- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Oxenrose Salon
Rating Details »
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley448 Grove St
(between Gough St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 252-9723
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
492 reviews for Oxenrose Salon
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
10/11/2009
11/22/2009
11/22/2009
11/18/2009
11/9/2009
10/28/2009
11/18/2009
Updated - 11/6/2009
1 photo
11/17/2009
11/17/2009
11/3/2009
11/11/2009
11/22/2009
10/22/2009
10/25/2009
10/17/2009
11/11/2009
11/10/2009
11/10/2009
Updated - 10/6/2009
11/18/2009
11/18/2009
Updated - 9/2/2009
11/9/2009
11/17/2009
11/1/2009
10/11/2009
9/24/2009
8/18/2009
8/30/2009
8/26/2009
1 photo
7/17/2009
11/12/2009
8/30/2009
8/13/2009
7/14/2009
11/10/2009
7/7/2009
9/10/2009
9/11/2009
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
A great new hairstyle can be a magical experience. In a few short hours you are transformed from a stressed San Franciscan into an enchanting Cinderella. With a cool cut, classy color, and beautiful blowout you leave speechless - swearing to return to your spellbinding stylist the next time the clock strikes 12.
Since moving to San Francisco, I have been searching for my salon "in shining armor" to save me from my scary style and stressed tresses. It's been quite the adventure.... money was spent and many frogs were kissed. Just when I was about to give up all hairstyle hope, I decided to brave a new salon for another chance at beauty.
Situated right between the Civic Center and Hayes Valley, Oxenrose is conveniently located and easy to find. Several friendly receptionists greet you from a rose petaled waiting room as soon as you walk in the door. Unique lighting and awesome artwork surrounds two stories of trendy stylist stations. The atmosphere is cool but casual, hip and happening hair walking everywhere. Large oval mirrors face each salon station - taking part in every magical moment.
As I waited for my appointment I wondered....
"Mirror mirror on the wall..... who's the coolest stylist of them all?"
Sylvie promptly greeted me with a genuine smile. Her warm personality and cool character immediately set all concerns aside - I knew I was in helpful hands. After listening to my dry story of hair drama, she expertly advised on our appointment action plan. And just like that, we were quickly on our way to a beautiful hair day.
Two hours and many cool conversations later, we were finished. A huge smile appeared as I spun around to face the mirror. FINALLY! The cut I'd been craving! So refreshing to find a skilled stylist who listens and can deliver the hairstyle of your desires. My appointment with Sylvie was worth every penny, she helped my hair finally find it's "happily ever after".
For color and highlights I highly recommend Sonje. She has cut my long, stick-straight hair into styles that have grown out so well. And I love the way that she has colored my hair. What is also fabulous about her is that she will make sure that her work is perfect. Last time, after she finished with my highlights and cut (but before drying), she actually took me back to the shampoo station to apply one more product to my hair to ensure that the highlight color was at its best. I truly admire that she wants to ensure that my hair reflected her best work. And the prices are very reasonable. I have paid more for the same services at other places and yet, those salons did not match the level of service Sonje offers.
Minus one star because when I went to see Sonje the past two times, the front desk person told me that she would inform Sonje that I arrived so that Sonje could come get me from the upstairs loft. Both times, I ended up having to let Sonje know that I indeed arrived. Even though I could see when Sonje was done with her previous appointment from the loft, I would prefer that someone let her know I am there...she may have a scheduled break before seeing her next client. I would want to respect that time if that were the case.
Key word: FINALLY.
I've been to nearly 15 salons in the last 4 years (from mid-range to high-end and from trendy to casual). I've never been able to find a salon and stylist who would become my "go-to" for hair cuts.
Years of searching and I finallllly found her.
Sylvie gave me best cut I've ever had. It's cute when it's up (face-framing pieces look adorable) and great when it's down (full of bounce and flounce). My easily tangled hair is never tangled and the care is so simple. I can wash-and-go for the weekdays and glam it up on the weekends.
Three other great perks: cute salon with attentive staff, very affordable (relatively, I guess), and of course, Sylvie herself has a cool personality.
Note: I also had my hair colored with Sylvie and while I'm not quite as ecstatic about it (the deep chocolate color has quickly faded to light chestnut in just 3 weeks), it was still definitely a good job.
I am going to see Sylvie at Oxenrose for cuts for as long as I have hair on my head :)
Saw brian today. Then got my first hair compliment in months. Brian is like the bad boyfriend you keep going back to. It's so wrong, but it feels so right. I'm in the Peninsula, he's in the city. His haircuts are pricey. He's a trendy hipster with an evolving hairdot and perhaps some faux specs to match, with tats on his arms. But that man knows how to work a scissors! Warning to you ladies- you can't be a wuss in his chair. You make your decision and he goes there.
My first visit with Brian took me from having long hair to having very, very short hair (like 2" long). All I said to him is "I want something sassy" and he said "so, you're going short then." At the first cut- a ghastly 4" strand, I gasped. "Just like acupuncture, eh?" Brian is indeed therapy for your hair.
I've tried leaving him, and I keep finding my way back.
For some reason getting a good mens hair cut in the city had always been hard for me. Yet Scotty at Oxenrose is fantastic. The guy really takes his time and often offers me suggestions about how I can improve my hair.
I've gotten complements on my hair before, but once I started going to Oxenrose people started asking me who cut my hair, and now I can tell you: Scotty!
My life before Bladerunners was a drab, ugly-hair-day-everyday kind of life. Never having the most positive of experiences with hairdressers, I decided to give Oxenrose a try, seeing as though it came highly recommended by a friend.
As skeptical as I was, being that I just got one of the most unsightly haircuts of my life, I decided I needed to take that risk. No pain, no gain right? Not knowing who to choose for a simple hair cut, I made the biggest mistake by simply leaving it up to the receptionist to decide.
WRONG MOVE.
For the life of me, I could not remember the name of my stylist. He seemed capable and knowledgeable at the time but boy was I wrong.
To recap, this is what I asked for:
"I need a tiny trim and please, do not, I mean, DO NOT make it choppy."
Simple right?
You woulda' thought.
45 minutes later, just a tad lighter from all the hair that was "chopped off", I left in the sulkiest of moods. Not only did I drop a chunk of change for a hair cut AKA disaster, he made my hair choppy.
What's the cardinal rule in customer service?
DO WHAT YOUR CUSTOMER ASKS OF YOU.
That he did not.
Damiano once swooped in and fixed my devastated 15 year-old daughter's hair an hour after someone else, somewhere else has really f-ed it up. He took her from crying hysterically to reasonably happy in 20 minutes. You see, her hair is tres curly, and that seems to confuse people. Not Damiano, he is the master of curly hair. Every time she gets her locks cut, he makes her into a hipster of cuteness, and this last time, well, he took her curly hair and turned it into a super-modern, shoulder length do of amazingness. His cuts grow out well, too. He is a master. Love him.
Never in my adult life have I returned to a hair stylist more than once.
Sylvie has changed my ways. I wanted to get my new short hair re-touched and found myself coming back for more less than 4 months later! (Very unusual as I used to cut my hair 1x/year tops)
Sylvie took me even shorter and a little funkier than I was expecting. She finished off the style with an extreme straightening and I left looking like a punk-y playmobile toy.
Now that my hair is back to it's wavy/twisty texture, i LOVE my new cut! Sylvie is great with cutting to the type of hair you have- you just have to COMMUNICATE. these people aren't mind readers, but tell them what you want, and they will deliver.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
8/20/2009
YES.
Yes, yes, and yes. Sylvie DELIVERED.
Not only is this girl one of the coolest chicks I've ever… Read more »
I had my hair done recently by Scotty Young! He's fabulous! He has a great personality and he's very professional! I am one of those annoying people that brought in a picture of what I wanted done... I'm pretty particular! He gave me a great consultation..... He cut and colored my hair exactly the way I requested! He went above and beyond my expectations! I couldn't be happier! Love it!!!! Thanks Scotty... Go see him he does an excellent job! :)
Hi my name is Ryan Bustos and I am a makeup artist at the Benefit Brow Bar in Macys Union Square, Scott has been doing my hair for three years now and I will not let anyone touch my hair. Since doing my hair he now does almost everyone I worke with, as well as close friends of mine. They continue to see him regularly He is perfect at what he does and I have never had a problem. We have gone through several different hair styles and he still amazes me at what he can do. I highly reccomend Scott, and Im sure a lot more people would say the same.
The music was blasting the 1st time that I went to Oxenrose. I had a hard time understanding my hairdresser. I can't remember her name but we didn't really click.
I found out after my 2 other girls at work also go to Oxenrose so I decided to give it another try. The music was not as loud during my subsequent visits over 1.5 years. One of my colleagues, who is from the Middle East, has really thick hair and says that Jay knew how to cut her hair so it does not look like a mop. I have thick Asian hair that likes do funny things so I will shop around until I find the right stylist. Jay knew exactly what he was doing. He had creative ideas on how to cut my hair. He did not push products and even gave me tips on how to style it.
I called last week and was saddened to learn that he moved to a new salon. I was going to go back to schedule an appointment with another stylist but the person at the front desk put me on hold for a long time. (The front desk can get really busy during certain times of the day.) I was going through the other reviews to see if they have anyone else who is good with Asian hair but just gave up. I would go back if they have another Jay.
i'm not someone that typically goes to salons for the full-treatment, but for my birthday, i decided i needed to look awesome. i went to oxenrose with highlights and a trim in mind.
my stylist, scotty, not only made my bangs look perfect, but he also gave my hair an amazing highlight/lowlight combo. at my bday party, people couldn't stop talking about my hair. i won't be going to any other salon from now on.
I had decided I wanted to chop off my hair and donate to "locks of love" for the Holiday season, now I just had to find the right salon and stylist...
Following the suggestion of my fellow yelpers, I called oxenrose on a Saturday morning to see if they had anything available for that day. They were accommodating and when I mentioned what I was hoping to do, they said Matthew was my guy. That he was.
After tying up my hair in a tight 10inch pony tail (he made sure to leave enough room to play with) he discussed a few options with me. He was attentive, listening to my ideas about bangs and length, as well as the numerous suggestions my friend who came along with me for the "experience" had. Every time he talked me through doing something before he decided to do it. Thanks! The best part of Matthew- he was sooo meticulous. We had an hour scheduled but with my friends taking pics, and discussing the options we might have made him run a bit over. When his next appointment showed up we were barely through thinning my hair (I have a lot of it), let alone shaping, trimming bangs, and straightening it. When I told him he didn't have to worry about straightening it, he said "no they can wait. This is the icing on the cake, and this is how I can check my lines, make sure it sits well." He continued like he was performing brain surgery, not to be rushed.
I've always only had really long hair, but with this fantabulous cut--this may change.
While I was pleased with the cut I received from Anthony, the whole experience was pretty unremarkable.
I used to be fearless when it came to having my hair cut and trying out new places, but I really think that Yelp has made me paranoid.
I made a same-day appt with Anthony (which always sketches me out - why isn't he in higher demand when his cuts are $70?). The front desk staff was pleasant, I was brought up to his area upstairs right around the time of my appt, and sat and waited a bit as Anthony finished with another girl. But that made me even more nervous because IMHO her hair looked terrible! Trashy, even. I watched as he sprayed more and more hairspray on her "bed head" 'do and wondered if he had also done the streaky highlights.
I was seriously considering running out of there. Then it was my turn. I used to trust my stylist and allow them complete creative control - angles here, layers there - but no, no. Not after what I just saw. I went the safe route, keeping the length and simply having my cut cleaned up.
It turned out really well, but while Anthony did that part of his job, I was uncomfortable and bored to death the whole time because he didn't talk to me. I was nervous! So talk to me about something else!
I don't know if I'll go back, based mostly on the discomfort/boredom factor.
Comment from Hockkee Y. of
Oxenrose Salon
11/5/2009
Anthony's cuts are $65, thanks for visiting!
More »
My experience with hair salons has always been hit or miss. This is due to the fact that I have long, thick, and curly hair. I tend to harbor feelings of both guilt and anxiety as I make appointments and especially when I walk in the door; my hair is a lot to handle. At Oxenrose, this was NOT the case. I made an appointment and was able to be seen immediately!
The receptionist, after hearing the description of my hair, set me up with Amy. Amy was fantastic. She was totally in control, did a consult before I got my hair washed, and didn't get the overwhelmed look that I have seen in some hair stylist's eyes when I walk in the room. It was a pleasure to chat with her as she was charismatic, confident and communicative. What was more impressive, is that I walked in for a 1 o'clock appointment and was out the door at 2 pm. Unusual due to the fact that I have had to book a slot and 1/2 at some places.
What's most important was that this was a hair cut that got noticed and lasted for days. Strangers and friends alike gave compliments and asked where I had my hair cut. When I finally washed and styled on my own, I knew this was an excellent cut. I am so happy to have found an amazing hair stylist in my neighbor hood. The cut ran me around 75 dollars. Not the least expensive I've had, but certainly not the most expensive either. Definitely a win.
I was in eating at Absynthe in Hayes valley for my bday lunch a couple weeks ago and noticed the waitress had not only a super cute cut, but hair very similar to mine: short, thick and curly (but not super tight curls). Having gotten my hair cut in the city only a few times and not yet finding the perfect stylist, I am always asking around. Anyway, she recommended Matthew at Oxenrose and so, what the hell, I tried him.
First of all, the salon is super cool, decor is awesome, tons of edgy people abound, just has a generally good vibe. Matthew was super friendly right off that bat and seemed to understand exactly what I wanted in our consultation. He gave a hell of a neck massage and went to work chopping. He used a technique I hadn't seen before where he twisted sections of my hair and chopped into the sides a bit which I was worried would make weird pokey pieces (didn't), but I am generally trusting of a hairdresser (god knows why) and didn't say anything. He then put some product in and diffused.
My style ended up exactly how I wanted it! Little longer than chin length in the front and short and curly in the back. The layers are awesome and he took a lot of weight out of my hair, which is very important. Although I can't say I was in love with how he styled it, when I washed and did-er-up later in the afternoon, I realized it is one of the best cuts I've gotten ever. YAY! :-) thanks man
Let me be the first to say that I'm extremely picky about the way my hair is cut, and it took me a considerable amount of time before I found a stylist here in SF that I liked. When I called to schedule an appointment I asked for a highly detailed stylist which resulted with Anthony. During my first visit, I was a little apprehensive, but he did such a great job that I was hooked. Now when I go in, I give a few words of direction (e.g. "something different and edgy") and he just works with it. I also love the fact that he plans my cuts months in advance. For instance, we decided to grow my hair out a little bit for winter and into a certain style.
Although the cuts are a little pricey (men's cuts run $60) they are extremely worth it. He also gives you a head massage when he washes your hair.
Also, this salon sells and uses Bumble & Bumble and Kerastase product.
Scott at Oxenrose is amazing! He listened to what I wanted in my haircut and helped me to come up with a cut that would really suit my needs and my style. The best thing about my haircut is that it is unique and edgy and doesn't look like every other girls hair! People are always complementing me on my haircuts and I have referred many other friends to Scott all of whom have been thrilled!! Besides his extreme talent Scott's personality is also part of the haircutting experience. He is always so fun to be around and I enjoy every moment I spend in his chair :). After years searching for the perfect stylist, no one but Scott will touch my hair :)
For anyone interested in a great color and cut, go see SCOTTIE!!! He is fabulous!! Very professional yet extremely personable with a great attitude and the boy knows what he's doing... Trust me. I met him through one of my friends and before you knew it, I had him fixing my boring, run-of-the-mill hair.... He has transformed me multiple times and I can't thank him enough!!!! :) :)
Wonderful and talented person, worth every penny. Go check him out! Love ya Scottie!!
As good as it gets for me!
I've been a loyal Oxenrose customer since my last review. Through some trial and error with stylists, I have finally found my gal - Courtney. Everyone knows how hard it is to find a stylist that jives with you, so now that I have finally found mine, I hope she never leaves.
I got her by accident when my appointment somehow disappeared from the system, on top of that, every stylist on the floor was booked that day. Fortunately, the receptionist was really helpful and made sure to check with a dozen stylists before finding Courtney. Right off the bat, I was so grateful that Courtney would take me because she actually had another client at the same time doing coloring. So in between waiting for the color to set in for the other lady, she managed to get me the best hair do ever! And I've been hooked since.
PROS: She's really good at knowing exactly what I want and offer great advices. She gives a KILLERRRR scalp massage while washing your hair. She's great with chitchats without being too nosy (I love her attitude). And, she offers free bang and neck trims. All of that for just $50 per cut..cannot ask for more.
CONS: It's kind of hard to get an appointment with her at times because she doesn't work too many days there. And I've had my appointments canceled the day of twice because she had to take a sudden leave.
Regardless, I still like her very much and am willing to work with her schedule. I'm actually quite sad that I haven't been able to pay a visit for quite some time since I'm trying to grow out my hair. But once the length is there, you bet I'm gonna give her a call!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/1/2008
I believe my long (and sometimes painful) search in finding a great stylist has finally come to an… Read more »
This is a great salon with high quality service in a hip space. In addition to operating as a salon, it is also an art gallery so every time I go there are different pieces of art from new artists. I have been going to Sylvie for about a year now and I adore her! I have long straight hair and I have gone in on a couple occasions when I'm feeling bored with my hair and have given her complete freedom to do whatever she wants (we'll discuss it beforehand of course). She's great at giving you what you ask for while also contributing her own style.
i love this place. Rachel has been doing my hair for years. Never have I walked out of there with less than stunning hair. I recommend this place to everyone. Its young, friendly, and just plain great
It's been years and i'm still totally happy going to Ashley. She did my wedding hair, she does my regular day hair, and she deals with my I want bangs/I'm over this all the time. I love that she turns on the Animal Collective and cuts my hair, and that she makes GREAT recommendations.
I also love that I referred my boss there and my boss was super happy with the result. Thanks, Ashley!
Also, a shout out to Melissa who did my hair before my friend's wedding. I wanted a simple blowout that would withstand heat and she did a really nice one with curl. Thanks!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/17/2006
A really hip salon that managed to fit me in within two days of my calling since I discovered my gal… Read more »
Scotty....WOW! was amazing
He's been cutting my hair for 2 years now and I can't say I have had any better satisfaction anywhere else. He is truly a gem. P.S. The salon was freakin awesome!
Thanks Dear
I can't wait to see Scotty in the next few weeks, my hair is in need of this boy. He's been cutting my hair for the past year or so, and what I normally have a hard time maintaining and controlling, he's helped me to fix. I usually do a cut and color, but even if I go in for a quick trim, my hair always feels ten times healthier when I leave, which is the best part. Scotty is a sweetheart, and he always listens to what I want, but still gives me something fresh each visit. Regardless of what we do, I always love my hair. Oxenrose is by far my favorite salon that he has worked in. The rest of the staff seem pretty friendly, and the aesthetic is super cute. Anywhere I can check out boys with mustaches, listen to The Smiths and get a fantastic haircut is good in my book.
I've paid less with better results. It was not worth my time and money to have my hair done here. I was referred by my sister who raved about the place, well i didn't find anything exceptional about it. I said I wanted something different and modern, well, I didn't see any difference in my cut, except that it was a little better than my last, and that one cost me $15.00. SO for $80.00+ tax & tip, not worth it.
I used Oxenrose for my wedding. WOW. They were awesome. Lee did my hair, at the trial I wasn't blown away but I sure was on the day of the wedding. He created a truly unique up-do for exactly the style I wanted, Molly Tuggle did my makeup. Awesome, really a great job making me look my very best, and still look like me, only a really glamorous, fabulous me! She did a lot of my bridemaids as well. We rented the private room for bridal parties which was just awesome. A really cool location, outdoor patio (and sunny in nice Hayes Valley) they included champagne and pastries for us. Just lovely. Great work Oxenrose!
I had a great experience with Jenelle - She understood exactly what I wanted and executed it perfectly... the color is amazing (and involved much nuance), and she kept the length... i am actually amazed, as I was kind of vague upon arrival... the vibe at the salon was great, and I will be back!
It was my first time at Oxenrose and I think I really like this place!
My appt was at 2PM today with Jenelle. (She's gorgeous btw) So I come in and my first thought is, whoa! This place is ...rockin'! It's reallllyy nicely designed. Very modern, you have to check it out. So I waited and Jenelle came by to pick me up right on time, if not a few minutes earlier. She was very warm & welcoming to me, and I definitely felt very at ease with her.
We talked about my hair. Dry consultations are always important, imo. Sooo we decided on giving my hair more LIFE! more pizzazz. add some SEX to it! if you know what I mean. Ha. anyway. That means mooooore layers, and some more sexy swooping side bangs. We were totally on the same page, especially about the length of my hair. Girls who are sensitive about keeping their hair LONG know what I'm talking about.
I got the best scalp massage ever, then we proceeded to get my hair cut, where she was very informative about what she was doing with my hair, so I found it easy to trust her with my hair. She even said how excited she was about how my hair would turn out, and I felt the same!
The results were fantastic! YAY! The layers added a lot of bounce to my hair, and it didn't look so dead and boring. And she really did trim just the ends without taking away too much length at all. I loved it. She taught me a few tricks here and there and with some laughs & a hug goodbye, I was out of there. Overall, a wonderful experience.
Came down to $56.50 with no tip. Pricey? Maybe a little but it's okay. Also, free bang trims! Hooray!
& that is my tribute to the lovely Jenelle!
I feel severe anxiety when letting people cut my hair. I cut my own hair for years because of how scared I was that I would pay for someone to butcher my look. Hair is important!
That being said, I feel no anxiety at Oxenrose. I was referred here by two girls I met at Mighty who had GREAT hair. Seeing how great they looked, paired with the vibe that the stylists give off, I feel comfortable enough to just let go and let them work on me.
I have gone here two times. Both times I left happy. I give a general description of what I want and they make it happen.
Everyone is friendly, they feature artists on their walls, and do a great job.
I've seen Sonia (spelling unknown, sorry) and Matthew. Each do a fantastic job and are very personable.
I look forward to going back!
I'm not really proud to admit that I sported an asymmetrical bob for as long as I can remember.
A couple of months ago, after getting laid off, I decided I needed a new cut to go with my new tattoo. The things you do when you feel free.
Enter Anthony.
I called several placed but Oxenrose was the only place available with a same day appointment. I was excited.
I sat in his chair and told him I had no idea what I wanted. I shook my heavy head of hair and told him to make it go away. He asked several questions about what I did and did not like about my current hair and then went to work. I walked out of Oxenrose feeling 10 lbs lighter with some well placed layers. Yay!
See pic. Love.
I should have written this review when I first went to see him back in May. I called this morning and got an appointment for late afternoon. Anthony remembered me and when I told him I wanted the same cut, he remembered what he had done and made some new suggestions (middle part? gasp! but it worked). I can't tell you how many times i would see the same stylist over and over again and have them introduce themselves like we were strangers.
I wished I remembered the name of the girl who washed my hair. She rocked too. I appreciated the thoughtful head massage. I want to hire her to wash my hair every day of my life.
I think I might need a job first though. Ha.
The place was busy the whole time I was there. Bud got me an appointment with Masaki, while getting an appointment for himself (his hair came out super cute). I was nervous about going to someone I'd never heard of before but Masaki cut away the last of the damaged ends left by a once cute but in the end, ill-advised perm. I'd had a haircut about a month before to do this but i didn't love the cut nor how it was growing out.
I like my improved bangs and he did a great job giving me a short but not overly round do. I'll probably go even shorter next time (long hair is wasted on me) and I trust Masaki to do it.
After a recent streak of bad hair luck I have finally found my dream haircut, and it is all thanks to Scotty!! He is honestly the best hair dresser I have ever met. Not only is he totally down to earth, nice and funny person but he is also excellent at what he does. He gave me his honest opinion on my hair and what would look best for me. I've been a little nervous about getting my hair cut because I had some not too wonderful experiences in the past, but Scotty has totally changed my mind! He gave me the fabulous cut I've been searching for. Great person with some great skills! Go Scotty!
Several months ago I overheard this comment while out with a group of eight or so very well coiffed ladies...
Drunk Guy to my friend: "You have the best eyes. But she, SHE has the best hair." And over towards me he came, so he could tell me all about his apartment just a few blocks away - ha ha!
At the time I wrote it off as just a drunk/trying-to-get-some comment, until months later, on a completely separate occasion, another friend of mine, (who has a FABULOUS head of hair, by the way,) said, "Of all our friends, you have the best hair."
Thank you, Sonja.
P.S. Note to those new to Oxenrose: They only do gratuities in cash, so be sure to bring some, or be prepared to walk your butt over the the convenience store a block or so away.
I had my hair cut by Carmen, and she was very nice!
My perm was growing out and I needed someone to trim off the rest of it and give my hair a touch of style since I was planning on growing it out before doing anything else with it.
Seriously, it was such a quality hair cut, I could tell the difference when I ran my fingers through my now straight hair. Carmen did light layers and it was perfect.
I would definitely recommend going here if you want to look good while you're in a "transition" phase in your hair.
The price wasn't so bad at all either!
I finally get it.
I'd like to think that I'm low maintenance when it comes to my hair. Or maybe I'm just incredibly naive. But I keep my "style" long and simple, mostly due to my laziness and unfair amount of cowlicks.
Anyway, I always figured this meant I could skip from Super Cuts to Regis - sprinkled with some nicer salons along the way - and always get the same cut. Boring, but not really bad.
A promotion prompted me to venture over to Oxenrose, where I was placed with Masaaki. And.... now I get it. He's a wizard when it comes to hair. I will devotedly return.
One thing to note - perhaps it's because I was previously unaccustomed to hair salons as superb as Oxenrose, but after my haircut, I bid farewell to my new hair-taker and proceeded to the front desk. I assumed I could leave a tip on the credit card, but tips are cash only.
SCOTTIE TO HOTTIE.. My hair had to much body. With a snip of his shears, he deflated my fears. Now I can see me again....
The salon is modern and edgy, but still retains a sense of warmth. I love the atmosphere that i was in. The people were professional friendly. It didn't feel like some salons, where you walk in and feel like you were being assessed. like harangue-tangs on the prowl..."Your hair looks better short..." " That color is not you girl.." " Your cut doesn't suit your body.." Honey.. Please.. I consider myself savant-guarded. I hate people telling me what to do and how to be. But this boy knows what he is doing. Cut, color, style it was great. He made great suggestions without being to over the top. Great consultation. He took time with my hair. He made me feel comfortable like a friend, not some quick 15 dollar chop shop hair cut.. I love my versatile hair style. Wet or dry up or down anyway you look at it, my hair is amazing.. Never have I loved my hair so much.. Can't wait till the next time I see you.. I am definitely going back.. And next time more color.... You know you love me.. Xoxo..
Wow! Such a trendy salon! Before even entering here I knew I was gonna leave with a good haircut. The good thing is when I made an appointment I didn't have to leave my credit card. I just made the appointment for whatever day I wanted and they were like "See you then!" I definitely a person that always keeps my appointments though... and if I cancel I'll let them know... but it's nice to not have to leave your credit card like most high end salons like to do... for some reason makes me feel like less pressure in going.
When you first enter there's a great reception desk with people there to greet you and check-in. I went during Yelps HAWT spa week so I got a highlight and cut for about $119 (w/o tip).... SWEEEET =O) Anyway... when I got there the stylist all had cute haircuts and cute teased ponytails or hairdos. I was looking at each one of them thinking "I wonder how they do their hair like that... its so cute!"
My stylist was Sonya, she seemed pretty cool. I didn't really have an idea of how I wanted my hair to be but I told her overall what I was going for. She gave me a couple suggestions in trying to get close what I was imagining. After deciding and her highlighting my hair she said I could go make myself comfy upstairs. There is a big couch up there with a bar that serves coffee, tea, lattes, wines and other drinks. Too bad no one was manning the bar... I had to find everything myself. I wanted a class of champagne but I just settled for some green tea I got on my own.
This salon seems definitely like a place where client and stylist converse on everyday life. Me and Sonya didn't talk much most of the time. She just did my hair... I kept to my book, magazine or just sat there watching as she fixed my hair. Definitely didn't feel like there weird awkward silence... I think she was just letting me chill and relax. Overall I really liked my haircut. She stayed true to what I wanted and gave me a bit of a stylish hairdo.
I would say this is a good upscale salon. The decor was very modern and retro. The brick walls, twisty lightings, graffiti like artwork gave a fun felt ambiance and offerings of beverages during your visit was definitely a plus. The amenities at any business where your spending a lot of money and time makes the visits a lot more enjoyable.
so. i traveled ALL THE WAY to SF for this lady, sylvie...
ok, so maybe not JUST for her, but ive been waiting a WHOLE YEAR to get my hair cut by her!! i saw one of my friends haircuts awhile back and i LOVED IT. i live in DC so ive been itching to come here.
i was visiting my friend last weekend and i made a appointment asap to see her and when i exited...TADAA!!! the cutest haircut EVER!!! and it was only $55!!!!
the place is nestled in hayes valley far away from the noise and bustle, the salon is ultra hip and spacious. they have a chill little area upstairs where u can have coffee, water, wine, espresso....SO NICE!!
when i met her i told her my story and she was super nice and sweet. and she even gave me a dry cut after the initial "shaping" of the wet hair. super personal and she listened to everything i said!
sylvie if u are reading this ALL my friends back here in DC LOVEEE the cut!! thank you SO much!! see u in 6 months!!
I had such a terrible haircut here that it prompted me to create this Yelp account just so that I could write this review.
In all actuality, the salon is great: fantastic location and atmosphere, stylists are welcoming, and the free wine is a fantastic perk. That's why it gets 2 stars.
On to the point, though: my haircut with Sandy was BY FAR THE WORST HAIRCUT I'VE EVER HAD. So bad that I left the salon in tears and now have the next 6-8 weeks of hell to wait for my hair to grow out. When I asked for a trendy update to my style, and mentioned that I'd be open to getting bangs, she ran with it. And with that, I mean she went straight into the cut without consulting me on the final outcome and desired effect. She didn't test my hair, tell me about what options would be more appropriate for my hair and face type, didn't even warn me before she started cutting. Nothing. The end result is a look that I could have done at home in front of the bathroom mirror, for a helluva lot cheaper.
Ok, so it's just hair, right? But the coup de grace about this one is that the MINUTE she saw that I was unhappy with it, there was absolutely NO attempt on her part to help fix it. She said, and I quote, "Well, it's already cut, sorry!" REALLY?!?! No "Ok, let's see what we can do" or "Let's try doing it this way". NADA. Honestly, part of what we look for in a good stylist is good customer service skills. Sandy not only lacks the talent required to be a good hairstylist, she also has absolutely no sense of what it means to treat a client like a CLIENT.
There was nothing in this experience that justifies a $65 haircut, and I don't intend on coming back. I will gladly throw my hard-earned money elsewhere.
