Ali Hadjian Hair

I have bone straight hair,and fine at that..so i get a shampoo and then he starts to dry it ..and then cut it...it was a little backwards but it has been the best haircut i ever had..i'm for sure going back to him and recommend him to all my pals

Pros: friendly and skilled with a sense of humor

Cons: Robertson can bechallenging with construction

Posted 11/27/09

If you are looking for edgy yet affordable haircut by someone who will listen to you in a relaxing environment. Ali is the one.

Pros: Knows what he is doing

Cons: Can't think of Any

Posted 11/13/09

When I moved to L.A. last year, I scoured City Search in hopes I could find someone remotely as good as my last stylist, and someone I could afford. Impressed by the reviews on Ali's page, I tried him out. I am SO happy I did! I've been going to him ever since for cut, color, and highlights, and my hair looks better than it ever has before. It's always great to get compliments on it:) Also, for those girls getting married, Ali did my highlights for my wedding, and they looked absolutely stunning.

I really appreciate Ali's focus during our appointments. He always gives my his full attention and really listens during our pre-cut/color consults. He comes across as an extremely confident perfectionist, and you just know you are in very capable hands. Going to the Cottage is always a very good experience -- the environment is very cheerful and friendly, and the other stylists are very nice. Just overall, a wonderful staff there, and of course Ali is my favorite, but I'm biased.

Thanks for everything Ali! You're amazing!

Pros: Amazing Colorist/Stylist!

Cons: Absolutely None!

Posted 11/06/09

Ali is an amazing artist. He knows what's best for you. He is also a food listener and really care about his customer. Definitely a keeper!!

Pros: Highlights

Cons: so far so good!!

Posted 11/02/09

I feel really guilty that I haven't gotten my act together to get this review posted sooner, because Ali isn?t just an amazing professional hair stylist and colorist, he?s also proven to be a good friend to all those who are lucky enough to experience The Cottage. I found him through CitySearch a couple of years ago and even now that I?ve relocated to Pasadena, I won?t ever let anyone else touch my hair ? Ali?s that brilliant, especially for dishwater blondes like me!

If you haven't already heard through the grapevine, Ali Hadjian does THE BEST work creating multi-dimensional, long-lasting and natural-looking blonde highlights in all of LA. (I think he works privately with a roster of celebrities, but he?s pretty cagey about that.) In the decade I?ve been in LA, I?ve tried out pretty much every big-name hair stylist imaginable searching to recreate the healthy, natural-looking blonde of my youth from the bleach-out, sun/salt/chlorine damaged locks my active lifestyle created. I?ve tried pretty much every major salon, including Goodform, Maxime, Fekkai, Cristophe, Umberto... But, I never returned to the same place twice because I never got personal attention, I always paid way too much, and I always left with the same, generic blonde ?Do? you seem to see on every soccer mom and street corner in the Westside. So, to say I was a little disillusioned by the time I read Ali's reviews on CitySearch and made an appointment is an understatement. But, I was SO pleasantly surprised with Ali and with The Cottage!

First, Ali spends A LOT of time with each of his clients. I think my appointments tend run about 2 hours with no overlap in appointments and no extra fee for the time (as I?ve experienced elsewhere). He?s never once been late or kept me waiting, or taken calls during our appointments, and I?ve never ever felt rushed. He also never ever tries to sell you product, which is a rare treat these days!

Second, Ali is a color specialist. At your first appointment, he'll do an assessment of the quality of your hair and what sort of cut/color you?re looking for and will offer you advice about how to make that work with the shape of your face/features and your individual coloring/complexion. (He actually takes notes, too!) Then, he'll offer you advice about what color or combination of colors will work best with your unique skin and eye coloration. (He typically weaves in 2-3 different color highlights into my hair, alternating every other appointment between highlights and lowlights.)

The result, for me, is that my hair looks healthier than it has in years (despite the damage I inflict upon it!), and I finally have my youthful blonde back. Ali?s done such a tremendous job masking my dishwater blonde/brown locks that I keep receiving compliments on the cut/color ? even weeks after my appointments when I think the roots are starting to show. In fact, Ali does SUCH a tremendous job with my color and cut, that I don?t even really have to come in to see him for touch ups that often ? maybe once every 2 months, since the highlights grow out so naturally. (That?s bad for him, but good for my pocketbook!)

Lastly, Ali is just a really decent human being and a whole lot of fun to talk to during the appointments. You can tell that he has good relationships with everybody at The Cottage. Also, unlike a lot of hair stylists out there (and again, I think I?ve seen a lot of the best LA has to offer!), he seems to really take pride in his profession and in getting to know his clients and helping them be their best selves. He and the entire team at The Cottage have created such a welcoming, ?family? environment, that I look forward to the commute out there and won't be seeing anyone else anytime soon.

Thank you, Ali!

Pros: Ali does the best, most natural-looking blonde

Cons: Um. What?

Posted 11/02/09

Just wanted to thank you Ali! You did my hair color for my wedding and it looked absolutely stunning! Thank you for taking the time as usual to listen and produce exactly what I asked for. You have a talent for giving my hair the most gorgeous, natural highlights. I have since moved to Belgium and recently had to get my roots done, and of course, now I look like a stripey skunk. I want my Ali back! When I come back to LA you will be the first person I stop in to see. Thanks for your brilliance! You are such a talented colorist.

Pros: He does amazing color/highlights!

Cons: I moved to Belgium and couldn't take him with me!

Posted 10/26/09

Every time I leave Ali from having my color done people comment how nice it is to see a natural blonde.
Is great as I have my hair lightened 3 levels!
Ali is kind and friendly. The salon itself is clean, friendly, professional, relaxing.
If you need color, Ali is the man to go to-

Pros: Color is fantastic, nice environment

Posted 10/24/09

Thank god. Thank god thank god. So I found Ali on Citysearch and called after reading so many stunning reviews. He was wonderful on the phone. I had been dying my hair red for about a year now and wanted to go back to blond. He wanted to make sure he knew what I wanted so we met a day before for an initial consultation. Ali will listen to you but also make sure you don't do anything....well...stupid : ) He gave me a beautiful blonde while still maintaining a beautiful contrast to my pale skin with some lowlights and richer colors at my roots. He has a great sense of humor and obviously really cares about his clients satisfaction.

GO!

Pros: Professional, Reasonably priced

Cons: parking isn't great

Posted 10/23/09

I have been going to Ali for over two years now and every time I leave the salon, I could not be happier. I recommend him to everyone! The color is great, he listens to what I want and it always comes out so great. I have never been more satisfied with the cut as well! All around, he is the best person to do you hair, I have only had good experiences with him. I get compliments on my hair all the time and I owe it all to him. He is worth every penny spent!! If you are looking for a place to get your hair and want to be happy with your hair, go to ALI!!

Pros: Color and Cut

Cons: N/A

Posted 10/18/09

When I moved to LA I was afraid to leave the best hairdresser I ever had behind and that I would never find anyone like him again. But I did !!!
After scouring citysearch for quite a while, I decided to trust the great reviews about Ali and went for it. ... I must say I'm really happy I have found him.
He is very professional, a great hairstylist + colorist and a really nice guy. He always does a great job with my (and also my husband's) hair. In addition, he has a lot of valuable advice for new parents like us :-).

Pros: Talent, Skill, personality, reasonable prices

Cons: None

Posted 10/12/09

Every time I go to Ali, I come out with just the look I envisioned went I made the appointment. He doesn't try to up sell or push a bunch of products on me, but he does have great advice on ways to achieve the look I want if I ask for it.
His prices are reasonable, and the Cottage (the salon he works out of) is great as well-very cute and laid back.

Pros: great listener, incredibly skilled, fun

Cons: Haven't run into any

Posted 10/11/09

As a former hair stylist and make-up artist, I must simply say...Ali is the best.
I've had my hair worked on by many in the business- from featured artists at hair shows, fellow stylist throughout the years, low and high end salons, to other stylists with "Skills."
This guy is the real deal.
Anyone able to get this lame, limp hair as gorgeous and full as Ali did with his cut and color gets my highest stamp of approval.
As long as he's around, no one else will ever touch my hair.
The Staff at the Cottage are warm and friendly as well.

Pros: Everything you could ever want in a stylist.

Cons: None

Posted 08/07/09

I'm very happy to have finally found Ali after scouring citysearch for hours. I went to him to fix another hairstylists dye job- when I went I had a medium strawberry blonde that was nearly orange at the roots, and when I left I was a beautiful golden blonde. The color was great, the price was reasonable but to me the best part is that my hair was not damaged by the process he used at all. Keeping my hair healthy through all the processes I put it through (a lot! I change my haircolor every month or so lately)... is so important. The other wonderful thing about Ali is who he is- a wonderful human being! Go! :-)

Pros: keeps your hair healthy

Posted 06/22/09

Ali is an incredible hairstylist. I am so happy to have found him in a place where there are so many hairstylists to chose from. Not only am I loving my haircut - other people,who have no obligation to compliment,actually take a moment to compliment.

Posted 06/12/09

I was surprised when we pulled in front of the Cottage salon. From reviews I had read, I expected a serene salon with only Ali. The Cottage was just a typical salon with around 10 busy stylists all working at their chairs. Ali was polite but I could tell that he was less than thrilled to be working on my damaged, frizzy hair. I'm 15 and he clearly wasn't good at making conversations with teenagers, and almost seemed annoyed when I tried to be outgoing by asking him questions. In the end, however, with 5 inches of hair on the floor, my hair was healthy and cute and my I still get compliments on my highlights two months later. What I wanted was a good haircut and color and that's what I got. He made great conversation with my mom when she got her hair done, so obviously he is nice to talk to, but I just wasn't as impressed. I don't think that any other Beverly Hills stylist would have been better at making conversation with a 15-year-old, so I'm glad I went to Ali.

Two months later (a total of four months after the cut/color) I'm more glad than ever that I went to Ali. I STILL get compliments on my cut and color and it has been four months! Ali really knows what he is doing, and now that the time has come for me to get rid of the split ends that have naturally accumulated since March, I wish I could fly back to California to see Ali again!

Pros: Great colorist and hair stylist

Cons: Busy location and loud, bustling salon.

Posted 05/28/09

As a client of Ali's for four years, I know I can rely on Ali to understand my cut and color needs. I developed a serious allergy to my color two years ago and Ali worked with me over a period of months to discover a formula and process that works for me, going so far as to come to my house when I was recovering from a skiing accident to try out a new formula. He's focused on making his clients happy: he'll squeeze me into his tight schedule if I have a last-minute audition. The salon's cute and conveniently located and Gene gives a great head massage during the shampoo. Ali's cool, positive, and respectful of boundaries: if I have to memorize something, he'll leave me alone but if I have good news to share or just want to chat, he'll happily engage. I'd say the experience is just right.

Pros: Talent, Skill, and Charm, Focus on Client Satisfaction

Cons: None

Posted 03/21/09

Ali is amazing!!! I have been getting compliments on my color right and left. I asked to have some Giselle-like golden blond highlights put into my long, wavy hair and they turned out looking like that, really gorgeous! Also what is nice about the salon is they have a very nice man or woman who washes your hair to perfection, giving you a scalp massage that almost makes you fall asleep. You should leave them a tip as well. Ali gives good and honest feedback about what you are asking for and how he thinks it will turn out. You leave feeling like a star because your hair looks THAT good!

Posted 12/09/08

Upon my arrival to LA from Nashville, I had decided to do exactly what ALL of you are doing....looking up only the best place to get fabulous hair! I saw quite the trend of fantastic reviews of Ali's work, so I decided to give him a try. He is great....super easy to talk to. NO high pressure sitting in Ali's chair. His work blew me away. I am more than satisfied with my hair.....and I am quite picky! I am now back home in Nashville and everyone has given me numerous compliments on my new 'sunkissed' look. Great job Ali and thank you!!!!

Pros: you WILL get exactly what you want

Cons: me living in Nashville

Posted 09/15/08

I have gone to so many colorist in my life. I go from dark brown to red to blonde and I am always upset that when ever I go from brown to blonde, no one can seem to do, it ALWAYS turns orangey blonde, and I hate it! My old hair dresser tried, but it turn orangey brown/blonde again, so when I wanted to turn my dark winter brown locks blonde again I decided I was going to find someone new. That is when I stumbled across Ali ( searching citiysearch) and decided to give him a try. I immediately felt comfortable with him after our first consultation and scheduled our appointment. All I have to say is one try and BAM!!!! The man got it right! I was blown away! The prettiest, natural California blonde I have ever seen. Since that day I have gone to him on a regular basis. He is now my new colorist! He rocks. He's also got a great personality, he's down to earth, and always makes sure you are comfortable with everything. He's the bomb and my blonde hair looks blonde, natural and gorgeous!!

Pros: Ali's color skills and personality!

Cons: None!

Posted 08/19/08

As a professional hair/ make up artist, I have worked with some amazing hair stylists, but Ali is the best in color, cut and style. He makes you feel relaxed and pampered. I am definitely sending my clients to him!

Pros: Beautiful and cute salon

Cons: Street Parking

Posted 07/31/08

Ali takes all the worry and guesswork out of choosing a stylist, a colorist, and a hairstyle. He listens to you, gets to know your nature and your lifestyle, examines your hair's nature and health, then gets to work applying his creativity and experience to make your hair look and feel the best it's ever looked and felt.
Give him a try -- my money says you won't be disappointed -- and you'll be looking forward to your next appointment. Ali is a very serene, health-conscious person who offers enjoyable conversation, and always gives you his undivided attention. He takes a sincere interest in helping you look and feel your best. Plus, his prices are very reasonable and fair. Before moving to L.A. last year, I had some excellent hairstylists in Santa Monica, Scottsdale and New York, and Ali is the best by far.

Posted 05/20/08

Ali is a highly skilled colorist and stylist. He corrected my color and restored my hair to a soft, healthy shine. I'm a fairly exacting customer when it comes to color. I expect the highlights to look natural, grow out well and keep my hair healthy. With Ali, I'm always pleased with the result, as he spends time to perform the job well. I have very thick hair that takes quite a long time to foil highlight, and he never rushes the job nor makes me feel badly for the amount of time it takes to do it right. He's quite detailed oriented and a perfectionist when it comes to his work. He goes above and beyond to accomodate his clients' needs -- taking last minute requests when he can. He's also quite a personable and kind hearted family man who is easy to talk with. He cares about his clients' satisfaction, and encourages calls to let him know how the cut/color/style is working. He always offers to perform touch-ups if necessary, but I've always been happy with the result so I've not needed it. I find his prices very reasonable for the level of service and expertise that he provides. Overall - recommend!

Pros: Conveniently located, highly skilled, personable, reasonable prices

Cons: Street parking

Posted 05/18/08

You will not be disappointed choosing to get your hair done here, a very friendly and unassuming place...

Posted 05/14/08

Ali saved me from a truly disastrous color job about a year ago, and I have gone to him ever since. His technique leaves my hair feeling healthier than before I got the color. And, the colors are rich, lustrous and natural looking. He is truly an artist, and he cares about why you want the color. He takes the time to go over your goals for your finished look and isn't happy until you're happy. He is friendly, warm, reassuring and a master of his craft. Highest recommendation.

Posted 05/14/08

I had a great experience with Ali doing my hair . It was everything that was promised with the cut and color and more. Working with Ali you know he is there to give you that great feeling that you get when you leave a salon and look in the rear view mirror with a smile on your face knowing you look great. I will be back!!

Posted 05/07/08

I dont know the person that wrote the review but to be honest with reality thats not the way things happen in the salon, as a new client, I also looked in City search for the best place. My experience was one of excellence... I am sure that the hair of this person was not even close to what I had, and I came out 100% satisfied with a healthy hair not over processed .... Sometimes people wants an specific color but it cant happen, particularly with the auburn and blonde colors To the lady that wrote here before, maybe she was expecting another color, but I am sure that if she told him that ; he will explain to her how to achieve it if it cant be done in one time visit, Lets remember they are color experts not wizards, there are things that are just impossible to accomplish in one visit, particularly when you are repairing somebody elses work and you dont want to damage the hair...SO IF YOU REALLY WANT THE BEST COLOR SALON IN THE AREA BELIEVE IN US the ordinary people that can appreciate an art of work...

Pros: COLOR EXPERTS

Cons: None

Posted 05/05/08

I went to this "City Search user favorite" salon for a consultation because I wanted to lighten my dark merlot-tinted auburn hair. Ali was very nice, told me the price of a haircut would be $75, and that he would make an appointment to cut my hair and lighten it to a "warm auburn shade".

I came to his salon for the appointment with Ali. He was punctual and polite. He spent a couple of hours putting different solutions into my hair, and at the end of 3 1/2 hours said he "wouldn't have time for a haircut". After drying my hair, here's what I got: 1.) no haircut, 2.) a bill for $325 just for the color correction, and 3.) an orange, carrot top head. This was not 'warm auburn' as promised, but bright orange.

The bill was twice as much as I think was reasonable, and the price was never quoted up front and his $75 haircut price seemed reasonable, so I was appalled when he handed me the color correction bill for such an exorbanant amount (with tip the bill came to $375). And no haircut. Worse yet, I went to Vidal Sassoon the very next day and had to spend another $125 putting a brunette tint on it to tone down the orange copper carrot color this "expert" left me with.

Net/net: the overcharge was bad, but his end product was even worse because it was not what he promised and not what I requested, and he cost me even more money and time to fix his not good work. His service was polite and courteous, but who cares? I got ripped off, and the hair looked lousy and cost over $100 to fix. Whoever votes for "Best Salon" on this site needs to sober up and go experience the real talent elsewhere.

Pros: My hair didn't fall out

Cons: Total waste of time (over 3 hours) and lots of money ($375)

Posted 05/04/08

I don't know anyone who doesn't want their hairdresser to be the best professional. What distinguishes Ali Hadjian to me is that he is a very genuine person. He always has something to share that's deep and meaningful. HE cares about people and his life reflects it.

I'll drive one hour each way because it's Ali Hadjian.

Pros: Excellent results, Friendly Associates, Great Location

Cons: Close to great shops, takes discipline not to go shopping

Posted 04/30/08

I finally went to check out Ali and his dancing scissors after numerous recommendations from friends. Ali did a really great job?all with a wonderful and deep conversation! And I loved the fact that he?s bald; keeps him neutral and me guessing what kind of ?do? he?d have. I went into the small, nicely lit, and friendly salon jaded; at a point in my life where I felt there was little difference between my $.50 barber cuts as a child and a Beverly Hills Scalp/Hair artist/engineer. What I have come to expect from any hairstylist are good suggestions and if they ask me what I want, to actually execute on my wishes. Though this sounds like a given, it has seemed difficult to achieve. Now, I can actually tell people I get my hair done by ?Ali?. I live within walking distance so for all you tourists visiting or staying in Beverly Hills, I recommend the short walk and getting away from the hustle and bustle of Rodeo Drive and Beverly Drive. Come see where the locals go! Go early or stick around afterwards?some nice cafe?s on the block! Ask the shy Ali to do his Arnold or Stallone impersonations!!!

Pros: All went well and even got a nice wash

Cons: none

Posted 04/28/08

Ali is the best! I found him through this site when I was new to Los Angeles. I totally made the right decision to go with the great reviews and visit Ali. He does great color! I am very particular with my color and I always trust what he recommends to me.

Pros: Everything about Ali and the salon

Cons: Parking can be difficult later in the day

Posted 04/28/08

My experience was complete , Ali is a profesional that understand how to deal with difficult and messy hairs. He also work with a team of professionals that will make your day. By mistake I color my dark golden blonde on BLACK, so part of my hair was completely black including my skin, my forehead and partly my cheeks, a complete mess!!!!. .... He managed to put a dark brown all over my hair whithout hurting my hair or over processing it. The results were amazing, even though is a situation that will require several visits to become "blonde" again" to avoid damage to my hair, it cant be done in just one visit ...I got 1000% satisfied, he pulled out a wondeful color and explained in details the steps to follow in order to keep my hair healthy . Sometimes you want an specific color but it cant happen in just one visit, particularly when you are repairing someone past work... He promised to work step by step without damaging my hair to have it lighter than I have now but not in just one visit. He was more than fair with the price considering my hair... I have to repeat that its the best experience I ever had in a salon, I will highly recommend the Cottage and Ali service to everyone for the best color and client service ever....Its a place to be relax and enjoy the wonderful results of Ali's color experience, his patience and warmth to make the visit to the salon an unique experience...

Pros: Color Expert, Great Overall experience

Cons: NONE

Posted 04/28/08

Seriously, I used to live in Beverly Hills and I went to Ali to get my hair cut. I can't find anyone in New York competent enough to cut my hair right. So every time I am in the LA area I get my hair cut from Ali. He is the only person I want cutting my hair. I highly recommend him.

Pros: Easy Parking, Great Value, Awesome Haircut!

Posted 04/27/08

I went to Ali for the first time 2 months ago for color and he did a great job! I trusted all the reviews on here and my hair turned out great. As I said I would do, I went back to Ali yesterday for a cut and to touch up my roots. Yesterday was my first hair cut from Ali and I am sooooo happy with it. My hair was messed up from the last person who cut it 3 months ago and Ali fixed it and I have gotten so many compliments. Ali, my husband loved it and everywhere I went yesterday and today I have gotten so many compliments! I've been told about how my hair looks so natural and how it doesn't even look like I have color in it, that it looks so natural and shiny. Everyone loves the cut and wanted your card! Again, Ali was very nice, funny and makes great conversation. He also showed me new pictures of his kids which I must say are beautiful. Thanks Ali for the best haircut I've had, the great color and the amazing service. Gene is great as well! See you in a few months!! ~Bren

Pros: Ali's skill, great attitude and service all around

Cons: None

Posted 03/09/08

I finally had a chance to get a my hair cut from Ali @ The cottage, not only did he give me a great cut, but he gave me some great advice on how to "treat" my hair. It was amazing to me how he knew all the "wrong" things I was doing to my hair, but I guess that's why he is the best at what he does. So not only does my hair cut look great but now it even feels better based on his suggestions. Thanks Ali!

Posted 02/01/08

All my life I've bounced from one hairstylist to the next on a quest for the perfect cut/color. I'd always leave asking myself, 'is this really the best my hair can look?!' I finally found Ali and am happy to report that my search is over. Not only does he consistently make my hair look better than I ever imagined it could, but he does it with a confident humility not characteristically found in most hairstylists. Ali's quiet charm will put you at ease and he will never make choices for you. He'll offer his expert advice (which you're best off taking) but won't do anything you don't feel comfortable with. Although he's relaxed and easy going, he's also hyper-efficient and technically masterful. The guy really knows what he's doing; I only wish I'd met him sooner. Thank you Ali!!!

Posted 01/31/08

I dread getting my hair cut because it is deceivingly thick and many stylists have gotten lost halfway through and the result isn't pretty. After reading heaps of reviews on different places, I finally called Ali. In doing so, I did myself the biggest favor ever. Ali is genuine, talented, and truly aMAZing. He listened to my concerns and made me feel super comfortable. I wanted a versatile style that wouldn't take too much time or product to accomplish. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. It's the most creative and fun and low maintenance style I've had in so long, maybe ever. When I was leaving, I didn't want to go home, it looked so good, I felt I had to go show it off!! The salon is cute and the atmosphere, relaxing. The shampoo guy, Gene, was fabulous too. Ali felt like a friend from the moment I made the appointment over the phone. I can't wait for my hair to grow so I can go back. No one but Ali will do my hair from now on, guaranteed.

Pros: Everything.

Cons: Nothing.

Posted 01/18/08

Ali was wonderful and I can't wait to visit him again when in L.A. Sweet, down to earth and unpretentious. My hair has body and shine I didn't know were possible. Thanks, Ali! See you soon! Julie from Chicago ("Kentucky").

Pros: location

Cons: don't serve alcohol :)

Posted 01/15/08

I have never had to deal with someone as rude as Ali. A complete waste of time as I had to deal with his horrible demeanor as well as end up with unsatisfactory highlights. Hair dressers are supposed to have good people skills, be welcoming and friendly, and listen to the client, all of which he failed at. I will absolutely never go back and never recommend him to anyone.

Pros: nice salon

Cons: unprofessional and untalented hair dresser

Posted 01/08/08

I found Ali on Citysearch after seeing his write-up and surprised myself by making an appointment since I've always relied on friend's recommendations for where to go to get the best haricut or color. But, I was at my wit's end since my gray wouldn't cover anymore and I couldn't be happier that I followed my instincts. Ali not only did a fantastic job with my color, he gave me a really flattering cut on my second visit after I arrived with all sorts magazine tear-outs - and he patiently looked through them with me and explained what would and wouldn't work with my hair type. To top it off, he's a great, down-to-earth guy - without any of the pretension or BS of so many LA stylists . Bottom line - going to Ali has resulted in fabulous hair and tons of compliments!

Pros: Cool salon, great vibe, lots of street parking.

Posted 12/02/07

Deciding on a hair stylist is a very difficult decision, especially in LA. After consulting with 4 stylists (it's an investment!) before choosing Ali, I can honestly say this is the best hair cut and color I've ever had. Ali turned me from a boring brown to a sassy red- something I never would never have thought of. His service is superior. He provided me with a consultation, appointment, and follow-up. Most importantly, Ali worked with me to find what would make me look and feel my best. I trust and rely on his professionalism and vision. His rates are reasonable and generous for the talent and care provided. A truly life changing experience. I should be on Oprah.

Posted 12/01/07

Ali is by far the best and most trustworthy stylist I have found in LA. Plus he is fun and affordable! I have been to Ali twice now and have been BEYOND IMPRESSED with both my hair and overall experience each time. This past week, Ali went above and beyond what I would ever expect from a hair dresser, especially one who has only seen me twice. By my request, Ali dyed my hair back to its original color (dark brown) a few months ago. I loved what he did with the color and cut, but recently got the itch to lighten my hair before the holidays. I went in on Wed. to get highlihgts and a cut. I got a great cut and exactly the highlights I had asked for. As I was leaving, I think Ali could tell I was still on the fence about how light we had decided to go. He told me to sleep on it and call him if I thought I wanted to go lighter. The next morning, I decided I wanted to go even lighter and I gave Ali a call. I told him the situation and he asked if I had listened to my messages the night before. It turns out that Ali had already called me on his way home from work the previous day to say that he wanted to put a few more highlight in to lighten it up on the top. He saw me the next day and made the change at no cost. I absolutely love my hair. I highly, highly, highly recommend going to Ali! :)

Pros: Trustworthy, knowledgeable, personable, affordable, proffessional, punctual, easygoing

Posted 11/16/07

I'm writing for all those who really take these reviews to heart- because I did. I drove over 100 miles to this salon because I was making a drastic change and wanted the best to cut it. At first, Ali was really nice. He took his time to feel my hair and analyze my face & shape & gave me his thoughts- so I felt comfortable to proceed. I provided many pictures, I was very specific & descriptive of what I wanted. He said he understood exactly. I wanted the trendy a-line bob like posh&rihanna. halfway through the cut i asked him if he was done with my left side and he said yes- I couldn't believe it since it wasn't the look/length that I wanted. I let him know & so he cut it shorter, he then proceeded to the next side. when he was done- the back was uneven and he had to fix it after i pointed it out.I told him I wanted long strands @ the front & before I knew it he had already cut one side too short & it was almost even with the rest- not A-line!! I was not happy with the length but he had asked me to let him style it & he could cut more if I wanted.He then pretty much shooed me off his chair because he had his next client waiting so didn't even have the opportunity to have him fix it after it was styled like he said he could. he blamed it on the drastic cut. he said "I hate doing something so drastic because people don't like it" But it wasn't the drastic cut it was because the cut was nothing like I asked for! I was so unhappy that I went home with my friend-her and I (both not hairstylist) proceeded to cut my hair & fix what he had done. It was much better. I even then went to another sytlist the next day & they totally made it the way that Ali couldn't.He said he couldn't cut my hair shorter because it would look poofy in the back since my hair is thick. I revised it shorter myself & then another stylist the next day & it's not poofy- it's what I asked for. I like my new cut NOW- BUT it is drastically different from the one Ali gave me.

Cons: skill, vision

Posted 10/31/07

I recently moved here to Los Angeles and have been wary of trying several hair salons. I was loyal to one hair dresser when I was living in Ohio, and I knew how long it took for me to find one that I could trust. I went here on citysearch and found Ali's salon and was impressed with the the number of positively raving reviews. I decided to try him out. Trying to find the salon was a little difficult because I wasn't familiar with the area, but after calling him, he guided me to the salon over the phone. Needless to say I was a little late, but he did not rush me along at all. We discussed my concerns and what I wanted to do with my hair style and color. He gave his input, and while I was wary regarding about having bangs again (it was horrendous when I last sported it 3 years ago), he assured me that he will cut it only as short as I'm comfortable with. He even shared some soup while I waited for my hair to finish. After a few snips here and there, some coloring, my haircut turned out absolutely fabulous!

Several days later, I tried to recreate what Ali did but couldn't so I went back and Eli helped me out with some tips on how to style my hair in a similar fashion. He was very helpful and patient with my questions regarding styling and products. I walked out of there wiser and with a handful of styling products. All in all, I'm absolutely impressed with the courtesy and talent and vision of Ali and his staff. I would not consider going to any other salon in this city. Their business is a perfect mix of talent and customer service. Do not hesitate in going there.

Posted 10/18/07

Ali is one of the best stylist I have ever gone to. I have gone to some $200.00 hair cuts and Ali beats them with his skill, price and flat out fun attitude. He knows what he is doing and you feel that right off that bat. I've only been there twice so far, but I know I'll be coming here for many years to come!

Posted 08/19/07

In the previous year, I got my hair cut in Israel, Indianapolis, Atlanta and New York. It had been a while since my last cut and I was in LA at the time--the center of the hair universe. I actually found Ali through citysearch and he is positvely amazing. He designed these incredible bangs just for me and they are fabulous; I feel like a new woman. The atmosphere of the salon is comfortable and and relaxed. I wish I could fly Ali to Atlanta to cut my hair; I recommend him to anyone!

Pros: atmosphere, service, skill

Cons: none!

Posted 08/15/07

I recently had my hair done at the cottage salon by Ali. He is definitely the best hairstylist I have ever been to. I have curly hair?..and curly hair tends to be on the dry side. I have been to countless hairdressers that just do whatever I ask them to do. For instance if I tell them I want platinum blonde highlights?That is exactly what I get. (FOR A DAY) After that my hair starts to break off and change colors. Well the day I met Ali I told him I wanted lighter hair. He touched my hair and recommended something different. Instead of giving me light highlights he gave me an awesome conditioning hair color and a much needed haircut. He also stated that once my hair gets in better condition?then I can gradually achieve lighter hair. My hair feels incredibly soft. I was scared to find a new hairstylist, especially someone I knew nothing about?.but I am glad I followed my gut instinct. He is not only the nicest person I have ever met?he truly cares about my hair. He could have easily said, ?ok you want highlights?..BAM?$$$$$.? Instead he gave my hair exactly what it needs?.TLC. I have been to too many hairdressers that care far more for their pocketbook than the health of my hair Thank You Ali for the wonderful experience!! P.S ?I won?t have to pull a Brit_ _ y!!

Posted 06/25/07

Being an L.A. newbie, I relied on this site when selecting a prospective stylist. Thankfully, it guided me into the expert hands of Ali @ the Cottage. When I called to schedule an appointment, he was pleasant and very accommodating. On the day of my appointment, I was running a few minutes late (sorry again Ali), but he was right on time. I had good luck with street parking (my appointment was at 5:20) and the atmosphere was inviting and cozy- despite the renovations taking place. Everyone there was extremely pleasant, especially the kind woman who washed my hair (I hope she got my tip). Clearly an expert at what he does, Ali listened patiently while I tried to (rather inarticulately) convey my vision. Somehow, he must have understood, because I was ecstatic with the results. He was straightforward, professional and pretty funny. I was a little intimidated at first (my very long hair has been my security blanket of sorts, and he took this into account), but I left loving my new cut, color and stylist! Thank you, Ali, for my sassy new hair!

Posted 06/21/07

Ali's the best!!!! He is friendly and professional. You always end up with a style you'll love!!!!

Posted 05/04/07

I have gone to many of the "supposedly" best hair salons in Los Angeles (i.e. Jonathan, Ken Paves etc...), and Ali is by far the best. Outside of being flat out talented, he is just an overall good person. He is always on time, and very accommodating if I need to reschedule. If you need your hair cut/styled, look no further!!

Pros: Great hair cut

Cons: His bad jokes! :)

Posted 05/02/07