MEET THE TEAM

From the time she was old enough to hold a brush or twist strands into a braid, Alexandra has spent a lifetime following her passion for hair. Alexandra has been slinging hair in the Berkeley area since 1994, and has been the owner of Elixir Salon since 2002. Alexandra’s decades in the business have given her a firm grasp on what clients want from a stylist and a salon. Because your hair is the accessory you display every day, Alexandra and her team are committed to making the most of your natural attributes. Alexandra is committed not just to your well-being and appearance, but also your health and that of the environment. Alexandra has ensured that Elixir follows green practices and uses and retails companies that are environmentally sustainable. Your 100% satisfaction is most important to her and she personally guarantees the satisfaction of every client, every time. In her free time, Alexandra loves dogs, coffee, fitness, and going to Death Angel concerts with her friends.

I absolutely love what I do. I think that’s because I’m a creative, driven person. I always want to be the best at anything I do; and I love color; and working on different types of hair — the more challenging, the better. When I meet and exceed a client’s expectations, it’s rewarding! One of my favorite compliments was from my client, Anya Fernald, who is the founder and CEO of Belcampo Meat Co; she said, “If you could cook as well as you do hair…!”

I have ten years experience in hair. I graduated from the Cinta Aveda Institute in 2009 and I’ve taken multiple hair classes, including hair theory, color class, and I am currently taking a watercolor painting class at Laney — which is also inspiring my hair work. I’ve also had in-house training in customer service skills.

Beyond technical skill, I would say one of my strongest talents as a hair stylist is reading people. I can tell if a person wants a real change or is just going through a stressful time, and they really don’t want to cut all of their hair off. When I DO get the green light to use my creative hair magic, that’s when I get really great ideas.

BOOKING: http://whitneybuchanan.glossgenius.com/

Each client’s hair color and texture inspires me to create a unique look, that they’ll love and suits their lifestyle. My passion for creativity collaborates fantastically with my razor sharp attention to detail, in the realm of hair. Sharing techniques for proper hair care, as well as, fun easy ways to style your look at home, come free of charge with every appointment! I love working as a stylist and strive to deliver a relaxing experience, leaving y’all feeling refreshed, awesome, and ready to conquer all!

Melody is an inspired and creative stylist who draws from the beauty of nature and the vibrancy of the people and the world around her.  born and raised in Miami, Florida, melody embraces her multi-cultural approach to designing hair in the bay area.  with a background in biology, music and interior design, hair coloring and cutting comes naturally.  her diverse pool of experiences enhances her skills and her caring nature makes her a great listener and a wonderful stylist.

BOOKING: shaz4hair@gmail.com

A little about me: I’m creative, curious, intrigued by people, their look, their behavior, and their beliefs. I’ve been loving connecting and collaborating with my clients for dare I say it, 30 years! As a hair artist, I enjoy coaxing out your inner beauty… your existing intrinsic radiance if you will. While I have an affinity for nature, including…natural curls, and natural colour (YES this includes you silver foxes, I can help you embrace that silver, or cover it up!)  I strongly believe in having fun enhancing what you’ve been given, and let’s face it- hair colour is a gift worth playing with!  I get super excited about colour and often thrive on a good colour correction. (it’s ok, you can put down the box colour now, we’re open, and I’ve got you!). So what’s keeping you from having the look you’ve always wanted? I can even give you length and fullness too, just ask! Let see if we can make your hair dreams happen. <3

BOOKING: tania417@sbcglobal.net

Tania is a Berkeley native and has worked at Elixir since 2006! She can often be found with her rat terrier, Henry and loves 80’s music. Tania works Thursday and Saturday and specializes in natural looks, time efficiency and short hair.

Hello hello, my name is Nerissa! My fascination with hair started the first time I was able to get my hair professionally colored. Everything from the chemistry and science behind the color, to the geometry of cutting, to the artistry that brings it all together. It made such a difference for me personally, having my hair taken care of and looking on the outside the way I feel on the inside, that I decided I wanted to bring that joy and confidence to others!

After years in many client-facing jobs and saving up, I decided in 2020 to start my career. Despite the challenges and delays caused by Covid, I can proudly say became a pandemic professional! I attended the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology where I was Paul Mitchell trained. I also spent a year as an associate at Steel + Lacquer in San Francisco where I continued my education learning Toni and Guy methodology. Additionally, I received certifications for Flaunt tape in extensions as well as Bellami extensions.

I have a passion for all things color but believe the cut and color have to work hand in hand to make the look really come together. I also wholeheartedly believe communication is the key to a fantastic experience. Whether it’s during the consultation, service, or upkeep, making sure there’s a clear understanding of the end result, the maintenance, and how everything feels on both ends is how we create beautiful results. You can check my work out on Instagram at @letsmakemermicorns. I look forward to getting to know you and your hair!

Hi I’m Karla, mom of three – Natalie Rose, Cali the Shih Tzu, and Storm the Frenchie. As a kid, I started my hair journey, braiding and cutting my Barbie dolls’ hair. After life’s twists and turns, I pursued my dream job while raising my now 13-year-old. I graduated from the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology in 2017 and worked at Dry Bar and NH2 Salon in Novato before it closed due to the pandemic. As a Pisces, I enjoy comedy shows and quality time with family. Prioritizing my clients’ comfort and happiness is key. You can find me at Elixir Salon on Mondays and Tuesdays.

You can check my work out on Instagram at @hbkarla_

I have always been obsessed with hair and makeup from a very young age. I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in movies and television. After 25 years of living and working in Hollywood, I’m back in my East Bay hometown.

Now, I’m concentrating on building my hair styling skills.
I love doing hair and creating a style that makes people feel confident, beautiful, and shine from the inside out. And I still do makeup for special occasions, as well as teach you how to do your everyday looks. I’m looking forward to seeing you in my chair!

Hi, I’m Evangeline. I became a hairstylist because of my love for creative colors. I’ve always loved changing looks, and doing it for other people has brought me a different kind of happiness! Whether you’re looking for a bold new look, a subtle refresh, or a creative corrective color, my goal is to enhance your natural beauty and help you express yourself through your hair! Come as you are.

All are welcome! I pride myself in creating a fun, safe, and open environment for anyone and everyone! I can’t wait to see you! @cosmo_kokis on all social platforms!

I’ve been on a personal journey of conscious healing and awakening for 25 years and a certified healing bodyworker for 24 years. This deepens my understanding, sensitivity and compassion for others.
My passion is in sharing the terrain I have traversed thru this work. I have extensive education and certified training. My work is my life’s work. My own path of healing and transformation have led me to the realization that we all have the potential to heal and awaken, I offer guidance in that process. We all are able to to open our hearts, and experience the truth of who we are in wholeness and oneness. I explore all of this with you through the body. The body holds every experience and memory, positive and negative, within every cell. Our lives are a reflection of this. Illness, disease and pain are an expression of this. Our body is always showing us where we need to heal, it’s an invitation to go deeper and find true freedom. I share this journey with you.