I usually avoid writing reviews and I usually avoid Salons. I'm pretty socially awkward, and small talk isn't exactly my favorite thing. Honestly, though, sitting in silence can sometimes feel even more awkward. Cam completely changed that experience. Not only did they absolutely nail my haircut (it looks badass) but they were genuinely easy to talk to. We could've talked about great music all day, and the whole appointment felt comfortable and fun instead of stressful. I'll definitely be back. Thanks, Cam, for being such a badass queen and for making me leave feeling confident and for a great experience. read more

As soon as you walk in, everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and the vibe is just really fun. I got my haircut by Cam, and he absolutely killed it. He made me feel so comfortable, listened to exactly what I wanted, and gave me the haircut I was hoping for. He's super talented, easy to talk to, and really cares about making sure you're happy with the result. I can't recommend him and this place enough! read more

Came to get a haircut with Ro! Fun location that reminds me of a tattoo parlor. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, trendy. Located above a paleo bakery - heck yeah. read more

See all

I booked my appointment with Patricia after doing my research on the Black Dagger website and finding that she exactly embodied the scene queen hair I've been dreaming of for years! She was so sweet and we also chatted about local scene events and about life. I felt completely welcomed and safe here, I loved my haircutting experience. Whenever I'm in San Diego again I know exactly who to hit up for hair ^^ read more

Very friendly staff, very cool environment, and gave me a lovely haircut! My stylist was Ashley and she was nothing but sweet and friendly the whole time, hope to return soon! read more

Cam cut my hair, and I cannot sing their praises enough! They helped me feel very comfortable and listened to everything I had to say. Not only that, but they also made excellent suggestions that I hadn't thought of before. As a genderqueer person, I felt very comfortable and that I was in good hands. The vibe of the establishment was so welcoming, and they even had coffee and snacks! Thank you so much Cam, and thank you so much to the rest of the staff as well! I will definitely return, and will recommend this business to anyone looking to get a good haircut. Thanks again, it was a very pleasant experience :) read more

Such a great first experience here. The staff was so kind, guided me through the whole process, and adjusted perfectly when I wanted something tweaked. Definitely a comfortable and cool place that I'll be returning to. read more

Let me start by saying I am terrified of getting a haircut because I have had so many experiences with normie-stylists do EVERYTHING but give me some cute texturizing layers - so it was like 3 years since my last haircut. My ends were a tangled mess of frizzy dead & frayed hair & I was desperate for a cute wolfcut - luckily I found Black Dagger & my queer goth self KNEW this was the place to go! I called & the receptionist was so kind & understanding, they listened to what I was looking for in a cut & matched me with Kalynn. I was able to submit inspo pics in my appointment confirmation so she'd know what I was looking for before I came in. When I arrived for my appointment I had a few more pics to show & we talked about what would work best for me. Kalynn was so nice & we talked the whole time, which is rare for me because I'm used to east county stylists being put off by my appearance & acting awkward. It was super reassuring & awesome to have my haircut by someone who gets my style! I love my new hair & I was so happy to go to ren faire the next day rockin my fresh cut thank you Kalynn!! read more

See all

I am SO glad I found this salon!! Super welcoming space and stylists, awesome location, and I love that they prioritize sustainability. The gender-neutral pricing is also a huge plus for me as someone with shorter hair. They responded super promptly to my booking request and set me up with a great stylist (shout out Cam!!) Alternative hairstyle girlies, this is the spot!! O read more

I have been going to Black Dagger since they open because the owner Sarah is skilled with her hands and her teaching skills. The teaching skills matter because she is hiring and nurturing other skilled stylists. I have been having issues with losing my hair and Sarah has given me haircuts that adds volume which makes me feel good. Her texturizing skills are like no other! I'm proud to be a client at a salon owned by someone who is SO talented AND makes it a priority to build up their community. This is truly a safe space for all. read more

Leda cut my hair from long to short, and she took so much time to make sure we were on the same page prior to choppin! I really appreciated this. The service was top notch and I even got a Waterloo to sip on throughout the cut! I've gotten short haircuts elsewhere, and I've never felt so comfortable in my skin since getting this one in particular with Leda. An angel I'd say. Thanks so much! BEAUTIFUL SPACE that is so important for the community. Will be back, despite my 2.5 hour drive! Worth it. read more

i go to Cheyenne & she's the best. she is so sweet & does my hair perfectly!!!! i also asked her to be careful of the piercings / jewelry on my ears during our appointment yesterday & never have i experienced such a cautious / gentle stylist. i am very used to most stylists forgetting & snagging a healing piercing or ripping jewelry out. the vibe of the whole salon is also wonderful. everyone is kind & positive & the playlist / decor is perfect. absolutely love it here! read more

I seriously can't recommend Rachel Clancey enough! She's cut my hair, my mom's hair, and my 3 year old daughter's and she totally nailed it each time. This last visit was extra special because it was my daughter's first-ever haircut, and Rachel made it such a fun experience. My little one was smiling the whole time and had an absolute blast. It was the cutest thing ever. It was also my mom's first time seeing Rachel, and her hair turned out so gorgeous! I originally met Rachel when she was working at a different salon (which sadly closed), and I had no problem following her to her new spot. Every time I go in, whether it's for a cut or color, it's like she just knows exactly what I'm thinking. I always leave feeling amazing like she just magically brings the idea in my head to life. She's incredibly talented, super easy to talk to, and just one of those people you instantly trust with your hair. I'll follow her wherever she goes! read more

Rachel is awesome! Gorgeous color and cut every time! The salon is kept bright and clean. The staff is inviting and friendly. An overall great salon!!! read more

Christina gave me a great pixie cut. I enjoyed her cheerful, friendly, welcoming vibe. Great location and thriving business. Everyone I met there had a similar sunny approach to their clients! I will definitely return! read more

I highly recommend!! Black Dagger is such a warm and welcoming environment, and the staff was wonderful. I got my haircut by Patricia and highly recommend! It was so easy to talk with my stylist and I felt so comfortable there. Also they have the cutest shop dogs and decor! read more

Black Dagger Hair is amazing! Sarah and her team are some of the kindest, most talented people. Not only is Sarah an expert and educator in her field, she's a wonderful, community oriented human being. She offers "pay what you can" haircuts on certain days, and emphasizes gender-affirming haircuts. A non-judgmental, caring, and talented place to go get your perfect haircut!! read more

Such an awesome Salon! The vibe is so welcoming. Booking is easy! I love the help with new styling and recommendations for product. LGBTQ+ friendly. I will definitely be a regular here. Sarah is the best! read more

Black Dagger Salon is awesome! I love the vibe and all of the amazing people that work there.. I always feel welcome and safe to be myself. Sarah has cut my hair many times. Her cuts are amazing and I love the way they grow out! read more

Black Dagger Hair is one of those places that just gets it. You walk in and immediately feel that this isn't your typical salon. It's creative, thoughtful, a little punk rock -- and definitely built for people who want more than a basic cut. read more

The best hair salon ever! Patricia does my hair and I love it. Such a great vibe and atmosphere as well. read more

My most recent visit to Black Dagger in July was incredible - as always!! Sarah has been my stylist for more than 5 years - there was no way I wasn't going to follow her when she started her own salon years ago! My most recent cut & color were done just a few weeks ago. Sarah is a phenomenal artist - I've never known a stylist with better skills with color. I have short curly/wavy dark brown hair. She genuinely strives to create the style I want (there have been many variations over the years). She asks questions not only about what I want, but what I do at home for styling and my activities. Personally, my curls are heavy and the front always falls forward onto my face. I spend a lot of time outside looking down, so I hoped she could maintain the asymmetrical cut I love that could handle being pinned back some without losing it's shape. The brilliant tri-color highlights (purple, blue & magenta) she created in front were exactly what I wanted, with her superior suggestions improving the overall look. She uses only top-shelf products and her maintenance recommendations actually KEEP my color robust for months! The salon has a unique boutique feel, complete with art, music, and plants. Her warmth and raw energy are inspiring and I'm always excited to see her. We always have fun together :) I highly recommend Black Dagger & their top-notch stylists for anyone looking for that "perfect hair cut & color" in an environment that celebrates all people. I'll be driving 26 MILES again soon to enjoy our time together, the salon vibe, and be blown away yet again at just how happy I am walking out feeling great!! read more

I have been getting my hair cut by Sarah at Black Dagger for years. I had been dying my hair, and was finally ready to embrace my gray. Sarah's skill helped me transition seamlessly, and throughout the grow out process I would consistently get compliments on my hair. Now I am just getting cuts and am so happy withy hair. Not to mention, Black Dagger is a pillar in the queer community of San Diego, providing gender-affirming haircuts and pay-what-you-can services. San Diego is blessed to have Black Dagger! read more

Genuinely like the worst haircut I've ever had? My hair is WAY too short on the sides, and the back is much shorter than discussed. The picture I showed my stylist was much longer, and she didn't even really look at it? It felt like she was trying to get my haircut over with and not like actually trying to make it look good, which makes sense because it doesn't. My friend also got their hair cut, and theirs was choppy/their bangs were uneven. Apparently "pay what you can gender affirming hair cuts" must mean stylist rushes through the cut, and doesn't listen to a single thing that leaves your mouth because not a single part of my hair is what I asked for, or looks good. Dear god do not book with Makena I have never looked worse. I walked in to that salon with my hair kind of grown out and walked out looking like I belong in the Big Bang theory. read more

Christina has been my stylist ( and friend) for over 15 years. When I learned she was moving to the Hillcrest area , I thought why not make the trip from Del Mar Heights? I love going to the salon! All the stylists are super friendly and we have interesting conversations. The area is eclectic and gets me out of my "bubble" . I love the passion that Sara and her team have for the community. And of course I love my hair! As a slightly "older " woman, I have the best experience and look forward to my "hair " day. read more