Ego Mechanix Hair Beauty Culture

Ego Mechanix Hair Beauty Culture Is a ten star salon. Paulo is an amazing, talented and caring professional. I have one of the best haircuts of my life. Paulo created a look that fits my busy lifestyle and makes me feel beautiful. I get complemented on my hair, a lot. Paulo’s Ego Mechanix salon is the best in the Bay. Thank you Paulo!

Super overdue review for Ego Mechanix & Paulo. I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years. I had my first cut in the summer of 2008 & since then I’ve been in love with this place. Paulo & his team are very talented. I generally only see Paulo and he’s just amazing. Because of him I can rock a faux/​Mohawk & still look femme. Even though I’ve been coming here for so long Paulo always does a consultation first. He really listens and helps me have my hair the way i want & need it to be. which is short and low maintanace. Every time I leave I’m extremely happy.
I’ve also brought my mom here a couple times and she loves it here.
I highly recommend coming here.

Sorry to do this, but I WONT be returning to this salon. Though my first experience with this salon went well, I cant say that about the rest. I referred my sister to this place to see Paulo, and everything was downhill from there.
I RAVED about him for weeks, and her experience is as follows: She scheduled 3 weeks in advance and received no reminder call. She called to make sure it was scheduled and was told they must have had her phone number wrong. OKay… moving forward, she was 10 minutes late to her first appointment due to unforeseen circumstances and called to let them know. When she arrived they acted very irritable toward her and immediately started washing her hair. I showed up about 10 minutes later after parking and I did not get the same treatment I was used to from my first visit, AT ALL. I blatantly told them that if they would like to reschedule her then we can do that. OOOHHH NOOOO, they said ‘We’re gonna see her”. I got a small lecture about how we are making them run behind and next time I should not take the street I took because there is always traffic there at this time. Ummm ok… Then I noticed he had another client he was working on… interesting that had she been on time he would have been more screwed. Could this be why you didnt confirm? At that point I had had enough, and I let my sister know I was leaving. $ 250 later, she let me know that he had rushed her hair and was irritated the whole time. He even said ‘Sorry if Im not talking much; I;m trying to get through this”, and ‘has anyone ever told you that your hair takes a long time to lift?” Also, they confirmed her phone number, and it was ACCURATE!
WOW!
Stupid me, I had scheduled an appointment in advance and decided to arrive and give him one more shot. Yes, I arrived on time! I let him know that the last time he did the highlights they seemed to be really far from the root and I would like them closer, and also depending on where I parted my hair, the highlights were uneven, and if I put my hair up you couldnt see the highlights at all. He got defensive and said its because my hair grew out. I tried to explain to him that it had been this way since day one. Nope, he dint want to hear it. I also told him that I wanted to add an additional color for dimension (as I had told him the previous time I was in that I wanted to do this next time), and he got irritated saying «I dont have enough time for that, thats something different than you’re scheduled for and now that we have been talking about your hair for 20 minutes, I wont have time.» Sure enough a double booked client walks in 5 minutes later. So he rushed my highlights on, yanking at my hair, looking irritated and panicked, then rushed over to her and apologized profusely.
Eventually he finished my hair, did not ask me to schedule my next appointment, and DID NOT GIVE ME A PROFESSIONAL DISCOUNT FOR REFERRING A CLIENT TO HIM. Never ran into that before.
Needless to say, my sister will not go back to him, and neither will I. With the shoddy work and the major attitude, not to mention the unprofessional culture of his salon, there is no reason to step foot in there again.
As I sit here looking for a new stylist, my irritations surface. You’ve been warned!

I love Paulo and the people at Ego Mechanix ! Paulo has been styling my hair for almost 20 years. He VERY talented and a master at cutting and coloring hair !!! Book a consultation and go see him. You won’t be disappointed !!!

After moving up from Orange County, I had an impossible time finding anyone who could truly do a good golden blond. After a high end salon in Palo Alto turned my hair purple/​orange and another in Pleasanton left me an ashy dishwater, I was ready to fly back to the OC to salvage my poor locks.
Fortunately, a friend (whose family owns a hair salon) referred me to Paulo at Ego! A referral from another hair stylist is always worth a look, so I called the salon and made an appointment to see the creative genius himself.
My first appoinment, the normal 30 minute drive from Palo Alto took nearly 1.5 hours due an accident on the lovely 101. I called ahead to let them know and though they have a policy to not start any appointments more than 15 minutes after the scheduled time (which is very understandable), they still fit me in 25 minutes late. Though we didn’t have time for a trim, Paulo wanted to fix my color before I headed out of town for my birthday/​bachelorette party!
First off, the salon is trendy, inspiring, fresh, fun and thoughtful. The mirrors are not full length (so ladies wearing skirts or shorts don’t have to worry about sitting awkwardly to avoid exposure), there is abundant natural light and the shampoo chairs… oh my! Their shampoo chairs are so comfortable and massage you while you are washed! And it’s not like the horrible massage chairs at Brookstone, but a soft, relaxing, reclining massage (I have officially fallen asleep in them on every visit).
Paulo did an incredible color job, was hilarious, informative and beyond competent in his skill. They include a full size Devine shampoo or conditioner with the treatment (of which the smell is litearlly «De-​vine». While the services are on the pricier side, they are in line with good salons in SF, Vegas, LA and Orange County. And I’d rather pay more to have my hair look it’s very best and to walk out confident!
Upon returning to have my hair cut by Paulo, he blew me away that he isn’t just a «color» or «cut» artist, but truly has mastered both. I’ve found my Bay area salon!

So I’m a guy, and have been doing my hair the same exact way for years & years and am VERY stubborn with my routine.
I somehow got a last minute in with Stephanie due to Altier’s snooty tactics — & not only did she give me a cut that was so different than I’ve been annoyingly getting it cut for years w the same stylist — she also styled it w pomade/​grooming cream, which I NEVER let them do (hated anything but hairspray, which was ruining my hair). I always do it myself at the salon… Without going on forever here, all I can say is that my new style is nothing short of great — I can actually manage my cowlicks all day long.
This is my new place, and she is my new stylist. Recommend ego/​Stephanie to anyone!

UPDATE:
I originally brought my daughter here a few years ago. Life gets busy and we hadn’t been here in some time, but my daughter wanted a particular style and she knew Keara would be excellent at executing it. We arrived and were delighted that they still remembered us. Impressive! As always the service is impeccable, and this place is outstanding.

Paulo is amazing. For us curly hair women there is no better stylist. I have been to many a stylist who left me looking like a Q-​tip. Paulo really listens and asks questions about what you are looking for. He makes suggestions and will be as adventurous or tame as you want. He has a wicked sense of humor and a big heart.
I have been going to him for years and have seen his incredible styles on all hair types. He is also a whiz with color. Everyone in the salon is welcoming, fun and helpful. Yes, a good hair cut is pricey but we all know the disaster of a bad one. My friends who I’ve referred have become long term customers. Save yourself another bad hair day and run to Paulo.

Where to begin with such an amazing experience?! Keara Frost at Ego Mechanix is fabulous! Not only is she extremely talented, but she really listens, makes suggestions where needed (she is always able to make my hair ideas more do-​able!), and pampers the hell out of her clients while giving them a cut and color to die for every time! I have super thick, kind of curly (frizzy!) hair and I constantly want a new do, Keara makes it happen, more gorgeous than I imagined it. She definitely adds some fun to the already enjoyable, luxurious atmosphere of Ego. Everyone is very friendly and it’s obvious that they are all experts in the hair (and beauty) industry. Not to mention the décor or the salon is awesome! Very modern and chic! They also carry an awesome selection of hair product that they use and believe in! Every time I leave the salon I feel beautiful, fresh, and relaxed! I am always excited for my next appointment.

I started going there when I was about 16 and never looked back. Even after I moved out of state, I won’t get my hair cut unless I come back and visit (which is at least once a year!) Keara is THAT good.
KEARA. Go see her. Seriously. She’s a wiz with color. Every time I have her color my hair, it’s vibrant, the EXACT shade I want, and it lasts forever (with just a bit of proper care, like not using poop shampoo and using color depositing conditioner). She’s also SO FUNNY. I’ve never had a moment with her that’s been boring. She always has something to talk about.
I’ve given her creative reign over my hair. I essentially let her do whatever she thinks would look good, and she never disappoints. She also stays well within the few boundaries I give her (I couldn’t handle the upkeep with blue hair!) We ladies know how much trust that takes. A LOT. Haha.

Let me start by saying I have had some terrible haircuts. And when I say terrible I mean terrible. I have had the cut all your hair off cut, the horrible razor your hair to an inch of your life cut-​oh and my personal favorite the mullet,
So I haven’t had a «real» hair cut in about two years-​with the exception of bang trims. So I will say I was scared to go somewhere and let my hair be subject to someone who could in all reality bring back the mullet on my head,
Paulo is the freaking best. He asked me what I wanted and I gave him a big list of what I didn’t want. I didn’t really have a clear picture on what I wanted. But holy crap he did what I wanted even though I didn’t even know. He cut my hair beautifully. And honestly I didn’t even notice how much he cut off-​he is that good. Oh and the really best part-​numerous compliments and when I washed and dried it. Yeah it looked the same!
The man knows his stuff and he is damn good at it. I can’t say how happy and excited I am to have found him. And he is funny as hell.
Oh and his assistant Stephanie rocks! In fact everyone there was super nice.
I saw some of the negative reviews and I have to say that coming from someone who is in the «industry» I think some people have un realistic expectations on what their hair can do and when they don’t get that exact hairstyle they complain. And as far as this place being edgy-it’s edgy but not elitist. Just my two cents.

This week will be my 3^rd appointment with Erin and I am soooo excited. I have the best time every time I go. Erin has transformed my hair into an actual style, which I love.
A little over a month ago my niece had literally destroyed her own hair with a bad color and an even worse home stripper. I called Erin and she took us in the very next day. Instead of looking down at her for trying to color her own hair (by the way most snotty hair stylists would) everyone was so kind and sympathetic to her dilemma.
Everyone gathered ’round to examine the hair and work with Erin on the best process to use. 4 hours later my niece’s hair looked awesome and pretty close to the color she wanted .It looked so much better than we thought it would. I am quickly learning that there is nothing Erin can’t do, she is awesome.

Am in love with Keara.
She wasn’t the first hairstylist that I come across when I was looking to replace my extensions. And while I’m sure the first hairstylist that I did go to was probably just as capable, said stylist’s bitchiness when it comes to bagging the salon where I did my first extensions on was just not very cool.
Seriously, what’s up with that?
So I found myself canceling on that smug-​a$$ individual who was too pleased with herself and replacing her with Keara, who proves that a stylist can be capable AND non-​bitchy at the same time.
Putting hair extensions on is a serious business. It’s a 4-​hour ordeal that cost more than a laptop, and for the first few days you are sleep-​deprived because, well, it does take a lot of getting used to.
Keara was so sweet it felt like I was visiting a very talented friend instead of sitting through 4 hours of torture. We talked about the most random things from the new Fresh and Easy at Willow Glen and pet dogs to pillow fights and snowboarding. At some point the other stylists and patrons sitting nearby also chimed in and the conversation got from interesting to very interesting. Then of course other patrons (not sitting nearby) couldn’t help but gawk at me, perhaps looking like a freak with these metal clasps near my scalp.
it was an experience that warrants this long-​overdue review. While I was rather upset at myself for waiting this long to write about this thing that happened a month ago, I am happy to report that a month later, the extensions still look amazing.
So no, I’m not one of those people who immediately post a 5-​star review of a hair salon just because they hair look shiny, neat and bouncy two hour after the cut and blow dry. Why do you think most hair salons are averaging at 4.5 (and car dealerships 2.5)?
Keara would have my business. And my friends, if I can help it. It’s worth spending close to $ 20 on gas (thank you, my gas-​guzzling SUV) just to make that trip from SF to see her work her magic on my hair.

Keara is great! I called for a last minute appointment on the recommendation of a friend. Keara spent time figuring out what I wanted and making some great suggestions. She cut my hair meticulously all while making jokes and keeping a smile on my face. Before I knew it, I’d been there an hour and a half and came out looking, and feeling, great!
After all, that’s the mark of a good stylist — You leave feeling attractive and amazing, better than before you arrived. Keara nailed it and she’s a GREAT stylist.

Keara is cool. She did my hair extensions and color about one month ago. She pays attention and takes her work seriously. My extensions look a-​mazing. I’ve had extensions for 9 months (3 different applications) before seeing Keara– she did my 4^th. She used a diff method and I think it looks much better. She matched my color perfectly.
WOMEN of the Bay: Why aren’t you wearing extensions??? They say Glam-​a-​zon in an instant! Guaranteed, any long-​haired hot chick you seee on tv has extensions. Picture Victoria Secret runway model hair or Kim Kardashian hair. Fabulous!
All around, Keara is a top-​notch human being who truly cares about her clients happiness. I’m so glad to have met her– and my hair looks smokin’ hot!
Just ask the boys in the yard…(my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard…)

I only went in to get a bang-​cut, because I’ve never had bangs before.
For starters, the shop is cooped up so it may be hard to find. There is not a sign hanging in the street, & it’s against the wall and on the door so you really have to look good. The store next to it has a sign with a sun on it.
The salon is on the 2^nd floor if you take the elevator or the stairs. Inside is REALLY nice and the receptionist is very attentive. She makes sure you are comfy with magazines & offers a drink (which I’m not used to).
Paulo was my stylist, and he is the nicest person. He cut the bangs just as I wanted them in the pictures I showed them, and all he did to style them and finish them off was by blow drying them and brushing them out. It made a big difference from when he had just cut them. He did it fairly quickly but did a good job.
And he only charged me $ 15 instead of $ 20 which was the original price, so I left him a tip to total it to $ 20 anyways.
He even gave me a hug after wards. Everyone I encountered were very nice. Definitely go here!

First off, I don’t even live in San Jose and I’ve been here twice to have Mona cut my hair! She’s that great!
I first met Mona about 2.5 years ago when she did my hair for my cousin’s wedding. My cousin had been going to Mona forever and had her do all of our hair for the wedding. I absolutely loved the hair style that I ended up with!
Anyways, I find myself in need of a haircut and just so happened to be back in the area visiting my cousin, so what the heck, we made an appointment. Loved it so much that the next time I came back for another wedding, I made sure to get my haircut with Mona.
Aside from the fact that I have yet to find a stylist I like in my own neighborhood, I really liked how Mona listened to what I wanted, even though they were not quite concrete ideas, talked me through it and gave suggestions of what would work and what would work. At no point did I feel pressured to go with any of her suggestions. She’s definitely not pushy! She’s really friendly, highly professionally, skilled, and fun to be around!

I want to reiterate what Fruity Pineapple says… this place is super-​hip to the point that any normal person may feel a bit uncomfortable. All the stylists have extremely funky hair, reflecting on the atmosphere of the place. Their brand of choice is Rusk, which I thought had been discontinued, but I guess not. Also, have fun trying to find parking downtown, for you will have to walk to the salon.
I don’t have much else to say, except that the salon is totally not for me. No robes, no beverages, no extra luxuries for prices, so no me.
Here’s a curiosity – you can partially view someone else’s condo/​loft while getting your shampoo.

I had my hair cut by Joanne last night for the first time. It turns out she works at a salon owned by a guy I went to Esthetician school with over 2 years ago. I’d read the reviews on Unilocal,checked out all the pics and decided I was done looking like a soccer mom. I admit I was a little nervous that I’d walk out looking to cutting edge, but that didn’t happen at all.
Joanne talked to me for a while about what I wanted, how I styled my hair, how I made the horrible mistake to color it black 2 years ago and I’m still suffering the consequences (well I sorta added that in). When she started cutting I felt comfortable, like I was in good hands.
Joanne also recommended different products for me. I usually don’t buy from stylists because I can get product at Cosmoprof for 50% off, but *sigh* they don’t sell the stuff she carries. Either way, I think it’s worth it because my hair doesn’t look frizzy or dry like it did with the other stuff. She also explained to me why when I used a TINY bit of Potion 9 it seemed greasy and oily. Ah-​ha!
Today my hair feels so light and airy. It’s still has the length I wanted but the shape is so cool! I love it!
I’m also not usually a fan of downtown but it wasn’t too bad last night. I found parking right away after quickly driving over the light rail tracks. And all of the fees were validated.
BTW my bangs turned out fine!

This is how impressed I was BEFORE even making the appointment… I have been with my stylist for over FIVE years… then I went to see Joanne… She did a stylish, beautiful job with my hair (she is very stylish and beautiful herself). Plus the salon was so friendly and hip, I felt right at home… and they sent me home with a very nice bottle of Phytomer (good hair product) shampoo in a present, packaged bag. love stuff like that!
I cut 4 – 5 inches off my hair and look a zillion times better, thanks to Joanne, plus I made a cute, hip, and new friend who I will be visiting again!!!
For the caliber of the salon (ultra hip and skilled Joanne, validated parking, upscale décor and product, and young genuine hair goodness) it was also priced very well!!! around $ 150 and that is good for an awesome hair cut and color that took well over 2 hours!
There are a lot of guys here too in addition to the pretty girls you see at salons on weekday afternoons. I would def. rec to guys too!
THanks Joanne, you are an awesome blossom!