Fig & Clover

I’ve been going here since I moved into the area. Pretty good prices and great quality work.

I don’t usually do reviews. I had a COOL haircut with Lauren. I have curly hair and avoid salons because I’m not very into the haircuts I’ve had in the past. My hair looks 100% better than when I walked in. We talked about styling ideas which I badly needed. Nice space, very good cut, my curls came back after damage and neglect all year. I highly recommend Lauren, thanks dude!

I am SO GLAD I found this «beauty bungalow». It’s walking distance from my home! It’s located on the 2^nd floor, so you gotta push the buzzer to be escorted in. Just look for the sign on the street, you won’t miss it.
This review in particular is a shoutout to Melody! I decided to treat myself to a belated birthday gift and scheduled an appointment online for a «Deluxe Manicure», which was your basic manicure, a massage, and a sugar scrub. All for $ 30! So far, it’s lasted for nearly 2 weeks and it’s just a regular polish, not gel. Melody was awesome, meticulous and super friendly. I love that she uses natural, chemical-​free products (as much as she can). She even makes her own lotions and scrubs (yes! she has her own line of products #shoplocal). Her work space is just super cute and has such a relaxing atmosphere. This is definitely the place to get pampered! I am definitely coming back and would definitely recommend this place to my friends. Maybe I’ll try the hair salon as well.
(2÷100)

The review is for Melody’s nail services.
Melody does an amazing and thorough job on manis and pedis. I have had some manis/​pedis where the service feels incomplete and rushed, but this is not the case with Mel. After seeing her, my hands and feet feel healthy and radiant. She uses all natural chemical-​free products that she makes herself such as a tea soak, sugar scrub, and lotions. She also sells some of these products so you can bring a little piece of the service home with you! She has a wide selection of 5-​free, non toxic vegan polish colors and she is very talented at applying nail art and texture. The salon has a very relaxing ambiance and Melody makes you feel very relaxed and welcomed. Booking online is super easy. See Melody if you want to feel pampered and take care of your hands and feet with healthy and luxurious products!

This review is for Lauren– she’s great at what she does! I tend to be very nervous about hair cuts– even trims– and often have regrets afterward. This was a big one for me, too, because I had very long, waist-​length hair that I had been growing out for years, but I was finally ready for a big change. Plus, I had never been to fig & clover, or to Lauren, so I was nervous about how that would turn out (though Lauren came highly recommended from a few different friends). I came in with lots of pictures of long bobs (lobs?), and I left with a very cute «lob» of my own that looked very much like the pictures I showed Lauren.
I booked a (free!) consultation ahead of time, and she made sure to take as much time as needed to talk me through my nerves (I know, it’s just hair, but…) and to talk to me about what I liked and didn’t like about the pictures, and what would or wouldn’t work with my particular hair type. She even agreed to go slowly, to cut off some and then see how I felt about cutting off a little more, and the end result left me feeling very confident, and with a very cute hair cut (and no regrets =). She even helped me style it, demonstrating while giving tips, and I’ve been able to (kind of. almost) replicate her work when I style it myself!
She’s very sweet, easy to talk to, down to earth, and the salon is adorable. I highly recommend Lauren and Fig & Clover!

I scheduled an appointment using Fig & Clover’s online system, it was quick and easy. This was my first appointment with Melody so I opted to try out a basic manicure (only 20 $)!
Normally I’m reluctant to get my nails done because I’ve had mixed experiences at other alons, but my fingers were in need of some TLC. I’m happy to report that all of the positive comments about Melody are true! Overall my experience was calming and relaxing. She did a great job shaping nails, cutting cuticles, massaging my hands and arms, and carefully and evenly painting my nails.
It was the first time I’ve encountered a nail artist that is so clearly passionate about hand and foot health. I was impressed with her knowledge of the natural ingredients she uses to create her own line of creams, and oils. When she was done with my nails, she lightly misted my fingers with an almond spray. It helped my nails dry quickly and had a pleasantly light sweet scent.
I’m looking forward to my next visit and trying a pedicure or maybe getting a cute nail design! Thanks Melody for such a wonderful experience!

I saw Melody Sage for a gel removal and manicure. She was so fantastic! I called up and she could see me on short notice in the middle of a Thursday. She was professional and above all did an incredibly detailed, neat, and overall stellar work on my nails. Thoughtful, friendly conversation but no need to talk the whole time. I feel like I just discovered a precious treasure! The salon is absolutely lovely, clean, professional, super pleasant atmosphere.
I will be back, you should go too, tell her Ziska sent you! ;)

Yes! I found this place on a facebook group. Melody did my nails and she was so friendly and awesome. Our chatting didn’t feel like the usual awkward small talk you might get at a nail salon, plus she did a great job and I love that she uses vegan polishes.

I wanted to try Fig & Clover because I live nearby and was always curious about the sign on the sidewalk (it’s very cute). I went in yesterday for a much needed bang trim and left feeling like I had found a new salon «home» for my curly hair. For us that have curly hair– we know how important it is to find a salon that understands… curly hair. That is Fig & Clover. I went in to get my bangs trimmed and Allegra also shaped my curly hair adding more texture and lessening the weight at the bottom. Allegra took the time to explain what she was doing, why and also recommended products to use. I got samples to take with me (they are amazing) and also bought some cleansing shampoo/​conditioner. What was most surprising was that the bang trim and hair shaping was free. ALL of that awesome customer service and not even a charge. I was shocked (and you should be too– in a good way) and left a tip. I had the best bang trim in 6mos and felt like I had better customer service there than anywhere in a long time. GOING BACK.

I debated whether I should write this review because I know people have off days/​misunderstandings happen & I really enjoyed Ari’s personality. However, my last experience with Ari was… unfortunate.
When I arrived for my appointment I showed Ari pictures of what I was interested in (a long bob/​lob style) & we talked about length, etc. Everything was going well until about halfway through cutting my hair when Ari said «actually, I don’t think this style is going to work for you». I was surprised that she would say this in the middle of the cut – especially considering I’ve had this cut before and loved it – but I trusted her judgment so I told her to do her thing (my bad). Unfortunately the cut I did get was completely uneven – see pic below. I have never called a salon back to ask for my hair redone but decided to call since I had spent a large chunk of change already. Ari was friendly over the phone & offered to fit me into her schedule that day. When I got there at the time we had specified, she was in the middle of another appointment but told me to come over anyway. Aside from being completely silent (very unlike her) she snipped off a few strands here & there, dry, while her other client just waited with wet hair. I asked her to give me more of the lob I had asked for in the beginning & she again, effectively, said no. I asked her if she could make my bangs look less choppy and she said «not really… try straightening them in a different way or putting them up». I was rushed out after about 15 mins. In the end, I went to another salon to get my hair fixed since it was clear we weren’t on the same page.
I’ve attached a pic of the haircut I got done at the OTHER salon so you can get a peek into the cut I wanted & how far off Ari was… with customer service and precision.

Allegra is an amazing colorist! My hair had been damaged from years of bleaching, so I’d dyed it a (sad, dark) brown. When I told Allegra that I wanted to go super light again, I expected her to say it wasn’t possible– instead she worked MIRACLES. One session later, my (sad, dark) hair was a glossy, sandy blonde. After the following session it was WHITE. And because they use top-​notch products, my hair is softer and healthier than before I bleached it. Unreal. I get compliments on my hair every single day. Thanks Allegra!

Just moved to the East Bay and couldn’t have found a better spot! Great hair cut and color, couldn’t be a happier customer!

Today was my first time at Fig & Clover, but I already have a hunch that this salon is going to become my regular go-​to. I came to get my nails done, and I must say that Melody is absolutely awesome! Melody was just so so friendly and welcoming. I had a really great time making small talk with her; she made the entire session a very casual, very warm experience (that was also super therapeutic — if you’re getting a sugar scrub, try the Ylang Ylang/​Lemon oils. As Melody promised, the aromatherapy was immensely relaxing and uplifting). It was like being at home! AND the gel manicure I got turned out fabulous! I followed all of Melody’s recommendations because I was a newcomer, but I was not at all disappointed by my service here. This experience was totally just a ⁵⁄₅ well earned.
On another note, although I only came to get my nails done, I am seriously debating coming to see one of the stylists for my hair. Upon entering the space, the woman on hair was very friendly and nice; it was a really comforting thing to see her interact so freely with her client, yet still maintain such an impressive air of professionalism (and might I add, she does awesome work — and I only got a very brief glimpse). Can’t wait to return to Fig & Clover.
Additionally, I honestly give brownie points for the ambiance (like seriously!). This place has met my aesthetic needs to the MAX; it’s cute, comfy, homey, hip — anything I could ask for in a salon. To have me smitten on just the first visit, Fig & Clover is honestly the salon I high recommend. I’m not going anywhere!

I’m one of those annoying people who only leave bad reviews– but Allegra was the BEST! She is cute and stylish, but also really friendly and kind. I have MAJOR hair PTSD, and I’m so relived to have found my hair person in the Bay Area. She is a great collaborator!

I just moved to Oakland from NYC and am so happy to have such an amazing salon nearby! I’ve gotten a manicure and pedicure from Melody and a haircut from Lauren. Melody is so talented and fun to talk to– getting my nails done with her is such a relaxing and therapeutic experience. I’m a nail biter and she does not judge at all and is helping me get my nails back in shape. Lauren really listened to the cut I wanted and how I typically style my hair. She got rid of my split ends and refreshed my layers without taking off too much length which I really appreciated! The salon itself is so cute and relaxing, great for treating yourself.

I just received an awesome manicure and pedicure from Melody! It was very relaxing, great spot and she is so sweet. She took her time and has a very steady hand and an eye for art! I recommend her highly. She painted real feathers on my nails, so cool!

UPDATE: I really enjoyed this space, but I’ve followed Lia over to Future Salon so I may not make it back to F&C as often as I’d anticipated? You can find my wax review over on Lia’s Unilocal page. Here’s my review of Fig:
–Atmosphere: Hip and special and welcoming and zero pretentiousness. Tiny but ample upstairs space, get buzzed in and escorted upstairs, have a seat on the couch, get offered tea or water, feel comfy but fancy and just luxe enough. I feel at home, I feel pampered, I feel aesthetically met, this is what I want from a salon.
–Hair styling: Because the waxing service has been so consistently great here, I decided to try making this my hair place too. Yes, good idea. Got a consult from Ari and she immediately understood my vibe. I want to have pretty-​girl hair but my look is also edgy and non-​traditional. I want both. Can you do both? Yes, and I didn’t have to articulate that for it to be understood. I felt like she got me as soon as I sat down in the chair. This is exactly what I have always, *always* wanted from my hair-​doing experience!
And then it was Lauren who ended up cutting my hair (because I mentioned that maybe I can’t afford the top tier charge for haircuttings here right now? And Ari was like, no probs, other stylists can do this for you for not as much as I charge. Truth!), and this was great. Very careful, very committed to staying true to my aesthetic and regularly checking in to make sure she’s doing what I want, but also having her own opinions on things when I needed her to know more than me (which, always). Loved the experience and also the result. All around, so pleasant. Can’t wait to keep coming here for hair services.
–Logistics: I always get street parking within 5 minutes. They buzz me up and see me right away. Sometimes I’m the *WORST* and I’m late because I didn’t leave enough time to park or whatever, and they never shame me (thank you!). I pay with my card using square, and they will always book a new appt with me on the spot if I want them to (but also online booking ftw). I’ve never been pressured to buy a product, but they do have a small selection of very attractive hair products and will tell me about them if I express explicit interest. Maybe someday. Don’t lose faith in me.
*Bonus: this neighborhood is rad and you should come spend the afternoon here if you can. So many great lunch/​snack/​coffee/​exploring/​shopping options and I always take a few extra minutes to try and find something new. I haven’t been disappointed yet.

I moved to oakland from Chicago over a year ago, and used to work in a salon– so I had high standards for my eyebrow wax. I found lea after an extensive Internet search, and was so pleased with her work.
The salon is in a cool neighborhood of oakland, near a lot of shops and restaurants which makes going fun! Lea is really professional and really good at her art.

Unfortunately I have to update my review for the worse. It was the day-​of deceptive good hair — but it has not worn well.
In actual fact scheduling was a hassle and my first appointment was cancelled. Ari told me she would stay late or do whatever to fit me in still… but then I had to go through the receptionist back and forth and they did not fit me in when I wanted– on a new moon which I made very clear from the get go was what I normally do.
I called Monday nearly a week before my appt to add color, I wanted my natural highlights lightened a few numbers and toned to ‘rose gold’.
I didn’t get a call back till the day-​of saying she could it. I had wanted extra time but the appt still felt rushed.
I told her since my hair is dry, curly and brittle I NEVER brush it dry. But that’s what happened and I was crying on the inside bc it was brutal and the opposite of what my hair needed. Color was an add-​on, the priority was the health of my hair.
The high lift didn’t achieve the result I wanted and was terribly damaging. My hair has been splitting and breaking off. I am now needing to spend a lot more money to repair the damage.
She didn’t ask about my hair history adequately bc apparently having it previously colored means high lift wouldn’t work. She did a heavy hand all over.
I only wanted subtle bayalage highlights– my natural lightened tips to pop more. A simple short bleach with toner over would’ve been better. She should have done her homework and asked the relevant questions I wouldn’t know to ask– that’s why I pay the money to see a pro.
She didn’t ask me what style I wanted– I always get it blown out on the rare treats I get it done bc that’s too much work and heat for me to do all the time. She just starting diffusing and didn’t dry my scalp all the way so I had a wet-​head sensation. I was ‘done’ but I ended up using the diffuser myself to dry my hair more so I wouldn’t be cold all day. My hair is very thick and takes a long time to dry.
I had to go back and complain– again I was told id be accommodated but I was not given an appt on the new moon as I asked once again!
I cancelled the appt I had for her to try to repair the damage. She will never touch my hair again.
I’m going back to my old salon Oxen Rose where they have never done me and my hair so wrong.
Funny thing is I had bank to treat myself with and wanted extra time, a cut & color and bc she didn’t do the color job properly didn’t even charge me. But I walked out without what I wanted and a wet head. I had no idea how much damage had just been done.
It was a big mistake, I regret it. It hurts my heart. It has taken years and years to grow my hair out this long and in good condition. Now I will have to lose length to try to salvage it and clean up the splits which are the worst I’ve ever had in my life. It’s the worst condition my hair has ever been in in my life.
Specifically it’s also brassy– my Demi/​semi permanent close to my natural color base color I LIKED and wanted to keep is gone. Stripped of all it’s shine. Less bounce. Less volume. Just hanging lifeless locks that depress me now. I like the look of high contrast, a rich shiny darker base with lighter highlights bayalage surfer style. I explained all this as I normally do but I guess it went in one ear and out the other.
I’m beyond disappointed.
Three stars for the location, cute décor, her being nice and professional throughout in her demeanor at least if not her skills. I liked her a lot as a person. As a stylist and business owner she failed me completely.

Weird vibes. Only 5 gel colors and make you scrub your own nails. Not relaxing and not for me. Walked out.