Alex Emilio Salon

I’ve been coming to this salon for over 2 years, seeing Renee Sokan. She’s always done an amazing job, and I can always trust her when it comes to cutting and coloring my hair. She also styled my hair for my wedding and it was perfect! After my bridal hair trial, I changed my mind on what I wanted and Renee accommodated that perfectly without any issue. My bridal party also got their hair done at Alex Emilio, and their hair turned out great. I would highly recommend this salon, as well as Renee S.

(Jessica Johnson) I stumbled upon Alex Emilio through a recommendation from a friend. I wasn’t really sure who to make my first appointment with, since I wanted a balayage and cut. So I ended up requesting a consultation appointment with Jessica Johnson. My aim was to go from my current brown hair which also has a fair share of brassy tones to a blonde. She carefully and meticulously explained to me the damages that my hair may end up with and also that it is not a one session process if I wanted to maintain the health of my hair (fyi I have very tight curly hair which needs constant moisture). But after discussing my options I decided to go ahead with the process. My first session involved a lot of balayage style highlights and some root coloring with a trim to even out the different tones in my hair. My second session was a month later and it involved A LOT of balayage highlights and resulted in major lightning of my hair. I was very pleased with both sessions and how professional my hair looked. I received compliments wherever I went, and also I was happy with the health of my hair and the fact that my curls were still full of volume and bounce. I proceeded to treat my hair to moisturizing masks and deep conditioners, and am planning on going in for my third session. I am glad I took Jessica’s suggestions, her knowledge and attention to what I want combined with major talent and skill left me coming back for more.

The hair stylists are great here but the management has to many rules. The first visit i had there the girl did a good job as a final cut and color but it was about $ 200 and i had to wait a long time for her to do my hair cut because she had another client at the same time. If i am paying that much money i at least want good customer service. I was sitting right next to her other client waiting at keast 25 minutes and she didnt say anything to me the entire time. My sedond visit i was sick the day of my appointment and they were very upset i wanted to cancel. They said i can only cancel 24 hours ahead of time. I told them well what do you want me to do come in and get everyone sick, as well as be throwing up. it is also very hard to get an appointment there in the first place. The last complaint i have is that you cant tip on your card you have to bring cash, i never carry cash on me so i had to use there atm which charges a service fee.

I have only been here twice, but I will keep coming back! I came in with short hair and some highlights and trying to grow my hair out again. It is a process but April Tocco is very very good! She let me know what my previous hair stylist was doing wrong and why. It all made perfect sense. Ever since getting my hair done by April, I’m getting so many compliments that I never got before. Even from people I have been friends with for awhile, said that my hair looked really nice and they never noticed it before. I don’t live nearby, which is okay because her work lasts a very long time. This place is a bit pricey (a lot of hair places are), but I think it’s definitely worth it for the looks and compliments.

After moving to Michigan from a large Midwestern metropolitan area I spent a year trying to find a new stylist. After sitting in Aja Wong’s chair I looked no further. Aja is a creative force to be reckoned with. I never told Aja what I was looking for. I let her do her magic and I was never disappointed. When I was ready for a change she was ready with a new style in mind. She is exactly what I was looking for. Someone creative enough to keep up with my changing personality. Visit Alex Emilio and ask for Aja. You won’t be sorry. Her cuts and color techniques are top notch and she continues her education in all areas. Aja strives to be the best!

First time in, and Lauren did an amazing job. Helped me pick out the perfect color, worked with me on the right cut. They actually blow out ur hair, which was unexpected, but a great surprise and extra touch tht will now make this place my got to. Thanks a&e!

Aja is THE BEST in the biz. She has a vision unlike any other and she will make sure you walk out looking like a ultra babe. The consummate professional, she not only is up to the minute with what’s hip, but she will listen to what your ideal hairstyle is and make you look like a million bucks.
Not only is Aja an amazing stylist, she’s hilarious and you’ll be bummed when it’s time to leave.

Aja has cut my hairs for years. I generally just say «cut my hair» and it turns out awesome. I trust her that much. Plus, she has never made fun of my bald spot. She is a kind soul and her stylist banter is on-​point. I have not had my hair colored, but I have seen her work. Legit. She should cut your hair, too!

If you need your hair done, you need Aja Wong at Alex Emilio. Not only is she one of the most creative stylists you will ever find, she is also very professional, well-​educated, and engaging to boot.
Unlike many other stylists who claim that experience alone has made them the ‘best’ stylist out there, Aja will SHOW you what her experience and thirst for advanced education has done for her and how it can benefit you and your hair! Whether you have a tried-​and-​true style you need to maintain or need a fresh eye for something new, she will not disappoint in execution or result.
Aside from hair itself, she’s one of those stylists that just get people. I can promise you that when you leave you will know you were in good hands and that you are #1 when in her chair. Ever have one of those stylists that doesn’t seem like they’re listening to you? Aja is not one of those. But don’t take my word for it, call the salon and request an appointment with her. You deserve it!

I’m SO excited to have Aja Wong back in Michigan and will definitely be making the 2 hour road trip to sit in her chair again. I’ve literally been avoiding getting my hair cut or colored by anyone else since she left the Grand Rapids area. And oddly enough, months and months beyond when I would ordinarily desperately need a fresh cut and color, I am STILL getting compliments regularly. Something I truly believe is only accomplished with an amazing cut.

Aja Wong is hands down the best colourist I have ever worked with. Aja has this passion that not only shows through her work, it ignites that spark in ourselves that we didn’t know we had — she’s a true artist.
Not only dedicated to the craft, Aja continues to strive to be the best in the field through taking extra colour and cutting classes, she pours through the latest fashion mags and rags to stay on top of the latest trends — if you want edge, Aja will deliver, if you like more of a traditional cut and colour, Aja’s got you. Through careful consultation, and finding out what is the right cut and colour for you, it’s worth it.
I miss working with my Wong, she put a smile on my face, and a few extra laughs in my day, and the drive to exceed beyond my client’s expectations and her client’s expectations.
Don’t wait, just call and make an appointment with Aja Wong.

I was new to the area and chose Alex Emilio after reading the reviews and I could not have been happier. Cassandra did an amazing job with my short, wavy, thick hair. I’ve since moved to Chicago and already miss Alex Emilio. Highly recommend!

Stephen cuts my hair here. Stephen is funny. Stephen cuts my hair real good. The salon is very clean, bright, full of beautiful people and has a nice staff and never pretentious. They always ask me if I want something to drink. Thats always a dangerous question for an Irish Man. Great place with lots of smiles.

I went to Alex Emilio because my sons girlfriends friend (Jessica Johnson) who did a great job on my sons girlfriends hair worked there; so I thought I’d give her a try; I currently wasn’t happy with who was cutting my hair. I have a very hard time finding someone who does a good job on my hair because it is so thick and I have so much hair! The first time I just went for a cut to try her out. I was so pleased with my haircut she did a fantastic job and it grew out perfectly… that was about 3 years ago. Since she has colored my hair and cut my hair many times. I have been continually happy; my hair was long when I started now it’s short and I’m growing it back out long again. Thank you Jessica for doing my hair the way I like it and always making me look fantastic… xoxo

I randomly stumbled across this gem last year, and fell into something major with Vanessa. She rehabbed my distressed locks with a beautiful color and cut job. She’s a master! If you wanna have next level hair, go see her ASAP!

I have had terrible experiences in salons so I get extremely nervous when it comes to my hair. I was referred to Renee by a friend and she really is a great stylist. As soon as I sat down, I could tell she had an eye for hair. I left the salon very happy with the color/​cut and would refer her to anyone looking for a new stylist.

I have had terrible experiences in salons so I get extremely nervous when it comes to my hair. I was referred to Renee by a friend and she really is a great stylist. As soon as I sat down, I could tell she had an eye for hair. I left the salon very happy with the color/​cut and would recommend her to anyone looking for a new stylist.

I made an appointment 2 months ago for a cut/​color today in preparation for a milestone birthday. This appointment was cancelled last minute with absolutely NO apology and NO offer to accommodate me with a different stylist. I’m honestly shocked at the positive reviews. I will never ever attempt to bring my business here again and highly recommend avoiding this place, unless you enjoy having your time 100% wasted.

Friendly workers, no complaints on the customer service other than I did not like my hair, balayage and cut. Only took the stylist a few minutes to paint the bleach in my hair, huhh. Went in the next day to get the orange streaks fixed from my hair. She got most of them out but the next few days the orangey color came back, and my bangs don’t blend in with my hair. Will probably not go back, sorry. I was hoping for a better experience.

I’ve been to this salon twice and both times I left feeling amazing. The first time I saw Jenny who did a really great job. The cut she gave me was a little conservative which at the time was what I needed. The second time around I saw Janine and she blew me away. I wanted something a little more fun but still easy since I have two young children. She gave me exactly what I wanted and was very knowledgeable and explained what she was doing and why. I couldn’t be happier.

Jenny Foumia-​Summa is the best at Alex Emilio! I have been going to her for years. She is very knowledgable about the products, takes time to discuss what I am looking to do and she always recommends the best products for my hair needs. She is the best of the best and will always help squeeze me in with her demanding schedule. She is worth the wait and will always have you looking and feeling fab! She took my hair from black magic to blond bombshell and it still feels and looks sooo healthy. She is a color and cut expert and I highly reccomend her!

Casey is amazing. I was terrified to go to a new salon not to mention a new stylist after years of using the same girl. However she assured me she would be very careful with my hair and I would love thr outcome. Sure enough she was right. I’m super OCD and get anxiety about my hair and she did a beautiful job… over and over again. I’ve now been going to her for over a year and get some many complaints on both my color and cut. She took me from harsh black to a beautiful warm brown with balayage highlights with no damage.

I my hair ~ Dave is the best
The staff is great and the atmosphere is fun and upbeat!

I had recently moved from downtown Chicago to the Detroit area and was looking for a new stylist/​salon in the area. I had found Alex Emilio Salon online and read good reviews and decided to give them a try. When I called to book my first appointment the receptionist recommended I see «Ambur». I booked my first appointment with her for a cut and color. I am naturally dark brown all over and have long hair. I decided I wanted to do a ombré for the first time and just get a trim on my ends. She did a great job and did exactly as I said the first two color sessions I had with her. My color lasted beautifully all summer. I had explained to Ambur I wanted to go back dark by fall and she assured me it would be no problem to do so when I was ready. I scheduled my first appointment to go back dark and she colored over my ends where the ombré was and the color seemed muddy brown and not rich or shiny looking at all after she was done. She did a hair cut as well and afterwards my ends had never looked so split and damaged in my life. She explained the color would fade and lighten so I would have to come back for another session in a month or so but within not even two weeks my hair had lightened almost back to as light as it was before when I had the ombré. It was very damaged and my ends were continuing to split and look terrible. I had never experienced this before after a hair cut or color so I was very concerned. I called the salon to let them know my ends were lightening up already and decided to come back in only three weeks after going back dark for another color appointment. The second time I came back she did the exact same thing except it seemed she tried to go a little darker with the color. The exact same thing happened, the color faded and went back light within 2 weeks and my ends were even more damaged. Every time I get my hair colored I always get a treatment and use the best products at home to conserve my color and keep my hair healthy. I was very disappointed by these results and was charged full price the second time I came back for my color even though it had faded so quickly and did not last. I had referred three good clients to Ambur in the time frame I had started seeing her who were return clients to her for color and cut. I have recently started seeing a new stylist at a different salon who corrected my color the very first visit to the dark rich shiny color I am used to and had explained I wanted with Ambur’s visit. The color has lasted and not faded at all. The cut was also done perfectly with no damage. My new stylist told me my hair was cut uneven and looked to be razor cut which is why she said I had so many split ends. I would not recommend Ambur but would recommend other stylists at Alex Emilio who I hear do excellent jobs.

Every woman knows that you have certain fixtures in your life… sort of like Cheers. A place where everybody (or at least a few) people know your name, and you’re always glad you came. A place that, should it go out of business, it would do more than ruin your day, it would be catastrophic. Howling NOOOOOOOO, flinging yourself onto the floor and maybe even an adult temper-​tantrum catastrophic.
For many women, finding your dream salon is one of those fixtures. I’m not a narcissist and I do my own mani/​pedis, but my hair is a different matter. I started going gray when I was twenty-​two, and now am completely 100% gray at a completely unfair age. Not just gray, but Stubborn Gray. Gray that pops up in a very noticeable and unattractive skunk stripe right around the 30-​day point after coloring it. DIY box coloring for a few years had gotten tiring (especially since procrastinating such a PITA chore is something I do extraordinarily well) and so when a new job required me to always look polished, I went on the hunt for a new salon.
Turning to Unilocal (duh) I perused my Royal Oak choices and found that none of the options really appealed to me. If more than one review is very specific about a complaint, I take that to heart. I have no interest in a place where I know I’ll feel judged by other patrons and the stylists. I don’t want to hock a kidney to pay for a once-​a-​month necessary pampering. And most of all, I want my hair to look fabulous!
Alex Emilio’s reviews intrigued me… reliable Unilocalers seemed extremely happy with this place. Even people with «challenging» hair were delighted. So I made an appointment and was immediately treated to the AE experience… they really bend over backwards when it comes to customer service. From working with my (also) challenging schedule to making me feel comfortable and welcome, they truly knocked it out of the park. I was (and am) hooked.
My regular stylist, Casey, is one of those people I wish I’d known all those years I was box-​dyeing. Once a month I eschew sleeping in on a Saturday morning and head in to see her, knowing that my day will be better for it. She works amazing voodoo magic on my hair… it looks better now than it has in my entire life, no joke. The color is stunning (in a good natural way!), the cuts are always A+, and on top of that you truly know that she loves her job and her customers too. I could go in cranky, sleep-​deprived or under the weather, and just hanging out with her (while she works said voodoo magic) puts an awesome spin on my day.
The most amazing hair moment came when I brought in a picture of some French actress (don’t we all want to look like French actresses??) with SHORT HAIR. Keeping in mind that I’d repeatedly told Casey she could do absolutely anything with my hair EXCEPT cutting it short, she was surprised. But she studied the picture, determined that Yes, my hair could do that, and proceeded to give me the best haircut of my life. I’ve received more compliments on this cut/​style than I have on my hair in general during my time on this earth. I can’t recommend her enough.
Matthew is entrusted with my eyebrows and is equally blessed with the voodoo magic… he tames, he wrangles, then the kicker is that he touches up my makeup (remember, I’m there at o’dark-thirty) for free. All with a huge genuine smile and enthusiasm that makes me just want to hug him repeatedly (which is fine, since he hugs right back).
Yes I’m gushing but I can’t tell you enough how much I love Alex Emilio… from their insanely helpful text-​message reminders to their shockingly reasonable price structure (plus deals on products, which makes me weep with joy since they carry Bumble & bumble) to the fun events they have regularly to the staff that I adore… they have my little Unilocal heart (and hair) in their hands. Love them.

I love Alex Emilio! Absolutely amazing quality hair color, blow outs & style from Ashley. I have tried out numerous salons in the Birmingham/​royal oak area and nothing compares to the service Ashley gives at Alex Emilio. I went from black dyed hair to blonde, and could never find a stylist to give me an ashy platinum but natural looking color. My first visit to Ashley she turned my coppery golden hair to a beautiful ash color– have been going to her ever since.

I really do love this salon! I actually chose this place years ago thanks to the helpful reviewers on Unilocal.Dave has been cutting my hair for years, and I always leave completely satisfied. He takes the time to listen to what you request, and then he always delivers. Dave is also super friendly and personable. I showed him a picture of a long bob last year, and he totally nailed it. I have never received so many compliments on my hair before. The front desk staff is very friendly and welcoming. The environment is very trendy and clean. They have a very nice waiting area with comfy couches, tv, magazines, and a drink station.
Go to Dave for a great haircut– You will receive such a high end cut for a very reasonable price that you will not be disappointed! You will leave feeling like Miss America :)

I’ve been frequenting Alex & Emilio for about two years now… I don’t want to let you in on my little secret, but Lauren G. is the absolute best in the world there.
It’s a unobtrusive place, tucked right into the heart of the downtown Royal Oak strip.
Honestly, when you walk in, it feels pretty upscale, almost like it belongs more in Birmingham or something; however, for as nice as it is inside, it’s pretty comfortable, all of the employees are professional, and on top of that, you get treated like a human being there.
I’ve seen a lot of different hairstyles coming in and out of A&E, and somehow, they get them all right. There’s clearly a strong vision for excellence and care at this place, and that’s what keeps me coming back.
Even the staff at the front desk is kind and courteous; plus, A&E also provides a great digital paging system (via text message) to remind you of when your appointments are coming up.
Hats off to (and clippers on at) Alex & Emilio.
Thank you, A&E Team. =)

I was hesitant to come to AlexEmilio Salon knowing the stigma of high end salons. I had all these expectations coming in but kid you not, this was the best experience I’ve ever had in a salon.
The staff was very welcoming — didn’t make you feel out of place at all! My stylist was Amy and she was the best! She knew exactly what I wanted with my hair after showing her a picture and it turned out amazing. She also had an assistant Audrey who came in and out of my appt (since Amy’s a hot commodity) that was so relatable to me that I genuinely saw us being friends. I swear, the match was made in heaven between the three of us. My appt lasted 3 ½ hours but it felt like an hour.
Time really does fly by when you’re having fun!
Price wise, they are very reasonable. I have very long, thick Asian hair and I wanted blonde ombré highlights. I expected to drop at least $ 200 but first time clients get a 20% off of the first $ 100 spent. My hair totaled $ 165 but ended up paying $ 145.
Hands down, this will be my salon til I find another (which will never happen) or if Amy decides to leave.

Ok, so I’m giving ae four stars –but I’m *kind of* on the fence about this place.
A couple of things you should first know:
1. My hair stylist moved to Pennsylvania, so I needed to find a new stylist quickly
2. I tried going to bf’s stylist, but it was a disaster. Never. Going. Back.
I made my appointment with Alex, and our personalities meshed well. He’s kind and sort of quiet which I appreciated due to my distaste for small talk. The one thing I communicated at the beginning of my visit was that I wanted to get rid of all ends that were fried from bf’s stylist burning my hair to a crisp (don’t even ask) and that it was ok if I lost some length to get my ends healthy again. After a shampoo and deep conditioning treatment [that is apparently free of charge for new clients], Alex began trimming my hair –taking less than an inch off in the most damaged areas. I knew this wouldn’t get rid of the fried ends but refrained from speaking up to see what the outcome would be. And next came the blowout; I could still feel fried ends. Super frustrating, but I was in a hurry and I could tell he also was. The girl assisting him suggested I purchase a moisturizing product for the ENDS OF MY HAIR (oh, no kidding!), the same ends that were supposed to be cut off so I didn’t need moisturizing goop. Although my one request wasn’t met, the haircut ended up looking incredible and people at my workplace said I remind them of a movie star. Overall, money well spent. I’ll get over the fried ends.
TL;DR?
If you feel really passionate about having your stylist fulfill a hair request, stress the importance. Regardless of if they choose to listen, you’ll leave looking like a movie star.

Steven saved my hair! He is the best stylist I have encountered, ever. Not only was he able to deliver the color I had been trying to achieve, but he started with the worst color my hair has ever been. Yellow (golden…) bleached ends– on a brunette… If you need a color correct or have fine hair, Steven is your stylist. Not to mention he is very down to earth, easy to chat with and is very focused with the work at hand. He discussed a vision with options on how we can move forward with cut and color to get even better results– this is the mark of a true professional. The salon itself is a trendy, yet comfortable atmosphere. The receptionists were cheerful and professional. Thanks for a great experience!

Amazing! Veronica rescued my hair!

I went here for a bang trim and was impressed! My hairdresser was beyond pleasant, and she did a great job.

I am so happy to finally find a salon that I really like going to and trust with my hair! Lauren Gigliotti literally has such an amazing eye for color/​styling. I first went to her about a year ago to fix an Ombré color that I hated and was really poorly done. She fixed my color and made the Ombré so incredible. I got soooo many compliments. I have been going to her ever since. She spends so much time with me and really listens to what I want for my color, cut, and style. She gives you so much personal attention which is sometimes hard to find in salons these days. I’m always happy when I leave. She also gives great advice on hair products.
The salon overall really cares about customer satisfaction. The receptionists are always very nice in person and over the phone. I always enjoy my experience.

I can’t recommend Jennifer Ashcraft enough for hair cuts and color! I’ve been seeing her for years and she is simply the best. I have thick, textured, color treated hair and it is no problem for her. She is so personable and fun and really makes you feel comfortable. I’ve seen her do all types of hair and styles and she’s great at everything!!!
I also recently saw Matthew who did my makeup for my bridal shower. He was so sweet, listened to what I wanted, and did my make up better than I could’ve imagined! It held all day too.

Alex is amazing & does the best color and cut I have ever had. I have strawberry-​blonde hair which is hard to color & he gets it perfect every time. I also have long curly hair & it’s not easy to cut and Alex does a beautiful job and it looks good for months! He also takes the time to give you styling tips so you can get salon-​looking hair at home. Hands-​down the best stylist who has ever worked on my hair!

This is the best place, hands down, to get your hair done in the metro Detroit area. Emilio is a hair genius. No matter your texture or color, he will rock your look.
The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable yet hip. This is not a typical pretentious hair salon. I have referred many friends and family here in the past and will continue to do so. I cannot recommend Alex Emilio enough.