The Spot

SADLY, THE SALON IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.
Sandi has flown the coup and sold the salon… Gina still remains, so if you dig her work, you can continue to go back for her services.
I went back for my scheduled appointment, but found it a bit fishy when I didn’t get my expected confirmation call. So rather than taking the chance that I was wrong about my appointment, I decided to call and confirm it myself.
A woman answered.
«Hi, I’m just calling to confirm that I have an appointment with Sandi tomorrow at 10am?»
«hello, eh. excuse me? ehm…»
(shuffling sounds. muffled man’s voice in background: «she doesnt know Sandi is gone.»)
«can you come in at 11am. Sandi is no longer here. We have an opening with Hannah? Don’t worry, she’s great»
«uh. sure?»
Not a comforting sign.
Hannah, the new owner, ended up giving me my trim. She was very polite and nice. Gave a FANTASTIC shampoo massage that caused me to nod off in the chair. However the language barrier is a little discomforting. Though skilled, make sure you bring some detailed photo reference to make sure you get what you want.
They haven’t decided what kind of of products they’re going to have in the salon yet. However I did like the Japanese pomade she used on me from her personal stash. It smelled like green apples. If it was on the shelf, I would have purchased it. but alas the shelves are completely bare.

After reading such rave reviews about the Spot how could I NOT get my hair cut there right? I’ve been going to Underground for the past year now and each time I go, I’d leave just a little bit more disappointed than the last. I was hesitant with the Spot because I had an appointment with Shelby and I didn’t see any reviews about her on Unilocal.Well here’s her first review! Much to my surprise The Spot changed ownership about a week prior to my visit last Saturday, so the salon was pretty bare boned as far as products go. The salon is now owned by the owners of Ability Salon in Costa Mesa (which I had left Chitomo before I left Undergroud…). So expect Ability prices but not the service/​assembly line that you get there. My haircut overall came out pretty good, I left the salon satisfied, a little shell shocked at the price because I wasn’t expecting to pay $ 55 but I have long hair so I’m use to paying that price anyway. She kept my length (as advised) and just cleaned up my layers and framed my face. There is this chunk of hair at the crown of my head that I’ve been very unhappy with, I don’t know what the deal is, it just lays flat no matter how short you cut or how thin you make it and I don’t remember it being like this all the time.4 stars, I love Shelby and I hope she’s there when I go back for a trim. –1 star for price.

I have been going to The Spot for five years and it is the best hair salon in the area. Not only do they have wonderful stylists, they have great products and a really comfortable environment.

I see so many mega-​star reviews for this place, and absolutely ZERO bad reviews, that I have nearly intimidated myself out of writing my own review. That sucks to feel like you can’t speak up, so now I am.
I went here based on recommendations from other Unilocalers — I went TWICE in fact, because I wanted to be sure my first experience wasn’t just an «off day».
Anyway, I went into the salon looking for something different — a little edgier, a little less «blonde at the beach» like everyone else. I knew this was a Bumble & Bumble salon (my favorite kind) so I figured, hey let’s give it a try.
I booked the appointment and was assigned to Gina. Gina is a very sweet girl and has some great style on her own. Sandi, the owner, was there the whole time and seemed open and inclusive — including me in conversations, asking questions, consulting with Gina before my cut and color, etc.
I’m sure she’s really good at managing a salon because it’s nice looking and they made me feel welcomed, but I have to say I was concerned by how overprocessed her own hair looked. Update: Sandi tells me — in a very professional and courteous response to my review — that the look of her hair at the time of my appointment had to do with medication. Yikes! Now I feel like a jerk.
However, I gave the ladies the benefit of the doubt and proceeded to show them some pictures I had cut out from a few mags. Some of the pics I showed just as an example of cut, others as examples of colors. Anyway, Gina LOOKED at the samples but did not LISTEN to what I asked for. I think she was honestly intimidated by the thought of doing my color and wasn’t listening well.
So I ended up with the same really stripey, very ORANGE hair from one of the pictures I had shown mostly as an example of CUT. In their defense again, one of the photos I showed did have some pretty extreme color in it, but as I talked I said «I want a subtle strawberry blonde».
Of course, miscommunications DO happen, so it’s no big deal. BUT, it was how I was handled after the consultation that so upset me.
Gina went into the back where she and Sandi whispered for A LONG TIME about how to mix it and what to put in my hair. It seemed like a training session!
Then when she put the color on, my head was BURNING almost the entire time. I literally think I walked out of there with tiny scabs on my scalp because the product she used was so rough. I told her about the burning and she kept saying «It’s almost time to wash it out, just give it a few more minutes.»
As she was washing it out, she said — while my head was in the wash bowl — «So…would you say you can pretty much look however you want where you work???»
My heart dropped into my stomach, then I said «NOT EXACTLY. I work at a kinda sorta religious organization, at times for some pretty conservative clients. Why, is something wrong with my hair?»
She said, «No, the color is just stronger than I thought it would be.»
Oh, sweet LORD I had striped ORANGE hair like a creamsicle. But, again — I’m a saint I tell ya — I just said «It’s really stripey and orange looking in this light.»
Sandi, who had been silent since after their whisper consultation in the back room, suddenly perked up in Gina’s defense — and it was definitely a defense, «WOW, no, it looks gorgeous.»
Anyway, I patiently waited until it faded out and told Mr. I. that I was giving Gina another shot — this time I would be more clear. He told me DON’T DO IT, but did I listen? No.
I said to Gina this time (several months later, mind you), «I want my hair to be blonde again. Can you work out this orange please? I really don’t want the orange stripes again. What can you do?»
This time I walked out with an all-​over pale orange glow. And again with the «glowing» reviews from Sandi — who I now know was really just protecting her staff, which is fine but it was obvious I was not happy and some concessions should have been offered then and there.
All in all, the cut wasn’t fabulous and the color seemed really amateur, painful, and then afterwards I always felt like a used guinea pig.
I would personally never go back to this salon, despite how cool Gina seemed otherwise. Still, they need to know how they come off.
I’ve had some expensive cut and color jobs at high-​end salons in New York (Toni & Guy, Bumble & Bumble Salon, etc), and I didn’t always feel like I was totally in the drivers seat — nor did I always want to be because I want the stylists to feel they have their own creative input since they are the experts — but I have never walked out feeling like what I thought didn’t matter most of all.
That would be this salon’s ultimate downfall for me. Still, if you like the more rockin’ cuts and colors, I would recommend you visit them and be very, very specific about your color. Then, make sure you speak directly with Sandi if you have a problem. I am confident she would take care of it.

I was visiting family in Seal Beach. I was in desperate need of a new do. I checked out Unilocal to find a place. Unilocal led me to The Spot.
Gina was my stylist. She was great! She greeted me as soon as I entered and offered me a choice of beverages (water, tea, soda, wine, or beer!). She listened to my needs and issues. I am terrified of ending up wilth a mullet. After all, I live in Texas. They always give me either a mullet or just huge, giant hair. Gina offered some suggestions. We agreed on a style. This place always gives amazing scalp massages. My cut turned out great! I was so pleased. My family also loved it. In fact, my sister went to see Gina the very next day to get her hair done too!
So for anyone who is hesitant to try a new salon or a new stylist, i highly recommend The Spot.

I love the Spot! Going in for my appointments at the Spot is always a treat. I’ve been going to Sandi for years, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair. She and Gina always do a fabulous job in meeting my beauty needs — whether it’s hair, shaping my brows or just giving me beauty advice/​recommendations. Plus they are honest about what is best for you and never push products they don’t feel is right for you. With that in mind, a day at the Spot is a completely relaxing and pampering experience! And all the compliments you will get on your hair doesn’t hurt either! ;o)

Everything you want in a salon (or at least I want) — cute, comfortable, friendly, SKILLED. I had a hair and makeup trial for my upcoming wedding with Gina and left confident that I was in good hands for the most nerve-​wracking aspect of this god-​forsaken, money-​sucking event. I showed her pictures of styles I was interested in and she came up with a hybrid I hadn’t even thought of, even plucking flowers from outside as a stand in for my (currently nonexistent) hairpiece. She asked lots of pertinent questions about the wedding (I’m a librarian and appreciate a good reference interview) and really made me feel like she was taking it all in. Her makeup application was deft and sure — she even made me like false eyelashes! She hasn’t cut my hair yet but I look forward to that too. Most everyone here has reviewed her cut and coloring but I thought I’d weigh in on the other aspects of this salon.
Owner Sandi is great too — they both made me feel totally at ease and you can tell everyone genuinely likes and respects one another. The other clients seemed like they were regulars and enjoying their time in the chair, there were kittens Sandi’s fostering, adult beverages were offered… and it turns out Sandi and I live on the same street in LB! I think it was meant to be.

I have been to the Spot a few times now, and I have been very happy with all my haircuts. Sandy (the owner) and Jessica (no longer there) took all of 2 minutes to understand what I wanted, and they delivered. I have very short hair, which some hairdressers find uncomfortable to cut and style, but I have yet to be disappointed at the Spot. It is also a very casual and friendly environment, with cute, funky décor.

Well, I’m about to go back to see Sandi for my third appointment next week, so I guess a review is overdue. And what can I say…
This place rocks!
I moved to the Long Beach area in September, and if you’ve ever moved to a new city before I’m sure YOU know as well as I do the two most anxiety-​inducing necessities you have to replace are… sorry to have to say it, guys… the ‘girl doctor’ and the hairdresser. It’s really difficult to say which is more nerve-​wracking.
I was sweating it, putting the future of my style in a stranger’s hands, especially because not everyone knows how to cut the type of hair I have.
I went in right before Christmas just to check the place out because I was in the area. While they couldn’t accomadate me for a haircut that day, Gina fit me in for my eyebrows (beautiful), and Sandi squeezed me in on the following Sunday for a cut. *I don’t think Sundays are typical, but perhaps during busy seasons?*
When I arrived, I was greeted by name and offered a mimosa (or tea, beer, wine, etc.) which was such a nice touch, especially around the holiday season insanity. I had read great reviews on the salon, so I just told Sandi to do whatever she felt like, and my hair turned out awesome. Seriously, best cut I’ve had in years. I have to admit it was a little pricier than I was hoping to spend, but totally a worthwhile investment.
Upon leaving I scheduled an appt. a few weeks out, and the second round was as great as the first — I seriously get compliments every couple weeks. No lie! I got two just today! The woman is talented.
My husband has visited Gina twice for a cut, and she knows her stuff, too. Now when I force him to tame his shagginess, it’s not such an ordeal because I know that when he comes home he’ll look cooler than when he left.
Plus they carry really good product. I’m now using a bumble & bumble and Davines combo, and my hair is softer and silkier than ever.
AND — final note — I had to pick up my man once after his cut, and they invited my fatty pup Domino in and fawned all over him. Who can resist a dog friendly business? I can’t! :)
Check this place out… I highly recommend it.

I love The Spot. I very picky with my hair and usually I am so disappointed when I get home from a new appointment I never go back. Either the color is not what I asked for or the cut is bad.
Gina is fabulous!!! She really knows how to get my hair the blonde shade I am looking for without the brassiness. Plus, her cuts are amazing too!

I finally found my new salon and I couldn’t be happier!
Almost a year ago my stylist of eight years stood me up and went to Vegas without canceling my appointment. Since our falling out, I’ve tried Salon Pop and Underground Salon. While both are decent, I didn’t really feel that «click» with them. I saw that plenty of Unilocalers had given The Spot five stars, so I figured I’d give it a shot and I made my appointment with Gina.
When I walked in the door Gina greeted me by name and offered me a drink. She sat me down in the big red chair and I realized that one of my favorite Beastie Boys songs was playing. Hooray! We discussed what I wanted done and Sandi came over to offer her opinion too. After we discussed, she summarized and confirmed the plan.
Then came the lovely scalp massage and then the shampoo, cut and style. My hair actually came out the way I wanted it. What a concept! And Gina used a pomade that smells like cake batter. Yum.
The salon itself was small, but cozy and comfortable. It was hip without trying hard to be. I felt totally relaxed there.
I was so impressed with the salon and Gina that I already set up my next appointment. Hooray!

I HATE finding a new place to get my hair cut. The overpriced salons, the snobby people, and the disappointment of a crappy haircut that i paid $ 200.00 for. But this place is none of these things. It is my fave salon! The people here are sooo nice and do an amazing job, and the prices aren’t bad either. They are so helpful and really care that you walk out of the salon feeling like a million bucks, be warned you will get people stopping you asking where you get your hair done. Everyone is great there, but for me it’s Gina.

I have known about Sandi’s (owner) expertise since I moved to Long Beach 12 years ago. She is an awesome stylist and does the best color. Her salon is really cool with great music and décor. Highly recommend it.

Well, I have to write this review on behalf of my girlfriend, since she got her hair done here and not I.
Like. oh my god! This place is totally awesome! Totally!
No, my girlfriend is not a valley girl, but I love getting «funny» compliments! WEEEEEEEEEE. Anyway… we went here because we are new to the area and came on Unilocal (of course) to find a good salon. She got her hair allllll chopped off… real short. The stylist was Jessica… and my girlfriend loved her! She said it was the best haircut she had ever gotten!
When i went to pick her up, the owner offered me FRESH homemade chocolate chip cookies, coffee, water, and beer lol. That was nice. Too bad i dont drink beer… but i do eat cookies and i do drink water! Good thing for Unilocal… finding a new salon is a big deal, i know… i cut my own hair because i fear salons. lol. Yipee!

well, that’s it. i won’t go anywhere else now. no other salon will do. no other stylist will do. for me it’s Jessica at The Spot or bust. for my mom it’s Gina. i honestly can’t even put into words how wonderful the entire experience was for us both. if i could i would go hang out there everyday on my lunch back. i feel like a better more confident person. if you haven’t gotten your hair did at The Spot yet, you don’t love yourself.

Sandi has been doing by hair for years. But she has a new product line for color that did WOW for my hair. 5 compliments in less than 24 hours on the color! The Spot has a great and relaxing atmosphere. Both Sandi and Gina do great cuts and I always let them do what they think will look good on me – and it always does.

For over 10 years I have had the wonderful experience of having Sandi create beautiful hair-do’s for me and every other satisfied customer who comes into The Spot.
Sandy has such experience — not only as a professional but as a people person. Her extensive training with Vidal Sasoon has resulted in her opening her very own salon — The Spot.
Stop in and be treated to homemade goodies from Sandi’s kitchen (she makes a mean pistacchio chocolate chip cooky) while you peruse the shelves stocked with the best Bumble & Bumble products. There is also a vast selection of gifties: soy based candles, jewelry and art. Once in the chair, you are in for another kind of treat. Sandi is an expert in color, and her haircuts are perfectly divine. I get compliments all the time on my hair do’s and I owe it all to Sandi and The Spot. Sandi’s assistant, Gina, is also a very talented lady; you are in good hands with her. She has great style and always wears cute shoes.
The Spot is the place where you can enjoy comfort, grace, relaxation and friends again and again. it’s a little haven away from the hectic world.
Come in and be beautiful.

Sandi has been making me and my hair beautiful for 20 years. I actually drive over 100 miles one way just because she does it so well. The Spot is fun, clean, hip but relaxed and smells great! The products are first rate and I always feel beautiful when I leave. Also, Gina has done an equally impressive job my hair when Sandi hasnt been available (due to my own short notice of booking appointments!) All in all, you will never be disappointed!

they made my hair sooo soft and yummy lookin. VIVRE THE SPOT!

When you walk into The Spot, you won’t know for sure if that heavenly smell is the salon and all of its yummy product or Sandi’s fresh baked goodies. There’s one thing for sure, you’ll get a great haircut, a delicious massage on your noggin, and will leave feeling pampered. There is also no fear of Joe Newbie chopping your hair into a sordid mess (as can happen in SO many places) as there is nothing but years of experience and professionalism backing this salon. Smells good, looks great, and you will too after visiting!