Stranded Beauty Bar

Always insecure about my hair, I cautiously trusted my experienced stylist. Mindy llistened to how much care I was willing to take each day, and gave me a sassy cut! Mindy has consistently listened to me, and we've played successfully with color and a variety of fun styles. She specializes in wedding makeup and hair, so since I have a big wedding to go to, she's the one to make it perfect! Mindy has a nice catalogue of wedding experience to peruse, too. more

\r My dad was a barber, whose salon was on the corner of Rodeo and Wilshire I have been watching cuts my entire life. \r \r Jason has been doing my hair for 8 years the first thing I noticed was his incredible skills with scissors Jason also knows how to take color and wow \r \r I have ventured to other salons over the years but I always come back. Now I travel from Sacramento every month just for Jason. This Christmas 4 of my gifts are gift certificates for cuts by Jason….. Thanks Jason for making me look beautiful \r Pros: Knows how to use sizzors not those damn electric things more

These folks all know their chemistry. They keep up on the latest trends and technology, are knowledgeable and give considered advise. Gabriella , a master of cuts and color, takes care of my hair. I appear on TV occasionally, sometimes with little notice. Thanks to Gabriella, I never worry about how my hair looks. Pros: Stylist, Gabrella more

This is, hands down, the best salon I have been to. I walked in a mysterious redhead with long hair and walked out a sassy short haired blond. The amount of work it took to strip that color was extremely tedious but I was entertained the entire time with Jason's off-the-wall sense of humor. He ended up staying two extra hours to accommodate my wants. In most salon's I feel like I am back in high school, trying to fit in with the jocks and cheerleaders but this place has a very excepting atmosphere that made me feel cool and trust me, I am not cool. Regardless of how a salon makes you feel at the time it is what you feel like afterwards that matters. It's been two weeks and I am completely in love with my new hair. I would recommend this place to anyone. more

I haven't been going to Stranded Beauty Bar for very long (just three visits), but I would follow MINDY PALMER anywhere. I first met her in September 2005 and, at the time, I was scared to death of hair stylists messing up my hair. She did such a fantastic job that, since then, I've transferred my business with her from two previous salons.\r This salon is clean and still close enough to work that I go on my lunch break. The receptionist, Penny, has been helpful and cheerful for all three visits and I do not have a problem getting an appointment with Mindy within a week of calling, even on short notice.\r She does exactly what I ask (which has, of late, been the impossible: to cut it longer) but, at the same time, makes relevant suggestions and improves upon my vision of the perfect cut and knows exactly what she is doing. She is careful to choose nice-smelling products when styling and is not disdainful if I choose to use drugstore hair products (as long as they work for me!).\r The haircuts are not Supercuts price, but she does such a good job, that I only go about 4 times per year. I don't know what I would do without MINDY; she is the best hair stylist in Santa Cruz county--make sure to ask for her by name...and tell her Amy sent you! :) Pros: knowlegable friendly staff Cons: pricey, but you get what you pay for... more

So I went in to get my hair cut - nothing crazy I wanted the posh haircut -the one that everyone has I know that but for them to tell me that made me feel smaller. The girl cut my hair but it was a bob-kinda. She cut off like 4 inches of hair, not what i wanted or expected. I was afraid for her to try and fix it more would have to come off and you can already see my neck it's awfully white not getting any sun, I am already feeling uncomfortable, the place is small you can hear everything... I just had to pay, say thank you and just leave. I i decided to leave it at that. I still hate my haircut. That place it too confusing. Pros: windows Cons: staff that work there; need tactfullnesss more

If you want attitude, go here. I was mocked to my face for using a non-salon shampoo. I never went back. Other friends of mine have horror stories. Not the salon for me. Pros: Location? Cons: Attitude to the max more

Made an appt. with them cause it's walking distance from the Boardwalk and went to get a cut while my teens hung out on the boardwalk. This is a young couple really making a go of their business. They were very, very welcoming (receptionist Penny is wonderful as everyone has commented). Plus I am very happy with the cut I got from Roxanne. She knows what she's doing. The cut works and it's easy. The salon was very nice and spotless clean. They have pride in their business and deserve to do well. I wish them well. more

I walked into Stranded wanting a trim with my hair past my shoulders, I walked out with a short bob haircut!!!!!!! I felt like Penny was trying to pick up on me the whole time I was there, and yes, I am female!! The whole experience was HELL. Roxanne talked my fricken ear off and practically cut it off while she was cutting my hair. NEVER AGAIN! Way over priced as well, I would have been better off going to Super Cuts. Pros: Nice looking salon Cons: Terrible stylist, unprofessional staff more

I gave Stranded two stars because I have two words of suggestion... BE ASSERTIVE!!!\r \r After my stylist of many years left the area, I found myself looking for a new salon. Back in Jan. 2008 I read so many rave reviews about Stranded I hoped it would be a good fit. I had an appt with Michael, who's an absolute love & v. professional. We had a good long talk, he looked at the pictures I brought, we decided it would take two separate appts to get the natural look I was going for. First appt went very well. Several weeks later-- not so much. I was informed that Micheal was unavailable ( a little detail they forgot to mention when they called to remind me the night before) but that Gabby had come in early to help. Now, I'm not as assertive as I should be. Even so, I try to describe Michael's plan & the look I'm going for despite the sinking feeling in my gut ( I just now discovered the post about colouring w. Gabby). \r \r Three + hours, two+ inches & two hundred dollars later. I tumble out of Stranded with a ""what just happened"" feeling. I get myself to a mirror... My hair looks like somebody plopped a cancer patient's wig on me, one with fake grey-blonde hair. I look about five years older! I tried to call & re-schedule with Michael. When I gave my name they say ""weren't you just here'. I explained that I would prefer Michael. ""Oh, but if you're unhappy you should really go to Gabby"". Why on earth would I go back for another round of mis-communication & someone else's styling? Apparently ""Stranded"" isn't just a clever play on words-- it's also how you feel when they're done with you .\r \r If you go to this place be VERY PRECISE about how you & your hair should be treated. Otherwise you may spend the next year or so growing out their efforts. Also, ask for Michael & don't settle. GOOD LUCK! more

I've been here three times and each time was a disaster, I really get the sense that most of the stylists don't know what they're doing. Maybe I'm just really picky (which is understandable??), I mean, I did grow up in LA. I'd pass on this place. Pros: Interesting atmosphere Cons: Sub-par service more

Stranded has it all! First the basics: convenient location/parking, check. An attractive/comfy interior, check. Now add to that the always pleasant Penny (efficient scheduler/reminder-er extraordinaire whom offers you a beer upon arrival) and a great hair cut by your stylist and there's nothing more to want for. Well, maybe some hair goop...and you can get that on the way out the door. Lock it up, we got a supawinna! Pros: all the stuff I mentioned in my review Cons: I'm cheap and miss the days of the $7.00 haircut, that's my problem more

This salon is great. It has such a warm and inviting atmosphere coupled with a knowledgeable staff. Jason, Roxanne, and Penny are so friendly and they do a great job at making you feel welcome. It is one of those places that you can trust that whatever they do will look great on you. I would highly reccommend this beauty bar to anyone. Pros: great atmosphere, friendly, professional staff more

This salon is definatly a step above the rest of the over priced under educated salons in S.C. They have a very friendly staff, especially the receptionist Penny, Who by the way not only gives you a reminder call, but also makes you feel very welcome by practically waiting on you the whole time you are there offering many drinks including , wine, beer , and mimosas! My hair was amazing and so was my stylist. They have a huge parking lot, and a beautiful shop that has cozy leather couches to sip on your wine while you wait. I felt completly pamperd isn't that how you should feel after a salon experience? Pros: Parking, Drinks,Great hair Cons: Absolutly nothing to complain about here more

I usually don't write reviews for establishments, however, I stumbled across the absolutley ridiculous comment below and decided to set the record straight. To begin, everyone in this shop is a PROFESSIONAL, polite, friendly, and you will always find that there is a steady stream of good attitudes to go around, from the customers to the stylists. Penny is a great receptionist, always friendly and accomodating. I've never had an issue with parking, and I always have an appointment on the weekends so that says something! The shop is absolutely beautiful, they have the best products and are on the cutting edge for styling tools. If you haven't been there yet, what are you waiting for!!!! Pros: Ambience, Excellent Customer Service, Accomodations, Parking Cons: N/A more

I have never felt so disrespected by a salon! I went to Stranded Beauty Bar to get my hair dyed and cut, only to discover that it had not turned out the way that I had hoped. Upon filing my complaint with them, I was told that it was my fault because I was stupid in dying my hair red two years prior to my visit with them. When my boyfriend called (because I was crying at the time because of their mistake) he was rudely treated and told that he was the one that did not like it. They called him a derogative name and hung up on him, stating that they never wanted to speak to him again. Call me crazy, but I don't think that is very professional behavior. What I don't understand is, my stylist (GABRIELLA) consulted with me a week prior to my appointment, and performed two strand tests, knowing that she would be unable to do my hair correctly. Wouldn't it have been smarter to say it couldn't be done, rather than try to proceed? Also, the building that Stranded Beauty Bar uses absolutely DOES NOT have enough ventilation to be performing hair dyes. And how professional is it to see other stylists visiting the neighboring bar, taking shots of liquor, and then returning to work? Trust me, if you have a problem with their services, they will not provide a refund. Instead you will receive a cold shoulder and lack of respect for their customers that accompanies their too-high prices. Please be warned, Stranded Beauty Bar is NOT the place to go to get your hair done. They shouldn't even be in business. Cons: lack of parking, no ventilation, rude service, lying stylists, high prices more

I just left Angi's chair with the best cut and highlight I've ever had! She's got a classical, beautiful style that always sends me out the door feeling pretty and feminine. Her attention to detail and her client's wants/needs are unmatched. Stranded is a relaxed, professional salon with surprisingly little staff turnover. There's NONE of the backbiting, hissing behavior I've seen at other salons I've been to, thankfully. The stylists seem to help each other, and are complimentary of one another's work. Penny is always up front to greet you and make you comfortable, and my experiences there have been nothing but positive for the past 4 years. I left the area 6 months ago but continue to make a 45 minute drive to see them because I know I can count on a great experience and that they value me as a cutomer. Pros: Friendly, professional staff, clean, good parking more

My roommate and I randomly decided to get haircuts so we wandered into this salon and the receptionist put us on a list and brought us sodas. I only had to wait about 20 minutes for a stylist to be ready for me. His name was Michael and he was sooo friendly! He gave me a great haircut, too. We laughed and talked the whole time and I can't wait to come back! Pros: Very friendly and personable staff, clean, good atmosphere, offered drinks Cons: Little pricey, but I'm a student, so everything is pricey. more

I've been going here for about a year. Penny is one of the most efficient friendly receptionists I've ever seen.\r Jason and Roxanne the co-owners are great stylists, as are the others. Whenever I go to any salon I like to see the 'end product' of everyone who walks in/out. At Stranded, everyone walks out with a great cut and color. Although they are not pushy about selling products, I did try one of the conditioners that Jason recommended and I consider it a magic potion. My color lasts almost the entire 8 weeks. Ask him about it.\r As mentioned earlier, parking can be a challenge, especially in the summer, but there is a lot across from salon. Pros: Friendly, helpful staff. Cons: nothing significant more

Being new to the area I had put off getting a haircut for about 9 months because I was reluctant to start all over with a new stylist. I found this salon on Citysearch and I was so happy that it lived up to the other reviews. \r This is a great salon with a stylish but not snobby atmosphere. Roxanne listened to what I wanted (what a concept) and gave me a great haircut. I would highly recommend this salon. Everyone was so nice and none of the high pressure sales that come along with so many of the other salons I've been to. Comfortable and caring staff.....this place is the real deal. Pros: friendly, capable, fun staff more