Hair of the Gods by Geno Valle
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley324 Fell Street
(between Gough St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 863-9622
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- By Appointment Only: Yes
105 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
"I LOVE this place!! JILLIAN does my color and she is so incredibly talented and cool. She always seems to know exactly what I like,and…" read more »
59 Reviews for Hair of the Gods by Geno Valle
geno cut my hair and he is the nicest thing ever! the atmosphere was right up my alley, I fell asleep during the cut which i appreciated cause he wasnt all chatty and shit. He was nice, and gave me the cut that i asked for, i feel like ellen degeneras, which is not what i wanted, but if he wouldve listened to me completely i wouldvd looked like tom cruise so thank god he didnt. i recommend the place, nice atmopshere, friendly people, and the guy has a good personality. wouldn i return? yes. would i recommend it to my mom? yes.
This review is for Anyssa J, who was a color specialist/stylist at Hair of the Gods. I hear that she has recently moved to LA, but I wanted to send some love her way. I met Anyssa a couple years ago, while doing a quick fashion show for Dark Garden at Cow Palace during the Exotic Erotic show. I just happened to mention that I was in need of some color for my plumage and she was kind enough to give me her card.
I set up an appointment and she was definitely what I needed at the time. She sat down with me to discuss what I wanted and made some colorful suggestions, but I'm a bit bashful and wanted a toned down version of her vision. She quite deft and skillful and once I was finished, I had some gorgeous red locks. Pricing was pretty standard, so at least I didn't have to harvest my own kidney to pay for it.
The shop itself was a gorgeous collection of oddities and I felt very comfortable which is always conducive to a great hair experience. After all, it's hard to relax in a place that is completely sterile and minimalist, but maybe that's just me.
The stylists were very polite about my non-trendy upkeep and stressed hair which was as stressed as I was prior to sitting in that chair at that late Friday evening appointment.
As far as limitations on where I'll venture to, paying attention to what i'm supposed to be doing and where I should be going and the micro-management of society's every rule is not me so my approach is simple, do my research, look for talent, hesitate, and then I'm off, so with all of that I was off to the Hair of the Gods.
I called in advance to find out if a normal haircut was possible and the answer was yes. I got in soon after my call.
I get my haircut about twice a year for two reasons:
- most stylists can't do the layers that I like (sweeping, simple, Ralph Lauren style model hair)
- not a fan of other people's experiments that I have to wear around. (it's like a hangover you can't quite shake that's attached to your head.
waking up every morning, raising up from the sink with an AAH scream inside my head, followed by regret churning in the stomach is an experience I like to reenact.. about twice a year.)
I'm not going to lie, I strongly disliked this haircut at first, but I believe the hairdresser has an eye, if not an ear :D.
I was afraid he wasn't being thorough because he was quick, but the haircut was a thorough cut with no accidental or forgotten patches.
I was repetitive about looking to maintain the preceding cut and about distance of my hair from my chin and what I got was "a great new cut for a new city." In retrospect it was pretty harmless and I even grew to like it.
Since I had to pick up some anyway and I'm always experimenting to find that perfect "shine that doesn't dull the lightness in my hair"
I picked up some of the shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo and conditioner smells nice, very minty and fragrant but I don't think it added to my hair leaving it frizzy and slightly more dull in color; my hair color has always been natural.
The location itself was visibly appealing with large plants, walls of antique picture frames and small statues abound. For all of it's glamor, I found the place to be very approachable and amenable.
I needed to change stylists as I am growing out my angled bob cut. After reading the reviews on Shannon I decided to give her a try. FABULOUS! she kept the length but added angled layers to give lift and movement. While her styling technique isn't what I normally do, it was good to see alternatives. I recommend her highly, and I'm really picky about my hair :-)
Shannon is a goddess and a genius with hair. I've never had my hair short before and I absolutely adore the hairstyle she gave me. Everyone else seems to too. Shannon dyed it platinum for me also - amazing, just amazing. I've never had so many compliments, many from passers-by on the street even! I love my hair. Go see Shannon and you will too.
shannon gave me a great haircut - super stylish and i love that she took time with me... didn't feel rushed at all. but you get what you pay for - a $75 cut (pre-tip) is more than i'm willing to dish, because i'm poor. so i probably won't go back. :( but very pleased with the results.
What can I say? I've been going to Hair of the Gods since Shannon moved there -cause, you see, I've been trusting Shannon with my hair for over 7 years. I love Shannon. I mean truth be told, she's one of my best friends in the whole world. What started as a professional relationship, grew and morphed and twisted and turned into a beautifully dynamic friendship.
But you're here to read about hair right? Well Shannon rocks in that department. She's creative, talented, patient with my swings from super short to "growing it out" without ever pressuring me to do anything that doesn't feel right. She's extremely communicative when it comes to options and what each option will mean for me - and not just at the moment but also what it might mean from a maintenance perspective.
And beyond her skills as a stylist, she is the consummate professional. Always on time, calls to remind me, shows up and is present at every haircut (even when I know things are tumultuous in her life) - her business is extremely important to her, and it shows.
And finally the salon - it's beautiful, comfortable and full of lovely people who all care about their customers, and many of whom I've known for a number of years. Every 4 weeks when I come in for my cut, it feels like coming home - a truly beautiful experience.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Betsey Low is so awesome! When I called to make an appointment she asked me right away what kind of hair cut I was looking for just to get an idea before I come in. I told her I wasn't sure, just that I wanted something different and funky so when I came in she sat down with me and flipped through magazines. She had such a good idea of what I wanted and I left feeling so satisfied. I am definitely going back!
Yes, it's true. Shannon knows how to give some serious haircuts. Or maybe not so serious if that's what you tell her you want. In my case, I told her I was trying to grow my hair out but give it some shape and that I wanted it to look a little rock n roll. She listens well to what you want and also comes up with some great suggestions. If you are a scaredy-pants when it comes to hair cuts, she takes her time so you won't look up after 2 minutes of daydreaming to find your hair half shaved off. She loves what she does and she does it so well.... The next day at work my boss said that I looked like a rockstar (remember when I said I told her I wanted it to look a little rock n roll?) Man she's good!!
I went to Hair of the Gods last week for the first time based on Yelp reviews. The place is super cool. Sort of feels like a funky flea market...in a good way. Whoever the woman is who sits in the first station (the rent out the stations on their own) sort of yelled at me for walking through her station. I had to explain that I have never been there before. That aside, I had John Nick do my hair and he was lovely . Really sweet guy. Great head massage! He was a pleasure to sit with for an hour and did a really nice cut.
John Nick is awesome! I have been going to John for over 2 years. He has never disappointed. He always does a fantastic job. I can't wait till he styles my hair for my wedding. To book an apt he can be reached at (415) 205-8572 or jnsuperstar@hotmail.com.
Shannon at Hair of the Gods is the goddess of "now you look awesome because your hair is amazing." Creative and daring, I always leave appointments with funkier and fresher style and colors.
After reading the stellar reviews on yelp.com and looking in the mirror and realizing that my originally jewel toned red hair had turned pink after barely a month, I scheduled an appointment with Shannon at Hair of the Gods. On a dark and stormy night, I walked into to a place I can only describe as an east asian oasis. I ascended a winding staircase, but to be honest - I felt more like I was walking into an opium den rather than a hair salon. I walked into a large open space with a large potted tree climbing towards the skylight. I took a seat in a comfy velvet winged back chair and waited for my hairdresser who hadn't arrived yet.
The moment she walked in I recognized her immediately. A beautiful woman with piercing blue eyes and purple dreadlocks. We spent a good deal of time discussing how to turn my faded hair to a copperish color that I really love, Shannon finally settled on the best course of action.
Not only is Shannon an amazing colorist, she was just an awesome person. In any case, after washing out the color, it was just perfect!!! It was everything I hoped it would be. A gorgeous Angie Everhart red that I just adore.
In any case, I would recommend Hair of the Gods and Shannon to anyone! Best salon in the city. Funky, eclectic, and talented to boot!
SHANNON
My friend Suz'anne recommended Shannon. Because I have Asian hair and Suz'anne doesn't, I thought, she has NO idea. However, the more she talked, the more I listened.
Suz'anne's credible; She's originally from New York and she tells it how it is, she's not a bullshitter. Her bf even tells her that she should act more like a lady and not talk like a sailor. So when she says "I truuuusst Shannon. She's grrrrreeeat," I believe her.
Fast forward a few years later and Shannon's the only stylist that has touched my hair since. She works with what you want but will let you know the limitations. That's key bc bad hair just sucks. I've done some edgy cuts and color with Shannon(red, purple, white). However, I've had and seen her do more traditional cuts as well. Regardless of what I do, I always get compliments.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!...btw, tell her michelle s., the salsa dancer , sent you and maybe I'll get a discount on my next cut:D
So I was in need of a haircut. My bangs were growing out and they just did not sync with the rest of my long hair. It was a few days before Christmas and no one had appointments in the City of San Francisco. I knew this because I searched on yelp for every salon with a decent review.
Finally I called Hair of the Gods. They weren't sure they could make it happen. So I talked to Rudy. I explained that I needed a single process color and a cut. I begged him to squeeze me in. Rudy kindly did so.
And boy was I thrilled with the results. The color was shiny and a great natural brown. The cut was fabulous and had so much more body, style and versatility. Plus Rudy was nice to be with.
With all of the holiday activities I had to attend, I felt confident in my new cut. And after getting engaged on Christmas Eve, I was relieved that Rudy had taken my hair don't and transformed it into a hair do!
You can reach Rudy in the following ways:
rudydohair@yahoo.com
415.424.7375
Yay Betsey! I found Betsey and Hair of the Gods through a friend of mine and have now been there several times. Hair of the Gods is in a hip and happening neighborhood that's not so manic that you feel hustled and bustled and can't find parking.
You enter the door and are transported up the stairs passing along the way a pantheon of gods and goddesses. It's a mystifying journey. OK, not really, but it is cool!
Even cooler is the actual salon - Beautiful plants thrive in the filtered light and trinkets and treasures abound. In any other place you'd feel overwhelmed and like you were in granny's living room but here everything is tastefully and gorgeously displayed.
Betsey has taken me from butt-grazing waves to perky, curly almost-bob. She takes the time to really listen to what you're looking for and melds that to what your hair actually wants to do. A perfect combination that leaves you looking your best!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I can not say enough about the fantastic talents of Donnelle. I have been seeing her for about two years, and I have never been happier with my hair. She has an amazing eye for cut and color. I know that when I sit down in her chair without an idea in my head about what I want she will make me look great. I'm the kind of girl who likes to change her hair, it has been almost every possible color, but have a job where I have to be able to pull my hair back. I came in for my appointment having decided that afternoon I wanted to cut my hair. Donnelle gave me the most awesome angled bob ever. She rocks, I can not say enough great things about her. I would follow her anywhere.
Donnelle! rocks. Geno is sweet, too.
Rudy at Hair of the Gods must have thought 'WTF?' when he saw my hair last night.
Disaster was not strong enough of a word... pretty caramel highlights from months ago turned into a beach-bum copper-tone on a bed of dark wavy locks after a season of fun in the sun n sea. Oh yes, an APB was issued for an urgent rescue.
I booked with Hair of the Gods based on Yelp's recommendations. Note that they do not have a communal booking system, so listen to the voicemail (on land line) and get the cell no of the stylist you want.
It is rare to find, in this oh so commercial society, a hairdresser recommending an alternate treatment that's actually less pricey than what i booked...
I had asked for highlights, but after assessing Rudy suggested a block colour instead. The brown-red shade chosen turned my beach-bum copper into subtle highlights, blending in my natural hair colour. I can give chica on the Pantene ad a run for her money now.
I am feel great, and that's why I'm writing this review. If you find the above comments too fluffy - here are the hard facts;
- Got an appointment within 3 days of making initial call
- Arrived 15 mins early and Rudy was happy to start right away
- The salon's space is just beautiful... perhaps a little overwhelming with all the 'higher beings/ godly' images in the room. But hey, I am happy to worship anything as long as they keep me happy and healthy
- Rudy, and same for all the other stylists, do it all. As in prep, colour, wash, cut, style and even sweep the floors. I have never been to a salon where they didn't pass you to the apprentice/ junior for a wash, for example. The guys who work at hair of gods obviously take a lot of pride in their work
- Its not cheap, but certainly not that expensive
- Rudy's not back to look at either, and he does GREAT hair
Great recommendation Yelp'ers - thank you! - I will certainly go back there for my next hair appointment.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
It's so important for me to write a review that I actually joined Yelp (which i swore i would never do).
I also prefer brevity when it comes to reviews.
1. Hair of the Gods is The Most amazing, creative, cozy and magical place - filled with pictures of deities, books, antiques, and fresh, healthy plant life & natural light... I can't even explain it... impecably clean and absolutely incredible. I'd move in.
2. Geno - the owner - is adorable, warm and welcoming. I had the sense that he really (truly) cared about my hair, even though he was emersed in his own projects. He visited my chair a half dozen times in the 5 hours I was there.
3. 5 hours??!! YES. Shannon Hunter was INCREDIBLE. I have been (attempting) dreadlocks for almost 6 months - my long, shiny smooth hair was rejecting the idea - and Ive looked like a muppet for a long time...matted, tangled and uuuggggly. Shannon was right on time and greeted me with her incredible purple dreads. She assured me that everything would be ok. She tugged and pulled (necessary) then nurtured and adorned my locks. She added little accessories which she had in stock, added perfect highlights, and taught me everything i need to know about maintaining my new hair. She was totally cool and fun and chatty. She stayed with me until the work was done (5 hours...) and never flinched.
4. I really watched the other stylists - and they were all amazing with their clients - everyone was engaged, focused and having fun.
So - here's the deal. If you need a salon, a place to hang, some good people, and professionals who are creative and really know their business - you've got to check out Hair of the Gods. Honestly.
Just do it.
Shannon. Shannon Hunter. I say her name and bow my head in amazement.
I hardly know where to start, seriously. This story will be long.
Firstly, let me say that my hair is(was) long, naturally copper red, and famed and exalted by family, friends, even strangers on the street. I mean ALL THE TIME.
It really is damn near the easiest hair ever. Wavy when i want it to be, straight at other times. Dark red underneath, and golden flecks and dashes in it on top (from living in Cali for 10 yrs)I never have dry scalp. It only ocassionally gets oily. It takes all kinds of products, conditions, and abuse. It loves me, and makes up SO MUCH of who I am.
Recently, some transitions in my life showed me clearly that it was time to do something wholly unexpected by my "fans"(I SO scoff when I say this.)
So, I did what countless others have done before me=I consulted Yelp.
I read carefully. I noted the dates and styles people mentioned. I called and left messages for Geno and Shannon, unsure of which one I wanted. My birthday is coming up in two weeks, so I wanted to get in quickly. It was a toss up, at this point.
Shannon got my number transposed, and was calling some random voicemail, so I didn't hear from her for two days. Eventually, we got the mixup sorted, and she could fit me in within 4 days. I was happy. I was SCHEDULED. I am one of those people who wakes up one day and can't stand it anymore. So getting in fast in really important for me.
Anyway, she listened well on the phone, and even more so when I arrived. I dressed carefully for the appt, since getting my hair done is not the only change I've made recently. I also am changing my "look", as far as clothes for work, and not-work. I wanted her to see me as I have been looking these days, especially since this person didn't know me from Eve.
When I walked into the salon entrance, I was not surprised by all the color, posters, prints, antique furniture, bontanical feeling, or airiness.(Thank you, Yelp-ers~) But it was all very pleasant, and set me at ease right away. YAY for design! :D
Shannon was running about 10 minutes late, absolutely no big deal, since I brought a killer book with me to read.
She breezed in, settled me down, looked me in the eye. That's when what happened next is so indescribable. That's why everything I wrote just now, while its handy for you, doesn't TOUCH what ocurred.
Hair is such a necessary illusion for many of us who care to reflect our nature out. I am a total chamelon, though you can't tell from looking at me. I goth out hard core, I dress up 18th c victorian, and belly dance. I can look like Sporty Spice, or like pensive coffee shop girl. I can do it all, and even my oldest friends will walk right past me, and not see me if I'm in a new outfit they've never seen.
Shannon gave me a piece of myself. Back. For some reason, this mere act between us...a "business transaction" turned into something that felt like it was returned to me. Some light, some spark that was always mine.....came home.
We talked, yes.
She advised, yes.
Did we laugh? Trade jokes?clarify?Share stories, smile knowingly? Did we find trust? comradierie? YEs, yes, YES!
So I had the classic side part, long wavy hair to the middle of my back. Shaggy ends. She called it the Christmas tree. I agreed. We decided to layer the very top, shortish, so it would have body, and distribute the weight better. We kept the side part, and left some long pieces in the front, curling just under my chin. Its like a really sassy bob.Its also about 10 lbs lighter. The ghost hair on my neck keeps tingling. I hate to say it,since I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but its kinda sensual-feeling.
Shannon was everything I needed, and so much more. I'm sending her a larger tip in the mail, now that the shock has passed. I am a devout member already. And girl, I'll see you in 6-8 weeks.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Developing a relationship with a hair stylist was one of the gayest things I could ever imagine myself doing (and I'm pretty gay). Let me sing it from the top of the mountain "I love Donelle Malnick". I've been going to her for about two years now and I've never been disappointed with a single minute of my experience. She's one of the most adorable people I know. She's intelligent, charming, an incredible listener and she makes my head look really, really good. When I first started going to her, I was getting my hair clipped at Supercuts. I sat in the chair, thought that I would never belong in such a trippy, funky hair studio. I mean, I'm not covered in tattoos, the music is completely foreign...but she just started working. The only time I've ever asked her to do anything, was to take it a little shorter.
I'm a changed man. Donelle is incredible. And I look good.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
RUDY is a genius.
He has been my hairstylist for (holy crap) 4 years now, and has never done anything except make me look rad. Seriously, he knows his shit, he's like a samurai with the scissors and he will help your hair fulfill it's destiny.
If he cuts your hair here's what will happen:
1. Strangers will constantly stop you and ask you who cut your hair.
2. You will get laid.
So if you need a 'check up from the neck up' call Rudy IMMEDIATELY!
Oh, also, he's very easy on the eyes... which is always a nice treat.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Baby steps...that's me, when it comes to doing something that takes me out of my comfort zone or 'out of the box.'
I have to admit, I was a little hesitant when I made my appointment with Shannon, especially after I read Sara O.'s scathing review. But then I went further down the list and read Anjali V.'s and Peter B's more recent reviews, they loved their cuts from Shannon. The thing that sold me though was that Michelle S. told me about Shannon's mad skillz (I trust Michelle not to steer me wrong, plus she came with me to my appointment). Remember, baby steps.
Shannon was cool, I didn't know what I wanted but I knew what I didn't want. She listened, made some suggestions, I liked what she said and I went for it. It was great, I like the new cut, and I look pretty damn good. Shannon told me next time we could maybe make it a little more "rock n' roll." I still said, "baby steps," but that I would come back. Props to Michelle S. for recommending Shannon!!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (2)
I can't speak to the other beauty technicians in the joint, but Donelle is the Goddess who regularly tames my mane... She rocks and so does my hair.
Never have I felt like the sublime-super-goddess of a human being (oxymoron? indulge me) that I have the potential of being!
Never have I possessed such OMFG-tresses that brought tears of joy to my long-lashed eyes!
Never did I think I'd ever (and by "ever" I mean, "for-the-rest-of-my-life-type-of-ever") be _that_ type of girl who checks her hair out in passing boutique windows, and flips it - "just cos!"
Never did I fathom that I would actually drop $60 for a haircut, buy a $15 hair conditioner, AND drop $20 for a tip!
Never will I go back to my 2-in-1-Head&Shoulders-days! (laziness people, *not* dandruff...ahem.)
And for the love of every precious follicle on this planet, *NEVER* pay attention to "Sara O"'s review.
Ladies & Gents:
Shannon is the best thing that happened to my hair in 6 years.
This is the story of my hair.
When I was still in my mother's belly, my entire family began going to Denise. Denise knew how to cut kids' hair and was amazing with updos for proms. Once I joined the rest of the world outside the womb, it was only a matter of time before my baby fuzz fell out.
Flash forward to moving to New York, for college. At first, I kept trying to wait until I went home... (What could happen if I went to someone else?) But my hair continued to grow and I rarely saw my family. The only way I was going to keep up with my usual short strategy was to shop around the city for someone new. These were all, inevitably, failures. Once I ended up with a $250 bill of styling that I never exactly okay-ed.
So moving to San Francisco wasn't much easier. I put off haircuts until I started to resemble one of those shaggy-haired, creepy-looking horses. But then! I befriended someone with amazing hair. And Ric Ray from Hair of the Gods entered my life.
Not only is he amazing with wild hairstyles, he also knows how to just make me look good, simple as that. If you're at your wits end with hairstyles you never meant to have, Ric knows what to do. You can trust him with those scissors, I swear it.
Update July 2007 - Geno continues to amaze. He's as much chemist as salon master - totally gets the intricacies of color on any hair type... showed me some $400 piece of hardware he said was WAY better than it's cheaper cousin so he had to have it - look at the way it does those chunky layers, he says... Geno is an artist who loves his craft, and still - god bless 'im - doesn't take himself too seriously. Oh and did I mention he's a serious musician and photographer? And his staff are cool. Fun, relaxing, always learn something from him. Dollar for dollar, the best value in "hair intelligence" in San Francisco.
Thank Heaven, I can relax. My difficult hair is happy. My color is gorgeous. And I got it all from Geno with NO ATTITUDE. (fyi, photo at left taken pre-Geno on a humid day)
I'm a native of this fussy, expensive and beautiful town - so I've had my hair snipped and colored by a whole buncha folks around here in my - gasp - 40 years. Here's the thing. PG (pre Geno) I had come to the conclusion that I would have to put up with downtown 'tude and prices to get a serious colorist, or a stylist who would understand curly hair.
Largely thanks to Yelp, my hair has a new home. To be fair, Geno charges close to what the down towners do. But unlike many of them, he's pleasant, upbeat, professional, relaxed and obviously deeply skilled. How often do you find professionals at the top of their game who don't scream "I'm fabulous." He knows he's good, he just doesn't lord it over you.
Phew. :)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Rarely do I ever let a new stylist get their hands on my hair without having them sign off their first born to me in testimony that i will walk away without tears (ahh the memories of potentially good hairstyles gone awry). but after my old stylist starting getting shaky (Was it the dye fumes?) and way over charging and upping her prices (hmm, maybe it was coke instead?), it was time to break up with her and move on.
and then i met rudy. and i sat down and i started to explain what i wanted and then mid sentence i surprised and amazed myself and said "you know what? i trust you. just do what you think will look good"
i will now be the one signing away my first born. provided that rudy will cut my hair till the end of time. or the end of my full head of long straight hair. whichever comes first.
i got this super cute layered piecey style with damn good bangs that makes me feel red carpet worthy. and even though its been a few months since i went to him, my style has not only lasted but grown out beautifully too. im due for a trim, and to get an appointment with him is truly worth the wait.
and he didnt frown in disgust when i said i wanted to keep the length. why do stylists do that? geez. in fact, he made it surprisingly light while keeping the length.
* update: rudy is amazing. he fit me in last minute yesterday and worked magic. thanks rudy!
Betsy Low @ Hair of the Gods! She is the only fire spinner I will allow to touch my hair. She is an amazing cutter and master colorist. I trusted her enough to allow her to be the one to cut nearly a foot off of my hair. I cried, she patted my back. I love her. She listens and does fun color. I highly recommend this woman.
I cannot tell a lie: Shannon scares me.
Maybe I just caught her on a bad day, but my experience was far from pleasant. I had a hair color formula from a prior hair stylist, which I wanted Shannon to duplicate. I went to her because she uses the same color brand that my old stylist uses. Before my appointment, she informed me that she is cash-only and would charge me $80. I asked her about parking, and she said "it shouldn't be a problem at 6:30 on a Wednesday." I got there a half-hour early and drove around for 40 minutes before I found a parking spot. I called her to let her know I would be late, and she was clearly pissed off at me.
When I arrived, I was 10 minutes late. Shannon was standing outside the salon when I arrived. I didn't know she was my stylist, but I smiled and said hi anyway. She didn't smile and barely acknowledged me. I went into the salon and it was empty; after a couple of minutes she walked in. I had to ask, "are you Shannon?" and introduce myself. She was totally unfriendly.
She bitched through the entire appointment about the fact that my old stylist used "FIVE COLORS" which she apparently likens to a cardinal sin. She refused to put in the fifth color, saying it didn't make any sense. She rushed through the entire appointment because she had scheduled a business meeting exactly one hour after my appointment began. I've NEVER had an appointment that short, and I wasn't exactly reassured by her comments, "I learned how to work really, really fast if necessary at my first job." I didn't sign up for a quickie color. Yes, I was 10 minutes late--but even if I'd arrived at exactly at 6:30, she still wouldn't have had enough time. Not to mention the fact that this was my FIRST visit to her, and she should have been at her best.
At the end of the appointment one of the people attending her business meeting commented on how beautiful my hair color is. Only then did she admit that my old stylist knew what he was doing--she even said she would use the formula on other clients who complained that her color was too bright. So...if you get your hair colored a very natural looking red by Shannon and you really like it, you can thank David from Studio Hotel Lilly in Columbus, Ohio--not Shannon. Also, I must add that the fifth color WAS necessary, because my color looked different this time.
The appointment ended abruptly because of her badly scheduled business meeting. She barely blew my hair dry and didn't style it at all. Then she said, "your hair is longer than you described it over the phone. It will be $90 instead of $80. Cash only."
Gee, thanks.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (14)
Cool (6)
Going into Hair of the Gods is like going to a meditation retreat, but without weird barefoot people, chanting, and mispronounced Sanskrit.
There are little deities and figurines and artwork everywhere, like your crazy grandma's attic, but factor in 80s music, good magazines, trees, fish, and all kinds of other amazements.
I get my hair cut from Betsey, and I loooove her. The woman has spunk.
If Shiva ever wanted to trim his dreads, he would come here.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Donnelle is the best hairstylist that a girl with abundant, fine, wavy blonde hair who doesn't like to put a bunch of junk in it could ask for. She makes me look like a million bucks for a mere fifty-five, and the haircut lasts forever; plus, she's fast! My last cut was a rush job, and she did the whole thing in about half an hour.
But why is it called Hair of the Gods??? Because upon entering you are surrounded by images of (mostly Hindu) gods... and c'mon, Shiva has great hair!
I have worked as a color specialist and stylist at Hair of the Gods for 2 years now. It is an absolute joy to go to work everyday! Geno has created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I am lucky enough to have wonderful clients that have followed me here and they all say the same thing, "it's sooo relaxing here!." Thank you to Geno and to all the other stylists I work with for welcoming and supporting me in my work.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
OK, so I have only been to this place once. I saw Shannon. SHe took one look at my hair, and told me:
"You look bald, you need to shave your head"
And she charged me $40 to do it.
She knew I was never going to come back, but unlike every other hair person I had seen, she actually told me what was best for me. Now I have no hair, and I am happier and sexier because of it.
Thank you Shannon!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (5)
Cool (1)
Style Love for Betsey Low, Hair Goddess Extraordinaire.
Finding a great stylist is like finding true love: one in a million. Usually it's puppy love for a haircut that looks great right out of the salon, but a few days later it's broken hearts and bitter tears when the style falls flat.
I have been to just about every salon in the city in search of the perfect stylist, including 8 *highly recommended* stylists here on Yelp.
Well, I have finally found my Hair Goddess guru in Betsey Low at Hair of the Gods.
Reasons Betsey is the best stylist I've found in SF:
1. She really listens. No, I mean it, not fake sort of half-listening, "I'm going to do a stock hair-style no matter what you say" sort of listening. She talked with me for fifteen minutes and I could tell she really got what I wanted . I also watched her with the next client, and again she was absolute patience and attention, really taking the time to make sure she understood exactly what look the client was going for.
2. Relaxed atmosphere. I am thinking of at least three hair salons here in the city where they seem to confuse the term "Beauty Salon" with "S&M Parlor" - I often find that highly recommended salons dish attitude and rudeness like I'm wearing a dog collar and they've got the whip.
Betsey is the opposite of this: kind, no pressure and easy, engaging conversation. Not only did I get a dream haircut, but it was a pleasure to spend time in Betsey's chair.
3. Price: Living in one of the most expensive cities w/an artsy (read "Low Paying") job, I don't have extra cash-flow to spend a fortune on hair cuts. Betsey is reasonably priced, very reasonably priced considering many stylist on the Yelp list charge NYC prices without the NYC training - which brings me to the last reason I love Betsey's cut:
4. Training and Experience: Betsey has been working as a stylist for over 15 years and it shows. She has great technique - which translates into great style. Most often hairstylists cannot give you the haircut you want because they don't have the training and simply don't know how to do it. Betsey is an expert in her field, and I am sure whatever texture your hair, or whatever style you desire - Betsey is up to the challenge.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I had a cut and color from Geno this week and he's the bomb. There is nothing but goodness at Hair of the Gods, in my opinion. The decor is absolutely stellar, Geno was amazing to chat with and my hair looks fabulous!
Thank you, Donelle, for not being judgmental when I came to you a full year after my last haircut with my scraggledy post-hippy hair, looking like I should be hitting on Borgs at a sci-fi convention while wearing a purple Guatemalan schmata and attempting to impersonate Diana Troy.
ANYWAY. You gave me a sexy 1930s bob, reminiscent of whoreish, stripper mom Rita Mae on "Carnivale". I've already gotten many, many compliments on my hair. This is the place to go if you want to look like a Dust Bowl-era, Carny stripper (in the sexiest possible way!)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (4)
Cool (2)
You are lucky if you get a hair cut from Rudy. I made an appointment with him since I read incredible reviews about him in Yelp. He changed my appointment 6-7 times. I finally gave up and decided to cut my hair myself. If he does not care to keep my appointment, he definitely does not care to give me a nice hair cut. Big big thumbs down on him!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
