Elixir Salon

02/05/2007 Posted by ellie_b

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

01/22/2007 Posted by lovebeingme

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!

01/21/2007 Posted by curlytresses

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.

12/20/2006 Posted by jamalgranick

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!

12/01/2006 Posted by mgcity

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

11/27/2006 Posted by elizat

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!

11/16/2006 Posted by mugabug

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!

11/13/2006 Posted by ozoroadie

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

11/13/2006 Posted by diana_wagle

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.

11/09/2006 Posted by kittapellow

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)