13 Bernard Salon

Oct 2021

With the caveat of previous reviews and acknowledgement that this is an institution, a neighborhood gem, a social hub and haven for women with stories to tell and share, I was referred to Lea several years ago when I was looking for someone to re-perm my hair. That's right. I said "perm." I know, I know, but it's not the 80's anymore and it doesn't have to be synonymous with frizz. The trick is, few salons offer the service. I explained to her what I was looking for: a gentle wave to add body and shape to my otherwise straight Asian hair. I like being able to wash my hair, let it air dry. The perm lets me feel like I've styled it when in fact I'm incredibly lazy. She asked for enough time to buy the right green curlers for the job and we scheduled for a morning about a month later. It's a big job. My hair falls near my waist and I have a lot of it. She usually alternates between green and coral rods to provide a mix of tighter and looser curls. While I only tend to visit once a year, Lea has remembered me from year to year and she's thoughtful and sweet, always doing her best to keep me comfortable while I sit under the heater or reclining in the sink with my head heavy with curlers and neutralizer. The results are worth it: beautiful waves that last for months. (It also doesn't hurt that her prices are reasonable!)

Jun 2020

I am one of those woman who has been blessed with truly great hair. It is my one great beauty gift. "But with great power, comes great responsibility." Therefore from the time I was 4 years old my thick and curly strawberry blond mane and I have followed the hairstylists here through 3 different salons. Luckily the talented ladies of 13 Bernard are here to stay. Leah and her posse of experienced professional hairstylists are the best I have encountered through my 4 continents of hair care travels. Get a bad dye job in Latvia when you decide to go way to Gothic? Leah can make it all better. Get a uneven trim in Israel? Leah came make you forget. Get tacky highlights in Panama? Leah can make it so your Momma will never even know! There are many salons in Mill Valley(to the point that I wonder if any of the woman in town other then myself actually hold down a job). Mostly they are staffed with under 35 trendy woman looking to land a man. These woman will try to convince you to let them try a new hairstyle on you that is ultra trendy and not going to grow out well. Luckily you will not find these waifs here! Only polished experts with 20 or more years of experience as licensed hairstylists can be found inside this small hair mecca. These woman can make anyone look polished and sexy! From my 68 year old mother to my 16 year old neighbor. They are up to speed on the trends but wont push you to make a fool out of yourself. Every truly great haircut I have received from the time I was 4 has come from the skillful hands and visionary mind of Leah. Without her Yoda like powers my hair would be a giant strawberry blond fro. (SHUDDER!) Luckily I only rocked that look for the 6th grade and have since moved on. My mother has very thin straight hair and I have the opposite, thick curly and more then seems reasonable. Somehow both my mother and I walk out of 13 Bernard looking like models. I still am receiving "Wow, great haircut!" compliments 6 months after! The only place I know that can still be getting referrals off of a haircut that happened 6 months ago. Tell them Anna (Sandy's daughter) sent you.

May 2018

Wonderful team of stylists who have worked there for decades and do a great job with both cuts and colors. A unique "Steel magnolia" feel in the midst of yuppie Milk Valley.