Alkali Salon — Local services in Santa Ana

I wouldn’t recommend this salon based on my experience in June. I decided to give them a try because my regular stylist was out of town. When I arrived, I was seated and waited for the stylist, who showed up a bit late. Normally, I don’t mind if someone is running behind—especially if they let me know—but in this case, no one informed me of anything, which I found a little unprofessional.

The stylist who did my hair, I believe his name was Joey, and I discussed what I wanted—a hime cut (a specific Japanese hairstyle). My hair was shoulder-length at the time. He admitted he wasn’t really familiar with that style but was willing to try. I decided to give him a chance and trust the process.

He stepped away for a few minutes and came back showing me some TikTok videos of hime cuts to confirm that was what I wanted, and I told him yes. As he began cutting my hair, he kept asking to see the reference photos again—about four times—which made me a bit nervous. It quickly became clear that he didn’t know how to execute the style properly. Despite trying to trust him, he ended up cutting way too much off and completely botched the haircut. It looked nothing like what I had asked for.

I stayed calm and politely asked him to at least even out the rest of my hair to match the front, which unfortunately left me with a bob—completely different from the hime cut I wanted. I left the salon feeling disappointed and upset. I wouldn’t have minded if he had just been honest from the start and told me he wasn’t comfortable doing the style. I would’ve understood and gone elsewhere. But instead, he insisted on doing it, which led to a result I wasn’t happy with.

Additionally, during the appointment, I tried to make light conversation, but he barely responded. I felt like I was being ignored the entire time, which felt rude and made the experience even more uncomfortable.

I’ve learned my lesson and will be sticking with my regular stylist from now on. I won’t be...

(0 STARS) I WARN EVERYONE THAT WANTS TO BLEACH THEIR HAIR TO NOT GO THERE. A guy working there, I forgot his name, destroyed my hair and left me with half an inch of hair on the entire top of my head. I went almost 2 years having my bangs to the back to try to cover up, and finally I'm able to have my bangs back. All the top of my head was GONE. I had 6 years of bleached blonde hair previously and decided to go here to touch up my roots because I had recently moved to Orange County leaving my stylist behind in the Monterey County. My hair was smooth and silky before. The guy was careless and left me with the dryer on for so long. I went for a consultation before and he told me that it was going to be possible, so I did my homework before. As I was getting my hair bleached, he was walking away so often and it was a little odd but I tried not to mind then he sent another employee to tell me that my hair is gone. This happened in 2016 and my hair has barely grown as much as I had back then. Every time I pass by the salon I have so much rage. They still had the audacity to keep my $20 to schedule an appointment. I had to drive back to an emergency appointment with my hair dresser (6+ hour drive to get my hair to be better) and constantly have to be driving back because I feel like I can't trust any other hair dresser. Please DO NOT GO HERE YOUR HAIR WILL THANK YOU. (After 2 years I am back here to give a warning, if staff changed for good well good for them but the customer service and services...

If you’re looking for a stylist who goes above and beyond, you must see Leah at Alakli Salon. I can’t say enough good things about her—she is phenomenal in every sense of the word. From the moment I walked in, I felt I was in the best hands possible.

What stood out the most? Leah squeezed me in for a last-minute appointment—already a lifesaver—and still gave me her full attention like I was her only client that day. I had two rows of 22” extensions put in, and she took her time ensuring every detail was perfect. The result? Seamless. You would never know they weren’t my natural hair. They blend flawlessly, they feel weightless, and I’ve never loved my hair more.

On top of that, Leah is an incredibly talented colorist. Her eye for tone and detail is next level. She can enhance your natural beauty while delivering that “just stepped out of a magazine” finish. Clearly, she genuinely cares about her work—and even more so, her clients.

What makes Leah special isn’t just her skill (which is elite); it’s the way she creates a calm, welcoming, and thoughtful experience. She listens. She makes sure you feel confident, beautiful, and valued.

If you’re even considering a visit to Alakli, book with Leah. Whether it’s extensions, color, or just a fresh style—she’ll exceed your expectations and then some. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair now....