Zach is a magician and the secret love of my life. My hair is nothing to write home about and, despite the amount of effort I put into it, people never used to notice. Girlfriend, those days are gone. Zach not only does magic to my hair, but he also doesn't make me pretend like I know what haircut would look good on me. I am a tough customer because I never know exactly what I want but if it doesn't look good, I WILL cry. With Zach, all I have to do is decide whether I want the same style or to try something new, and he will make me look wonderful. Every time. As added bonuses, the place is not very expensive (I pay $60 for a cut), you only have to call a couple days in advance for an appointment, and they really sell wonderful hair products -- I buy all my hair products there. The art on the wall changes frequently and usually it's good, but every once in a while it's truly something. read more

So on my first visit,I was officially a "hair-model," which basically means a quality hair cut for less. My stylist was Julia, I will just tell you now, Julia rocks. I sat down and she asked what I wanted done. I told her I needed my bangs fixed and wanted to chop off a few inches. She looked at my hair...felt it...and proceeded to tell me about my hair personality. She was a like a hair psychic...she knew my hair, how it behaves, and what it needed just from looking at it, as if they had known each other for years. Score one for being a hair psychic. The short version.... she fixed my bangs (after a homemade trim gone wrong), and put a glaze in my hair to make my recently dyed hair shine...and shine it does. Goddamn, after she finished with me I couldn't stop touching my hair..it's so soft and shiny! I was highly impressed. The little things that made Backstage/Julia awesome: -The laid-back, but yet, stylish atmosphere. -High end quality, without the high end attitude. -The fact that Julia let me go outside to smoke with dye in my hair, a shower cap on my head, and my smock on....and then went out to smoke with me. -The great art on the wall. -Big bonus: That Julia took one look at my hair and knew what needed to be done to make it super-fantastic. Plus, she explained little tidbits to me as she was working on my mane, which products to use, how to style it quickly, etc. read more

So I have been walking by this place for years going to and from the gym. Last Saturday, while on my way home from the gym I decided I couldn't go one second longer without a haircut. I walked in to book an appointment but they ended up taking me right away, which was very nice of them considering that I was still gross and sweaty from the gym. I got my hair cut by Julie (I think...I am horrible with names). My hair is really thick and wavy, and if not cut properly I look like I have a mullet or the "Rachel" circa 1995. My hair ended up looking fine, the cut was reasonably priced ($70) and the salon uses bumble and bumble products which I love. I am still searching for that 5 star haircut though-so if you know anyone... read more

Having just moved to SF a few months ago, I was looking for a new hair place in the city. My friend recommended me Backstage Salon so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I was looking to keep my hair as a long as possible as I'm trying to grow it out, but wanted to give it more shape since the last time I had a haircut was half a year ago. I called on a Saturday and was able to get an appointment for that day. Alisha was my hairdresser and she was very sweet and attentive and immediately understood what I wanted. "Don't worry, I'll rock it," she said. She cut my hair dry, the first time I've had it done that way, but it turned out great. Shiny, in shape, layered, and even though she cut a lot, it still somehow looked just as long as before! I'm also trying to grow out my bangs, so they were kind of an awkward shapeless chunk, but she was able to cut them and give them more shape while still keeping them the same length. Best haircut I've ever had. I highly recommend Alisha--she certainly knows how to rock it! read more

Emma has been cutting my hair for, oh say 20+ years. There was a period of about 5 years, when I lived in NYC, and not a month went by that I didn't miss her scissors and clippers. In the interest of full disclosure, Emma is my sister. That said, I have attempted on several unsuccessful occasions to try other equally experienced stylists, and always came running back to sis. Many stylists feel that they know what you need better than you, and ultimately produce something you hate. Others simply don't care and are too busy chatting up their co-workers to pay attention to the client sitting before them. And still others, just plain suck. Doing hair requires skill, great customer service, and artistic talent, and lets face it, not everyone's got it. But like so many service jobs, everyone thinks they can do it. Well, they can't. Emma is different. She cares deeply about what you want, and always strives to produce an end result that meets your needs, while satisfying her esthetic unique vision. Emma takes great pride in her work, and it shows in the continued loyalty of her clientele, some of whom have been coming to her for many years. If you're looking for a reasonably priced, great hair, check out my sister. She's talented, current, always friendly, and did I mention talented. For good hair, try Emma Zekhtser at Backstage Salon. read more

Carlos is wonderful. Really fine person and gives great haircuts and great service. He listens very well, is super creative and just makes you happy. Who can ask for more from a stylist? And if you don't believe me, watch the movie! http://www.vimeo.com/4218735 read more

I've been going to Issac for years now and would never recommend anyone else. He is an amazing stylist and colorist. He will give you honest feedback about a certain style or color you may be looking for. The end result is always amazing and I am always so happy with my hair. If you are looking for a new stylist, or just need a quick fix, you need to go to Issac. He's the best and is super friendly, too! They are about to have major renovations to the salon so it's going to look amazing! read more

Love this salon, especially Isaac Damon! The salon has a laid back vibe, everyone is very nice and there is nothing pretentious about it. Isaac is a genius with color and cut - he spent three hours doing color correction on my red hair and it came out beautifully!!!! The location is easily accessible from the Cable car, or walking from Nob Hill, Russian Hill, North Beach, etc. read more

You must come visit Erin at backstage salon!!! I am very picky about where I get my hair done since I like to get natural looking blonde highlights and so many hair stylists have messed up my hair (too blonde, red hue, faded quickly, the list goes on). Erin does it perfectly every time and I always feel like a perfectly sandy-blonde beach beauty when she's done. Even if I'm just coming in for a blow-out on the weekend, she does an amazing job and really listens to you (and gives you) what you want. Not only are her hair skills amazing, but she is super friendly and easy to talk to. Sometimes I can feel awkward sitting in a stylists chair for hours, but never with Erin - I leave looking great and can't wait to come back and visit her. I have also seen her cut men's hair and they look fantastic too - so working on getting my boyfriend to come see Erin for his next haircut :) read more

Very cool decor. Looks more expensive than it really is. Everyone is really nice, especially Emma, who is the only person I trust with my hair. Since my hair is long I think that there is a certain restrain that goes into cutting it and not over doing it. Emma does just that perfectly. + she is a fantastic singer, but thats not relevant here... Never had a bad haircut from her - she is my fave. read more

After browsing online for a salon in my neighborhood I came across Backstage Salon. I was booked with Alisha. I walked in with the most damaging hair that had four different shades of blonde and still a lot of black hair that my previous stylist (different salon) didn't even care to try fixing for me. I walked out of Backstage Salon in tears. My hair looks amazing!! I went from having 9 years of dyed BLACK hair to blonde/brown hair. We even took off three inches of dead hair and updated my bangs. Alisha took the time and completed my new job, new city, new hair look! I am happy, excited, and can't wait to tell everyone how wonderful of a job she did. Ahhhmazing. Thank you again Alisha. You worked wonders and thank you for the time you put into my hair. =)) read more

Ksenia is a fantastic hair stylist. She's super professional and very passionate about her job. She highlighted and cut my hair and I can say she did a GREAT JOB! Ksenia and Backstage Hair Salon are my discovery of the month and I'm planning to stick with them. Though I've been highlighting my hair for more than 5 years, Ksenia is the first hair stylist who did it very thoroughly and meticulously as it should be done, though it takes a lot of time and patience. I'm more than just satisfied. read more

Backstage Salon - Ksenia did my hair before the party. It came out very beautiful. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Heather totally rocks! A guys haircut may not be the most complicated thing in the world, but there are things that can make or break the experience. Start with a great attitude (does she wake up this way?), mix in some disarming charm (a few questions showing she cares mean I'm more relaxed), a dash of extra effort (magic scalp massage made me putty in her hands!), and some old fashioned hair dresser chit-chat (she is witty and at ease talking about anything), and voila...you have Heather! A winning combination that includes a perfectly precise haircut, and an experience of being well taken care of -- couldn't ask for more! read more

I have never used the same hair dresser twice, but I have now been a client of Ling's for 2 years. She's super sweet and remembers everything we talk about even if our visits are months apart. Obviously, she is a fantastic stylist. She took me up to a short asymmetrical bob, and now to long hair with keratin treatments. Now she's helping me lift black and go back to my natural color. Ling is an expert and a wonderful person - go to her! read more

This review is for Ling! I've been seeing her for over 10 years! She did my hair for my sisters wedding a few years ago. Ling is very patient, listens to what you want, and is very talented. I drive from Sacramento to go see her. read more

I came to SF 3 years ago, tried a few places and after going to Backstage, I haven't looked back. Heather is my personal stylist, but all the stylists are pros. She's always been accommodating, gives a great cut and goes the extra length for her clients :) Highly recommend! read more

Love Backstage salon !! What a great place to get your hair done ! Best color job by Inna, she made me platinum finally, now yellow she is amazing !!! Super impressed with this place . Thank you to Zack the owner. read more

I had haircut with Zach.He gave me good hair wash and great haircut. I walked out looking and feeling good. I will definitely go back and recommended this place to my friends. read more

Today was my first time at backstage salon and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great haircut at a reasonable price in SF. Anthony was my stylist and he did an amazing job taking off 5 inches of my hair + adding in more layers and thinning out my hair. He can do amazing things with a blowdryer! My hair is usually thick and heavy and he was able to make my hair flow beautifully! Not only was anthony great, but every client that i saw walk out of the salon looked amazing. Will definitely be coming back for my next haircut! read more

Carlos is fantastic for haircuts -- he listens to specifically what you want. He also makes suggestions of what may work better for your hair, and he's quite personable too! I used to see him at Mercer Street and also Berenice - you know it's a good sign when clients follow their hairdresser around town! Friends go to him too - and we all have different hair types (wavy, straight, curly) and all leave pleased. Compared to the other salons, Back Stage is a bit more basic.... doesn't feel like you're being pampered quite as much, but still a 'hip' vibe an enjoyable experience/on-time appointments which is important. read more

Dana is a new stylist at the salon (recently relocated from Beverly Hills), and he does an AMAZING job! He paid attention to what I wanted, helped guide my decisions, and gave a great haircut! I am definitely going back! The overall style of the salon was kinda quirky and fun. This is just a GREAT place. read more

Today I had an amazing experience at Backstage Salon with Sheila. It's been a while since I had a proper cut / style. When I made the appointment I decided it was time to change my long hair for a shorter and more contemporary look. Sheila was a joy to meet and did a fantastic job giving me the style I envisioned. She was warm and welcoming, professional and extremely skillful. I enjoyed chatting with her as the style took shape and am thrilled with the results. If you are looking for someone who listens, knows how to work with all hair types and will give you a fantastic cut, check out Sheila and Backstage Salon. read more

I have super fine hair- but a lot of it and have always had a tough time finding a professional stylist that knows how to work with hair like mine. I was with my last stylist 15 years...... Due to my demanding work schedule it became impossible to get an appointment with old stylist. Then I met David at Backstage Salon. It took him all of 2 minutes to correctly evaluate my hair and make his recommendations on cut and style. I was thrilled with the results!! I didn't even feel the need to watch his every move with the scissors like I normally would with a new stylist, I just relaxed and let him do his thing. 5+stars to David- you're my forever stylist!! read more

It's too bad that people mostly write reviews when something didn't go the way they expected..., I think this place deserves a better rating... I've lived in this neighborhood for the past 9 years and never had a haircut there, purely out of loyalty to my stylist. On the New Year's Eve I needed to have my haircut done, but totally forgot to make an appointment and she couldn't squeeze me in . I ended up going to Backstage Salon and was welcomed by Anna, salon floor manager. She found an opening for me in their busy schedule. Zack, salon's owner, did a great job with quite an advanced technique that I've never seen before. It was fast, clean and very professional. They definitely left a great impression on me. read more

The FIVE stars go to AMBER. and AMBER ONLY!!! I walked in on a whim to the Back Stage Salon and was booked immediately with Amber. I thought "this gal seems cool, in her cool brown boots and hot cut off shorts". She was very informative as to which direction we should take as far as the style I was requesting. She really listened to what I wanted which was completely oppositive of the hairstyle I got only because... the style I wanted... would not have flattered my face at all. She framed my face with my fringe PERFECTLY. Amber is a god-dess with cutting bangs - and thinning out my thick black hair!! I started to sink into my chair the second I saw her grab for her razor... but my haircut is seriously the BEST haircut I have ever had in my entire LIFE!!! (sorry mom, but my hair really sucked growing up, and I blame you). If you want style... and someone to CUT your hair .. into a style .. then go see AMBER! Most stylists who "cut" your hair... cut it - and then you end up having to style it ... AMBER "styles" your hair as she "cuts" ... its simple science people. And pay super attention when she explains the products she uses for your hair type - again, science. Amber, I do love you and your scissors! read more

So, this is my FIRST Yelp review. I understand that I may lose my man card for reviewing a salon right out of the gate. But, what the hell. Ken has cut my hair several times now at Backstage, and I have to say: the guy is a genius. Not only is he super cool and approachable, but Ken really takes the time to understand what you're after and balances that with your hair type, facial structure/features, etc. I have wavy/curly blond hair and had been growing it for over 3 years. After a long struggle to "keep the rock n' roll but lose the Hagar," I trusted Ken to cut a massive amount of it off, while keeping the curls intact for a medium-length style. I am extremely pleased with the results. Katya is very quick to respond to bookings made online and is very friendly. The overall vibe of the place is great. Money VERY WELL spent. read more

If you need a short and stylish hair, Zack is your guy. He always does a fantastic job. I have never been disappointed for the past four years. All stylists and receptionists are very friendly, fashionable and professional. Thank you Backstagers:) read more

Why not just save yourself the time and money by going to Chinatown for a $12 haircut...at least that way the you could blame the language barrier for the lack of communication with what you wanted. I asked for a dry cut and she convinced me that it needed to be wet. I told her I liked the cut I already had (chunky layers) maybe an inch shorter "only a trim I'm really scissor shy" she agreed. So off to the shampoo area where was left for 15 minutes to let the conditioner soak in...wasn't she only suppose to wet it?? I watched as the hair fell off and kept reminding her not to short. She dried it then used the flat iron. I cringed as I smelt my hair singe. She finished one side and asked what I thought FINALLY MY OPPIOION MATTERED!!! I told her it was really short not at all what I wanted.. She went to the other side and started cutting longer layers...so yes I have two different levels on each side of my head...if I tilt my head to a 45degree angle left the lavers will be even. I reminded her I wanted my bangs side swept "able the put behind my ear"...She proceeded to cut straight across and above my eye brows. I haven't had actually bang since I was in the 4th graded so this was a bit of a change. One inch turned into 4 and WELL above the shoulders. The worst part is she kept insisting if she cut more it would get better... I finally pulled off the shawl and told her to stop...all she would say was "well I like it". No advice was offered from other stylist and she wouldn't even walk me to the front. The receptionist asked for my information to be on their mailing list when I told her no she looked at me like a dog, head cocked to the side ..maybe the fact that my hair want in a pebbles high ponytail (bangs alfa style) with tear streaming down my face should have been enough of a clue. As bad as this experience was I should thank them for two reasons 1) my rubber bands and bobby pin will finally be put to good use and 2) I now know the humility of a truly terrible cut. At least with my last dramatic hair cut Locks of Love benefited Never again!!! read more

I had my hair done there a month ago....well done!!! had a great massage at the sink, friendly service, great hair....definatly Ill come back! The prise is pricy, but my new hairstylist Marisha was working her ass off to make me look great....happy happy happy read more

I am one of those unfortunate few cursed with very thin hair. Women should not have thin hair! Zack manages to cut more of my hair than anyone else and it miraculously looks thicker (notice I didn't say thick, that would take a miracle that not even Zack can accomplish). He spends a lot of time on each cut and they last longer than average. I can go at least 4 - 5 months without needing another cut. I am very loyal to Zack. Seriously, the best cut I've ever had. read more

I went in with long hair (length was about halfway down my back), requested my split ends be cut off...and 2 different "master stylists" later, I came out with short hair that doesn't even fit into a pony tail - a must for someone like me who is fairly low-maintenance / works out a lot...in all my haircuts, I have never been brought even close to tears, but I guess there is a first time for everything. This place was expensive, and gave me exactly the opposite of what I asked for! read more

Cool salon, great ambience. Best of all, my stylist Anthony. He's been cutting my hair for a few years now and I've followed him to Backstage. I've had my hair short in a sort of feminine pixie cut to a faux hawk to letting it grow out now. I constantly get compliments just walking down the street. And you know you've gotten a great cut when its at that urggg-I'm-growing-it-out in-between phase and people still ask you who cut your hair. I should be his agent and getting paid for my referrals. read more

I gave a low rating because I arrived on time to my appointment but wasn't actually situated until 45 minutes later. I was left at the sink between shampooing and conditioning, and then left with wet hair for 15 minutes. At the end of all the waiting I got a hair cut that did not work with my curly hair. I was aiming for a trim to keep my hair healthy and ended up with layers too short and a hairstyle even bigger than I had when I went in. Overall the long wait for a hair cut I didn't like inspired me to give a 2 rating. read more

This review goes for Ken Yasuda @Backstage. Excellent layering technique, Attentive, Scalp massage/Hair wash? YES. Takes appointments & conveniently located next to lombardis parking garage. read more

I wanted to change color of my hair from dark brown to a blond-brown. I came couple days before to check what type of job has to be done to get that colour without damaging it. Sarah, one of the stylist said she can get there without to much damaging it. I said that i don't want any bleaching. She said ok, and said the price going to be somewhere around $100. I end up paying $200, plus haircut. And she bleached my hair! Without agreeing with me! During the process we talked about highlights, that she might need to highlight to get the color i wanted. But end up bleaching! And the haircut.. I get it from Zack.. OMG! That guy does not know what's he doing! He is someone else but stylist! It was the worst haircut i've ever had! Thanks for "50-years old countryside woman" look, Zack.. And Sarah, FYI, when somebody several times says: " No bleaching", it means: NO bleaching! I'm never coming back and wanted to warn everyone: be careful if you decided to get something in that salon! read more

Backstage Salon - If you don't want to come out from this salon with choped and burned hair,make sure your stylists name is not Zack or Sarah. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Anthony Cuevas is AMAZING!! He spent over 15 minutes with me to figure out exactly what I wanted, gave me several options and walked me through the whole cutting/styling experience. The salon is relaxed and has a funky vibe. Parking was easy to find and I liked the neighborhood. Everyone there was really nice and welcoming. Going back soon for color...CAN'T WAIT!! I highly recommend Anthony and Backstage salon. read more

My hair dresser Eric made a brief return to this Salon but left for many reasons including extreme poor management of the place. Good bye Backstage..I won't be missing you. read more

I always know a good salon by the number of drive by comments I get from men. Amber, one of the junior stylists, gave me one of the cutest haircuts OF MY LIFE! Of. My. Life. that had heads turning left and right. Why she is junior, I am not sure but my wallet sure does appreciate it. read more

Way too overpriced for the quality. Hairdresser was quite superficial and rushed. With an extra 10 one can get a professional haircut somewhere else. read more

I had the worst blow out ever here. I told her exactly what I want and she didn't do it then left. Complete waste of $70.