Co/Operative Salon

I have been living in Newport for over a year. I have tried 4 different stylists and nobody «got me»! I stumbled across Natalia on IG and was hoping this was it… and…IT IS!!! She is going to be stuck with me. Natalia is an amazing stylist and was able to make my pink hair dream a reality. Her knowledge and expertise shines through and her love and passion for hair truly shows. I didn’t feel rushed and felt like every minute of my 5 hours adventure was genuinely spent on me (which is a rare case these days in loud and busy salons). I will be shouting from the rooftops how awesome this salon is and especially what a gem Natalia is… seriously…best colorist, hair stylist, hair magician, sweetest demeanor, serene space with rad music, best shampoo bowl ever, cool tattoos, super fun and eclectic furniture, and beautiful smelly hair products… just to name a few.
Please go see Natalia… I’ve never been this happy leaving a salon… ever.

I’m reluctant to share this place as I imagine the clientele is growing quickly! I don’t think I’ve ever complained about a cut and dye but Natalia is awesome and now I remember what it’s like to actually LOVE someone’s work. She is a master and pursues the result she envisions start to finish. None of this «let’s clean this up» business, no criticizing past mistakes. She’ll do your hair as if you were her sister or best friend, you will be beyond satisfied.

I moved here in Sept 2014, I’ve been looking for someone that can take my natural color (dark brown) up to an ASHY blonde. I pull VERY orange, and I haven’t been able to find anyone that can understand that… until now! Natalia (the owner) is so good! I lost my job and couldn’t afford a super overpriced salon, I DM’d Natalia on Instagram, and she walked me through her pricing and gave me a new client discount!
The prices are still super reasonable even without a discount, especially since you’re getting really experienced color masters! Not to mention they «speak blonde»! Yay!
I’ve been going now for the last 6mos. or so, To help save my time, my hair and my money, Natalia’s been doing a «root bump» in between the full highlight appointments. It’s been working great, and now she’s gotten me to a nice ashy blonde that’s still rich and blends out nicely.
I’m posting a pic of a «before and after» but really the color is great in both. The before is the full highlight grown out a bit, and the after is after a root bump — just to blend my roots so we can space out the number of times I’m getting full-​blown highlights and toner.

I hardly write reviews but I have to share how amazing Natalia is. I’ve been going to her for hair color for about 5 years now. She truly is a color genius. I drive from San Diego to Costa Mesa, enough said.

In the past, I attempted to lighten up my hair several times, and each time within a week, it got covered up with a dark brown box-​dye. I loved that box-​dye for a very long time, but now we have officially separated.
I met Jessica on a hiking trip and decided after 14 long hours of mountain torture that as soon as we got home I needed to treat myself to a massage, some nice new nails, and a fresh hair style. We exchanged numbers and I couldn’t wait to schedule my appointment.
Jessica is so damn cool and has done amazing things to my hair. Because it was so dark, and there was so much dye in it, lightening it up this time has been quite the process. Each step has looked amazing though and every time I leave feeling wonderful. The first time I came in, I didn’t really know what I wanted except for it to be lighter, but I had seen Jessica’a Instagram pictures and felt comfortable giving her creative license to do what she thought was best because she’s such a badass. I now have the most beautiful hair I’ve ever had and I couldn’t be more excited about it. If I could come have her do my hair every day, I would.
What I like best is that I can show her pictures of hairstyles and she will talk them over with me and give me honest feedback. Plus, she always puts her own little spin on whatever we choose and it ends up looking even better than the picture. I also really appreciate that she knows exactly how I like it styled after and takes her time to make sure its perfect.
Go see Jess! Even if you’re a little apprehensive now, you’ll be so happy you did :)

The shop is so quaint and cute and you feel like you’re just hanging out with your girlfriends and getting pampered. I followed Nicole from another salon and in love this place so much more. All of the stylists are amazing at what they do. Come and see them!

Jessica is amazing with color! I went from brown to blond and it turned out the perfect color and then from blond to red! Love her! She is great with cuts also!

Ive been very happy with what Nicole has been doing to my hair. I love being blonde and long and she has been helping me get there and my hair feels the healthiest it’s been in a long time. Great place and chill vibe. Any of these girls are great but Nicole has been doing a great job with my curly thick ass hair!!!

Nicole worked some major magic on my hair. I have really long, thick hair. Before Nicole cut my hair, it was heavy, gave me headaches, and often laid flat and didn’t really have much movement. After Nicole, my hair was light, bouncy, beautiful, and full of movement. She spent extra time working through my hair, going over every detail and making sure that my cut was perfect. She also styled it. My hair, which has never typically held a curl, was beautifully curled for three full days. It was the best experience I’ve ever had getting my hair cut, and I’m really excited to go back and see Nicole. Ps: her dog GiGi is the cutest! Getting to pet her is a great little bonus to visiting the Co/​Op salon.

This review is long overdue! I had my first salon color experience with Natalia a few months ago and fell in love with my hair afterwards! Natalia was so professional and honest in recommending the right cut and color for me, my hair turned out amazing. I also received a lot of compliments afterwards-​It really is a good investment! I’m excited to go back for my touch up today

Natalia — the owner /​stylist at Co/​Op salon is GENIUS! I had super brown black hair and decided I wanted to lighten it up… again. I’m crazy, I know! I showed Natalia a picture and she suggested (smartly) that we do this in phases so that I don’t fry my witchy hair more than I already have. She promised me I would love it so I said, OK!
First off, the color came out amaze! It was painted on so it has a summery, beachy look that we California girls love. Secondly, she put some magic Olaplex stuff on it that made it so soft! I bought that stuff because my hair usually feels like corn husk and now I have salon soft hair at home all the time. Stoked!
Knowing I got grays (real talk), she told me I could do the roots on my own if I want with medium brown. I’m gonna head back soon for my next phase to lighten again! I feel super glamorous and the compliments have been non stop. Thank you genius Natalia!!!

I recently went platinum blonde and am new to the whole, «taking better care of my hair color». Anyway, I travel for work and realized on the plane I forgot to pack my Oloplex conditioner which is what is keeping my hair looking amazing…
I landed, texted Natalia my quandary and within a day she FEDEX’ed me a backup bottle of Oloplex!!! Who does that?!? Natalia, that is who!
She has been taking care of me for a very long time and NO ONE will take care of you like she does.
Love love love the salon and the amazing work she does. If you are in need of better care, Natalia is your girl.

Amazing service, clean and beautiful salon. Excellent parking. Natalia did an amazing job on my hair!

It was meant to be, and it all began from Instagram.
For a few months, I wanted to «spice» up my hair. I was skeptical of going to a different salon, since the one I usually went to was 40 mins away. Plus, I didn’t bond with my hair stylist anyway, so the drive wasn’t worth it for me.
I posted a picture on Instagram, then Co/​Operative found and liked my photo using one of my hashtags. I’m a supporter for new businesses. So when looked at their account and realized they were new, I was also amazed by their work! Huge plus! I immediately called them the next day. Natalia picked up and booked my appointment on the day of. Neat!
Natalia introduced me to Nicole. Nicole is the most enthusiastic, caring hair stylist I’ve ever met. She made my hair salon experience a fun and unforgettable one. Nicole also showed me how to care for my hair, and showed me how to beach wave my hair using a curling iron. She also followed up with me a week later to check up on my hair, so sweet! She’s going to turn me into diabetic, ugh: p
As for my hair, I absolutely loved it (and still love it now!). Nicole gave my boring, virgin hair a makeover with some layers and a balayage. I’m excited to see her again to go lighter!
In conclusion, if you want THE hair salon experience where you won’t realize how bored you are, or think, «Man, my butt is going numb, when is my hair going to be done?!» I recommend going to Co/​Operative! Nicole and Natalia both bring life to your hair and to the chair. They are both awesome visionaries, so I trust them wholeheartedly with my hair!
You should take a gander at Instagram account! Their account is @cooperativesalon and Nicole’s account is @yourhairbynicole I hope their pictures convince you to give them a try :)

I had a wonderful experience here and loved the result! Nicole took what I said, executed it perfectly and even went above and beyond by choosing the right coloring for my skin tone and chose what went well with the coloring my hair already had! She was fun to talk to and made me feel very comfortable with my hair in her hands! Highly recommend her and the salon @yourhairbynicole
@cooperativesalon

Nicole is extremely professional and knows what’s up. She has magic hands & a magical talent! Every time she styles, cuts, shapes colors my hair, I received many complements about my hair. I love her work & professionalism. When I leave her salon, I feel beautiful and confident. Nicole truly Cares about your hair and your looks. She’s Honest and always educated about the new styles, fashion, new trends & products on the market
I’ve been to many hair stylists in my life, but I know for sure that Nicole is the best !! And I’m here to stay !

I’ve always been extremely loyal to my colorist, but have never gotten attached to a particular salon until I stepped foot in to the Co/​Operative in Costa Mesa. This small salon is full of clean, peaceful energy creating the most serene salon experience!
The salon is so aesthetically pleasing, making you feel like you just stepped foot in to a mid-​century beach bungalow. Co/​Operative even has a full wall of open windows, giving off the best natural lighting EVER (which is crucial for good color).
I visit Nicole here and she is incredible with color. She’s been able to lift my color from a cool grey-​ish platinum to bright white all while maintaining a healthy head of hair. She is super on trend, talented, AND fun to talk to. I highly recommend visiting Nicole at the Co/​Operative for your next color/​cut needs!

Natalia has been rocking my hair for years and I will follow her anywhere. I am so excited she now has her own salon. It is beautifully designed, so comfortable and they even welcomed my big (well-​mannered) dog while I had my appointment. My hair looks awesome!!! Congrats and thank you Natalia & Cooperative salon.

There’s a great vibe in this salon, the energy is very relaxed and fun. Natalia did an amazing job on my hair, we cut 3 inches off my hair, I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on my cut & color. She even did a cool braid on my hair. Great prices, less than other salons with big overheads. It’s easiest to get to the salon if you turn left before Grant’s Guns and then turn right into the alley and the salon is behind Goats Tavern. Lots of parking in the parking lot. The hair washing bowls are new and look really nice. Decorated really cool. I like the products she uses too!

This is for the amazing Natalia Bolanos.
She is literally the best.
Everyone please go follow her and the awesome salon on Instagram. @natalia_bolanos
@cooperativesalon
The work she did on my hair is absolutely stunning and you won’t regret it when she does yours.
My experience with Natalia was nothing but the best so far.
My hair history was pretty bad but she completely fixed it and my hair is at its’ best!
To the say the least, it’s worth every penny.
She listens thoroughly about what I wanted specifically and she delivered!
Please please please when I tell you that I will stick with Natalia because of her amazingness!
Follow her Instagram for updates!