Pomona Beauty Sanctuary

Laurie, at Pomona Beauty Sanctuary, single-handedly assuaged my biggest wedding crisis. I cold-called her after my hair/make-up options fell through at the last minute, and she managed my panic quite well. She called me precisely when she said she would, found time for me to come in for a trial within days, and adjusted her schedule to get me ready in time on my big day.

I went in for my trial knowing only that I wanted a very simple up-do and natural-looking makeup. After some discussion, she suggested a low bun that turned out to be precisely the look I wanted. On my wedding day, Laurie came in early to accomodate my schedule and even touched up my mother's hair at the last minute. We were both thrilled with the results and appreciative that the cost was so reasonable.

I cannot recommend Laurie highly enough.

Pros: Relaxing, friendly atmosphere, very service-oriented, reasonably priced

Cons: none that I experienced

Posted 11/10/08

I went to Pomona Beauty Sanctuary today to get a color and cut, and I couldn't be happier! I wanted a short, funky style, but I have a round face and wasn't sure what would flatter me. I showed Laurie some of my ideas and told her to do what she thought would look good. She gave me an amazing cut that flattered my face well, and was exactly what I wanted! She also colored it with a dark red and highlighted it with some blonde and another shade of red. I have never had such a wonderful experience at a salon! She is the best hairdresser I've ever been to in my life. I highly recommend her! You won't regret it!

Posted 10/08/08

I went for the first time to see Karina. Indeed, she is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. i got low lights which were well done (alhtough not exactly what i had in mind). However, i asked Karina to cut off a little off (split ends) but insisted on keeping my long length (this hair growing has been a long a patience- demanding process). My hair was below my breast and is now a LITTLE over shoulder length! (no exaggeration).
I know hair dressers always cut more than you ask but in this case it way too much (dont care how much "it needed it"!). Would go back for coloring but not for cut.

Pros: salon, products, atmosphere, small and intimate

Cons: the results not as expected

Posted 12/06/07

I have frequented this salon and my first experience was positive. My hair looked great and the highlightswas perfect. The second time I went, they did a terrible job on my hair, uneven bangs, too much lowlights, too little highlights. I have decided to go elsewhere even though its convenient and the atmosphere is relaxed.

Posted 12/03/07

I'm thrilled to have discovered Karina 5 years ago. I have fine, limp hair that's naturally a mousy brown color and it's never looked better! Karina is talented and flexible with hair and has a warm, supportive personality. She's always creative about varying my look when I need a change and has great ideas about what will look best for the season. And her haircuts always grow out beautifully.

Karina also did my hair and make-up for my wedding and I see her several times a year for different cuts and highlights. I love Pomona!

Pros: Great value and extremely professional and creative

Posted 05/30/07

I just wanted to comment on the latest review. I recently went to Karina, and brought my daughter in a few days later for a cut. My friend goes to her, and have for years, and have only spoken highly of her. I got a great cut, and she was very sweet and professional. My daughter who had a fear of getting her hair cut, had a great time. Karina is very good with kids. She now keeps asking, when we are going back to visit? I cant imagine, why this client didnt go back and had Karina fix her hair. Dont think that would have been a problem! It sounds like an honest mistake.
I will definitely go back to Karina, and so will my daughter!

Pros: Cute place, nice staff, good for kids.

Cons: None

Posted 05/09/07

I was looking for someone to give me a nice haircut online, and because of the great reviews written about Karina, I thought I should give it a try. The result was the worst hair cut ever, I asked for layered hair and she layered only on one side and now seems unven, everyone tells me its obvious and they laugh when I tell them I paid $60 for it. Avoid if you could. and I am sure the people who are posting those comment are her friends and family.

Pros: friendly staff

Cons: everything else

Posted 05/06/07

I am someone who has been very cheap about haircuts until I had my haircut at Pomona with Karina. It was worth every penny. She really took the time to ask me what I wanted. She styled it in a way that was exactly what we talked about. My hair style now is so easy to maintain and yet still looks good. She did magic on my hair, that's all I can say.

I'm getting all my haircuts by Karina because it was the best cut I've ever had.

Pros: best haircut I've ever had

Cons: none

Posted 04/30/07

For years I was terrified of getting my hair cut, it's curly sometimes, straighter at others, grows at odd angles...I'd had some classic intimidated to say something after and/or crying when I got home experiences.
Then I found Karina seven years ago. I remember joking that I was going to have her cut my hair for the rest of my life, because she was around the corner from my house and a sweetheart (I didn't say, but thought: plus what difference does it ever make so I might as well give up and stick with convenient and nice). Well it made a big difference, it was perfect, and each cut, trim and color I've had since then has been also! I am in heaven. Karina never goes wrong because she treats clients the way I imagine she would like to be treated and listens to even the smallest request or new idea.
If I get different styles for summer and winter (hats, humidity...) or a slight variation in color just for fun, Karina remembers the one from six months ago, even several years if I've made a big change and want to go back! She knows my hair and treats each client equally as an individual as far as I can tell.
Something I dreaded has turned into a wonderful treat. The salon is tiny, lovely, relaxing, with quiet music that turns out to be from a great collection if you care to pay attention. Too often we can't stop talking though. We have gotten to know each other's families (mine in person and Karina's through stories), and look forward to news. Even the the other Pomona clients seem to be particularly nice people and the tiny shop (one other chair) occasionally gets into a conversation. For those who don't like to chat, I've seen sleepy silent faces in the chair, taking a look when Karina asks for an opinion, and looking as happy as everyone else when they finally get up...which usually means as thrilled as I am.
Treat yourself to a great haircut, a wonderful little sanctuary, and an hour with a young woman who cares about her work and cares about others.

Pros: skill, caring, ambience, relaxing treat with great results

Cons: none

Posted 04/29/07

I have been a client of Karina's for at least 7 years now. I began going to her after I heard she was excellent with curly or wavy hair, but I have also referred friends with straight hair and they love going to her, too. She is great at coming up with ways to update or change my style and she's also a good listener when I have ideas or concerns. Both Karina and Laurie are very friendly and easy-going; Pomona is not an intimidating kind of salon. After my appointments I always leave looking great and feeling great.

Posted 04/26/07

Karina's been cutting my hair for about four years now and I won't let anyone else near it. My hair is thick and difficult to cut and in the past I've had some people mangle it. But when I walk out of Pomona I always look good ... at least I know my hair does.

Pros: Nice people. Great hair cuts.

Cons: It's not free. But what is?

Posted 12/09/06

If you're in need of a new 'do, be sure to visit Pomona Salon and ask for Karina. Every time I go, I let Karina work her magic. She always surprises me with a beautiful cut and color that makes me feel beautiful. Every time I leave the salon, my hair feels silky soft and I feel much younger, prettier and refreshed. In all the years I've been going to Karina, I've never gotten the same hairstyle twice... she is creative, imaginitive and great fun to spend an hour with! I've referred all of my friends to her. Karina can work wonders with straight hair like mine and she specializes in curly hair too! This stylist has it all... give her a try!

Pros: Great location, highly skilled knowlegeable stylists

Cons: None

Posted 12/07/06

Pomona is a very charming salon in a great area. Its small and cozy, so I always feel relaxed when Im there. I have been going to Karina for over 7 years. I followed her from Aveda, and I really look forward to my appointment. She always makes me feel like a new person. She is a great listener and very fun to talk to. Karina has curly hair like me, and knows how to give a great cut that works for my hair. I was never able to find anyone, who knew how to cut curly hair before. She gives great advise on styling products, and how to style curly hair. The colors she uses are gentle, and makes my hair feel great and shiny. Im now addicted to highlights. I refer my coworkers and friends to her, so now we keep up with each other through Karina

Pros: Relaxing, friendly, can bring your kids, also for cuts.

Cons: None

Posted 12/05/06

If you are in need of a great style, color & conversation too, then you have to check out Karina at Pomona Salon in the heart of the hip & trendy, Park Slope, Brooklyn! The salon is convenient to transportation, is very quaint & always personal. They don't have blaring music or a wild atmosphere. They do have a very charming & relaxing retreat for all your senses. Karina is very good at listening to your desires for a new look, while offering her best recommendations. I haven't seen anything that she cannot do with hair, from edgy to professional, thick or fine, curly to pin straight (like mine), she can create the style you desire, at very reasonable rates too! Karina is a great stylist who gets to know her clients & their families & best of all, she loves what she does & it shows! Give her one try & you'll be hooked!

Pros: great location, returns calls personally, exciting personality

Cons: What cons?

Posted 12/05/06

The Pomona Salon is a wonderful salon. Both hairstylists are very personal and extremely skilled. I have been going to Karina for many years and feel amazing every time I walk out. Karina is able to give me the exact color and cut that makes me look and feel great, without repeating the same style each time. Karina is up-to-date, cutting-edge, personal and above all, listens to what style you are looking for.
Give Karina a try, she is worth it!

Pros: Professionalism, Style & Ambience

Cons: Can't come up with any!

Posted 12/03/06