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Atelier Emmanuel Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Massage, Hair Salons, Nail Salons [Edit]
166 Geary StSte 1606
(between Stockton St & Grant Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 362-8063
Announcement
Follow us for Daily & Last Minute Specials
TEXT: "follow atelieremmanuel" to 40404
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/...
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Thu 9 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Fresh Face Makeup - Elissya Barel is a Top San Francisco Wedding Makeup Artist that provides professional makeup services for brides and bridal parties,… read more »
185 reviews for Atelier Emmanuel Salon
185 reviews in English
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Review from Connie M.
Daly City, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love love love this place!! Glad I was able to go one more time before they move locations. The view on the 16th floor is always so calming for me.
I've had my hair cut and partial highlight twice now by the fabulous Claudia. The first time I went in without any real clue of how I wanted my hair to look except to have some side swept bangs. I picked out red partial highlights and let Claudia do her thing. The result? Awesome! I've had plenty of compliments on it and I just loved how easy it was to manage. Actually that was my number one request; I wanted a low maintenance hair style.
The way Claudia cut my hair was beautiful, I was nervous about getting layers because they would always flip out and look awful. But Claudia knew what she was doing. I came in with a black mop of hair cut one length and she turned it in to hair that I can manage and hair that moves as I move.
The second time.. About 4 months later I'm back and requested basically the same cut. But since Claudia was so happy to have me back (assuming I liked the previous cut) and the news of my first motorcycle, she went all out on my hair. She gave me probably double the partial highlights compared to the first and gave me even shorter bangs. Overall a very fun hair style, I got even more compliments on this than the first hair cut!
They have vibrating chairs when you are getting your hair washed. I love that they have these navy blue smocks (looks like scrubs) to change into. They offer coffee, tea, water, and sparkling water for you to drink. This is definitely more swankier and fancier hair salons that I've ever been to.
Partial highlight: $110
Haircut: $65 -
Review from Tiffany E.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
Professional staff and talented stylists! Had a trim done by Paul that turned out even better than I'd hoped. Paul listened to what I wanted with my hair and also made suggestions. He was accommodating to my requests, which I always appreciate. I hate it when someone asks you what you want, then tries to persuade you otherwise. Afterall, it's my hair and I gotta live with it when I leave the salon! Paul was very focused and precise. Shampoo, trim, and good service for less than $40? Oh yes, I WILL be back.
April, Mani/pedi/body wax expert is another reason I rate this place so highly. My sis and I made appointments the day before my wedding. April worked quickly yet efficiently and I was really pleased with my nails afterwards. She even put the SF Giants decal on my ring fingernail for me, making sure it was perfect.
Lastly, I had a couple of wedding hair consultations with Edgar before deciding on the final style. He was simply dedicated to getting the exact look I was going for. I couldn't have hoped or paid for a better stylist! Emmanuel himself came by to give his input. I like to see the owner of an establishment working alongside his or her employees and taking pride in the people who represent them to the public.
Looking forward to my next appointment! I'm due for a Mani/pedi =) -
Review from Sam H.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
Came into the salon this week looking to refresh my cut. I've found amazing stylists (including the best colorest I've ever had!) in the past by responding to training session ads that show you how well the salon is managed and the focus they put on customer service. Moving to the city eventually leads to going through all that over again..
I came in with an overgrown bob past my shoulders, that was still holding up but needed to be reshaped. I brought 3 pictures of wavy bobs and showed them to the stylist and let her know where I wanted it cut, since I was accounting for 'spring' from the curls. She looked confident
She definitely seemed nice and it started off good. She was extremely fast and after the initial cutting of length it looked very bob-like. All good. She started adding layers and that's when I noticed she was giving me something more like a shag so I referred again to the pictures and showing her how I wanted the very slight a-line toward the front. The pictures had little layers. She then continued to layer the back at which point I stopped and showed concern that it was not looking much like a bob, the layers were very shag like and the front was pretty disconnected from the back.
The owner/manager comes and I attempt to explain that it wasn't looking like what I brought in and wanted. I show how the front is a totally different haircut from the back. He tries to convince me that it will look like that when dry and I continue to insist that it is not what I was asking for. I seem to grudgingly get it fixed as much as possible but I definitely still have front wisps hanging. The cut was getting shorter as she tried to fix so I told her it was good enough and it was "ok".
Had I come in looking for a Victoria Bechkam like bob-shag it would have been great. If that's what I had wanted and if my hair weren't curly, it's an ok/good cut. But unfortunately it's not and when I showed concern they acted like I had no reason for concern. I gave it a day to see if I could get used to it and it's still not close to what I wanted. They said when I styled it naturally it would be what I wanted but ... it looks really bad naturally. I may have to straighten it daily - curled it's too stringy (too many layers) and lacks heaviness at the bottom to keep the curls from frizzing. It definitely still does not have the shape I wanted.
All in all for the reviews and prices I would not return. It's just hair and will grow back but I should be able to trust a stylist to give me what I asked when I come in with pictures and attempt to make the best of the situation.
Full disclosure: the training session was a free haircut, but I did leave a small tip for her time since I was unhappy.
I'll try to add pictures later -
Review from Amanda B.
*********************** 704 **************************
I was ready to get hair and make up done for the La Soire French American Chamber of Commerce at the City View San Francisco. I got call time to Atelier Emmanuel Salon for the pre fashion show.
The salon located right on Union Square, right next to Chanel Boutique, higher floor, with a gorgeous view to the ice skating rink and the gorgeous Christmas at Union Square, just beautiful at night.
Charles made my hair up as bridal, he put in hair extension on me, made a big bun, than the white lace, and pearls on my hair. I just love it so much. He's just awesome. Later, James did my make up, bridal, simple style for our fashion show for http://VioGemini.com bridal. I just loved it. James was funny, personal, and talented. I love everything about this salon. As high end in style, and service as you can get. -
Review from Jo S.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
Best salon I have ever been to. The colorists know what they are doing, especially Anastasia, and listen to what you want. They take the time to work with you and you are never rushed. The owner is French and extremely sophisticated with his styling. I enjoy Paul as he gives me a perfectly even blunt cut that wears well over time. I am moving and may have to fly back for my hair! If you are looking for a good salon, just skip the others and go straight to them - you won't be sorry. These people are not amateurs, believe me. Very difficult to find this level of expertise, even in SF.
Joeanne K. -
Review from Maria M.
12/7/2011
This review is long overdue, but I wanted to finish it.
To know me is to know that I tend to wear my hair past my shoulders in length and then at some point it annoys me and I get it cut in some sort of "bob" variety. This is what brought me here.
I went looking for a new salon when I moved back from LA. (I love Brig Van Osten) I found this place on Yelp and made an appointment with Charles. This place is a beautiful and modern salon, with friendly staff and they sell Rene Furterer products which is a plus in my book. While the staff is clearly talented and friendly I left really unhappy with my haircut. I had plenty of pictures with me to show I wanted an asymetrical layered bob with a very defined difference in length between the front and back. What I left with was a very very slight asymetrical version of a Louise Brooks bob. To top it off the front was too short to be able to make any corrections to it. Needless to say I have never been back. -
Review from Silke P.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2011
I'm a customer at Atelier Emmanuel for a pretty long time now.
For haircuts I always go to Anastasia. She is very professional, skilled, friendly and pays attention to detail. I never feel rushed, but always very well taken care of. I like especially that the emphasis is on good craftsmanship and not on styling products to make a hair cut look good. I have short hair and I think it's important that the hair cut is easy to maintain even after 4 weeks.
For massages I go to Margarita. She is amazing! I work most of the time on a desk and have a lot of tension in my neck & shoulder area. After an hour with Margarita I feel absolutely relalxed and my aches and pains are taken care of. I try to go at least once a month and noticed that I have less tension headaches and can move so much better. -
Review from Elle C.
Berkeley, CA
10/23/2011
scheduled a cut for myself and my friend at this salon after finally caving in and deciding to find a stylist in SF as opposed to going back to LA or the OC whenever I need a cut... this place looked promising..they had a good logo--- and from their website, it looked like they had some sense of style.
At the time, Stephanie was running a discount for first-time appts so we took advantage, and this was one of the most horrible cut we'd ever received (note the plural. we should've walked out after my cut since our appts were back to back). The tipoff should've been that during my cut, I would try to chat with Stephanie about what she thought were the latest hair trends, etc and she said something to the equivalent of "not sure"/ "don't really have an opinion".
So how would this cut have been any different from me hovering over my sink with a pair of shears? I might've saved $60 and actually have liked my cut.
Very disappointing! -
Review from Meg T.
9/27/2011
I've put off reviewing this place because I really liked their Nail Stylist.
She did a fabulous job on my nails, which stayed beautiful for over two weeks and she fit me in on short notice. They use organic oranges in their foot baths, have a beautiful city top view from their older building and it was probably the most relaxing pedicure I've ever had.
I just can't get over the price.
I'd wanted to treat myself after having a particularly stressful month and promptly forgot about writing a review, but in coming back I just keep getting stuck on the fact I paid over 50 dollars for something I usually pay 30 for, at most. And I just don't think the partial ambiance was worth it. I would have rather paid twice that and gone all out, or half that and had a quick grab and dash.
I also wasn't thrilled with their choices of nail polish, and was a little disappointed they didn't have the color I wanted in OPI.
I don't think I'd come back but would recommend it to people who regularly spend that much twice a month on their nails. -
Review from Monelle P.
San Francisco, CA
10/14/2011
I purchased a Bloomspot voucher for a mani-pedi combo with a foot paraffin treatment for $39 (valued at $75).
I was completely unprepared for my 2-hour Atelier Emmanuel Experience. I typically go to your typical busy nail salon with foot bath chairs lined up next to each other. I'm in and out within an hour and there's no opportunity to relax. A mani/pedi at Atelier Emmanuel offers you privacy and relaxation. April, the nail stylist, sits you down in a comfy sofa chair in a small room overlooking a view of the city. Then, for 2 hours, it was just April and I, and the highest quality mani-pedi I've ever received.
I started off the pedicure by soaking my feet in a hot bath of mint, lemon and essential oils. For 2 hours, April paid meticulous detail to my mani-pedi. Her massage was heavenly and the paraffin treatment left my feet ultra moisturized and soft.
A 2 hour mani-pedi isn't for everyone, but I was ready for some relaxation and the time flew for me. April and I chatted about everything, and by the end of my appointment, I felt like I was one of her regulars.
The menu of nail services is definitely on the higher end and not something I could afford regularly. But if you're looking for a luxurious, relaxing mani-pedi experience and you're willing to splurge, Atelier Emmanuel is the salon for you. -
Review from Hannah W.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2011
I have been getting waxed by April for about a year now and I absolutely love her! She does such a great job making sure there is no hair left down there and she always treats me to a cute little rhinestone flower sticker after. The room she waxes in has a beautiful view, its great to look out if you want to relax and just think while shes waxing you. Very friendly and likes to get to know you.
Prices are pretty cheap compared to what I've paid before in southern california.
I recommend going to april to get waxed!! =) -
Review from Ken K.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/2/2011
Paul has cut my hair every month since my initial review. Every visit is a pleasure, and the results are consistently great. My first impressions (see earlier review below) stay true to this day. Thanks, Paul!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/20/2010
I left grinning from ear to ear. I have Paul to thank for that. He gave every follicle his… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany M.
Pacifica, CA
Updated - 12/19/2011
Truly amazing every time! Going on three years now with this salon and they always exceed my expectations! Color, cut and highlights is my typical appointment with Anastasia. She is an amazing stylist. Brown color with lighter brown highlights and I'm glittering like tis' the season and so natural looking--always! The stylists at Atelier Emmanuel are masters at their craft. If you treasure you head, you will come here! The vibe at the salon is friendly and everyone is good karma! My hair goes nowhere but here...ever! They make you look and feel like a celebrity!
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/25/2011
Yet another fabulous color, partial highlights, cut and style from Anastasia!
Thank you again. My… Read more »
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Review from Jen D.
7/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Called in at 11:40am today to book an appointment for a pedicure. They had a 12pm appointment available so I booked it! Shimmied on over to the salon, was politely greeted by the receptionist who asked me to have a seat and the nail tech would be right out.
Waited 10 mins when the receptionist apologized and said that the nail tech wasn't there. He wasn't sure where she went, but she wasn't in the building. Left with un-pampered toes. On a Friday! ARGH! -
Review from Alison H.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
When I look back on my pictures from college, I sometimes make a weird face. It resembles a face one would make after gulping spoiled milk. I rock ("rock") a different hair color in every three pictures. I can actually remember dying my hair from a box as a way to avoid having to study for finals....
Okay, so I get bored easily and take it out on my hair. Brittany gets me. I've only seen her twice so far and both times have gone for very different looks (ombre and subtle highlights). She is quick while being very precise. She is fun to chat with and has a great eye for matching skin tone/warmth/hue. She is trendy and has her own unique style, plus her hair always looks cute, so I trust her.
The salon itself is very Euro and chic. I've loved my experience thus far and look forward to getting my hair did with Brittany again soon! -
Review from I T.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
This review is for manicure and pedicure. Got coupon from Travel Zoo for $29 regular price is $62. The place is small and very old. She did offer me some water. I would say it's kinda dirty too. The nail polish were hiding inside the book shelf. She cut my cuticle too deep and it really hurts. The worst part is my nail polish chipped on the NEXT DAY!!! So not worth it. I will never come back here!!
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Review from Bryan C.
West Hollywood, CA
10/30/2011
I have been going to Paul at Atelier Emmanuel for about 5 months now and I have never felt so secure with a stylist before. I recently moved to LA but will still get up to SF every couple of months for work and other things, and to get my hair cut by Paul (who somehow has the ability to cut my hair in a way that it looks good for a couple of months!).
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Review from Chad P.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2011
I went to Atelier Emmanuel for the first time about two weeks ago and got my hair cut by Paul Pu. This is the first time that I have treated myself to an appointment at a legit salon and I have to say that I am now hooked.
After arriving at the salon on the day of the appointment, my wait in the waiting area was very short and before I knew it I was back in the main area with Paul. Before doing anything, he took the time to discuss with me what type of haircut I wanted and gave me a bit of his 2¢ on what he thought would really work based on my hair/shape of my head.
Then off to the fun part! The hair washing was heavenly - Paul definitely has a magic touch with his fingers. He took great care in cutting my hair and took the time to make sure things looked perfect and that I was very satisfied! Paul was very friendly and was fun and easy to chat with during the appointment. That combined with the awesome views from the Union Square high-rise made me wish that the appointment lasted longer.
Great cut and experience! Can't wait for my next appointment with Paul at Atelier Emmanuel. -
Review from Mariella M.
Daly City, CA
8/6/2011
Best Salon!
I have had my hair done from 3 master sylists, Emanuelle, Charles and George. Everyone here is amazing! They are professional, talented, and quick. If you need to find a place, this is it! Keep up the good work George and I'll see you soon! -
Review from Richard L M.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2011
People are always asking about who does my hair. For a guy it's kind of strange, I know, but it's because Claudia Cohen works her magic on me once every six to eight weeks. The environment is high energy, yet I always feel relaxed here. This is where the pretty people go to get their hair done, or is it that the clientele are just average and Atelier Emmanuel's staff make everyone look hot?
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Review from Maija G.
El Cajon, CA
4/9/2011
I rarely, if ever, write a negative review, but I feel an obligation to write about my experiences at Atelier Emmanuel if only to help one person avoid ever going there for waxing services.
I was in San Francisco for work and needed a quick lip wax. I've been going to the same esthetician in San Diego for over 12 years and I adore her. I won't let anyone else NEAR my brows. But since this was just a simple lip wax, I took the advice of my fashionably gay assistant and booked a same day appointment on a Wednesday afternoon. I was initially surprised that I was able to get in the salon on such late notice, but thrilled I could walk just a few blocks form my Union Square hotel to the chic Maiden Lane-like location.
The waiting area was classy, and the staff was incredibly friendly. I was offered water while I waited (in glass,, not plastic! nice touch) and the esthetician came out and apologized that she was running a little late. A+ so far.
When I got into the room for my wax, I immediately noticed it's dismal condition. An empty plain bookcase shelved a few bottles of old looking nail polish, and the ceiling tiles were yellow with age. Instead of having me lie down on the table, the esthetician told me to sit in a chair, upright, and put a pillow behind my head. It was a very awkward position. I told her that I had very sensitive skin, and she decided to use a different wax. She was nice enough, but her broken English was difficult to understand. The shabby room certainly was not comparable with the chic atmosphere of the waiting area.
The wax station was a few feet away from the chair, so she would scoop out some wax, then awkwardly try to walk it across the room to my lip without dripping on the floor. It was actually almost comical, except for the pin-drop-quiet silence in the room that made it nothing but weird and uncomfortable.
Now my lip is not exactly full and bushy, just some very light blond hairs, so I was a little surprised when she didn't put on any powder after the prep solution. After the first rip of wax, she looked at me strangely, then walked back across the room and applied MORE wax in the same area. Now, I certainly don't have an "esthetician's degree" but even I know that you should never wax the same area twice, especially on someone with sensitive skin! I should have bolted out of the chair right then and there, but I chickened out and laid there like an idiot.
This time, when she tried to remove the wax (it was the non-muslin type), it wasn't quite the right consistency and she had to "chip" it off my lip with her fingernail. Literally. She is sitting there digging her fingernail into my skin to chip it off.
I could go on for paragraphs about this strange and awkward waxing experience, but I'll jump straight to the punchline. After 5 or 10 minutes of waxing and re-waxing (not once did she think to maybe break out the tweezers for the finer areas?) she hands me the mirror and says. "OK?"
I looked exactly the same. But now I had a lovely blond mustache on achy red inflamed skin. She missed nearly 75% of the hair on my lip. There was still a fine baby fuzz and it looked like she only got a little of the hair right under my nose.
At this point, I didn't care and just rushed the hell out of there. I glared at my assistant as we rode the elevator down to the bottom floor, then unleashed a F-bomb laden monologue on how it was the worst lip wax ever. He said that when he went, he had a different woman. A younger Persian lady with beautiful brows who did an amazing job. So maybe you just have to get the right person at this salon, but I still can't imagine how such a nice salon - with gorgeous sweeping views of the bay and city - would allow one of their employees to have such a shabby treatment room.
Anyhow ... two days later I completely broke out all above my lip and by my mouth. Awesome :( -
Review from Jan S.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2011
I have to get this off my chest - I've been going to the same stylist for 5 years. In November, I moved from San Jose to San Francisco and because I was so scared to find a new stylist, I've been driving back to San Jose every few weekends. Fear can be quite expensive.
I don't know why I was dealt such a good hand from the universe, but I happened to meet Anastasia purely by chance and booked an appointment with her. After spending an hour under her watchful eye, I found her to highly professional, detail oriented and a perfectionist. I've read one review on Yelp hat conveyed her negatively, saying she was quick, didn't pay attention and careless, but I can assure you that whomever wrote the review of Anastasia was absolutely and utterly dead wrong.
Thanks to her skill, I plan on making her my permanent stylist and will follow her, no matter where she works which translates into no more driving to San Jose just for a hair cut.
As far as the salon is concerned, it's well maintained, has an impressive view and is located in Union Square which means you can easily get there via public transportation if you're so inclined.
I highly recommend both the salon and Anastasia. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Julia G.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2011
This is my second home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charles does my hair! I loooove his job. The color ,the cut...everthing works best for me.
I also bought tanning membership here. I'm addicted to tanning and I can can tell you ,this salon has a great tanning bed. You need about 4 session to establish a nice color.
Last friday i had massage with Margarita. She is the massage guru!!!!!!!! I will definitely see her again.
The staff is super nice and friendly!
I just love this place! -
Review from Marie A.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2011
Claudia how I adore you!
I first went to this salon after having grown my hair out for about a year for Locks of Love. It had been so long since I'd had a true cut that I wanted to go somewhere great.
Of course I yelped salons to death before finally deciding on AE Salon and boy was it the right choice!
Though I had made my appointment with Claudia (was tipped off by yelp reviews of course), Emmanuel himself was so excited about me donating my hair that he insisted he cut the pony off himself. He eased any anxiety I may have had about it at the time and was so thrilled for me.
Then the actual cut. I hate mullets and old school bobs, as well as any cut I can't actually style myself. Claudia did exactly what I asked and more because she made suggestions that I hadn't thought of before but that turned out great.
I've been to her now many times since that first haircut and not once have I left without feeling like a million bucks.
You know a cut is good when you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and think, "Did I do my hair last night before bed?".
Love, love, love AE Salon. -
Review from Nancy P.
Berkeley, CA
1/12/2011
I've been here twice, the last time being in August. Both times Anastasia has done my hair, she is so nice, easy to talk to, very professional, and damn good at what she does.
The first time I came here was two years ago for a haircut to donate 13inches of my hair. The reason why I chose Anastasia was because the salon was offering 20% off for those who booked an appointment with her because she had just transferred over from New York. I loved the way she cut and styled my hair and knew I had to come back.
The second time I came here I was heading to New York so I wanted a trim because I was letting my hair grow but I also wanted to get bangs. I wanted them pretty short, but she suggested on keeping them about an eighth of an inch longer than I wanted. They looked great, but I knew what I wanted (my hair grows quickly so I wanted them a bit shorter). Because I was leaving to New York in about a week, she said that if I wanted a trim before going to NY I could come in for a trim at no charge. She is really sweet and knows her stuff. Every time I walk out of the salon my hair feels so healthy and looks so shiny, overall amazing! I would come to her more often if I could, but its pretty pricey. I would recommend her to anyone! -
Review from Jen F.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2010
So, I should have written a review about this salon awhile ago. I have been coming here for about 3 years or so. Claudia is awesome! She is super nice and takes her time. The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is pretty casual and doesn't feel pretentious given the area.
I would highly recommend this place! -
Review from Sarv G.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2011
April is the BEST. I see her for waxing, and she does a wonderful job. She makes you feel absolutely comfortable. So happy I found her :-)
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Review from Stephanie M.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ever since I had my hair cut and styled, all of my family and friends would tell me they loved it. I absolutely thought Stephanie was amazing!! (not because she has my same name). The worst thing is when you go to a salon and you say you want to keep it long, and the stylist does a monstrosity to your hair and chops it off. Stephanie was able to emulate a hairstyle I wanted, add style, and cut just the exact amount. The scalp massage was pure bliss. She gave me cool tips and real advice. Since it was my first time, they gave a 20% discount. I am definitely returning and taking my mom when she's in town. Atelier has a great location and a pretty sick view of the city.
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Review from Kelly T.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2011
James and Claudia are amazing! I met James first and we chatted about what I wanted for my hair cut. He really listened and gave helpful tips. Claudia stepped in to do my color and did exactly what I wanted. It was like she read my mind. James gave me a great healthy hair cut and also shared some excellent advice on how to keep my hair healthy.
I think it is common when going to a salon of this stature that you will more than likely have excellent (hair) results, but what impressed me even more was how friendly the staff was to me. James was extraordinary! I felt like an old friend was cutting my hair and not someone I had just met. I am already looking forward to my next appointment. -
Review from Bananas F.
Manhattan, NY
2/20/2011
This is my go-to salon for waxing. It's super clean and relaxing, April takes her time with all her customers, she actually listens to what the customer wants. She's also efficient. She's a great manicurist too!
You get what you pay for here, a job well done! -
Review from Heidi B.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2010
I had to sign on to give Stephanie a review - she's awesome!
I stopped in for a cut and wanted to do something a bit different - she was able to do a cut that reflected current styles with something that personally fit me. She also showed me how to style my new do which was definitely helpful.
Overall, this salon had a very friendly vibe. Will be back! -
Review from sherrie A.
Brooklyn, NY
8/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I've always had trouble finding a really good salon because I have big curly hair and not a lot of people understand it. When I was complaining about this to my friend, she recommended me to her salon, which is Alelier Emmanuel. They gave me a warm and friendly welcome and offered me coffee or tea while I waited.
On my first visit I had Kash, who was amazing, but unfortunately he left for NY. I had my last hair cut with Anastasia, who was just as awesome. They both gave me great tips on how to keep my hair luscious and healthy. They were both professionals, friendly, and understood what I wanted. I had Anastasia blow my hair out straight, which I rarely do. She did such a fantastic job! I have never had anyone straighten my hair with such a healthy shine. This was one of the best hair salons I have been to, and I would definitely return.
It maybe a bit pricey, but it's worth it! -
Review from Jane D.
Mountain View, CA
Updated - 5/15/2011
It's all about the stylist. Unfortunately, the amazing Kash left for great things in New York.... I tried George. I gave him a few different tries, and it just was not working.
I moved down the Bay, and was still willing to go to San Francisco for a good haircut and color. There was the time I had a 9am Saturday appointment (bearing in mind the 45 min car journey to get there) and I had to wait 30 mins for George to get himself in, and then get a princess attitude from him as though I should be glad to get a haircut from him. Then there was the time that the appointment was timed so badly - having got a color from someone else, I sat for over 45 mins with wet hair beside an open window waiting while George took himself off to the gym.
This does not even touch on the haircuts. I've fine hair, a lot of it, but fine and long. Where Kash understood my hair and gave me the most fantastic cuts, one of the cuts I got from George saw him chopping into the back, near the top, the effect of which just gave me no possibility of creating volume in the long hair (we're not even talking layers, I mean chopping in underneath randomly)......
For these prices, I would expect a hair stylist to understand hair a bit better. I would expect a better approach to customers. I've since gone elsewhere. It's a terrible shame, because I really liked this salon, but I'm not a fool either at these prices.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2010
I love, love, love this place. We all know how hard it is to find the right hairdresser, and how… Read more »
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Review from Slava V.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2011
O'K, I was very excited about coming to this salon for a haircut and highlights, especially after reading dozens of stellar reviews on yelp. My appointment was with Anastasia. We had a very short discussion about what I wanted to do regarding the color and the cut. That should've been a warning sign.
As far as highlights go: I've been getting them for about 10 years, and have been to some really nice salons in SF. Every time I've been to a good salon, a colorist would always put a color glaze in my hair. I'm not sure exactly about the mechanics of it, but it's something that gets put in your hair for 10 min, and it makes your color more vibrant and shiny. The difference is always noticeable. I even asked about it when I was booking the app't, and the receptionist said she was sure Anastasia would do it. My point was this: When I asked her if she could do this, she said 'No' since she thought my natural color (brown) was so nice. Of course, when you pay $125 for highlights, you don't want to see too much of your brown natural color. The highlights came out very average, very one-dimentional and bland.
Never mind, I thought. She knows best. I'm sure the haircut will be amazing. The haircut took 5 minutes. I am not even kidding. Chop chop, and that was $80. I could not see any difference at all.
I felt that the minimal amount of effort was put in, both with highlights and haircut. And I had the pleasure of paying $205 for the experience. -
Review from Nichole O.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2010
The positives:
1. Cool elevator- imported from France. Overall the salon was comfortable, friendly and a nice space.
2. George gives a great shampoo and the massage chairs are awesome.
3. The staff was very friendly and open. I really enjoyed the welcoming spirit of the place.
Negatives (and I really hate to do this):
1. I specifically asked for sleek, blunt layers, and NOT flippy romantic anything. I ended up with just the opposite. I said NOT Rachel hair from Friends, and got a great Rachel cut that I am going to have to live with for the next couple months.
Yes, this was my first time here at Atelier Emmanuel and I know it takes time to develop communication with a stylist. But when I spend $108 on a master stylist I expect to at least not get what I asked George NOT to do.
And to boot, I was rushed out without having the chance to inspect the new do. I suspect it was because he was running behind on appointments. Not fair. -
Review from Rowena B.
San Francisco, CA
7/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have stick straight asian hair. I am growing out my bangs and layers from a hack job of a hair cut I got almost a year ago. I need to keep it long for a wedding in August but am getting antsy because it's looky unkept and driving me nuts. That's what drove me to calling AE for a cut last Friday afternoon.
I have had this salon on my yelp bookmarks for a long time now, so I was happy that when I called on Friday at 3 they had someone available at 4:30.
I give 4 stars because of the way I felt when I left the salon. I did not get anything complicated and maybe I paid too much, but I was still happy when I left the salon. No one tried to sell me any products or extra services. I paid $90 (not including tax and tip) and I was happy about it because Herve was communicative, he understood what I wanted, and accomplished it. I left the salon with an extra bounce in my step. I can't tell you how many times I left a salon and feeling gypped because the stylist did not give me what I wanted.
A week later, I still like my cut. I will definitely go back.
PS the location is awesome. Gorgeous views of Coit tower, Union Square, and SF. -
Review from Natalie R.
Pittsburgh, PA
6/11/2010
3.5 out of 5.
I was in desperate need and AE seemed to be the only reputable looking place that was open on a Monday. I took a chance and the results were so-so.
The front desk and Charles were very accommodating for a same day appointment. I was even late to boot (DAMNED L!). This is a top notch operation. Very professional and high end without being snobby.
Where things a awry for me was the actual results of the cut. I have wavy thick hair with curls. Charles agreed that we should do whatever we can to preserve and encourage the curl. I told him I seldom wear my hair straight and I generally twirl the locks and let them air dry. The shampoo/head massage was amazing.
He cut for a while and then declared he needed to dry it so he could 'see the volume'. Ok. Fine with me. Whatever you need to do to make it work. He then proceeded to do a blow out.
Needless to say I was confused. Why would he give me a haircut while my hair was flat? Wouldn't it have made more sense to use a diffuser to see how it curled then go from there? I didn't complain or say anything; he's a professional and knows what he is doing. Perhaps he is using a technique that I had never experienced?
The cut looks FANFUCKINGTASTIC straight. But it's been several days and when I let it air dry it looks so blah. It's shorter but still not curling the way it does when I have seen other stylists. I really dislike how he cut the back. The front pieces are well layered but the back is just one length. It doesn't curl unless its REALLY layered. He didn't recommend a product to me so I assume this is how he envisioned it turning out.
Charles is in no way a bad stylist. He's just not right for me. I won't be going back (OH SECRET AGENT SALON, I JUST CAN"T QUIT YOU!) to see him, but perhaps I will try going to Anastasia who seems to be the Yelp favorite for curly haired gals. -
Review from Liz S.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2010
I would give George TEN STARS if I could. Yes, that's right.
I was all worried about moving to a new city and finding a new stylist that would understand what I wanted and somehow I magically found George! In the short-time I"ve been in San Francisco I've had my hair cut, styled and had a brazilian blow-out which has left me with insanely manageable, silky, smooth hair. This man has a great sense of style, taste, will listen to what you want and make you so pretty!
Salon is fabulous and they offer everything from hair services to massage, tanning, nails etc. A full-fledged day spa! They have a super cute set-up on the top floor of what George calls the "hairbox" as the entire building seems to be a collection of salons - but this one is the BEST!
I briefly met Emmanuel while George was doing my hair and he is super down to earth too. So nice to see an owner in his salon!
So, yes, GO SEE GEORGE! As referenced by another review below - he really will make you GORG GORG GORG!!!! -
Review from Thom H.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2009
GO SEE KASH!!!!!
I would leave it at that, but I want people to GO SEE KASH! So I should probably explain myself.
This review is mainly about my second visit to this salon. I used to rock long hair and the first time I was there (thanks to a friend's recommendation), Kash did a wonderful job respecting my wishes and did an excellent job cutting my hair how I wanted it. Up to that point, possibly the best cut I'd had.
Cut to a month or so later and I decided to ditch my long hair (that I'd been sporting for a few years). I went to Kash again, told him I wanted it significantly shorter, but not too short, and maybe a little messy. Kash was like "do you trust me?" And I was like "go for it, yo"
10-15 minutes and a huge pile of hair later, and I'm a COMPLETELY different person. Not only that, my hair exceeded all my expectations! I got a LOT of compliments on it afterwards, and even I could not stop checking my hair out for a while (and I'm generally ambivalent to most things beauty-related).
While cutting my hair, Kash was a blast to talk to, and he made me feel at ease the entire time. I also asked about product I could use to keep things nifty after I left the salon, and he recommended this cool powder that I've been using since. He didn't pressure me in to getting something expensive or unnecessary, just the item I needed to get the job done.
I actually need to go again in a month before I make a trip back home, and you can be sure Kash will be the one to cut my hair. Oh yeah, in general, I want to add that all the staff of Atelier Emmanuel have been very friendly and helpful the two times I've been in. This place is great! -
Review from Erica H.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2008
Though never allowing my hair as look as good as it could, the extreme low-maintenance from which I've just graduated had never bit me in the ass hard enough to leave a mark (one Crayola orange redhead experiment excepted) until recently, when, after having slightly-but-livably over-lightening my hair, I decided to darken it using some kinda vile Wallgreens toxicity-in-a-box hair-frying kit. Twice.
I'd been wearing it tied back ever since. It was so tumbleweedish that the natural curl went away, and what started out as a rich Chocolate Brunette quickly faded to more of a Poo On A Stick hue.
And I'm getting married in September.
And the beau really wants me to wear my hair down for the ceremony and photos.
And looking like I'm wearing a helmet of decomposing shredded wheat on my head in our pix was just unbearable to even contemplate.
So after consulting the Mighty Oracles Of Yelp (how I love thee) I decided to see if some serious professional help might lessen the fug, even slightly.
I went in expecting to leave shorn a la Brittney, after a hair amputation necessary for the health of the inch or so of non-ruined growth. I was mortified to show them my crispy, brittle, algae colored hair, let alone ask if it might possibly be further tortured into a lighter, more natural, less undead shade.
Charles and Atelier are MIRACLE WORKERS.
Nay, GODS.
My New Hair has plenty of growing out to do, but the color is now fan-effing-tastic and they were able to preserve enough length that I can still chingnon it for work. The grubby-hued & brittle straw-pile has been been completely Rumplestiltskinnified. It's subtle and glowy. I got a succession of "How YOU doins" all the way home. Midas's soul is weeping joyous gilded tears from his vantage point in Hades. Auric Goldfinger would have to coat me only from the scalp down. The scaly Medusa-age has been alchemized into caramely ribbons of sunshine and butterscotch.
YEE HAW!!
Less importantly but as very notable added bonuses, the guys & staff were absolutely wonderful, the space is beautiful, the views panoramic, and the music chill & fun. And as others have mentioned, it was much more soothing hearing pleasant French murmurings as they consulted than what I imagine in English would have been something like "holy crap it's gonna take mad skillz to transform this wispy, tattered clump of fiberglass."
So, YEAH, I HIGHLY recommend this salon.
FIVE STARS!!!
