If you were looking for a sign to book with Marc, DO IT!! Marc is both an artist and perfectionist- when he says you will leave the salon feeling like the best version of yourself, he means it. He's helped me transform my thick brown hair to the prettiest ash blonde, and I couldn't be happier! He has been doing my hair for over 6 years now- from highlights, cutting layers/ bangs, and keratin treatments. I am so grateful for all of the time and care he has put into my hair over the years! Aside from being such a gifted hair stylist, Marc is also one of the best people I've met. The salon itself is very clean and has a chic aesthetic. Everyone at the front hair stations were also friendly. read more

Here's where I have trouble w/ this "salon"... Calling ahead on Friday, I asked if they accepted walk-ins. Emma- who answered the phone- said, "Yes." When I got there in an hour, Emma says something about a client coming in "soon," and if (I can) "come back after 4(pm). I couldn't. Shortly after I left, I decided it's probably better to come back and make an appointment. Which I did. That Sunday, I showed up with a couple of picts for USE as INSPIRATION. IDK if Emma was REALLY paying attention to what I WANTED because somewhere she managed to turn the whole thing into what SHE wanted. Yes, there were things we TALKED about- such as keeping the LENGTH to JUST ABOVE/ BARELY TOUCHING my shoulders. But that DIDN'T HAPPEN. At first, I thought I should "trust the process." HUGE mistake! From the GATE, Emma was forgetful, scatter-brained, make weird requests -one being I needed to "take off (my) turtleneck" so she could "see it" - referring to my neck(?) ***Or, was this a test to see what she could get away with doing?***Only to have her put a smock around and cover my neck, anyway. About HER vibe: Emma NEVER seemed to care about WHAT I wanted/ NEEDED, she NEVER made it a point to have us AGREE to the final outcome, but Emma DID make it about what SHE wanted by STATING, "What I want..." at THREE DIFFERENT TIMES! I ended up with hair SHORTER, LOP-SIDED, COMPLETELY UNMANAGEABLE, and NOT what I WANTED/ had in mind. To add insult to injury, she made my 'cow lick' PROMINANT, and before I left said, "It takes time getting used to. It'll grow out." read more

I've been coming back to Vadim for almost half a year now and I can't recommend him enough. He always listens to what I want done and takes his time to get jt perfect. He also gives great advice when it comes to styling my hair at home. My hair has never looked better. If you're a guy and need a haircut or want to try a new style go to him! read more

The first screenshot is the image I showed to Vadim; the other two photos are the haircut I got at the end. The eagle-eyed among you review reading legends may have noticed that the resulting haircut is very different from what I asked for and much shorter, and that's because it is! It is, in fact, not at all similar to what I asked for. But, you might be saying, maybe you already had very short hair when you came in. Nope, my hair was growing out for a couple of months -- it's just that it's now about half the length of what it was on top, or even less. What's actually unusual about this situation is that the cut I got is not bad in a technical sense at all. I've had bad cuts before and they're usually bad execution-wise, but it was honestly pretty clear that Vadim is quite skilled at cutting hair. He spent quite a but of time going over it and the attention to detail is definitely there, and to be fair he did keep my hair longer in the back and didn't just fade it (so some of what I asked for still got done). But overall it's just not the cut I asked for, or similar to one I showed him. It's a much shorter cut in an entirely different style, the only common thing is the fringe part. So even if it's a good cut on its own, I still have to grow out my hair for months again to get what I actually wanted, and meanwhile I get to look like a Wish.com version of Julius Caesar. If I were to break it down, it would be: - Execution: 5 stars - Conversation and friendliness: 5 stars - Ability to actually give me a cut that I wanted (at least keep my hair long on top as I asked): 1 star - Overall: 2 out of 5 - Price: $75 plus tip - Worth the price I paid: nope Would I recommend this salon? Not for a guy, no. Maybe women get a better experience here but this place is rated 4.4 stars for a reason, I think (the reason being that it sucks). edit: I keep looking at the cut and it's just nothing like what I wanted and after washing my hair it's clear that looks really bad on me. Changing to one star... really terrible. Don't go here :( edit 2: The stylist contacted me on my personal phone number to blame me for getting a bad haircut (there was no explanation that the texture in the photo was different or not doable -- that's just false). This is not only unprofessional, it's potentially unsafe, so be aware that Backstage Salon apparently gives out client phone numbers for this purpose. edit 3: hi Zack the owner! Thanks for "apologizing" that I didn't like the haircut haha and not addressing anything of substance. Care to explain why your employee is being creepy and messaging clients unsolicited? Is that an extra service you guys offer? Jeez dude read more

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I have been going to Zack for the past 4 years. Great neighborhood spot that's locally owned and managed. You can tell they really care about their community. It's been a spot for me that I can walk in, ask for the usual and get a good solid cut from good people. read more

Highly recommended. I love how Alejandro Pelayo cuts my hair all the time. He always takes his time to do an excellent hair cut, he is very professional 100% recommended read more

Backstage Salon - After a nice haircut by Alejandro - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Vadim Safyan is an exceptional hairstylist. He listens intently to what his clients want and delivers results that exceed expectations. His attention to detail is impeccable, and his skill in cutting and styling is unmatched. Vadim creates hairstyles that enhance his clients' natural beauty and flatter their individual features. The salon is always impeccably clean, and he provides a warm and welcoming environment. Vadim is a true professional, and his passion for his craft shines through in every appointment. I highly recommend Vadim to anyone looking for a talented and skilled hairstylist. P.S. the platinum hair color I have gets so many compliments left and right! Any type of work Vadim has ever done on my hair is absolutely wonderful and has people asking who my stylist is! read more

Backstage Salon - Photos of the wonderful coloring and work Vadim has done with my hair! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Vadim is an exceptional hair stylist. We enjoy his services for many years and he has been very consistent to deliver results exceeding our expectations. Very friendly and attentive. read more

I see Emma every 3 months and she keeps my hair very happy and healthy! Pleasant salon atmosphere in a convenient location.

I scheduled an appointment online, then got a confirmation text that my appt was scheduled. I took off half a day of work to come to the appt, then arrived and the stylist had called me to say she couldn't actually take me due to another client. I understand this kind of thing happens, and, to be fair, I did make the appointment the day-of. But the appointment was listed on the official site which I made my booking through. If day-of is too late, then don't list those appts on the site. And if you are not free during a certain period of time, also list that on the site... so I would just reccomend that the site gets updated/fixed. read more

Well , I needed a haircut and color so I went here not the first time. Vadim was my guy both times. My hair was looking miserable under cared for but Vadim fixed this again. He picked a matching color natural cut of my deadness which was at least 12 inches conditioned me and gave me something I could easily manage. Not a lot of conversation which I really appreciate just down to business which I got from him been cutting and coloring for over 30 years . So now I again look like I real person. Nice quite shop on polk near broadway take their time to do it right. Will be back but not soon cause I keep it long . read more

I have been going to Marc for years, and travel a ways out to get my hair done by him because of how good of a service he provides. As someone who never really knew what to do with their hair, let alone articulate what I would like, Marc has always provided insights and results that make me look my best. I highly recommend booking an appointment! read more

My mom suffered from dementia, Zach cut, colored and styled my mom's hair and was so kind and so patient. I couldn't ask for anything better she loves her hair read more

Backstage Salon - After - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great hair cuts and color, but the keratin treatment they use doesn't work. I went in for a keratin treatment on Thursday and washed my hair today and my hair is just as curly/frizzy as it was before. I've had keratin treatments elsewhere with results that last ~2 months. Would not recommend this place for keratin/smoothing treatments but cut/color are great read more

Zak not only took me in last min/same day but provided the utmost wonderful/respectful service. His color precision, cut, and overall coolness was much appreciated to the beginning of my much needed winter break! See u soon! -Nikole H. read more

So happy to have this salon move to this part of Polk Street. I recently booked a keratin treatment here with Emma, and I am so happy with the appointment. Emma is a lovely lovely person, and extremely knowledgeable hair professional. I felt completely comfortable in her care. I will definitely be back! read more

My appt was with Zach, first time there. My hair was quite long (middle of my back) and I showed him a photo of what I wanted which was a shoulder length, softened bob with long layers. He then proceeded to ignore that and absolutely butcher my hair. I said no bangs, he almost instantly chopped very short bangs, right under my eyes. I froze and was holding back tears while he was cutting. In my 54th year of life it is by far the worst haircut I've ever had, coincidently, it was also the most expensive haircut I've ever had. Their website advertised $100 for a cut and Zack charged me $120+ tip, totaling almost $150. I was in such a state, I couldn't even address it with him because I knew I would have a complete meltdown. I just wanted to get out of there. I will never go back again, that guy has no business cutting hair. I look like I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and just haphazardly hacked away at it with a dull scissors. Awful. How he passed his state boards is beyond comprehension. Soon into the process I did tell him it was already way too short and he stopped, made an audible grunting sound and just kept hacking. My bf took one look at me and said "it's not that bad, you look sort of like Jennifer Aniston from Friends" thinking that would make me feel better, not realizing it is the most made fun of haircut on the planet aside from maybe a mullet. It took MONTHS for it to grow out to a point where I could even stomach looking at it. I'm still angry about it, and it still isn't long enough to get it cut again by someone else in order to fix it. I did make a phone call to the salon two days later, and spoke to the same woman who had originally suggested him to me when I made the appt, she was very sympathetic and told me to come in and she would give me $20 back for the misrepresentation on the website. I never did that, and I should have. Avoid this place, or at least, avoid Zach. read more

Definitely the worst haircut experience I've ever had. Zachary was incredible rough that it felt like he forgot I was a person and not a practice dummy. His towels smelled moldy which lingered in my hair long after I left. During the shampoo he got water all over my face and then roughly wiped my face (and my makeup) dry. Then when he was done he didn't even brush out or style my hair giving me a bizarre Einstein look. After all this, he charged me $120. My hair looks fine but my hair is pretty easy and straightforward. Don't recommend. read more

Great haircut and Zach, one of the owners, even stayed late for me. He was really nice! The only surprise today was the price point, I had seen an earlier yelp picture of pricing and the mens cuts were $40, but today I was charged $75. Just posting to help transparency for the next person. read more

Vadim is the most professional hair stylist I have ever met. Every time I visit him I'm always certain that he always give me the color and style that I will absolutely love when he is finished. He also takes care to listen to all my wishes and I feel very comfortable sending others to him as I know how professional he is. I am happy and grateful to know him... It you need a best color or cut, Vadim is the one who will make it happen ! read more

This is in praise of Marc--a truly gifted stylist. After only two sessions, he has managed to accomplish what no colorist has succeeded in doing in years; he has made my hair look great. Marc is an artist, and a lovely person besides. I am so happy to have found him. (Thank you, Marc! You are the best.) read more

First and for most Thank You so much!!! The whole experience with you in a salon is ideal‍ I kinda had a mini vacation in a Backstage. atmosphere is so chill and music and don't forget the photo gallery with awesome Cuban culture and people, very personal and beautiful, plus all money from sales will be donated to local charities like fire victims, you need to see those photos! Again Emma thank you so much and I will be posting my pics as soon as i find nice lighting haha ! P. S. App is called Photo Lab -- with Emma Zekhtser. read more

Sarah Welton is AMAZING! She's hands down the best hair stylist I've ever had. Her prices are incredibly reasonable, she's incredibly thoughtful, diligent and always delivers the best quality cuts and colors. I have been with her for years and travel to every location she has worked. Good stylist with great personalities are like gold. You need Sarah in your life. Call her. read more

Backstage Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

A bit pricey but they're totally worth it.. I had an image of what I wanted in my head, and she was able to give me exactly what I wanted and the technique she used for the layering came out beautifully. Will definitely go back. read more

Backstage Salon - Haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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You want to get your hair done right? ASK FOR LING. She is new to the salon but has been working for more than 8yrs! She has lots of experience. I have only the absolute highest praise for Ling's work. She absolutely accommodating, reasonably price (for SF), and will make you feel like you went to the hair doctor. She gives recommendations and always wants you to look your best. I have straight short course Asian hair that makes it hard to cut. It is easy to not cut evenly or to layer it correctly. However, Ling styles it with ease, and I'm sure that you'll be happy too. ^^ Oh, and she does hair coloring too!!! read more

Backstage Salon - Ling! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had a Brazilian blowout with Alejandro and I have to say his energy was so warm and welcoming. He took his time with the blowout and made sure he even got the little stubborn baby hairs. I absolutely love my hair and the price was super reasonable. I highly recommend him if you are thinking about getting a Brazilian blowout!!! read more

I moved from the area so it's really difficult between parenting and career to carve out 2 hours for a drive into the city, much less 2 hours for color, cut, etc. However, my wig* was looking way too brassy to not take a hard look in the mirror and admit I needed professional assistance. Isaac Damon to the rescue. In real life, it's just not fair that all this talent is in one person. In fact, if he was a super hero, he'd be rescuing damsels with distressed hair. Anyhoo, back to the story at hand; with one hand on his blow dryer and the other with a comb, he took one look at my DIY box colored red hair (without judgement, I might add), went behind the magic curtain, whipped up some liquid goo and voila, new me. In reality, it was hours that felt like minutes because I had this new rejuvenation, this burst if you will. Because looking in the salon mirror, I wasn't the same drab diva that had entered earlier. I was alive. I was me again. I had sass. I had pep in my step. This wasn't just about changing my color, this was about treating myself and realizing I had a hair knight-in-shining-armor that could see through the daily grind and the cheap L'Oreal box. Driving home - again 2 hours away - I had plenty of time to a) stare at myself in the rear view mirror and b) question myself....Why do I torture myself with drab locks? Why do I work 50 hours a week and not take advantage of this hair wizard? How far is too far to feel beautiful? The answer is simple, there is no price or time or distance when it comes to this. Backstage Salon and Isaac Damon, I thank you, my family thanks you, the mirror thanks you, but most of all my hair thanks you. *disclaimer: ok, I don't have a wig, but with Pinterest "miracle treatments" I'm not sure you could tell the difference :( read more

Backstage Salon - Red be gone! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Got a haircut and some experimental partial highlights from Erin! I have virgin hair and the fact that I got highlights on a *whim* meant that I trusted her :) Stylish and modern, I'm a fan! Can't wait to go back :) thank you Erin!! read more

Backstage Salon - most stylish haircut i've gotten, thank you Erin! can't wait to come back :) - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My first time dying my hair or specifically getting ombre style. The process was uncomfortable because it took so long and I was over heating under the many cloth on me, and washing my hair was painful. I had Zack help me, and he was amazing, but he had an assistant or a second person help me and she was just painful. Blow dried my hair AND my face, pulling my hair when washing it, and dousing hot water on my sensitive scalp and face. What she is good at though, is styling the hair. I think overall is that Zack colored my hair very well, and his assistant or co-worker was good at styling my hair in which overall made my hair look pretty, but the thing is that I didn't look good in it, or if it does, the important thing is that I feel like it's me. I chose the wrong color for my hair and I don't like it now that I have spent a day with it. I was trying to like it instead of just immediately having that connection of loving it and feels like me. I would stay and say that I want a redo, but I had to leave for an event. I think Zack and his co-worker does hair well, but I just wish I could change my ombre color into something else. I am unsatisfied.... read more

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Sheila is awesome! She helped me thin out the jungle growing on top of my head so that my lion king faux hawk could be visible. At the same time, she was awesome in nailing the hair color I wanted too! WOOHOO! The receptionist and the other staff here are very professional. The receptionist's English is slightly limited, but she was very friendly. I almost walked right past this store since the Walgreens stood out the most on the street. It's literally right next door and the bus stop is pretty close by too (because we all know parking is a total b1ch around here). read more

Backstage Salon - Perfect hair coloring, styling and hair cut. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Long overdue rave review for INNA. If you have stubborn ass, thick, dark AF asian or other dark haired person trying to go to PLATINUM blonde look no further. Inna will take care of you without frying your hair. I've had so may bad experiences, not only at my own hands lol, but also other professionals,(count upwards 12 or more people) . and INNA is the only one I will trust to touch my hair now. Not only that, she will tone your hair blue/ purple if you ask for it, instead of that brown warm tone that I hate, that most hair stylists will force on you because you are asian. I love my cool toned blond hair. I don't care that it makes me look tan. lol . I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Love love inna. read more

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I moved to SF for about 6 months, and had no idea where to get a haircut. A friend of mine recommended LING, so I gave it a try. It was a pretty busy day, Ling has her appointments back to back, but she was very patient and professional. She listened to what I wanted carefully, and talked to me to find out more of my preferences. It was a nice trim and she even did my hair when she found out I was going to a wedding that night!! Thank you, Ling~ See you next time! read more

So I came in and showed them my Groupon and they continued to wash my hair which was definitely not a deep condition...Then I'm taken over to the chair where the barber asks to see the Groupon. He then tells me that he can't honor it and if I want a hair cut it will be $95. I was not going to pay that much for a trim! I spoke with multiple managers and owners and NO ONE was willing to help unless I was to pay and absurd amount. Was treated very disrespectfully and had to ask to borrow a brunch and left with very wet hair. TERRIBLE read more

Thank you, Sheila Sohn! I love my highlights. It was a pleasure to find Sheila at Backstage Salon. I needed a quick 'fix' and I'm not an easy customer when it comes to highlights. Sheila knows exactly what she's doing and she has a wonderful, warm presence. I love you a photo! I'll be returning! Pam read more

I recently moved to the neighborhood and needed to find a new salon. I stumbled upon Backstage while running errands and decided to give them a try. Booked an appointment with Sheila to bring my medium-brown hair to an icy blonde, and I am blown away by the results. Not only was Sheila incredibly professional and personable, but she made a 4 hour appointment feel like no time at all. She also expertly explained every step of the process, which I very much appreciated! The spot is convenient, trendy, and I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for a cut, color, highlights, balayage, or total transformation (like me!). I will definitely be back. read more

Backstage Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Heather was amazing she really listened to what I wanted and gave me a great haircut - she has a lot of tricks up her sleeve that I've never had a stylist do before. read more

Backstage Salon - Love my long layer haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Praise the day I decided to try this salon, more specific Inna, the hairdresser. Living in SF for 10 years, I guess I didn't have much luck to find the ONE, the hairdresser who would it get it all right, color, cut, blow dry. And I've tried many places, cities and even states! I took a chance with Inna, she explained in a professional manner what color would work best for my hair, how she would mix different tones , just to get me to where I want! loved it! The hair cut was made so properly and fine, after 3 months the haircut looks so fresh, even without a blow dry , it falls beautifully. Yes, I'm writing this review after 3 months, because every time I do my hair, I'm just admiring it. And guess what, I'm going back to see her again. Can't wait!‍‍‍ read more

After growing my hair for 8 years to be the same exact length I got as close to the goal as I ever been within this time. The hairdresser just cut me layers without asking my permission and here I go to start all the process again. Or should I just shave my hair for my own wedding tomorrow completely and go in a wig! read more

I feel so lucky to have met INNA over two years ago. I'm the type of person who likes to change my hairstyle frequently and she always comes with new ideas and changes my hairstyle each time she cuts it. I trust her completely and I have always felt like the cuts grew out perfectly which has been hard in the past because I have thick hair. Inna has calm and kind energy which makes her a pleasure to be around. She has such creativity and amazing attention to detail that it makes all the difference in having a distinctive cut. read more

Ling is great! Asked for a undercut and having very long, thick hair I was nervous, she was very reassuring and patient. She made sure to give me exactly what I wanted. Living in KY (on honeymoon) my mom who is a cosmologist always does my hair so I had very high expectations considering I've never had anyone else do my hair. She was great. I highly recommend Ling, she knows what she's doing and will make sure it looks good on you. Originally I wanted my undercut straight across but she suggested it be angled and I couldn't be happier with my hair! read more

Backstage Salon - LING was great. She accepted my last minute walk in and having long hair I was nervous about the cut but she was nice and reassuring - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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