Ecco Hair Studio

Mr. Taylor has been cutting my hair for over 20 years ...and I have not once left his chair unhappy. I have referred many-many clients to him who have all raved about how great he is. Yes, there are some ding-bats who work at the front desk (uh, hello? You answer phones for a living, get over yourselves!). Yes, the vibe is a little weird there (mainly because of a few bad apples, but the bunch in general are good ones), but not so much that I'd forego my hair cut from Mark. A lot of staff has come and gone because of drama there, so sometimes it feels like you're walking into a different place, but my good ole boy, Mark Taylor, has stayed put for a long time and avoids that nonsense. I suppose you must decide what's important to you. Do you want a world-class haircut? Do you want an atmosphere that leaves you weak at the knees? Do you want everyone to kiss your touche? You can find all of these qualities at different places, for sure, but you will not find the haircut that Mark can give anywhere, but at ECCO. He's so talented and he's fun to talk with. The man really does give good head! I don't go to ECCO for socializing or sipping lattes. I go there to get the haircut that I want and I always do.

If Mark Taylor is unavailable to cut, I book with Mari. She's REALLY good. I recommend her, too.

I am extremely picky when it comes to color, and I didn't think I would find anybody who could do just as good job as my former colorist after I moved to So Pas. Chris is just as fabulous, if not BETTER, than the person I swore by for 8 years. She is fabulous, and for always doing such a precise job, she is fairly quick! (Which is nice...you don't want to spend your whole day in the salon!)

Karina cuts my hair and is also fabulous. She is extremely personable, patient, and always gives me tips on how to take care of my hair. Plus, she is adorable!

My husband and step-son also get there hair cut at Ecco. My husband is very picky about his cuts because he has a LOT of dark, wavy hair. He never leaves unhappy, and he thinks that the people he has seen are very down-to-earth.

The best part is that it is walking distance from our house!

Stephen cuts my hair. In fact I only need to go twice a year because his haircuts look so fabulous even while growing out.
I have medium long hair and though it is never the same - I always love it.
And even better I get lost of compliments.
As far as I know he also works in the movie industry.

I have been coming to Ecco for several months and Karina is the greatest. She is very sweet and helps me find new colors that I love. I am never left waiting and she always gives me a hug when I leave!

My wife and I are pleased to let the world know that following an incident of poor treatment 1/08 that the management of Ecco has responded with apologies and remedies for what occurred. To us the true test of a business or service is how they respond to problems, in this case; they were outstanding. We plan to continue to patronize Ecco and invite others to do the same!

I went to Ecco more than once. Diane cut my hair and it always was the same cut no matter how many times I asked for something different. Finally, her assistant came up to me and told me Diane tells all her clients to have shorter hair because Diane doesn't want to deal with long hair. In particular, she hates blow drying long hair. No wonder I could never get a cut I asked for. This is very bad customer service.

I witnessed many stylists gossip and say rude things about their customers more than once. Not a positive experience during a haircut.

This business is not run with a professional attitude.

I advise anyone considering this salon to not bother. There are too many great salons in Pasadena that are much more friendly and professional.

Well, I cannot "echo" the last rating or review.My experience with all the professionals and staff at "ECCO" comes with over 5 years of loyalty and in return, their service is consistently courteous, engaging and with the goal of having each client looking their best, feeling right at home. I'm left wondering what time of day the last reviewer visited the salon......maybe it was more than just a bad hair day that contributed to a questionable rating.rt

PROS: Like family
CONS: none

I've been getting my hair cut and colored at Ecco for several years now, and I never want to go anywhere else. Chris is the best colorist I've ever found. As if that weren't enough, she's also quick, great fun to gossip with, and honors her appointment times religiously. Carlos cuts my hair so precisely that it looks good for weeks longer than he probably wishes it would. I don't have experience with any of the other stylists, but my best friend (who also goes to Chris for color) swears by Taylor.

I haven't been to any other salon recently, so I don't really know how Ecco's prices compare, but they seem quite reasonable to me. Carlos charges $50 for a cut, and color ranges from $80 to $150, depending on what I have done. The shop has a nice vibe, too--friendly and laid-back, not intimidatingly trendy or snooty like many of the places that do this quality of work. You can go there in your sweats and no makeup and not feel like people are judging you. Plus, they stay open until 7 p.m. a couple days a week, so I can get my hair done after work and avoid the Saturday crowd. Couldn't ask for more.

All I have to say is....Taylor is the best hair cutter ever!!! He has been in the biz for over 20 years and really knows his stuff!!! I have been going to him for 10, and would never go to anyone else. I love my cut, thanks Taylor!
Great Salon is South Pasadena, easy to get to, lots of parking, Thursday night street fair, fun, fun, fun! there is a little coffee house next door with tables and chairs out side to sit at while you wait, very nice!

PROS: Fun area!
CONS: None!

Ecco is fantastic, I've been a customer there for over 9 years. Stephen (not Steven) ALWAYS gives me the BEST cuts I've ever had. I get so many compliments on my hair, and everyone agrees. My hair is not easy and I'm not easy to please, but Stephen is great and always has a great personality, he is thoughtful and a really great stylist. Overall, I would send anyone to Ecco AND specifically to Stephen.....which I have done many times. I think the person below, may need other treatments to her head besides a haircut....quit her job? can't leave the house? really.......get real!!

PROS: Skilled staff and management, always on top of the best products and styles
CONS: Can't think of any.

My wife went to this place a month ago for the first time and she was pleasantly surprised. She was offered something to drink (soda, water) and had a nice head massage. The haircut was fantastic and she looks stunning.

PROS: Nice ambiance, good service, good prices
CONS: None

When I arrived in California 9 years ago, I was told by a friend that nobody can color like Chris and nobody can cut like Taylor. I have had my hair styled in many different salons all over the world and the advice I was given was definitely correct. Nine years later I am very happy with the care and attention I receive by all members of staff and, especially, Chris and Taylor. Everyone is friendly and I look forward to my visits. I have tried several syles and colors through the years and have been happy with them all. I would find ECCO difficult to replace and look forward to many future cuts.In addition, my quite critical daughters, aged 22 and 20, are also regular clients.

PROS: Excellent color and cut
CONS: Need to book ahead

I got my hair styled by Taylor a week ago and I'm still flying high! My hair has never looked so good! My husband loves it and my friends do, too!
Taylor was really patient when we talked before my cut. Throughout the process of cutting, drying and styling my hair, Taylor gave me a step by step about what he was doing and how to achieve the same look at home. The conversation wasn't entirely about hair. He's just really friendly and has a super sense of humour. It was a fun experience overall! Taylor is an extremely talented stylist. Thank you!!!!

I love my hair, Chris is the best colorist in LA, and Michael the best stylist! I am so happy to have found this winning team of professionals. I recommend this place, they care, they have talent they will make you happy as I am.

I am not kidding when I say he has changed my life. My hair has never looked this good before. I have thin, straight hair and thought I could not do layers, but the way he cuts it looks great. I get constant compliments on my hair. Considering the full salon treatment, including scalp massage and snacks, the price is a bargain.

PROS: great haircut at a great price
CONS: none

I heard about Gillian from a few friends who's highlights and cuts I loved. In the past the highlights I'd recieved didn't go all the way to the roots and looked unnatural and either too brassy or too platinum. I would leave every "high end, westside salon" feeling like I paid too much, and looked like I'd gotten a cookie cutter weave and the same long layers that everyone has. I'd usually have to purchase products at the salon to fix the damage done to my hair by the stylist!

When I met Gillian and asked for suggestions and showed her some pictures of hair color and cuts that I actually liked she was so helpful and made me feel at ease right away. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable with the color line but she actually listened to what I really wanted and gave me helpful suggestions. I knew right away that I was in good hands. I was in and out faster than I had ever been before. I couldn't believe that I was actually colored and cut by the same stylist without being passed around and moved around having to explain what I wanted over and over.

After the shampoo, I saw the color and was actually shocked that the color was exactly what I've wanted since I started coloring my hair 10 years ago. The cut went the same way and was actually created not just done. Then to my amazement, the blowdry gave my hair volume which is tough to do with my hair texture. I didn't have to wash it for days nor touch up the blowdry after rolling out of bed.

The salon has a lovely ambiance and Gillian's prices are beyond reasonable. Gillian is a REAL artist and the only person I'll ever let touch my hair again! You saved my hair and I'm FINALLY THRILLED WITH THE COLOR AND CUT!!! I've never had so many (any) compliments on my hair and will send everyone I know! Thanks 1,000,000...and see you soon!

I've been going to Stephen faithfully for about 5 years now. I LOVE him and joke that he's my beauty therapist. I absolutely love the color and cuts he does on my hair and have never felt better, more confident or received more compliments on my hair and overall look. Stephen is a master at what he does and he really has changed my life.

p.s. The shampoo head massages are amazing and there's always an abundance of laughter when you're in Stephen's chair.

I have very thick curly hair, and most of my life I just thought I'd have to put up with whatever it wanted to do. About 10 years ago, a friend suggested I get my hair cut by Taylor. It was a revelation! He worked with my curls to craft a beautiful look I could duplicate easily, and showed me how to straighten it if I wanted to. Well, I followed Taylor when he moved to ECCO, and just about that time my hair started graying, so I began getting my color done by Chris. She understands color better than anyone I've ever met, and knows how to make it work with curly hair. I constantly get compliments on my hair, thanks to Taylor and Chris!!! I won't go anywhere else.

PROS: Great stylists, relaxed atmosphere.
CONS: none

Ignore any bad reviews as far as ECCO is concerned! This place is great! I have impossible hair - thick, bushy and coarse. I have been using Chris and Diane for OVER TEN YEARS! (I followed them from their last place of employment.) I wouldn't even consider going to another place. Last time I walked out of ECCO, my hair looked gorgeous. People noticed. Chris is my colorist and she knows her stuff. Diane cuts my impossible hair beautifully. You would not believe how many stylists I tried before I found Chris and Diane. What I am going to do if they ever retire, I don't know!!!!

The atmosphere in ECCO is great. Very youthful. But everyone is very professional, friendly and courteous. And all the products which have been recommended really work.

A bonus - ECCO is in a nice part of So. Pasadena. A coffee bistro is close by, antique shops are just a few blocks away, and there is a great street fair on Thursdays. You could actually spend a nice afternoon in this area.

Bottom line: if you want to look good and be taken care of by nice people who know what they're doing - go to ECCO. I spent a long time looking for a place this good!

PROS: Chris and Diane will make you look great!
CONS: NONE

I have been getting my hair cut and colored at Ecco ever since I moved to South Pas 13 years ago. The atmosphere and the talent at this shop are first-rate -- it's a friendly, neigborhoody, chic salon where customers are valued and treated like great friends. Lots of laughter and great conversation at times and quiet understatement at others. It's REAL and the people are caring and authentic. You can't go wrong with any of the stylists -- they are ALL excellent -- Chris and Stephen and Michael and Diane and Robert and Taylor are all great... as are the others.

Chris, one of the co-owners, has been coloring my hair for many years now and she is a master. She listens. She won't go crazy with the highlights if you're looking for a subtle, natural look. She'll cover your gray expertly and it won't look inky (we brunettes have to worry about that). But if you want to go wild, she has the creative know-how to get you there.

Stephen, the other co-owner, was like a breath of fresh air when he came to the salon some years ago. The place was already great but got even better. Ecco got a spiffy remodel and its welcoming, fun atmosphere is largely due to Stephen. On top of that, he is an expert with hair and make-up.... He has a number of celebrity clients that he's had for years, ones who most would agree always look natural and gorgeous. The thing is, when he talks to you about what might look best for you and then cuts and styles your hair, he is totally into it. I love the way he does my hair, time after time. He is super creative and knows how to give you the best cut and style for your particular face and look. He takes the time to explain how you can maintain the cut, and will teach you how to style it, step by step. He makes you feel beautiful -- and hey, isn't that why we go in the first place?

After consistently having Taylor cut my hair and keep me looking fabulous for over 18years I lost out on my appointment because of a rude, racist receptionist. I am a woman of color with professional degrees and a professional career. The receptionist on the morning of 1/5/08 was snooty, dismissive and worse, bigoted. I know when I'm being treated like "the maid". There was a mix up because I switched appointments with my husband. At no time did the receptionist apologize, suggest another appointment, etc.I hope the owners read this she should be fired or the salon should cease to offer services to people of color; funny all of our money is the same color...I'm sad, Taylor is great but I don't know that I'll return.

I used to get my hair done at Ecco because I live so close by. But I finally got tired of all the rudeness, attitude and unprofessional staff.I liked my stylist (when she didn't cancel, run late, have some kind of personal crisis, blah blah blah...)The last straw was overhearing a stylist saying nasty things about me because I had shown up for my appointment on time! They were running late (again) and apparently my presence was stressing them out. I took my business elsewhere (Starr House - they're amazing!) and will NEVER come back.

Ecco is one of the best places I know to get your hair cut. The staff here are top notch, very professional, and friendly and the service is just terrific overall. I think the prices are a bit high, but maybe it's just because I am cheap. Great atmosphere, nice facility. The place is pretty easy to find and it is well kept.

I had a very bad experience there. The staff are rude and unpleasant. Will never go back.

I noticed that all the reviews that are less 4 or 5 stars for this place have mysteriously been erased.

Don't believe what you read here. I know at least 4 people who have had bad haircuts and unpleasant experiences at this salon.

I revisited Karina at Ecco last week. She colored and highlighted my hair as we had discussed during my first appointment with her. Each person (who knew me) that saw my hair after it was colored and highlighted commented on great it looked. My husband's friend said, "I like your highlights." My neighbor said, "Your color looks great, makes your eyes stand out." I hadn't put on my makeup yet that day. What could be better than that? I already made my next appointment with Karina for my birthday party soon. I look forward to the, How great you look! I know I'll receive.

I went to this salon on a lark. I have lived in the area for a while and like to try local businesses. It was not a good experience. The place had bad vibes. My haircut was acceptable, but nothing special. At least I gave it a try, but I will not go back. It was really expensive for a hole in the wall place. However, I did had a coffee at a really great coffee place that is next door.