Experience Salon

I made a same-​day appointment, scheduled a few hours out. When I arrived, my stylist was not there. 10 minutes late, she calls saying she is stuck in traffic in Mill Valley, and isn’t sure when she will arrive. Another stylist took me on. Despite my hair flopping to its part naturally, she couldn’t seem to find it. Parted it wrong (even after I corrected her) and was confused about why longer hairs were on one side. She pretty much did a straight chop (normally these days the stylists I’ve seen use the «chipping» technique). She spent about 5 minutes cutting my hair, didn’t clean up my neck, dried my hair, applied some product, and called it a day. $ 75 for that? No thank you.

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write a review. I’ve been seeing Wendy for years, and I am here to tell you she is utterly fabulous. I am an Aveda trained hairstylist myself, and I only trust Wendy to nail my color formula every time. She knows her stuff, she’s a perfectionist Virgo, and a downright cool lady. Book with her and you won’t regret it.

Awful experience. Three friends booked for cut and color during a trip to SF. Confirmed appointment three times several days before. Walked in and instead of three appointments as scheduled, they offered us one stylist over a 6 hour period. Instead of apologizing for messing up the reservation, they tried to make us feel bad for being frustrated with not being happy about the situation. Found another salon nearby that was happy to take our business. Good businesses succeed and bad businesses fail. Experience Salon is a bad business that is clearly failing.

Sadly, Ron left to go to Milvali Salon. I’ve followed him there and he continues to be a master of his craft. I don’t like the vibe at Milvali as much as Experience and I don’t like to drive all the way in to downtown Mill Valley (especially compared to my walk to Experience). But Ron is worth it!
I still like to go to Experience for manis/​pedis with Judy though. And although I haven’t been for a facial in a long time, I would still recommend Camille for a feel-​good, organic treat.

Jone is a rock star… literally and figuratively! Nuff said.

Jone Stebbins at Experience Salon has been coiffing my tresses for years and every time I leave feeling happy and BEE U TEA FULL! Jone does actually rock (and roll) and will make your day!
Lovely salon and very friendly. No intimidation here.

Ron is amazingly talented! I always walk out feeling so much better than I entered! A sensational stylist!

Calling all Curly Girls!!! This is all about AVELI. She’s fantastic with my curly hair. Her shaping and careful cutting always creates a beautiful shape. I have had so much challenge trying to find someone who «got it». Well, She gets it. I would travel far and wide to stay with her.

I also followed Ron Abansado from Mill Valley to Experience Salon over 6 years ago. Ron has been styling hair for over 16 years, and brings professionalism and wizardry to his business.
First of all, it’s easy to make an appointment with him. He works hard to accommodate you on your preferred date and time, even if you call at the last minute, which I usually do. He generally calls back within an hour or two, so you don’t have to wonder when your appointment will be.
He listens carefully to what you want, makes suggestions, and then checks in with you to make sure you are happy with the result, even as your hair cut is unfolding.
He’s always pleasant, never seems rushed, even if he has people waiting for him. He’s as much an advisor as he is a stylist, and I really appreciate him for that.
Experience Salon is a friendly and welcoming place. It’s comfortable, and they serve an assortment of pleasant beverages while you wait for your appointment. Parking is easy in downtown Sausalito, even after the Police Dept built their shrine next door. It has a «spa-​like» atmosphere, and I feel like I’m on a mini-​vacation when I go there.

Ron Abansado is a wonderful hair designer and even better, he’s a fabulous guy. Getting my hair cut by him is such a treat — and I end up with a great cut too!

RON ABANSADO. If you want the Best most experienced and consistent hair stylist and colorist I’ve ever worked with (and I’m a performer so I’ve been to a million of these guys & gals) then I suggest you check out RON. He’s a delight in every way, uses all natural Aveda products, takes his business very seriously, and always delivers from the cut to color to blowout and styling. Before I went to Ron, my hair was in bad shape and inconsistent. Now, almost every day, people constantly comment on my beautiful hair.

Wendy is an incredible hairstylist and all around awesome person. I had the best facial of my life with Camille at Experience — with Eminence products and the most amazing facial massage. It works wonders. My skin never looked so good and I have had many facials at various salons. Pure heaven.

If your looking for a master stylist specializing in organic Hair coloring Call Philippa Shanendoah working out of experience Salon. she uses organic products such as Aveda and other natural exclusive products. With over 15 years in the business she can surely add a contemporary design to your look. so come and enjoy a relaxing environment the Shanendoah way. Call now and recieve a Complementary scalp treatment, or deep conditioning with your service. Call 415−259−8277

Experience Salon has been a haven for me for four years. Mary Lynch is my go-​to girl for color and cut. When I wandered into the shop after moving to the Bay Area, I was struggling with a frizzy graying bob. Mary took me from that to sleek, shoulder-​length style with rich brown and auburn tones and my hair is shiny, shiny, shiny. Strangers and friends feel moved to say nice things about my hair, and how much they envy it… well don’t envy, just go see Mary. She knows her stuff, she is a lot of fun, and does a really good job on men too (my son and nephew are very satisfied customers!)
If you’re looking for a great organic facial, see Camille Steele at Experience. She uses an organic plant-​based line from Hungary called Eminence – and she customizes each and every facial depending on the customer’s particular needs. I happened to see the «Organic Facials» sign outside the salon on Caledonia about four years ago, and luckily walked in to look at the spa menu. That simple detour has radically changed my skin tone… the «stone crop» treatments that she initially used eliminated most of my hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Expect to be pampered and embrace the sunscreens she recommends for great long-​term results.

Melodie Mischel is an angel! She is a wiz with color. I had hair that was half grown out gray, and she wove highlights and low lights to even up the color and make the gray less noticeable. I felt so pretty when she was done! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Yeah! AVELI (from Champagne Salon) has settled down in this casual, relaxing location devoid of glitz and noise that can make a spa painful. She is an A+++ stylist and color specialist. I highly recommend her, and will follow her wherever she goes. Excellent service and products.

Jone Stebbins made me beautiful! What pretty, pearly hair I have! She has such an upbeat personality, loves her work, and has some serious hair skills. The salon is welcoming — a great place to spend a few hours. Jone Stebbins, Jone Stebbins, Jone Stebbins!

Jone Stebbins is THE BEST hairstylist EVER! She’s been doing my cut, highlights, and base for years and she’s the ONLY person I trust with my hair. She can do anything you come up with either by explaining a style to her verbally or bringing in a pic she gets it right every time. I always look forward to my visits! Jone is great fun to be around, extremely sweet, and VERY, VERY good at what she does. Experience Salon is a great place– I always look forward to the great (free) tea, great mags, products, and great people!!! I highly recommend!!!

Ron cut my hair and it looks AMAZING!!! I have always had long hair and I wanted a new look and he def gave it to me. I have gotten so many compliments about my hair cut and I absolutely just LOVE it!!! Everyone who works there is so nice too. A great experience at Experience.

Excellent service & products. Wendy has cut my hair for years & she ROCKS.