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Shear Irish
Rating Details »
Category: Hair Salons
Neighborhood: Parkside2393 16th Ave
(between Cecilia Ave & Taraval St)
San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 682-8803
- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
Sponsored Result
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"I've been holding back writing a review, because I don't want everyone to flock to "my" stylist and make it impossible for me to get an…" read more »
29 reviews for Shear Irish
So, its taken a little while for me to write this review, but I'm finally getting around to it, 'cause its time for me to go back.
I _love_ this place! Pauline is super sweet and kind and very good with those scissors! I walked in with a very general idea, and felt instantly comfortable with her. So, when she suggested something layered and with pseudo-bangs, I told her to go right ahead. And she did a great job! The haircut was very fun and young and stylist and easy to manage.
Now, in addition to her expertise as a hair stylist, she's also one of the sweetest people I've ever met. I went to her in the first few weeks of my having moved to SF and she made me feel like we were old friends. AND there's free wine.
Bottom line: If you want to go somewhere that's not the same shee-shee, over-priced location with someone who's just as knowledgeable and is also sweet, considerate, and a great conversationalist, then come here. Additional note for the single ladies and gents: she will happily match you up. And she's got a good track record :-)
So I was in desperate need of a trim...my bangs were all over my eyes my curls had gone limp because of the length. My regular girl couldn't get me in so I stopped by Shear Irish. Maggie listened to my very specific requests about my bangs and spruced up my curls. As a girl with coarse, curly crazy hair, my haircuts can make or break my style, but the cut was AMAZING! The blow dry was great too, I left with the softest, cutest baby-doll curls ever. And the style looks great even after a wash at home!
I brought my boyfriend to Maggie as well and he looks SO handsome! Men's cuts can be even more difficult I've heard, but she was fast and efficient as she cleaned up his messy locks to give him a slightly more tailored look.....he looks great!!!!!
Thank you Maggie!!!
I used to go here. I am not sure what happened, but one haircut was really bad (Pauline was getting ready to leave for vacation) and after 2 weeks of trying to deal with it, I called her and told her I just wanted a super short cut. She told me that she would not cut off my pretty curls, and that she would fix whatever the problem was. I went in and she told me that she forgot how she usually cuts my hair, and instead of the A-Line cut, she gave me a regular bob. Which is not good for my super unruly curly hair. So she thinned it out for me. A lot. Actually, when my husband saw me, he asked me "What in the HELL happened to you?" There were literally spots where there was no hair. It was terrible. I went to another place the next day and they chopped it all off for me. They were also in amazement at how bad it was.
Now, my hair is not easy. And I went to Pauline probably 6-8 times before those bad cuts and was very happy with her. But I cannot say that I could ever recommend that anyone else go there.
*Removed portion of review as requested by owner of the business.*
I am editing this review to note that Pauline contacted me this evening via Yelp messaging to let me know that she would have happily fixed my hair in any way she could to make me happy. She was also very upset about part of my review, so I am now removing that part of my review. I can only report on the issues with my haircuts and I was not happy. I could not even go back to work with my hair cut like that. I gave her a chance to fix it, and it was even worse. I did add a star, for the other cuts I got that were good. Sorry Pauline.
For the first time, getting a haircut is a fun experience. A great conversation over a glass of wine, and before I know it my haircut is done! Pauline also has good advice for inexpensive hair products that work as well as the stuff most salons sell.
What? I've been going here over seven years and I haven't Yelped Pauline yet? Apologies, Pauline.
I love love love having Pauline cut and style my curly locks. And that's no easy task. She knows how to do a curl good. When I've gone other places, my hair is pyramid shaped when I leave it curly. But not with Pauline. My hair can be just perfect. Also, when Pauline has highlighted my hair, it looks fabulous for almost a year. (Can't wait to have her highlight again!)
All good things must come to an end...or do they ?
That's what I thought several months ago when Katie left. I'll have to admit, I was a little nervous about having to see another hair stylist. I decided to give Pauline a shot. I know she owns this establishment and comes highly recommended but the thought of having someone else cut my hair brought back memories of Robert De Niro in Taxi driver.
Pauline did an amazing job. She was thorough and gave me a haircut that looked great. Prices are extremely reasonable which means I can come back every 3 weeks or so. I have been seeing Pauline for the last 6 months or so and have been very satisfied. In addition to her skills as a stylist, she's a pretty damn good matchmaker (that's another story). Arpa, who is the other stylist, is also amazing.
The only down side is the commute from Burlingame.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/4/2008
I am REAL picky about who cuts my hair. Having a fair share of 'brutal' haircuts, it's a real… Read more »
I love this place! I got my hair cut right (for the first time in two years and several salons), a decent price, good conversation, coffee, and a cookie. Amateurish criteria? Perhaps. But the fact of the matter is, my hair looks great and I had a wonderful experience while I was there. I don't think you can ask for much more from a hair salon.
I end up getting a haircut once every few months because I'll usually feel worse about my hair coming out of a haircut than I did going in, but whenever I leave Shear Irish, my thick and unruly hair rewards me by continuing its rebelliousness but with style.
Even though the price is a bargain ($15 for a guys haircut) I always leave this quaint school of hair improvement with a smile. Located just off of Taraval on 16th Avenue, entering this Irish-themed hair oasis, the ambiance and friendly service makes it seem like you're going to a friend's place for a haircut (minus the random bald patches that usually go along with that). Pauline is a gem of a lady who deserves all the success that comes her way so if you're looking for a stylish and affordable haircut, this is the place!
Hidden in an unlikely place, this piece of Ireland is probably a piece of heaven. Like most people scarred from past haircut experience, I felt absolutely positive that this place would give me exactly what I wanted.
I had a whim to do my hair differently for summer, and called this place up, and was quickly taken in within the same day. I was thrilled. Upon arrival I was offered something to drink, and I obliged somewhat surprised.
My stylist was Maggie. Have you ever walked out of the salon looking like you didn't spend a penny? This is not the case here. I said, "I don't care really what you do, but I want DRASTIC, but still maintaining professional looks. Maggie walked me through the whole process, and helped me go as drastic as my dark colored hair allowed me.
While Maggie worked on my hair, I could tell she was engrossed in it. She didn't really start conversations much, unless I began them. If anyone is paranoid about their hair, this is a good sign from a stylist: it means she is giving you her undivided attention.
The first thing I liked about Maggie is that once I told her I wanted to get highlights, she didn't ramble about how it kills your hair and dries it out and so on like how many stylists do -- I know what it does to my hair (it makes it look gooood lol) Anyway, after I told her how I wanted my hair she made suggestions considering also what I wanted: if she were to choose a highlight for me the base would be more honey, and so on.
I had no idea how much highlighting would look best with my hair, since it has a unique style. I just left it up to her. She decided to go with the 3/4 highlight around the crown of the head, and I liked how she decided not to do the under back of my hair since not a lot of people would see it anyway. She said, naturally if I did have highlights they would not be in the back so much because the sun doesn't hit it. Made sense. Practical. Very honest. She could have just said, "Yea sure, whatever brings in the dough," but she didn't, and I respect that.
I had highlights and a haircut, which amounted to $140. The woman who referred me said that she got her hair done with a total base color change from black to blonde and highlights all for $45 -- perhaps she meant $145?
I'm not sure what is a reasonable price for highlights on dark hair, but I do know this is the first salon in my entire life I do not mind spending a bit for. My highlights turned out a beautiful shade, just enough to make the look drastic, but no orange tint whatsoever. The cut is as edgy as I want it to be, though I think the bangs are going a little crazy on me. She used a different technique with shears than I'm used to when cutting my bangs, but my hair grows fast so I don't mind.
Overall, I am impressed by the excellent customer service, prompt service, and the quality of the finished hairstyle. I will definitely come again.
I highly recommend going to Shear Irish! I just went and got my hair cut by Arpa and she did an amazing job!! I usually go somewhere in the heart of the city (Financial District or Nob Hill) to get my hair done, but with the economy the way it is I can no longer afford $75+ for a haircut (and regardless of the economy, should we really blow that much on a cut?? Food for thought!). Arpa only charged me $35 and it is better than any of the other haircuts I have had in the city. She told me to tell her EXACTLY what I wanted done and took the time to listen to me. I didn't feel rushed or nervous to say exactly what I wanted.
Their adorable little salon is out in the Sunset area but easy to get to and well worth the drive or MUNI ride. You can take the Taraval bus line and it drops you off right there (Taraval and 16th), or if you have a car, there is EASY street parking.
Please give them a try - you will be very pleased. Also mention I referred you since I am working my way to a free haircut! ;)
Great job, ladies!!
Great hair cut - cheap, fast, looks great, and the community/atmosphere of the salon was great from the very beginning
cheers pauline
great haircut.
You'd think the best feature of this salon is their prices or the ease of parking or the chipper conversation or Pauline's accent or Arpa's talent. You'd be wrong. It's the fact that they believe spending $90 for a haircut is ridiculous. It's a refreshing attitude.
I paid $20 for an awesome blowdry, going back to get my hair cut. I was considering trying out another salon recommended by a friend, but when I was quoted $110, I straight hung up. That's ridiculous. It's HAIR! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE having my hair pampered, but that's just WAY too much.
Arpa and Pauline are really sweet and unpretentious, with quality that surpasses other frou frou salons. Give them a shot, you will be hooked.
Oh, she also does waxing and make up. I haven't tried it, but I bet she's good.
I just love this little gem of a salon in the Sunset. Pauline is wonderful and hospitable, and I love that she keeps up on the current styles. Even gives me a little nudge to try something new now and again, and I'm never disappointed!
If you are looking for a change, call and make an appointment...you won't regret it!
I'm picky about my hair. I want it to be perfect and not too expensive, which is always -- *always* -- a challenging balance to strike. Shear Irish did it for me. I had just moved here from Chicago with a pathetically grown-out, bangs-in-my-eyes version of the hippest haircut I'd ever had (a Vidal Sassoon student's masterpiece), and a drab, faded red-brown color. I needed it fixed up pretty badly. Maggie squeezed me in at 6pm on a Wednesday, offered me a drink when I got there, and took her time listening and talking about the cut and color I wanted, even though I'd shown up late. She cut exactly what I wanted and refreshed my dark brown base color, and when the highlights came out a pretty blond instead of the red we'd discussed (some product problem, not her mistake), she offered to get new color and fix it that weekend. I ended up going back the following Tuesday, and had my coveted bold red highlights in less than 40 minutes -- fixed for free and accompanied by a few great restaurant recommendations.
As for the place itself: it's small, cozy, and feels like getting your hair done in a friend's studio apartment. Everyone is friendly and hospitable (Pauline and Maggie both offered me drinks and cookies while I was there), and comparable in quality to any upscale salon you might find downtown. Except at Shear Irish, you'll avoid the pretentious atmosphere and actually get what you asked for, for probably half the price you'd pay somewhere else (my cut, color, and highlight came to $130 plus tip). If only my hair grew faster, I'd be back here all the time.
I might be biased as an Irish lass, but Pauline is great. The price is always right, and she will charge you less if you come with freshly washed and wet hair.
The haircut is always quick, clean and looks great! If you are tired of the ever-increasing price of chain-salons, give Shear Irish a try!
great place to get your haircut. At one time i was paying 30 bucks to get my hair cut,and I'm a man. Then i discovered Shear Irish and i pay half that, but i still get a great hair cut. If you want to get a good hair cut for a good price this is the place for you.
This was an incredibly shocking experience for me. I searched for a place looking for no bad reviews and a neighborhood location. When I went there, the owner had me look at style books (I've never done that!) despite me saying what I wanted. The owner proceeded to first use electric clippers up the side of my head. One swipe and the damage was done so I just sat it out. Clippers haven't touched my hair in many years and I didn't think they were used anymore except for "high and tight" cuts. I now have the shortest hair (Up to 4 inches was cut off and my hair is the shortest it has been since I was in basic training. It's one thing to have a bad flower arrangement or meal but this cut can't be corrected and it is the restaurant equivalent to food poisoning. I'm sure the owner could get a job at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego.
so lesson learned: don't let your boyfriend 'trim' your hair. he may mistake your 'please cut just below the shoulders' for 'hunny, cut it above the shoulders." huge difference. i really needed to fix up this hair cut my darling tried helping me with, and maggie at this place was a miracle worker. i love the cute, homey feel of this salon, and it's super convenient for me. little head massage while getting a wash, and she really worked with what i had in mind, just a trim since my lovely length was shattered, add in lots of layers to soften it up. awesome. (and great prices)
If you want a hip look see Arpa!!
I was looking for a new hairdresser for a year. My old hairdresser was alright but her conversations were dry and no matter when I wanted to change my hair came out the same layered look. Until one day Arpa came up to me on the street when I was on the way to school and handed me a flyer. She gave me a whole new hip look and although I was skeptical about it first I never stopped getting compliments for the past 2 weeks. And by the way her conditioning treatment is amazing. It made my hair feel like silk and it's all included. And at the end she didn't leave me hanging and flat ironed my hair.
I usually get my haricut at Salon Miel these days, but sometimes I miss appointments, sometimes Melvin is in far off locales doing god knows what, and sometimes, I just want a trim. Or sometimes I miss Pauline's easy natured conversation and the cold Budwieser I can expect upon sitting down in the chair.
Also, Shear Irish is literally like 2 blocks from my house. It costs more for me to park at a garage for a haircut at Miel than the entire haircut itself at Shear Irish.
Pauline always does a great job, and I just have normal hair. I hear her real specialty is curly crazy hair. So if that's you, check it out.
I absolutely love this hair salon. I always come out with a great haircut, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxing. Pauline also encouraged me to donate my hair to Locks of Love, an organization that provides wigs to children who've lost their hair because of chemotherapy. I highly recommend Shear Irish to anyone looking for a great cut and some fun conversation at super reasonable prices.
Pauline is great. She gives me good-looking, fast, reasonably-priced haricuts, and she's always fun to talk to. She even offers me a beer everytime, though I'm always going to work out after the haircut and never take her up on it. Her shop is also too cute. I'll be a loyal customer for a long time.
Younger, zippier, taller, sophisticated, adorable. Sudden appearance of cheekbones that I don't actually possess. Polished. That's how I look after my trip this afternoon to Shear Irish. I went in for a cut. What I got was a transformation and truly, the cut God, the Universe or whatever you call it has always intended for my head, neck and newfound cheekbones. RUN, don't walk, RUN to Shear Irish. The talented Maggie- who incidentally TEACHES haircutting in her spare time, looked at the picture I brought, sized up my baby fine, pin straight, broken hair, asked a few other key questions to crystallize my vision and worked her magic. The final result was like the picture I brought only better- tweaked ever so slightly to really WORK. Take THAT Vidal Sassoon and every other pricey salon in this city! Shear Irish, with your charming venue, talented Maggie, reasonable rates and lovely vibe you have won a customer for life!! and Shear Irish evangelist. I too would give it a 10!!
shear irish is a hidden gem in the sunset. it is a neighborhood salon with two women- paula the owner and apra the new stylist- who do amazing work. and if she asks ya if ya want a beer, just say yes.
So glad I found this place - recommended by a friend who's haircut I like. Pauline is a great hostess as well as hairstylist. She had cut and colored my hair, and cut my daughters. She made it a nice experience for each of us. A plus for me is that you don't have to schedule 4+ weeks in advance. Highly recommend.
Cash only. If you forget, you can head down to the Safeway on Taraval with your ATM card. Just a block away.
tucked away in an enchanting little irish cottage is a fabulous hairstylist, pauline!
i lucked out and found her today when i desperately needed a talented stylist who could correct the horrendous color job i was given at a different salon earlier in the morning...imagine having your golden blonde hair turned into leopard spotted, splotchy, brown streaks with hints of ashy grey and that was me this morning...sniff, sniff :(
my story has a happy ending though because pauline fixed the damage quickly (and affordably), and even offered me a beer to relax after the stressful morning i'd had!
so happy to have found this talented lady and her charming salon right here in my neighborhood...
Pauline, the owner, is great, sensible, comfortable, and gives a great haircut. I really enjoy going to this salon!
Although I though pauline was a doll and this place was as cute as a button I walked out with orange hair, seriously bright orange hair. I had great highlights that I get from my regular expensive stylist in Burlingame and thought I would try and save a few bucks getting just my roots done here in the meantime. I was hesitant when I looked in the mirror and she even looked a little nervous but I didn't know the extent of it until I came home. My fiance who usually sugarcoats everything told me it was flat out horrible and my sister just laughed at me. The top three inches of my hair was pumpkin orange and then the rest was still pretty blonde highlights. I am not exaggerating and it cost almost $100!! I called the next day and she said she would fix it for me but I came out looking worse, now my whole head had an orangish tint. She was even weary about it and basically didn't say much as she knew it looked like crap. I ended up having to hide in my apartment for two days and then spent almost $300 in corrective color where they still couldn't get all of the orange out. It was the most mortifying experience ever. Again, I thought Pauline was super nice but it's not worth it to have my hair destroyed.
arpa is a color genius! i have been getting my hair done by her now for over a year, and have never been happier with how my hair looks. she does cuts really well too! i also like the shear irish salon- the owner is great and it's a cool little place with a fantastic vibe. it's really cozy, and if everybody's busy-they are worth the wait. they do really good clipper cuts for men too!
