Backstage Salon

My review is for two of the hair dressers, Farah and Gina. And before I start I just wanted to say I think they are super nice people and I do think they cut hair well just not my hair type with that being said…
I want to start of by describing my hair type. I have pretty thick wavy hair that can get really frizzy and poofy if cut wrong. People tend to over thin my hair because I have so much of it which tends to make the cut worse. I’ve had only 3 amazing people cut my hair in the past and they actually all moved away. I only wear my hair naturally without any sprays, or heating products. And I know what some people may be thinking that’s impossible, NO it really isn’t especially when you’ve had people give you the perfect cut.
Let me start off with Farah since that was my first appointment. She cut my hair pretty much exactly like the picture I showed her except that normally when I get a short hair cut the dresser will tweek the cut so I can wear it natural without styling. The only way the haircut looked good is if it was straightened or curled everyday. Even thought I specifically told her I need a cut that doesn’t require heating products because I HATE using them! If my hair wasn’t wavy and thick this haircut would have been fine but it did not work well for me!
Next review is for Gina. She has so many amazing reviews on here so I thought I’d give her a try. She just cut my hair this Saturday and by this point I was over getting haircuts and I really explained in depth that I have thick hair and can’t get it thinned too much and I do NOT like to style my hair! I like my hair to just be natural. I don’t think she understood that. Then she cut it and told me to come back if there was something I didn’t like about the cut and she’d fix it because she said she didn’t know my hair and doesn’t know how it is when it’s styled and would prefer to style it (even though I told her I do not style my hair I don’t use any heating products, or any products for that matter other then shampoo and conditioner in my hair). Although, it was really nice of her to offer for me to come back if there was something I didn’t like, the haircut doesn’t look great. It’s not the worse haircut ever either, but again if I straighten or curl it everyday it would be ok. I considered going back so she can fix it but I will not be doing that as it doesn’t seem like she’s cut too many thick hair before.
Overall I think if my hair type was finer this would be a good place but it’s thick and they didn’t really listen to what I wanted. So if you have thick hair and don’t like using heating products everyday I wouldn’t recommend this place.

So I have never been here for a haircut or anything like that, I only buy my shampoo and conditioner here but I like the variety and their products. A bit pricey, but you should spend money on quality products for your hair. Service has always been friendly. Why not 5 stars? Because I wish it had more variety for hair clips and what not but they do have at least a small selection.

I have been going to Gina since she was in Walnut Creek. Never had a stylist that could get it right every time until i met Gina. Great work, reasonable rates and always accommodates my schedule. I even bring my 90 year old father in law to Gina because she gives him that personal touch. Give her a try, you will be amazed.

This is the best place to get your haircut and I highly recommend Gina. Been coming here for six months and I actually look forward to getting my haircut now. The stylists are friendly and they smile at you! Of course Gina is just the best!

I’m so glad my long-​time, go to gal, GINA (formerly of Hairmasters), came to Backstage. Each experience is spot on, every haircut is just what we’ve asked for – GINA sees by husband, son, daughter, me and a family friend or two. You don’t refer people if your not sold yourself, right? WE ARE SOLD! Gina is truly an artist with color. I am the pickiest person most people ever encounter. Gina doesn’t get frustrated with me, and is always making sure I leave happy. I’ve gone from very dark hair color to pretty light highlights, and back again. Each look was a good one. She’s great at taking a photo and transforming you. Give her a call. You won’t be sorry.
*** The salon is in the rear of Beauty Source. Don’t fret, it’s warm, welcoming, clean and comfortable. Complimentary coffee, tea, water, cocoa.

This review is for Oksana– Hair Stylist. I needed a change to my current hair style. It has been long overdue and really long in length. Oksana had me show her a few pictures of what I wanted my hair to look like. First of all, the pics of the hair styles on these models were with different face shaped and mine is round. Secondly, I have so much volume in my hair that it always puffs up when I wear my hair short. Well, to my surprise, Oksana cut my hair short to shoulder length and styled it like no other can. She also layered and sheared my hair to get rid of the puffy look. I love love love my hair cut! The look make me feel like a totally different person. Thank you Oksana!

I saw Fary when my hair was out of sorts. I could barley comb my hair out after conditioning it and had bad roots. Nervous to go somewhere new and a new stylist, Fary was so wonderful and made me feel at home. She did my hair EXACTLY how I wanted it and even suggested a keratin blow out which made my hair so easy to comb through. She is accommodating to my schedule and reasonably priced.

I’m excited that Melissa West has changed to a new location. Zolf salon it’s very close to Backstage Salon so no need to worry about it being to far. I had a great time visiting her at the new salon. I love the energy there.

This is a really cool salon, I wish Vinnie still worked there. But the other stylists are great too! It’s a really comfortable environment and everyone is friendly, making an appointment is easy & they’ve always been able to squeeze me in, or let me walk in when I have some free time while I’m in the area!

Took my daughters there one time, never to go back. Both were done by one person, forgot what her name was, she was kinda rush to have one hair cut done in 30 min. She did not even blow dry the hair afterward. My daughters are 13 and 11 at the time so she charged 1 adult and 1 kid price. The total was $ 85 for both, which i find ridiculous for 30 min cut without blow dry. One hair cut was ok, the other (the kid one) was horribly noticeable, it was like nothing was done and she said well go home and get the feel of it then come back in a week if need to change anything. My kid got too upset to even want to come back. such a waste. The extra star was for the better hair cut, but with that much $$ I can get it better juat about anywhere else.

This review is for Oksana– Hair Stylist. I saw her a few weeks ago for a new client appointment to have highlights done, but I also wanted some minor changes. Oksana was more than helpful to me and suggested so many great ideas about what to do with low lights and high lights. She also gave a great trim and suggested great products. I was very impressed with her and she was also super friendly and nice. I would definitely recommend her to any of my friends. Shes a great professional and very insightful about hair! Looking fwd to my next appointment already!

Melissa West moved to Zolf salon in San Ramon…

I cut my hair very short last October and have been trying to grow it out for months. I have had extensions before, but had a very bad experience. I wanted them again, but this time was very cautious about who I went to. I went to 3 different consultations and knew Melissa West was the right choice. Not only did she know what she was talking about and was more affordable than most — she also made me feel super comfortable and listened to my concerns.
My first appointment was for a highlight/​color touch up and she did a great job. My highlights look better than they normally do so already I was happy with her. My second appointment was to get the extensions in.
I have had them for almost 3 weeks and I couldn’t be happier. They look so natural and feel great. The color and texture was a perfect match and it is nothing like the last experience. I am afraid I am never going to want to go without extensions again. Everyone who knows I got extensions have commented on how natural they look.
For me the quality of service is very important, but also having someone you like and trust is equally important. Melissa is awesome!

I recently moved out here from Ohio, so I was in need of a new stylist. I live in San Ramon and not too far from the Salon. They were able to fit me in for a haircut /​highlights in the same day.
Jill is outstanding. By far, the best stylist I have had. I went in not knowing what I wanted to do with my hair — told her I trusted whatever she had in mind for my hair. The highlights came out perfect — my boyfriend immediately noticed and raved about them. Jill was very friendly and personable. I will definitely keep coming back to this location. I highly recommend Jill …
Plus, I was impressed with the price — alot less than what I was expecting!

This review is for Oksana (Cut and Color)
I had been slightly nervous about coloring my hair for the very first time and Oksana put me completely at ease. She was incredibly patient when letting me look at all the different color samples & gave me a professional opinion without being pushy.
When it came to the cut, Oksana knew exactly what to do to get rid of my excessive volume. She did a great job at blending my side bangs (so I can grow them out) and gave my curls/​waves the extra «umpf» they were lacking!
Although she is new to this salon, Oksana has been cutting hair for over twenty years. Aside from the fact that I got a great haircut and highlights, I really enjoyed Oksana’s personality.
She is one of the sweetest people I have met and you can’t help but feel cheerful in her presence.
You can feel she genuinely cares about her customer in the way she works!

This review is for Amanda Clare.
Amanda has been doing my hair seems like forever now! Maybe 5 years? She has amazing experience in ALL areas! We have done light brown extentions, bright blond extensions, black hair, blonde hair and at all times keep the integrity of my hair at the highest! My hair always looks great when she does it and always makes what I want work!
The salon she works in is fab! You can go shopping before or after, it’s like a gift shop in there! Oh yea! Not to mention they always have goodies! From brownies to madelines yum! Perfect after I get off work and haven’t eaten all day:)
I would recommend going in there, you won’t be sorry!

This review is for Jeanne, and believe me, I really don’t want to write it. I want to keep this secret to myself, but I can’t. It’s not fair. The woman is talented, and thorough!
The first visit I asked if any of the stylists were familiar with African American hair; I was told «yes.» But it was clear no one knew what the heck I was talking about. They thought I wanted a Brazilian Blowout — uh, no. Jeanne stepped up to the plate. She asked a few questions, took a look at my hair and diagnosed the type in a few seconds. With all that knowledge I was intrigued to go further instead of running out the door.
Jeanne said she wanted to try some product on my hair to see what results would yield. To me, this was a good sign. Sometimes hair stylists try to be cocky and put whatever in your hair, not really knowing what the results will be – and usually the results are bad. After a week of tests and research, she asked me to make an appointment.
I arrived, was greeted, walked through the process, and prepped for my relaxer. Four hours later my hair was perfection! I could not have asked for a better, safer experience! She even wrote down what products she used so she would know for next time.
I paid more than I usually would, but it’s worth every penny. I will definitely return!

This review is for Jill.
Seeing as my natural hair is extremely curly, I am highly cautious as to who cuts or styles my hair. You would be surprised by the amount of mess ups that can happen with hair like mine. Jill was absolutely amazing! She is extremely versatile with all hair textures and it made me feel at ease to have her touch mine. I have never been dissatisfied with her services. Whether it be a quick style to a brazillian blowout. She makes you feel at ease with her bubbly personality and gives the best advice on what to do with your hair from style to upkeep.
Recently, I got the brazillian blowout from Jill. Absolutely amazing! I have extremely frizzy and curly hair, this treatment took away all frizz and left me with wavy hair. Easy to style to straight, takes about 10 minutes with a blowdryer and round brush. Her price with cut, blowout and style were extremely reasonable and I felt safe going to her for the treatment.
I would recommend her to anyone!

Barb did a fantastic job and took me in the same day I called. The salon appears expensive but isn’t. I paid $ 45 + tip for a thorough wash, layer, blow dry & style.
As I bounced out the door with my new look, I walked right by Supercuts and gave them the stink eye. Thx Barb!

I recently moved to the Danville area and while I LOVE LOVE LOVE my stylist in SF who I’ve been seeing for almost 6 ½ years, I just couldn’t always find the time to drive into the city for my hair anymore.
Jill’s name came up numerous times as a «Great Stylist» via the Iron Horse Mother’s Club that I just had to give it a try! Jill was able to fit me in and accommodate my schedule on little to no advance notice! She is is super friendly and sweet and is amazing at putting your fears and anxiety at ease. I definitely had my share of «bad stylists» so I didn’t want to be the victim of another.
Jill took the time to listen to my concerns and answer all of my questions. Jill is not only amazing at color but her ability to style and cut your hair is bar to none! I also love the fact that she uses only top/​high end quality hair products. You can’t go wrong with Jill!

This review is for Jill Langon at The Backstage Salon. My hairdresser broke her arm cycling last weekend. I was supposed to get my hair done this coming Saturday but of course my appointment was cancelled. It was somewhat of an urgent situation since my baby shower is next weekend and my hair was an overgrown MESS! I had recently joined the Iron Horse Mother’s Club and randomly, someone had requested a recommendation for a hairdresser. Jill Langon was referred by multiple women so I thought, «why not?»
I called Jill and miraculously she had an appointment available that evening! Perfect.
I liked Jill immediately. She’s friendly, personable and bubbly and makes you feel at ease right away.
She asked what I wanted, but also gave me some recommendations. I am not the beauty expert, so I expect those who are to take charge! I got highlights and a cut and I’m very happy with the end result. She is efficient, but thorough too. I am usually left under the heat lamp for way too long, but Jill got me out in time. She also gave me a free deep conditioning which left my hair feeling soft and bouncy… loving that!

Back Stage Salon is in the back of The Beauty Source in the Target Greatland shopping center off of Bollinger Canyon.
Honestly, I was a little nervous going to see a stylist in a salon that’s in a beauty supply store. I just had a bad image in my head of what a salon in a beauty supply store was like, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I went to Jill about a month ago and totally chopped my hair (you can see the cut in the picture with me and my hubby from V-​Day), I also wanted to make the high lights a little easier to maintain.
Jill did a great job with the cut! It’s adorable and growing out nicely which is always the sign of a good cut.
The color is also the most natural that I’ve had in a LOOONG time. She did a great blend of hi and low lights that looks very natural.
Back Stage is always running specials as well, and Jill is really good about rewarding not just new customers but existing customers as well and her prices are VERY reasonable and in this economy, we could all use reasonable!