Urban Roots

 

7

41

Deep C.

San Francisco, CA

From the first time she chopped my mop, I new she was the one.  No one else will touch these lovely locks of mine.  I have been getting my hair cut by Lisa since Web 1.0.  She has always managed to give my dome the perfect cut.  Her haircuts transcend style, they are downright magical.  When I walk out of Urban Roots with a fresh new 'do, it's like I am wearing a magic cloak.  A cloak that gives me the confidence and strength to take on the world.  Yes!  Getting your haircut by Lisa the hairstylist is very much like replenishing your soul!  It is beyond amazing!  I love my hair, I love Lisa, I love Urban Roots!  Go there now!

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14

32

Anthony B.

San Francisco, CA

I love Lisa, but we didn't see the hame vision of my hair. She cut it too short and styled it very oddly, with it looking a lot like a flat top which I just didn't get.

The appointment was at 5pm but she didn't get to me until 45 after. Everyone was unbelievably sweet and the salon is cute as hell, however, that's not what matters in a great haircut. I love Urban Roots' product line and how my hair felt in the end though but I won't be coming back until I'm severely disappointed and feel like giving it another shot...

4 stars because of how impressed I was by the feel, look, cleanliness, and friendliness and  I know many people that swear by her, but I really feel that the way things went down in a way very mediocre.

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12

11

Kia S.

Oakland, CA

Just as errbody know, Miss Lisa is the most talented, congenial dear in SF.  She gives cuts that make will make even the dreamiest of dreamboats fall into your clutches.  Personal attention, hilarious stories, and a warm vibe make Urban Roots the best salon around.

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30

14

Ania K.

San Francisco, CA

Lisa just cut off most of my hair.  When she handed me my 14 inch long ponytail, I screamed. Then she laughed at me a whole lot. Then she proceeded to give me the haircut of a lifetime. The kind of haircut that makes you want to go play with yourself.  Who could ask for anything more?

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0

1

Joan G.

Daly City, CA

I got my hair cut a few days ago. It needed some serious de-bulking and a little spicing up, and that is exactly what Lisa did. The bay area has too many wasted salons with too many people who do not know how to work with hair, but some how have a license. Lisa, on the other hand, did a fantastic job, and really knew how to do things right. The best part is that I didn't worry when she was cutting my hair. Usually I get paranoid when I go to a stylist for the first time. There's a reason why she has strictly 5 stars on yelp. THANKS VERY MUCH LISA, YOUR WORK IS AWESOME.

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2

26

Leah O.

San Francisco, CA

Oh my golly gosh...I think I'm in love.

I'm African with relaxed hair, I'm new to the city and I've noticed there seems to be a distinct lack of good hairdressers in the city. Went to Hairplay but quite frankly Denise would do well with a slap for her propensity to trim your hair without asking.

Fret no more, Lisa is fantastic! 5 stars on yelp ain't easy and she's done it.

My hair isn't the easiest to handle but she did a great job was so friendly and chatty I barely read my book. And she's near me.

Stick a fork in me I'm done, I need never see a different hairdresser in this city again.

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7

4

Aryn Y.

Oakland, CA

I was super nervous because I was cutting my very long hair to donate it and my hair was going to become very very short. I havent had short hair since kindergarten when i sported the bowl cut... not very flattering. Lisa was great... she made the experience very enjoyable and my hair came out great! I've never had a hair place that I go back to over and over again, but I will go back to Urban Roots for Lisa!

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Elite '08

377

277

Jill K.

San Francisco, CA

I honestly can't find the words.

In a nutshell: Lisa is the coolest person ever. Aside from being a fantastic stylist/colorist - don't worry, i'll get to that in a second - she is absolutely one of the most down-to-earth, sweet, enjoyable people I've ever met. This is made even more impressive by the fact that she combines her time at her studio with working at fashion and runway shows - she has amazing credentials but is completely easygoing and a blast to chat with. Best of both worlds, if you ask me. I also love that it's just Lisa there at the studio, so much more personal - a far cry from the hoity-toity-uber-hip salon environment where 10 people working are working on you.

Every single thing about about my experience at Urban Roots was phenomenal... from the gorgeous building and adorable studio (love the exposed brick)... to the excellent scalp massage... to the golden, natural highlights... to the great, voluminous cut... I feel fantastic. My hair looks and feels healthy. I got two compliments the next day from people who had no idea I'd been to the salon. That's pretty rad, if you ask me. Another great thing is how Lisa helped me adjust my side part so it suits my hair's growth pattern, working with my hair rather than against it.

Thanks, Lisa. You are awesome awesome awesome. I know I'm gushing like crazy but trust me, you'll know exactly what I mean when you go to see her. Also, you should note that she has a lot of male clients as well, so I'd recommend Lisa to anyone!

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6

26

Adri F.

San Francisco, CA

I love Lisa!  She does my family's hair (brother in law, sister, sister's sister in law) and does a great job.  She is skillful, creative, and fun to talk to.

She does on site and in studio stuff, so she is very versatile.  She also did my sister's hair for her wedding.  It looked great, and she really communicates with her clients on a creative level.  You will always get what you want and need!

Love you, Lisa.  See you soon!

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16

11

Martina R.

San Francisco, CA

Lisa is one of the most down-to-earth hairstylists of all time, no doubt! She took my frumpy long long hair and turned me into a mod stunner!

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0

1

jrig R.

San Francisco, CA

I could just write "ditto" for all of the other reviewers.  Lisa's the best.  Her salon is fab, she has lots of ideas about products, and she's done my curls right.

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13

16

jen w.

San Francisco, CA

I met Lisa through Eric, a co-worker from SF weekly, back in the day when she was still working 'for the man'. And can I say thank GOD that I found her?!@#  By that point, I had lived in SF for 8 months and had my hair butchered more than I want to admit (one time I was under the influence of one too many bloody mary's in the mission - NUFF SAID).

So I've been with Lisa to this day...4 years in the making. I made the naive mistake of "getting a trim for $20" when I went home to visit family & as usual - they have no idea how to cut Asian hair. She instantly questioned me when I sat down in the seat; I blushed & repented to the gods for doing it. I also made the mistake of saying the word "mullet" in her presence - that's a big NO NO!

I place my hair in her hands every single time I go in there & every single time, I walk out - feeling lighter & sasson beautiful. Lisa has an uncanny instinct for the eventual evolution of your/my hair. Not to mention, she knows how to handle the texture & unruliness of Asian hair - which is RARE.

Lisa rocks!

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2

5

Jesus G.

San Francisco, CA

Can't say enough good things about this place. My curls have been screwed way too many times by different people throughout history. When I sat down with Lisa she had it down by me just saying "i need them trimmed". She was fast, super easy going and before I realized it, my hair was perfect.

She will be my hairstylist from now on! Price is actually very reasonable. In St. Louis, MO (sorry sorry, we had to live there for a year and a half) salons acted like they had never seen curly hair, the obligatory ' washed-out-midwest-cheerleader-way-too-many-m arlboros' stylist always gave me the 'WTF" look and simply decided to butcher my hair for $75.

Lisa also gets extra points and gold stars for how adorable the salon is. It is charming, comfortable, private and personal. None of the stylists dressed in black posing like a Nip Tuck promo while bad Muzak violates your ears over here. Urban Roots gives you the feel of your friend cutting your hair on a saturday afternoon...

Love it...if you have curly hair, this is the ONLY stylist you need!

Thanks Lisa!

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0

3

Kelly O.

San Francisco, CA

Lisa is just GREAT, and I would definitely recommend her.  I met Lisa in a personal setting, and since I'd just moved here and needed a hairstylist, I took a leap.  She gave me the best haircut I've had in years, and I got more compliments than I can count.  She's great with curls, and it was a really quality haircut.  And, her prices are also great.  I got a better, cheaper haircut than what I'd been getting in downtown Chicago.  So with all that, how can you lose?  Plus, she just got the online appointments up and running, which makes it easy to schedule at a convenient time.

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26

9

Sandy C.

San Jose, CA

Lisa is a SUPERSTAR hairstylist.  I've known her for quite a few years now, and she is always the first person I call whenever I need my hair done.

This girl works her magic with pretty much any hairstyle imaginable...
whatever she does, she listens to what you want, and then incorporates her own creative flavor into it -- and it always comes out looking better than originally imagined.

I always have the utmost confidence in her expertise -- Trust me, this woman knows what she is doing!!  I absolutely love Lisa, she is such a talented woman who is also extremely down to earth and a pleasure to be around.

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17

7

Theresa T.

San Francisco, CA

Lisa rocks!  She cut my hair exactly the way I wanted it and explained everything to me as she went along so I wouldn't get anxious.  Lisa has a very open and mellow demeanor and she's very friendly and fun to talk to.  And the shampoo massage is sooooooo good!

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2

11

meaganne m.

San Francisco, CA

Lisa totally fixed my hair disaster that I got at another 5 star salon..I was willing to strip all the color out and go nuts but she advised against that and preserved the shiny-ness of my hair. She is mellow and laid back and knows her stuff..she's great at braiding and extensions too, including the clip in kind. And yes, her prices are reasonable.
Her studio is on 10th near Mission, not a bad neighborhood but be careful not to leave anything in your car even during the day, including your gps system; mine was stolen around 6-7pm in daylight right infront of a busy scooter shop. Don't let that deter you, just keep your goods tucked away.

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Elite '08

127

302

Lise L.

Oakland, CA

UPDATE:
Several months later, Lisa is my one and only for cut and color. My highlights always come out perfect and the cut is always gorgeous.

Preggy gals (and chemically sensitive folks) take note: Lisa works alone in her studio. That means no fumes from a nail station or a perm next to you - the air is clean and safe to breathe.

ORIGINAL:
I pretty much instantly fell in love with Lisa (in a heterosexual girl crush kinda way).

Lisa was recommended to me as someone to help me plan out my updo for my wedding overseas. We set up  an appointment entirely over email (a huge plus for me since I work in a cubicle with no privacy)  and she was very easy going about the slew of emails I sent with photos and examples of what I like.

I walked into the small welcoming space, and within ten minutes she knew exactly what I needed to make the most of the shape of my face and hairline. Thats when the crush began.

As she pulled my updo together, she stopped along the way to take a bunch of photos to show the stylist in Scotland the step by step to acheiving the look. After the appointment, she pulled together a full on guide illustrated iwth the photos and sent in an email I can forward on, once I finally find someone over there.

The updo Lisa created was very flattering, pretty and adaptable. She gave me suggestions for hair jewelery and talked me through product choices.

After how great that appointment was, I ended up going back to Lisa to get my hair trimmed and colored, with highlights. She did a beautiful job and was very affordable. She also works very flexible hours.

Lisa is not hugely gregarious, yet is warm friendly and approachable, and I love that about her. I tend to be quiet in the chair, and that was ok. But, I also found myself chatting far more than usual since she is an interesting gal with a fun range of interests.  It felt more like a fun social event than the usual chore of getting my hair done.

I will definitely be back!

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5

11

Miss N.

San Francisco, CA

I started with Lisa by happenstance some four years ago. From the first cut, I knew she'd be doing my hair for as long as she's in SF! She's helped me achieve many looks through the years. Never dissapoints!

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3

9

amy f.

San Francisco, CA

most fitting haircut...in years? ever? i don't know, but i am loving it... let's start from the beginning...

i too discovered Lisa on Yelp. i instantly emailed her to make an appointment. her response was nearly instant. we went back and forth a few times until we got the date/time perfect...she was very accommodating.

i took the bus down to 9th, and walked over to 10th. The place is kind of hard to find...it's in an old brick building without a sign. you have to buzz her to get in. oh..and watch out for parking. the lady who was there before me had her car towed. yikes.

after I buzzed in, I walked up a set of wooden stairs...came to the door with a very cool silver sign that read "urban roots." found it. excitement started to churn in my stomach as i walked down the narrow hallway...what an adorable space.

(okay. I'm going to be honest here...because i think it's really funny. if you take it the wrong way, well, that's your problem....)

at the end of the hallway i see lisa putting extensions in an "african-american" woman's hair. lisa herself is a woman of color. Oh shit. i thought. "Urban Roots." i imagined the two women turning around and laughing their asses off at me.. thinking, "you silly little white girl." i sat down on the bench and waited. what was i going to do? i didn't want extensions too! i just wanted a hair cut!

eventually, it was was my turn. i liked lisa instantly. she had a warm smile and a casual attitude. i felt like we had been friends for years. i told her that as long as she kept it feminine, and not too short, she could do whatever she wanted. we talked and laughed the entire time...and after a while, she was finished.

i can't tell you what a great experience it was. not only did i walk out with one of the best haircuts i have ever had, i think i might have made a buddy.

oh...and her prices are too cheap if you ask me, but hey, i'm not complaining. i'm going back in a couple of weeks to get color...i can't wait.

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0

1

Courtney E.

San Francisco, CA

I got a yelp account just to give a glowing review to Lisa at Urban Roots.
My best friend, who, luckily is also a top notch stylist just moved back to Chicago. : (
I have never been to another salon. After reading some reviews here on yelp I immediately made an appointment with Lisa. She was available to see me on short notice which is amazing because it is ONLY her!
Honestly I had no idea what I wanted to do I could have gotten a trim or go short. I was aimlessly looking through magazines while waiting. But as soon as we started talking she read me (my personality and hair needs) and gave me EXACTLY what I wanted! I have the sexiest hair ever and she did it all with a razor. Which to me it talent. Plus, we had great conversation the entire time!
I agree with the other reviews she is a very grounded, down-to-earth person which makes the name "urban roots" a fitting description of her personality.
Not only  was I able to store my bicycle in the salon but she sent me home with a helmet! Not only does she make my head beautiful but protects it too! We had a pretty good laugh.
I am almost afraid to share her with the yelp world cause I want her all for myself! I refuse to go to anyone else in SF.

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0

8

Carol O.

San Francisco, CA

After reading the reviews on Yelp I went to Lisa for a cut and color.  I'd been cutting and coloring my own hair for several years and needed a professional job done to it.  Well, Lisa did just that!  I wanted something completely different and since friends who've known me for years didn't recognize me at first I'd say I got it!  I had an idea of something I may want but wasn't sure, didn't even know what color.  Lisa knew just what would look good on me and she changed my hair  from medium length, blonde to Short Red w/ a few streaks.  I've received numerous compliments and I love it.

Plus, she is quick, very - very reasonablly priced,  enjoyable to spend time with and her salon is very cool and comfortable.  All in all I don't have any complaints and recommend her to anyone :)

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0

7

TJ B.

San Francisco, CA

WOW I never had my hair so soft and colored so well. My hair was in terrible condition and Lisa made me look like a million dollars. My hair looked so natural I cannot get over it.  Thank you Lisa for being the best.  I will always be a loyal patron.

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5

9

Johnny W.

San Francisco, CA

Woooooooooooo Weeeeeeeeeee that girl can cut some hair!  Thanks Lisa! I will definitely be back!

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1

13

jay t.

San Francisco, CA

I heart Lisa.  I want to be Lisa when I grow up.  How does one girl get so cool?

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3

17

D R.

San Francisco, CA

This is one of the most awesome hairdressers I have ever met in my life and I spare nothing when it comes to my hair--
She does all the commercial shoots around time and squezees in time for her clients and you get her undivided attention as she works her magic!!  She can do any style whether your have dreds or butch or SoCal style.  Color? THE BEST!  Natural or OUT THERE! Whatever your gig is.  She works in a Historic Building that looks like a movie set-- it used to be a BATH HOUSE at the turn of the century!  REALLY!  It says it on the tower!  "James Lick Baths" REALLY could I make that up???  Once you go to LISA-- you will have been DONE.  Now the secret is out!  YOU ROCK GIRL!  Signed, A Fan!  Oh, did I mention the shampoo massage?  Don't stop PLEAZE

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0

3

Jill S.

San Francisco, CA

Lisa hooked me up!!  I called her last minute because my hair needed a couple of quick fixes before vacation.  She let me come in the next day and gave me a great cut - one of those that looks great now and will grow in even better.

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