Ben was so great! I came in for a haircut and left feeling so refreshed from a great experience and a great haircut! I’ve been to a number of Aveda salons and had a range of experiences. Ben is definitely one of my favorites. He wasn’t afraid to actually massage my scalp and shoulders before the wash (you know how sometimes the stylist seems a little timid…Ben was not). He was laid back and I felt comfortable around him. He did a great job on my hair – it’s exactly what I wanted and it looks and feels great. I will definitely go back!

Submitted by Kirsten

O boy. I fear haircuts like people fear earthquakes. (slight exaggeration) but no really… if someone cuts off a little more than I ask for…I get REALLY upset. Thus, when people actually listen to what I say about how I want my hair cut, I get ecstatic…

I know that I didn’t really get a hair cut.. more of a trim and a blowout but it was exactly what I wanted and nothing more than what I needed. And after getting really bad haircuts from people who don’t listen to you when you say (1 INCH ONLY)… you really appreciate people who really only cut as much as they say they will.

Notes of caution:
your hair will smell like herbs/aromatherapy afterward.
you will feel “ooOOoOOoohHHhh” when you get your hair shampooed (peppermint shampoo/conditioner) :O

I can’t really say how well they cut hairs if say.. you actually wanted a change in hairstyle. ALSO, if you do want any advice on how to style your hair or do something different, they are all about trying to help you (as well as sell you something that’ll work) get to where you want hair-wise.

I got to the salon on time but I guess my stylist wasn’t ready… so they gave me a hand treatment… i.e. forearm massage with some cream.

Submitted by Joyce C.

Ben you are the sweetest and nicest guy and a great upcoming talent, I don’t ever talk during my haircut but with you, it was so much fun! Keep up the good work and wish you all the best!!

Submitted by Babyroo

I give BEN 5 stars! I’m a freak when it comes to my hair! I have tried many salons, paid TONS of money and still went home unhappy! Only time I think I ever really loved my haircut was when I drove to LA, but how am I suppose to drive to LA every 6 weeks or so? Umm no! I can’t!

I read some of the reviews about Ben, said to myself, hmmmm why not! I had a hair appointment on Friday, showed up a little early–sniffed products! lol I love Aveda products!

Here comes Ben asking, do you need help? I said yep, I’m waiting for you! He smiled took me back to his chair–right away I could tell I was going to like him! He has a great style, I enjoyed our convo! I have to admit I enjoyed listening to the convo behind me about a date gone wrong… lol

Ben was very detailed, took his time cutting my hair, after blow drying it and straightening he took his time again to shape the cut and fix any little problem he saw. I only wanted a trim, didn’t expect much but left LOVING my hair! You gotta try him, he’s only an apprentice but boy is TRULY talented!

Submitted by Alex S.

I didn’t brush my half-Asian hair this morning.

It still looks good.

Thanks for the great haircut, Ben!

(Did I mention he’s the “Apprentice,” so my haircut was only $35?)

Submitted by Kari P.

I was late to my appt! oh no!
but everyone was accommodating and friendly.
the salon itself is very clean and well maintained, the lighting is nice and relaxing, not too bright or too dark. the seating area is nice and clean and the receptionist offers water and tea while you are waiting and for you to sip while you get your cut. the salon also smells great, probably because their products smell great!

my stylist was Ben, he was such a sweetheart! we talked the ENTIRE time, had a great conversation and so much fun.

I always donate my hair, every 2 years i grow it out and then hack it off! usually when i go to salons they freak out at my poofy asian hair and give me the typical A-line bob with some attempt to thin my hair out. I told Ben I definitely didnt want that again, i showed him a picture that i found in a magazine and he really tried to give me what i wanted. I ended up with a cut that is a bit more conservative than i had originally wanted, but he made it clear that I should go home, try it out, play with it, and if i didnt like it i could come back and have him fix it up. i will probably take him up on that offer soon. I dont think its his fault that the cut wasnt perfect, i blame it on my stubborn hair!

I really appreciated his honesty in trying to find me the best cut for my hair and my face. i will definitely be going back to Ben!

Btw: Ben is the apprentice so the cuts will be much more affordable with him too

Submitted by Mimi Z.

I’ve been looking for a great Aveda salon in the East Bay. I’m a grad student in Berkeley and was hoping to find something cheap and great… Over a year and a half I realized that pretty much doesn’t exist. So I’ve tried other Aveda salons around…Elixir and the Institute in SF…both were good but in the end mediocre. I went to Sole for the first time and it was amazing! I got my hair cut by Ben, with the usual scalp massage and all. He did an incredible job (just what I wanted and even better) and was so fun to talk to. Tommy did my makeup afterward, and that was fun too. I will definitely be back to Sole and hopefully with Ben (hopefully he doesn’t go up in price yet!). I highly recommend this salon – the atmosphere was great, the staff was so nice and fun, and as an Aveda salon they use amazing Aveda products that are earth-friendly and smell great

Submitted by Kristen S.