If I could rate this salon 10+ stars I totally would. I've been coming here for more than 3 years now and as my first review from that time states, it just doesn't get any better. I'd been seeing Valerie for the most outrageously perfect highlights and cuts and haven't been anything but pleased every time. However, as Valerie was out of town this last time and I was in need of highlights, she booked me with her protégée, Cheyenne... To put it bluntly yet succinctly, Cheyenne ROCKS! Valerie now has a run for her money! Cheyenne has the most welcoming, open and kind spirit that puts you immediately at ease, and talk about talent - she gave me some of the best, most natural-looking highlights I've ever had over the past 20 years. She's a young thing but she's got an amazing future ahead of her as that natural talent for colour and styling is hard to come by. If in need of a precision cut and perfect colour, book with Cheyenne - you won't be disappointed! Message me with questions and as always I'll be happy to share more about my experience! read more

Jen did an amazing job on my hair. She took the time to understand my needs and she fully delivered. I will definitely go back.

Abby is an AMAZING hair stylist! I have been seeing her for a few years now, usually for my "don't take more than you have to!" trim. I've had hair down to my butt for the last six years or so, and only trusted her to trim it. Well, times, they are a changin', and so does my hair! I recently decided to ask Abby to chop it all off (14+ inches, BOOM)! I LOVE IT!!! Spending time in her chair is an honor and something greatly I look forward to. Her communication, chair chat and skill level are PHENOMENAL. I trust her with my "baby trims" and I trust her with my BIG changes. She is simply the BEST!! read more

Freelance Salon - Abby is the best! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Abby is talented. She is able to work magic with her color skills. Recent example was After a long lockdown break she was able to transform my disjointed 6 in roots and home dye mess into amazing stylish and seamless highlights. She does great cuts as well. Awesome Abby makes my hair look great. She is the Total package and grateful I have her on my team. read more

Both my daughter and I got our hair colored today by stylist Lovely Cruz. I got highlights and my daughter balayage. Lovely took our previously poorly self-colored dark hair and turned us blonde! I chose Freelance based on Yelp and the reviews were right. The salon is comfortable, everyone is friendly and helpful (they even renewed the parking meter for me) and Lovely is a very talented colorist. We will be back! read more

Freelance Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Recently purchased by master stylist Michelle. She has cut my hair for several years and she is THE BEST! Looking forward to the reimagined salon under her ownership! read more

Abby has been coloring my hair for about two years now and she is the best hair stylist I've ever had! My hair is naturally blonde and I have it colored red. I can tell Abby does a good job because people are constantly asking me if I'm a natural redhead and I love surprising them when I tell them I'm a blonde! I always look forward to my appointments with Abby. It's like my own little spa time. I have some complimentary wine, I read a couple magazines, and I get an amazing scalp massage when Abby is shampooing my hair. I highly recommend Abby if you're looking for a new hair stylist, especially if you're considering going red! read more

Freelance Salon - Hair Color Before & After (Blonde to Red) - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I chose Freelance because they have a sign outside their door with a diagram of all these different haircuts that look like they belong on Anime characters. Coincidentally I got paired with an Asian hairstylist named Lovely and she gave me a cut and color. (Swear it's not a race thing). I wanted orange and she gave me this dope color fade of red-orange-yellow that resembled a Phoenix. My hair looked like it was on . I came back to her a second time for a cut, no color. I gave her simple guidelines and she said, "Ok, how about we do this and this" and showed me a picture example on Google. I said, "Ok, let's do it" and she cut away with confidence. Using her retro '76 razor, she gave me a flawless fade in the back and on the sides. She was mindful of my thick, straight Asian hair and cut accordingly. I got a look now that says I'm gonna catch all the Pokemon and be the best in the world read more

Freelance Salon - Phoenix hair - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Beyond business and money, Diane is really PASSIONATE about hair. She really listens to what you want and caters to it. Her hair/head massage when she washes your hair is the best! I would just pay for a head massage if I could!!! When I go in the salon it's like talking to a friend plus they're all just really friendly. I just really enjoyed my time at freelance! I came in with really bad ombré that was grown out and an eye sore. Diane cut and colored and was able to take out the ombré and give me an nice brown with keeping some hidden blonde highlights for dimension. I honestly love it and my hair has been feeling amazing! Go to DIANE! read more

Freelance Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Us Asian girls know how hard it is to find a hair stylist that won't chop all of our hair off and get the brassiness out of our hair when trying to go light. Diane is a pro at getting the color right. Her head and neck massage while getting shampooed is the icing on the cake ! I drive down from L.A. to see her and it's worth every road rage incident along the way. The salon is modern and clean, staff is nice, and Diane is the utmost in fun and professional. Tell her JoJo sent ya read more

Freelance Salon - Love my gorgeous, natural looking ombré ! Ask for Diane. She is the bomb. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

They don't do make up services...very disappointing..its says in there website they do make up services but they dont...

I have been going to see basil at this salon for years. I loved him and was so sad when he retired a few years ago. I had some bad luck finding a hair stylist after that but was luckily referred to Abby at freelance salon again. She is amazing, affordable, and I would highly recommend! read more

I haven't had my hair done for at least 3 months and it was so nice to go back to see Valerie and see how diligent all the staff were at the salon. No hair drying, masks compulsory, temperature check, questionnaire on health and I'm sure all kinds of sanitation measures behind the scenes. It's really reassuring to be able to get back towards one aspect of 'normal' in a safe way. read more

I have been coming to Freelance the past 4 years. First place I went to after relocating to San Diego and have been coming here ever since. I highly recommend Abbey. She is awesome at her craft and loves what she does. You get the full treatment from hair wash to hair cut and get treated to complimentary coffee or tea. Redken certified as well. If you want a haircut in San Diego, come see Abbey read more

Freelance Salon - Outside of freelance! You can't miss it. Stop by and get a cut from Abbey!! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Abby was as awesome as I read on yelp! On vacation I decided to go closer to my natural color and she rocked it. I have A LOT of hair and she stayed late on a Friday to ensure I was getting what I wanted and for a great price! ! Thank you Abby she is your RED girl! read more

Freelance Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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O.M.G. Diane from Freelance Salon, you are the absolute best! My hair was literally transformed from a wild, bleached, dry, split-ends-galore, curly mop to this divine chocolate brown 1920's style wave that made my skin shine and made me smile for like 5 hours straight! But let me start from the beginning. My fiance had been going to this salon for years, even before we met/started dating. I'd always dropped him off for his hair appointments with Valerie and just didn't go in. I'm very iffy about other people handling my wild, glorious mane of curly hair, so I do my own trimming/coloring/etc. So iffy that since I moved down here from P-town five years ago, I've only had one hair appointment, and although my experience there was ok, my hair was not so ok after a while. I finally bit the bullet as my fiance always looked great, and went in with him on his latest hair appointment. I was a walk-in but they fit me in, and assigned Diane to me. I was very nervous, but Diane was very professional, friendly and told me every step of the way what she was going to do/was doing with my hair. She was on a personal mission to bring my hair back from the dead, even pushing back another hair appointment as my hair definitely needed a LOT of work. Two plus hours later, I am staring at a completely different, completely fabulous looking woman in the mirror :-D Diane is my hairstylist from now on, and I will be coming back for more hair awesomeness ! PS the final price tag was affordable given the fact that she had to do so many treatments, plus the recommended hair products from REDKEN were not a pricey as I thought they would be :-) read more

So, what's a dude doing writing about a, "Hair-Make-Up Studio"? Well, while some guys are willing to take a chance with some random stylist at your local Supercuts, I'd prefer to pay a little more and get a quality haircut from a dependable source like Freelance. The owners, Janet and Basil, are gracious proprietors who do a great job making all their clientele feel welcome. Danica, my stylist for the past five years absolutely rocks. She perpetually manages to turn my mangled mop into the carefully organized mess I strive for. I put complete faith in her abilities and always receive honest advice on fashion, hair products, and even the newest local hotspot to check out. The girls working the front counter are always upbeat and quick to offer you a drink while you wait. In a word this place is solid. I can't say whether or not they can accommodate walk-ins, though if you're looking for a reliable place to get your hair cut, give Freelance a call. read more

I initially made an appointment with someone who wasn't comfortable cutting my hair the way they I wanted it, so she booked me with Basil. I was really surprised, because I had never been turned away by a stylist before. A few days later, I was back for my appointment with Basil. He was so nice! I also think he gave me the best haircut I have ever had in my life. The next day I was getting compliments on the street about my hair, and even the teenage boys I work with complimented it (right??). Basil took the time to have a full hair consultation with me (which I had never experienced before) and taught me how to style my hair so it looks it's best. I can't say enough good things about Basil. Also, when you go you get $10 off your first cut, a coupon for a free hair treatment and a discount on products. I would highly recommend this place and Basil. read more

I have to give this place a 5 star. I usually go somewhere else (a competing salon in the area) but after a bad haircut, I wanted to try a new salon and couldn't of been happier! Diane cut and highlighted my hair and gave me the best service. She is a sweetheart and definitely is a professional! Diane went above and beyond...the BEST scalp and neck massage ever...it was such a treat and unexpected. I absolutely LOVE my new cut and highlights...she is fabulous and I enjoyed every second being in her chair :) read more

I have had LONG hair all of my life (past my lower back!) and after reading lots of reviews, Valerie was finally the stylist I chose to give me a brand new hairstyle. I am thrilled with my new haircut and color and am so glad that I went with my instincts to choose Valerie! I was quite open minded about cutting it super short but she convinced me to have fun with different lengths and instead gave me a shoulder length style with the prettiest layered look. I hadn't considered this length before but apparently Valerie has a really great eye cause it looks great on me. What I appreciated most about her was that she took the time to give me tips on how to style it and different things I could do with my new length. I also love the job she did on my color. She chose the perfect shade and it looks spectacular! She's the bomb!! :-) read more

Shannon is great, she is perhaps the only stylist who i trust coloring my hair. She does an excellent job each time, and I always get compliments about my hair. When I moved from San Diego to Orange County in 2007, it was still worth it to me to make the drive to get my hair done with Shannon. It's too bad that I now live in the Bay Area, otherwise, she'd still be my hairstylist. The best part I love about Shannon is that it is the most relaxing 2 hours for me every time. She has this special aura that just calms and relaxes you. You will love her!!! read more

I love freelance salon! Diane is my stylist and she is basically the wonder woman of hair color. She had created a beautiful dark brown to blonde ombre for me which I loved, but a few months later I decided I wanted to go for a lighter strawberry blonde. Diane took me from the ombre to the exact light red that I wanted in one sitting, and my hair still felt soft and healthy afterwards! the color they use at freelance is top notch and I've never had color last as long as it does after my freelance dye jobs (and I've been dying my hair for over ten years at manyyyy different salons!!) Diane is the sweetest chick and I love catching up with her during my appointments. She always finds time to fit me in, even for last minute bang trims, and treats me like a true friend! I highly recommend both Diane and all the lovely ladies at freelance salon! (: read more

Freelance Salon - Dark brown to blonde ombre by Diane at Freelance salon in Hillcrest - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Abby helped repair my hair disaster several weeks ago (bad haircut which I then tried to remedy by myself!), I just saw her again yesterday. I got compliments on my haircut and it had been a long time since that happened. My hair can be difficult - it's curly, color processed, fine, with high hairline and a headful of cowlicks! She gave me a cut that actually decent if I just let it go natural, and that's the true test of a good haircut, that it can withstand non styling without making you look like a mop head. Plus she is such a nice person, so sympathetic, kind, and down to earth. Update: I'm still seeing her for my hair cuts and I drive 22 miles to see her! read more

I have been going to Diane at Freelance since she started her booth there a few years ago. She is the best one for my hair needs, and I have a funky dew. She always improves and is always going to training courses to grow in her art of hair styling! If you ever need a hair stylist who is easy to get along with and willing to grow she is the one to go to! To boot the salon offers complimentary beverages from coffee to beer to wine! and what a wonderful design space! I always feel welcome and comfortable here! You all ROCK! read more

I've been getting my haircut by LOVELY for about a year now and she does a great job all the time with my hair. She's willing to try new things and is able to work with my requests. I'm happy every time I leave the salon! I also had some dandruff problems and she recommended a great Redken shampoo that has worked so so well. Lovely has been doing my boyfriend's haircuts too and she has always worked well with our hair. read more

When I first walked in I thought perhaps they just opened. The ambiance I am used to as far as a salon is not what I had expected. It looked unfinished dare I say run down?? Then I met Abby! She greeted me and was so kind and inviting. She really listens to what you want and the results were just what I had asked for. She color corrected my hair and gave me a beautiful cut and blow out. The glaze she added made my hair feel like silk. I added pics for you to see yourself. The caption states Abby as my stylist. Definitely going back. She is priced competitively. The bonus is her amazing super relaxing scalp massage! Just wished it lasted longer! I left feeling rejuvenated and extremely happy. read more

Freelance Salon - Abby did an excellent job. The amazing scalp massage was the icing on the cake! Great cut. Great color! Amazing stylist! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I have been going to Lovely for over a year now. She was referred by one of my girlfriends, who had followed her from 2 other salons, and I will very unlikely ever go to someone else. She took me from a dark auburn last year to bright copper, and now to platinum blonde. She can do anything with color. ANYTHING. She is also very knowledgeable about products and hair health, so I definitely would recommend for any and all services. read more

Absolutely the Best Hair salon and the best Service in every way! Unlike some of my previous experiences in the past with some other hairstylists, Basil never fails to do a great job with my hair time after time! I have been going to him for about a year now and each time, I leave the freelance Salon Happy and excited about my hair and feeling overall rejuvenated due to the relaxing atmosphere. I get complements from friends and family on my Hair all the time! what I love about how he colors, highlights and styles my hair is that, through the 6-8 week between each hair appointment, the look of the hair continues to improve! as if it continues to look better with time! Basil is very talented, experienced, educated and skilled in what he does and I would highly recommend him and the Freelance Salon. To make things even better, the service at the Freelance Salon is exceptional in every way! All the staff are very helpful and friendly and the head massages when conditining the hair are out of this world! is like i get a SPA treatment every time I go to the freelance Salon! Thank you for the exceptional service every one at the Freelance Salon! read more

I walked in with my friend to get a blowout with no appointment. We were accommodated shortly after. My stylist introduced herself to me and was very polite and nice. She then asked me what I came in for and I told her a simple blowout with some waves. She then walked me over to wash my hair and concluded the wash with a nice scalp massage. This is where it began going downhill. She begins to dry my hair and let's me know she's drying it first to get the moisture out. After about 10 minutes she continues drying it and uses a paddle /wet brush to straighten the top of my hair. I wanted to say something, but I figured she knew what she was doing. 20 minutes later she starts using a round brush and starts to blow dry the rest of my hair without parting my hair into sections, nothing. I noticed she didn't dry it from the root to bottom just half way to the bottom, I immediately knew my hair would be frizzy since it would not be fully dry. After she was done I asked for a mirror to look at the back and of course I see it's not straight. It's wavy because of the technique she used, which is not even a technique. I pointed it out and she agreed she sees what I'm talking about. So she goes over the section again. I still see it and she goes over the section a second time. Finally, it seems to have gone away, but I was so disappointed in the end result. What should have taken half hour took over an hour. And my hair didn't look professionally done. I have to give her props for really going above and beyond in trying to please the customer, but if she would have stuck to the regular blow drying technique from the beginning this could have been avoided. Only reason I came to get my hair done was because I was on vacation and didn't feel like doing it myself. Lesson learned. Side note: my friend who was getting a blow out too didn't even get a blowout! Her stylist dried her hair and used a curling iron on her to give her waves and curls. I mean she asked for a blowout, how come she didn't get one? We were both so displeased we went home and re did our own hair. A big waste of time and money. read more

100% Best Haircut I've ever received I'm a stickler when it comes to haircuts and who cuts and styles my hair - mostly because I find it difficult to find someone who not only listens to what I want but is also able to properly execute it. This is my third time at FreeLance and each time I had Basil as my stylist. He actively listens to your desired look, gives suggestions or considerations to what you want, explains what he is doing while also confirming that is, indeed, what you're looking for and is able to execute your look perfectly. I highly recommend this place if you're like me and are particular in your look!! This is the only Yelp review I have ever written so, should speak to how strongly I feel about his work. Happy Salon Searching! read more

I saw so many great reviews, so I figured, "Why not?" Dianne cut my hair, and the entire experience was pleasant. The conversation was not awkward like Nick's experience on New Girl; the conversation was pretty much interesting. I was pretty happy with Freelance- from the amaaaazing head massage to the final product. When my hair grows out of control, I will definitely come back. But most importantly, Dianne made my hairrrr look goood. read more

I have been going to Valerie for years. She is awesome. She does a great job cutting and coloring my hair. She always makes my hair look its best and I leave feeling oh so pretty. My favorite part is the great neck massage she gives while shampooing your hair. It is so relaxing.... I have followed Valerie from her previous salon to Freelance. The salon itself is nice, always clean, and the other people who work there are friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend! read more

I have my wedding in June coming up and I wanted to start getting my hair lighter. I had Amanda do my hair and I love it it subtle and my hair still feels healthy. She told me we can do it little by little to get the color I want and the lil trim she did was awesome. I still have the length but it looks less damaged. I can't wait for the final out come ? read more

Freelance Salon - Going lighter :) - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is great! I got my extensions done by Diane for the first time recently and only wish I found her sooner. She mentioned different types of extensions I could get, it was nice to have a few options to choose from(I got the ITIPS). I been wearing extensions for 2 years and never got as many compliments like Im getting now. Great location and easy to find parking. Highly recommend!! Thanks Diane!! read more

Abby is awesome! Wanted natural highlights and my hair turned out exactly how I wanted it. The salon is exceptional -- friendly staff and clean! I parked at a two-hour meter with the intention of putting more money during my appt. I casually let Abby know, she asked where I parked and put more money in meter for me! :) She is an absolute sweetheart and highly recommend her! Overall, I'm extremely happy with my hair and had a great experience. read more

This was my first time at this salon and it was fabulous. Amanda is amazing, I love my highlights and my cut. I have never had someone put that much time and effort into my roots and hair before. It felt like there was no rush so that I could enjoy my atay even more. I would absolutely recommend all my friends to her and will be going ro her from now on. Thanks Amanda!!!!!!! read more

Freelance Salon - Love my color and my curls - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I had a great experience with Brittany Mckay yesterday at the salon. She understood exactly what I was looking for and paid close attention to every detail. I had a haircut and color. Totally recommend the salon and of course Brittany. read more

Freelance Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Freelance Salon is a busy area, a little town called Hillcrest, however, every time I have an appointment with Amanda N. I feel like I am at a spa and I can leave all the stress and worries outside. Every time I am greeted by the friendly receptionist and then immediately following is Amanda. We discuss our hair agenda at her chair, always with a smile and great suggestions. While she gets everything ready, I am offered yummy coffee (other beverages available). The whole process is wonderful starting with my color, wash, head/neck massage, cut and style. Great price for magnificent service. I highly recommend Amanda for your next hair adventure. Parking is street parking, you can use the meter right in front of the salon $2.50 for 2 hours or find free parking nearby. read more

Janet and Basil run a first rate establishment.. not only are the services FANTASTIC but the atmosphere as well. I've been with Janet for over 15 years now and couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Hilights are exceptional -- I get complimented all the time on my hair. I'd post pics but can't figure out how ;o) read more

I've been coming to Freelance for about sixteen months. That's about sixteen haircuts. And, I've never been disappointed. In fact, I've been super happy each time. It is always difficult (I think) starting with a new stylist. Valerie made me feel welcome immediately. She listens to my concerns, she offers excellent suggestions, and she is super talented. The salon has a great vibe, everyone there is friendly and welcoming. Also, they have a great selection of salon products for purchase. Another plus is the scheduling program they use. I sync it with my Mind/Body Connect app and the appointment shows up there with float/yoga, etc classes on the calendar. I highly recommend Freelance and specifically Valerie. Thank you for a great experience! read more