Beverly O. | Palm Desert, CA
My daughter had a very important occasion coming up -- first Winter Formal! -- and I had heard so many wonderful things about this salon that I had to give it a go; I can't say how very glad we are that we did! From the moment we arrived, the owner, Manomi, and her staff made us feel like we were the most important people in the world! Our stylist, Fabbi, and her assistant consulted with us as to what look we were hoping for and immediately went to work! Next thing we knew, Ionie was on the scene providing the most lovely touches of makeup -- nothing too glamorous, just clean and pretty! When all was said and done, my girl was happy, shining, and beautiful!
If you're looking for a salon with the most professional stylists and staff, charming ambience, and over-the-top personalized pampering, look no further! Not only will we be coming back, I'm telling everyone I know about Manomi and her delightful salon! Truly an oasis of beauty in the desert!
D. Sanders, Google User: Overall Excellent
This is the place I go to recharge my mind body and soul. Nicole takes care of my hair, Ionie my face, and Sophie my nails. But more than the cut/color, facial, and manicure/pedicure, it is the atmosphere that I love. The owner/management ensures that the salon is a place that people love being in. From the Aveda rituals, teas, and the professional and laid back staff, you feel a warmth throughout your experience. I ALWAYS leave the shop feeling confident, healthy, and beautiful.
Google User: Overall Excellent
I love this salon! This is the place to go for high quality service and Aveda product! I have been following Manomi (owner/manager) and her talented staff for over 20 years here in the Desert. She owned and operated a salon on El Paseo for many, many years. She also managed the salon/spa at Palm Springs' high end Givenchy Resort Hotel (now the Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs). Trained in London, and with a lifetime in the industry, Manomi and her shop deliver every single time! Go in to Alankara, you will leave looking absolutely stunning.
Sarah J. | Palm Desert, CA
I have been going here for years now and I love it! Michelle and Nicole have both given me haircuts that I think are really great and I am so happy with, and Ionie in the facial room is sooo good.
I love being greeted with a nice cup of Aveda tea, and everyone there is so friendly and nice! Great place!
Ashley A. | Palm Desert, CA
I got use to getting my hair done at an Aveda salon in Los Angeles, so when I moved back to the desert I was looking for a good one. My friend recommended this salon to me and I was so happy when she did! It was amazing and I loved how my color turned out! Fabi was awesome, and I look forward to going back and getting my color every chance I get.
I love going on Saturdays and making it an entire day of pampering for myself after a LONG work week! Everyone is friendly and they are so personable! The staff and owner even remembered that I have a four year old daughter and invited me to bring her along for a girls day! Great place and wonderful service. You definitely get what you pay for!
Bethany F. | Palm Desert, CA
I love this place! I have been going to this salon since I was in high school and needed to get my hair done for prom! The location and name changed from El Paseo, and I am so glad I found them again! The staff is really great and friendly and the owner even remembered me from prom! It is one of my favorite treats to myself to spend the day in this salon!
Alice L. | Palm Springs, CA
I was checking out the arts festival in La Quinta and wandered in to Alankara. Very friendly staff. I had a facial and a haircut, and also received a complimentary makeup application. I'll be back!
Tennille H. | Mukilteo, WA
Went in today and saw Janka for a haircut. She was amazing! This is the third time I have asked a stylist for a "Connie Britton" style and the first time someone nailed it! I walked out of that salon with a beautiful haircut and a new attitude. I have really long, thick, fine textured hair. Janka wasn't afraid to get in there and go to work. She took her time and did a beautiful job. I live in Seattle, but will come see Janka whenever I am visiting the desert!
Ronai W. | La Quinta, CA
I wish I could give Alankara more than 5 stars!!! I have followed this solon to each location over the years, because I have never been to a solon that was one ounce better than this one! The Stylists are extremely knowledgable in every department. My dermatologist wants to know why my skin looks better all the time, my answer: Alankara! I get compliments on my hair and nails all the time. The products are wonderful. Aveda makes excellent products that are very effective! Natural with no animal testing. They really smell good and really truly work!
Chris G. | Palm Desert, CA
Alankara - the staff is friendly, professional, they take pride in their work. Manomi and Ionie run a great shop, and Nicole's my go-to stylist. I'll be back -- soon!
Jackie V. | Palm Springs, CA
Awesome Salon! Great ambiance, professional, and masters at what they do! Ionie is my favorite!!! She does THE BEST eyebrows, her facials always make me feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and like a new person--always has great attitude, ideas, and suggestions!
J. H. | Brooklyn, NY
I love this salon!
I've been here a few times & have decided it is absolutely the only place to go in the desert (I have tried out rival salons as well, particularly J. Russell, and was disappointed).
I recently had a cut & color with Michelle and was very happy with the result. I am a natural blonde, who dyed my hair almost black over the winter, and now want to return to blonde. She helped put me on that path.
The staff is friendly, laid-back and professional. I followed the owner from her previous salon on El Paseo because she is wonderful - accommodating, nice and knowledgeable. I believe she used to do hair professionally in the fashion world in Sri Lanka and London before she moved to the states.
Highly recommended!
Google User: Overall Excellent
Exceptional! Because we are new to the desert, I searched the internet for a local salon. After reading the outstanding reviews about Michelle, I made an appointment with her for a cut. Not only is she bright and funny, she enhances your experience with the most relaxing head massage during your shampoo. The cut and styling were terrific, too. Thanks, Michelle. I will be back!
Google User: Overall Excellent
Very talented & friendly staff. I came in Alankara for the first time to support a cause that they were donating proceeds towards, but had a great experience and will definitely be returning. It has a great atmosphere and everyone was super friendly. I had relatively long hair and was cutting most of it off for the first time in a few years. Michelle helped me figure out what I was looking for and made it good great. Highly recommended!
Google User: Overall Excellent
One of the few quality shops that offer great men's services. I am in my late twenties, and have tough hair to cut. With a change in my hair line =(, I was looking for a new look. Richard was a master! He gave me one of the best haircuts I have had. He did take a bit longer than I expected, but it was worth the wait. He is truly passionate about his craft, and gave me a style that really compliments my head shape. No more barber shops for me... thanks a lot Rich! I love it!
Sheila K. | Los Angeles, CA
I love Alankara!! I grew up in the desert and I always went to Charisma, owned by the same owner, Manomi. Now, I live in Los Angeles but have not been able to find a place as clean and accommodating as Alankara. I make sure to stop by whenever I am in the desert so that I can get my hair cut by stylists that I trust. I can always guarantee that I will have a successful visit when I go to Alankara. And, Manomi is great. She manages a wonderful team, and you can tell that her staff love working there. It makes the salon a very pleasant environment overall. I have also frequented the salon for manicures and facials. Their products do wonders for my skin. And, they always have the newest, most trendy polish colors. Love love love this place!!
Luvtatrv L. | La Quinta, CA
How lucky Alankara moved to beautiful Old Town La Quinta. 2 thumbs up for Manomi and her staff. Nicole is a wizard with color and cut. She keeps my style fresh and gorgeous. I'm a local who used to live in the OC. I have had my hair colored in a dozen different salons over the years. Alankara is an Aveda salon, and once you've had Aveda color - you'll never go back. This is a full service salon that actually delivers full service. Ioni, Bonnie, Tary, Marc and Shelby all keep the upbeat attitude that swirls around you. It is a friendly place where everyone knows your name and you walk out looking like a million bucks!