When asking yourself about something to do near me in Santa Cruz with a group of friends or family, consider
Faust Salon Downtown
Why Faust Salon Downtown is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Faust Salon Downtown, located in the heart of Santa Cruz since 2010, is a distinguished full-service hair salon and makeup studio celebrated for its commitment to quality and client satisfaction. Founded by expert stylists Phil Garza and Scott Thornburg, and currently led by stylist and owner Sebastian De Eldon, the salon fuses precision aesthetics with a welcoming, inclusive vibe. Situated in the Cooperhouse Tunnel Breezeway at 110 Cooper Street Suite 100E, Faust offers a broad range of haircare services including haircuts, balayage, highlights, extensions, grey blending, and keratin treatments, all using premium, natural product lines like SEVEN Haircare, Kevin Murphy, and Olaplex which are designed to promote hair health while avoiding detergent-based damage. The team at Faust Downtown includes highly trained, creative stylists with years of expertise, some with long tenures at the salon, known for delivering personalized consultations tailored to meet each client's unique desires. The salon is recognized within the LGBTQQIAAP+ community for its inclusive atmosphere and is noted for artistry in events and effects makeup as well. Conveniently near parking and local eateries, Faust Salon Downtown is an excellent place to meet up with friends and enjoy a high-quality, friendly, and creative beauty experience that goes beyond just a haircut.
Here's what people think of Faust Salon Downtown
As of recent, Faust Salon Downtown holds a 4.3-star rating based on 58 reviews.
Customer reviews of Faust Salon Downtown average around 4.2 to 4.3 stars, reflecting a generally positive client experience. Many reviewers praise the salon for its high service quality, professionalism, and inclusive, welcoming environment. The stylists are frequently commended for their expert skills, creativity, and consultative approach, making clients feel heard and ensuring desired styles are achieved. Positive feedback often highlights the friendly, fun atmosphere and the personalized attention given, with customers appreciating the use of quality products that improve hair health. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional issues such as difficulty securing timely appointments, potentially due to the salon's popularity and limited availability. A few customers mentioned frustration with customer service responsiveness or schedule changes but these instances appear less frequent. Overall, the reviews portray Faust Salon Downtown as a respected and trusted establishment where clients return for consistent quality and an enjoyable salon experience. The combination of expert stylists, premium products, and a strong inclusive culture makes it a sought-after destination in Santa Cruz for hair and beauty needs.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mika Park
Amanda did such an amazing job on my hair! We did some color correction and highlights and a trim. My hair just looks a million times better and so healthy. Im so happy with it and grateful for her! Highly recommend!
Zhou
Absolutely fantastic!!! I booked with Anya with pretty short notice and was able to have my hair dreams come true. Anya was super friendly, welcoming, and listened to what I wanted. She was able to take my naturally black hair to the ashy blonde that I've always wanted. I was in the salon for multiple hours but she made sure to check in with me and make sure I was comfortable throughout the entire service. I'm so happy with my hair and it's given me a wonderful confidence boost. Thank you so much!!!
Kristine P
Rachel Marie is fantastic. She's been my go to for getting fun cut and color, as well as turning some of my wild hairstyles into interview-ready looks. From my first appointment when I came in with over bleached/colored hair, after she managed to turn it back to my natural color I knew I'd be coming back.
Cel F
Integrity. Honesty. Accountability. These are all basic attributes a business should have, especially when dealing with something as sensitive as hair. This salon seriously LACKS all 3. Credit where credit is due, but also accountability where accountability is due. The stylist completely mishandled my keratin treatment by neglecting to use the product properly. My hair was left stiff and dry. After talking to another stylist/owner and confirming with the MANUFACTURER, it was clear the product was mishandled. They offered a redo, which was the bare minimum. The stylist even admitted she doesn’t like doing keratin treatments and removed it from her card. The service should have been reassigned to someone else when I requested an appointment. Terrible management, miscommunication nightmare. Proceed with extreme CAUTION if you care about your hair at all!
Erin Ritchie
Emily gave me one of the worst bang trims of my life. After talking her through my cut -- longer sides, touching mid eyebrow, feathered/textured layers -- she proceeded to cut the bangs straight across (no point cutting!), forgot to texture it until reminded, and took off an extra half inch. She spent five minutes trying to figure out how to even the sides (the left side was way longer than the right). She seems awesome with color and she’s a very nice person, but go somewhere else if you're looking for a haircut with bangs!
How to reach Faust Salon Downtown
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Website: None
Why rally at Faust Salon Downtown with your friends?
Faust Salon Downtown offers more than just expert hair care; it is an inviting space where friends can come together to enjoy a shared pampering experience that promotes confidence and relaxation. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply unwind and catch up, assembling at Faust Salon provides the perfect backdrop for connection and rejuvenation. The salon's reputation for quality service, combined with its welcoming atmosphere and skilled team, makes it an ideal destination to make lasting memories with your group. The focus on natural, high-quality hair care products ensures that everyone leaves feeling fresh and cared for, enhancing the collective experience. Moreover, the inclusive environment, especially welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, making it a safe and joyful place for any gathering. Overall, Faust Salon Downtown’s blend of professional expertise, warm ambiance, and thoughtful client care creates an inspiring space where friends can rally together not only to look their best but also to share a unique, enjoyable social outing.
What kinds of hair services does Faust Salon Downtown offer for groups and individuals?
Faust Salon Downtown specializes in a broad range of hair services that cater to diverse styling needs, making it perfect for groups with varying preferences. Visitors can book expert appointments for classic haircuts, detailed coloring, balayage, and highlights, allowing everyone in your group to customize their look. The salon is skilled in advanced treatments such as keratin smoothing, hair extensions, locs, and hair braiding, which provide transformative options for different hair types. Special kids’ haircuts are also available, making it a family-friendly venue where friends can bring children along for their grooming needs. In addition, the stylists at Faust Salon are renowned for their precision and artistry in special event hairstyles, which is ideal when hosting celebrations such as birthdays, reunions, or bridal parties. Each stylist offers personalized consultations to ensure every client’s desires and hair health considerations are thoroughly addressed. This variety in services means your group can enjoy a full day of beauty transformations tailored to each individual while sharing the excitement of the experience.
How does Faust Salon Downtown create a supportive and inclusive environment?
One standout feature of Faust Salon Downtown is its dedication to inclusivity and community support, particularly within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The salon proudly identifies as an inclusive space welcoming all, regardless of gender identity or expression, ensuring that everyone can feel comfortable and respected. The stylists receive continuous education on the latest trends and techniques while cultivating a culture of kindness and attentiveness. This commitment reflects in their warm customer interactions, making clients feel heard and valued. By fostering such an environment, Faust Salon Downtown encourages group visits where friends can relax without judgment, enhancing the social atmosphere. The salon's location in the Cooperhouse Tunnel Breezeway adds to its charm by placing it in a vibrant, community-oriented part of downtown Santa Cruz. This uplifting ambiance supports meaningful gatherings that are more than just appointments—they become shared experiences where people celebrate their identities together.
What makes the product selection at Faust Salon Downtown special, and why does it matter?
Faust Salon Downtown distinguishes itself by prioritizing hair health through the exclusive use of premium, natural hair care products. Their selection includes well-regarded brands like SEVEN Haircare, Kevin Murphy, and Olaplex, which are carefully chosen for their high-quality, non-damaging formulas. These products avoid harsh detergents that can strip hair of essential oils and damage strands over time. Instead, they focus on nourishing and enhancing the natural beauty of hair, whether it is colored, treated, or left natural. Using such trusted, salon-quality products ensures that every treatment delivers not only immediate aesthetic benefits but also long-term hair health. For groups, this means your time at Faust Salon becomes an investment in lasting confidence and self-care. Knowing that the stylists apply products designed by top industry experts adds an extra layer of trust and satisfaction, encouraging repeat visits that maintain both style and hair integrity.
What are the benefits of booking group appointments at Faust Salon Downtown?
Booking as a group at Faust Salon Downtown offers numerous advantages beyond the obvious joy of sharing the experience with friends or family. Since the salon staffs highly trained, experienced stylists who have long tenures, they can efficiently handle multiple clients without sacrificing personalized quality. Coordinating group appointments allows attendees to enjoy a seamless day of grooming, minimizing wait times and maximizing time together. The salon’s strong reputation and 4.3-star rating from 58 reviews reflect consistent client satisfaction, underscoring the reliability of their services. Group bookings can be tailored for special occasions such as bridal showers, birthday parties, or just casual beauty days, making the visit feel like a celebration that elevates friendships. Additionally, the salon’s downtown Santa Cruz location offers easy access to nearby cafes and eateries, allowing your gathering to extend naturally into a full social outing. Ultimately, group scheduling at Faust Salon Downtown combines convenience, quality, and camaraderie for a memorable experience.
How does the salon’s location enhance the meetup experience?
Situated in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz at 110 Cooper Street, Faust Salon Downtown benefits from a vibrant neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, and entertainment options. This prime location makes it easy for groups to plan a whole day out, blending self-care with social adventures. The nearby eateries like Roxa Hammock Café and Front & Cooper provide delicious places to grab a bite before or after your salon session, perfect for casual conversations and celebrations. Parking facilities such as the Cedar/Church Garage and River/Front Garage are conveniently close, making it hassle-free for guests arriving by car. The surrounding shops and community feel amplify the sense of gathering in a lively and friendly environment. Groups can easily flow from the salon to other activities downtown, such as browsing local stores or visiting Abbott Square Market, enriching the meetup beyond just hairstyling. Thus, the location supports an effortless and pleasant day for socializing as well as self-pampering.
What do reviewers say about the experience at Faust Salon Downtown?
Customer feedback highlights Faust Salon Downtown as a place where expert styling meets welcoming service. Many reviews praise the attentiveness of stylists who listen closely to clients’ wishes and deliver results that boost confidence. Anecdotes mention how stylists maintain comfort during lengthy treatments, showing genuine care beyond technical skill. The 4.3-star average rating from nearly 60 reviews reflects a strong overall satisfaction with haircut quality, coloring, and special event styling. Reviewers underscore the salon’s friendly vibe, which helps guests feel relaxed and valued. Such consistent positive commentary indicates that Faust Salon Downtown is well-suited for group visits where shared enjoyment and excellent hair results go hand in hand. It confirms the salon’s status as a trusted destination where friends and family can rally for both casual and special occasions with confidence.
In what ways does Faust Salon Downtown support health and beauty beyond the salon chair?
Faust Salon Downtown’s commitment to holistic hair health extends beyond cutting and styling by educating clients and using products that protect hair integrity. Their stylists provide consultative insights on maintaining hair between visits, empowering clients with knowledge to keep their hair vibrant and healthy. The chosen treatments, like Olaplex and keratin care, work internally to rebuild damaged hair and smooth texture, contributing to long-lasting results. This educational approach to beauty encourages repeat visits as clients see real improvements rather than short-lived fixes. The salon experience thus becomes part of an ongoing journey toward self-care, boosting both appearance and self-esteem. For groups, sharing these expert tips and results creates communal enthusiasm around well-being and beauty practices. The focus on nourishing treatments and client education marks Faust Salon Downtown as a leader in sustainable, health-oriented salon experiences.
How accessible is Faust Salon Downtown for scheduling and group needs?
Faust Salon Downtown offers flexible scheduling to accommodate group visits, with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days and shorter hours on Sundays. Clients can book appointments by phone or online, facilitating pre-planned gatherings without stress. While the Santa Cruz location is a popular choice, the salon also operates a Soquel location offering additional availability, providing alternatives for larger groups or busy schedules. The staff’s professional approach ensures smooth coordination and attentiveness whether for a single visitor or multiple clientele. This accessibility, combined with experienced customer service, helps groups plan their meetup efficiently, ensuring everyone’s needs and timing are met. The ability to book children’s haircuts alongside adult services further broadens the salon's accommodation of diverse group compositions, making it a flexible and inclusive venue perfect for family and friend events.
Why is Faust Salon Downtown ideal for special events and celebrations?
Faust Salon Downtown stands out as a top choice for special occasions due to its combination of professional expertise, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their stylists excel in event hair styling and makeup artistry, offering sophisticated looks that cater to weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other milestones. The salon’s commitment to client satisfaction means each celebration is tailored with personal touches that make guests feel unique and pampered. The inclusive environment also ensures all clients feel embraced, which is especially important for groups marking significant moments together. The spacious, modern, and aesthetically pleasing salon setting enhances the festive mood so that clients can enjoy both the transformation and socializing. Hosting your group’s special day at Faust Salon Downtown guarantees not only beautiful results but also an uplifting, memorable experience shared among friends or family.
What long-term benefits can groups expect from choosing Faust Salon Downtown?
Beyond the immediate enjoyment of a group meetup, Faust Salon Downtown offers lasting advantages through its expert care and inclusive culture. Clients leave with improved hair health and styles that enhance their daily confidence, reinforcing positivity that extends well beyond the salon visit. Group gatherings here can establish a tradition of shared self-care, strengthening friendships through regular beautifying experiences. The salon’s dedication to education means guests acquire practical hair maintenance knowledge, helping sustain the effects of their treatments over time. Furthermore, by supporting a local downtown business with ethical, natural product choices, customers contribute to a community that values sustainability and quality. Over time, frequent visits encourage a closer connection with trusted stylists who understand group members’ preferences, making each future appointment ever more personalized and enjoyable. Choosing Faust Salon Downtown for your group’s meetups ensures you invest in both beauty and community in equal measure.