I have been seeing Marc for several months. He provides excellent haircuts and is very friendly. I highly recommend him for anyone looking for a stylish cut in Marin. read more

I don't have a lot of hair, but he does a fantastic job to make me look like good in public

Marc made me look 10 years younger and that's pretty good for this 62 year old. I have gotten so many compliments on the color which looks natural but better than my gray. The cut is perfect. I can let it dry naturally or style it and both ways look cute. I would give this business 10 stars if I could. I'm a client forever. read more

I have been a client of Marc's for over 10 years so in response to the review "Heather S" below, I can confirm that he is a real person. Who did you think you were communicating with? Come on lady, get a grip. Marc has always been professional and has always done an amazing job on my hair. He listens to what I want and I listen to what he thinks would look best and from there we come up with a plan. There has never been a time that I did not like what he's done with my hair. To address some other things that "Heather" put in her review: Asking for a credit card is typically standard practice to hold a reservation. Maybe you are used to going to Super Cuts where they don't ask for one or clearly you don't work in the service industry and have had people no show for appointments. Time is money, hon! If you didn't want to put down a CC, then maybe that should have been your first queue to move along to someone else. Vaccination card requests are becoming more and more prevalent these days. If you felt this was your second red flag, maybe you should have stopped there and moved on. Based on The email thread you yourself posted it appears that Marc was professional and tried to accommodate you by having you come to your appt early for an in person consult. Do you really think that a zoom call is sufficient for a hair consultation? You state that you are a forgiving person, but that doesn't appear to be the case. You got your feelings hurt because you didn't get your way and went right to the age old "I'm going to tell on you" grade school mentality and threatened to make a bad review. Did you really think at this point that Marc would take you as a client? . I'm glad Marc stood his ground because entitled people like you are exactly what's wrong with society these days. Get over yourself and go call Super Cuts or whatever low quality salon you are accustomed to. read more

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW: I have been a client of Marc Machado for 8 years. My daughter has also used his services for 5 years. She is now 21. We LVE him. Not only he is a great hair artist - always learning, teaching and growing in his craft - he has also saved my life. My 19 year old son took his life 6 months ago, and not only did Marc check on me (calling my daughter when I myself was suicidal) he knew I wasn't able to work due to extreme grief. He gifted me 2 hair appointments on him. That is the generous kind person Marc is. My hair has always looked great because of him. I am writing in response to Lizzy's post and 1 star review. I have posted before and after photos of her hair. Photo 1 is before (looking completely ratchet and ton to fix), and photo 2 is after (Marc worked his magic)! Lizzy's hair looks so beautiful and healthy now. I disagree with Lizzy in that he is unprofessional as he is the ultimate professional. Moreover, I think that posting private conversations between she and him displays no class (especially when he cannot remove her review). I am self employed and always give people the benefit of the doubt and know that his fee for (4 hours of his time and products) cost money and that he is more than fair in all of his transactions with his clients. Thank you for reading. read more

Hair Design by Marc - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

We've looked for a hair stylist since we moved to Marin two years ago and finally found what we were looking for with Marc! He's a real pro with excellent attention to detail, and he goes the extra mile with a great scalp and neck massage and hot towel treatment. It's like a mini spa day! read more

I LOVE Marc! I've been going to him for over a year now. Every cut and every color is perfect. He's honest and realistic about what he can do. He uses quality products! We always find something to laugh about when I'm sitting in his chair. Such a great guy and a great stylist! read more

Its true about 1st impression! Also, trust your instincts if you feel something is not right. Let me share my first encounter with Marc, not sure if this person is real btw; I was searching for a haircut specialist that cuts curly and I saw Hair by Marc Designs. I read some positive reviews and decided to make an appointment. However, I was asked to submit my credit card and I would be contacted if my request to have a consult appt. would be accepted, which was the 1st red flag. Next thing I know I get an email requesting my vaccination card and photo ID? 2nd red flag! Then I received an email supposedly from Marc confirming my appt. request. I repond asking to speak with Marc before meeting him his private studio, and this is the reply I got... "Sure! We could chat before your appointment if you like. I have accepted your appointment and also look forward to meeting you!" I sent another email asking what would be a good time to call Marc; now here is where the 3rd red flag started to get me worried... "Hi! We actually don't need to chat on the phone before you come in. I can add a little time to our appointment so that we can chat when I see you. Sound good? Marc" I emailed back insisting on a phone/Zoom live call. I explained that I would feel more comfortable having a conversation before my appt. I was nervous that I was not receiving good customer service as a potential new client. Also, the fine print when signing up is your credit card info you faithfully give up front can be charged if you miss your appt.! Bizarre to say the least. Yet, trying to give this imaginary person name Marc the benefit of the doubt, here's the next reply I get after insisting we meet via Zoom before I come to his place of business... "Hi, I don't think this is a good fit. Good luck. Marc" Wow! I then shared in another email my disappointment and my intent to write a review: and the final red flag that prompted me to cancel my appt. consult and delete my cc# info was this final response from a man name Marc... "This is exactly why I think I made a good decision not to take you on as a new client by seeing your email response. It is completely unnecessary and childish to respond that way and to threaten me with a bad review. I'll just have it removed. You never visited my business therefore have no grounds to write a proper review and you will be violating the terms of service.  The thing is, It's nothing personal. I just don't think it would be a good fit from our limited and little interaction. I was nothing but nice to you. Did I do something wrong to you for you to attack me? Having a business means you have the right to refuse service to anyone. Maybe you don't understand that?  Please do not contact me anymore. Anything more will be considered harassment and dealt with as such.  Marc" I would think twice about doing business with Hair Designs by Marc!!! Trust your 1st impression always! I am a forgiving person and I hope that Marc is real and treats others as he wishes to be treated. #TrustinGod read more

Marc always makes me look and feel like a million bucks! I love the undivided one on one service he provides.

Marc was amazing! He really listens to what you're looking for and takes the time with you. Super good vibe and and an amazing cut! My hair hasn't looked this great in forever read more

I needed a new stylist since moving to Marin and was nervous because my hair is admittedly damaged and neglected after the pandemic. Out of the gate, Marc was both knowledgeable and kind, taking his time to make sure I understood exactly what to expect and explaining the science behind what he could achieve with my color. The outcome is lovely and I'm quite impressed with both color and cut. Having lived in San Francisco for many years, I was also pleasantly surprised by Marc's prices. I'm very grateful to have found him! read more

I'm sooo glad I scheduled an Olaplex treatment with Marcus through Yelp. He is honestly one of the most knowledgeable, friendliest, passionate, and professional stylist in San Rafael. And I've been to a few.. I've been to Salon B and James Rose salon before but wasn't feeling good vibes from both. Salon b can be aggressive and hustle-ly in a way; while James Rose didn't seem passionate for what they do. I love my hair and try to take care of it as much as possible. When I meet Marcus I finally found someone who's just as ( and possibly more) passionate about hair. He gave me some tips tricks on the structure of hair and how these products work with hair. He really tells you like it is and wants to educate his clients, which I greatly appreciate. I usually don't trust my hair to stylists, but I'll forsure return to his salon and schedule a cut and color. I highly recommend him to anyone in the San Rafael area. You won't be disappointed!! read more

I absolutely love Marc! I have been getting my hair cut and colored by Marc for the past 6 years. He truly listens to what you want and the results are amazing! I only trust Marc with my hair cuts, color and styling products. The quality of his work is wonderful! I always leave very impressed and satisfied with his work! read more

Hair Design by Marc - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

Marc is a god send! Not only warm, fun and welcoming--he is incredibly talented. Seriously exhuming my head from the depths of unhealthy rocker bleached out dyed dried self-cut & fried, my hair is now beautiful swinging lovely locks. Marc has been working with my mangle of tangles for over two years and every cut has been cute and right inline with my personality. As any picky girl does, I usually have requests and he always comes through with an even better cut, repair or color than I hoped. Once that girl 'always nervous to lose a lot of length or get that butcher cut', I found Marc and pretty much just let him do his thing. Now always leaving his chair smiling and feeling pretty, the next day is even better because Marc's cuts are so great I can style (or not style) my hair myself! ...Incredible cuts, beautiful Beliage & color plus amazing tricks to cure dry, dead hair. If you need to fix your dead-head, prep for an interview or shine for a sexy night out on the town, Marc is you man!!! Always perfection! Love you Marc!! read more

Hair Design by Marc - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Marc Machado is amazing! He fit me in for a keratin treatment last minute, for a reasonable price. He was very thorough and efficient. He's definitely not one to skimp and makes sure you are happy with your hair. I'll be sure to go to him in the future and to recommend him to friends and family. Update: I came back to Marc for Balayage and he did an amazing job! He asked me all the right questions to find out what I was looking for and the result is just beautiful! read more

Both my sons have been seeing Marc for a year, but my husband just received his first haircut today and it's SUPERB! My husband had gone to the same stylist in San Francisco for 26 years and she recently retired.. My husband agonized about going to a new person, but he is beyond happy that Marc did such a fantastic job. We love Marc - we LOVE him. Nothing more to say - you will not be disappointed and you will wish you had found him 26 years ago lol... read more

Marc is the best! I have never been to a stylist who loves his job more than he does! Amazing with color - my highlights are incredible- my haircut is spot on. Marc is a kind person who really cares about his clients and takes the time to get to know them. He listens and always offers up what he feels is best and it works! Highly recommended! read more

I am so glad to have found Marc. When I visit my son in Fairfax I will always have Marc do my hair. Back home in Ohio My hairdresser washes and styles my hair once a week, I put it up at night and it looks fantastic all week long. I have gone to stylists in San Francisco, paid three times as much for half the results. Not anymore, in Marc's deft hands I will look fabulous! read more

I feel so lucky to have found Marc. He is so expertly trained and so relaxed to be around. He really listens and takes such good care of my hair taking the time to train me on better hair care. My hair is so lovely when I leave and easy for me to maintain the great cut. read more

Marc is beyond amazing! All of the reviews everyone has posted about him is true. He listened to what I thought I wanted and then I trusted him to cut my hair as he saw fit. It was perfect!!! Thank you, Marc!!! read more

I've lived in Marin for nearly two years and figured it was time to find a stylist on my side of the bridge. After some Yelp research I decided to give Marc Machado a try. Am so glad I did! I am quite pregnant and wanted to lighten and tidy up the hair a bit before my life becomes pure chaos. I loved how Marc sat down and listened to what I wanted, and then talked through a plan of attack. We ended up doing balayage and a low maintenance cut (notice how I didn't say "mom cut"), all of which I am very happy with. Aside from his meticulous attention to detail, he is also a funny, nice person. Feeling very lucky to have found someone on the first try, and already looking forward to my next appointment! read more

I feel so fortunate to have found Marc! He is fabulous! He listens and is able to execute with tremendous attention to detail and skill. I have curly hair and have have had more disappointing haircuts than I can count. With Marc, every cut has been great. He is a perfectionist and is also a great listener. He cares so much about his clients and his work. He now takes care of my entire family - all of us with different hair textures and styles. He has always been up front about his pricing and extremely fair and reasonable. He spends a lot of time with each client. He is honest and caring. Five stars isn't even enough to express how wonderful he is. Thank you Marc!!!! read more

Marc has been great with my hair. Came to him after many attempts at finding someone that can work with long hair and layers. Always get so many compliments on my hair. Very accommodating, listens to what I want and willing to try different things if not happy. Great with color as well. Feel very fortunate to have met Marc! read more

If I rated Marc by all the stars that I can see in the sky, it would still NOT be enough! He is a wonderful hairdresser and a "real" kind of person that just makes my day a better one when I see him. My hair feels the same way about Marc! He is an artist and just a super delight to deal with every time I see him! read more

Marc Machado is an exceptional Hair Stylist. After my hairdresser of 35 years passed away, I researched possible stylists in San Rafael. Consistently, I was referred to Marc and I am so fortunate to have met him. I am thrilled with both the coloring and cutting of my hair. I have received many compliments and I love the way he has styled my cut. He is a 5-star person, too; very kind and friendly, conscientious and dependable. read more

Unfortunately, i did not have a positive experience with Marc. During the session, Marc was very nice and spent a long time consulting about what I wanted. I'd requested a partial and cut, brought in several photos. By the time we were through (4 hours!), he ended up charging me for a full highlight and cut, as well as other services we hadn't discussed. Since he was doing a significant amount of work, i decided to let that go, even though the price change came up after the fact (he never mentioned anything was going to cost more). In the end, though, after paying over $300 including tip, I ended up disappointed in the end product. It wasn't what I asked for, and I wasn't happy (especially since at no point did he mention he was doing more than a partial). By way of courtesy, I reached out to him to tell him that it wasn't what i asked for (if you pay $300, you want to feel like your hair looks like a million bucks!). I explained why I was not happy, and respectfully asked if he would honor the original price point... I was shocked by what he wrote back to me. His response to me is the reason for 1 Star (I would have given him 3 if he had at least been professional). I will post his response. I think it speaks for itself. (Honestly, if he had just said "I'm so sorry you weren't happy, but I can't refund you any money" I'd at least have given him some credit). Buyer beware. Here is his response to my email. Imagine hearing this from your hair dresser: "I'm sorry you feel that way about your hair. I did what I could with what you brought me. I never once said I was going to make it look like the pictures you showed me. We discussed that those were inspirational photos. I addressed the chunkiness of the old highlights and told you that I would be toning darker so that hopefully it wouldn't pull brassy so soon from you flat ironing every day. These are all things you agreed with me on. There were no surprises. As far as the amount I charged, it was not over $300. It was $270, but you decided to tip. If you weren't happy, you should have told me then and not tipped. You said multiple times how much you loved it and how healthy it looked. Am I wrong? Did I not hear you correctly? I understand it may have not been exactly what you were looking for, but the end result was 100% better than what it looked like when you came in. We discussed that I was toning a little darker so that you could fade out to a nicer tone and again, hopefully not turn brassy again. If you truly respect me as an artist and respect my time, you would not be sending me these messages. Once again, I did to the best of my ability what I could with what you brought to me. I told you I wasn't perfect and was trying to get somewhat close to what you showed me in the pictures. As far as the cut goes, it was super uneven when you came in and I gave you a nice, fun cut with a nice solid line. I distinctly remember checking my line to make sure it was straight after I blew it out so I don't understand what you are talking about. And you're right about the pricing. I guess I have to ask every client from now on what their budget is versus their needs unfortunately. If price was going to be an issue, it is also your responsibility to communicate that to me. I'm not a mind reader. I did multiple steps of color on your hair and used products to help rebuild the bonds of your hair. As we discussed, it should have been a color correction at $100/hr. You were there for 4 hours. That's $400. I feel $270 is a significant discount. I will not honor any original price point. We never discussed an original price point. It's very clear on my website that the prices are a starting point and go up accordingly based on how much work I do. Again, I'm sorry you don't like your hair, but we as stylists create art on a moving canvas. I personally would never buy a piece of art and then ask the artist for money back because I didn't like a particular piece of their art. Would you? I wish you the best of luck in the future." read more

After 20 years with the same hairdresser, I had to find a new stylist. My hair is rather challenging for coloring and cutting. As a former red head in my younger years, it is difficult to highlight and keep it age appropriate, while also taming my cowlicks. Marc Machado is patient and mastered both the color and styling. I so happy with his results. My hair looks better than ever. I enjoy his company very much. His salon is bright and comfortable and his professionalism is much appreciated. read more

I've been coming to Marc for awhile and I must say that he always does a great job on coloring and cutting my. He is always consistent with the quality of his work. Marc is up on the latest hair techniques and it shows. read more

Marc is an amazing stylist with an eye for color! I am so happy with my results. I am very particular about my hair, I need my highlights perfect and natural, and he delivered. Not to mention, he's beyond easy to talk to. I don't even live in Marin and yet I'll make a point to see him again. I'm recommending him to all my Marin friends and family! read more

Marc Machado is fantastic! I am 100% confident and comfortable saying that he can do anything any client wants, as he truly will think through his process and takes his work very seriously. He made me happier than any hair stylist had in years and years!! My hair is long and naturally almost black, thus challenging to keep blonde without brassiness. Marc knows how to get the results you want. I love him! Do not hesitate to book with him. If you have ever had highlights, have him do balayage, it's very pricey $$$ but so worth it and much less maintenance! Marc is a balayage expert! read more

Marc has been my one and only choice for a hair cutter for the past 4+ years and it's for good reason. He's an expert! I've never been so happy with a haircut in my life until I started going to Marc. He's personable, fun, professional, and an amazing hair cutter. One visit and you'll want him to cut your hair for the rest of your life. I don't mean to spread it on so thick, but it's all true! And those neck massages...so good! Thanks for all you've done for me Marc! read more

Marc is the best! I had an amazing haircut and the whole experience was great. Marc is clearly passionate about his work and takes every appointment very seriously. I can't wait to go back. I've had so many hair stylists and Marc made me feel more comfortable than any of them. read more

Love this guy...lots of attention to detail and craft...obviously loves what he's doing...great color, lowlights, and cut!

Funny, fun, and talented, Marc makes me look forward to every salon visit. I started seeing Marc years ago, and have grown to really appreciate his incredible eye for color, especially highlights, making them look natural and pretty. This guy will NOT give you skunk stripes. I have very straight hair, and Marc keeps it looking healthy and tidy. Plus, he's really reasonably priced given his level of skill. Another plus: he's ALWAYS ready for me when I get there, and, if for some reason he is running over, he goes out of his way to contact you to see if you can come in a little later, so you're not left sitting endlessly reading old People magazines. He's also a hoot--I am never bored when I have an appointment with Marc. I recommend him highly. read more

I researched 10 hair salons/stylists before settling on Marc and I'm so glad I did. I'm very specific in my desire for natural looking, blond hair. I wanted some who would really listen and Marc did exactly that. He took 10 minutes with me discussing my needs (no ashy colors, more butterscotch/wheat, at least three colors of blond, highlights around face, etc.). I had told him that I didn't like it when I walked out of a salon with a black strip down my part; I wanted the foils as close to my scalp as possible. He did a great job of foiling, and then then he said that he had success using a toner (not sure if that's the right word, but it's added to your scalp during your washing) b/c he knew I didn't like my Level 7 Blond hair to peak through at the scalp. The toner "mellowed" my natural color so that it blended well with the foils. It was excellent and lasting (for about 5 weeks). I was super pleased with my color: natural, glistening, has depth of color, and perfect colors for my skin tone. I went back to Marc for a cut a week later. No surprise, I'm super picky! Again, he listening patiently as I told him my list of needs. I have long blond hair. It hits at my bra in back. I like a layered look but! (here comes the list of needs!): I didn't want my hair to look thin and lay on against my neck, I wanted the "biggest" hair I could get with a layered cut; I asked for a blunt cut on the ends as I've got fine hair and if you use a razor anywhere or whisp the ends, my hair will go flat. Several stylists have balked at doing a blunt cut at the ends as they feared that my hair would lack movement. But Marc did it and my hair still has plenty of movement. Also, I have trouble with my hair falling flat at the crown. He got all excited saying he had JUST the cut for stopping the hair from falling flat at the crown (and he did!), it's some sort of reverse pyramid magic cutting that puffed up my hair there. Plus he meticulously cut my hair to my other needs: a layer that curves under my chin, a sweeping side cut (executed perfectly with colic taken into account). So I've found him. I'm super loyal once I find the right stylist. I'm so pleased that I took my time to find one of the best in Marin. I kind of worry about people finding out about him as I don't want him to become one of these overbooked people! It is my belief that he will have his own salon one day if he so desires. He is a sweet, kind, interesting man who is interested in you. He prices are very fair/competitive (and as I also live in Santa Monica and San Rafael prices are definitely better). He studied hard to become the best he can and works hard to stay up on the latest techniques. He is "age neutral" meaning, he was just as happy to do my hair as my Mom's (and she's 85). He loves what he does, which makes a difference. I highly recommend him. read more

Marc is an incredibly talented stylist! I trust him implicitly with my hair and know that when he suggests something, I should give it a try. His prices are very reasonable, and he's such a real person--easy to relate to, funny, and down-to-earth. Before working with Marc, I didn't have people asking me where I got my hair done, but now I do. I look forward to every visit and leave feeling like a million bucks. (Wait until Marc washes your hair--seriously! The massage is one of the best parts!) Marc is amazing!!! Why only 5 stars?! Marc should get more... Call him and let Marc work his magic! read more

Marc was awesome!! So personable and friendly and incredibly knowledgeable in his field. He gave me an absolutely gorgeous balayage and I couldn't be happier with it! Very reasonable pricing too. I'll be referring my friends and family to him and I will be back :) read more

He liked my shoes. No but seriously always get a really great cut from Marc. He's friendly, punctual and attentive. Five stars!