Doris Farinacci, 52, Santa Ana fulltime primary
I have been going to the salon for probably about 7-8 months maybe longer. My daughter and I walked down past the salon on the way to Starbucks for coffee at night. We always looked in the window and thought, “what a cool place.”I get Baliage, a kind of weave but she paints it into my hair. When it grows out you don’t get the sharp line (like with other techniques) so it looks more natural.I love the products that they use and I love the way Meleesa cuts because it moves with you.The whole ambience is fun and upbeat, and that’s how Meleesa is. She goes to New York to study all of this great stuff and comes back always learning new styles.
Kelly Strodl, 27, Foothill Ranch
Ever since I started with Meleesa the Salon my hair has been different, tamed and still me in a way I never thought would be possible without major chemicals.I personally appreciate the time and attention she spends on every detail, making sure that each session is more than just getting a cut and being sent on my way.Each time I come in, as busy as my day is before and after each visit to Meleesa, I plop down in that vinyl orange seat and easily forget everything else on my plate.An aromatherapy scalp massage always seems like her way of non-verbally telling the customer that whatever hectic schedule you bring into the shop, it can be checked at the door - like an unneeded coat – just breath in the essential oils and be in the moment.Almost always opting for a simple straight-edged razor over the traditional set of cutting shears, Meleesa has a way of shaping my curls that pulls the layers together around my face while keeping each lock distinct.I never leave a session without Meleesa offering some bit of advice in combating the daily unruliness of my coarse locks. So many tricks! And she openly imparts this wisdom so that her customers can take it home and make it part of your daily routine.
Tiffany Findley, 40, Long Beach
I’ve been with Meleesa for years, since before she opened her salon. I worship the ground this girl walks on…from her approach and energy to her business acumen and how she approaches all she does. She knows my hair, works with it and gets to know it personally. I’ve got long, course, somewhat frizzy hair, and if I didn’t do anything to my hair that’s what it would look like. Meleesa completely tames the beast. She solves the problem I have been trying to solve for years, how to taper it around my face. I’ve been to a lot of salons in L.A. and they all make me feel really used. Not Meleesa; she just completely brings me down and mellows me out.I remember the first time I walked in, we sat down and started talking and she started picking my hair apart. She colored it, washed it, cut and dried it, and then says “hmm, I guess I should have asked you what you wanted.” And I am so paranoid with my hair, but it never even crossed my mind. It’s truly the most organic experience with out any of it being forced or contrived. It’s just this little Shangri-la.
Kevin Lawrence, 25, Huntington Beach
My roommate and I moved in when this space was still empty. One thing I’ve noticed when it opened, Meleesa is always adding new things to the shop, art, jewelry, new techniques. Plus she holds a lot of events that are great ways to get the local community in. A lot of her energy comes with the charity work that she does, incorporating that into the business plans something that benefits the salon in a major way.I had been to Costa Rica before and Meleesa and I found that common bond. Living right down the street, I’ve had a good opportunity to watch the salon grow. Every time you come in, it’s a very welcoming atmosphere. She’s really creative as far as haircutting goes. Most guys go the barber shop or Supercuts routes, which is what I did for years. She trouble shoots on thing I can improve on, tons of recommendations. It’s more than the typical guy thing offered at other salons.You can tell that she loves her work.
Lauren Gegan, 25, Paulo Alto
While Lauren lived in the OC for about a year she visited the salon frequently, finding that only Meleesa could get a color and cut decent enough for a night out on the town the moment she stepped out the salon’s front door.“I moved back up to the Bay area recently. I tried a few new places and got really nervous. They would look at my hair and say it would be really complicated. I thought ‘with Meleesa this was never complicated.’”So to alleviate the issue Lauren flies down about every three months to visit with friends and make a stop at Meleesa the Salon.“I can come in and know I am going to walk out looking really beautiful,” she said. “Other places I would walk out and they would say “wait a week and the color will fade.”
Courtney Noelle Maddox
I have to tell you that it has been a while since I came in to have my hair done. I called RANDOMLY on a Saturday night. You squeezed me in with Ashley! IT HAS BEEN AGES SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN A HAIR CUT THAT I LOVE, AND WELL ASHLEY DID AN AMAZING JOB!!!!!!! For some reason we connected and I had her stylize and trusted her opinion. She gave me one of the best hair cuts I have ever gotten. This is a huge compliment considering I haven’t been able to find someone in the LA or OC for years since my Friend Missy left to NY. She use to cut and style my hair for many years. She is an amazing stylist and no one has compared since she left. Well let me tell you I am very happy to report Ashley is the next big thing! I got so many compliments on my hair this week and love it. It is super cute and easy to style and I feel great! Although it was a little out of my budget the cut is worth it and I feel like a million dollars! (Perfect considering I am turning 30 this week) Anyhow Ashley did a wonderful job and I will be back to have her style my look again! The best part I just had her do what she does best and trusted her to give me the look that she felt would fit me best. She did a great job! Thanks again and I will be in again!
April 25th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I am a new customer and I love it here. The people are great and they give awsome haircuts. I was introduced me to Meleesa’s by a family member and I am glad that introduced to this salon. I have gotten the Japanese hair straightening done twice and have gotten multiple haircuts. Bot hahve turned out great. They are so talented and have a relaxing environment.
April 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I have been coming to see Melessa for close to eight years now. I have trusted her enough to follow her as she moved from working in salons, to finally owning her own! Melessa has been both a good friend and an amazing stylist. After a truly horrifying experience at another salon, I came to Melessa timid and full of fear about trying new styles and colors with my hair. But Melessa engendered trust very quickly, listened to what I wanted, and I had complete faith in what she suggested for my hair. She has never let me down! Melessa also takes time to explain what she is doing to my hair and also suggests many tips as to how to upkeep my hair between visits. I have very long hair that I die constantly but it is very healthy thanks to the care that Melessa takes in helping me maintain my hair.
I also had Melessa style my hair on the day of my wedding. She provided such a relaxed and calm atmosphere for the morning of my wedding, the bridal party had such a blast getting ready there! Not to mention the fact that her salon is so unique that we were able to take truly amazing pictures of the bridal party getting ready.
Melessa is always honing and perfecting her craft and she truly loves her work. I trust that Melessa always has the most up to date information regarding products, hair care and maintenance. I would recommend Meleesa without hesitation to anyone who is timid about change, wants to try something new, or just needs a little time to be pampered in a fun, relaxing salon.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Meleesa has been cutting my hair for about 5 years now. When I walk in I just say to her, “fix it”! Then she conjurs up life, movement and style on my fine, thin hair. She is truly in her element as a salon owner. Her business is highly professional and friendly. And her shop is unique and creative. Thanks Meleesa for working all your magic!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Meleesa is the best! I just moved here from Fresno and I went in to get a consultation from her and was so impressed with her knowledge and the relaxing atmosphere in the salon itself! I also love her dogs! When I went into the salon as a blonde with shoulder length hair I let her do whatever she wanted and I came out with a totally different, but amazing look! I have gotten so many compliments and I love it! She has made me feel like a totally new person and I love her for it! Thank-you Meleesa!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
thanks to all of you who post wonderful reviews about me! The funny thing is that all of you are the reason i am deeply fullfiled in my daily “job” i don’t call it a job i call it my freedom. SEE ya all very soon
July 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Meleesa is by far the best stylist I have ever been to. Her salon was extremely warm and inviting, and she made the experience wonderful. I turned over to her my hair to do with as she pleased, and she did not disappoint. I highly recommend her if you want a truly great hair experience.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
The moment I stepped in Meleesa’s salon I fell in love! I have had my hair done twice by Meleesa and not only has it been truly an amazing hair style but also a wonderful experience all together. I moved to Los Angeles four years ago and have been to numerous salons in the city, but nothing has been like Meleesa’s salon. I commute from Los Angeles to get my hair done by Meleesa because it is truly worth it. I never really know what exactly I want done, but she knows exactly what to do each time. Meleesa has the most brilliant imagination and talent.
This salon has THE BEST environment with positive energy and I cannot imagine anyone walking out unhappy. I truly recommend this salon for every person that takes pride in the way their hair looks. And… I cannot forget to mention the amazing mystic tan they give, I felt like I went to the Bahamas for a week, but it was only a quick spray on!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! SEE YOU SOON!
October 11th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
thanks all you amazing supporting lovely friends that make our world go Round!!!
keep them coming
October 14th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
In all my life I’ve never felt compelled to schedule my next hair appointment for 8 weeks out, right after having my hair cut! As a new customer, I felt so comfortable and welcomed, excited to come back for my next appointment.
The overall experience in this salon is amazing and impressive. Everyone there really knows what they’re doing and the customer service is purely warm. Meleesa is wonderful and you quickly learn what a warm and kind person she is inside and out. Everyone there is just as warm and kind, too.
Her creativity and the creativity of the salon team is obvious when you walk into the salon - it is an inspirational and relaxing place to let down your hair. I assure you, you’ll walk out feeling on top of the world… I love my hair cut!!! And that’s a first! Thanks Meleesa!
October 16th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
<p>Ohh i am glad you are feeling how i dreamed you and anyone that steps foot in The Amazing place MEleesa the Salon is. thanks for sharing your experience with others i value the time you took to share and thanks for coming in.<br />
meleesa</p>
October 29th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Meleesa Salon is the best! Kristyn has been doing my hair for almost 4 years now and not only is she phenomenal -I wont let anyone but her touch my hair, but the salon itself aids in making the experience that much better! Everyone who works there is very outgoing and down to earth, the design of the salon is whimsical and fun, and when you come you feel extremely relaxed like you’re hanging out with your best friends. I am always looking forward to my visit =]
January 30th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I just wanted to say Thank You Jamie for taking care of my son Damon…he had an amazing time at the Dance.
Also, looking forward to getting my DO Done on Saturday Febuary 7th at 12:30…..
I am going to Vegas and my friend scheduled me with her lady but then I was like I remember how beautiful Melessa hair looked (red) and so I cancelled her and rescheduled with you guys.
SO excited!!
Thanks
Anna C
March 11th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Meleesa,
I just want to take a quick minute to say how much I appreciate your recent email. My family has been fortunate that in this current environment we are housed, dressed, and fed. What more can I ask for? Obviously, everyone has not been so lucky.
Your email was so thoughtful and supportive, with specific suggestions that can be used immediately by everyone — those being touched directly and those touched more indirectly by the financial struggles of the times.
Kudos to you for reaching out to your customers. We love you too, and it is reasons like these that many of us are clients for good. Keep up the good work, and you’re right — this too shall pass.
Love, Leanne
March 14th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
thanks so much. i really do care about all of the world and it’s hard to see so much negative stuff and forget the beauty of things and how with a simple smile, hug, or compliment you can shift things. it’s free and changes the world one bit at a time.
thanks so much for reading the emails. we put a lot of thought and energy to reach out to you guys and stay connected
love and peace,
meleesa
June 10th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I just went to Meleesa for my first visit and she was a godsend! My hair had been overprocessed and had very chunky multi-colored highlights. I wanted a more natural, blended look and a more interesting haircut without losing any length. I was afraid it would have to be cut to eliminate the colors and damage. Meleesa saved it! She reconditioned my hair, corrected the colors and gave my hair a fun shape without losing the length. My hair looks the best it has since I moved here! I’m now a regular. Meleesa really listened, and is truly an expert. Plus the salon is fun and relaxing, and I love the Bumble & Bumble products.