Honey & Hive

I had a lengthy consultation where we reviewed multiple inspiration photos and discussed adding depth and dimension while maintaining a dimensional bronde look with lighter ends. My hair had become brassy and I just wanted to add low lights and some dimension. I showed many, many photos to make it clear what I wanted. Unfortunately, the final result was drastically different from what I requested. Much of the interior and underside of my hair was colored a very dark brunette tone, creating a flat, heavy appearance rather than the dimensional look shown in the photos we reviewed. The ends of my hair look completely black, nothing like the photos I showed. The issue wasn't that my hair became darker overall. I expected more depth and lowlights. The issue was that much of the brightness and dimension was lost, particularly underneath, leaving large sections of the hair looking like one solid dark color. To Cynthia's credit, she did offer to adjust the color by adding highlights and ultimately provided a full refund when I explained that I was no longer comfortable proceeding with additional processing since my first request was so misunderstood and poorly executed. While I appreciate her efforts to make things right afterward, the final result did not reflect the look we spent significant time discussing beforehand. I'm honestly still devastated.

Best service and experience with ATOUSA!! I’m an amateur to salons, but she made me feel like I’ve known her forever and SO confident afterwards. I got a beautiful balayage to which she absolutely killed it - in 2 HOURS!! Felt like a bombshell ;) any of your needs you MUST request her 😝

Atousa always makes my hair look incredible! I walk in, and she instantly knows how to freshen up my look in ways I didn’t even know I needed. The result is always fabulous! She’s artistic, consistent, and a true joy to be around. After two hours, you’ll want to stick around a chat more! I’ve been seeing Atousa for 7+ year, and I won’t go to anyone else. 10/10 recommend!

I am very happy with this salon; lively energy, but not too noisy, overwhelming or pretentious. Centrally located in downtown La Mesa, Ca. The salon has a sweet bee – themed decor, good layout, and plenty of products to choose from if needed. There is generally a front receptionist who can help you if you are a walk-in. Street parking close by is metered, farther away, unmetered if you want to get a few extra steps in. My stylist is Dara; I have seen her for many years for color which she is truly amazing with, now mostly for haircuts since I now color my hair with plant dye/stain using henna/indigo on my hair at home. She always gets it right and knows my hair and my style well, is very intuitive at knowing what I want even if I can’t explain it that well (pictures help). Very experienced, great colorist, great stylist, great haircuts, great person too ! She is also good at recommending products and educating you on what your hair might need and why, without ever being pushy about sales. Prices for services varies depending on the type and complexity, of course. I am very happy with the salon and especially my stylist Dara. Check it out if you are looking for a new salon. They have many stylists to choose from. 🐝

I can’t recommend Atousa enough. I’m naturally a dark blonde and hadn’t touched my hair in over a year, so I was a little nervous going in. She really took the time to listen to what I wanted, but also added her own expert touch and I’m so glad she did. Her technique is incredible, especially w/ blondes. She knows exactly how to create dimension & brings everything to life without it looking overdone. My hair looks fresh, natural, & so well blended. You can tell she truly understands color & has a real gift for it. I’ll definitely be going back to her! Also everyone in this salon is super sweet.