Elixir Salon

Next week, I have my regular appointment with Erika at Elixir. I have seen her for two years for eyebrow waxing and tinting, and facials. This is always a nurturing spa date, a departure from the stresses of daiy life. Elixir has a healing atmosphere and decor; Erika provides calm, loving attention, gentle touch and voice, amazing skill; and knowledge. As she places warm towels on my face and massages in nourishing products, all my cares disappear. Afterwards, my skin glows and my brows look beautiful. Erika has the ability and compassion to work with clients of all ages--I have referred friends from twenty to sixty to her. She has a gift! Thank you, Erika more

Mireya at Elixir rocks. I had my first appointment with her and she was running really far behind, so I was a little worried, but she really came through. I had a full custom color and cut. My hair color needed adjusting for winter. It was a little brassy and in serious need of a trim. She gave me fabulous color (3 different custom shades!) and a great cut that took weight off my hair but not length-- something other stylists have a hard time conceptualizing. The experience was great and the cup of tea while I waited was nice. Mireya is highly recommended! more

Others who envy curly hair have no idea the nightmare it is finding someone who can expertly cut it without resulting in a mishapen tumbleweed look. I found out about Susan when I noticed my friend Natalie with a terrific new attractive haircut. Natalie has very thick, very curly hair, so I knew whoever cut it had to be especially talented. I have gone to Susan many times since then and have never left with anything less than a great haircut. Elixir is on the higher end of the price scale but the service is top notch and if you have curly hair why risk another bad haircut? I worry that I won't be able to get an appointment now that I have helped to let others know about her, but I owe it to everyone out there with curly-challenged hair. more

I have had my hair cut by Susan Ferdowsali now for the last two years and, I must say, I am completely satisfied. She hast that most important trait that makes me go back to her again and again - RELIABILITY! I know, with confidence, when I get my hair cut by Susan that it will look good. She is very responsive to my preferences ,and I never feel like I am with someone on an ego trip. She is also quite pleasant, which makes the whole experience relaxing and enjoyable. I reccomend her without reservation! more

After moving to the East Bay and needing to find a good hair stylist, I was SO lucky to find Susan at Elixir. Before moving, I was with the same hair stylist for ten years; now I wish I had found Susan earlier; she is incredibly talented and sweet. She really respects my requests for particular styles, never rushes, gives me her full attention and will spend extra time to get the cut exactly perfect. Now my husband and both sons go to her. My son (very discriminating teenager with tricky hair to cut - lots of tight curls) got such an awesome cut from her that his hair cut was a huge topic of discussion with all his friends who loved the cut. The salon is very friendly, fun to go to. Pros: great location near Monteray Market, shops, good food Cons: none more

I can't say enough good things about Alex G. and Elixir! I had been going to a really high end SF salon and paying $$$ for cuts & color. I lost my hair twice to illness and was reluctant to switch stylists after 10+ years with the same person. Those previous cuts were technically good but just not "me" -I usually had some "hair trauma" each time I left the salon. With Alex I look forward to each visit (close to 2 yrs now!) I don't miss the lattes, wine, designer kimonos or attitude of my former salon-and really appreciate the service at elixir. Alex actually LISTENS to you, unlike my previous experience where the stylists and then colorist had their own agenda- She nails it every time, cut, color & experience. She was amazingly patient with all my concerns & issues and gives honest feedback. My ONLY reluctance to posting this review is it will make it even harder to see her! Pros: Service, skill and overall experience Cons: haven't found one yet! more

I showed up at Elixir today for my haircut with Mireya with overgrown and shapeless hair, and a vague request to ?make it look better.? She listened carefully to my concerns, assessed my level of commitment to daily styling, and gave me her take on what cut and shape she thought would work best with my hair. After an amazing scalp massage, she proceeded to give me the best haircut I?ve had in years! Mireya worked very carefully to give my fine, straight hair a great cut with movement and texture that practically styles itself! In addition to Mireya?s talent, the entire salon experience was wonderful from start to finish ? relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and small touches that made even a simple haircut appointment feel special. I can?t wait to come back for more services and see what else Elixir has to offer! more

I was referred to by a friend to visit Elixir and set up an appointment with Mireya. I have always been very cautious about who cuts my hair, because i had several bad haircuts. So, during a visit last weekend to the Bay area i set up an appointment with Mireya. From the time that i walked into the door she made me feel extremely comfortable. She is awesome with hair. Considering i am cautious with anyone that cuts my hair, i felt at ease and completely trusted her with my hair. She cut and highlighted my hair and i have continued to receive compliements on how my great my hair looks. Thank you so much for the wonderful customer service and the fabulous hair cut. I definitely recommend everyone stop by Elixir and see Mireya. Pros: Welcoming environment, great service, hair stylist that knows what she is doing Cons: To bad i live in San Diego and Mireya at Elixir is in Berkeley more

I tried the Elixir's services about a several months ago, and now I use this salon regulary. Before that, I couldn't find any hair salon that would satisfy me completely. It was always struggling with all that chemical stuff that many hair salons use. Elixir uses amazing natural Aveda colors that doesn't cause any damage to my hair. I really appreciate friendly environment and professional advices, which I am receiving at the Elixir salon. My hair stylist is Elena Mena is new at this business, but very creative and thoughtful stylist. I like her gentle touch to my beauty image. Because of her, my hair look healthy and beautiful. more

I started going to Elixir in Summer 2006, having previously used Aveda Salons in Colorado and non-Aveda salons elsewhere. I was delighted with the quality of service and with the friendliness of the people at Elixir. Mireya has been cutting my hair and I've had facials and brow shaping with Erika. Both women are phenomenal. Mireya was great both at actually giving me the cut I asked for, and also at suggesting ways to improve it. Without a doubt, she has given me the best haircuts I've ever had. Erika is likewise great about listening to a customer's concerns and providing excellent advice. She also makes the experience of a facial what it should be: relaxing and refreshing. Visiting Elixir is a real treat and I look forward to each appointment. I highly recommend this salon! Pros: Great ambiance, great staff, excellent service, excellent products Cons: Imperfect parking, but not a real problem (actually, for Berkeley the parking situation is pretty good) more

A friend recommended Elena. For me it is usually uncomfortable to go to a new stylist. From the very first, Elena put me at ease. The day turned out to be a fantastic experience. I had a scalp treatment, highlights and style. I was pampered throughout. I have to say I have never received so many compliments after leaving a salon. Elena knows here stuff; knows how to treat a customer and send her off with the best look she has ever had. more

I wanted to tell everyone today about my favorite hairstylist at Elixir, Elena Mena! I've been seeing her for awhile now, and I wanted to go on the record as saying I absolutely LOVE the way Elena took care of me yesterday! Elena gave me EXACTLY the haircut I wanted and needed for my night on the town, and the way she made me look and feel was absolutely divine! I really love the way she listened to me before she began. After the day I'd had at work, the scalp treatment she gave to me just relaxed me so much, I forgot all about all the problems that gave me a splitting headache when I walked in. Elena gave me a really great shampoo and haircut, and made me look really, really great!!! She made me feel like I no longer had a care in the world. The other part of my visit with Elena that I really liked was the way my coloring also came out -- Elena has a really great coloring touch that I just can't get enough of. I kid you not, Elena's the lady I ALWAYS want to do my hair!! She's a really great addition to what's already a great staff of hairstylists!!! Check her out!! more

I have been looking for a long time for a new hairstylist that listens to my needs and I found a wonderful person in Elena Mena. From the first moment I walked in she made me feel like my concerns and ideas on my hair were as important to her as to me. The salon was trendy, exciting and warm, and Elena was a gracious host. Elena gave a fantastic scalp treatment, hand message and thoroughly washed my hair with pleasant warm water and a thorough rinse. The hair cut was done just the way I invisioned it and I was vary happy with Elena's professionalism. I highly recommend Elena Mena as a new exciting addition to the Elixir staff. more

I got my hair cut and colored at Elixir before my wedding and had a spectacular experience. Laura P. gave me a haircut that looked great (I've never gotten so many compliments) and was easy for me to maintain. I felt pampered and relaxed throughout my appointment. Many thanks (and props) to Laura and her scissors! Pros: considerate service, fabulous hairstyling, relaxing atmosphere more

I kid you not... it all begins with a step inside the door of Elixir. As many of you, I am always looking for the best haircut with a salon atmosphere to match. Now you need to look no further. Make an appointment with Laura and be prepared for the best scalp massage you have ever experienced before you walk out the door extatic about your new haircut. Laura's welcoming smile and great conversation are merely the icing on the cake. You will not only not regret it... you will be hooked for life. Pros: Atmosphere, cut neighborhood, local cafe for post appointment relaxation more

Laura Pellaton has been my hair stylest for over five years, and I am so committed to her that when I moved to Washington DC for two years, I still made sure I saw her when I was back for visits every 3-4 months. I love Laura because she is fun, she offers something different-- she massages before each cut-- and most of all because she is competant-- cutting my hair in many varying styles and colors over the years. People always ask me where I get my hair cut...REALLY... almost every week! I love to tell them where, and now I'm sharing it here with everyone! Go try Laura.. she's aweseome!! more

It seems everyone is raving about Laura and I have to say I totally agree. She is a great stylist and really pays attention to detail. And I cannot say enough about her heavenly scalp massage! If you go to Elixir, you should make an appointment with her - you won't be disappointed. Plus, the location is great, parking was easy, and the salon was nice and relaxed. What more can you ask for? more

For 4 years Laura Pellaton has given me the best cut & color I've ever gotten. Really. Ever. In my whole life. I rarely go a week without having at least one person comment on how great my hair color looks. Not only a genius with color, Laura's also a wonder at creating real texture and shape and movement with my difficult-to-manage hair. (Once I unexpectedly had to go 12 weeks rather than the standard 8 without a cut, and my Laura haircut *still* held it's shape. Now *that's* a good cut.) Anyhow, she's really great: talented, smart, funny, and she really listens and responds to *your* requests and ideas. I live in terror that one day she might move to another city! And, yeah, I realize this sounds too good to be true, but I promise it isn't. She's that good. Go see Laura--you won't be disappointed. Pros: Laura Pellaton, relaxed ambience, easy parking Cons: none that I can think of more

There is a stylist at this salon named Michelle who has been for me what every other stylist I've gone to in the last ten years has not been. She knows how to listen. She knows how to advise. You give her a picture and she knows exactly how to translate how it will work with your particular hair. She can do short, she can do long, she can do wild, or soft and pretty. She knows how to play with your curls and bends to get it to do what you want. When I first went to see her I said, "Michelle, I don't even own a blowdryer, so give me easy to maintain hair. I'm a wake up and go kinda girl." And she does. I don't even think about how my hair looks during the day. Most importantly she can systematically go through your hair layer by layer and cut with scissors and then touch up with a razor . The mad sculptor razor cut techniques that so many hip stylists out there favor are so awful for my hair. I'm a modern girl, but those modern cuts make me look like a fashion victim. Of course she knows her way around a razor cut, but she has the experience and classic training that many sylists don't. I also have started to color my hair. She toned down my unfortunate natural brassyness and gave me highlights that look very natural. My hair has never looked this good. Pros: Experienced service Cons: Not the biggest Aveda products fan more

So, I can't comment on their skill in outrageous or 'creative' styles... but if you're looking for normal, pretty, sexy, moderately conservative and just looking for a great highlight and cut, in a low key, yet very relaxing and friendly environment... this is the place for you. I've been looking for over nine months for my new hair stylist (whom I hope to have for a long, long time!). I paid big money, went to trendy (not that this salon isn't!), big, loud, super salons in search of a decent blonde highlight and cute layered shoulder-length hair cut. Never found it. Not in the city, not in Walnut Creek... not even in Orinda. I searched CitySearch and luckily made an appointment, with Mireya, for a full highlight and cut. She is new-ish there (so start booking!), but not new in the business... and did the most beautiful job I've had in at least a few years. I'm not kidding! Having moved from Santa Barbara, I wanted a casually elegant place... and I SO found it. Everyone else I observed while there seemed very happy, very professional and so nice and down to earth, but 'fancy' down to earth. I was even treated to a complimentary hand massage while letting the color process. It's all Aveda too... so if you need some supplies, they've got it. After such an extensive and exPensive search, and for being a bit on the picky side... I am so genuinely pleased and have finally found 'my' place. Thank you, thank you, thank you! more