Miakel Bishay Salon 2919 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405

"This has taken me a few years to post but I finally have the courage to do so. I had a consultation with Miakel and showed him a reference picture with desired outcome and explained my entire hair history. I expressed to him that I was worried about the integrity of my hair because I have used black box dye for years. He ensured me that my hair would be fine and not to worry. While I was getting my hair processed, Miakel checked the foils and said that my hair was lifting a lot more than he thought it would and that he was confident that I would be leaving the salon with my desired look. While in the chair, Miakel and his assistant processed my hair THREE times. I expressed to his assistant that I was worried that my hair would not be able to handle so many processes but she checked my foils and said that I have nothing to worry about. When I came time to rinse and dry my hair, I could feel my hair falling out. I asked the assistant if it was and she lied and said it wasn’t. I gave Miakel the benefit of the doubt and believed that he knew what he was doing and not to worry. As I was getting my hair blown dried, my hair was breaking off as they brushed through it. I started to cry and tell Miakel that my hair was ruined. He immediately moved me to the back of the salon where he proceeded to tell me that my hair was “not bad”, “I was crying for nothing”, “me crying makes him feel that I’m insulting his work”, and so much more. He was VERY rude, tried to gaslight me, and invalidated my feelings towards this whole ordeal. I was very upset and said that I was not going to pay him. He told me that I NEEDED to pay him for his time, as we were there for about 6ish hours. I felt intimidated and belittled by Miakel, so I felt obligated to pay him. When I asked how he was going to fix my hair, he said I could add extensions but that I would have to pay, which is absolutely absurd. I had a horrible experience with him. I have attached my hair before and after seeing him, as well as the reference photo (it’s not the exact one I showed him but close to it)"

"Truly horrible experience at this salon. The owner, Miakel, is unprofessional, rude and borderline discriminatory. I have curly hair and was disappointed in my experience. Stylists that, by their own admission, had never worked on my hair type were tasked with helping and it deteriorated into a mess that left me anxious and on the verge of tears. I had done a consultation prior to the appointment where Miakel confidently insisted that they would be totally fine with my hair type, so it was all the more frustrating for this reason. When I tried to gently provide feedback on my experience a few weeks after, Miakel could not have been more ungracious and condescending. He said he would prefer not to take on curly hair clients at all but he's worried about people suing him for discrimination. When I tried to explain that all people, regardless of hair type or his preferences, deserve to have a good experience his response was "that's fine, what do you want me to do babe, I have other customers." Needless to say, it was a shocking conversation. If you have curly hair, please stay away from this salon. The only unfortunate thing is that you'll be doing Miakel a favor. But also, if you're just a person that wants to support ethical, kind, non-discriminatory business owners, I'd give this place a pass too."

"Lovely salon with kind, caring stylists and artists. I’ve been going to see Cesar for years now and even wait to get my hair done until I can make a trip to LA from out of state to see him."

"The ambiance of the salon is simply delightful- modern, chic and exuding a positive energy that immediately put me at ease. Miakel is an artist who is not only skilled professional but also genuinely passionate about his craft. I love the result each time!!!! Highly recommend this place!!!"

"I love the pink and highlights Miakel added. It’s amazing he can do roots, high light, add color and hair cut in 2 hours! This is the only place I get the result I want. I travel 6 hours because it’s worth it!"