- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Genesis the Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Day Spas Hair Salons, Day Spas [Edit]
320 W Washington St(between Albatross St & 3rd Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
(619) 295-4166
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 9 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
With an urban and edgy feel and a uniquely artistic mood, the dk hair environment is conducive to creativity. Surrounded by functional art, even the… read more »
13 reviews for Genesis the Salon
13 reviews in English
-
Review from Grace T.
3/12/2010
after two botched and scarring haircuts in CA I'd pretty much given up hope that I'd be able to find a replacement hairdresser as good as mine in AZ (India @ Just For You salon & spa in Chandler, AZ)...however, with a reliable referral in hand (thanks TT!), I braved yet another new hairdresser and to my delight think that I've found a new match!
maggie was prompt, friendly, attentive, and listened to my comments, concerns, likes/dislikes and was all-around really great. she took the time to really let me feel at ease about what she was going to do and took note that I was a little apprehensive given my past haircuts! she also showed me an awesome way to use a straightener to curl my hair (yay for another fun tool to buy!)
all in all, the price was right, the service was awesome, and the genesis salon was conveniently located (parking is in the rear!). can't wait to go back! gone are my haircut nightmares! -
Review from Katherine B.
Reno, NV
8/22/2007
I really try not to be super-critical but be warned: My hair got butchered. I came off of a recommendation and just to be careful I went in for a consult a few days before and brought pictures of my hair in the past and the look I was going for.
My vision: Blonde with some red streaks
Her vision: Dyeing my hair Feria red with some My Little Pony pink streaks.
Added bonus (sarcasm) the lighting in the salon is VERY FORGIVING and yellow so you don't know what you really look like until you step outside. I had her re-do it and it was still ruined. Put it this way; I've gone to two other colorists who look at her work and say, WTF.
In her defense she did try to fix it, but then only wanted to give me $30 back after I spent $140. Not cool. Would not recommend at all.
*Update - I was contacted by the salon via Yelp recently who informed me that the stylist is no longer with the salon. Regardless, when I asked for help from the management I was informed that they would not become involved since the stylist rents their booth. I feel as though if they truly wanted to make things right they would have compensated me or had a different stylist fix this. I'm more than happy to add that this stylist is no longer with the salon, however, I would never recommend this salon to anyone, and am a bit taken back that I would be privately contacted regarding this review hurting their ratings. I think Yelp reviews should be honest and truthful in order to serve potential clients, and that past experiences should definitely be taken into consideration when choosing a salon.
I'll step off my soapbox. -
Review from mel r.
Emeryville, CA
5/31/2007
I feel like updating in light of a negative review...
My hair color may have faded and the grown out roots may look like shit because I haven't had it done in a year... but I refuse to have anyone else do it but Mei Li (May Lee), she's that good. She is a wizard, nay Whiz-kid, Merlin says I with color! In all the times I've sat in her chair, I've had full confidence and give up control of my hair to her capable hands. She knows how to read the shape of your face, the type of hair you have and gives you a style that performs. I once took the plunge with a dramatic hair cut and she chopped off 2ft of hair into a cute little bob that I loved. I've had some of the most creative red color jobs from her, and might I just say that I can follow instructions, thus I never ended up with "my little pony pink" colors. In fact, even when the most fade-able color, red, starts to dwindle, it never looks bad or like "my little pony pink"
I'm so happy with her work that I will wait till I can fly 1200 miles to So Cal to get my hair done. I'm looking forward to my next appointment now, which I'm sure will be a kaleidoscope of non Feria red heaven and not "my little pony pink" -
Review from Karen U.
La Mesa, CA
2/17/2010
Since money is tight these days I was beginning to think that a great haircut and color was a luxury but after waiting longer than normal between appointments I have come to realize that they are actually a necessity.
Peter is the master when it comes to color. I look lighter and brighter and ready to face the world.
When I started going to Peter I had lots of hair and no style. Now I have a beautiful haircut, fabulous color and a smile on my face.
Everyone at the salon is friendly, they always manage to work around my changing schedule.
A big thanks to Genesis Salon. -
Review from Larissa Y.
San Diego, CA
12/22/2008
If you're looking for somewhere you can just pop in, drop $20 on a quick boring haircut, this is NOT the salon you want to go to. Then again if you're looking for reviews on a good salon, you're probably not the kind of person that would do that anyway.
A good friend of mine has awesome hair. The kind of hair where it's always funky, always fab, and always subtly changing. Of course this begs the question: "Where DO you get your hair done?" She said "Go see my girl Janean, you will not regret it."
I trust her, so I went. Asked for the basic of basics - just clean up the ends, maybe add some framing. My hair was at least below my shoulderblades, very straight/fine/blargh. Naturally strawberry-blonde so no coloring needed. Anyway, better to play it safe and test the waters.
Janean ended up being friendly, awesome, and a TOTAL EPIC WIN. Wash/blowdry/cut ended up being about $50, but let me tell you... I finally loved my hair! Woohoo!!! :)
Fast-forward about six months (maybe a little more, let's blame the economy), and I have a holiday trip back to the East Coast coming right up. Like, tomorrow morning. My hair for the moment was back to fine/broken/lame, because the cold air has forced me to overly blow-dry. For someone who's used to just towel-drying and a five minute style, this does not a happy girl make. It was about waist length as well. The layers had grown in well though which was nice.
So I called up Janean and said hook it up, which she totally did. This was the make-or-break trip, because we all know that if you get a great cut the first time it could be just luck. It was one of those "the outcome of this haircut will completely affect the trip back home" things. Thankfully, I am now the proud owner of healthy happy hair, she did a treatment to help restore balance, added some nice detached layering and I am pleased as punch. :) She's got a customer for life!
As far as demeanor, she's a total sweetheart and doesn't pressure you, knows her stuff and is friendly (without that fake sales smile that some people have). If you don't want to talk it's not a big deal, but she does well with conversational flow and is great overall. The salon is nice too, by the way, in Mission Hills and a good atmosphere inside.
I got out of there for $75 (including tip), which ain't exactly pleasing to my wallet... HOWEVER. I can't stress enough that the price tag is WELL WORTH IT and I would have gladly paid way more if this trip wasn't tomorrow. Having nice new hair does wonders for your mood and spirit. It's one thing to find a place you trust, it's another to trust somebody with giving your whole look a makeover. Five stars all around! -
Review from victoria m.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2008
Had my hair done by Tara May and have to say its the best haircut and color that I've had in a LONG time.
Decently priced and very professional I would recommend you go here.
I went in not knowing what I wanted and Tara was really good at looking through pictures with me and picking out something that suits my face frame.
I was trying to grow my hair and came out with very short, and was extremely happy with it. If she hadn't of shown me the cut I would've stayed with my boring style which didn't actually do anything for me!
Plus the color is amazing, thanks Tara!!!!!
xoxox -
Review from Ann M.
Washington, DC
8/11/2009
I've probably dyed my hair 30 different colors/shades over the last five years. As soon as it's dark, I want it blonde, as soon as it's blonde, I want it red, and so on and so forth in the vicious cycle. I was coming upon my fourth (fourth!) transition from brunette to blonde and knew I needed somewhere that was good and wouldn't give me a lot of slack about my 'i-know-my-hair-should-fall-out-soon' attitude. Checked around Yelp. While in the process of snooping on places in the HC area my roommate called me to let me know she had just been at Genesis, really liked it, and walked away with a free haircut. I got an appointment with Katherine for 3:30 and was blonde by 6:00.
The experience was great! Better than I've had in years at salons and I walked out of there not feeling like I couldn't buy groceries for a week. Katherine listened to everything I had to say, took it in, made some great comments and seemed just as genuinely happy at the end of the whole thing as I was. I will be back to see her (no matter what color my hair ends up being in a few months). -
Review from kate h.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2009
As soon as I decide I need my hair done, I need it done, like, NOW. An appointment for next week is just not gonna cut it...
I happened to be car-less on this particular morning when I decided that I needed my hair done PRONTO, so I was forced to find a place within walking distance that had an available appointment in the next few hours. Enter Yelp. Genesis popped up with great reviews and a special offering a FREE haircut with color! Fingers crossed - please oh please have an opening!
Thirty minutes later, I was sitting in Katherine's chair, beverage and magazines in hand. She was super friendly, listened to what I was looking for, and gave one of the best head massages ever. I was extremely happy with the blond highlights (she used a painting technique) and the haircut (although I would have liked it a bit edgier). And best of all, I left the salon with only an $85 bill!!! I called my roommate, who I knew had an appointment at another salon later that afternoon, and told her to schedule with Katherine! Two hours later, she was in the same chair as I was earlier (see Ann M.'s review!). -
Review from John D.
San Diego, CA
5/5/2008
PAULi is all I need to say. I went here, and booked an appointment with PAULi after being referred by a friend, and I have to admit, I wouldn't want to go to a generic chain place like Supercuts which isn't any cheaper anyway. PAULi's really attentive, and simply knows what he's doing.
-
Review from Laurel T.
Updated - 7/6/2010
Kat moved to Jean Claude salon, great ambiance and still an awesome hair dresser!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/3/2009
After sitting at work for hours the day before Thanksgiving, I suddenly decided that I needed a… Read more »
-
-
Review from Julia H.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 8/18/2009
I use to come to this salon religiously but once Erin moved I have not been back. I called to make a appointment with Erin and they told me she no longer worked there but they were more than willing to set me up with a different hair stylist . Once I FINALLY found Erin she informed me that Genesis kew exactly where she went but they just wanted her clients for themselves. I feel like they handled the situation very immatuely and I will not be going back to genesis not even for a manicure...please feel free to send me a message if you would like to knew where Erin is now
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/15/2009
I've been seeing Erin for years now, she is currently working at Genesis and WOW is she great. Every… Read more »
-
-
Review from anna l.
San Diego, CA
10/19/2007
TARA is the darlingest! She even cuts my bf's hair. Plus, she gave me the best 60's bangs.... ever. my vision was the girl from quadrophenia, and i told her that.... no pictures or anything. guess what i walked out with? the exact goddamn haircut i wanted.
Listed in: dress you up in my love
-
Review from Little C.
Carlsbad, CA
1/26/2008
I have been looking for a hair dresser in California since I moved here over a year ago. Rather than venture into the unknown, I'd avoid cutting my hair until I went home. The last time I went home my hair dresser of 14 years was out of town. DOH! So I saw someone else and got a bad hair cut. It was time to find a new hair dresser in California.
I asked around and one of my friend's wives sees Erin Ditlow at Genesis. I decided to at least get a trim and clean up before trying out something new and crazy. I made an appt to see her last week.
The salon itself isn't fantabulous but I wasn't there for the experience. All I wanted was a good cut. Bonus was the free parking in the back! I got there, met Erin and talked about what I was trying to achieve. I brought some photos and she was really cool. I was a bit scared since I've been seeing the same person for about 14 years. I then remembered it's just hair and it grows back and well....I could wear Brixton hats for the next couple of months if I get a bad cut.
She washed my hair and then cleaned up the mess that my last hair dresser made. And it was quick and easy. She styled it and immediately my hair felt better and looked shiney. Yayyyyyyyyy Erin. I was so happy. And it didn't cost me an arm and a leg!
Sign of a great hair dresser: The next day I just showered and was in a rush so I didn't have time to style my hair. I threw in some product and my hair looked great. I'll definitely be back.
Edit: I went in for a second hair cut which I thought I loved. After a few days it just looked horrible and I tried to style it differently. I finally went to see another hairdresser and even though I don't remember the explanation, my hair was mangled by the hairdresser. So I have not returned.
