Mane Alley

I’ve been getting pedicures from Jan at the Mane Alley in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood of North Berkeley (formerly The Powder Box) for many years. The shop is small/​cozy (only 1 pedicure station) so preferably one should make an appointment. My grown daughter has taken me to other salons so we could get our pedicures together, but I always come back to Jan because she consistently give the best pedicure for the price. Jan exudes hospitality, as do Cyndi and Ann. Clients are always offered Jan’s freshly baked cookies, hot coffee or tea, and great conversation.
Take the time to call or stop by the salon to make an appointment — you’ll be glad you did!
Betsy

Mane Alley is a delightful, happy place to go to make your hair look great. I have been going there for years and always feel uplifted and rejuvenated after an afternoon spent having my hair highlighted, shampooed, and cut by Ann. Jan’s cookie offerings are out of this world. A great place to go.

I have used this hair and nail salon for years. It’s tiny, and the three women — Ann, Jan, and Cindi are tops. Hair cuts, styling, perms, manicures and pedicures — all in one extremely friendly space — and their prices are very reasonable!
Carolyn Cowan

Everyone has to know that Jan and Cyndi have moved their business a block up Solano and in the Alley just below the Oaks theater. Thus they have renamed themselves «Mane Alley»!
It’s a much smaller place, but very efficient. I think it’s cute that when you cross the street from Andronico’s, you see the sign that says «the Alley». I was worried that noone would be able to find them!
Jan has cut my hair for years, considering the changing color for my age…
I brought my daughter to her a few weeks ago. One who loves her hair long, and Jan figured out that she didn’t really want to cut her hair much. She did a really mild, tasteful job of trimming her hair, offering her to come back for more. My daughter went over afterward to Andronico’s and bought Jan a bouquet of sunflowers in thanks.
I’m sure she’ll come back.

The appearance of this salon is a blast from the past and what makes it so very unique. It has been on Solano Avenue for a very long time. The owners/​operators are not only skilled professionals; they are also involved in their communities. Jan is part of the merchants association that runs the Solano Avenue Stroll street festival.
Frankly, because of the dated style of the salon, my 12 year-​old daughter was «uncertain» about getting her hair done by Jan — while most of her friends from Albany Middle School prefer the «boutique» salons on Solano… but Jan really came through. Our daughter has very thick hair and in the end came out with a manageable, teen-​approved hair style that all of the kids loved. The shampoo/​cut/​style was reasonably priced and done with a smile. I encourage you to check out the Powder Box Salon!

Gotta love this old tyme beauty salon. I LOVE Jan and the Cyndi (Propietors), they really go out of their way to make you look good, AND to save you money!!!
Just look at my hair!
VAVABOOM!!!