him back when I decided to color my hair — I’d noticed a friend of mine had really great hair (both cut and color) and asked her if she got it done locally, fortunately she said «yes!», referred me to James and I’ve felt so lucky ever since. He gave me just the color I was looking for and which I continually get compliments on. At that time I was not yet ready for anything else different i.e. any change to haircut/​styling, but that was fine by James, he truly listens for what his client wants and I never have felt pressured to consider something I might not want or feel ready for. Then a few years ago I decided I was ready for a bigger change and wanted an updated cut & look, but wasn’t sure what would suit me. Since at that point I knew I could trust James I just asked him «if you could give me any kind of haircut what would it be?» He had some immediate suggestions ready which he had clearly thought about, I liked the sound of them and asked him to just go with it, couldn’t have been happier with how it came out and have been thrilled ever since. What I particularly appreciate about James is that he honestly cares about his clients looking and feeling their best, yet isn’t attached to a specific idea of what that might be, so it’s easy to give him feedback about how the cut is working for me, he’s always interested and doesn’t take it personally. The atmosphere in his shop is always peaceful and friendly and it’s pleasure to visit. I highly recommend James for both your hair and your outlook on life :)

If you’re in need of a new stylist or just need a change, you should definitely go see James!
I had the same stylist for 14 years. Nancy. I loved her. She knew me, she knew my hair and my friends all told me that my hair never looked better. I kept going to here even after I moved out of San Francisco, commuting to San Rafael every 6 weeks for cut/​color. (I get higlights but I like to pretend I’m a natural blond!) I had no intention of changing stylists, but one day I drove 90 minutes in traffic to find that my appointment was mis-​booked and there weren’t any openings.
I came home in a panic — I had a big, fancy event to attend and I simply could not go with my hair in its current state. I happened to see my neighbor and she suggested I go see James. I hemmed and hawed — I’d tried others and nobody ever got the highlights quite right — but I was desperate.
Long story endless, that was 4 years ago and I’ve never looked back. Not only was James AWESOME (my hair looked great and the color was exactly what I wanted) but he was very flexible and immediately fit me into his schedule. He was conservative with my first cut, doing exactly what I requested. As we got to know each other, James gave more suggestions/​ideas and now, I pretty much give him my head and he does the rest.
If you need a new stylist, I know how scary that can be. TRUST ME — James is your guy. Seriously, I NEVER thought I would change stylists and after one visit, the hardest thing wasn’t having a new stylist, it was telling the Nancy that I wasn’t coming back.
Go for it! You won’t be sorry!