Studio DNA

Came in about two weeks ago and had a cut with a ‘level-​two’ stylist. Been meaning to get around for a review for a while now, so here goes:
I’m extremely upset with my cut. The cut I have is NOT what I asked for (see pics). I feel that I took the necessary steps to make my cut possible. When I originally called to make my appointment, I requested a level two stylist who knew how to deal with thick hair and understands the need for texturizing it out. In addition, I called the day of my appointment and asked that the stylist have some extra time outside a standard appointments’ block of time, I was assured the stylist had all the time she needed. I was put with a level two stylist and came in for my cut Thursday, May 5^th, 2016. At first the appointment started out great and showed her the picture that my typical stylist goes off of (my usual stylist was out of town at the time). She assured me that it wouldn’t be a problem and she could do it. The emphasized the shagged-​out layers, deep-​V shape, and general movement of my desired cut.
What I asked for is not what a received. First off, the first layer at the top of my head if much too long, relative to the length of the total cut. Second, my layers are NOT shagged out. In the reference picture, you can clearly see the shaggy layers in the cut, and whispy pieces on the outside frame of the hair that give the cut the deep-​V shape. The stylist gave me some basic layers and simply snipped just a little bit off at the ends. She claimed by doing that, it would give my hair the shagged out layers I am looking for. Wrong. (again see pics). Fourth, the total shape of my cut is a lousy U-​shape. It is not blended-​out, it’s too blunt. Which is exactly what I asked to be avoided. I really hate that part of the cut. Lastly, which is the most offensive and infuriating aspect of the cut: I received ZERO face-​framing. I have a blunt cut layer at the front of my part, and face that is NOT blended in with the rest of my layers. Because of this, my hair doesn’t have the desired movement and total shape of my usual look. You can clearly see in pictures 4 & 5 that I have a pitiful blunt cut layer at the front of my face, and then see a dramatic drop the the right of it, of a longer layer. NOT blended in at all!
I am very upset at this experience. I enjoyed talking to my stylist and I suppose the good news is that she didn’t cut TOO much off. This means I can get it fixed. Also, I believe she got the desired length correct. It must have been 3 – 4 inches longer when I had originally walked in. Outside of these two things, I am not happy. I won’t be returning, not ever. I’m not entirely sure what more could have been done to get the cut I desired. I’m getting it fixed this weekend at a different salon.

Daphne is amazing! Love the salon and staff! They are all modern and up to date with styles and techniques! If you want an amazing colorist who knows what they are doing go to Daphne! Of course I’m biased about my stylist but everyone else there is great too!

Mannie (Emmanuel) and everyone I interacted with was A-​mazing. Mannie was mellow, kind, funny, authentic, engaging and talented. He gave me a cut and color that shaved 10 years off life. He and his trusty apprentice works meticulously on my early white roots and were generous with their time and color. The cut was perfect — chopped at least 7 inches off and styled me right up. When I went out that night and into work the next day the compliments were flowing. I can’t wait to go back and get some peek-​a-​boo shocks of color.
From the first time I came in to check it out, everyone was friendly and warm. I work in the #districtlabrea and my colleague also got her cut there the day before I did and she was just as happy as I was with her do. Troika loves Studio DNA!
See ya soon Mannie and DNA Fam! XXOO

I love Robbina! She is the chic-​est, coolest, hairdresser in LA but soon she’ll be so busy, she won’t have time for me. She’s the only one who gets how to blow dry my hair ‘forward’ and I trust her to know how to cut my hair, color it or when it’s time for a little change even before I do. She’s cutting-​edge… and the salon looks great!

Went to see my Stylist Daphne who I’ve had for many years… wanted to finally remove my highlights. Daphne worked her magic and was able to match my original all natural chocolate brown color. She’s the only person I trust with my hair and can assure that anyone who decides to go with her will be pleased. She will be nothing but honest with you and really takes care of your hair. Not only is she amazing with colors she’s the best at shaping and cutting hair. Love my bouncy blow out!! I never leave disappointed. I’m excited for her to do my hair for my wedding!!!

Not good with creative color.
They should let the customers know if they can’t perform a certain look but they chose to not let me know and instead went ahead and gave me something I didn’t want.
I’m unhappy with my experience overall and now I have to wait awhile until I can do something creative to my hair again,

My search for an incredible stylist in Los Angeles is finally over! Armineh at Studio DNA is absolutely incredible and I will never let another soul touch my hair again!
The studio is located right on La Brea so is easy to get to from where I live in Hollywood and the staff are wonderful. As soon as you sign in for your appointment someone will get you situated and organise a drink of choice for you (usually a tea or coffee) while you wait for your stylist.
I absolutely loved the cut and style I got! I also found out while I was there that Armineh does eyebrow tinting and threading so I was able to get that sorted out as well and she did it perfectly.
Will not be going anywhere else.

Very nice people and fresh & cool environment. Receptionist and Veronica are the best!

Kelsey is a hairstyling goddess!
Every time I go to see Kelsey I leave feeling rejuvenated and beautiful! She takes the time to understand what you want and give you results that are both stunning and healthy for your hair! She is a true professional and so much fun to be around!

Love how my hair turned out! Veronica was amazing and was able to make the look I was going for, happen. It was also super nice to see how the entire team helped each other out that day too. Great experience and excited to go back to touch up my colors! Thanks again, Veronica!

Have been coming to Cale for some years now. Always the best service and quality ever.

Yay Kelsey!
When you tell her your concerns and what you want from a hair cut, she gets it. Confident and easy going. Everyone is always really great here, and I’m thankful to have found this place. I hate my hair less because of this salon ;) Special kudos to Rabina too for giving an awesome hairwash! I think I’d be up for just coming in for a wash to get my scalp massaged by her.
Favs: Uribe super shine and Ibiza brushes used here.
I use to be a hard core Bumble and Bumble and Paul Mitchell but have switched to Uribe products. Wella didn’t work for me but I’ve heard great things.

Armineh Vartanians is my favorite here! I live in Venice but travel to see her every time! She’s fantastic with cuts and color… gets it right every time:-) Not to mention she’s a total sweetheart! Lovely studio and experience too! Highly recommended:)

This is my first time at Studio DNA, I had a great experience since I walked in. I have appointments with Cale at 11am. I got here 15 minutes early. The front counter greeted me with a very warm welcome, offered me a drink. The salon is very clean, nice and looks very hips. Cale came out 11am on the dots!!! After he check my hair, I had a very nice young lady wash and conditioner my hair. It was so relaxing. And YESSSSSS I love my haircut it’s beautiful like the way I want it.
I have a super long Asian hair, Cale cuts and styles. Cale make me feel like superstar.

Kelsey transformed my hair! She balayaged my hair into the perfect mix of cool bronde and cut it so it looked like it didn’t take off length but was enough to make my hair healthy again. Will 100% be going back to Kelsey the next time I need color and cut. Beyond raving about Kelsey, the front desk staff is also super sweet. Parking is also easy and cheap (I used to get my hair done in Santa Monica and had to pay $ 15– $ 4 for Studio DNA is nothing)

Cale is a must if you take pride in your haircut. I have thick hair and wear it short so it’s hard to find a great hairstylist. Typically at best I get a haircut I like. I now have a cut I love!
The atmosphere of the salon is friendly, fun and energetic. Perfect confirmation and follow up. I tend to be a bit of a critic and this place rocked my socks.

I wouldn’t generally describe myself as a salon type of guy, but I first tried this place out because it was nearby my house and had good reviews. Thanks to Cale, and the friendly staff, this is now my regular haircut spot and I’ve been a client for a few years. I have thick, curly hair and have always had trouble finding a good barber (hair stylist)… Cale is the best stylist that I have ever been to, and a real good guy, too. Highly recommend.

This is my second time visiting Studio DNA and it did not disappoint. Sierra was just so lovely and gave me a great deep conditioning treatment and haircut/​blowdry. She gave valuable advice in terms of a cut that would fit what I wanted and I was just over the moon after my visit. Thanks again for a great haircut, Sierra and Studio DNA!

Discovered this place on Unilocal recently. Wanted to find a place that was easy to book appointments and were open Saturdays and Sundays. My off days. This place checks the bill! Plus they offer affordable prices. You can chose the level of your stylist. Starts at about $ 70. First time customer get a discounted price of about $ 60! Parking is either meter in front of they have residential parking. They also have a lot in the back near the corner of 2^nd and La brea. Friendly staff and great service. They did a good job washing my hair. They don’t do a lot of massaging though. Hair cut and stying was what I wanted. They also do trims as well in between cuts for free!

Email I sent to the owner privately, but he has yet to respond so I’m taking to Unilocal to see if I can get anyone’s attention.
Two stars for the haircut and how nice Dennis was.
Hi Danny,
I am emailing you because I am not confrontational and I’m unsure and uncomfortable how to deal with this in person. I’m also really embarrassed I didn’t say anything yesterday. I have never once complained about being unhappy with a hair service, but I need to be honest with myself and realize I do not like what color my hair is. I just thought I could live with it or it would wash out in a few weeks. My boyfriend and mother were shocked (not in a good way) at what colors were now living on my head.
I had my first appointment for haircut and color with Dennis yesterday ⁹⁄₃ at 1:30 and he was so nice, accommodating and professional. This was the first time I ever did a color at your salon, usually just got haircuts and blowouts. He did a really nice cut for me, but what I am unhappy with is the color that my hair is. I have dark brown hair and wanted to cover my grays with a color close to my roots and put a carmel color balayage in. I do not pretend like I know about hair, so Dennis told me he was going to put a violet gloss in my hair and that it would make the carmel peekaboo strands shine. I did not know that the gloss would really turn my hair and scalp pink. I did not ask for any kind of red in my hair. I actually told him I wanted to shy away from the red that my hair naturally does once color comes out.
I am a pretty conservative mother and have never wanted peekaboo pink highlights so I have been wearing a hat today.
I would prefer not to return to the salon to have it corrected because that makes me feel really uneasy as I paid for the service and tipped my stylist like nothing was wrong. Like I said I thought it would be fine, but became super self conscious once I got home. I am not sure what your salon does in these experiences, but if anything I wanted to let you know.
I am attaching the picture of the way I wanted my color to look and what I have now. Not a look I want to have, at all!

Veronica is just amazingly wonderful taking care of my hair. I don’t know why I would do without her. She’s the only one with whom I trust my locks to. She even gives me personal reminders to keep up with taking care of my hair!
First time I met Veronica was when I tried out Art Hair & Science on Beverly, not too far from here. The first time she took care of my hair she turned it from Orange to fabulous! I had gone in there to correct the color or my once dirty blonde locks to my natural dark brown. I believe I wrote and posted a review there. Now that she’s moved here, she still gives me the VIP treatment I loved about her in the first place. Watching her work on my hair, she’s very concentrated and diligent about doing her work. Most of the time, I don’t even watch her anymore just because I trust her with my hair more than I trust myself! I come in and have her assess my hair and she tells me what I need to get done and I just say yes! And of course, she makes a miracle out of it every time. Color correcting, gloss, haircut, highlights, you name it! She’s a master.
I have to commend everyone else who work here as well. They’re very friendly and helpful. They also offer you drinks, and I believe they even have some champagne to offer. They make you feel very comfortable.
The only thing this place doesn’t have is parking. So if you plan to stay past four on weekdays, be careful not to get your car towed if you park on the street. Otherwise, try to find neighborhood parking if you don’t mind walking a bit.

Aubrey Loots and Studio DNA Salon have been cutting my hair since I have come to Los Angeles. I have gotten to know Aubrey and Danny Leclair pretty well.
I trust Aubrey and Studio DNA with my look and appearance 100%. I believe that they are just ahead of the curve in what’s in style and know what I am looking for.
I highly recommend Aubrey and the Studio DNA Salon Staff. They are a great group of talented, amazing people.

I’m sure others have said and can agree, as a woman (or man with long hair) it can be scary going to a new salon. The trust hasn’t be built yet and you can’t just shave your head and start over. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 3 years and had to leave my stylist of 10. She knew my hair backwards and forwards. I went to 4 other stylists and was never happy until now.
I was recommended by a friend (who I can’t thank enough) to one of the stylist here: Dennis! He’s AMAZING! He understands my hair, listens to what I want and I always walk out looking like a rockstar. My hair is never damaged and easy to manage when I get home.
I even got my incredibly hesitant roommate to go to him and she is in love!
Everyone at this salon is super friends and incredibly attentive. And hey, you can’t be mad a mimosa time!

I moved to LA 4 years ago and never dared to have my hair cut and colored outside of Beverly Hills. Today l took the chance and was more then pleased. Kelsey was my stylist for both cut and color and I am over the moon happy. I’m extremely picky and she exceeded my expectations. Aubrey and his staff are kind, attentive and well educated. I will be a client for years to come!

Let me preface with — I like my results* and they lost a star due to service. But, overall a good experience.
I went in on Friday for a quote and got a quote for my black virgin hair for $ 170 (ombré-​balayage-​quick trim-​gloss). I made an appointment on Sunday with a guy in level 1, but due to my nerves (I was terrified of brassy orange Asian hair) I cancelled my appointment with the guy. On Sunday I decided to go for it and did a walk-​in so they set me up with Veronica (also a level 1 stylist). Front desk told me it would take about 2 hours. When I met with her I assumed the cost was the same and we spoke briefly about what I wanted and the deal the other guy had offered me (just to confirm). We confirmed everything except for the cost. After 6 hours (not 2) — a haircut for a walk in was squeezed into my appointment — I was finally done. No complimentary trim (I don’t know if it was truly bc I didn’t need one or if my appointment was just taking too long. I honestly wanted to also go home already). I went to pay and the receptionist told me it was $ 250. I was in shock! I asked why the price was not $ 170. They gave a reasoning that different stylist give different quotes. I was a little confused bc I thought the point of the level system was that you should expect the same cost for same leveled stylists (???). I expressed that clients should be informed upfront what the cost is and the difference in quotes from one stylist to another in the same level should not be so drastic. I don’t think it’s out of line to know what I’m expected to pay. I was not happy with that. I ended up paying anyway bc I liked my results. I have to go back a couple times to get to the color I want and she told me she would discount the rest of my sessions (although once your color has been lifted it shouldn’t take much more to do). Either way, I would like to go back bc I like my results but I am considering other options due to the mishap. I didn’t really enjoy the surprises.
*The left and middle photo were taken right after my session. The right photo was after one wash and I curled it myself.

Veronica is great at balayage! She takes her time and artfully paints each color on perfectly! She really listens and delivers! My hair now has dimension and shine!
She actually saved my hair from the disaster that Antonio Salon in Seattle is responsible for! :((It was so bad, I just didn’t write a bad review, I would rather celebrate the good that my hair is now!)
She is quick and quiet, which is great, b/​c some of the kids there talk a lot and really loudly! I give Veronica a 5-​star rating, but some of the a young people there assisting seem to have a little chip on their shoulders and I sorta feel like that energy falls on the customers, that part is too bad b/​c the owner is such a gem!
Veronica is fantastic though! I am so happy I found my new hairstylist!