The Loft Salon and Spa in Santa Cruz, CA

Salon Nightmare: Misdiagnosis Leads to Misery I booked an appointment at The Loft Salon and Spa on Friday March 7th for a balayage, haircut and style. Unfortunately, the experience was a complete disaster. The stylist, Ciara, halfway through my foils began examining my scalp and declared I had lice. Let me be clear, I do not, and never have had lice. I was utterly shocked and embarrassed by this accusation. Then Ciara and the owner of the salon proceeded to treat me like I had the plague. The owner began spraying highly potent chemicals all around me, the stylist took off her shirt and told me now she had to cancel her next appointment and I still need to pay for the full service. They moved me to a separate area of the salon, put a shower cap on me and told me to leave. Instead of offering a calming solution or double-checking their diagnosis, the stylist proceeded to recommend I see a lice specialist and get lice treatment products. This only heightened my anxiety. I did in fact go to this lice specialist who declared that I did not have lice, just a patch of dry scalp. I then requested a refund for my appointment and was told they were experts and stand by their decisions. They did not apologize or offer any recompense. I can understand taking certain precautions if you are 100% certain, but the fact that The Loft Salon and Spa could not differentiate between dry scalp and lice shows their complete lack of training and expertise. Overall, this was a deeply disappointing experience. The stylist's and owner's lack of training, expertise and tact were unprofessional and upsetting. If you're looking for a relaxing and knowledgeable salon experience, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere.

I got the baby lights and face framing maintenance service by Chiara and the result was exactly what I had envisioned and what other hairstylists at other salons had failed to accomplish. This was my first visit with Chiara and she clearly knows how to perfect a beachy, California blonde look! She also works quickly and efficiently. I will definitely be going back to her again for the same service.

Really can't say enough good things about Sara! She did my roots recently, and when they didn't get quite light enough she got me in the next day to bleach a little more and make them perfect, and totally undercharged so thanks for that!! Really kind and fun to talk to and I will definitely be coming back! She also recommended bangs and I've always wanted to give them a try and I think they turned out really nice. The salon also sent me home with a free product to try.

I have been in to The Loft twice in the last 6 months for haircuts with Sara. She is so kind and thoughtful, and listened to exactly what I was wanting for a haircut to fit my look and lifestyle. I am a busy working parent and needed a low maintenance haircut for my wavy/curly hair, but also wanted to feel fresh and current with my hair - Sara totally nailed it! And when I went back the second time she could see how my hair had grown out and did an even better cut as she knew my hair better. She is really skilled at what she does and makes the whole salon experience so wonderful!

I entrusted Christine to my hair 7 years ago and every appointment since I have felt so pampered and heard. She listens to my needs and gives suggestions from her experience that really help to build confidence in my hair journey as well as self esteem. I think she is incredibly talented and has an amazing eye for what looks best on each individual person. I have recommended her to all of my friends, family and I would love the general community to know as well how awesome she really is. I am in deepest gratitude to her and The Loft for taking such good care of me and my hair. I truly love and adore her, I highly recommend her services for any of your hair needs.