Charm School Salon

I live in Emeryville, and passed by Charm School several times. A friend of mine then recommended Melanie. I went to her for the first time last week, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m growing out a pixie cut for about the 147^th time in my life, and it was at that awkward stage again (which is actually fitting for my personality, but it’s not attractive).
Melanie did some serious magic. She made me look like I went and specifically got a super stylish cut, as opposed to asking someone to fix a growing-​out-​mess. (Those of you who have done this interim haircut know what I mean.) This cut is great. I wash and go — no drama.
In addition to being a talented stylist, Melanie is sweet as pie, utterly adorable, a delight to talk with, and genuine. Charm school is a charming, fitting atmosphere for her. I highly recommend you give her a try.

Melanie Shapiro has been cutting and coloring my hair since 2011. She is attentive, authentic and professional and one of my favorite people in the whole world. She makes me look like Elizabeth Taylor (in the ‘50s). My 21 year old daughter feels the same way. Melanie is very smart and informed about products but will never impose on you to buy hair care items. Her prices are also more than reasonable. Don’t miss out on this gem!

I saw Melanie for years when I lived in the Bay Area. She has a real talent and respect for making my hair look good for months. She gave great advice and kept me from making several bad decisions that would not fit with my face or my hair. I appreciate that she worked so hard to find the right balance and to make me feel so good when I walked out. So glad to see that she has opened a salon… You won’t be disappointed!!!

Thanks to Melanie I am no longer growing out my hair or looking through magazines trying to choose my next hair cut. She really listens to her clients to find out what they want.
Charm School also has a great cozy-​retro atmosphere. Definitely recommend.

Melanie Shapiro (owner of Charm School) has been cutting/​coloring my hair for about 7 years and I couldn’t be happier. It’s great that she’s opened up her own salon now.
What I’ve always appreciated is how much she listens to what I want in a haircut/​color and never pushes unnecessary things – plus she’s just fun to talk to! I came to her having had a terrible color job and she really figured out how to deal with that in a way that worked for me.
She knows how to handle any kind of hairstyle and I know because I’ve had them all! My hair is short and curly and it looks great. But a few years ago I had long hair (below my shoulders) and when I wanted to cut it all off at once, Melanie gave me the best hair cut I’ve ever had. Now that I want to grow it out again she’s been great working with all the in-​between stages that short hair can have.
And her new salon is the perfect mix of her style and sensibility, with lots of carefully chosen vintage flare and great treats for her clients.

Melanie is amazing at cutting and coloring my thick, wavy hair! I originally met her ~12 years ago went she worked at a salon in Berkeley. I subsequently moved away to the East Coast and was never able to find a stylist who could cut my hair in a professional style that still had some looseness and movement. When I came back to the Bay Area 8 years later I tracked her down through Google – she’s that good :)
Now she has opened her own salon and decorated it with vintage mid-​century décor. It’s a 1940s oasis away from the modern world. There’s a vintage typewriter, beautiful curtains and a tea set. So cosy!
Melanie’s rates are very affordable given her skill level with complicated hair like mine. She knows what types of styles will/​won’t work and gives great advice on products and potential haircuts.

Charm School is terrific! I have been going to Melanie for years and she is a fantastic stylist. She is awesome with color and listens to her clients. I always feel good when I leave the salon.
I cannot recommend Charm School and Melanie enough!

Melanie’s salon is fantastic! This was my first time visiting her, but my husband has been a regular client for years (and always looks great.) She gave me a great bang trim and I felt like she was really paying attention to my hair and figuring out how to make it look good. I loved the ambiance of her salon (music, furniture and even scent) and I plan to be back for future cuts and color!