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Descend Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Hair Salons, Hair Removal [Edit]
2185 Union StSte A
(between Webster St & Fillmore St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 440-6608
Announcement
Descend Salon now offers waxing services with Sheila Madigan! See the menu of services and schedule online at http://www.descendsalo....
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 10 am - 6:30 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
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$$
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Hair Types Specialized In:
- Coloring, Extensions, African-American Hair, Curly Hair
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
179 reviews for Descend Salon
179 reviews in English
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Review from Alysha M.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was my first time getting a brazillian wax, and Sheila made my experience a positive one. It was very quick, easy, and definitely not as painful as I thought it would be.
The whole session took only 20 minutes. She provides a numbing spray and baby wipes when you first walk in. She talks to you about anything & everything making you feel so comfortable, and before you know it, the session is over. I'm not going to lie, it isn't 'painLESS,' but hearing from other people's experiences at other places, Sheila seems like she would be at the lower end of the pain spectrum.
I'm sad that I'm moving out of state so won't be able to see her again, but she gave me some good tips for when I'm picking out who to see at my new location. I learned that she uses hard wax which does not stick to the skin, rather just the hair, so you don't get that pinching/pulling/tearing of your skin affect. She hasn't experienced "sugaring" before but heard that may be similar.
She said after your first one, there is a possibility of addiction. And I agree so! -
Review from J B.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2011
This review is long overdue and is for Sheila who does waxing at Descend. I first went to her through a Living Social deal, and needless to say- I continue to return. She is amazing with her waxing, and it's very rare that I experience any pain when I go. I know a Brazilian wax isn't going to be 100% pain free, but she does it where it is pretty darn close.
I have had her wax my legs, underarms, lip, Brazilian- all of the above. I am addicted to waxing- lasts longer than shaving!
If you have a chance to get in with her, or you are looking for someone in the city who does a fantastic job, definitely head to Sheila. -
Review from Alison M.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Chelsea is SUPER cute and gave me a great cut.
I would recommend her to anyone. She fixed my atrocious looking hair and I finally feel comfortable wearing it down again!
I had a bloomspot which made the visit even more pleasurable :) Would be a tad on the pricey side without a coupon... but I would still go to her for a cut again. -
Review from Cat M.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011
I booked an appointment here to get my hair darkened. When I arrived, the stylist they'd set me up was completely rude. He looked at my hair with disgust, as if I'd had the plague. He seemed annoyed, said my hair was damaged beyond repair, and that I needed to see a trained color specialist. It was pretty graceless and tactless.
There were two things wrong with this:
1. My hair wasn't that bad. It just needed an all-over color to cover my grown-out highlights.
2. He was utterly inappropriate and rude about the whole thing.
I understand if a stylist thinks that they can't work with my hair, and I totally appreciate the honesty if that's the case. However, I thought the way he treated and talked to me was way uncool. The receptionist offered to schedule me with someone else later that week--a lady with crazy hair and tattoos who seemed nice and sympathetic--but at that point I'd decided I would spend my money somewhere where I would be treated better.
I was able to go down the street to Red Union Salon and Jonathan fixed me up without nary a complaint or problem. In fact, he didn't see what the fuss was about; said all my hair needed was a little TLC. It's been a month now and my pretty honey brown locks are doing very well. (Thanks, Jonathan!!)
I will not be going back to Descend, and have told my friends about this less-than-positive experience. -
Review from Michelle B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/27/2011
I ADORE SCOTT! I just had a keratin treatment done and couldn't be more elated with the results. My hair is so soft and full of life! I can wear it completely straight or have some wave to it without the frizz. I utterly and completely trust Scott to make my hair beautiful every time and he does not disappoint. I have been going to Scott for almost a year now and my hair has never looked and felt so great. Descend Salon rocks and I will not go anywhere else!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2011
Let me give you a brief history of my hair. It is naturally curly. I mean really curly. My friend… Read more »
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Review from Alina T.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2011
I came in for a trim with Scott. I debated the idea of getting bangs, and Scott and I agreed that he would cut the bangs long and then shorten based on what I wanted. Sadly, Scott cut the bangs really short from the beginning and they barely covered my forehead. I find the short bangs inconvenient and TOO short still, one month after getting the cut. My overall cut was also slightly off. My hair is shoulder length and although I asked for a trim, he cut at least two inches!? I feel like I can't do anything with my hair now - it doesn't style well, at all.
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Review from Michelle V.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2011
This is a review for Chelsea...since I have only gone to her, and from now on will ONLY go to her! I came across Chelsea and Descend salon through a Bloomspot offer. I was hesitant to try a new person but after 4 years of living in San Francisco, I was still on the hunt for a great stylist.
After going to Chelsea the 4 year hunt has ended! She does exactly what I want and revives my hair, leaving it feeling so healthy and shiny. Not to mention she is really sweet and easy to talk to. I have already recommended 3 friends to her who have also fallen in love. 5 stars for Chelsea and the amazing job that she does! -
Review from Minh-Chi T.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2011
Wow, one of the better living social experiences I have had so far...and I am no stranger to this discount living world!
Sheila gave my my first brazilian ever so I was obviously pretty scared and nervous. But her quick hands, fabulous numbing spray, and easy to talk to personality made it a fantastic experience. I might have found another addiction. hahaha! -
Review from Caroline C.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2011
Brunettes - if you're looking for a stylist who can give you natural looking highlights, then Vanessa is your girl! She does a wonderful job and I am always very happy with the results.
Blondes - Marco is fantastic! -
Review from Hillary B.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2011
Sheila is AMAZING at what she does! I got the living social deal and found it to be one of the best deals I have gotten. She was super nice and talkative and did the wax super fast, I didn't feel a thing. I am totally going back to her and recommending others because she is amazing and SUPER nice!!!
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Review from R T.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011
I got extensions done for the first time by Julie, I was referred to her by a girlfriend. She is priced well. But within 2wks of having them; I started shedding like crazy, then the entire beads started falling out! about 25-30 of the 120 extensions she put in came right out; they just slipped off my own hair. It sucked, felt like I had wasted $600. I called to see if I could come back in to have her fix them; but they told me I would be charged to get it fixed! Of course I do not think this is fair, so I said no thanks and found somewhere else to get them fixed.
The next lady I went to said that she was sorry I had to deal with all of this and gave me a great deal; she used a different type of bead; one with a silicone lining, to put each ext in place; that way it wont slip off; she said this is something that should have been done right the first time. . .im really disappointed cuz i ended up having to take out the 1st extensions, cut them, re-tip them, and put them back in by the new lady-using the correct beads, the better ones. But now my length is much shorter than I wanted, and I am waaaay more $$$ in the hole because of all this:-( -
Review from Jess G.
Berkeley, CA
7/21/2011
Finally! Someone I want to return to every 5 weeks for waxing - Sheila! Painless, perfect, and quick. Non-strip wax is so much better for your skin; prep desensitizer spray minimizes pain; no product pushing conversations... everything you want when you go to a salon. Walk out feeling beautiful every time :)
Thanks Sheila!! -
Review from Cindy Y.
Concord, CA
10/2/2011
I live in the East Bay but decided to haul to the city for a professional cut at a new salon. I was reluctant to try a new place, but Descend salon had a great deal on Gilt City that I couldn't pass up. The atmosphere of the salon was inviting and hip, but unpretentious. It turned out to be such a pleasant experience. Scott, my stylist and owner, gave me a fresh new cut and hair repair treatment. He was not only attentive to my needs, but helped to keep my 6 year old daughter occupied during my appointment.
I will definitely consider making the trip out to Descend salon for future hair treatments with Scott! -
Review from Francesca F.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2011
Chelsea is the BEST. She listens to exactly what I want and I have NEVER had a bad experience with her!
She's friendly and really great at what she does. I recommend her to everyone and will continue to support her until the end!! -
Review from Carol Y.
If you need a wax, you won't go wrong with Sheila. Easy going and as chatty as you'd like her to be, there's no awkwardness, even as you lay there totally exposed. Being a Brazilian waxing specialist, Sheila understands that waxes in general, aren't the most comfortable treatment to go through and thus uses the blue wax that doesn't adhere to the skin, and offers a numbing cream beforehand. She takes her time and is very thorough making sure that she gets to every last hair.
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Review from Mana P.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2010
It's hard to believe I have been going to Cheryl Chakler and getting fabulous cuts and color for over two years and haven't posted anything on Yelp!
Cheryl is amazing! She pays a lot of attention to detail and the payoff is that I can let my hair go for long periods of time and still look fabulous. The cut withstands anything. And I am not sure what she does with that coloring wand but I constantly get compliments on the shine in my hair.
Aside from being a fabulous stylist/colorist, Cheryl is just super cool. Totally up on current trends and has a ton of experience with local esthetician and masseuses. She is like the human form of Yelp!
She will be moving to her own salon shortly so appointments can only be made by using her cell phone 415.812.4262. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
8/11/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I'm getting married in October and so I had this crazy idea I would let my hair grow long. It was only crazy because I don't like long hair on me. In fact my hair right now is longer than it's been in years - when Sir Nicholas met me I was rocking a faux hawk/pixie cut pretty righteously.
But, when he proposed I started growing my hair out on a whim. As it grew I kept thinking wistfully back on my short hair. I even made a plan to cut it the day after we married. Then one day Sir Nicholas' mom asked why I wasn't wearing my faux hawk for the wedding. So you know when your mother-in-law to be prefers your faux hawk to your current hairstyle you have some serious hair issues. And thus I promptly found a place on Yelp close to me with good ratings and scheduled a hair appointment.
I called Descend Salon, briefly described what I was looking for and the girl on the phone told me I would be best paired with Lisa. I have to say I think she was right. Lisa listened to my scattered thoughts, looked at the, oh around 800 photos I had and gave me a rad asymmetrical cut with purple bangs that feels so much more like me. I can wear it with my natural wave/curl or straighten it for two differing looks and I really, really love it. In fact, when I head back I just may go a little shorter.
Best of all my hair cut was only $75 and my purple bangs didn't add a lot on to those charges. If you're in the market for a new stylist I definitely recommend Lisa. She is one of my favorite people in the city right now thanks to the cut she gave me.Listed in: Marina/Cow Hollow, I feel pretty... in San…
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Review from Stephanie P.
Sausalito, CA
10/25/2010
Don't know why I haven't yelped Descend yet. I always get my hair cut by Cheryl and she is AWESOME! She's totally bo-ho and new age, super sweet and really easy going.
I swear, I'm one of those odd women who gets my hair cut every few months, no color, nada. Super simple wash, cut, style literally every 3-6 months. And Cheryl is totally cool with this - she always greets me warmly and remembers some stuff we've talked about in the past, and her cuts make my hair look amazing even months down the line (they look awesome at the time and then grows out really well).
Then - LIFE-CHANGING! She started doing the Brazillian Blow-out treatment recently, and I just had to try it. It made my frizzy hair super soft, shiny, straight and manageable, even in crazy humidity! It's a little pricey, but definitely worth it. It's now about a month out from the initial Blowout, and my hair literally takes 20 minutes to style. Meaning, I hop of of the shower after washing my hair, and it takes me 20 minutes before I'm ready to leave the house - it used to take me an HOUR!!!
Cheryl is awesome, I'm almost afraid to yelp her b/c then her appointments will be harder to book. But I can't keep it to myself anymore... -
Review from Cat C.
4/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cheating is bad! I always feel bad when I cheat on my hairstylist & waxers but Bloomspot deals, Groupons, & the like are so enticing! They make me curious to see what else is out there with no strings attached....just like a hit it and quit it I can see if I like the encounter after the appointment and not feel bad if I don't because I have my good 'ol faithful and if I do like this new lady I can always go back if there's availability!
I found out about Sheila through Bloomspot because she was doing a $30 Brazilian deal through them (regular $55). I pay $39 at my regular place and thought about giving Sheila a chance after reading some raving Yelps and to save a few bucks. She was able to take me in about 10 minutes early (I left my name and number at the salon's front desk & walked around Union) from my scheduled time. She led to me to the small back room and let me change and "prep." I like how she offered baby wipes to clean up with and "Numbing Spray." I don't think the spray worked on me though but glad it works for some and it's there. I didn't have much hair and was in between growth cycles so all of my hair couldn't come out but she was as thorough as possible by helping with ingrowns and plucking some left over hairs. The whole process was quick too and she was very friendly and chatty throughout the wax session.
It's a little hard for me to get out to the Marina but I would recommend Sheila for a good, affordable, and almost totally pain-free Brazilian job. I probably will be sticking with my regular Brazilian waxer but would consider possibly going back to Sheila in the future.
If you are interested in getting your nether regions defuzzed by her, act quickly, I got an email from Living Social that she has a $25 Brazilian deal going on right now!
Notes: Convenient booking with online booking. I believe her phone # listed is a cell phone so leave a message to make sure she gets back to you! -
Review from Adriana K.
Brooklyn, NY
7/31/2010
I cheated today. I cheated on someone I care for and respect. I cheated on my usual colorist.
In my--uhm, uh, I mean, my *friends'*--previous cheating experience, if you want the person you cheated on to try to forgive you and stick around, you're supposed to cry and beg and say, "I'm so sorry! It wasn't good! (S)he didn't mean anything to me! It'll never happen again. You're the only one for me." But damn, it *was* good, and I just don't know if I can lie like that.
My usual colorist is out of town this week, but I had a hair color emergency of sorts. Major dark roots + a trip to NYC (where the majority of my closest friends live, and also where my vanity goes into overdrive) next week = must color this week or no bueno. So I called Descend to book an appointment with Jewels after having read rave reviews for her work on here.
I was nervous. But Jewels was so patient with me as I fumbled about telling her what I wanted done and what my usual colorist does; as I repeatedly misunderstood her and had her explain again what she planned to do; and as I neurotically told her several times that I did NOT want any brassy color in my hair. (I would've slapped me, but she was so kind and tolerant.) Jewels explained that she did things a little differently from my colorist, but she had really taken the time to listen to what I wanted, so I trusted her as she mixed the hair color and dove in with her brush.
Cheating makes you a nervous wreck. Again, I frantically asked her a couple times while she was applying the color what she was doing and was she sure it wouldn't come out too brassy, and she patiently and kindly explained how she planned to prevent the brass that I am prone to. During the coloring process she was friendly and fairly talkative but not excessively chatty, which was much appreciated. When she rinsed the color out of my hair she made sure to ask if I had a sensitive scalp, which I sort of do, so I appreciated her being mindful of that. She also gave me a fantastic blowout.
I looked in the mirror when it was done. In a strange way I had almost hoped she wouldn't do as good a job as my usual colorist, just to make it easy to go back to the latter for my next color and beg for her to take me back. But no. My hair was PERFECT--it was exactly what I wanted, which is somewhat of a miracle, considering how wishy-washy I was in telling her what I hoped for.
Then two strange things happened. The first was that I freaked out for a moment, because I'd totally forgotten that I'd parked at a two-hour meter, and figured, given how long it usually takes to color my hair, that I definitely would have a nasty little parking ticket waiting for me when I returned to my car--some sort of karmic retribution for cheating on my usual colorist. But then I looked at my watch. I couldn't believe it. It had taken Jewels just two hours to do a beautiful job that it normally takes people at least three hours to complete. I thought, I may still have a ticket, but I'm so floored by how quick and good she is at what she does, I won't even care. But I didn't get a parking ticket at all, so that was beyond great.
The second strange thing was that, though I had expected to pay more than what I pay for color at my usual salon, because Descend is in San Francisco (as opposed to Marin, where the salon where I generally get color is located, and these things tend to be significantly pricier in the city), and on Union Street at that, the cost of this process came out to just $10 more than what I usually pay for color! I was floored, again.
So, can I honestly tell my usual colorist, "I'm so sorry! It wasn't good! It'll never happen again. You're the only one for me!"? No. I can't. Jewels is amazing and I would be thrilled to have her color my hair again. In the end, it doesn't matter much since I'm moving back to New York City in September, but it's nice to know that there are two hair color goddesses I can call if my roots need attention next time I'm in San Francisco. This does all make one wonder if infidelity is really such a bad thing.Listed in: How to be a Princess
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Review from Regina P.
Santa Clara, CA
10/4/2010
I walked into Descend last Friday on a whim - I'd read good reviews about it and I needed a new sylist. I didn't have an appointment and it was already pretty late - around 7 in the evening. Although she was headed out the door, Cheryl offered to cut my hair, and I must admit - she was amazing.
She warned me beforehand that she was a perfectionist, and she wasn't kidding. First she cut my hair dry, to make sure that it had exactly the shape that she wanted, then she washed my hair and cut it again - just to be on the safe side. She gave me a fantastic blow out, and, without a doubt, the best haircut I have ever gotten.
Cheryl pays so much attention to detail and is simply amazing at what she does. I've gotten so many compliments on my hair, including several from my boyfriend (which is very rare). I will definitely be going to Cheryl for my next haircut. -
Review from Melanie D.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2010
Are you, like me, a white girl with unruly dark locks? Is it frizzy on damp days and perfect on dry? Do you wear your hair in a bun unless you've just washed it? Does everyone tell you how much they love your hair, but IF THEY ONLY KNEW WHAT WE WENT THROUGH! Well, if this describes you - STAY AWAY FROM DESCEND. Run, run through the Marina, jump in the water, and swim, swim far away. This place is bad news.
To be fair, the only place I've even been happy with a haircut is at Devachan in NYC. Keith (from NY) left some big shoes to fill, and no one in the Bay Area has come even close, and I've tried 'em all. I called Descend first, explained the dry cut I desired, and requested an experienced stylist. I was treated politely, if rushed, on the phone, and my appointment was set. No wait - I should have known.
I walk in to a warm greeting and glass of wine, and was introduced to my stylist - a gorgeous girl in stilettos with pin straight hair who could not be older than 24. Unless she started cutting hair when she was 10, there was no way you could call her 'experienced.' But, hey, I thought, maybe she is some kind of curly hair savant. So I sat down.
She then began to BRUSH OUT MY HAIR. Apparently it's their thing. They make it into a giant frizz ball and then 'sculpt' it. Oh, sweet lord, why did I let her?! Not only did it HURT, but I know my hair and there is no way that I can get a good hair cut when I'm being styled as Magenta from 'The Rocky Horror Show.
And then she sculpts. I could not even see her tiny frame behind the afro she had created. She even seemed surprised about how big it got. I was so unhappy. Plus, having my hair three feet across made me feel huge and like a giant spectacle. She stuck me under the dryers for not nearly enough time, and when she pulled me out her face fell. I knew I was f*cked.
As we walked back to the chair, she gently told me that I was welcomed to come back and see another stylist - that it wouldn't hurt her feelings. BEFORE I had even seen the cut. Let's just say that I looked like the ugly one on Three's Company, but with 300% more hair and it was all frizzy. Well, except the part that was still wet when I left the chair. Oh, and it was my birthday.
I went home, styled it myself a few times, and realized that, once curly, my hair had two entirely different hair cuts on each side of my head. Three friends concurred. So embarrassing. So, I go back, only to be told I have to see the same lady or pay myself. No way. She obviously has different tastes and standards than me, and I am not interested in that. So the owner agrees to see me, and basically spends 20 minutes telling me the haircut is great.
I WENT HOME AND FIXED IT MYSELF.
Screw San Francisco and it's hair salons. Just wait until you go to NYC once a year to see your family. If you don't have family there, you can come with me. -
Review from Ricci P.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2011
Paul Laus is fantastic!
I have super fine, soft, slippery hair. It won't hold a curl or stay in a braid. Well, it might hold a curl if I were willing to put products in my hair... but I refuse to do so. I can't stand the stuff. It feels gross and then it gets all over my pillow = nasty! On top o that, I am missing the hair styling gene. I attempted to use a curling iron at few times but I always burned something. My ears, scalp, arm, hair, ect. For these reasons, I thought I was doomed to a life of straight, limp, boring hair. Paul proved me wrong! He listened to what I wanted, am willing to do and asked "Can you use a blow dryer and big round brush?" Yes. He totally NAILED it! My cut is sexy and sophisticated, it has movement and body. I love it.
Thanks Paul! -
Review from Yasmin K.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2011
SCOTT is AMAZING!!! He makes my hair look soo good that strangers approach me and say "nice hair!" He's a genius when it comes to chopping off hair and I am happy to say I have found my hair gurro. THANKS SCOTT
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Review from Kim M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/27/2011
I purchased a voucher for $15 for a brow and upper lip wax and unfortunately wasn't able to use it. I tried to schedule an appointment but the next opening was 3 weeks out and beyond the expiration date. I left a message for Sheila to see if there were any other openings and if there would be an extension of the voucher but got a message back that I would be put on a wait list if there was a cancellation and the voucher would expire on 9/25/11. I should have booked the appt. sooner but 3 weeks for a brow/lip wax is unreasonable and if Descend couldn't accommodate they should have extended the voucher or at least offered a credit in the amount I paid. A reputable business would accommodate their customer.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2010
I found Descend on a fluke since I was looking for Unite hair products and they came up in my search… Read more »
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Review from Anaid M.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2010
I love Shannon for my curly hair. I have dark, thick, curly hair that nobody was able to tame. I have lots (I repeat lots) of hair, but I am not african american or mixed, so stylists usually underestimate how much hair I have, which only makes them the more angry when they start washing/combing it.
Not Shannon, she takes her time, explains everything and cuts with patience Try her out, she's amazing! -
Review from ruth k.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2010
First I got a great haircut, which grew out well and was easy. Then I got highlights, all amazing job by Cheryl. She puts you at ease and does a lovely scalp massage with herbal oils, is very friendly but gets down to business when she's cutting and styling. I trust Cheryl cause she's a perfectionist and knows hair.
Also, Descend is a decent vibe, not a dive but not loud and bright. Walking out looking good on Union street is always nice. -
Review from Natalie N.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2010
I have a habit of re-fixing my hair after I get haircuts because the stylists i've gone to in the past like to do their own thing with my hair. I am so glad I don't have to do that anymore because i've found a hairstylist who gets it and listens to me when I tell him what I'm looking for and his name is Paul Laus.
I'm a girl and I have short hair but that doesn't mean I want the stone butch lesbian haircut. I used to cut my own hair for a while because I couldn't find the right hairstylist and was tired of some going overboard with the clippers. Paul is amazing and will sit there for an hour with a pair of scissors and SCULPT away until it's right. He's laid back, funny and good at what he does. I heard he cuts a lot of lesbian hair so ladies, if you're looking for an awesome hairstylist, go to Paul Laus.
A lot of my friends with long hair go to Shannon and her specifically. They say she is the expert for handling curly/wavy hair. They're pretty busy but I never feel like i'm being rushed or anything. Make an appointment and try to go during the day when it's not as crazy.
Great service. A little pricier than what I usually pay for haircuts but it's totally worth it. Free touch ups/ neck trims. I Highly recommend this place. -
Review from Zonya V.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 6/15/2011
Diane is the best stylist I have ever had. I recently did the Cadiveau relaxing treatment with her. It's like the Brazillian Blowout but less toxic I was told. She suggested a fabulous hairstyle and I loved the look. I've been going here for 2 years now and highly recommend it for their stylists, great ambience and awesome service. And no I'm not paid to say this. Definitely a 5 star place. Ask for Diane! She's super.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/16/2009
I love this salon. Diane is the best stylist I have ever had. I have wavy hair and never had a… Read more »
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Review from Georgina P.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
Jewels Jones has been doing my hair for 6 years. I love her extensions!!! Wouldn't dream of letting anyone else touch my hair!! Cut and color (highlights and low lights) for 4 years. I'm a natural blonde. However going in the sun puts dreadful brown spots on my face that take a small fortune to laser off...hence the highlights. She has a talent for "seeing" which colors compliment me most. She gets the color right every time. I have shoulder length hair; but wanted long hair; and no patience to grow it out. The past two years Jewels attached beautiful (REAL!!) hair...she attaches the real hair with a bead that doesn't break off my own hair which allows me to grow my own hair. I love Jewels. She is very confident and makes you feel like you are in the hands of an expert. Before getting extensions, my mother did some research regarding prices. Jewels offers superior service at VERY reasonable prices. Apparently she was trained by a woman from Africa and she uses a special tool created the same African Extension Specialist. Yay for Jewels!!
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Review from Laura K.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2011
I had a voucher for a Brazilian from Sheila, and I'm so glad I purchased it. 2 weeks from giving birth, and it was the most painless wax I've EVER had. I'm pretty sure that the opposite should be true. Sheila was thorough, professional, and friendly. She made me feel very comfortable, and I really like being offered baby wipes and numbing spray before a wax. I've tried a number of places in San Francisco for Brazilians - had good, bad, and in the middle experiences. But this is the first time I've felt strongly that I would like to be a long-term customer!
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Review from Kelli G.
Honolulu, HI
3/13/2010
Cheryl rocks! I've been going to her for over a year for cut and color (just starting to yelp more). I went today and feel like a new person. Her color is perfect! Her cuts are beautiful and last a long time! For those of you that get scared off by the Union St. vibe, don't worry this place and especially Cheryl are so sweet!!!
If your like my review please tell her Kelli sent you :) -
Review from Crystal S.
Los Altos, CA
8/26/2010
GO TO DESCEND!!! You will NOT be disappointed!
Scott is an amazing stylist and the owner of Descend Salon. When I walked in I was impressed with the style of the salon and the extremely friendly staff. Now let me tell you about the important stuff... my hair cut!
Scott did a FANTASTIC job on my hair!!!! This is by far the best cut I've ever had. I cannot remember ever being so satisfied with my hair. I mean, I actually FEEL gorgeous. This is a big deal for me. I'm a picky girl and have been to really high end salons, using top stylist and spending a lot of $$$. All of my past experiences have been blown out of the water by my recent experience at Descend.
Scott took his time and never rushed me. I can talk a lot and really wanted to discuss exactly what I wanted and what he was thinking. I felt like we were on the same page all the way through.
Scott also gave me wonderful suggestions for styling my hair at home and even taught me some new techniques which I still use. Their products are GREAT too and you can trust Scoot to introduce you to a few that you will love. -
Review from Hayley W.
Updated - 1/14/2010 1 photo
Oh the power of yelp.
In frustration and exasperation I wrote a negative update to a review for Descend Salon in mid-January. For friends, it was the one that began with "OH HELL NO..." In a nutshell, I had learned that my already expensive $90 haircut had jumped in price to an outrageous (for me) $190. Also, it was going to take me 3 months to make an appointment. I was very frustrated, and honestly still am, that I have to give up my hairstylist I thought I would have for life, to someone wealthier than me.
And even more so, I am irritated with myself that I may have contributed to this loss with my first review of Descend on Yelp. I have had many women send messages about their new positive experiences because of my review. And while that makes me happy for them because I know how frustrating it is to get an unsatisfactory cut time and time again, I can't help but think that I shot myself in the foot with this one.
You see, finding a great hairstylist for curly hair is very very difficult. I have tried upwards of 20 hairstylists in my life and no one has come close to giving as great a haircut as Shannon. That being said, I still cannot forgo my student loan payment for a haircut.
So I wrote my frustrated and angry review, gave it a confident one star, justifying it because I was updating my previous 5 star review... Thinking it would even out. Apparently, not. While my original review has produced many a client for Shannon, my negative review has stopped new clientele from reaching out to her... Descend's owner told me so.
And this is wrong.
While I might be extremely frustrated, one review should not have the power to stop someone's well-deserved business from flourishing, and I had no intention of doing that.
So what is the moral to this story?
Yelpers, we might have a little more power than we should have. While most of us use yelp, myself included, as a diary to our lives, we may need to watch our words. Our frustrated rants may have the power to end businesses. And really, no matter how angry you are, did you really want to do that?
I don't.Listed in: "Best" Qualifiers
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/11/2009
*The Miseducation of Hayley W. and Her Curly Hair*
The don'ts:
Wash your hair every day
Use a… Read more »
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Review from Helene K.
4/3/2009
Literally, you DO descend into Descend Salon, and that's probably how they came up with the name. Situated in the lower level of its building, Descend is an alternative chic salon with a welcoming staff and warm atmosphere. It's located across the street from Michaelis Wine & Spirits, where you can buy some froyo before and/or after your haircut.
I couldn't help but chuckle as I walked down the steps to Descend, realizing the pun of the name. I was greeted by the friendly receptionist, who asked me if I needed something to drink. Perhaps it's just me, but I found it surprising that they offered wine to customers as well, so I decided to take advantage of it. The waiting area was organized with stacks of magazines; there were a couple of stations near the waiting area, and the rest of the stations were located on the opposite wall.
I had my hair cut by Vanessa, one of the stylists-in-training, with Emily supervising the hair cut. Vanessa was meticulous with the cut, making sure to snip off all the layers I didn't want anymore. Emily was also very helpful by giving Vanessa extra pointers and also some praise. I felt relieved and satisfied with the haircut; it has been awhile since I've had my hair short and one-length.
The bathrooms could be labeled with signs, but then again, the salon is small enough to not get lost in. Everyone was friendly and seemed to be skilled in their crafts. The clientele was a good mix, from casual to yuppie-esque.
I wish Vanessa luck in the rest of her training, and I hope to be back to Descend when I'm in need of another haircut (which, to be honest, may not be for awhile since I generally don't go for haircuts these days). -
Review from Lauren C.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2009
Scott, Robert & Cheryl... Thank you!!
You are all amazing!! I appreciate all the kindness and great work! -
Review from soy w.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2009
I'm new to SF, and looking for a hairdresser. Yelp lead me here so I booked an appointment.
Unfortunately on the day of the appointment an urgent meeting came up at work - so I phoned Descend to reschedule - and I admit it was only 1 hour before the appointment. I apologized for the late notice, and the person on the phone (Robert) gave me hell for this - saying 'we require 24 hours notice for cancellations' - fair enough but I wasn't told that when I booked.
He also informed me Lisa may not want to reschedule with me, he'd have to speak with her first. I was her only client for today and she's driving all the way from the east bay, she would have left home by now. Again, I apologized, and suggested perhaps he could phone her. I asked if I could re-schedule with Shannon the curly hair expert instead (I've read her great reviews on yelp), and was told 'we'd want payment in advance, Shannon doesn't have time for late cancellations, and she's not really looking for new clients anyway'.
Huh? I'm hardly a serial offender, I'm a new client who cancelled an appointment once!
So way to go Robert, you successfully deterred what could have been a lifelong loyal client with your terribly rude phone manner.
My search continues. -
Review from Margaret T.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2009
This is the story of my 6-month journey with hair extensions. If you've ever wondered about it or have been thinking about it, just keep reading.
I have had super short hair all of my adult life. Then, one day I decided to let it grow. Cut. Repeat. Cut. Repeat. For years I could never get past the "ugly duckling" stage by growing the hair past my ears. Finally, it occurred to me that modern technology occasionally has a solution for what nature cannot provide: hair extensions, naturally. Tada!
I called a bunch of fancy salons and went to a couple consults, but I wasn't convinced and it seemed like no one REALLY knew what they were doing until I got to Julie Stumphy at Descend. Let my experience save you the research and the legwork -and look no further. The system Julie uses is the forefront of modern hair technology (no glue or weaves) and she's been doing it and teaching it for years and years. Your hair savior is here.
First of all, don't be put off by Julie's looks. Uh, she's pretty awesome. Kinda like a cross between Dolly Parton and Cher. But in a good way! And sometimes she pretends that she's silly or "dumb," but don't let that fool you either. She's as sharp and smart as they come, but wrapped in this tall, curvy, full-of-life-and-hair package. And her hands work magic. She's very coordinated and, really, when you think about it, that's what you want with a stylist. She's got a great eye, too and best of all, she's a good listener. Did you hear me? She listens to what you want!
About the hair extensions itself: they're expensive. But what did you think? Don't be stingy. If you're going to do this, do it right and save up. The microbead system is done with these tiny metal hollow beads that attach your own hair to the extension hair. You pick the color and the length and the quality. Julie tells you how many in all you'll need and how much it costs and orders it for you. Unfortunately, I have very thick hair so I need a lot of extensions. The good news is that as your hair grows longer, you can keep reducing the number of extensions you have in at one time until your natural hair is at the length you want.
About the time commitment: it takes a looooong time to have them put in. It can be 3-4 hours, sometimes more, depending on how many you get. Then, as the beads grow out with your natural hair, you have to get them re-attached eventually. You don't want the little metal beads growing more than about 2 inches out or they'll start to show. You're lucky if your hair grows slowly. Bad for me that my hair grows like a weed! I get my whole head re-done about every 2-3 months and small adjustments in between when strands come out. Which leads me to...
Fall out: I won't lie. The strands come out sometimes. It's not a perfect system. But it's pretty darn close. You just call and have Jules put them back in if you think there's a spot that's thinning, but, for the most part, if you follow Julie's instructions, you will have no limitations with your hair.
Care: I wash, I blow dry, I flat-iron, I use all sorts of products and I freely brush my hair. People think you cannot do all those things with extensions but it's not true. Having hair extensions has allowed me to grow my own hair out while tricking everyone! All feedback has been that it looks so natural and there are no obvious signs that I have "fake" hair in there. Actually, it's not fake hair, it's real. Which leads me to...
The bad news: there isn't much. But listen up: the hair is real but it's not alive. So it will get dry after a couple months. You need to keep it really moist with serums and conditioners and going in for color/moisture treatments with Jules helps. If it gets too dry it can get knots. You cannot just drag any old brush through your hair, you need a higher-quality brush. The first night after you get them put in (or re-attached) the beads are closer to your scalp and it HURTS to put your head on your pillow! One must suffer for beauty sometimes. You get used to it after a couple days and then it's fine. What's a little discomfort when you've got shiny, long locks and you're tossing you're full head of flowing hair around???
I have had my hair extensions now for almost 7-months and I cannot be happier. It's fun. I haven't looked like this since High School! (Minus the wrinkles, of course.) I wear my hair up, I curl it, I put barrettes and hair bands in. After years of having short spiky do's, this is so surrreal. And people freak out when they see you. That's fun, too.
My reasoning for keeping this high-maintenance hair is that I don't drink or do drugs anymore, so what do I have left? I play with my hair. It's all I have now that I am married with kids and live a respectable life! Just kidding, but you know what I mean...
So, run, don't walk to Jules. You won't regret it. You'll be tossing your hair around like a shampoo commercial before you know it. -
Review from Amanda P.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2011
I really should have done this years ago. I have followed Chelsea for awhile now, she even works in Pleasanton once a week. anyhoo, I love Chelsea, she is just a natural, she works fast and keeps it neat. Hair just makes sense to her, it is amazing my results are always on point. She is always very reliable and will fit you in any how she can and is just sweet as can be! I love you Chelsea you"re my girl!!
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Review from Amaline B.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2011
My friend referred me to Descend after I saw her awesome haircut and inquired about her stylist... she has shoulder length hair with fabulous layers and bangs. Her hair has volume and looks like it would require a lot of maintenance but she says it's all in the cut! So I went in a got my hair cut by Scott, her stylist who is now my stylist.
I went in not sure about what I wanted but had a general idea... Scott listened to what I wanted and started sculpting my long straggly hair into an awesome short cut. I look like Cora from TRON! It's so easy to do as well! All I have to do is blow dry it with my hands and throw on some spray! Who knew a short haircut wouldn't require much.
I am so happy with this haircut that I have to rave about Scott. He took his time sculpting the look... he is truly serious about hair and really cares. Plus, he gives a nice gentle scalp massage when shampooing. I could have gone to sleep.
Thanks Scott! I love it, love it, love it!
