I initially called to book an appointment for a cut and color, and Karen helped me through the process. She was very friendly and asked thoughtful questions about my hair, which I really appreciated. When I came in for my consultation, Lynn and Marri were both very transparent about needing two appointments due to the length of my hair. Thankfully, Marri had availability for my color, and I appreciated her taking the time to check. Lynn did my haircut and was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, which made me feel at ease. I was a bit nervous about getting my hair dyed since I don't do it often, but Marri made the experience very comfortable, and everything turned out great. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at this salon and am looking forward to coming back for my future hair needs. I especially loved how intimate and one-on-one the experience felt, as larger salons can sometimes be a bit overstimulating. read more

Artisan Salon - I started with virgin black hair and asked for a lighter brown shade with dimension for the spring and summer season. I love!!!! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Karen was such a pleasure to work with, she gave me the attention my hair needed and spent a solid hour just understanding my history and needs with my hair as a new client. I expressed a lot of insecurity and unsatisfaction with my hair before I came in and she was so nice and brought me a lot of reassurance that I had nothing to worry about. It's been a week after my haircut and I am in love with the new shape of my hair and how my curls are! She did a great job addressing the problem areas I had. I am so thankful she taught me tricks on how to style my curls as they look full of life and shape now. Thank you Karen for the very personable and sweet experience!!! I needed this so bad for my hair!!! read more

Artisan Salon is absolutely incredible!!! I wear a hijab and I haven't had much luck finding a hijab friendly place near me. I needed a salon with good ratings, that due excellent work, people who are culturally sensitive, and a protection. Artisan Salon met all of my needs. I got a layered haircut and chocolate-y highlights. Afterwards, my stylist curled my hair, hair sprayed it, and applied argan oil. She really took care of me. She was absolutely delightful - friendly, sincere, and efficient! I can't put the picture of my hair (for obvious reasons) but I'm uploading the closest image which looks like my cut and style. read more

Artisan Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I never asked for a $25 haircut. I said I could get my hair adjustment done for $25 at another salon, which I did, and proved myself right. I didn't need to pay $79 for the whole jazz. I would on another day. Like I said, it's not about being cheap. I'd gladly pay Lyn to do my hair adjustment with wash and style for $79 when I need it. But like I said, it's not what I needed at the time. And nah, as your salon's very owner, it's YOUR responsibility to curate and maintain relationships with your clients - and anyone you interact with, really - to promote your business and your business's reputation. Calling me back, talking to me like I'm a child, acting like I don't know what I want or what I'm doing - you should've thought about the consequences of your actions and how that would reflect on your business AND the people who work for your salon BEFORE you made that choice. I give out 5-star reviews very easily - look through my whole page, you'll see. You can settle for a bad review, especially after that comment - "Think about who you're affecting when you leave reviews like this" - LOL... You should've thought about who'd be affected before you made those choices. Take a look at that reply, everyone - says a lot about who runs this place! read more

I usually don't write negative reviews, but after two weeks -- and seeing my daughter so disappointed -- I need to share our experience. We showed the exact photo and selected a chocolate brown shade, yet the result came out red and patchy. We were told it would tone down after a wash, but it never did. Considering how pricey it was, I truly expected better. I only agreed because I wanted the best for my daughter, especially since I got my own hair done elsewhere for half the cost and loved the results. Based on what we experienced, I'm honestly not sure why people rave about this place. read more

This salon is great! I went in to get a haircut and a balayage. The stylist I had was Honey. She was amazing! For the haircut, I asked for layers with curtain bangs and I got exactly what I wanted. The balayage I got was cherry chocolate balayage. The color was initially a bit more vibrant than I had anticipated, but they were able to take me in the next day to tone it down and I am so happy with the result! The initial color was still really pretty though (pictures attached)! read more

Artisan Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

See all

Highly recommend Artisan, what a gem! Honey is an artist. She can interpret my verbal descriptions into an optimized reality. That takes technical skill, sophistication, and creativity. She is so welcoming and is lovely to spend time with. Chris is caring and passionate about making sure I can get an appointment. She spent time and effort to find timing that would get me in to see Honey before my important event. She is the puzzle master of scheduling. Clean and pleasant studio, super talented and caring people! read more

I've been getting my hair done with Alyssa for the past 6 years and she is awesome! Always happy with my cut and color :) I really like that she gives me her honest opinion if i bring in an "inspo" pic and brings new ideas to the table too. read more

During my couple visits at Artisan Salon, I noticed how people came in just to say hi to Karen and the other staff or when a client came in, she would introduce them to her entire team. She made sure you knew her team and she obviously is a valued member of this community. I had a consult for a cut and color, which occurred a couple days after. Everything was pretty uneventful and went smoothly that entire time. It wasn't exactly like the pictures but when is it ever? So i was happy with how my hair turned out. Cut to a few days later, after a couple washes, my hair color wasn't panning out exactly as I had thought. So I called the salon and they worked me in that same day. Once I got there, I sat in the chair and Karen, my stylist Honey and a couple other stylists surrounded me and we discussed what I wanted it different. It was collaborative and never felt like it was my fault for not knowing what I want. They all asked me more questions and showed me more pictures to make sure it turned out right this time around... And it did! So I appreciate all the patience and work the Artisan Team did. I see why her clients stick with her and why the neighbors come in just to say hello. I too will be returning for my follow ups there. read more

Went for a haircut with Mari, and absolutely loved the experience! She was very welcoming and warm, it felt like visiting a friend. I showed her photos of the look I wanted and she was carefully checked with me on length and style throughout. Thank you Mari, I'll be sure to return soon read more

I had a consultation for my hair being damaged at another salon and I am super excited to go in next week to have a hair cut and maybe next month have a hair treatment. In addition, I purchased a hair brush, a bottle of leave in conditioner and a hair mask that amounted to over $90. And that with some discount the beauty technician applied towards the purchase! I understand inflation affects all of us, but am I the only one to be astonished by the outrageous high prices???? I hope I will be able to afford the future treatments, coloring or highlights, or otherwise, I'll switch to box coloring. read more

I moved to the peninsula in 2013 from NYC wondering if I'd be able to find an equally high quality stylist as the city is known to have. Karen came highly recommended and has never disappointed. She handles my entire family and their diverse needs with exceptional attention to detail and remarkable skill and consistency. Karen cares deeply about giving her best to every client and is polite, almost to a fault -- well, at least for what a transplanted New Yorker has seen. She also takes great pride in elevating the skills of the stylists she employs, with a significant emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of customer service. read more

I went in for a color and cut last night and my hair looks amazing. Karen T is an amazing colorist and very professional. My hair has never looked better. Prices are similar to other salons, but I felt like I got more. I'll be back. read more

I feel like I got super lucky finding Artisan, especially living so close to the salon. I needed a private room since I wear a hijab and they made it so easy for me to book that. Thankfully their cute salon lends itself to a private room in the back. The ladies here (Karen the owner and Marlo) really took care of me and took my privacy into consideration. I appreciate them so much. You can tell they honor the craft and put a lot of effort into their work. I got highlights and they look amazing! I had a consultation with Karen prior to the appointment and she asked very detailed questions about what I was looking for and was super helpful in the process. I adore her. Can't wait to come back for my cut! 10/10 would recommend. read more

I recently went in for a haircut after I had gotten a cut elsewhere that I was unhappy with. Mari did a fabulous job cutting and fixing my hair! I am glad that I found a new salon that I can rely on read more

After reading the good reviews here, I decided to give Artisan Salon a try. When I called I mentioned that I was looking for purple highlights on my dark hair and they recommended Honey. She did a fantastic job with the purple and I loved how it came out! read more

AMAZING!!! Please read! Booked my hair appointment with my usual lady(that's at a different salon), and to say the least she didn't do what i wanted. I had prom in two weeks and was crying my eyes out. My mom decided to call artisan and my mom was speaking with Karen(the owner) and Karen told us to come in right away. She gave me a hydrating hair mask , and then she also recommended me a hair mask to do everytime I wash my hair, I definitely bought it. It was redkin and works so well. We then talked and could see if she could fit me in, knowing it would be a long process to get me looking normal and in such short notice. We came in and she made it possible for me to take my hood off and not be embarrassed. She did a color correction with another worker named Felene. I could tell they genuinely wanted me to feel confident and look better. Besides that , the whole staff at Artisan is so nice and supportive. After the appointment of my hair , I also booked to get my prom makeup and hair styled by Karen as well. I LOVED it!!! She made me look amazing. I will definitely be coming back. My mom forever lives by saying they are my hair angels. read more

See all

Great salon that I have been going to for 30 years plus. The cuts are fabulous and the color is very natural. I feel very safe with their safety first policy. They are really good at makeup, weddings and wig styling too. read more

Very happy with my haircut here. I was rushed for a haircut before an event when my appointment elsewhere was canceled. Karen was able to fit me in with little notice and gave me great service. I would return here for a haircut and recommend it to anyone who asked. read more

After looking at a few places for a last minute haircut, I decided to go with Artisan Salon based on the response time, pricing (as many places charge a crazy amount and extra for wash/styling), and availability. I was greeted by name when I walked in by Felene and the owner Karen introduced herself, making me feel immediately welcome and at ease since it was my first time there. Felene stimulated clear communication to make sure I would get exactly what I wanted and was super easy to talk to during the appointment. She made sure I liked the length and she curled it beautifully! My experience definitely exceeded my expectations and I recommend Artisan Salon and Felene for a woman's haircut! read more

I found Artisan Salon on Yelp after requesting many salons to help me achieve a specific 80's curl perm look. Artisan salon replied quickly and asked me a bunch of questions about my hair and history and said they can definitely do the look I wanted after many salons told me they couldn't. They gave me a price estimate instantly too and I was very happy about that! Scheduling was difficult because I had just started a new job and also went on a trip at some point and they're always booked but I was able to get an evening slot with Karen and she stayed very late for me on a Thursday and was super flexible When I arrived I couldn't help but to think, "Wow, what a warm and intimate beautiful salon!" I've never see a salon so nice and it was small yet huge! Had more rooms in the back and it was so nice! Karen greeted me and had me fill out this neat little questionnaire about my hair history, hair type, what products I use, how much conversation I prefer, and my expectations for my visit. It was so incredible; it was like going in for a doctors visit! I'd never experienced anything like it before. I've only been to salons before for trims and it was never as in-depth, and I never felt like they wanted to get to know me but Artisan Salon changed that! I had such a relaxing time and al the products smelled amazing and Karen was very gentle and kind and she spoke to me about a lot and we even had a deep conversation as I opened up about my mental health during the pandemic. The results were amazing too! I love my hair so much now! My hair was a little wavy and now I got the curls I wanted to try. I've always dyed and cut my own hair for the most part but Artisan Salon and Karen makes me want to go back for all my hair needs and adventures read more

See all

I had an excellent experience at Artisan Salon. The staff is very mindful of the safety protocols and is going above and beyond to keep you and their staff safe. Here are some things their doing during COVID: - The shampoo area is a quiet zone which limits the need to talk over you. - Everyone wears masks - Items and zones are cleaned as soon as you are done with them - There is hand sanitizer everywhere - They keep windows and doors open - They limit staff and clients so there is less people at the place The haircut was lovely too. The stylist was explaining everything so if I wanted to change something I could. She was patient and took the time to listen to me. read more

Great salon and staff. Very conscientious as it relates to COVID precautions, and I always receive terrific service and a wonderful haircut from my stylist, Alyssa! read more

Artisan Salon - Getting ready for my haircut to kick off spring! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

If you are looking for a confident colorist and stylist in the peninsula look no further! I have gone to edgy places in SF that can't do 1/2 of what Mari did. Mari did the loudest most vibrant red, just as I wanted! I don't want to look like every other brunette on the street, I want loud and proud color like I am. Mari went above and beyond weaving such beautiful highlights and painting subtle soft transitions. The color blends so well with my natural tone so it will grow out nicely. I told her I don't want it to look like a halloween wig but I in no way want a natural color. She nailed it. Also she read my mind with the haircut. It's the length and texture of bob I wanted. I'm used to settling for either a good cut or a good color but not here! Legit the best color and the best cut I have bet had! read more

I got my hair cut by Maricela today and she did a wonderful job! She listened to what I asked for and gave input when I asked for it, and she confirmed what she was doing before she started. There were no surprise costs and she had some great advice. (Edited to add- I was also very happy that they were still observing COVID protocols including mask wearing!) She was very friendly too! I'm very happy with my experience- I'll be back for sure! read more

Karen, the owner of this salon has been coloring, HL and cutting my hair for many years. I can honestly say there is nothing she would not do to make sure her clients left happy and satisfied with her work. She and her staff are HIGHLY knowledgeable. Continued education to keep up with the latest techniques, styles and products is important to this owner and her staff. They are all true professionals in their field. During COVID they have been very mindful of safety protocols and go above and beyond to keep clients and staff safe. I highly recommend Artisan Salon! read more

great salon.Karen is wonderful.She pays attention to details.Have been coming here for a long time.Received highlights ,haircut and blowdry.Super job!! Recommend to everybody. Book your appt. now!!!! read more

This salon is amazing! The products used are only the finest & you can tell by how soft & shiny your hair is when it's done. From color to cut to style ... I've never looked better after a hair appointment w Artisan. I've also had a few color makeup sessions that were phenomenal. It's amazing how beautiful they've made me look!! I highly recommend this salon. All the stylists are super nice as well as Chris who greets you as you come in. Safety & masking is their priority too, so no worries there. read more

I have nothing but 5 stars for Artisan. Their focus is on pleasing the customer ensuring they get the color and cut desired. They are open to the latest trends and work to understand whats important to me. I get lots of compliments on my hair and have referred several friends. The shop is very welcoming. read more

Thanks to Yelp, I've been led to an excellent full service salon with some of the nicest ladies and stylists in the area. I called in to inquire about having a haircut and balayage ombré highlights done to my "virgin" hair. I was able to score a consultation and appointment quickly as Karen the owner put me on the schedule. Parking was a breeze and I walked into the salon for my initial consultation, greeted by Ann who was very sweet and kind. They consistently offer coffee, tea, water to ensure you're comfortable. Ann explained the procedures, did a sample allergy test, talked about color and how it would affect my complexion and pop my eye color. She also explained the types of products to use to extend the life of the color and health of my hair. Then Lynn came by for the color consultation. Apparently Lynn is a master colorist (see Yelp photos of her work) and she is very good at explaining how it will look and ensuring you get exactly what you want. Lynn meticulously explained to Sandra how I wanted my hair and Sandra took notes! Yes, they take notes! Come the next day, I'm in for my 3 hour appointment with Sandra who is super friendly without being overly chatty. Sandra gave me a very skilled layered cut that will show off the highlights. She cut and measured very evenly and I love the style she added to my straight hair. Then the color was painted on using the balayage method and Sandra was very thorough. I went home happy but decided that I wanted an even lighter ombré effect so I contacted Sandra who scheduled me for the next week to add more lights to the ends of my hair. Sandra was very accommodating and understanding, she went out of her way to take care of my requests and did the best job imaginable. I am in love with my new locks and would highly recommend any of the ladies at Artisan. I get so many compliments about my new hair everyday! Artisan is very well organized and often mail in coupons and specials to their loyal customers. They also carry an array of products to keep your tresses looking healthy. I can't say enough good things about my experience at Artisan. Love! read more

Artisan Salon - Hair cut and balayage by Sandra. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I had a complicated *and* vague last-minute request (unusual asymmetrical cut, balayage color for the first time on dark hair, and I didn't know clearly what I wanted). Also needed this done in less than 48 hours. Bless Karen's heart, she found the time to see me despite my own rigid schedule and made this experience worth emerging from my 14-month cocoon. Karen is thorough, knowledgeable, and artistic; she took the time to really understand and help me figure out what I wanted, as well as walk me through the education piece. Her reparative conditioning routine included a massage which gave me a break first break from a two-day headache (and I hear this was the abridged massage, so I look forward to the post-covid version!). I knew getting my hair done is a form of pampering, but this time *actually* felt like that self-care treat I've needed. Karen got my hair to my signature color and really understood and delivered the hair shape I wanted and had been waiting for. This was the best way to return to a salon after so many months shut inside and it's reminded me what I enjoy about getting my hair done. THANK YOU Karen for the epic cut / color / style! read more

I am a new client and amazed by the color expertise of Karen and Felene. I have subtle but radiant highlights and a fabulous A-line cut. Have received numerous compliments. I am very satisfied!!! read more

When I first got to Artisan my hair was a mess...between me dying it myself and going to lesser quality salons I had dry ...uneven Color and the GREY...was killing me. I had a color test done to make sure I didn't have any allergies or reactions...a lot of salons say they do this but at Artisan Your hair is your priority. I love that they keep track of the "recipe" they use for my hair and take notes on the things I say are working or don't work. Currently I'm in a more "Auburn " phase. They help me keep track of my last cut...highlight and and root color (remember the grey). MARI is very professional and sweet and her tips and suggestions have strangers stopping me on the way to Starbucks saying ...and I'm not kidding... "Your hair is so healthy and beautiful" --THIS HAS NEVER IN MY LIFE HAPPENED. My coworkers love the new look and so does my partner!! Thank you Mari for your Magic! read more

I have been coming to Artisan Salon for about 3 years now and can't believe it's taken me this long to write a review for them. I am a male with long (ish) hair, so for me it's sometimes difficult to figure this hair styling out after years of shorter hair. Artisan is the best place for me, and for so many reasons... Their stylists are fantastic. I usually see Karen, the owner, who is my 'go-to' and she always gets it right. Makes adjustments the whole way while asking for feedback. My hair is also straight and they are among the very few who actually know how to texture straight hair using a razor blade, which gets the best 'choppy' results. Their bedside manner is also wonderful. They always are accommodating, finding ways to fit you in even when busy, but never making it feel rushed while you're actually there. And they always offer coffee, cookies, raffle prizes for things, as well as decorating during festive times of year. It is a feel good atmosphere in there always!! Lastly, I cannot believe that the best haircut in this area is also at an reasonable price. In the Bay Area, where everything is expensive, it is always so refreshing to know places that don't try to squeeze everything out of you. Can't say enough about Artisan Salon and all of its staff, special shout-out to Karen :) read more

I wanted a bleach and blue color on the ends of my hair, and since this was the first time I'd been to this salon they booked a consult. The first appointment was cancelled because the stylist had a family emergency. That's fine, life happens. So I rebooked and went in and I showed her what I wanted and the stylist was nice but then said she'd call me back with a price and to make the appointment. Later that day she called back to tell me she didn't feel comfortable doing the job and she was more comfortable with highlights. I really appreciate her being honest that she wasn't comfortable doing it, but it was a complete waste of time, and I was told by other stylists that dye/color is way easier than highlights? Don't show people with colored hair on your site gallery if the stylists can't do it, and don't book me with a stylist that can't do a color job when that was what I asked for at booking. read more

I recently had a haircut here with Mari and it was a great experience! I haven't had a salon that I normally go to in years, but I feel great I found Artisan and they can fill that gap :) I was browsing around places in the area, booked an appointment elsewhere, and last minute had that appointment canceled, so Mari took me in right away since I was about to get engagement photos, and spent a decent amount of time on my hair (I have a lot of hair!). She had great ideas and made sure to get my input, and the haircut was excellent. I also had never gotten highlights before, so she added in some nice color. Mari was super nice and easy to talk to, and every time I came into the salon, the other stylists were so friendly. Thanks Mari for saving my hair! I definitely wanna come back! PS- they are very covid compliant! read more

Very detailed oriented salon. Wanted to try something different only because I now have short hair. Starts off when you enter as a new customer, they hand you a form to fill out about your hair habits. Reminded me of going to the doctors office, but for my hair. On that form my stylist (Sandra) jotted down some notes during our session. Artisan offers 3 different sizes of robes to keep hair off your clothes: s, m/l, l/xl. I'm overall happy with my cut, it's a lot of fun. Just didn't know how much my cut was going to cost, because I didn't see any signage on the walls of price. Ended up costing $58 + tip. read more

I've been having my hair done at Artisan Salon for over 30 years and have had 30 years of compliments about the color, cut and texture -- over 30 years of great hair days thanks to this salon and its amazing and conscientious beauticians .. Great on color and cut and conditioning. Takes a great deal of care when designing the cut and color. The beauty technician will offer multiply suggestions while studing the shape of one's face and skin coloring. In addition to great cuts, conditioning, and coloring, the salon is very safe and comfortable ( coffee,tea water, magazines, wi-fi, and cookies when covid rules permit -- hopefully soon). The salon is very clean and attractively designed ; the beauticians are affable; and the services availabe are numerous -- Excellent products are availabe for hair and skin both for women and men-- Also will do events and make-up -- Great choice for great hair days -- Always satisified with the amazing results address :1228 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo (Parking lot in rear and easy parking in front) 650.350.1313 -- My beautician is Karen (owner/operator) Katherine S. read more

Karen is a stylist / colorist beyond compare! She has been my one and only go to stylist for 34 years and has grown with me as I have gone through each stage of life from being a young mother to whatever comes after that (haha). Karen has always guided me with great patience, expertise, knowledge and attention to look my best and current, resulting in my always having confidence that I am putting my best foot forward. When those special occasions come up like weddings etc., Karen not only has done my hair but make-up too. With Karen guiding me through all these events, needless to say she has also become such a dear friend to me. I cannot recommend her higher. Please Karen, keep me looking my best. Mary read more

5 stars! My stylist Alyssa is the best. She's always super professional and really listens to what's important to me. I knew I was going to be returning when she double checked my hair cut for symmetry when I was sitting down and standing up. A perfectionist hairstylist is exactly what I want. She's also been great giving advice for hair care at home, when I was curious about shampoo with toners and straightening irons. And on a personal level I'm not a super talkative person and Alyssa is A++ for recognizing that, and letting me chill in her chair as she works. She's a great conversationalist too, but I think it's a nice thing to point out if you're a little shy or quiet like I am :) Also check her out on instagram to see more of her work! @hair_by_alyssanava read more