Ciao Bella Salon

This place is amazing! I saw Emily for a color and blow dry and it turned out really well. She listens while also offering expert suggestions. Definitely coming here for all my hair needs!

I went in for a complimentary consultation, a hair masque and styling, and another time to buy some products. I recommend Ciao Bella because of the environment, service, results, everything.
Two things special about this salon is their expertise with unique hairstyles and the rewards program. If you’re looking to experiment with your hair, this is the place that can take care of you. For the rewards program, I’ve gotten birthday discounts and referral bonuses. They’ve changed it recently to a points system, so I’m not sure if the birthday discount is still happening.
The salon is very classy. Each time, the receptionist was very warm and I had a good experience.
For the complimentary consultation, I asked for Georgina after reading some older Unilocal reviews. I was looking to dye my hair purple, and she apparently is the person to go to for colored hair. She had black/​dark hair with purple streaks, so I felt confident that she knew what she was talking about. She gave me tips and products and colored hair care.
Their selection of products is limited to Goldwell, Morrocanoil, Verb, and maybe 2 others. They all seem to be companies for a cause or companies that use better-​for-​you ingredients.
It’s a plus that the website is functional and they send profesional emails. I can tell the employees put in effort to keep up the salon’s put-​together image!

I went in for my first visit to Ciao Bella and with Darcy. The salon is located downtown and there is plenty of parking in the Sun Center parking lot. I was greeted as I walked in and handed a new client form so they could get to know me better. The salon was very clean, which I really appreciate! Everyone was very friendly, dressed nice (have you ever walked into a salon where it looks like people are still in their pjs, didn’t put makeup on, and didn’t even brush their own hair?).
I had spoken to Darcy previously and told her I was unhappy with a haircut I had gotten somewhere else. I sat in Darcy’s chair and we went over what I’d like to change but also where I wanted to go with my hair in the future. She was upfront with me that I’d have to go a little shorter to make things blend better and have a more cohesive style. Took me back to the shampoo bowl and gave me an awesome scalp massage and then started cutting away! We chatted through the haircut and blow dry but she also made sure to still let me know what she was doing throughout the cut and blow dry, what products she was using for styling to achieve the look I wanted, and how the style would work multiple ways depending on how I wore it each day. When she was done I was so happy!!! My hair looks 100 times better!!! The cut was fixed perfectly!!! I went ahead and pre-​booked my next appt when they told me there was a rewards program and I could earn points from booking ahead, purchasing products and giving referrals… and points get you free stuff!!! They were also running a sale on products! They have a few different lines to choose from and I appreciated very much that they have some products that are free of harsh chemicals. They also use Goldwell color which I am a fan of because it is one of the top color lines around and they also have a low ammonia color line if you are sensitive to color. From the the greeting and information I got from the receptionist to Darcy I was very impressed! And Darcy has mad skills so I will continue to book my cuts and colors with her! Changing your hairdresser can be very nerve racking when you don’t know who to go to or what work they do. Darcy made this the easiest transition I have ever experienced!
And in a random side note… the Sun Center is very conveniently located if you want to go out after you get your hair done! There is a ton of awesome restaurants within walking distance, 2 coffee shops and 2 record stores! So I encourage you to meet up with some friends after you get your hair done and go show it off at one of the fun places downtown!

So I don’t normally write reviews. But after having a pretty bad experience at this place, I felt it was necessary. I had Georgina as my stylist and she did a good job on my hair other than the fact that I wanted her to straighten it and she pretty much told me no. She’s nice… Ish. Just really awkward I guess you could say. Normally they have conversations and stuff like that with you. She doesn’t talk… And any time I’d try to start one she kept it real short, kinda like I was a bother. But my main complaint is the other people! Oh my god… These women are the most gossipy rudest women! There’s a stylist in there with long black hair she was so freakin rude, her and Emily… Those two are the worst at talking about the clients behind their back or when they leave. Makes you wonder if they’re talking about you! I don’t know about other people… But when I’m getting my hair done I want a relaxing NICE environment. Not someplace that I gotta worry if they’re talking about me or talking badly about other people. Oh and the prices are freakin ridiculous! Almost $ 200 for a simple root and highlight touch up. No thanks!

I’m new to Gainesville and was in need of a new hair salon. I found Ciao Bella on Unilocal and it had great reviews and decided to give it a try. I’m always skeptical about trying out new salons because I’m very particular about my hair and who cuts it. I’m also very unsure about what it is that I want to do with my hair so I like someone with a lot of «vision» and who pretty much has free reign over my hair. I made a same day appointment, which was awesome, for a cut and color with Emily and she did an amazing job! I was a little nervous because she had never cut my hair before but she did an amazing job! I’ve already booked a second appointment.

I visited Ciao Bella to get a blowout before a wedding. Unfortunately the latest appointment they had was still 4 ½ hours before the start of the wedding. Darcy, not only did an amazing job, my hair held throughout the day and the entire wedding. I even took a nap after my appointment. I’m always skeptical about trying new salons, but this was a great experience!

I visited ciao Bella today as an out of town visitor. The salon was beautiful, clean and well maintained. Georgina was my stylist and she was passionate, knowledgable and kind. The only issue I had was upon leaving I was told the owner decided to add $ 30 dollars to my services because Georgina spent so much time with me. I didn’t mind paying for this but thought it was rude. Perhaps because he knew I was from out of town and wouldn’t be back he could pull a underhanded move. It was awkward for the stylist checking me out to have to deliver this news; it was clear she didn’t want to ask me for more after witnessing the initial quote.
All in all, the experience was fantastic and I would have gladly paid more for my cut and color with Georgina; I just didn’t like a last minute price increase that made me feel like the owner was trying to nickel and dime me. The most important takeaway is that Georgina is AWESOME! She is a fabulous hair stylist, and I love my new do – she made everything worthwhile.

Had a wonderful experience here. My stylist, Kristi, took the time to get my haircut just right. The stylists here are true artists who clearly enjoy the process of making you look good. I will definitely be back!

Excellent service. Prices are fare, and I’ve never been disappointed. The owner is friendly and extremely competent! Georgina has cut my hair twice now and always does a fantastic job, and takes her time. I sent my roommate their today, and I’ve never seen her hair better.

20 years ago, I got my hair cut at Wild Hair. It was $ 5 a haircut. Unfortunately, it looked like a $ 5 haircut. After too many wild disasters, a friend referred me to Michele. I have gotten my hair cut by him ever since.
Michele is a professional. He is up on current trends and knows what style to suggest. I always leave feeling AND LOOKING better than when I arrived.
After 20 years, I still feel special each time I go to see Michele.
Thank you Ciao Bella and Michele Anzivino!

Got seen by their head stylist Michele who was fantastic. Great haircut, great service and atmosphere. All in all, impeccable experience and I highly recommend it.

This is the first salon I’ve ever been to in Gainesville and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I’m really picky with my hair because it’s extremely thick and no one ever seems to know what to do with it, but Michele (Michael) was so great; he really took the time to analyze my hair type and face to make sure the cut I got suited me perfectly. He was extremely attentive and recommended a whole range of products for my specific hair type! My hair looks healthier than ever. Would definitely come back!

Best salon in Gainesville hands down! I’m a Miami girl so I’m used to upscale salons and great stylists but I didn’t think I’d find it here. I started at Beach Break salon, my cuts were good but never great. I also tried Mode salon but I felt the same, the cuts were just okay. I finally decided to try Ciao Belle with Michele. OMG he’s amazing, he just knows what to do with your hair. I came in first time for a cut and some highlights than two more times for touch ups. Each time he made suggestions to tweak my style, and it came out more fabulous each time. I just moved to Chicago and have been to two different hair salons (I’m telling you, I’m picky!) and each stylists has asked me where I got my highlights done & told me how great they look. Never really write reviews but I felt like Michele really deserves the 5 stars.

I wish there was a way to give more stars, because this salon goes to eleven! If you are within an hour radius of this salon and you aren’t getting your hair cut here, I don’t know what you are doing with your life!
This is the BEST salon experience I’ve ever had. First and foremost: the customer service is stellar. Tina and her team truly know the meaning of those words and go above and beyond to treat you like royalty! Little chocolates and Italian espresso while you wait — to.die.for. Better than any other coffee shop in the ‘Ville, no lie!
Recently I drove 8 hours just to have Michele (Michael) Anzivino cut my hair. You read that right: 8 hours. Why would any sane person do that? Read on…
Full disclosure — I’m an incredibly particular, super OCD lunatic when it comes to my hair. I moved to Gainesville for grad school and the time came to get a cut. I was so anxious. You know what I mean… who knows how it’s going to look, what if something goes wrong?! It’s your hair, out there making first impressions, framing your face. And hey, only time will fix a crappy haircut, ugh! I googled «Master Stylist Gainesville» and Michele Anzivino/​Ciao Bella popped up. I took a deep breath and booked the appointment.
I told him about my hair, how I usually styled it, basically what I was looking for as far as a cut. I have long, fine hair and other stylists always want to chop it off or heavily texturize it. I deferred to his expertise, put my faith in his abilities and told him to do what he thought would look best. 7 years later, he is the only stylist to whom I have been able to say that and the results have been STUNNING every single time. He has the technical expertise to cut my hair, but more than that, he listens and understands what I want and executes it flawlessly. Cut, color, style: he is the MASTER of it ALL. I have NEVER found his equal, even among other «master stylists» from different salons in different states. I’ve paid far more than he charges and have received far less. I would happily pay triple, because an amazing cut and 100% confidence in your stylist is priceless.
And the 8 hour drive? I relocated away from Gainesville in 2008 and have only been able to come back once a year at most. For the past 3 years my hair has been put through the ringer, over-​texturized, unevenly cut and one mess of a style after another. I was finally fed up. There was only one person who could make me look and feel beautiful again. And as usual, he gave me THE best cut! I left with a smile on my face and a sense of satisfaction that I have not had for far too long. The bonus was watching him cut Ryan Lochte’s hair (his appointment was right before mine). Totally worth the trip! Before you think I’m completely off my rocker, I did stay for a few days and visit with local friends. The trip was totally centered around a haircut though ;)

I was recommended by a coworker to try this place out and ask for Michele. Unfortunately he was booked for a while so I was set up with another stylist, Ashley. She was wonderful, she recommended products for my dry hair and really did exactly what I asked of her. I have medium-​long, thick hair and she really made sure it all balanced well.
I recently got a piercing on my cartilage and I mentioned to please be careful. She was cautious and slowed down if she ever had to brush my hair away, I really appreciated that.
It’s the most I’ve paid for a haircut/​style but I left there feeling beautiful. I set up an appointment for Ashley to take care of my grandmother this weekend too :)

At Ciao Bella, the scissors are sublime, and they won’t waste your time.
Their stylists are sharp, and you leave looking fine!

I moved to the ‘Ville in August and wasn’t sure where to land with respect to my hair. I am grateful to a friend who recommended Ciao Bella, as I was looking for a small town salon with a big city feel. Whew. I count myself fortunate to have dodged the bullet of salon roulette! Thanks Vanessa! Since then I have worked with Darcy. I whole-​heartedly approve. Darcy is direct with suggestions and works über efficiently.

Clean, modernly designed salon in downtown Gainesville next to Thai Fushion (used to be Pontiac Grill) and Amelia’s in the Sun Center Plaza. Parking was fine in the early afternoon at Sun Plaza lot, may be more difficult around 6 p.m. given the area.
Stylists seemed attentive to their clients rather than chit-​chatting amongst themselves, which if you’ve ever experienced, is really annoying!
If you’ve been down on finding a good place in Gainesville, give this place a try!

Great stylists who listen to you when you tell them what you want.