Caviam – Hair By May

I am very happy with the results I have after using Caviam and other hair care products that Mayumi suggested. I noticed that my hair is fuller and healthier and others are noticing too as I am getting compliments that I never had before. It helps to have hair that is more manageable and easy to style as well. Mayumi really strives for excellence and it shows in everything she does.

May is incredibly knowledgeable about hair straightening and is excellent at what she does.
I have been getting Japanese Hair Straightening for the past 16 years. I have worked with about 4 different stylists because of changes in location. Every time I work with a new stylist, I am always a little weary. I heard about May through a recommendation from a friend.
I was going in for a touch up on my roots which had grown about 3 inches. When I met with her, she told me that she would not only be straightening my roots but she would also work on reviving the texture of the rest of my hair. I was doubtful at first but her work was amazing. 6 months later, my hair is not only more healthy than it has ever been but it is also much more manageable with roots grown out. During our session together, May taught me techniques in day to day styling that would promote the growth of new hair to be more straight.
What surprised me the the most about May’s approach to doing hair is she actually knew about the chemicals she was putting in my hair and the function of each (I’m a biochemistry major so I was able to fact check). She even did a few precautionary measures like adding heat protect ant to the remainder of my hair before relaxing the roots to prevent a second application to the already straightened hair and subsequent damage. None of the other three stylists I have worked with had never done this before (probably cutting back on this step in order to save time).
If you want to have your hair done by someone who is a professional at what they do (she has traveled across the country, including to NY, to teach her techniques at top salons) then come to May. It is worth every penny.

I will begin by saying that May’s service is life-​changing. Yes, life-​changing. I used to spend at least an hour each day to style my hair. This process now only takes 10 minutes at most. Styling my hair is no longer a chore and I can sleep in more each morning because of it! I always struggled with frizzy hair, and always applied heat with a straightener. Now, I blow dry my hair for a few minutes and I am done.
My quest for smooth and frizz-​free hair began years ago when I first heard of the Brazilian Blowout. Year after year, I began experimenting with similar keratin treatments that promised to remove my curls, frizz, and bring me healthy smooth hair. Though some helped to a certain degree, I was always left wanting more. This year I started to research something more permanent. Searching for the perfect individual to provide this treatment was quite the task but I am beyond happy that I have finally met May.
The process takes several hours but May is very thorough and explains what she is doing. It was a very relaxing experience and getting to know May on a more personal level made the experience all the more enjoyable. Her expertise and knowledge make her a gem. My hair went from being unruly, curly coarse and dry to smooth, soft and healthy.
Thank you, May for your kindness and expertise in delivering the hair of my dreams! You are a star and I am so glad I found you!

This review is so overdue but just like Mayumi and her Caviam hair treatment, it’s just so warranted and necessary.
I came to May in October when I was about to head off and start traveling for my job. Lots of heavy lifting putting booths together and intense sweating. The first show I did I was sweating through my hair all the time and couldn’t wash it because it just took too long to do and sleep was way more important. I knew that the next show I did, I just didn’t want to deal with any of that anymore. I had finally had enough! I found May through Unilocal and her website and reviews were enough for me to book an appointment. I’m really busy so contacting me by phone is nearby impossible but May gives the option to work through emails and that was amazing.
The best thing with May is to be honest about your hair in every way. If you have colored it before, let her know. If you have frequent or infrequent heat demands for your hair, let her know! Letting her know the Ins and outs of your hair is just the only way that you’ll get the results that you want. I told her everything I knew and she impressed me with the information she gave back. Like others have said here, May is so knowledgeable about hair and what it takes for it to be healthy.
The appointment itself was so nice and May was as chatty as she was sweet. She was wonderful the entire time and she was the best thing ever. Her attention to detail and patience in waiting for the best result puts her above every other stylist I’ve ever gone to. She was perfect. She teaches you everything you need to know about your new hair and doesn’t push any product at you that you wouldn’t want anyway. I’ve had experience in the past with pushy stylists. Her prices as well were so affordable. Don’t think you can’t afford this when you actually can. I tell people that the time I saved by not doing my hair was well worth every penny.
When it was freshly done, I didn’t even have to blowdry it, just letting it hairdry was enough for it to be stick straight. And the best thing of all, took only 20 minutes to dry vs. 8 hours! Now that it’s grown out a bit, I have to actually blowdry it but you only really have to do the roots and then you’re good to go. The hair just wants to be straight.
Honestly, if you want to have straight hair, go to May. She’s amazing and she’s so worth it.

May is truly a miracle worker! She is extremely educated on Japanese Hair Straightening and only wants the best for her clients. I left the salon completely in awe of my hair transformation — my expectations were absolutely met and exceeded! I’m obsessed with my hair and cannot stop touching it. It’s so soft, silky, and HEALTHY! My hair has never looked better thanks to May’s services. This was my first hair straightening session with her, and I already can tell you that I will be a lifelong client.
Thank you May!

This review is way overdue. I came here in 2011 and had got my hair straightened Japanese style. I’ve recently moved back to the South Bay and am appalled that I totally forgot to give credit where credit is due :)
May is really sweet. She talked to me about a whole range of subjects during the lengthy procedure. I think it took over seven hours to get the job done. You’re not supposed to get your hair wet for 48 hours, but somehow the wind or something messed up the style a day and a half in. May fixed my hair and redid the straightening (I think it took about two hours) for FREE. That really stood out to me as kind. I remember I texted her with my concern that a wave had appeared and she asked me to come right in to fix it! Anyway, my hair, which is naturally wavy, thick, and has a mind of its own, was nearly pin straight for a year.
It was about $ 400 which is quite pricey, but you get what you pay for. A high quality treatment with lasting results from a great stylist!

My hair is softer to touch and silky. Finally, I have «Pantene hair»!!
Mayumi is an expert in her craft. She is honest and passionate about what she does. She is truly skilled in her profession. I admire that she gives it to you straight (literally AND figuratively). She gives you realistic expectations based on your initial hair condition.
To give a bit of a background on myself. I am a mother of two with little time to fuss with my hair in the morning. I have straight hair naturally, but it was always messy looking and tangled really fast and easily. I’ve seen other people who have had their hair straightened and they always looked so put together as if they spent time on their hair to get it looking so shiny and clean looking. I wanted that bad.
Finally, I treated myself to amazing hair. My hair is shiny. I can run my fingers through it and see each strand of my hair cascading down like waterfall. It’s smooth and silky.
I’ve been getting compliments on my hair and I have not been shy about my secret. It’s May, guys. ALL her doing. Thank you, May!

I just wanted to say that Mayumi has been a true inspiration to me and my business. Her wealth of knowledge in health and mindset has allowed me to think outside the box for my family and myself. Sure, she does great work with hair but the true value I got was the healthy mind and body mentality. Thanks Mayumi for all your advice and inspiration!

Mayumi is such a pleasure to work with! She is very passionate about the services she provides and also the products that she offers. I have used her serums (she created herself); the product is very high quality, it helps with both my skin and hair. Also, I just recently purchased another product she offers called juice plus; they are vegetable /​fruit capsules. I can’t wait to try them. I’m the type of person who has a hard time eating high amounts of veggies and fruits everyday so these capsules are perfect for me! I’m always confident when purchasing products from May because she does not offer anything that she does not use herself. May is always consciously focused on the quality of product or service she provides!

I’ve been coming to May for many years now, and I can’t sing her praises enough. She is so knowledgable and explains everything she is doing. She will also tell you if she doesn’t think you should do something because it would be too harsh on your hair. She really cares and is an meticulous artist with my hair.
She gives you great tips too! She has great products for sale, but she doesn’t push them on you. She explains the benefits and even has given me free samples to try. Of course I have been buying the conditioner she recommends for years, and I love her Cavium product line as well! One time my flat iron was on the fritz and she just gave me her extra one! This is a true example if how thoughtful, kind and generous she is.
She keeps great records too. So we know exactly what works and what’s doesn’t.
The process for straightening, as you probably know, is long but it doesn’t feel long with her. We always have such great conversations that I leave feeling lighter and happier than before.
If you want smooth straight hair call May! She can even do less permanent smoothing/​relaxing treatments if you don’t want something so permanent.
I can’t recommend her enough!

I’ve been knowing May for years and she’s always up to something great and innovative that she can do to your hair! I tried the deep conditioning and added luster and shine to my damaged hair! She is always knowledgeable for what products she uses, and takes in the newest and best items out there to produce great results! Happy to recommend her to anyone :)

I recently tried out a deep conditioning at Fina Salon. I had a deep conditioning a few years back but didn’t think anything of it. When I got there I chit chatted with May while she explained to me what products she was using and how it helped the hair. She also gave me a few tips on how to keep my hair healthy. I had no idea! She really gave me good tips. May is a hair straightening professional and educator. Caviam works really well, I will definitely be back! :-)

May is so Great!!! My daughter hair not only looks healthy But feels so soft! She knows her products and shes so determined to give her customers her Best! Thank You so much May

May is a miracle-​worker. May, and her Japanese hair straightening product, Caviam, transformed my hair. My hair has always been awfully curly. I never could tame it. I hated my hair. But, thanks to May, and her Japanese Hair Straightening Salon, in Manhattan Beach, I finally have the hair I dreamed about.
I always wanted straighter hair. But I never trusted Brazilian blowouts. That technique requires too many chemicals. Ewe! Then, I heard about Japanese hair straightening and Caviam. Using this method, May treats my hair with natural products, and then straightens it. May, and Caviam, were exactly what I was searching for. I visited May in Manhattan Beach on a Saturday afternoon. I was worried scheduling an appointment before an eventful Saturday night. What if something went horribly wrong? But, after May was finished, and I looked at myself in the mirror, I almost cried. I was so happy! Finally, my hair looks like I want it to. Before any important event, or when I want to look my best, I visit May’s Japanese hair straightening salon.
And May is both concerned and affordable, too. She listens to me explain exactly how I want my hair to look. But she never overcharges me for her services. She’s not like other stylists. If you’re a young, workingwoman, like me, you must schedule an appointment with May. If May could tame my curls, she can perfect your hair too!

I have been getting my hair straightened by may for a few years now and definitely wouldn’t go to anyone else! Every time I’ve left after an appointment my hair is so soft and healthier than when I went in! She is so sweet and professional and actually cares about her clients. She knows a lot about hair, basically growing up in her mom’s beauty salon and she knows what is good for hair and what is not and she is very honest with you! I love may and I would definitely recommend her to anyone who wants their hair straightened! Although it is a big investment, I believe it is worth it because it is done in a way that won’t damage my hair. She doesn’t go the easy, fast route, she actually wants you to feel great about your hair after wards. I can’t even explain the difference in the feeling and look of my hair compared to going in and coming out. She does an amazing job!
Also her product has done wonders for my hair and I love the mist and the gel! :)
Bottom line may is awesome! 5 stars!

I researched japanese hair straightening system. yuko. I found May and called immediately. She has so much knowledge I was instantly put at ease. I met with her and she did my hair. I knew i was in great hands. Straightening your hair takes several hours but her company was great. Best customer service hands down. She genuinely cares about her customers and their hair. She is a beautiful soul. I have been going to her for 5 years and my hair always looks great, Even after i had highlights it still stayed straight. Take note once I made a BIG mistake to get it done at a cheaper price somewhere else once and my hair go fried. i waited 8 months and went back to May and SHE FIIXED my mess up. I will only let her touch my hair now! I went back again today and my hair is so straight smooth flipy and shiny. WORTH EVERY PENNY. andi know the deal, when i wash it i already know it will be straight still… BOTTOM LINE DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH OTHER PEOPLE GO TO MAY SHE IS THE BEST!!!
TESSIYAH LEICHTER

I found May on Unilocal.Initially I didn’t see all the reviews as they get filtered out on Unilocal.So with just 3 reviews as a reference, I called May. After speaking to her, I felt confident that she would do a good job. My experience with other places has been good and bad. So for me it was more about finding a go to person. I was looking for a natural look. I didn’t like the very flat look one gets at some places.
The first thing that strikes a person about May is her warm and friendly nature. It puts you so much at ease. Her knowledge about hair and the process is extensive. And she is genuinely interested in creating good results. She took almost 6 hours with my hair. During each step of the straightening she educated me on the process and various aspects of straightening. As some one else too mentioned, I not only got my hair straightened, but also had a great time talking to her. Now my hair looks awesome and it is so easy to maintain.
She explained me the importance of using the right products so that the hair remains straight and healthy for longer. I have been using her recommended products and they really work well.
I was looking for some one like May who is passionate about hair. I am so glad I found her.

I found out about May through google. I was searching for a way to straighten my hair without damaging it-​like the Brazilian Blowout and Cemical Relaxers. I found her website and I read about the Japanese Straightening Method. May is also the founder and creator of her own product line called Caviam. I decided to give her a call and come in for a consultation.
I spoke to her on the phone and she was very knowledgeable about hair. I was confident that she would be worth the drive! I drove from Irvine to Manhattan Beach and came in for a consultation. She went over the health of my hair and taught me proper care before and after straightening. She was very sweet and made the long 5 hour process effortless! It was fun chatting with her and she treated my hair with the upmost delicate care.
Before, I never was one to spend much money on my hair. But after meeting May, I strongly believe that there are great hair stylists out there who aren’t always out to get your money! She actually cares about my hair and gave me tips on prolonging the straightening so I won’t return for treatment as often. I learned a lot about hair care and I feel like a new person! My boyfriend said «You look like a new girl! I love it!» I was so happy with the results. My hair is no longer looking frizzy, puffy, tangled, damaged, and ugly. My hair looks like all the Asian girls who have long, striaght, frizz– free, shiny, and soft hair! Thank you May for your wonderful work on my hair. You are truly an artist!
I highly recommend May for your next straightening treatment. You won’t regret it! She is the best hair stylist I have ever had. She was truly honest about my hair and told me what products I need and don’t need. As a college student, I only need the basic essentials and don’t have a lot of money. May helped me to be thrifty in choosing products for my hair. Her gelee is amazing! I use it on my hair and skin daily and it is a wonderful product. I will continue to care for my hair to extend my treatment and will return to May for my next treatment. Thank you May!

First I have to say «Thank you so much May» I love my hair!
I really wanted to do the Japanese Straightening and after a lot of researching I found May :). After viewing her reviews I just had to meet her. The consultation was great May was wonderful and really took her time examining my hair. She explained the process the chemicals, everything. After my consultation I was certain May was the best person to do my hair. The results are great I love my hair! the process took approximatly 6 hours. May explained everything she was doing to my hair step by step I love that. She really took her time and was very careful. My hair looks healthy its silky straight you cant even tell I had this treatment done. Not only is May an extremely professional stylist she is a wonderful person. She made me feel so comftarble and relaxed. She is a very dedicated person and loves what she does.
I truly recommend May to anyone considering having their hair permanently straightened. She is the best!

May Sappington is the founder/​developer for Caviam products. She also provides hair services in Fina Salon in Manhattan Beach. She specializes in Japanese Hair Straightening.
I found out about May/​Caviam through Unilocal.Her services were listed in a different location but the new address is in her website. I gave her a call and got in touch with her, setting up an appointment. She even sent me a text message confirming my appointment. I thought that was impressive.
I’ve had my hair straightened before but I decided to find a salon closer to where I live. So when I saw her she checked/​evaluated my hair and we talked about my hair routine. She gave my hair a much needed deep conditioning then she straightened my hair. After 5 hours my hair was gorgeous!!! I’ve never seen my hair look so healthy, beautiful and shiny. All the girls at my work noticed how nice my hair looks.
May is an educator; I also got the impression she loves learning. She can tell you how to best take care of your hair (she gave me good tips). This woman is professional, meticulous (actually, she said she’s anal), clean and organized. During the «process» we talked about what she did, where she’d been, and where to eat good food. I got great service and girl talk at the same time. I am very satisfied with what she did and I will definitely see her again.
Highly Recommended :)

another testament to May’s great work! I just went to get my haircut and my stylist was so amazed at my hair. She said it looked so silky and really healthy and asked if I had done anything to it. I simply explained that I had it straightened by May and she immediately asked for all her information so she could refer her clients to her as well! My stylist also said that she can usually tell right away when a client has had their hair straightened, but with me she said she had no idea and that May had done an excellent job and must really know her stuff.
my stylist knew how awesome May was just by seeing her work! now its your turn to see for yourself :)