Aida Grey Beauty Salon

Absolutely love my ultra-​fabulous updo!
I called around to find a last minute updo stylist and Farideh was such a pleasure to speak with, I felt really comfortable going to her. I had an unusual event request: I needed a fashionista updo for a Zoolander 2 movie screening. I wish I had a photo of Farideh’s face when I pulled out a bird’s nest, a bird, and countless butterflies and told her to go nuts! Haha. I was pleasantly surprised when she jumped right in and joined the fun!
She seriously did an amazing job, and while I had cleared 2 hours «just in case» she was completely done in 35 minutes– she’s like «the Flash» of the hair stylist world! I felt like I was watching a model runway scene in a movie– she moved 90 miles an hour, teased and stacked my hair in perfect sections in less than two minutes (this takes me 25 minutes) and proceeded to create this incredible, classic yet intricate updo. Then, like magic, she added all my little «items» for picture perfect shock effect.
My hair was a serious hit!
Not only did she do an amazing job, she was sooooo sweet (even greeted me with a hug) and in the end, it was only $ 40! Whatttttttttt! Doesn’t get any better than this!

I can’t even put into words how horribly this place butchered my hair. All I wanted was an inch off, she cut five. The two sides are COMPLETELY uneven and I have a huge chunk of layers randomly up by my ear. I didn’t even know a haircut could turn out this horribly. Their explanation? It’s what she thought «would look best.» I don’t even know what to do to fix it. It’s going to take a year to grow back out. DO NOT GO HERE!!!

amazing hair color by shalu. she is quick and knows her stuff!
the best highlights ever!

I come here all the time because Shalu can do everything for me. Her eyebrow threading is the best, the shape is Perfect and she always checks to make sure it is what I want. I never know what to do with my hair and she takes caution and always makes it beautiful. She works easily with time and likes to accommodate. Now for my favorite part, her facials are so relaxing and the products she uses do wonders for my face. Before coming here i had off and on problems with breakouts, we tried different products to see what worked best for my skin type, her biggest concern was that I was happy and that it worked for me. Now I have very few breakout and the quality of my skin is much healthier. I definitely recommend this salon and Shalu.

Shalu has been doing my eyebrows for seven years. She does an amazing job every time and is very consistent. Shalu’s technique is one-​of-​a-​kind. She is the best!

First time in and not disappointed! Paula did an amazing transformation on my eyebrows… I’m so happy. She was so sweet, extremely pleasant and the price was right. Comfortable and clean environment with lots of parking. Happy that I’ve found a new place no matter how far the drive. Highly recommended.

I came in after parking in front of their shop during brunch and needed my eyebrows threaded. I typically go to someone else who runs out of a smaller, not as nice looking establishment, but she always does a great job and is very professional.
I was excited that I was taken right away and didn’t need an appointment! The woman who performed the threading started by saying «oh boy, you REALLY needed me!» In a joking fashion, which is fine because she was right. HOWEVER, this seemed a lot more painful than usual and she kept repositioning my hands while I was holding my lids taught. I was a little red and swollen afterward but just relieved to have my brows done. The next day, I was beginning to bruise and had cuts on my eyelids and it was too irritated to put on makeup for an event I was about to go to.
I called the shop to tell them that I had never experienced this before and the person who answered the phone was totally unapologetic and told me that it was my fault for not holding my lids tight enough. I’ve gotten this done plenty of times and this has never happened. If she thought I was doing something wrong, she shouldn’t have repeatedly ripped into my eyelids and told me to pull tighter, which I already thought I was doing. I will never recommend customers to this business. I cannot believe how rude they were when I called to tell them what had happened.

So I went here because they do threading. I got my eyebrows done and upper lip. The lady that did the service took her time but she left a lot of hairs. I told her if she could clean it up more but she really did not do a good job at all. After I did not bother to ask again if she could clean it up more. I went to paid and it was $ 20 for both. That’s a rip off in my opinion. I’ve never paid so much to get eyebrows and upper lip. If she had done a better job I wouldn’t have mind. I don’t recommend this place for threading.

I bought a groupon for a hair perm, and I brought pictures of nice loose body permed pictures. This place was about an hour drive, so i wanted to make sure that they would perm my long hair. I called her to let her know that my hair was down to my waist and bleached at the end, and she said it would be difficult but she could do it.
I got to the salon, showed the stylist the pictures, and she said okay. She then looked at my hair and said the ends were too dead and my hair too long, so she would have to cut it. So i thought, ill trust her, and my hair is really long anyway, so why not. But she said the cut would be extra money, so I hesitated, but she decided to cut me a deal and charge me $ 40 instead of her normal $ 90 haircut. So I agreed, even though I really like my long hair, because she said she would only cut off the dead ends.
problem 1. She only made 10 – 15 cuts, and it took three minutes. is this a really $ 90 worth haircut? is it even a $ 40 hair cut? definitely not.
problem 2. She cut 6+ inches off my hair. not. okay.
But I get over it, and let her continue, hoping that it will still end up looking good. She starts rolling my hair with these really thin rollers, smaller than the size of my pinky. So i asked her how big the curls are going to be, and she (not speaking english perfectly, and not comprehending me very well) said she would be adding volume, separating it because its so long, etc etc things that did not answer my question. I took out my phone and showed her the hairstyle i wanted again, and she said that my hair cannot be that way, because I bleached it. But the girl in the photo also had ombré hair. and I pointed that out and she said my hair was too long. But the girl in the photo also had long hair. And I pointed that out and she said that all hair is different. She said she could do looser ones, but it would not stay. She said that the girl in the photo probably just curled her hair using a curling iron, and that i could not achieve those results. So I asked why she did not tell me that in the beginning before we started any of this process, and she said that she thought that I had known that. How in the world would I have known that? Especially since I am fairly certain that the picture that I had was a girl who posted it with the description «ombré hair permed in loose waves.» And she said, well im telling you now! So I was frustrated that she had not told me anything before, and she, without comprehending what I was saying, became frustrated that I did not understand that my hair cannot be permed in that style (which I did understand after the first time she said it, even though I am fairly certain that my hair can be permed in that style) although my argument was that she had not told me in the beginning, before she started the perm process and before she cut my hair!
Best part: I am asian, but I speak English fluently. I am well educated and reasonable. She got frustrated that I did not understand her, although I did, and I was talking about a completely different thing. And she said, well you’re speaking Japanese over there and I’m speaking English! How am I supposed to understand you?
What.
What.
I’m Korean by the way.
I told her that it was not an okay thing to say, and she said sure you’re not Japanese you’re some asian, and proceeded to argue that I did not understand.
Could not handle it. I walked out without paying her for the cut, and telling her that since I paid for the groupon she would get the money for the perm solution that she opened. I wasted three hours of my life, and lost 6+ inches of my hair.

I got an amazing pedicure at Aida Grey this morning. …very thorough, perfectly polished, and relaxing. They do the best job on my feet and acrylic nails every time I go. The first time I walked in I couldn’t believe how many manicurists there are and everyone is super friendly. I get my eyebrow threading and eyelash tinting done there too and the owner does a wonderful job… beautiful arching and it doesn’t hurt as much as waxing. She does a great job on my blow drys. Aida Grey is definitely a neighborhood gem in Encino.

Came here to have my eyebrow arch fixed. The lady was good and fast. I was so happy after wards. I’d like to come back here again and have a facial. This shop is very small but has a cool feel to it. I will definitely come back.

Okay so I went in with a picture to get highlights on my hair (hadn’t been died or processed in over 10 years). The lady said she could do it and was confidant. So she starts the process at 1pm and puts the foil and color in my hair. Then sits me under a dryer and proceeds to help 5 other people with color, cuts, dye jobs and manicures and waxing. Then 2 hours later comes to me to take the foils out. My hair was WHITE and only had highlights in the front of my fce and about 5 in the back. Looked like 90’s spice girls. I was horrified after showing a picture and this happens. So the lady proceeds to tell me she doesn’t want to waste HER time. She then says she will fix it and does another round (my fault probably for trusting her). Then I wait another hour while she takes other clients and it comes to take the fools out, it’s now 6pm, and the rest is orange. She was supposed to do a cut and I told her to cancel that and I was done after 6 hours, she started to cut my hair an cut out chunks of the orange hair! This lady was repeating how I was wasting her time this whole time. I immediately left and it was then 8pm. I got home to chunks of my hair coming out, a bleach burn on my neck and arm, my dress bleached and still was waiting a call from a manager. 4 days later she called to offer me a free correction with the same stylist on her. The stylist was Indian, brunette, shorter and I forgot her name. Avoid for hair at all costs!!!

Aida Grey USED TO BE one of the première salons in L.A. However, this salon simply bought the name 2 years ago but is in no way affiliated with the original, elegant «Institut de Beaute.» I have a $ 150 gift certificate, purchased at the original salon. My mother took ill and never used it, gave it to me and when I arrived for my facial, was rudely told I couldn’t use it. There is no expiration date nor «small print» on my gift certificate and there’s no sign in their shop saying they won’t honor them. While I can appreciate that these are new owners who purchased a business and have no obligation to honor it, they DID purchase the name, which identifies them with Aida Grey. So they wanted the benefit of the name without the responsibility of the impeccable customer service they used to provide. Anyways, this place is a dump, a crappy little salon that belongs in Van Nuys; NOT Encino!

I had a horrible experience at Aida Grey Salon. Not only did they ruin my hair, one of their employees actually lied to me about her experience! The facilities are dirty and the owner was very rude. How they are still in business is beyond me! Consumer be ware, do NOT go to Aida Grey Salon.
Reported to Better Business Bureau too.

Usually I am very skeptical about trying a new hairstylist. But this salon totally changed that view. The staff was very professional and friendly. I liked the cleanliness and the way the place was maintained. Shalu, who did my hair was very patient and skillful. I would definitely recommend this place to my pals and I surely am a happy camper.

I moved back to Encino and needed new hairstylist. I always wanted to try Aida Grey and the coupon I got in the mail made it an easy decision. I made an appointment and Shalu did a great job coloring and cutting my hair. She also did a fantastic job threading my eye brows. If that was it — I would give 5 full stars as I was very happy — but — and this is a big BUT. A customer she had booked for while my hair was dying was an hour late for her appointment. The man at reception, and who also turns out to be Shalu’s husband, kept coming in every two minutes to ask her when she’d be done with me because the late lady was waiting for her hair cut and another walk in for eyebrows was also waiting. This was my first time at this salon mind you and Shalu asked me if I minded if she’d leave my hair wet to go do the other women. If Shalu was not so nice a person (she has to be to put up with this constant interruptions and putting up with overly late clients), I would have left in a huff and would never go back. Instead, I said I minded and she finished my hair before starting the others, which probably upset her husband. Shalu gave me one of the best cuts and colors I’ve ever had, and I’m going to brave this crazy busy place again soon. I highly recommend her — especially if you can get her undivided attention.
10−25−14 I love these people, and she does the most fantastic color — but my eyebrows still have not grown back after over two years now. The last time she did them, I honestly believe she was extremely distracted. If you go here and get undivided attention — it is the most wonderful service. If other inconsiderate, late customers are bothering Shalu, it’s less than enjoyable. I don’t know why she tolerates people that are two hours late for an appointment. So disrespectful to her time and the people who have appointments.

I have searched all over the valley to get a good bikini wax and eyebrow shaping. I’m happy to say that I found both at Aida Grey’s thanks to Shalu. Other places that I’ve tried took advantage of the fact that I would get there on time and that I am nice. So what would they do? They would usually make me wait while they tried to fit another customer in between appointments. This is not done at Aida’s. Shalu is as ready as I am for every appointment that I have ever had with her over the past couple of years that I’ve been going there. The full bikini wax is 15 minutes and the eyebrow threading in another 15. I am in and out in no time. This is not very commonplace especially since I have very dark, thick and coarse hair. She is fast, has a very light hand (meaning it doesn’t hurt) and is very thorough (if you know what I mean). She treats you like you are family. Although there are cheaper options, the price is just right for the service that you get. And, if you live in Encino… the location is perfect. I strongly recommend going to see Shalu.

Sheylu is fantastic. She is friendly and sweet and I will be going back. my hair looks wonderful and it wasn’t too expensive. She also does threading for which I will also be going back for.

I honestly don’t know where to start. Do I start with my disappointment, my amazement, or my disgust? Why not all three:
Aida Grey, you were the first salon I ever set foot in, thanks to a hirsute pre-​pubescent friend. While I waited for her to finish getting her eyebrows done, I marveled at the nice décor, the friendly staff, and the shiny floor.
Well, the staff is still friendly.
Ten years later, I desperately needed a waxing appointment. My normal esthetician, Marina at Tip-​Top, had decided to go on vacation. (The nerve!) So, I called Aida as they were literally down the street from where I was. When I asked what available appointments they had after 4:30pm, the man on the phone told me to come in at 4pm. Lacking a time machine, I explained again that I needed an appointment after 4:30pm, as that’s when I get off work. He then told me to come in at 4:30pm. Lacking a transporter, I told him I could come in after 4:45pm. Mr. Clockless told me to come in at 4:45pm. Fine.
When I arrived, I opened the door to a blast of nail fumes. Now don’t get me wrong: I love a full set of pink and whites. But seriously, this place smelled like a nail polish factory exploded. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I let them know I was there. A few minutes later, Mr. Clockless led me to a room and instructed me to undress, use the privacy towel, and they’d be right with me. (Side note: I’m about to have my pubic hair ripped out by someone with their face in my crotch and NOW is the time to be modest? Please.) I, not feeling the need to get fully undressed – despite what Mr. Clockless had told me to do – started to take off my boots.
That’s when I noticed the hair in the privacy towel: About 1″ long, black, and decidedly not mine. I stood up, and started examining the parts of the room covered by assorted towels: Wax covered everything, the floor on the esthetician’s side was sticky, and the wax pot might possibly have been from the Regan administration. Refraining from screaming, I slipped my boots back on – not even bothering to tie them – grabbed my stuff, and left the room. I told Mr. Clockless an emergency had come up, and I left, never to return.
One star because one of the manicurists said she liked my hair. (Okay, one star because Unilocal says I have to, but she was a nice lady.)

This salon is great. I have never been happier with my eyebrows (and trust me, making them perfect is a big deal!) Shalu has been threading my eyebrows for almost a year. She is very busy and always has time for me and my crazy schedule. She also cuts my hair and one day I decided i wanted to color it so she took a lot of time and helped to pick out some nice red coloing to add to my dark brown hair. I just adore Shalu!