My wife and I drive into San Antonio every 6 weeks. She has had very difficult hair and has always complained about it since as long as I have known her (5 years). A few months ago, we were given a recommendation to go get her hair done by Isabel at Bella Hair Designs. We were told that she was a miracle worker and could help even the most stubborn hairdo. I was skeptical, frankly because I did not want to spend the money on a high-end stylist, but my wife pleaded with me to go because "Isabel had been part of a world champion hair design team, was internationally trained, blah blah blah..." My wife was just was desperate, so I caved in and set an appointment. When we got there, I was surprised to see that it was not a typical salon. We were greeted by very friendly staff and led to Isabel's "station". However, it was not a station at all, but a private room with its own shampoo station and styling chair. I was impressed by the amenities. This room was modestly designed, had a sweet clean aroma (not a typical salon smell), with soft music in the background. I was impressed yet still slightly disgruntled because I knew that this was all for show and we would end up paying a premium price just for the atmosphere and a stylist with a title of "Master Cut and Colorist". My whole attitude changed when this stylist started speaking (And by the way, she is a total sweetheart). She carefully examined my wife's hair and started asking her about her past haircut experiences. My wife went into her usual tirade about how difficult it is to manage her hair and how she spends 40 minutes just getting it fixed in the mornings. The stylist nodded her head in understanding, then to my surprise she pulled out a mirror and started to explain why my wife struggles with her hair. She pointed out "holes" cut into her hair, crooked and uneven layers because of improper cutting techniques, and even how the hair was chopped and damaged from the razor cut that my wife's previous stylist used. She then explained how a proper cut is supposed to be done. After the consultation, she explained to my wife that she would be able to style her hair in less than 10 minutes in the mornings. Now I was on the edge of my seat. As she proceeded to cut, she explained every movement of her technique while my wife watched from the mirror in her hand. I have never seen anyone do this anywhere else. This was the type of service that I would have never expected. We learned more about hair in one hour than I am sure most stylists even have learned in a whole year. Needless to say, my wife's haircut was fantastic and the price of the service was a lot less than I was expecting to pay. Although, I must say that the next morning it did not take my wife 10 minutes to fix her hair, it took only 6! My wife scheduled her appointments for all next year. So now I am committed to come into San Antonio every 6 weeks for sure, but it is definitely worth it! Next appointment is the cut and color. We are excited to find what we will learn this next trip. read more

This is the first time I have used yelp so obviously I am a first time reviewer. The only reason I am writing this review is because I just got the most amazing service I have ever received for my hair appointment. Isabel mentioned that she had recently set up her profile on Yelp and I told her that I would write a review. She said not to do it unless I was going to be totally honest. So here I am, and I am blunt and honest because I like to tell it like it is. A few years ago my stylist that I trusted moved back to Italy and I was stuck with nowhere to go. Everywhere I went I got my hair chopped, cropped, and burnt. All I wanted was a very light blond look with a trendy cut, but I always left with the most damaged hair and horrible look. I attempted to go with other "Master Stylists" of which most just wanted to do their thing with my hair without listening to what I wanted. One told me she refused to make my hair blond because it wouldn't look natural with my skin tone so she made my hair an ash color. Excuse me, what happened to listening to my needs? Another only wanted to give me the same "bob" look every time. Then I found Isabel. Thank you God! She listened and truly cared about what I wanted. As she cut my hair, she showed me what she was doing throughout the whole process and explained why I have been having such a hard time with my hair. The cut was fantastic! Yet, I was still leery about my color. I asked for my favorite blond color but explained that I always ended up with damaged hair. She explained that most stylists will over bleach the hair to achieve the blond I want thus damaging my hair. She explained she could "lift" my current color and give me the tones I wanted without using any bleach! Again I was skeptical. The end result again was fantastic. My hair felt beautiful, looked beautiful, and finally had the color I had been begging for, for so long. Thank you Isabel. I can say that you really are a master. ;) read more

I have been seeing Isabel for over a year now. This is the longest relationship I have ever had with someone doing hair. When I came to Isabel, I had been using box color for over a year. My hair was dark, three different shades of dark, and I wanted to go back to a more natural color for me, blonde. Our first appointment lasted several hours. Isabel gently released and removed the color in my hair with out any harsh chemicals. I explained to her what I "thought" I wanted, but I told her that I was in her hands and would submit to her years of experience. The only thing I can say is WOW!!! Isabel totally listened to me. She gave me the best color I have every had, and helped me grow out my hair. My hair was so healthy after the color which amazed me, no damage at all. I have never been so happy with my hair - EVER! I go to see her religiously every 6 weeks, and I also started taking my daughter with me shortly after my first appointment. Isabel has never disappointed me or my daughter with cut or color. She is meticulous. Isabel is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She really cares about you, and my daughter and I love her to pieces. My only concern is what will I do when she retires!!! I'm not sure how her rates compare with anyone else, but my husband always says, "You get what you pay for." I have never left feeling like I spent too much for her services, if anything, I actually expected to pay more for such wonderful work. I would recommend Isabel to any one and every one. She is the best! read more

I have been searching for a professional hair stylist/colorist for a while now. In my search, I have been to many places. My hair had been cut with very dramatic layering which I hated, and frankly, I was losing hope of finding a stylist that actually listened and paid attention to detail. After reading many reviews, I decided to try Elizabeth Valenzuela. I cannot say enough about how GREAT she is! The first appointment with her was almost two hours long because she listened to my horror stories before proceeding to cut and color my hair. She explained what she was doing every step of the way. She truly gave me the royal treatment! After she was done, I was more than pleased! She is a true professional who is dedicated to her profession and her clients! Elizabeth is very well trained and knowledable in the latest hair styles and has truly mastered the art of color. She is patient, kind, and very talented! I wil be one of her loyal customers! read more

Elizabeth Valenzuela cut my hair yesterday and it looks great! It's the first time I've liked my hair in a long time. I was really impressed because she started out explaining how she is going to cut my hair and why. She made recommendations based on my face shape and how I'm going to grow my hair out; she also listened and did what I wanted as well. She used the best tools for the job - like I've had good cuts and been to good stylists before, but they always use a razor and I have curly, frizzy hair. The razor always makes my hair look worse and Elizabeth agreed that my hair isn't the type that should be cut with a razor. I was just so impressed with her! I wish I weren't moving to Austin or I'd be a regular customer for the rest of my life! I will definitely give referrals though! Thanks so much! read more

It is not everyday that you can get your hair cut by someone who has been a part of a world and international champion hair design team for ten years! Wow. I have curly hair and I have never been able to get a decent cut. Isabel was amazing. I never had my hair cut like this before. The best part was that she actually listened to me. She took the time to ask questions about what I liked and didn't like about my hair. Then she explained why I always had trouble when I got it cut. She took what I wanted and then created a style that is fabulous. In the mornings, what used to take me 20+ minutes to fix my hair, now takes less than 6 minutes. What a relief, I have finally found my stylist! read more

I had been looking for a stylist actually for years. For one reason or another the fit just wasn't right. Isabel at Bella hair designs has been great. I don't know always what I'm looking for with my cut and color but she always has suggestions and has done some amazing styles. She has been able to work with keeping me stylish as the layers grow out. Her excitement when working with my hair has not been matched by any other stylist I have been to. She does more than just go through the motions. She now also cuts-and colors my husbands hair. He loves it! She has alway assured that if I'm EVER not happy she would be glad to give me a complete refund. I haven't ever ask for my money back read more

I have very long, thick hair that is difficult to cut and I don't trust many people because they all want to thin it, razor cut it, and shorten it. Isabel was different; she took time to discuss my lifestyle, my hair styling preferences, and what I wanted. She studied my face, my hair, and worked with me to get it cut perfectly. She listened and did what I wanted, which is how it is supposed to be. She gave me her full attention while she was working, so there were no mistakes in her work. It's been a couple of weeks, and my hair is easy to style, falls into place even if it don't blow it dry. Isabel is a master at her craft, and I appreciated her care and attention to detail. read more

Isabel is a master at hair color! I've been a very happy client for three years I have grey hair that is very difficult to cover. Isabel created just the right formula to cover my grey and gave me very pretty and natural blonde hair. Isabel is especially concerned about the health of her client's hair so she uses only products that improve my hair and not damage it. I get tons of compliments on my hair. Isabel has always listened to what I want with cuts and color and delivered great results. I highly recommend Isabel. She's not only a great hair stylist but also a very beautiful person who really cares about her clients. read more

One of the hardest parts about moving to a new area is finding a hairdresser. Here she is! Isabel has the training and qualifications you look for in a professional, but she also has the innate artistic ability to consider your facial structure, hair type and lifestyle to create the best style for you as an individual...no cookie-cutters here! I get compliments on my cut and color, from both men and women. That hasn't happened in years! She offers a discounted first-time appointment and guaranteed satisfaction. You are the only client in her shop at a time with no rushing or chaos. She's my new best friend! read more

Isabel has been my stylist for 3 years because she is an artist. She understands how to cut MY hair to give me MY unique style, not just the latest celebrity style. She will give you honest feedback if you are asking for something your hair won't do, and she is a genius with giving you the most flattering color and style for YOU. If you are ready to make a change from your usual style, you can trust her to give you a style you'll love! All her products are gentle on your hair. Don't settle for ordinary; she's extraordinary! read more

Súper confiable y súper recomendable venir a Bella Hair Designs. Mi cabello está como nunca porque está en buenas manos, con buenos productos, excelentes tratamientos. Tanto en corte como en color, puedo confiar que saldré realmente complacida y feliz de haber recibido un excelente trato y trabajo. read more

I just wanted to give an update that Isabel is still amazing! There is no one like her and she treats everyone like they are her only client. Even after 11 1/2 years, she still takes the time to listen intently to my needs and crazy hair ideas, and she always performs them flawlessly. read more

When I went to Bella with my hair needs she really listened! My hair has been in bad shape for years with extensions and thinning hair! After my first visit yesterday my hair looks healthier than it has in years! I am so excited and can't wait until my next visit with Bella. read more

Isabella has done my hair for over a year and she was able to get my color perfect and helped nurse my over processed hair back to its shiny,heathy state. She has been exceptionally accommodating with my hectic work schedule. I would recommend her to friends and family. read more

I live 30 miles from Bella Hair Designs, but the drive is worth it every time! Isabel is very talented and a wonderful stylist. She should be working in New York or Los Angeles, we are so lucky to have her here in San Antonio. read more

Been searching for someone that could give me a new look. BHD is the best! Great service with amazing results. I live in Universal City so it takes me 45 minutes to get there but it is worth it and I will never go anywhere else. read more