Descend Salon
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow2185 Union St
Ste A
(between Fillmore St & Webster St)
San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 440-6608
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sun 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- By Appointment Only: Yes
33 Reviews for Descend Salon
One of Descend Salon's Favorite Reviews
Descend is such an awesome place! From the moment you walk in, they make you feel SO welcome... champagne? Coffee? Whatever you want! They are super friendly, and don't have the typical pretentious Marina salon vibe. I see Shannon there, and she gave me BEAUTIFUL highlights!! Highest recommendation!
I highly recommend Cheryl, she is one of the best in San Francisco. She's a talented stylist/colorist and great listener ...has given me a perfect cut every time. Cheryl is truly amazing, I get multiple complements on my hair when I go out and even at work. I've had my hair long and medium length and with Cheryl's help have managed to wear a couple of cuts that are updated yet easy to style for any occasion.
I'm sure the rest of the stylists at the salon are ok but keep in mind Cheryl has been a stylist in the area for over 20yrs.
Do you want long, lovely, Rapunzel-like hair? Follow these steps:
1. Pick up the phone
2. Call Descend Salon
3. Make a hair extension appointment with Julie S.
When Julie is through with you, your hair will be so beautiful, you will feel like a movie star! Your extensions stay in a long time if you take good care of them, are easy to maintain, and no one is the wiser~ glamour, glitz and fabulosity is yours!
Another great fact about Julie, she is an amazing colourist~ she will match your extension colour and your natural hair perfectly for a seamless look~ I can't say enough good things about her work, but go and see for yourself...you will be so happy you did.
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The secret to me feeling good about my looks is Shannon's creative stylings.
I have been going to her for over two years and she always helps me switch things up.
Sometimes I go in not really knowing what I want and she guides me towards something fun and beautiful to do with my hair, with enthusiasm nonetheless.
Her strength is in her ability to follow the wave of my hair when cutting and to listen - hear - do the color I am going for.
The salon itself is really pretty.
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I heart you Emily! I will follow you anywhere.
I don't normally head to high-scale salons for my hair. But when the stylist I have been needing to try, the stylist that had been repeatedly recommended to me, Emily, got a chair here, off to the Marina (Cow Hollow?) I went.
Not only did I get the first hair cut in a long time that did not make me cry - http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
I had a great all around experience. Everyone at the salon was friendly and helpful. I was very uncertain about what I wanted. When trying to decide on bangs or not, a couple of stylists stopped by to help with their opinions and ideas.
The only reason I am not giving the 5 stars, is I don't use 5 stars lightly. I try to limit, and not over use 5's as to not devalue them. It was the best hair cutting experience I have had since Rudy's in Seattle.
I was in dire need of a bang trim because they were looking long and gross, so I called Descend on a whim because I was in the area.
The place is extremely nice, with stylish paintings and an array of magazines for you while you kill some time before the appointment. As other yelpers before have mentioned, there are complimentary beverages for you while you meander about.
I saw Marco, who was really friendly and wonderful, not to mention more than happy to offer me advice and some thoughts on how to style my bangs. I was told my cut was complimentary, but he was so awesome and knowledgeable (not to mention the time he spent with me, given that he wasn't expecting me to pay him...meticulously cutting my bangs) that I had to give him $10 - I should have given him more!
Ah well - I know who I am going back to when it's time to hack off my hair to donate my locks.
I was almost hesitant to sing his praises so much - if he becomes popular, it might be harder to book some time with him!
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Shannon is wonderful! I have no idea what she did to my hair, but it feels so nice and soft again! The cut is perfect! I suggest if you have hard to manage or semi unruly wavy hair...Go To Shannon. She does a dry cut first, then washes and styles the hair. She will spend the time to learn your hair and talk about your needs. I never felt rushed and the staff was sweet and polite. My old, kicked to the curb hair stylist in Los Angeles, messed up my hair!!! But Shannon made sense of the madness, and my hair is so much better. It feels nice to have a beautiful haircut, and she was so sweet to work with. Well worth the money, trip to San Francisco, and the peace of mind. I am also booked for her Bridal Up Do for my wedding now, and look forward to working with her. My mother and sister love my haircut too and are booked for Shannon as well.
Just saw Shannon earlier today. I am so happy to have finally found an awesome stylist in the area. I've been to a ton of salons around, and never found anyone who really listened and took their time. She knows her stuff. She asked me questions that nobody ever has about my hair to really understand it. She took her time. I went in with long, sad, limp locks, and came out with long, thick waves. I'll be back to see Shannon once these lovely locks get unruly again.
If you are looking for a excellent place to get your hair cut and colored, I would highly recommend going to Descend Salon.
As soon as you walk in the door, the stylists make you feel very comfortable. Not to mention, they offer a variety of beverages from champagne to coffee to improve your experience.
The ambiance of the salon is gorgeous also. Very chic.
The stylist who does my hair is Dianne Mendonca. She does an excellent job capturing my request. Not to mention she is super fun and easy to talk to.
Lastly, pricewise, I would said that Descend is pretty reasonable. I have gone to other places and paid twice as much as what I paid at Descend and the quality of my hairdo is just a good.
Therefore, I give Descend 5 Stars! Nice work guys!
Moving to SF from LA has its challenges...one being finding a really good hair salon. The number of choices on Union Street alone are staggering. I'll admit I found myself at another place and went back twice...still never quite happy with the cut I received, but too overwhelmed to keep looking for another option.
Well, I finally decided to "man up" and try somewhere new. Thanks yelp'ers for directing me to Descend. This place is gorgeous and the stylists and products are unmatched.
Lisa, you are a DREAM! Awesome! It was so cool just hanging out with you getting my hair done. Thanks for LISTENING to me and figuring out not only what my hair was about, but what I was about...and matching the two.
I love that you took my thick, course, funky-waved hair with a poor cut (remember the lightbulb shape?) and transformed it into a sassy cut and color and statement that absolutely reflects ME and my personality.
Seriously, Yelp community, you can't go wrong here. If I could give 10 stars, I would!!!!
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Follow the stairs down to the cutest hidden salon on Union Street (if you don't get completely distracted by surrounding boutiques) This is where you will have a glass of wine and treat your hair to all it deserves.
Shannon Debin is a hair styling goddess! I won't see anyone else. She takes her time and makes sure I am nothing short of amazed each time I leave (and I always am, thank you Shannon!) The quality color and products leave my hair silky and healthy. The cuts keep me looking fashionable and fierce...I love it!
The ambiance makes you feel relaxed, as you enjoy your wine, coffee, or tea and have local artists on display to keep you inspired! Everyone that works there is super friendly, and make sure the entire experience is one where you feel pampered and beautiful, all at a very reasonable price.
INTERESTING FACT
This is also an GREEN salon (in certain rights) they take all the hair that is cut (from the floor) and donate it (strangely this is pounds and pounds a day) to a company that takes it and turns it into pads (they look like funky Brillo pads the size of bathroom mats...) that soak up oil from oil spills in the ocean. WHO KNEW?!?
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Shannon Debin is perfection. I've been going to Shannon for fabulous haircuts for the last several years. I'm a hair magazine junkie, looking at all the latest hairstyles in magazines and wondering if my hair can be made into those fabulous styles - so I pick a picture - show it to Shannon and she expertly cuts the style exactly as I expect. She gives really good advice on what works with my hair type and face. My bangs are always perfect and her haircuts last super long. She moved to Descend recently, and now its perfect location is close to shopping and all my favorite stores - even better! Love her and the new salon!
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This is the best salon San Francisco - I have tried several of the usual suspects in SF and only to find myself lost in the shuffle or never really satisfied with my hair color, or my cut. I was recommended to Lisa Monda at Descend from a friend and have fallen in love with the salon. This is an incredibly nice, upscale and professional salon. Both Shannon (another wonderful stylist) and Lisa have a profound understanding of hair and making you feel extra special when you are there and for when you leave. I actually just tried extensions for the first time and absolutely LOVE what Lisa has done, she is sensational at what she does - takes her time, enjoys learning about what you like and always ensures you leave completely happy. If you are even considering getting extensions, I would without a doubt recommend Lisa as she is fantastic at it and it doesn't ruin your hair! So fun! Call them now if you want to try a new stylist, for color, cut or extensions - its urgent!
I've been a regular at Descend ever since they opened. Followed Dianne from her previous place. She is a rock star! She make me look like a million bucks. Thank you Dianne
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SHANNON DEBIN. She is the Mick Jagger of hair styling; a MUST for anyone looking for a truly fabulous 'do. Having been a client of Shannon's for several years now, she's had the pleasure of seeing me through a wide range of styles, none of which have disappointed. She is an expert colorist and has an innovative method of haircutting which works with the natural body of your hair. If you've ever come home from the salon only to find that your hair just doesn't sit right, this is the cut for you! Also, if you're feeling a bit indulgent, I highly recommend you speak to her about EXTENSIONS immediately! I've had them done several times and she uses a method which doesn't harm your hair and they look completely natural. If these don't make you feel fabulous, I don't know what will.
As a faithful client of Shannon's, I must say, she truly has found the place she belongs. DESCEND provides the perfect environment in which to be pampered. The design is beautiful and classy and the owners, Robert and Scott, will make you feel at home in their lovely space. It is, by far, the best salon I've ever been to. Get your behind into Shannon's chair ASAP!
I love Descend! I stumbled upon this place one particularly shaggy Sunday and I now have a new regular salon and stylist. Scott gives great cut and is fun to chat with too. The space is gorgeous (Scott's handiwork) and is a nice retreat from the Union Street buzz. I highly recommend Descend to anyone looking for a new salon.
OMG! Lisa Monda hooked me up with some amazing HAIR EXTENSIONS!!!!! My hair has never been this long and thick and fabulous---and the best part is nobody who doesn't know me would ever guess it's not my hair. The hair she uses is the best quality and she's versed in the latest and greatest in extension technology--micro links...Britney needs to see Miss Monda ASAP!!!!
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This should be a 10-star review considering that both my mom and myself were gaga over Dianne.
Once upon a time on a Friday I decided to treat my mom to a new 'do. She's been feeling out of sorts lately and I wanted to cheer her up with a makeover.
I must say that Yelp was the yellow brick road that led us to Descend.
Called Thursday and spoke with Robert. Very friendly. No attitude at all. Booked the appointment and voila!
All in all, Dianne was, as my mom would call her, "an absolute Godsend." I'd have to agree. Not only was she so patient dealing with us but she was so nice about all our questions.
I wanted to have my mom's "virgin" head of hair colored (while she never colored her hair in her life, she straightened it like there's no tomorrow. damn frizz). Dianne advised against it saying that my mom's color was perfect as it is. There wasn't even much gray. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
She did wonders for us and made my mom so happy and so confident, I'd like to send her a Christmas gift or something.
I love this place. Beautiful place, beautiful people--inside and out. I mean that.
Yesterday was my first visit to Descend, and I'll definitely be going back. Dianne was my stylist and she was AMAZING! Usually when I get a haircut no one really notices, but after I was done at Descend I got so many compliments about how shiny and healthy looking my hair is. I don't usually have so many layers (or when I have had them they weren't done well) but whatever Dianne did, now I really notice how much movement my hair has.
Also, Robert and Scott (the owners) have done an amazing job with the space, you really don't expect it from the street, but once you're inside it's so inviting, with a great atmosphere, and friendly people who really know hair.
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Lisa MONDA gives great hair. She's been doing mine for 10 years... she makes my unruly waves look unbelievably stylish!
Diana is great. I have followed her her from another salon because she gives such great cuts. Descend Salon is great. I like the atmosphere and it is very relaxing. Diana really listens and gives a good cut.
I can't say enough good things about Descend and about Scott. The salon has such a wonderful vibe to it, and everyone that works there is great. I just moved here, so finding a reputable was of huge importance to me. I just recently got m hair cut and colored by Scott, and keep on getting compliments on my hair. I highly recommend this Descend Salon.
This swanky, stylish, and sleek salon offers the best you could want all around, with the best stylists in the city, ease of booking appointments, and a luxe atmosphere to relax and be glamed up in! Attended the opening gala event, and what an evening! The owners, Robert and Scott, have done an incredible job with the decor and are so gracious and warm, you'll feel welcome and at ease right away! I'm a die hard loyal client of Katherine Sawyer. I've followed her from salon to salon, and will do so until all my hair falls off... she's given me sex kitten Ann Margaret hair, to a rock-n-roll mullet a la Joan Jett- trust when her clients say she's the woman to see!
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I followed Dianne Mendonca here from another salon, and am nothing but impressed! I was the first client of the day, and Robert was so gracious and friendly while I waited. Love the atmosphere, very chic. Definitely book with Dianne, she's a whiz with color and can blow out my very curly hair like no other stylist can. I would follow her to a back alley if she was styling hair there!
This place is amazing!!! Beautiful, detail oriented, and caring staff that waits on you hand and foot. Katherine Sawyer is the most amazing color specialist and hair stylist. If they handed out PHD's for hair she would have one!
Lisa Monde is such a talented stylist that I no longer tell her what I want. Now I give her complete free rein and always look great when she is done. She is so good that in her last salon, the other stylists used to come over to see how she worked her magic. Cut, color, or extensions, Lisa is who you should see. She will make you look great. Thank you Lisa!!!
My name is Katherine Sawyer, I am a hairstylist and I'd like to introduce you to my new place of work, Descend Salon. This is a brand new gorgeous space that really caters to not only the clients but the stylists as well. I was part owner of dava dava salon on Union St for many years which has now changed hands. I realized I wanted to focus on my clients without the added responsibilty of running a salon. The owners of Descend Salon, Robert and Scott, have graciously invited me to join their team. I am so happy with the beautiful space and their care and concern for everyone. I am thrilled to bring my clients into what is possibly the most comfortable and beautifully designed salon I've ever seen! Please come visit us!
If you are a stylist looking for a professional environment that will really cater to your needs than this is the salon you have been looking for!
Katherine
Descend Salon is wonderful!! I followed Lisa Monda to Descend. She has been cutting and highlighting my hair for 10 years. Lisa makes me feel like a whole new person when I walk out. She's the best!!!
Descend is a beautiful Salon with very friendly hair stylists (and a great magzine selection!). The atmosphere is soothing, the staff is attentive and the location is great! I highly recommend it!
Descend salon and Lisa Monda are fabulous! Lisa has been doing my hair (highlights and cut) for years and I followed her here. It's a great space and everyone there is friendly and personable. I highly recommend it!
This is a great new full service salon on Union Street. It's a bit tricky to find because you have to "descend" down the stairs to this gem of a place. The decor is dazzling and warm at the same time and the owners make you feel right at home. Katherine is an excellent colorist. She really listens to what you want. Best of all, for the busy professional or mom, Katherine is so fast. Other places I have been take 2-3 hours to do your hair. Katherine does twice the job in half the time! You'll love Descend.
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This place is beautiful, comfortable and friendly.. see Dianne Mendonca!! My friend had her hair cut/styled by Dianne and it looked gorgeous, so I went and saw her for my own cut and color. I have tried 8-10 different hair salons in the city and this is by far the best cut and color I have had. I have blond hair so it can be tricky to get it right; usually they don't go light enough or it comes out the wrong shade... or the highlights come out stripey, etc. But Dianne got the PERFECT color and did the most beautiful job with the highlights to make them look natural and summery...and they are growing out so nicely. The cut was also superb.. she just knows what looks good!
dianne has been coloring my extremely fine, fragile hair for years. she does such a meticulous, careful job that my color always looks completely natural. it grows out so well that i don't have to constantly get touch-ups. people notice that my hair looks great after i see her, but they aren't sure if it's colored or not, just that it looks really shiny and , well, just overall really good. this time, i had her cut it too because i was having a hard time getting an appointment with my usual guy. well, i don't know how else to say it other than this--every. single. person. i know has told me how absolutely adorable, flattering, cute, etc etc etc my hair is. i'm not kidding. i've never had so many compliments on a hair cut/color combo. AND THE NEW SALON!!!! it's gorgeous! great location, very chic inside, but still totally comfortable because the people who work there (owners and stylists) make it so easy to relax and feel taken care of.
in sum: run, do not walk, to dianne's chair at Descend. you and your hair will love her.
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