Patch Picks: Top Hair Stylists of Santa Cruz

Patch Picks is a weekly feature highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.

You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date-night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more.

Top Hair Stylists of Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is jam-packed with talented stylists that can perform simple barber cuts to extensive coloring and highlighting. But some salons stand out above others thanks to the stylists who are amazing with color and work their magic with their scissors. It’s difficult to narrow it down, but here are the five stylists who really know how to use their shears.

Blanca Alvarez, Urban Groove Hair Salon

With over twelve years of experience, Blanca at will make you feel like she is your personal hairstylist. She works efficiently and precisely while cutting and highlighting and will not waste your time. She performs magic on straight hair as well as hard to manage curly hair. Plus, she has reasonable prices. Add to this an open, airy salon with the smell of crisp ocean air, a glass of wine, tea or water in hand and you will feel like a movie star.

Jennine Mae, Miss Mae’s House of Beauty

Owner, Jennine Mae at Miss Mae’s House of Beauty offers a full line of services for men and women ranging from hair-styling, cuts, color, extensions, make-up services to name a few. She has extensive experience and will make your hairstyle visions a reality. At Miss Mae’s, you will get the attention you deserve in a fun, clean environment. The salon is stocked with an ample, current magazine collection and upon entering you will be offered a beverage—anything from water to wine to tea. With Jennine, your tresses will be in good hands.

Ramona Montgomery, Montgomery’s Barber Shop

If you prefer a no-frills hair cutting experience—then go see master-barber Ramona Montgomery at her shop in Santa Cruz. She will give you a precise straight razor shave or the perfect flat top with fenders or just a regular cut or trim—at a realistic and affordable price. Ramona is very personable and will take the time to give you the perfect haircut you desire. Filled with barber shop memorabilia, once you walk into this establishment you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the lazy days of relaxing at the barber shop.

Brandi McCarthy, Medusa

Sure, maybe this place isn’t as glamorous and glitzy as other area salons, but Brandi McCarthy, owner of Medusa has a cute, clean and comfortable salon making you feel right at home. Don’t be fooled by her casual appearance—this woman knows hair and will make you look fabulous. She’s great with cut and color and is just about able to achieve any look for your precious locks. Another reason you will want to see Brandi? Kids are allowed to accompany moms and dads to their appointment. That means no more having to pay for a babysitter and you can save the extra money for expensive hair products! For an affordable hair-do from a top-notch stylist, go see Brandi.

Camila Davis, Platinum Lounge.

With a client-centered approach, talented and artistic hairstylist Camila Davis at excels in all facets of cutting and coloring both men and women’s hair. Known for her attentiveness, Camila aims to give each and every one of her clients a 5-star experience. Although you may be able to find someone to do your hair for less, the experience you get at Platinum and the look you will walk away with is worth paying a little extra for. If you are looking for a young, hip salon with a relaxed unpretentious ambiance—this is it.