Top Image Salon

Nice and clean place frequented often by members of my family. Great haircut for men.

I’ve never wanted a Unilocal account, but felt the need to get one so that I could leave Alvin a review — that’s how great he is. For the past year, I was insecure about my hair because three other stylists butchered the geometric, precision a-​line bob I asked for, but Alvin had the creativity to understand and the technique to execute my vision. My new haircut is beautiful and has restored my self-​confidence; it should go without saying that I will be back.

Alvin is awesome. I had great gal who did my hair 5 years. But she moved, just found Alvin, and feel so lucky. He cuts a bob better than my last stylist. He’s so patient and kind as well.

Pure Brilliance! Alvin is a master hair stylist! I cannot give him higher praise for the awesome job he did on my hair. He is precise, thorough and listened to exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend Alvin– you will not be disappointed! And he is a really kind, easy going soul.

I really liked the fringe cut on his picture gallery. I wanted an asymmetrical bob with fringe blunt bangs and have shown him pictures. His comment was «well all the pictures you have shown me are pictures of girls who are white.» My reaction was umm yeah and I’m asian so can you do it or not? Long story short he finished with an asymmetrical type bob, but I had to remind him that I wanted bangs. He used shearing scissors to cut my bangs… EEEK! I didn’t need shearing of the blunt fringe bangs I wanted. Now they stick straight up and I have to pin them down until they grow out. I don’t think I’ll be going back to him.

I’ve been going to Alvin for a few years now for a Men’s haircut. He is very detail-​oriented and takes his time. I sometimes need to get my haircut at different places when I’m traveling… and even at professional salons, they always make some sort of mistake. I never worry with Alvin because he’s so thorough. and he’s a super friendly and easy-​going guy!

Got my haircut from Alvin and he did exactly what I wanted from the pictures I showed him. He is very meticulous and carefully in sectioning each parts of my hair. I have thick hair and he cut my hair without using thining sheers and it looks amazing. I have the volume that I wanted.

I’ve been in the hunt for someone to cut my hair for a year. Third time with Alvin so he’s now my «go to» guy. Professional, reasonable, flexible, considerate, consistent and PRECISE. Gonna ask my wife to try him out next time so we don’t have to fly to LA to get her hair done!!! Call him up, you won’t be disappointed.

Alvin is a actually a magician.
On a more serious note, I had my hair cut and color appointment with Alvin yesterday and I’m thoroughly happy with what I got. After some idiot damaged my hair last year, I haven’t had the confidence to go to a hair stylist until now — I had just let my hair grow out and it looked BAD — split ends galore. I was apprehensive when I first went to the salon, but Alvin put those doubts to ease in minutes and I knew I was going to look great at the end of it. Right from the start, he listened to what I had to say and paid attention. While being a great conversationalist, he was quick and efficient as well. He stuck to my time constraints, but did not do a hurried job. The highlights he gave me are a great caramel-​red color and the hair cut is a slightly layered cut with side bangs. Totally worth every penny — he’s definitely my go to guy for hair now!

Had been going to Alvin for two years. But with this most recent cut, he need to fix some things. When I expressed that the cut was uneven, he told me it was my hair. Aren’t you suppose to work with your clients hair?!? Just didn’t appreciate his attitude. Will be taking my business elsewhere.

Had a great experience with Alvin yesterday when I got my haircut. I did get a more dramatic haircut (went from long to short).
He did a great job. It’s a little too short but I know that I should always give a haircut a 2 week grace period and my hair grows pretty quickly so I am going to keep positive.
I know that it is just a big change for me.
His services were great though. He was careful with his supplies, washed my hair and styled it at the end for around 50 – 60 $ per haircut! I think for the price it is extremely great service.
I will probably return and then update my review depending on that! (I don’t give 5 stars to a beauty service unless I return).
We had good conversation and I’m glad to have found a hair salon so close to my house with these great results. His studio is inside a larger studio called Sola Salons and his room is number 8.
It has a private parking lot which is very convenient.
He even dropped a hairbrush and immediately threw it in the sink as to not use– i respected that.
Thanks, Alvin. Will definitely be coming back!

Sorry Alvin, I know this is long overdue but I’ve been seeing him since I bought a groupon deal. I researched him before I did, and I saw many great reviews! I am so glad that I did because I never would have found him!
I didn’t know what I wanted, all I knew is I wanted my hair a little shorter and to add some layers to give my dull thin hair some volume and shape. After I told. him what I wanted, he started working. He talked to me and the cool part he wanted to get to know me. Not only was he just cutting it, he was so precise on what he was doing. He took his time and I can see he wants to see a great results. And he sure did! After that, I am a returning customer ever since.
The last time I went he gave me a beautiful ombré hairstyle and cut some cute bangs on me. He really knows how to make it work! Thanks Alvin, you absolutely have talent.

So I had a Unilocal Deal that I needed to use. I actually bought it in hopes to do a hair update before my bf’s sister’s wedding and then I just never got around to it. Then realizing, oh crap, it’s going to expire, I called Alvin to see if he had any availability. Of course he was a dear and scheduled me on a Friday when I had a day off.
I arrived and well he remembered who I was! Well apparently he read my review and was touched by my kind words. Well I meant every word! Well this time, my hair cut wasn’t going to be as drastic. I came in telling Alvin that I was growing my hair out and just wanted something to lighten up my hair as it was getting a bit «heavy.» After a shampoo, he worked his magic.
The thing was, I didn’t know what to expect as I didn’t come in with a picture. I totally left it to Alvin as I trusted him. In the end, I was a little in shock and well thought that it wasn’t what I wanted, but when I left and looked at it a little longer, it was exactly what I wanted. Alvin took out all the heft out of my hair and my head of hair was feeling lighter! He kept the length, but gave me layers to add different dimension/​texture to my head of hair.
What did I learn? Trust Alvin and he will know what to do with your hair if you have no clue what to do with it. And well it’s hair, it will grow back so have fun with it!

Alvin is very nice! The location is easy to get to and park at.

Since moving back to San Mateo about a year ago, I was looking for a great stylist at a reasonable price. I searched on Unilocal and found Alvin.
Alvin is superb at cutting hair. On top of that, he’s really easy to talk to and an overall great guy. I’ve been going to Alvin now for over a year and have been really happy with each and every cut.
I like the environment as it feels very private and relaxing. Alvin is almost always on time as well, which is really appreciated. I can only recall one time where I had to wait 10 – 15 minutes or so.
I would definitely recommend Alvin to anyone in the area looking for a new stylist.

Recently came and had my hair cut. I’m very particular with my hair, as are most people. After all, how you carry yourself gives a glimpse of what you are about, IMO.
So after reading reviews for different salons I finally came across ‘Top Image Salon’ and made my decision to have an appointment made after reading the many positive reviews.
The parking is ample and not metered. Upon entering the establishment, turn right and it’s at the end of the hall. I immediately noticed the area is very clean with music in the background.
After hearing the specific look I was going for he immediately began and finished with one of the most **beautiful** cuts I’ve had in a while! So much so, that when I returned home my hair was the first thing my hubby noticed! Needless to say I enjoyed the many compliments that followed.
So I found it only fair to write my review and compliment Alvin’s work. He’s a professional who loves what he does and it shows and my review is a testament to this.

I’ve been going to see Alvin since 2012. He takes his time to make you look good. I’m glad he’s doing well at this location because he’s one the most accommodating guys. I can text him the same day and get a hair cut appointment. He’ll even squeeze you in if he’ll loose some of his lunch break (I didn’t do this… while I was getting my hair cut, one of his «nicest» repeat customers was trying to squeeze in an appt for the next day). I’ve recommended him to friends and would recommend him again.

Alvin is awesome! Love that I can go in, quickly show him a picture or describe what I want and HE GETS IT.
Reasonable pricing and comfortable space.

Been to this place exclusively for a few months now and every cut has been spot on.
Alvin is a great guy and knows what he’s doing. He listens to how you want your hair cut very attentively and delivers exactly what you wanted. Very reasonable pricing too for what you get: your own personal salon with the full attention of a great stylist on your hair.

I found Alvin through Groupon and was really happy with my trip to the salon. My hair was getting really long and scraggly. My schedule has been crazy so I didn’t have time to get a trim and through serendipity the Groupon came up.
Maybe I’m weird but I really love the salons at Sola Salon Studios. I don’t like the craziness in a regular salon and appreciate the undivided attention the stylist can give me.
Alvin was really good at listening to my request (no layering, cut 2 inches off). He did a great job with the cut and gave me a fantastic blowout.
Highly recommended!