The Strand
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights409 Locust Street
(between California St & Sacramento St)
San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 567-1911
- Hours:
Mon 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Tue-Wed, Fri 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Thu-Fri 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
21 Reviews for The Strand
One of The Strand's Favorite Reviews
I have been to several salons and spent countless dollars searching for the perfect colorist. I have stopped women in the street, asked them for their stylist's phone number and booked an appointment. I am never totally happy with the way it looks when its over!
Here are some brief highlights (Ha! Pun intended!)-I will spare you all of the details:
I used to see David at Blend salon who could make my brown hair look like a natural auburn, but David would spend hours chatting and not coloring so it became too painful to get my roots touched up... I never knew how far into the next ice age it would be when I finally got out of his chair.
Then I moved over to a stylist who shall remain nameless at Di Pietro Todd on Fillmore. She was good (less chatty than David) but did not like coloring me auburn so I would walk out without the look I wanted). And, what the !@$ is up with not getting a blowdry included in my $120 one-process color (way too expensive in my opinion). Also, at DPT I always felt like a loser becuase I didnt have tatoos or go to Burning Man every year, and I like getting my long hair cut at Super Cuts for $15 (I mean, why would I pay someone $75 when it is a cut I could do in my own bathroom if not for being deterred by the mess created on the floor??).
So, for the first time in my adult life, I went on hair color hiatus. For two long, colorless years.
I was ready to get back in the game when I found Jay at Strand Salon. There was no attitude in the place, they had really cute cookies with jelly-filled centers under a cake plate on a table by the door (totally not relevant, but it was really cute!), and Jay was great.
We talked about what I wanted for my hair for a good 15 min before he even went back to mix color. He even threw in a deep conditioning treatment and (shocking!) a free blow dry (oh yeah, most places do that).
I loved the result and at $70 for the whole shebang (I didnt get a hair cut) I can afford to go back in 6 weeks!
Thanks, Jay!
I had such a great experience here on Sunday. I had an Aveda gift certificate and wanted to finally get rid of my gray hairs, so I researched the salons I could use my gift certificate at (on Yelp), and The Strand seemed like the one with the most positive reviews. It was the perfect atmosphere- friendly but not too chatty, warm, intimate, and relaxed. The owner (Kristy?) had an adorable daughter, puppy, and husband coming in and out, and the other hairdresser (Jay, I'm guessing) seemed like he had such a great rapport with both of the clients I saw him with that day. No one thought it weird that my husband came in to bring me a latte and hang out, and Kristy's husband even offered him (and me) more coffee. My hair looks great too, by the way. The perfect shade, and no more grays!
Jay is THE BEST! He is a genius with color and a wizard with the shears! I LOVE being able to just sit down in the chair and leave the whole matter in Jay's capable hands and creative mind!
Seriously, if you want to meet a great stylist you can trust when you say "Please don't cut it too short" and know they will ACTUALLY listen to you- then I highly suggest you give The Strand a call and schedule an appointment with Jay Long. You won't regret it! Especially if you like to be a redhead! I've posted a picture from last week's visit (3/11/08) on my profile page!
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I went here recently and did not get the cut I had in mind. It's way shorter than I asked for and I'm disappointed. He did a fine job, not uneven or anything, but be careful, because I guess I didn't spend a long enough time detailing what I actually wanted and my stylist ran with it in the wrong direction.
Jay is an incredibly talented stylist!!! He did a wonderful job with my hair, and was also extremely patient!
I went into The Strand a few weeks ago not really knowing how to describe what I wanted done. Jay walked me through the process, and made sure he got it exactly right! My hair looks gorgeous!!! Jay is without doubt one of the best stylists I've been to in SF!!! Definitely check out The Strand and book an appointment with Jay!
I have had *excellent*experiences all around here. Kristy gives a great cut/styling and excellent advice on how to revive tired hair. Marie did an incredible up-do on me for the Black and White Ball that was elegant and lasted the whole night :)!
And eerything is done in a casual, comfortable environment.
Look at my hair. 'Nuff said. ;)
Kidding, kidding. Kristy has been cutting my hairs for a couple years now and I must say that I am quite a happy client. Me and my hair always seem to walk out of her comfy, clean salon happy and feeling refreshed (and stylish!). Before being united with Kristy, I went through various stylists who didn't know what to do with my thick, straight as a boy outside of SF hair. Asian she is not, but Kristy sure knows how to cut an asian girl's do. I'm proud to say that I now rock a pretty cool bob that I wouldn't trust anyone else with. Thank you Kristy for your "vision" and bravery for bringing me and "bob" to a whole new level. ;)
On a more serious note, the prices are reasonable for a nice salon and you never have to worry about having to make non-stop convo with Kristy. She isn't super chatty like some stylists who you make you want to steal their scissors and (insert violent action that I can't think of here - because I'm so nice).
Thank you Kristy!
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Kristy is great. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's the best cut and colour I've had in years. Thankyou! And, judging by the customers next to me, Jay is also pretty handy with the colour, scissors and drier. The atmosphere is easy - not stuffy or over-fussy.
I'll be back...
Oh my gosh!! Kristy did an absolutely amazing job on my hair!! I needed help because I cut my own bangs (i know ..i know..) and my head was a total mess. She fixed it and made it look fabulous!!! She trimmed off all my ugly split ends and gave me beautiful layers. She cut off just enough, not too much so I still have the length I wanted. Thanks to all the great reviews on here, I found The Strand and i couldn't be happier!! Yay!
I had a great experience with Kristy here. I was very honest with her about how infrequently I get my hair cut or colored, and she was able to give me highlights/cut that work for me. She recommended some great Aveda products, too. I payed more than I like to, but she is worth it. Very sophisticated, relaxed experience.
Peggy is absolutely wonderful! She is the best at what she does and her work is never complete until her client is happy and satisfied! She has been coloring and cutting my hair for years and I always feel good when our session comes to an end. She listens to what I want and also gives great feedback on what would work well with my hair. She color weaves multiple colors into my hair almost every visit and my highlights always look fabulous!!!
I am only one of many clients Peggy has that go many years back, and it's obvious why - she builds great relationships with those she comes in contact with. I love Peggy and would never see any other stylist.
I also think very highly of The Strand too! It is a very clean and relaxing environment. I love that Kristy always has the best cookies out for all the clients to enjoy! The service and atmosphere makes this salon the best in town!
I have been here twice, and both times have left me feeling much happier about my hair. Kristy is a wonderful stylist...she doesn't rush you in and out. I feel relaxed enough to just sit back while she works wonders on my hair.
I also appreciate that this salon uses Aveda products and colors, which are less toxic for the scalp and the world.
First off, let me say that my new haircut is a pain in the ass. The slightest hint of moisture and the 'do that took me 30 minutes to dry and flat iron razor straight is returning to its natural wave faster than you can say "round brush".
When I walked in for my first appointment with Kristy (on a Monday no less.. I mean who's ever heard of such a thing?!), she took one look at me and said "girl you don't have a forehead, you have a five-head. You need bangs and a lot of thinning of that mop you call hair".
OK, she didn't really say that, but she did say, in a very nice way, that I would benefit from bangs. I explained that I didn't like to put a lot of goop in my hair or spend a lot of time doing it. She said she didn't think what she had in mind would take that much time. I said OK. She started chopping away.
It took me about a week to incorporate bangs back into my life. In that time, I've gotten dozens of compliments. People profess to not recognize me. They say I look younger. Even when it's in its waving "au natural" state. My boyfriend thinks I look naughty. And the true test: A guy I met at a party said "Girl, you tell Miss Thing (meaning Kristy) that a bitchy gay hairdresser said that your hair is amazing."
So Miss Thing, if you're reading this, all the work I have to put into this mop is worth it. Because apparently, I look amazing.
Thanks!
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Everyone else is right -- Kristy is *great*! I was just in San Francisco visiting, but was in desperate need of a hair cut -- and I have very difficult hair (thick, very textured), so am always hesitant to try a new stylist. After surfing Yelp for a bit in the morning, I called The Strand to see if there was, by any chance, and opening that day. Kristy was able to get me in around lunch time!
She gave me a fantastic cut with some tips on how to deal with my hair in the extreme humidity of where I actually live (south Texas). If I ever move to SF (hopefully!), she will definitely be my regular stylist.
Open-minded, confident, cool and fun. Kristy is WAY talented. After having gone to the SAME hairdresser for 7 years, it was a new and somewhat daring experience on my part. Kristy at The Strand chose the right color, the right products and helped me walk away feeling fresh and anew!
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I've been coming here for over a decade. All the stylists are amazing but my stylist Kristy is the 'intuitive hair aficionado'. In fact, i just give over my hair completely to her and let her figure out what needs to happen... the results are impressive but i'm not the only one who thinks so because i constantly have people ask me where i get my hair done. Kristy knows just what YOU need but is certainly not forceful about it... her skill and magical ability will transform you. Not to mention that the soothing environment keeps you coming back for more (and they work on Sunday, amazing!)
So I grew out my hair SUPER long for my wedding. I swear, I had a mop for a head. It was definitely time for a cut. I was desperate. "Where should I go?" I asked myself. Thankfully, Yelp was there to answer my inquiry; it saved me. After some extensive research, I made an appointment at The Strand. The reviews said Kristy was awesome, so Kristy had to be the one for me. She cut cut cut away. She left it long, but helped take the weight away. I loved it when I left, but it was only after I was literally stopped on the street multiple times regarding my great hair, that I became obsessed. Just go and see for yourself. Oh, and Kristy, if you read this, THANK YOU!!
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Okay...so my friends kept telling me how much younger I looked after my extreme hairdo from lonnnggg to a "bob". So, of course I wanted to see how much "younger I would look with a much shorter "do".
I'm running around and got so incredibly hot and tired of my overgrown "bob" and made an emergency "does Kristy have an open spot today, or I'm going to shave myself bald!" call? And sure enough she had time for a quick cut within an hour's time.
So I saw a couple of friends this morning and now they tell me I look "14". YESSSSSS!!!! That was the response I wanted!!! Kristy is THAT GOOD!!!!
The only reason I would go to Laurel Heights is this place.
Kristy did the boldest thing a hairdresser could ever do...cut about 10 inches off of my head and feel confident enough to make it fly. And she did an awesome job!!! I walked out of there in smiles and will walk back in another time, I think I just found my new hairdresser!!!
Thanks to Kristy!!! Good background music to sooth the soul, too.
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Wanna look like a rockstar without having to be broke and on tour with a few stinky guys in a van? Check out Kristy at The Strand, she's a stylist who's artistic side shows through. If you need to have a toned down look during the day and want to take it up a notch when you go out she can give you a cut that does double duty.
Give her a call if your inner rock star is screaming to get out!
kristy is a shaman for the hair.
she literally healed my lifeless shag in the matter of hours, restoring me to the realm of the urban woman.
This was the best Haircut I've ever had. Kristy did a great job!
The salon is really cool, good music, no weird attitude...
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