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Blade Runners Hair Studio
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Cosmetology Schools [Edit]
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury1792 Haight St
(between Cole St & Shrader St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 751-1723
- Hours:
Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wed. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
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101 reviews for Blade Runners Hair Studio
aaand i finally listened to my sister and went to emily.
she carefully and quietly crafts your hair into something that looks good no matter what you do. wash it and air dry? yup, great. straighten? so sexy. oversleep and hungover and haven't washed in days? NO PROBLEM! still looks good!
when i'm looking my worst, it seems, my hair saves it. anyone with fine hair, the intricate layers she works into your hair make it like it's never been before. i have such body and it always lays just right. that's worth way more than she charges--and it's rare to find someone that knows just what to do. guess what? she does. go to her. just go.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/24/2009
my sister has been telling me to go here for almost two years. only yesterday did i actually do so.… Read more »
I went to Blade Runners and highly regretted it. I have naturally dark blonde hair and in the summer I like to have blonde highlights to brighten me up. They aren't complicated or intricate, its pretty straightforward. For some reason, colorists always ask if they can throw in some strawberry blonde or red highlights and I ALWAYS say no. I am extremely specific about the cooler tone that I want and I always say no red.
I went to Katie. She took a VERY long time to do my hair ( about three hours) and as she was finally taking my foils out she said "I added a surprise." She had given me copper-red highlights. That is highly unacceptable. When I am paying for something, under no circumstance do I want anyone to surprise me. It was so unprofessional I couldn't even believe it.
Following that I went to Nicky for a cut and he just rushed me straight through (probably because Katie had taken so long). I just didn't feel like he did a very thoughtful job.
I would not reccommend this place in the slightest.
I got red and blonde highlights put into my hair as part of Hawt on Yelp week. Sylvia was my stylist, and she is sweet as pie.
It is risky to go to a new salon, so I got antsy in the middle and asked a lot of questions in a high-maintenance manner. Sylvia put up with this, and did a great job on my hair. Thumbs up!
I've been wanting to change my hair for a long time, but had that toe-in-a-pool feeling about it. Like, it would be awesome to jump right in, but what if its really cold and my bathing suit comes off? I finally got up the courage to take the plunge with some assistance from Hawt on yelp's 50% off discounts on this place a week ago.
I decided to go all the way - cut and highlight (and yes, I am a guy). When I went in, I was impressed. The staff was polite, and the person cutting my hair took a long time just messing around with it to see how it performed. For about 5-10 minutes we had an informal consultation, where she asked me questions about what I wanted.
I was thrilled to hear a stylist that really had an opinion - I wanted to leave the sides and back of my hair longer, but I got talked out of it. Most stylists I had been to before just say "ok" to whatever you want, instead of telling you what you need to look good. For color, I pretty much wanted to just accent whatever style I was going to have, not go all out with blue or anything. I was impressed with her advice here as well - she recommended a slightly lighter shade of brown (expected), but also a black (I have dark brown hair)! I was all in and ready for the experience.
I couldn't help feeling like an old lady sitting there with foil in my hair reading International Design, but whatevs. When the foil came off, and the cut was completed, I couldn't believe my eyes. I actually...looked...undorky and cool?! WHOA.
As I've worn this style for about a week now, I have to say that these guys really hit the mark. Most of the work was done removing a lot of weight from my hair (badly needed...my hair gets poofy fast). As a result, it can flow in the wind and still fall back into a carefully deshelved mess. With my old haircut, I was using mad amounts of hair spray to stick the style in place, but I've now learned that with the correct cut (like I've received from these guys), I can just let it flow. Bad ass.
The color is perfect - it adds definition, but doesn't glare at you. I've already scheduled my next appointment, and can't wait to go back again (and will not mind paying full price in the slightest).
When I first moved to San Francisco, I needed a haircut and had heard from a friend that Nikki was great. I really wanted to keep my hair on the longer side and Nikki completely understood. I have been back several times, and my hair always looks fabulous after I leave!
Emily. is. friggin. AWESOME!!
I've always had trouble getting haircuts due to the fact they always came out F-ed up. I don't mean to complain but how can you blame me when sometimes I come out wanting to cry?!
So a few years ago, a girlfriend of mine got her hair cut by Emily and she looked fabulous! I thought, that's it, I'm getting my hair cut there instead. F everyone else (I had just gotten the ugliest hair cut of my life few months prior to that).
She was grrreat. I told her exactly what I wanted and that's what I got. She kept my length long and she cut face framing layers all around that gave me the most incredible volume. And everyone who knows me knows I LOVE big hair. Ever since then, I have been a fan and advocate of Emily.
As for the other people there...sometimes I do think the receptionists are a bit distant. They don't seem as friendly as I would like but everyone else always seem pretty cool.
As for dye jobs, I've gotten my hair colored/highlighted there before but I didn't think it was anything spectacular. Emily alone deserves 5 stars. I hope if she ever leaves that she'll let her loyal followers know because I would not know what to do if she ever left :(
I will never let anyone cut my hair except for Emily. If I can't afford it, I will wait until I can save up the money. She works miracles. She will also tell you if the cut you want won't look good on you and she will alter it to make it fit your face and style. I have never left the salon disappointed.
I've been here twice for cut, and twice for color, at model prices - absolutely the way to go!
I got a graduated a-line bob with red all-over color, and hot pink highlights on top. I get constant compliments on both the cut and color.
Why not 5 stars? The styles take forEVER. But, they do a great job. Now that my girls (Rebecca for cuts, Masha for color) aren't doing model cuts, I'll be back paying the full price - worth it to keep my locks looking great!
Actually, the stars really go Rebecca. She's fabulous. She always cuts my hair exactly the way I want, or if that's not possible she works with me to make it look fabulous. Rebecca just goes the extra mile. It sure takes a while, but it's worth it because I always walk out a happy customer! Oh, and the shampoo and massage itself is almost worth the cost of the haircut or the color.
Today I got my roots colored to match what I had done a few months ago with a box color. My roots now match perfectly. Rebecca is creative, patient, and spectacular!
After a disappointing experience at La Vii (I should've known a great haircut costs more than $18), I came to Bella at Blade Runners to fix my boring feathered bangs. I work down the street and Bella is friends with one of my co-workers, so I knew I would be in good hands.
She not only did a good job but she listened to what I wanted and was very meticulous. She took direction very well, and was very friendly. I got super-short bangs (my idea - they started out as just above my eyebrows and I told her to make them as short as she was comfortable with), which she blended into the length of my hair, then chipping a few blended layers from my cheekbones to my chin. I was really happy with how it came out. Stylish but not too crazy and not high maintenance. From what she did to my coworker, I can see that she's also good with the edgier hairstyles as well, and seemingly knew how to work with his Asian hair as well as she did with my white-girl hair.
Since I only got a "bang trim", it was super affordable, too! I'd expected to pay the price of a regular haircut. I'll definitely be back in a few months, when my bangs once again start to impede my vision. I don't think I could be happier.
I've been coming here off and on since 2003. They always do an amazing job on my hair. I went in about a month ago to add some more blonde panels (highlights) to my dark brown hair and I also got a haircut (short top layers, trim on near waist lenght bottom layers). The coloring came out perfect and a lot lighter than I expected it to which was great, and my haircut came out the same way. The overall environment is nice and clean, and the staff is very helpful. It might be pricey for some people, but it's well worth it for such talented hairstylists.
Well this place rocks. All the time I go to Haight Street I pass by this place. I finally tried this place out yesterday. I got a color. Masha did my color. She was really nice and listened to want I wanted. The result looked great. I will definately go back here and next time get a haircut.
A few weeks ago I went for a spur-of-the-moment haircut at a salon in the Outer Sunset, which I regretted the next day. I couldn't stand it any longer and decided to make an appointment with Bella at Blade Runners...
She did an incredible job fixing the mess that was my hair and I'm so happy with my new cut!! She took her time to make sure everything looked perfect, styled it beautifully, and I left feeling a million times better about my new look. Bella is super friendly, professional, knowledgeable and talented..thank you so much, Bella! I love it. :) Highly recommended!
Janine gets a 5 start rating. I have been going to her for 5 years and she rocks the blades of steel.
One star lost for the Blade Runners facility since my wife has experienced a cold water shampoo there 3 times now. FIX THAT STUFF Blade Runners--you charge a lot and it is unfair to your talented cutters not to have working stuff!
Emily at Blade Runners, 5 stars. I keep coming back to Emily; she's given me a bob, bangs, and is now helping me to grow out that cut. Emily is punctual, she listens to my needs, she asks questions and answers my own, takes her time with my hair, and I leave the chair a more well coiffed me. Minimal product pushing.
Janine, Janine, Janine! This woman is more than worth the 80 bucks (with tip) for the wonder she works with hair! Great for girls with curly hair, but not thick because she has the same. She always gets every single strand exactly how I want it. If you have this hair type request her without a doubt in your mind! I promise you won't regret it.
ps- she also gives a great head/neck massage after shampooing. a lovely plus!
David, if i could give you negative stars I would. In fact, I'm trying to give you 0 stars right now, just because I've never tried before, and I'm going to see what happens.
I went in for a bang trim. Nothing difficult. I'm really appreciative how you squeezed me in, but I just get my straight hair cut straight across. One line. You spent a long long time doing it and it looked great while I was there, but the next day? Jagged like Alanis Morrisette's little pill.
I'm kind of devastated and never, ever going back.
I LOVE NIKKI!
I place sole credit for 6 of my 10 cool points on Nikki.
He always knows what i'm talking about and has ideas of his own. Very edgy and sweet and amazing!
UPDATE 7/14/08:
I got the black in my hair removed by Masha. She is better than I was expecting! I went from having black hair that I had been self-dying for over a year, to having highlights, low-lights and everything in between with very minimal damage.
I've NEVER been able to go from Black to Blond in one step before!
A++++
Not only is my hair colorist awesome at coloring my hair but she's super nice too. If you're a blond and you haven't found a person to get your color right, you should give Sylvia a try. I been told by friends and family that my hair hasn't look better. Blade Runner's is located on Haight St. bring extra cash with you so you can clothes shop after you leave looking like pure sunshine. Thank you Sylvia!
I chopped my long hair off at this salon about 10 years ago, of course the stylist that used to cut my hair back then is long gone. I've been wanting to get a new hair style for a while and since I was in the neighborhood it reminded me of Blade Runners. I looked up the review and noticed there were a few stylists that got either really good or really bad reviews. The only one that seemed consistent was Frankie.. So I made the appt.
Frankie listened to what I wanted and got it! He took his time with my hair and made sure I was comfortable with the length prior to cutting more. I love, love, love my haircut!!! It's exactly what I asked for. My 5 stars go to Frankie for being an awesome hair stylist.
After getting my hair cut this morning at Blade Runners, I went to brunch w/ my girl Megan W. and she commented that I was a "real hipster now". That, my friends, made the money I spent on this haircut all worth it. For real, I told Marisa exactly what I wanted: short, choppy, zero straightening and minimal effort on my part. I wanted to mess up my hair and go. And that's exactly what I got! She hacked it all off with the razor and I left the salon a new woman. A poorer woman, but a new one, nonetheless. Extra points for zero pressure to buy the B & B products. Defenitely don't be intimitaded by the fashionista ladies that work here - it's super low key and no attitude whatsoever.
EDIT: A month later, I've defenitely grown into my haircut and I absolutely love it, which is the sign of a truly excellent hair cut. I would totally return to Blade Runners!
Terrible!
I wanted to grow my hair out...needed a trim. Did not...I repeat...DID NOT want any layers...and what does the condescending snotty BEYOTCH do? She gives me a mullet. A F-ing mullet! How is that supposed to help me grow my hair out?!? I'm just glad at this point that I didn't ask her to color my hair. Who knows what sh-t color she would have slathered on my hair.
It took me a couple of months before I felt comfortable letting my hair down.
I'm never setting foot in that place again.
And yes..the picture in my profile was taken during the shameful mullet days (notice how it's up).
About 2 years ago i decided i needed a change. So i chose blade runners to be the place where i would chop off my ponytail, and for the first time in my life have a pixie cut. It was life changing, and Joel held my hand the entire time. Not literally, cuz he was holding the scissors that were cutting my hand, but he talked me through it, and i did it all without a tear being shed.
Short hair was kind of a bitch though. It was cute, but going back every three weeks to have it trimmed at $70 (that included tip) a pop, was totally out of my budget. And to be quite honest i missed my ponytail. So after 4 months of Joel, i had to let him go.
Man, I love my ponytail
OK..
So, I know I said Christopher from Blown Away hair salon was my hair man, but..... I've found someone else.
I've been in San Francisco for nearly six years now and I still recall the first time I had wandered down the Haight and laid eyes on this funky little salon with an adorable white bull dog and the meanest under bite ever. It was one of those things where I always had wanted to get my hair done there, but never got around to doing it. Plus, I was always a little intimidated of going there because let's be honest, most of he staff appear to be the cliche stuck up SF hipster.
But, to my surprise the guy who cut my locks, Frankie, was THE shit! He was really nice, laid back and communicated wonderfully throughout the entire cutting process and voila! Cute ass cut.. Nothing but great feedback on my new do, but word on the street is that Frankie is no longer there(?)
If that is the case:
a.) I'd like to know where he is at now
-and-
b.) Who is the next best stylist there?
If in fact Frankie is gone, I'd still go back to this place. Jamie, the girl who did the pre-washing/conditioning was really nice as well.
Great customer service from everyone in the salon and huge variety of bumble & bumble products, always a plus. Ubber trendy cuts for a moderate price and if you're lucky the dog will lean up on ya.
I went to Blade Runners originally because I loved one of my friend's haircuts; however, after my first visit, I was less than thrilled with mine. My color was OK (Courtney), but I hated my cut (Emily --- who everyone raves about on here, though I don't know why). Courtney was actually super friendly and gave me a great head massage during my shampoo, but Emily was aloof and unconcerned about my hair. Despite the fact that I clearly explained what I wanted, she gave me the exact same haircut she was sporting (And the same haircut she'd just given to the girl before me!). It was almost like a reverse mullet. Heinous.
Nonetheless, I decided to go back again (only this time I asked for anyone but Emily for my cut). I arrived on time, only to be informed that my colorist was running 20 minutes late. On a Saturday afternoon this wouldn't have been a big deal, but when I left work early to arrive at 5:45, I was frustrated. I was then informed that an assistant could do my hair if I didn't want to wait. I sat in the chair only to be informed that there was not enough time to do the color process I wanted. Perhaps this is my fault for not being clear enough on the phone, I'm not sure. Either way, the general vibe was incredibly snotty (except for Courtney, she's sweet) and unconcerned. I made the TERRIBLE mistake of going on Halloween and it was clear all anyone wanted to do was get out of there and party.
The receptionists are NOT friendly, and everyone clearly thinks they're superior.
I cut my losses and left without a cut or color. I opted NOT to reschedule.
You know, there's something to be said for quiet confidence. When someone is really skilled in their profession, they don't have to be condescending, snotty or have an attitude about it.
When someone is hip, they don't have to constantly remind you that they are.
When someone has real style, it never seems like they're trying too hard. It seems...effortless.
And that's what I found at Bladerunners. Don't get me wrong: I really like my current hairdresser, but I was referred to Emily (who used to work for Toni & Guy) by someone who's hair I really like, so I needed to try her hair magic. And she's great. A true professional, not too chatty, not pushy, but uses her expertise to make suggestions.
And from the front desk to the shampoo assistant, to the hairdressers working next to our chair, everyone had good hair cuts & color, and everyone was super kind. In a very down-to-earth way.
No, they don't offer you wine or tea--though they do offer you water--they don't have a DJ there, they don't host art shows, and they don't claim to be trendy & hip. they just are what they are. Good stylists. And that's what you're paying for. Oh, and reasonably priced, too. $60 for a shampoo/cut/dry
Forgive me, Johnson, for I have sinned! Although you unlocked the secret waviness of my hair, I've found a new stylist. Her name is Wendy, and she gave me the hair I've always wanted.
For a good portion of my life I've felt like a pariah amidst the ranks of the well-coiffed inhabitants of my urban homes (NY and SF). That was until I found Wendy at Blade Runners. She sort of reminded me of my sister, except that my sister once gave me a crooked hair cut when I was in the sixth grade (that's what you get for talking on a cordless phone when someone is hacking at your hair with household scissors).
I've gone from admonishing my fine hair to pampering it in Bumble & Bumble products, which smell oh-so pretty! Although my wallet was in monetary-arrest as I was strutting my new style along Haight St., I think the haircut has paid for itself in compliments and confidence.
Lauren is not only the best hair stylist I've ever been to, but she's one of my favorite people! I have never been so attached to a stylist, and as long as I'm in San Francisco I won't go to anyone but Lauren. I've been seeing her at Bladerunners for a few years, but she's moving to Head and Soul (on Union St. I believe) and I will certainly be following her there. I try to get all of my friends to go see Lauren as well!
Lauren does exactly what I ask her to do, and she has expert opinions for people who don't know what they want. I love my hair color every time I see her and she does a great job with cuts too. I have never ever ever been to a hair stylist more talented, intuitive, or fun than Lauren. She knows what looks good, but doesn't push her own agenda on anyone . . . if you tell her what you want, she does it to a T!
I'm so grateful I found Lauren!
My first time there I go to Amber to get my hair colored. She is alright. Nice and everything but hair stylist wise she is just okay. I guess I was expecting more considering this place is known and my hair coloring cost $120 plus tip. I had her do some highlights but the color didn't come out exactly as I had envisioned. So, in conclusion, I am trying Blo Salon this next Saturday.
Stay tuned for more....
I went to Blade runners last night for a hair overhaul, toner session, cut and style. I get in there for the first part of my treatment with Bella for the toning portion. She looks at my slightly fried hair and runs down all the options for me. Not only did she not pressure me into doing tons of stuff to my hair that would have cost me a fortune, but she told me that the best plan would be to wait a month and come back when my hair has had time to re-coup. Fantastic human being!!!
After this I was given over to Emily to do my cut. I have read earlier posts about how cold and "stuck up/pretentious" this place and its stylists can be. I didn't get that at all. Mind you it wasn't as warm and fuzzy as some of the other salons I've been too. But I'd prefer a stylist to focus on my hair rather then idle chit chat to make me comfortable.
Needless to say I asked for a very difficult cut that I have had botched by many other stylists. Emily did a perfect job.
The help I received to get my hair back to a healthy state was excellent and I will be going back to this salon from now on.
Janey is the reason why I give this place 5 stars. She is such a sweetheart and gives an awesome shampoo and head massage! Haha I never thought my hair could look that good until I got my first cut from her. I've gone to her multiple times. She knows what I like and what look goods on me. Im usually a little hesistant to try something new but she eases me into the look over time and I find a new self confidence. :) Janey rocks!
I've been getting my hair cut by Emily at Blade Runners for about three years now and I've never been disappointed. She always does a fantastic job with my hair, plus she's super-cool and incredibly nice. Actually, I don't get the reviews about the "attitude" at Bladerunners at all; everyone I've interacted with is fantastic. For those who feel otherwise: maybe it's you.
Update: Frankie is no longer there, and the last haircut I got from him was not up to the snuff of the previous three. When the receptionist told me that Frankie was gone, I asked her "Is there another stylist there that has experience cutting extremely curly, frizzy hair?" She responded by telling me in a somewhat annoyed voice that all of their stylists know how to cut curly hair. I told her I'd call her back, reviewed the other Yelp reviews and then decided to give Madusalon a try. Read my review over there. Blade runners has lost two stars from me - one for letting Frankie go back to LA (or at least thats what they told me) and another for having incompetent receptionists.
Go figure that on the same day, one of the worst and one of the best things of 2007 happened to me. The worst, we aren't going to talk about. The best? Having an appointment with Frankie at Blade Runners.
I knew I wanted something really drastic done to my long curly, frizzy mop. And I felt like cutting most of it off. When I called to make the appointment, I told the receptionist my hair woes and without missing a beat, she suggested Frankie. I'll admit, I was nervous. I'd been in SF for three years and had yet to get a haircut that I absolutely loved. Add to that disappointment that i was taking something with a lot of frizz and volume (my Jew fro) and bringing it much closer to my head.
When Frankie asked what I wanted, I told him I wanted it a lot shorter, a little bit edgy but nothing too Hipster-ish. And that if he told me anymore that I would tell him to stop and walk out of there with a trim. I'm sort of a wimp.
When he was done... my hair was absolutely fabulous. Perfectly angled going from super short in the back to long in the front. Layers all around to give me fullness that didn't equal frizziness (I nearly fainted when he made the mistake of telling me about the layers, but I stood strong and let him do his thing). I could still get it out of my face with a hair band. People seemed to look at me more walking down the street and people who know me the best loved it the most. I've been back three times since then and always to Frankie, who continues to do amazing things with my dome.
Oh, and for the people who think $70 is steep for a haircut in this town? You're out of your mind. Not only is not more than $10+/- than I've paid almost anywhere else in SF, having hair that you LOVE is absolutely worth the price of admission.
it's all about Amber. It took my a while to find my place in the city and I just took a chance and made an appointment here and got Amber. I loved it. It was a relaxing experience and the outcome was just what I wanted.
Most stylists make your hair look like an eighties or mom cut but here Amber did just what I asked. Perfect color and whipped out the flat iron to really style it.
I'm coming back and I'm happy to have finally found my stylist.
Maybe I just had these people on bad day. . .I see some good reviews but my experience wasn't so great.
I wanted to have my hair dyed brown with a few streaks of blonde. The girl who did my color (Amber) consulted with the girl who was going to cut my hair after (I think her name was Emily). Amber showed me a picture, it was a girl with darkish brown hair with a few small streaks of blonde in the bangs. I said yes, that is what I want. I was happy that she had a photo of just the look I wanted.
So, the actual colors she produced were great. But the problem was the ratio. She bleached half my head at least. Like I said earlier, I wanted only a few streaks here and there, and I don't understand how the miscommunication happened since she was the one who showed me a photo with a brown haired girl with just a few streaks of blonde.
I liked the cut, a lot in fact. But my hair looked like I got electrocuted the next day because of the fact that most of my hair was bleached instead of a few pieces. I went to Kiehls the next day and they looked at my hair, trying to hide the looks of horror as they recommended certain conditioners.
I ended up dying my own hair brown later and went back to the girl who cut my hair (Emily?). Last time, she was very nice to me, and gave me a great cut, so that's why I went back to her. Well, I must have gotten her on a bad day. She was bitchy and condescending.
She scolded me for the condition of my hair over and over. She kept asking me if I conditioned my hair, if I used a leave in conditioner, if I over-shampooed, etc. She just wouldn't stop making comments about the shitty condition of my hair. It was exhausting. I told her over and over that yes, I used conditioner, leave in conditioner, hair masks, that I didn't wash my hair every day. The tone of her questioning was extremely disapproving, condescending, making me feel "small". She just wouldn't stop. I wanted to say, "Listen bitch, stop making me feel like shit about my hair when your buddy over there behind us is the one who did this to me!"
Why didn't I say that, I don't know. Then she kept being really pushy about telling me I needed to come back in to do color so it would look better. (If I am just coloring my hair boring brown like my natural color is, no, I don't pay for it, I just do it myself. I see no reason to pay around $200 for a cut and color if I'm just dying my roots brown. ) Even when I left, she called out, "So 'll see you when you come in for color!" I don't think so.
I never went back there, now I go to Renaissance Salon on Sacramento Street, where my stylist is super nice and cuts hair better. (see my review)
The balls of this chick to make me feel like crap over what I got done there in the first place.
(FYI I am catching up on reviews, this happened almost 2 years ago, but it is burned into my brain because I still have the shittiest ends ever from this experience. It takes a while to grow out a whole head of hair.)
Oh yeah, as some of the yelpers here have mentioned, the receptionists are a little rude, or maybe it's more like they're "too cool for you".
I've been going to bladerunners for 7 years - yes 7. I used to see Marissa and when I heard she moved I was so so sad - it is so HARD to find a good stylist. They recommended Emily, who is the best!!! I get complements on my hair from strangers - since when does that happen. I have wavy hair and I feel like she is especially good with this type of hair. And they use bumble and bumble which smell so nice and always get a nice head massage with the shampoo - yay!
I'd recommend Janine to anyone. She's worked wonders with my thick/fine hair, and is the perfect combination in a hairstylist: she listens to what you want, but also makes recommendations based on your particular features.
The Bumble&Bumble products always leave my hair in much better condition (and I always leave with some in my bag) and the entire experience is very reasonably priced.
Also, whether you want the super stylish color and cuts you'll see on the tatted stylists - or something more conservative - they've done a good job with a broad range of people I know.
I'll quickly preface this review by pointing out that I'm obviously not a bigtime yelper, though I use yelp for reviews all the time. (Kind of feels like cheating). I've only reviewed things I've loved thus far. I adore Bladerunners.
A friend of mine referred me there a few years ago--specifically, to David. He is a hair genius (and I think the owner). I had long boring mousy hair for a long time due to my fear of change, when I went in and asked for more shape without anything too funky (the salon is what people might call a 'funkier' salon in a 'funkier' 'hood--but then again, I'm on the preppier side). He knew exactly what I meant and I left the salon beaming--those of you who have had bad cuts, and most of us had, know how glorious that beam feels.
I trust David with my hair entirely. He listens and also knows a lot about what looks good for different textures. Last night, he gave me adorable bangs. He is obviously pleased when his clients love their hair. Also, the other staff there are super sweet and attentive. I highly recommend this salon. When I left last night, I thought to myself, I should yelp this salon!
Usually when I find a stylist that I like, I'd follow him/her anywhere. The salon is secondary. The folks at Bladerunners, though, run a class operation, and the prices are pretty reasonable -- $55 for a wash, cut and trim. They have an apprentice program so your stylist may not be the same person who washes your hair, and you may be subject to some salestalk (the salon purveys Bumble & Bumble products), but nothing unbearable. I have several girlfriends who frequent this place.
My stylist (Joel) left at the beginning of this year, so I'm following him to his new outfit, Firehorse. If I were to suddenly lose track of him, however. I'd go back to Bladerunners. (The owners also have the most adorable, affable bulldog named Max, who sits outside of the salon on sunny days, and it's a treat to go, pet Max, and get your hair done.)
My hair was really long and really damaged. I decided to cut it all off and a was recommended this place by a friend (who got an adorable pixie cut there). Emily cut my hair and she did an AMAZING job. I brought a picture of the bob I wanted and she gave me exactly what I asked for. Everybody loved the new do.
Most of the stylists have lots of tattoos and have that SF indie look. The salon itself it pretty hip looking, and they use Bumble and Bumble products.
It did cost about $120 though, which is way too steep for my college budget.
