Renaissance Salon
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights2600 Sacramento St
(between Pierce St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 931-7091
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
50 Reviews for Renaissance Salon
One of Renaissance Salon's Favorite Reviews
Fantastic haircuts. I see Michelle and I always leave loving my haircut and the great styling job she does. She also did my hair in an "up-do" for my wedding and I loved it. I received a ton of compliments. She has cut my hair in both long and short styles and done a fantastic job each time, plus she is really nice and fun to talk to.
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I walked out of there today loving my haircut. L-O-V-I-N-G it! Lucas did an amazing job. I had my bangs hacked at weeks ago, and my hair fried by a beauty school senior. Today, I couldn't stop running my fingers through my hair and looking in the mirror.
I can't wait to go back. Thank you Lucas!
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I used to get my hair cut at another place on divis. They seemed a bit obsessed with me reviewing them on yelp. While the girl I saw there did a decent job--it wasn't worth it.
Enter yelp and me finding Renaissance Salon.
I've now a faithful customer to Michelle and I'm going on a year with her! Here's why:
1. Michelle is a total sweetheart. I feel like it's hanging out with one of my girlfriends when I go in.
2. My hair looks great! The cut AND the color. I've found that some stylists can only do one--but she can do both! And She's quick! I mean, under 3 hours..which is like a FIRST for me and my long ass thick hair w/ highlights!
3. She's helped me get the color I want back in my hair and we're working on growing it out so I can do it how I want for my wedding. She's been helpful with setting follow up appts leading up to the wedding and I'm SO greatful! PLUS she's not pushy and convincing me to come in every few weeks when really every 3 months is FINE for me. She's honest !
4. It's a cute little place where everyone seems nice & they sell and use GREAT products for your hair. My new shampoo is the BEST!
5. It's not cheap--but there are salons that cost MUCH more in this city. You are getting quality work at a fair price. I don't cheap out on hair..but i'm not going broke on it either.
go here if you want a good look at a fair price!
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I was recommended to come here by 3 VERY picky friends (Lori Hurley was my stylist) who all trusted Lori to change their hair styles in a way that flattered them and was easy to manage.
Lori is great- she's honest, friendly, lets you know what she's going to do before she starts cutting, and shows you how to manage the style.
I would gladly recommend them (and Lori) to anyone... and HELLO!!! Did anybody else mention the mini massage you get here? That was a very welcome surprise...
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I've been seeing Lisa Johnston at Renaissance for the past four years. She's the only one who touches my hair. I'm a one-hairdresser kinda gal.
I'm also all over the page when it comes to hair. When I first went to her, I was wearing it very short, between a quarter inch and half an inch long. Then I started growing it out. I went in two years ago and she gave me the most perfect angled bob EVER and fabulous red color to boot. I not only got compliments on that one at work, but also on the street.
I've been growing it out since then (yes, for two years!) and finally went back to get a tousled, wavy, yet polished look. Again, compliments not only at work and from my friends, but also from people I don't know.
Lisa is my angel. No matter what kind of hairstyle you want, she has the experience to get you there and the sense of style to help you look fabulous. Everyone says I look so much younger with this haircut.
I don't color my hair much these days, but she is superb at color and really understands how to make your hair look its best. Tons of advice on how to style it when you leave and go back to the work day world where you don't have a stylist on staff to fix it for you every morning.
I cannot recommend Lisa highly enough.
It wouldn't say I'm picky but picky and anal...a deadly combo! I am thrilled to have met Lori and have her beautify my hair every other month. How I knew I would love her, she actually studied my hair BEFORE she cut it, picking at my strands and asking me about my regimen.... then she does her craft..... and viola! When she's done with you, you know that your friends recommendations were right. Lori and Michelle also did my wedding, and I have to say I was elated at how my bridesmaids look.
ok I went off yelp recommendations and just walked in, I needed a simple trim. I swear this haircut does not even follow the basic laws of hair cutting-growth, like hair school 101. I could have cut my own with more finesse, and its growing out all wacky. I'll definitely need to pay for a fix this haircut haircut. ugh. so much for that, its under a hat for the next month.
i went to this place for a brand new style (got bangs) and it was a very scary thing. i was recommend from a friend in seattle to see lucas. i made an appointment, conversation flowed, the head massage with wash was amazing, the staff was super inviting and very nice. the atmosphere is fun. it was a great experience. i will definitely go back there.
this is actually one of the oldest (or the oldest) hair salon in the city. that's what my hair stylist tells me at least. i go to Michelle - she is awesome! i don't know about all the other stylists - but Michelle just seems to know what i want!
I've had good, consistent cuts from her since i've been going. She's super friendly and nice also. The thing i like about her is that she not only will cut your hair but educate you about your hair and how you should take care of it, or things you can do to style it a certain way, etc.
i give it 4 stars. if Michelle wasn't there - or i had a different stylist i may rate it differently. my roommate though does go to chica (spelling?) and seems to be pretty happy with her too....
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okay *edit. i think the best BEST part which i already touched on a little bit above is how Michelle educates you while you are being cut / colored / whatever. she tells you how to style it and why you should style it that way. she makes you understand the WHY part of when you style. like why should i comb it this way? and then she lets you know. the understanding she gives to me about my hair allows me to take it and run / experiment with it more! :) thanks michelle for another great cut!!!
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Renaissance Salon is a boutique salon located just off of Fillmore Street in Pac Heights. I've had my hair cut and colored by Travis for six months now. In the span of two highlight sessions and three haircuts, Travis has transformed my hair from a bleached out, overprocessed, uneven mess of sorts to silky textured, HEALTHY blonde-highlighted hair. The key word is HEALTHY. Travis is amazing at giving it to you straight. . .even when you don't want to hear it. . .and managing to make you comfortable enough to allow him to do what he needs to do. He's also great about explaining how to treat your hair when you leave the salon to maintain the fabulousness that is now sitting on top of your pretty little forehead.
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Absolutely fabulous attention- the girls there make you feel like a million bucks! Laurie is a GENIUS- I don't know how she does it, but she cuts my hair in such a way that it's hard to make it look bad. I don't really have to style it if I'm in a rush, and it looks great anyway. I don't know what she does... she's definitely got a magic touch. And she's pretty reasonable in terms of pricing.
I love her!!
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I walked into Renaissance as a bit of a, um, project. My last cut was too short with too many layers when what I really want is a swingy little bob. I realize that hair stylists can only cut hair shorter, not make it longer. After taking plenty of time investigating my wishes, my hair type, style and discussing options, Travis (who is a total sweetheart, by the way!) set my expectations, confirmed them, helped me figure out a hair strategy to grow it out without it looking dorky in the meantime.
I walked out with a hairstyle that wasn't just what he could do with what he had, but an actually cute and clean cut that I really like.
Prices are totally reasonable and the other stylists were very friendly, even though I wasn't their client.
I'm a fan :-)
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I have a very co-dependent relationship with my hair. Sometimes I love it, oftentimes I hate it - but no matter how much it refuses to listen to my needs and makes me look bad in front of company I just can't sever the relationship.
So after a long winter of fighting the curls and rapidly spreading split ends, and with the advice of friends (and Yelp), I booked us a counseling session at the Renaissance Salon.
My appointment was with Travis. He was fantastic! I brought pictures of what I wanted my hair to look like and he was great about explaining where this would work and what might have to be different. He was extremely gentle - none of that tugging and pulling you sometimes get from stylists. And I walked out with hair that I loved - which rarely happens as I usually need a couple of days to become reacquainted after a cut.
Everyone at the salon was friendly, the atmosphere was warm and interior is decorated in an eclectic style that adds interest. I even liked the coffee I received while waiting which was quite tasty and served in a china cup.
I can't say my hair and I won't continue to fight, but I can comfortably say I know where I'll be going when it gets bad again.
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I couldn't take the primadonna antics of my former stylist at another salon, so I got on Yelp and decided I should check this place out, especially since it's only 3 blocks from my apartment.
Everyone on staff was very nice, and I loved Travis, who cut my hair. He listened to what I wanted, was great to talk to, and as he was finishing, a friend from the neighborhood walked by and saw me in the window, and gave me a big thumbs up. Nothing like getting a compliment on your haircut before you even leave the stylist's chair! I also saved $35, as my previous salon charged $90. Look for me in the window every 2-3 months.
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Sincerely friendly, professional, high quality and reasonable place. Highly recommended. Lisa is great with blond curly hair.
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I had this little problem... My previous hairstylist at a different salon gave me great haircuts, but he talked on and on about himself the ENTIRE time... not interesting things, which I would have been entertained by, just anything he thought of, like "I bought bananas today", and he just seemed kinda bored the whole time...It came to a point when it felt a little bit like torture.
So, I went on Yelp and saw some great reviews for Rennaisance Salon, and made an appointment. My appointment was with Travis, who was sooooooo sweet (even to his fellow staff: any time one of them swept up for him or put something away for him, he thanked them and told them how helpful they were... I don't think I've ever seen that before!). He also gave me a fantastic haircut and lots of good tips on how I can keep my hair looking healthy, and what kind of cuts work best with my hair type. He was amazing, and I will definately be going back to him for my next haircut!
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I had my hair fried while perming and walked into the salon with my hair looking like a bale of hay. My stylist Travis is awesome, he is very professional and took the time to listen to me and find out exactly what my concerns are. He is very personable and very respectful.
He gave great advice and is not pushy about making me getting the products. Since my hair is extremely processed and brittle, he never once tug or pull my hair but was extremely careful with it. He knows that I do not need anymore hair breakages. Finally, he also made sure that I know how to use certain products and how to style my hair.
Before I left, I was able to say I love what he did for me and I will definitely be back again. Travis has gotten my boyfriend's approval for my next visit.
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Wouldnt have anybody but Travis he is a sweetheart!!
I always leave happy with my new doo! !
Lucas has done a wonderful job with my color & cut.
I can't wait to get it styled this weekend!
Update: After going in and asking for a "Girls Next Door" look (admittedly difficult with my hair) I left having to recurl it 3 more times before heading out at night. I was pretty clear with what I wanted and pretty disappointed with the result.
I have gone to a few proms/weddings and done my own hair enough to know this is an excessive number of times to have to "touch up" ones hair.
Anyway, I will still go back for cut & color (though somehow mine ends up costing $$$$$ - $290 with tip) but will STAY AWAY for evening styles.
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This place is AMAZING... they are open on Sunday and were able to squeeze me in for an afternoon appointment. Words can't even describe how happy I am with my new 'do. After getting some maintenance advice, I really think I can keep up this look. When I walked out of that salon I felt like a million bucks, and still do! You can't beat the price for the neighborhood too... $55 for a cut. Stop going to your overpriced salons and give Renaissance a try! I can't wait to go back for my highlights now. :)
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I got my hair cut here about two weeks ago. It had been growing out from a series of horrid haircuts from various places around the city (why, oh why does everyone feel the need to feather my hair?)
After scouring the yelp reviews, I decided to give Renaissance a try.
Thank you yelp. Thank all of you who have written a review. I love this place!
They were able to fit me in on short notice for a haircut with Lori. She is so sweet and has such a great vision for hair. After she was done with my cut, I hardly knew what to say. It had been so long since I had actually so much as liked my haircut, much less loved it. It looked amazing!! The best part is that, with a little effort (which for me means drying my hair), I am able to make it look almost as good as the day Lori cut it. Can't ask for more than that!
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I've been in the city for about a year and half now and desperately searching for a stylist that 1) works with my crazy schedule, 2) give me the perfect hair cut, and 3) Color/highlights my hair without costing me a what is equivilant to a car payment. Michelle did all of that. She's not only sweet but she really listened to what i wanted and went above and beyond my expectations. this was definitely my first experience getting a hair cut and color where i felt like i was in the hands of a real professional. She's the best and i will definitely go back.
I've had my hair cut at almost every salon in town because my old hairdresser was a Pisces. Renaissance was one of those fleeting fancies he had, it's a nice salon. Nobody there seemed overly exciting and who knows if it was my guy or all the salon drama, but he wasn't there longer than 2 rounds of haircuts. They have a great location and are near a Washington Mutual, so I could kill two birds with one stone if I needed to do some banking and get a trim.
Chika is awesome! I love my hair and she really cares for it. She does an awesome job on color as well. Everyone is so nice too. All smiles here.
Michelle is the shiznit. I am super paranoid about my hair. I have had people chop my hair off or dye it with weird skunk streaks. My hair is curly, so it can be difficult, but Michelle has done a great job. She only cut as much as I wanted and added volume to the hair without it being poofy.
The best part are my highlights. I have finally moved away from trashy-porn blonde and moved on to light hair that flatters my coloring. She is nice, cool and professional.
Go to Michelle for color! And for someone that listens!
I walked in to Renaissance Salon one day because it was open on a Sunday and they had an appointment available. Since then, I have been back several times to get my hair cut by Lori. She pays a lot of attention to detail, and has given me a cut that I receive rave reviews about.
This is a comfortable salon that is close and convenient to the Fillmore shopping district.
UPDATE 10/24/06: I have been going to Lori for almost a year now, and like her as much as I did when I first started. About 2 months ago, I went in and said "I am having a really bad week and I want to cut off all my hair." She stood up to me and said "I am not going to do that, but if you really want it short come back in a week and I will re-do your hair." Way to stand up to the woman having the emotional breakdown! I really respected her for that, and 2 months later I still haven't cut it short and am happier for it.
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Like some of the other reviewers, I happened upon this salon one Sunday after being traumatized by another salon's haircut. They fit me in without an appointment, and Michelle was so great that I was subsequently convinced to try her for highlights a week later. Despite the fact that I was a fan of my previous colorist, Michelle has made a devotee of me because she's the only colorist I've found that can use non-bleach agents without making my hair red. Cut and color are perfect, and she's an absolute doll. I am almost afraid to post this review because with their rave reviews and fantastic prices, an appointment is going to become the proverbial pot of gold.
I've had three cuts at Renaissance and so far, so good. Clean, bright, open space and a friendly staff. Low maintenance people staff this place--it never feels pretentious for me and I've walked in coming directly from the gym.
I just worked with Lori--she gave my curly hair a much need chop. I left with a fun, shaggy bob for $55 bucks. She took over an hour on the cut and did all the little things just right.
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Lucas made this monkey look sexy and sassy with just his scissors. I think they might be magic.
Everyone I've suggested to try Renaissance has loved it. Each stylist is marvolous and they are determined to make you leave looking like a movie star.
Be warned, they will take your entire appointment to make sure your hair rocks, so make sure you don't have to be somewhere right away.
Besides, when you look this good - people can wait.
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I went to Renaissance Salon because of these other reviews on Yep, and I was not disappointed. Michelle is very personable and very professional. She didn't make me feel like a weirdo loser for previously screwing up my hair royally. (I get impatient and dye it when I know I shouldn't.) Anyway, this is the 3rd salon in SF I've tried, and the only one I'll go back to now. Michelle is good at telling you what will be flattering. Believe it or not, I've had hairdressers that were good at color, but couldn't tell you what would look good on you. Weird. She can, and she'll just do it, and you'll look great! And she will show you how to style it so you can attempt in vain to reproduce that "Pantene Commercial" shininess that only hairdressers can do. However, her instructions at least brought me close to it!
One word of advice: don't do what I just did and let your roots grow like crazy before you try to get an appointment on a weekend or after-work hour. Now I'm wearing hats for sure until my appointment! Dammit!
Oh, the rest of the staff seems nice too, the desk people are nice.
UPDATE I went again, and Michelle was great as like last time. She helped me get a somewhat new color (highlights and low lights) so that my regrowth will be less visible. I have a lot of silver hairs in the front where everyone can see, and now my hair is closer to my natural color, but still lighter like I wanted, but I can see that the color will be easier to maintain than when I did a crappy home-job on it that she had to deal with last time! The color looks really good with my natural skin tone, better than anyone else I've gone to before. I was wondering how she would be able to deal with my damaged hair-of-many-colors I that came about from my own mistakes, but she figured it out no problem! I would recommend her to anyone. She also told me a few products that would help my hair, without pushing me to buy them all. (But this time I splurged anyway, because have used the Kerastase products before and I they did help in the past.)
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Man I look good and feel good when I come out of there. Every stylist is great and all have their own style!
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After trying out many SF Salons, I have settled on this one. Chika is a wonderful stylist, who listens and does exactly what I want. She's great with color, and super nice to boot!
Great job everytime! Michelle is awesome at both cut & color and so nice. I am definitely happy that someone recommended this place to me- its worth every cent. I constantly get complimented on my hair thanks to RS!!!
I have gotten hair cut by Chika and color by Michelle. Love them both - dependable, friendly, quick - no waiting around - in and out with enough attention and care that you feel you get your monies worth. I have been 5 times now and will keep going back for sure.
This salon is close to my house so I tried it. It was easy to get an appointment and I picked my hairdresser from reviews on here. Unfortunately he was distracted and I didnt end up getting the haircut i wanted. BUT, I ended up getting if for free, because he admitted it was his error. I did go back a second time to try to get it fixed, but again, i was disapointed. I am not going back for the next one- I know someone who can give me the simple cut i want....but i may try it again one day.
For those who drive, parking can be tricky- but there are many buses that go near it. Cal 1 and Fill 22. And its close to Fillmore street for dinner after the new do.
They were all very nice and so reasonably priced. Just make sure you arent the final cut of the day....
Lucas is the messiah!
I have totally given him a God complex. Yes, I used to be one of those girls who thought being a natural brunette just wasn't as cute as being a fake blonde. For years I had my hair highlighted blonde, it was Mariah Carey color, that not only was super high maintenance but really brassy and damaged.
So about 5 years ago I sat in the chair of the miracle worker. Lucas was like Oh, no , we must fix this mess. So, I let him chop off all my hair and we started over again. He has given me a super cute I don't need to be high maintenance super short do. A super sexy and mysterious shaggy bob. To the most recent, I just broke up with my boyfriend, long sexy goddess Victoria's Secret model layers.
My hair is healthier and sexier than it has ever been. He gives me the most natural coco, carmel highlight to complement my chestnut hair. I get asked all the time if they are natural.
You simply must see him!!
You must book your holiday appointment in Oct. at the latest. He's booked solid through the holidays
***************
Just an update, Lucas is the LONGEST completely Monogamous relationship I have been in 6years! I adore him, Jeremiah too, he's adorable.
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I'm really sorry to give this salon a fair rating, because there are so many positive reviews here..I guess it would be fair to give 2.5 stars. I think this is a great place for people who want cuts/color that aren't edgy. I had a cut that did nothing for me from a highly recommended person..very nice person but the cut did not do what I needed it to do (not have poofy sides), and it's not like I was asking for the moon, not hard to get what I wanted. The color ended up being a skillfully applied travesty..took a lot of effort to get it to look worse than when I went in, and the color correction elsewhere is going to be a challenge. I'm not naming names because I don't want to hurt any individual, but I think all these perfect reviews on here give a false expectation about this place.
OK, to be more specific: instead of my natural light brown hair having hightlights and lowlights, I now have almost black hair with some brassy pieces and some other highlights that you can't even see, except for the bottom parts sticking out, so it's a spotty effect. The person tried to tone down the brassiness but after I saw how dark my hair had become I just wanted out of there.
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so i made this account to talk about the assistant(s)... i had a great experience getting shampoo and being helped by rebecca... shes just a great assistant there at renaissance. i just feel bad that her named its being mentioned left and right. come on does she know to do everything, and when i mean everything i mean shampoo every single client and work her self off for the stylist to sit around and do nothing? i feel bad for her and thats why i gave her a good tip. and i want to say thank you for a great experience rebecca. stay on track and you will do great.
i also saw a really stylish stylist there. but couldnt get his name. he seems to do great work so im sure that if you metion you want an appointment with the cute stylist latino boy. they will know who he is ;)
I don't trust many people when it comes to my hair, but I'd let the girls at Renaissance call the shots any time... Michelle was, hands down, the best colorist I've ever been to. My hair is like a freakin' Van Gogh!
I got my hair done (down-do) for my brother's wedding by Lori, who was super cute and friendly. I brought in a pic of what I wanted and my hair came out looking even better!
Plus, I got my hair done at 9:30 am and it stayed in til the end of the night! FANTASTIC.
The place is a little pricey but what salon in the city isn't????
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