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Moda Hair Design
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
3753 6th Ave(between Evans Pl & Robinson Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
(619) 299-6632
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Moda Hair Design
52 reviews in English
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Review from Adria S.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2012
I have had hair stylist issues for years\. after moving back to sd i was in desperate need for a hair stylist - found moda on yelp and never looked back. Melissa is AMAZING! and she gives really great shampoos
will definitely go back again and again (i have for the last year!) -
Review from Amy E.
San Diego, CA
11/2/2011
Had my hair cut and highlighted by a male stylist at Moda salon a little over 6 months ago.
My Highlights turned out fine, however his carelessness with the brush covered the shirt I was wearing with bleach splatter. Needless to say my shirt was ruined.
Throughout my appointment he criticized whomever had cut/ highlighted my hair prior, essentially telling me my hair looked like crap. When I told him the last person was my stylist of 10+ years he just kept going......It was as if he didn't understand his blatant rudeness.
Not only did he criticize my amazing stylist, he criticized his co workers and their clients as well. He literally talked crap about the stylist directly next to us by telling me that she always gets complaints and that she's about to get fired, he continued by referring to the haircut she was giving her client as "ugly".
Needless to say this was an all around uncomfortable experience. But one that I was willing to forgive for a good haircut. This was not the case. My hair was Awful!!! It reminded me of the hack job haircuts I used to give my barbie dolls. I have long beachy blonde hair and it looked as if I had a bowl cut on the top half of my head. It was so choppy and uneven it stuck out instead of laying flat. Really Bad cut! When paying, even the receptionist seemed to give me a "what happened to your hair?" look.
I didn't want to use his name. This is my first Yelp Review and I contemplated writing it for months. I'm in the service industry and I have seen how damaging a poor Yelp review can be to a persons job, however I think that the salon owner should be aware of this experience and talk to his staff about having some tact.Comment from B.J. N. of Moda Hair Design 12/6/2011
Dear Amy, I'm glad to hear that out of your uncomfortable… More » -
Review from j f.
San Diego, CA
11/1/2011
In the beginning, BJ was the only person who could come near my hair. He was charming and my cuts and color were always great - never a problem. I brought in other clients to him and they were also pleased.
Flash forward a couple of years, and BJ opens a new salon in Hillcrest. It's all good, we follow him there because he was that good.
At first, we were patient and thought some of the issues we had were temporary, because he was distracted by the new location and suddenly having to manage several stylists. Gradually, we notice the quality of our cuts and color seem to be dropping. More often than not, my hair was a little too crispy on the ends after my highlights. I thought the dullness was a result of me getting older not as a result of the processing. My hair cut would be uneven (not on purpose!) and I would have to go back the next day because there's a chunk that totally got missed! A male friend complains that one of his sideburns has been trimmed and the other side, completely forgotten (and left much longer). Mind you, I was spending close to $175 every 5 or 6 weeks to get my hair done here too! I expected more than a Super Cuts hair cut.
Bad hair became the norm.
Too many times, as I sat in the chair with color on my hair, BJ would take a walk in client at the same time. Frequently, he'd have me and two or three others going at the same time. No one is *that* good. Unfortunately, bad haircuts and over processed hair became the norm for me.
I bid adieu to BJ about 7 months ago, and as afraid as I was to find a new hairdresser, I have found a colorist and a stylist that I am thrilled with -- my hair was in such horrible condition for so long, it's really incredible to see the shine and health restored in my hair.
I feel really good about my hair now -- I haven't been able to say that in a long, long time.
My advice: if you book an appointment with BJ, make sure you are the only person he's going to work on during the entire time you're there. Otherwise, count on taking a back seat and getting a bad, scratch that, Horrible outcome.Listed in: "Epic Fail"
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Review from Jen T.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2011
I go to Amber Gimble for my fabulous blond hair. I have dark asian hair and she turns it a great blond shade for me.
Its a simple layout salon, but they use Kerastase which is also my favorite hair care products.
Amber is a color specialist and her specialty is blonds. Go to her, she is awesome. Plus her pricing is very reasonable. -
Review from Leslie J.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2011
When I moved to Hillcrest, I booked an appt. at Moda to get my hair done. From the beginning I have had issues with Nicole.
I specifically mentioned that I was very particular about the hair around my face (this way, if I pulled it into a ponytail, it wouldn't look like a skunk). It was completely blotchy when I got home. Nicole invited me back to have it fixed the next day, which I appreciated; but I shouldn't have to go in twice for proper highlights.
Also, the pricing is totally arbitrary. Once I had a full and it cost me $115, other times I would get a partial and they ranged from $125-165. How is this possible?
The final straw was the $65 I was charged to have her trim my bangs. She literally took the razor and made one cut, and charged me $65. When I said something about how crazy it was to the receptionist, she said "It doesn't matter if it's a cut, or trim, the price is the same." I have had a bang trim there before, and I am 100% positive it didn't cost $65.
The salon itself is nice, but I always felt pressure to purchase another treatment or another product. Lay off, if I needed more shampoo, I'd let you know.
*EDIT: After writing this review, I was contacted by the personal assistant (Patrick) of the owner (BJ). BJ offered me a complimentary visit to make up for my past experiences with the salon. I took him up on his offer, and received a fantastic haircut! Not only that, but Patrick is a complete doll. I'd go back just to chat with both of them, who besides being extremely charming, were very talented. -
Review from Jane P.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
4/30/2011
I had a haircut done by a female hairstylist here and I really wish I could write a better rating. After reading some awesome reviews on yelp, I had bigger hopes for my hair.
I have thick slightly frizzy Asian hair and after all the haircuts I've gotten, I know to not get layers for my hair, which I keep short.
The hairstylist proceeded to cut inward layers in my hair, calling it "in-cutting" saying that it would help my hair to naturally curve in. However, my hair is shoulder length and the layers inside were half an inch long. So when I tie my hair up, tufts of hair fall out.
And the price of the haircut was ridiculous. $65 dollars? I've gotten way better haircuts at other salons in Hillcrest for 20 dollars cheaper, which includes tip. -
Review from Wendy B.
Madison, WI
3/20/2011
I was vacationing in San Diego and decided I HAD to get my hair cut.
BJ did a fantastic job. He was friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable. He listened to my concerns, and then made suggestions. I Love my haircut. It's been 5 weeks, and it still looks great!
If I were to go back to Sand Diego, my first stop would be Moda Hair Design, and a cut with BJ. My second stop would be to Oceanaire Grill! -
Review from Lorie S.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2011
I love Rafi. After searching and searching for someone who can do short hair in San Diego and it took a couple years but I found him! My hair is adorable, I get so many compliments. It's edgy, classy and the best thing is that I can def do it myself.
He tought me a lot during the haircut and I haven't had a cut last thing long in FOREVER. It has been six weeks and for short hair, normally by 4 weeks I'm dying for another cut. Not this time, I can prob hold out another 2 weeks if I really had to.
Thank you Rafi! I've already referred a couple people who I work with to him, which is the highest compliment for a stylist. -
Review from James K.
San Diego, CA
6/8/2011
On Amber Gimbel & Moda...
I'm a musician and entrepreneur. Amber finds the sweet spot between edgy and professional. I walk out looking sharp, regardless of the style I'm going for.
Amber has a warm, spicy personality, and I'm usually laughing throughout the visit. Men, you're in for a treat.
Moda's near a wine bar and a few record stores on 6th. The receptionists call with reminders and offer a drink when I walk in.
Plus, the salon offers 'guy' products that work and don't smell like a girl.
Parking can be dicey, look for spots behind the place on 7th. -
Review from Cat S.
2/23/2011
I could not be happier with my haircut!
After experiencing a terrible haircut over the weekend from someone who was afraid to cut my hair to the length I wanted and didn't understand the mechanics of curly hair, then losing patience with the terrible cut and cutting it myself, then realizing that cutting my own curly hair was not such a great idea, I decided the time had come to go to a real salon. $65 is more than I like to spend on something that will just grow back, but it was money well spent.
Patrick did excellent work. We talked about how I wanted my hair to look and what I hoped for out of a haircut. He explained what was wrong with the previous cut and what he could do to bring my curls out while preventing the triangle-head, puff-ball look. He understood the issues of curly hair and advised me away from the boy cut I originally wanted (I'm glad he did). And then he gave me the best head massage and hair wash of my life. That massage with those masculine hands melted me into the chair. And he cut my hair perfectly, gave me some styling tips, and invited me to come back if I didn't like it. The cut fits my face perfectly and makes me feel adorable. I felt so pampered and pleased.
A glass of wine, a well-informed and skilled stylist, the best hair wash of my life, and a beautiful haircut makes me a very happy woman. I would recommend any curly-headed individual to come to this salon. -
Review from Lisa P.
San Diego, CA
9/28/2011
I walked in without looking at yelp first and without an appointment today. I was scared! I normally always yelp. I expressed this concern to the receptionist and she assured me bj would do ab amazing job!!! They were able to fit me right in for a fabulous cut. Not only did I get the most amazing shampoo and scalp massage ever, I got an amazing cut and fantastic tips to fix it myself. I am thrilled and have been so hesitant to find someone perfect and now I have! Thanks BJ
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Review from Kellee B.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 10/17/2011
BJ is absolutely amazing....I always feel like a new person when I come out of his salon. And Patrick adds that added personal touch to BJ's already amazing services and personality! I highly recommended BJ & Patrick if you are looking for someone who will do an amazing job and treat you like family!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/15/2011
I had an issue with my scalp itching when I had my hair colored and other (chain) salon had no… Read more »
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Review from Natalie O.
San Diego, CA
10/15/2010
This review is for Amber Gimbel.
I am in "hair love" - she is amazing and a true miracle worker!!
I needed to find someone in San Diego and I am so happy with Amber! Being a blonde and going to a new stylist can be very nerve-wracking. But all of my fears went out the window during our consultation. We went over a game plan for getting my hair back in healthy blonde shape - and I literally left the salon feeling like a new person. She was not only a great stylist but so fun to chat with!
Amber is literally the BEST - I have never been happier with my highlights and can't wait for my next appointment. You can tell she genuinely cares about her clients!!
As for Moda Salon - it was very cute and the receptionist was friendly. -
Review from Jen W.
San Diego, CA
2/20/2011
Following the recommendation of other Yelp members- I scheduled an appointment with Rafi for my first haircut in a long time. I haven't been able to find anyone in San Diego to do a nice job on my hair. I have very fine, long, thin hair- not easy to cut to make it look good. I had a cut in mind but Rafi had some great feedback about what would work and what wouldn't. So I let him do his thing. An hour or so later- my hair looked thicker, shinier and was full of movement. I LOVE my cut plus Rafi made me feel very comfortable. He was personable, funny, and really listened to what I wanted.
I would highly recommend him! Plus Salon Moda is very nice looking inside with friendly, warm staff. I think found my new salon! -
Review from Cynthia H.
San Diego, CA
11/7/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Yelpers- You did it again! Your reviews led me to the most fabulous stylist EVER.
My luck with stylists since moving to San Diego a year ago has been less than mediocre even though I have been paying LOTS of money expecting good hair in return.
I hit the hair jackpot at Moda. I went in with trepidation and low expectations and came out with FABULOUS HAIR!!!
Autumn- You are AMAZING. You fixed a botched job from another salon with grace and professional ease. My hair feels SO healthy and nearly four days later I still can't get over what an awesome job you did! My hair hasn't looked and felt this good in years. Not to mention when she shampooed me I felt like all I needed was a blanket and a pillow and I'd be fast asleep!
Thank you SO much Autumn and Moda! -
Review from Jessica V.
Naples, FL
6/8/2011
YAY!!!
I am visiting San Diego for a few weeks and had let my hair get out of control since I have not been able to get to my stylist since last August. I liked what others Yelpers had said about Moda Hair Design....so I called at 11:30 yesterday and was able to see Melissa at 1:45. I was so thrilled to get in so quickly.
Melissa is MARVELOUS! I am a wash and blow it dry sorta girl. And she LISTENED. The scalp massage was wonderful. She and I had great coversation. PLUS!!!!--It is one of the few times I have been able to say--in the chair, with no fixing on my own--that "I LOVE IT" and mean it.
Thank you so much. Melissa and Moda Hair Design. I may have to come back to SD just for my hair. :-) -
Review from Lindsey D.
Austin, TX
9/27/2010
Why would you go anywhere else? Autumn is amazing.
This was attempt 2 in San Diego to get my feather extensions tightened and she was brilliant.
She remedied the first botched attempted without even batting an eyelid. All with a smile and pleasant chatter.
I wish I had the excuse and opportunity to see her again. If you're in San Diego near Hillcrest, this is where you should be for all your hair needs. -
Review from Max H.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2011
Moda is an absolutely amazing salon that really leads the way in terms of new, creative styles and color. I first started going to Autumn when a stylist at another salon absolutely butchered my hair. I went to Moda and, through tears, asked Autumn to save my hair, and essentially my pride. Autumn was able to attach extensions to the limp mess that the other stylist had left behind, and I couldn't get over how good it looked. I was just looking for someone to make my hair look better than it did, but Autumn gave me an incredibly gorgeous set of extensions and shaped my hair into a wicked layered cut. Since this day, I have never gone to anyone other than Autumn and I really hope I never need to.
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Review from Kenneth M.
San Diego, CA
12/12/2008
So first off, Ill break your freakin face if you look at me wrong, so you better not have a problem with me going to a "hair salon."
I mean it man, I once stole a lollipop from a baby and made him cry; then I punched said baby in the face and spit on him...I dont mess around!!
I offer to walk old ladies across the street only to trip em, then put a fuckin menace to society beat down on em in the middle of the street...mufucka I DONT PLAY!!
Now with that said, I was lookin pretty bummy..so I decided to get my hair did. I specifically requested July to do my hair, and she hooked it the fuck up. I am not talkin a hair cut here, I am talkin some OPRAH, ELLEN, RICKY LAKE, MONTELL WILLIAMS, type make over shit. I walked out and people I didnt even know started clapping and crying.
I now look like Keanue Reeves thanks to July. Do yourself and the world a favor and get your hair cut, cuz honestly your hair looks like the shit that gets clogged in my drain after I shave my ass hair. -
Review from Jessica D.
Pacific Beach, CA
8/4/2010
5 stars for Rafi, he knows hair. He understands texture and face shapes, and how the two affect the ways each individual's hair styling needs should be treated. I totally trust his advice, while he has never been pushy. He listens, asks the right questions and is suggestive with styling tips. He took me from a boring long hair California beach gal, to a styled and metropolitan lady. Also, Moda uses and sells Kerastase, the best shampoo and conditioner I've ever used.
I would just love if they would offer a glass of juice or a cocktail when you arrive. -
Review from kate m.
San Diego, CA
6/25/2011
Amber is THE BOMB!!!!! I have looked for a TRUE 'COLORIST" in San Diego for four years and have finally found one. Will never go to another stylist. Heart, Kate
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Review from Crystal N.
Santee, CA
10/3/2009
I have found my new love...Rafi. In his words, "we have finally found each other and didn't even need http://match.com. All we needed was http://yelp.com" ;-) Him being fantastic is surely an understatement, he's truly fabulous and gifted at what he does. Not just being a great stylist, but easy to talk to about anything. He makes you feel comfortable as soon as you sit in his seat and you feel confident that you will be leaving the salon looking hot! Even before telling him what I wanted, he knew exactly what I wanted and needed to get done. I left the salon with not just a new stylist, but a new friend who gave me a new step to my strut out the salon.
If you are looking for a new stylist...hands down recommend Rafi and you won't regret it. Tell him I sent you, and he'll take GREAT care of you!
Overall, everyone in the salon is super friendly and welcoming. Being greeted by the receptionist and was offered a beverage while I waited. The salon overall had a great relaxed vibe to it. The decor was chic and modern. Chilled music playing in the background. I just have to say, you gotta try it yourself, trust me...you won't regret it. -
Review from B H.
San Diego, CA
11/29/2011
I went here after reading all the great reviews about Rafi and then asking a friend whose co-worker goes to him. The salon itself looks very nice and Rafi was very nice; however, the haircut I got was atrocious! I left thinking I didn't like the cut that much but it usually takes me a couple days to get used to a new cut so I thought I'd give it a chance. After a few days, however, I realized I really hated the cut (and even my aunt and mom said it didn't look good!) The layers I got were SO much shorter than the longer strands - it looked almost like an octopus! I would have gone back to have it fixed (I'm sure they would've done it for free); however, I was going out of town for the next 3 wks. I ended up going to another salon where I was traveling to redo. To fix it (even the hairdresser there said it looked like an octopus!), I had to chop off my long hair to a chin length bob! To give an idea of how short the layers I was previously given were, they now blended in nicely with the chin length bob!! Thank goodness I had been contemplating going short anyway (and had the sense not to let a hairdresser I didn't know do it; otherwise, I would've been pretty upset!) I feel bad giving such a bad review since Rafi was so nice but I have never had such a bad haircut before.
Comment from B.J. N. of Moda Hair Design 12/6/2011
All of us here at Moda take great pride in giving each… More » -
Review from Michelle L.
San Diego, CA
2/15/2011
I got the haircut here with July. She was was very sweet and helpful. However, I did not have a good experience getting my haircut there.
First, while she was washing my hair, I felt like my neck was going to break, maybe it's how the chair is designed, I did not feel comfortable.
Second, after the haircut, I couldn't really tell the difference other than my hair did get thinner, which is what I had asked, but the layer was alright.
Third, I was constantly aware of her tummy, since she was very pregnant, I was afraid that she would hurt herself. :-/
Overall, Moda Hair Design is alright, but I wouldn't pay $70 for the haircut again. -
Review from Michelle T.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2011
Was alright.. expected more.
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Review from Lorena N.
San Diego, CA
12/28/2009
Isaac calls himself a "hair traffic controller" (no, really, check out his business card!) for a reason -- he will help get your 'do, whether short, long or somewhere in between, under control and bring you hair happiness! Isaac's been doing my hair for years now (full disclosure: he's my husband's best friend), but he's one of the few people I've *ever* trusted with my hair.
When I decided to go short earlier this year (my hip-length hair went bob-short), it was Isaac who made it the best hair-related decision I ever made! Not only does he take your wishes into account, but he also works with your face shape, hair type and personality in order to give you the perfect style.
As a bonus, Isaac is an experienced stylist (he's done hair for print, TV and fashion shows), great at coloring hair, able to shave wicked cool designs into your head (I've seen his handiwork first-hand) and easy to talk to! Meanwhile, everyone at Moda Hair Design is super friendly -- from the receptionist to the other stylists and the owner, I always enjoy my time at this hip, little shop where there's always a hot cup of coffee ready for you (a boon in the wintertime!), awesome tunes playing overhead and fun conversation afoot.
And, as far as parking goes, there's always free parking in the neighborhood east of the salon; you just have to be willing to walk a few blocks (I've always found parking on the other side of the 163, approx. five blocks or so away). So, check out Moda Hair Design, ask for Isaac and tell him I sent you -- I promise you won't be disappointed! -
Review from Brandy S.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 4/26/2009
After much deliberation (nay, waffling), I finally decided to lop off my hair. One appointment with Travisean, two hours, and seven inches of hair later, and I had Travisean's trademark "lob" (long bob - his term) in a new shade of rich espresso.
Suffice to say, I did my little strut all the way home (having opted to leave the car home so I wouldn't have to deal with parking in Hillcrest on a Saturday). Couldn't stop touching my hair.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/17/2008
I moved from Hawaii to San Diego in September 2008, leaving behind a fantastic salon, J Salon.… Read more »
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Review from Ana A.
San Diego, CA
11/5/2008 5 Check-ins Here
The Salon has a great warm feeling. Parking was a breeze ( i went on a weekday). The staff was friendly and attentive.
I haven't been to a salon that has made me look this good!
Thanks to my wonderful stylist- July -
Review from Eric H.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2011
Great vibe!
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Review from ryan g.
San Diego, CA
9/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
Rafi is SICK! He's been styling my hair ever since he started this profession. He's passionate, very skilled, and has a lot of knowledge about what he's doing and about hair products. He's got these real cool scissors too! I took a picture of my latest hair style (see my photos.) AWESOMENESS!
A lot of people ask about my hair and I say, "Rafi at MODA Hair Design did it!" Located off 6th Ave. in Hillcrest, check it out! Tell Rafi Ryan sent you. ;) -
Review from Chelsie B.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2011
Melissa Rentfro does my hair and has for the past 5 years. She does an AMAZING job and I couldn't ask for a better stylist. She's energetic, innovative and very thorough. She stays updated on the latest styles and techniques and is always willing to learn and do anything new. As silly as this sounds I know when I walk in looking like a beast Melissa will have me leaving looking like a beauty. She's very talented and a wonderful person I highly recommend her to anyone and everyone who needs some high class hair lovin.
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Review from Super Star n.
San Diego, CA
2/21/2011
I go to Rafi here and he is pretty good at what he does. He always listens to what I want done. Than he takes his time to make sure everything is fine during the cut. He is also always on time for my appointments, sometimes i'm not on time and I hope Rafi understands. I work at a place that requires me to be on call and I never know when I get called in so it sucks. Its really hard to trust a person to make you look good and he does this consistently for me. I also like the way this place looks although I hate the bench seats. My back hurts when I sit to long without back support. I also didn't like where the benches were positioned because I hate sitting on the barber chair and having another person get eye contact with me through the mirror. I know that sounds awkward but it has happened to me many times. When it's a man catching another man's eye, its just crazy awkward. They also charge $50 bucks for a cut. I hope the owner of this place would charge less because I can't keep coming back at these rates. I would give you a 5 star if the rates were better. I have to give Moda a 3. It's hard for me to justify that much money because I also have to account tipping into the bill. Anyhow I like this place and if you need a new barber RAFI is the one to go to.
Anyhow here's a song for you Rafi since you rock!
Its called Nothing Left To Do by Alan Jackson.
I shaved my face and combed my hair, put on a new pair of underwear
And sat on the porch with my Labrador like a hundred other times before
She changed her shoes and freshened up her face, put on some skimpy sexy lace
And finally made her way through the back screen door, we loaded up on the front seat of my Ford
And we went out to dinner and we drove right back home, watched an old movie and drank a half a bottle of Rum
Then we turned off the tv and we got right down to it, there ain't nothing left to do now that we've done it
Oh, yes
[Instrumental Interlude]
It seems like it happens every time, we get a chance to reignite that fire
We burn it fast and then retire just before the news on channel five
Yeah, we went out to dinner and we drove right back home, watched an old movie and drank a half a bottle of Rum
Then we turned off the tv and we got right down to it, there ain't nothing left to do now that we've done it
[Instrumental Interlude]
After all these years it can get routine, you can change the order up, or use different names
Try it in the morning or the middle of the day, the end results still the same
Oh, we went out to dinner and we drove right back home, watched an old movie and drank a half a bottle of Rum
Then we turned off the tv and we got right down to it, there ain't nothing left to do now that we've done it
Oh, Lord, we've turned off the tv and we got right down to it, and there ain't nothing left to do now that we've done it
Hey, honey, hand me that remote -
Review from kelley r.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 7/19/2010
sadly i must update my feelings about moda. the first few times i left incredibly satisfied about my experience. however, each progressive time i have gone back the quality of my haircut went down.
the top too thick, the sides to long, not enough taken off in back. i am a little confused because bj did such a wonderful job the first few times... not sure what happened but decided consistency was what i was looking for and i just wasn't finding it at moda.
on the search for a new wizard for my hair that masters the magic every time.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/4/2009
when one decides to chop their hair off one must seek the most trustworthy extraordinary hands. one… Read more »
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Review from Rita W.
San Diego, CA
10/16/2010
The cut was decent. I surely would not say $65 decent, but I have had better and I have had worse.
The reason for my two stars is because during my cut it felt like the stylist was constantly trying to up sell me on product....etc. I felt very pressured and I eventually gave in. I don't mind it when they mention a product, but she really drove it home and was adament. I just wantr to relax while getting a haircut and it was very difficult. Also the head/neck massage hurt. -
Review from Christine C.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2010
I don't have many ways to indulge in my life; I have violent allergic or hyperglycemic reactions if I don't eat carefully, harrowing neurological problems if I party too hard, and my free time save for fewer hours per week than I can count on one hand is eaten up by work and school. Having my hair colored, thus, is my biggest indulgence. (Actually scratch that, it might be sleeping!)
Enter Lisa at the very nice Moda salon. She's been indulging my hair for the past year, and my hair has never looked or felt more indulgent. I actually followed her from her previous salon - also a very nice place, but this review is about Moda - because I liked her work so much. The first time I saw her for highlights last July, I didn't give her much direction beyond something similar to her own highlights please, ashy as opposed to golden, without a lot of contrast between the highlights and lowlights, and smaller slices as opposed to larger panels. In the hands of a less-skilled stylist, that might be disastrous, but two hours and 100-odd foils later, I had the nicest, softest, most natural-looking baby blonde hair.
Which brings me to the next point - did I mention it was soft and natural-looking? I was blonde as a child, but I've sort of accepted that to be flaxen-haired as an adult as well, I'd have to deal with a certain amount of breakage and unnatural-looking color. No. I don't know what Lisa puts in the color she mixes - unicorn tears or something similarly indulgent - but I'd swear my hair is hardly damaged at all after processing, and the pattern and color of the highlights is convincing enough that even I myself wouldn't believe I wasn't a natural blonde if it didn't start growing back in brown far too soon.
The salon space itself is very warm, clean, modern, and calming. They sell and use Joico and Kerastase products. Lisa sold me a Joico toning shampoo the last time I saw her which keeps me nice and ashy - yet moisturized! - between visits. I've been recommending it to all of the bottle blondes I know, by the way, as toning shampoos are notoriously drying. Refreshments of coffee, water, and (I think) wine are offered with services, and the magazine selection while one is waiting or processing under a dryer is adequate. Which is helpful, as that's probably the only time I read magazines like Cosmo anymore. (It's comforting in a way that they're still recycling the same stories they were running when I was 16; there have been no great scientific advancements in finding the G-spot or figuring out what your man is really thinking after sex when he says he's not thinking anything. But I digress...) The only knock really is the lack of easy and dedicated salon parking - there's metered parking in front and residential parking a couple of blocks away - but that's true for Hillcrest in general. Indulgences are worth circling the block and feeding the meter. -
Review from Eunjoo P.
2/14/2011
It's so hard for me to trust new people with my hair but moving to San Diego, I needed to find a hair stylist here. Yelp actually brought me to Moda Hair Design & all the great reviews about Autumn helped my skepticism about trying a new hair salon. :D
I love Autumn!! She is the absolute sweetest!! Autumn starts off with making me feel like I'm at a Spa every visit & it's sooo awesome & relaxing! They give you a scalp, & neck massage during the shampoo & conditioning for a good 15 mins? & then they give you a shoulder massage as well. Aaaamazing.
I didn't even have to tell Autumn much about what I wanted...she already seemed to know & I asked her opinion on a couple things & she was confident about what would look best on me. I also love the way she styles my hair after the hair cut & the products she uses on me, is perfect according to my hair type so I fell in love with this Kerastase volume spray that is like no other I've ever seen & I now use it every day! :D
My hair & I are sooooooooo happy I've come across Autumn @ Moda.
I've now found my permanent hair stylist in SD!! yay!!! -
Review from Bianca P.
San Diego, CA
4/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My review is a bit overdue from a few weeks ago, but I had to post regarding one of Moda's new stylists, Sadie Glenn. She is new to the San Diego area, but certainly not new to doing hair. I definitely recommend her & can't wait for my next visit!
I came to Moda partly on a whim, partly out of desperation. My hair was highlighted the week before at a popular salon in north county that shall remain nameless (grrrr....). I had high hopes for that salon on a recommendation, but was very unhappy with my results - uneven, chunky and brassy highlights. Granted, I have difficult to highlight hair, but I have had success in the past and I specifically requested very fine highlights, toned down dark blonde, and absolutely no chunks. Not only did I have chunks, but certain sections didn't even have highlights! Now, I know, you are asking yourself, why didn't you just go back to the salon to have it fixed? Honeslty, I had that little confidence in their abilities... I just threw a toner on my hair and prayed it would get better. Well, about a week later, the toner washed out and I was back to an uneven mess and still feeling too dark and somber for summer.
So I decided not to overthink things this time around in my search for a salon, went on yelp, found Moda with good reviews and near my house, called and was politely told "no problem, come on in!"
I met Sadie, who was very sweet and seemed to immediately get why I was unhappy with my previous highlights. She also thought my haircut looked a bit "heavy" (more on that later). We discussed some options to fix my hair, including darkening some of the sections that she was not re-highlighting. She showed me a binder from which she wanted me to point out highlights that I liked, and I think my end result was very close.
I was excited, but skeptical. I tend to be disappointed with stylists because I rarely get what I want (lots of thin, non-brassy highlights that look natural, yet vibrant). I know that's a tall order for a girl with a ton of dark brown hair, but that's why I go to a sylist instead of doing it myself (and, yes, I have done my own foil highlights successfully in the past, but I no longer have the patience for that).
A few hours later, I was very happy with the results! My hair was a bit of a tangled mess, but by the time Sadie styled it, I liked what I was seeing in the mirror. Her technique was flawless - lots of pretty, natural highlights. I think the color turned out a bit too light for me, but that was no big deal, I ended up throwing on a 5 minute toner at home a week later. Now the toner is washing out gradually and the highlights look great!
As for my haircut, I'm not usually a fan of the whole "razor/thinning out the bulk" approach, but I will say, once my hair had a chance to "settle down" after about a week or so, I really liked the cut and see why Sadie thought that my previous haircut looked "heavy." My hair looks great styled with a big brush or curling iron, and it also looks cuter in a higher ponytail than before.
I highly recommend Sadie and can't wait to return for my next appointment. She was really patient with my sometimes overwhelming amount of hair and created a great result. Good highlights are hard to come by, especially when you are fixing previous ones, so I was beyond happy with the results and thought the price was very fair. :D -
Review from Iyanah U.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 10/19/2010
So I went back to Moda today to get my haircut. My previous stylist July wasnt working today so I scheduled an appointment with Melissa. She was very nice and gave me an awesome new haircut. Oh, and did I mention that she gives awesome scalp massages? :) I think I've found my new salon...
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3/30/2010
Im not one of those anal people who sit down at the stylists chair and dictate exactly how they want… Read more »
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Review from Nina B.
San Diego, CA
8/26/2009
I recently switched stylists because she increased prices, and also because I felt like I was getting the same style over and over for the past two years. I was extremely nervous making the switch, but I came to Moda actually because they were doing a 50% off promo at the time, and because many of my friends get their hair done by Rafi, and they always look gorgeous.
Unlike many male hair stylists in Hillcrest, Rafi is a straight man who has a serious knack for making women beautiful... He is absolutely amazing. He gives serious suggestions, but only does what you want. He is the kinds of stylist that any woman (or man, for that matter) will walk away happy with.
He is edgy, fresh, and extremely skilled at what he does. You know that feeling you get when you can tell that someone just knows what they're doing? He gives you that feeling times ten. I've never seen anyone put that much effort into my blow-out.
Even though I only had to pay 50% of my total, I will gladly go back and pay twice that next time. I've found my new stylist.
As for the salon, that atmosphere is clean and fun. The employees clearly all love each other, and you get that happy, I-love-what-I-do, playful vibe from them all. Which makes it comfortable and uplifting.
Parking wasn't bad at all ( I went on a Friday), just bring change for the meters! -
Review from Lisa R.
San Diego, CA
3/14/2011
I feel relieved to have found this place after trying a series of stylists who either refused to do what I wanted or did not understand what I was asking for. Thanks to Yelp I found BJ at Moda Hair Design. BJ took the time to consult with me and he gave me exactly what I asked for: Sunny blonde highlights and a stylish yet easy to style cut. I was really impressed by both his friendliness and his professional skill. The haircut really gave my fine hair lots of bounce. He seemed very knowledgeable about color and what shade of highlights look best on different skin tones. He got rid of the golden-toned highlights I had been so frustrated with and unsuccessfully trying to shake, and gave me a bright, natural blonde color that really compliments my fair skin. I am thrilled with my result and feel like myself again after several disappointments at other salons.
