Hive Natural Beauty Collective - San Luis Obispo, California

Beverley D. W. M.

Kelsey Tikker is a gifted stylist and a savvy businesswoman who has developed a successful salon with a happy, hard-working staff that is responsive to customer preferences.

Riley S.

Such a cute salon! I desperately needed a refresh on my hair and Martha gave me an amazing cut!

Katie L.

I am very disappointed to be writing this review, and am compelled to share my experience with others in the community considering booking at this salon. I booked an appointment for a hair cut almost a month in advance, and I live about 35-40 minutes away from the salon. I am a mother to a little one and I also own my small business. Even though my time is constricted at many times, I take very seriously showing respect to others through timeliness and reciprocity.

15 minutes before my appointment time, while driving, I received a text from this salon stating my stylist was running behind and requesting me to come in 30 minutes later or reschedule. I let them know I was already almost to the salon, and planned my appointment between seeing my own clients, so I wasn't sure what to do next. I called the front desk and explained this, and was put on hold and then the owner of this salon got on the line.

She told me that: training stylists run late, it happens (almost like I should have expected this? even as a new client). She gave me 2 options: either come in and "hopefully" someone else can get me started, but I still will be behind and might not make it to work. Or, she would reschedule me and "offer a complimentary add-on". She kept reiterating while she was speaking to me that she had "a client in my chair with her hair wet" and she was "taking time away from her client with her hair wet to speak with me". Mind you, I didn't even ask to speak to this person at all. I told her it didn't sound like I could still get to work on time if either way, they would be late with my appointment. She continued to turn this situation toward me, saying my "time constraints" and my schedule were causing an issue. I planned for this time. I paid my deposit. I abided by the late and reschedule policy. I was on time. And offering to reschedule with a "free add-on", for a product I didn't want, was her way of solving this problem. Acting like your clients have all the time in the world and nothing else going on is disrespectful. Can you imagine if I (client) called, 15 minutes before an appointment was scheduled and said, "I'm going to be 30 minutes late, so we will need to go later today." That would not be acceptable at all, and I'm sure I'd be charged in full. This way of practicing is not ethical. The business owner acted like this was all completely fine, and even common for this to happen, justifying herself over and over again, and attempting to guilt me into even speaking with her (taking time away from her client).

My thoughts are: if you know that a stylist is training and may need extra time, why not schedule a buffer before/after appointments to account for this? I noticed this has happened with another reviewer, and probably many more who haven't said anything yet. Or, if you don't know what the service will accurately entail, maybe requiring a consult before would help you accurately schedule? Even a disclaimer when booking, explaining certain stylists are still learning and may/often run up to 30(+) minutes late for your appointment. Any of this could have prevented what happened and I may have still wanted to return to this salon. However, after witnessing firsthand the owner--clearly feeling burnt out--deal with this poorly managed situation, I definitely will avoid this place at all costs.

Susan L.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first appointment at Hive. My stylist Carrie has a talent for helping her clients choose the appropriate, attractive style to suit. And I had a good time visiting with her too! She took good care of me, I loved it!💕

Joshua P.

Girlfriend got her hair done here after searching for a good place to do her cut and color for a few months. Place is really nice and homey on the inside and well setup. Staff is friendly and personable. Price seems standard for the area but not above average.

Ivette V.

I have been seeing Kelsey for about 5 years now and she never disappoints! I come in with an idea and she's super honest on the possibility of getting "the exact same hair" she seriously works wonders with what I have in mind! I moved to Arizona and have now twice waiting 6 months to see her before allowing anyone new to touch my hair! I made the mistake of getting a haircut out here and a simple A-Line well, it was a mess. Kelsey is just so extraordinarily talented! Not to mention, I have a blast every time I come in from the time I walk in the door to the time I leave! Hive has an awesome vibe, you are made felt super special- you wont want to leave! Oh and I can't forget about the goodies they have up front for sale! Hair heaven! Amazing products! I love Hive, The Hive Tribe and of course, my Kelsey- she is the best!

Alison C.

This salon has great vibes: bright, open and clean. I loved my haircut with Caleb. He listened to my ideas and needs, including my fears about having the right hair for an upcoming wedding I'm in. I love my haircut and my color--it's perfect! Additionally it was fun talking with Caleb and I felt at ease sitting in the chair for several hours. I tend to get social anxiety and this leads me to putting off getting my haircut so meeting someone like Caleb who is both skilled with hair and socially adept was just what I had been needing. I have already booked my next appointment and will be recommending Hive Beauty Collective and Caleb to everyone I know! Also, I felt the price was very reasonable for the high quality.

Jenny A.

Just had my fourth cut with Maggie and I've been happy each time. She listens and does what we talk about. I like her as a person too. Also, I love the salon, the natural light, high ceilings and earthy vibe. I'm super excited that you're considering bringing in refillable products as my husband and I just decided to go plastic free and buy accordingly. Been wondering how I'd make it work with beauty products. Hope you end up doing it! Also super appreciate the cold Blue Moon on occasion! Great salon. 👍🏼🙌🏽🙏🏽