Stem Salon

I’ve gone to Tessa for a partial highlight and hair cut about 4 times now and it always turns out so amazing! I followed her from Rain Salon to this place. She really knows how to make blonde highlights look natural and not streaky and fake. I always get compliments on how natural my blonde looks and have recommended her to multiple people. I have really fine hair and its a little damaged from over highlighting, but she is really gentle and just uses a lift instead of harsh bleach. It’s definetly on the expensive side, but she always spends at least 2.5−3 hours on me so its totally worth the money! If you want to make an appointment, definetly call at least a month in advance because she is always really booked! It is well worth the wait :)

Tessa is aaaaammmmaaaazing. So personable, sweet, THOROUGH, and a hair-​whisperer :) I came in with a horrible color in my hair and not only did she transform it but she somehow made it look better than I ever expected. She took tons of time to explain what it would look like in the end which was so nice!
Go see Tessa if you’re looking for amazing color and a gorgeous cut!

If I could give Stephanie more than five stars I’d be all over that! In 35 years she’s the first person who’s listened to me time after time resulting in completely gorgeous and natural color. She’s an artist with an eye for tones and dimension; I leave each time feeling like a million bucks! Look her up on Instagram @stephaniestemsalon, you’ll love what you see. It’s a great spot as well, and all the ladies and gents there are a delight. Nothing but rave reviews!

Ivete Alonso is a great stylist! She’s easy to talk to and responds to what I describe I’d like in a cut or style. I love having my hair done by her and I feel great when leaving. She’s great with curly hair as well.

One day while pondering a new color/​stylist I saw a lady in Starbucks with amazing hair. I asked her where she went and she said Stem. I have been going to Stem for 5 years now and couldn’t be happier! I started seeing Elizabeth, the owner, and when she went on maternity leave, I switched to Maryalice. I’m still with Maryalice and could not say enough wonderful things about her. Highly recommend this salon.

As a male salon customer, I pay the added cost in order to take all the thinking out of the equation. I want an excellent shampoo/​scalp massage, then sit down and let the expert use his/​her expertise on what style would fit my face/​head without needing any input from me at all.
This is precisely why I have been a client of Tessa’s at Stem Salon, since I moved to California almost two years ago. AMAZING scalp massages (especially when I am hung over and forgot about my 9am Saturday haircut!), great conversation, and most importantly a great cut.

This was my first time with Stem Salon and it went GREAT! I had Tessa for a haircut and I am beyond pleased with the results! She was very friendly and provided a good service. What I loved the most is that I felt that she actually listened and paid attention to what I was saying and left my hair exactly like I wanted it! Picture perfect!
After growing my hair for 5 years, I finally decided it was time for a change. I was extremely nervous because I have had traumatizing experiences in the past, so I didn’t want to go anywhere. I made intense research here on Unilocal (lol) and after making several phone calls, I chose to go with Stem Salon. They accommodated me very last minute and they were all so nice about it! The receptionist was super friendly, all their staff was inviting and the place has great atmosphere.
I am super happy I found Tessa because I feel like I finally have somebody I can trust with my hair. I am definitely going back and I am also recommending her with all my friends. She is very proficient in what she does.

Cylena is amazing! She made my hair look so gorgeous! I had some faded out highlights that needed toning and hair that desperately needed shape. She was very meticulous and thorough, and gave me exactly the chic shape I was looking for. My color is rich and vibrant, but not unnatural looking. I am so pleased with my results. And, she styled my hair so beautifully. I would recommend Cylena to anyone!

Ivete is an amazing hair stylist. The hair cut she gave me was on point! And the options to update color, simply amazing. I went with shades of ‘summer’ brown. Lighter Base, some low lights and highlights. Absolutely Love the cut, color depth and richness to my hair. Awesome job!

Best hair cut experience ever! A friend of mine referral me to Tony. He is patient, nice and explained very detail. I have a very good experience and he always did amazing job. I always have stylish hair style and happy face when I walk out the door. Best bay area stylist!

I don’t even know where to begin Christine and Sarah are absolutely amazing at what they do!
I have had my share of bad haircuts and when my hair dresser of 6 years retired I was so scared to try anyone else. All my fears were erased after my first appointment with these two. Sarah is an absolute hair coloring genius I’m more in love with my color every time I go in! Christine knew exactly what to do with my hair and how to cut around my crazy cowlicks without me ever opening my mouth. I put my full faith in both of these women they know hair and they know what looks good on you!
They are so easy to talk to, sweet and genuinely care about how the overall cut and color will turnout. I’m so HAPPY Sarah and Christine were recommended to me!
#lovestemsalon #christine&sarahareamazing!!!

This was my first experience with the salon, and I was thoroughly pleased with my experience here. Calling for an appointment was a breeze, complimentary services were a great plus, and the staff was inviting and friendly.
I am usually very picky and adamant about following a new stylist, but being with Cylena was amazing! She is so sweet, completely understood the vision for what I wanted with my hair, and most importantly… DELIVERED!
Looking forward to building a great relationship with Cylena, as she has gained my trust to handle my hair. Thank you!

This review for Ivete at Stem Salon is long overdue. Ivete definitely deserves 5 stars! So glad I found her and followed her to this salon. I fully trust her with my hair and I’m super picky about my hair.
I showed Ivete the cut/​style in some photos I found online and she recreated this in a way that looked best on me personally. She made my cut look better than I imagined and also my bayalage/​highlights/​color looks amazing.
I love the décor of Stem Salon and all of the high tech features like the new drying stations which I’ve never seen before in another salon.
Most importantly, I feel like a million bucks after leaving Ivete’s chair. I love her blowdrying and styling techniques – I wish she could style my hair everyday! She brought my hair to life and gave me a confidence boost. When I leave the Salon feeling amazing, this is something that is worth every penny to me!

Wasn’t impressed by Elizabeth (aka the owner)‘s color and hair cut techniques. She darkened when told not to make the base so and noticed she cut someone’s length in a very uneven manner.
Products sold have toxic ingredients like formaldehyde. Very strong products pusher without warning of not being able to refund unused returned-​next-​day item after reading the ingredients. No such written policy in sight. Owner refused to allow product value to be applied for future hair services and insisted upon products only although her lines are toxic and fail EWG standards. (!)
Customer service lacking. Appointments start late. Skip Stem and go to a high end salon outside of Walnut Creek.

I walked in to this Salon all excited since the salon and all the Hairstylist seemed very knowledgable. But only seemed! :(
I asked Lindsay Lopez for Balayage Highlights — I ended up with orange streaks and completely uneven stripes and colors. She was NOT listening from the moment I walked in.
When I showed Lindsay the unevenness, and simply asked her to even out the highlighted pieces, she said he has NO TIME. Then later on she called me back that she might have available time on Friday. I was happy to get it right this time — hopefully!
But boy was I wrong — At the second appointment I explained to her again just to even out the stripes at least and she replied — ok, got it. but then just came back with brown toner and just toned down al the highlights. When I asked I do not want brown roots (just like what I came in with) she replied: I DON’T HAVE TIME to Even it out right now!
Long story short: I walked out with the SAME HAIR I walked in, but more DAMAGED (and still not looking correct) and after talking to the Manager that I do NOT think I should be paying $ 240 for this «(NO) Highlights» and bad attitude of their employee, I got a response no discount or return…
!!! Be aware of their BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE and staff NOT EDUCATED PROPERLY, especially in Balayage techniques!!!

I followed Tessa from Rain to Stem. There was a change in ownership and quite a few stylists migrated over. This location is closer to the parking structure on Locust (above Lark Creek) so I don’t have to find street parking or feed a meter.
The entrance to this salon is like the secret wardrobe to Narnia. It’s super deep and has chairs and stations for what seems like a mile. Everyone seems like each other a lot here and it’s well lit, bright, and cute inside.
They carry Kerastase and Shu Umera products. I got a double process and cut which took about 4 hours so I had plenty of observation time while I was here. Great vibe and pretty darn busy for a Wednesday appointment.
There was something for everyone here of every age, hair type, gender, ethnicity. Looks like there would be someone here to do whatever you need to your hair.

Sandy has been doing my hair for too many years to count! She has become such a big part of my life not only as the perfect color stylist but a dear friend. I’ve gone from platinum to dark and I’ve been all over the spectrum in my personal life. Sandy has always been there to give my hair the perfect pick me up.
Sandy has such a talent for what she does and is always such a professional when it comes time to update your look. Sandy puts so much pride and consideration into her work that you will not be letdown!
Now Sandy’s been doing my daughters hair for two years who is now 14!

Ashley at Stem Salon did an amazing job on my hair, she did my extension and hair color. Excellent job! I’m really hard to please especially when it comes down to hair color or hi-​lites but i told her exactly what i wanted, brought in the picture of the hair color & hi-​lites i wanted, i «explained»
my personality style is more on the dramatic side, light on toning, showing more definition of hi-​lites and color. She did it just as i asked. The extensions and my hair color match perfectly. I absolutely love it. Just explain exactly what you want and she’ll do it. KEYWORD is «explain» your style because she’s not a mind reader. She’s awesome! She my hair dresser going forward, I finally found someone who actually did my hair right.

I hate writing negative reviews but after the experience I had today, this needs to be told.

Although I feel Stephanie is a nice person, when I first sat down in her chair I got the feeling she wasn’t very experienced in what I wanted: Balayage. But I’ve always been the kind of person that gives everyone the benefit of a doubt. I had it done last about 7 months ago and wanted to lighten the faded color and add in some more that grew out. I work hard for my money, but I don’t mind dropping $$$ on getting exactly what I should be paying for: professional, quality service and getting what I came in for or at least relatively close. This person should also be actively listening to what the client is asking for. Even if I felt she lacked experience I wanted to give her the chance anyway.
The owner, Elizabeth came over and gave her some pointers and what she suggested based on a picture I liked. In this case, I felt a little more a ease knowing the owner probably knows what she’s doing. I decided to go through with it. I further reiterated that I wanted the balayage to start at eye level or slightly below so I still have a good amount of my dark roots still showing (as balayage usually does). She seemed to have understood what I was looking for and assured me it would look great.
They were not being individually painted on which is what I thought I was paying the high bucks for and how it was done the first time I did balayage. Instead both my sides were fully bleached in foil with the back left with only a few strands of bleach. She explained there were different techiniques of doing it so again, I trusted her word. Unfortunately, as she was blow drying, I could tell it didn’t look anything like what I asked for. I tried to tell myself it would look better when she was done but that wasn’t the case. It appears certain areas were left in bleach longer than others therefore, resulted in thick patches of platinum blonde/​yellow colors mixed in with underlying thick strands of dark hair. This was not beautifully blended painted on small pieces/​sections like I had showed in the picture or balayage for that matter.
On my way out I wanted to show the owner the end result and to express my extreme dissatisfaction. She just rolled her eyes and almost like shrugged her shoulders. All I was thinking was I just spent 3 hours here on a day I took off to pamper myself and I just got treated completely irrelevant… by the owner herself. They instead played the card of saying this is what you wanted.
The receptionist acted more concerned than anyone else and suggested I come back to have her fix it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make sense for me to go back and actually expect this to be corrected. I had to come home and wash my hair because it lingered so strongly of toner and bleach. So, $ 210 is in the garbage and now I have to go spend another $ 200 to get this corrected ASAP.
Lesson learned: to wait for my usual heavily booked stylist to do my hair for the same price but right.
In response to the owner’s comment to me below I reply:
She didn’t offer to fix anything until after I wrote this negative review as I mentioned above I showed her this horrible color job after the stylist was done and she just rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders. She never apologized once even when she knows this was an unacceptable color job nothing like the photo. I was so embarrassed by her rude treatment that I just paid and left. Now that I obviously went elsewhere to get a major color correction that cost me another $ 250 to fix she is refusing to refund me. No need to go back and forth my credit card company will be taking care of this for me. Even the stylist at another salon couldn’t believe they let me walk out like this and recommended I get my money back.

I never go to salons because they never get the color right, but with me trying to dye back my hair I needed help so I was advised to go to Stem salon especially Im moving up for school. I had Stephanie and I’m outrageously upset with the outcome of my hair. I have naturally dark brown hair and my roots were coming out that didn’t match my super bleached damaged hair. I told her I wanted brown hair color that will fade into light brown. The results. Black hair, she said it matches my hair color but my roots were lighter and in matched their matte black robes.
I gave it two stars because maryalice who consulted with my hair was really sweet and pulled out a book that showed what I wanted and actually talked to me, I wanted to set up an appointment with her but she was booked.
This may have been just a sucky experience for me, but for a place that charges an arm and a leg for what they say they specialize in coloring and color correcting, I’m disappointed.