I discovered Head Designs Salon by accident while driving through Emeryville. The exterior of the salon was inviting and so I stopped to inquire about a service that I required. Sheila Head, the owner of Head Designs, was knowledgeable, clearly knew hair techniques, had a history of working with locs (which I have) and made herself available for a consultation that day. Love my cut and color. ...I am a new resident, just moving to the Bay Area from Atlanta and needed a new stylist. I think I've found her. ;) LisaCampbell (Berkeley) read more

Sheila is wonderful, a skilled hair person that I just happen to have been taking my curls to for almost 25 years. She can do it all, whip out the flat iron, relax your naps to a lovely spiral, color, and cut. She deals with all hair, but shines with curly hair, from kinks to soft curls, she gets it right and I've changed my hair a million times in 25 years, trust me. Warm and intelligent, a spitfire with great skill and a love of all things hair. She's moved into new space just across the street, don't have the address at the moment but if you go the Market address,look directly across the street for the salon with the big glass window. read more

Sheila is a WONDERFUL stylist. She is incredibly knowledgable and a master cutter! From the time I booked my appointment she was in touch with me. She ensured she knew what I wanted, and she delivered! Sheila did a fantastic job, she's so personable, kind and respectful of your needs and wants. I will definitely be going back! I loved my experience!!! read more

Sheila is a master at cutting your hair to enhance it to the fullest. The shape of your hair once she has finished is awesome! She will do everything possible to give you the style and care your hair deserves. read more

There is nothing that makes me feel better than a great haircut. I've been looking for a good salon for a couple of years since I cut my locs. No luck until I found Head Designs Studio on Yelp. Sheila is knowledgeable, informative, and fun. She gave me exactly the haircut I've been trying to find. That we could have a great conversation at the same time, just made it that much better. read more

Sheila is phenomenal. Please take a moment to review her page. She is all that and more. If you're looking for someone to nuture your crown, educate you on the science of hair care and provides excellent service, Head Designs is where you want to go. We had a brief conversation about what style/cut I was looking for and she made it happen. I was so happy with my cut, I booked my next appt. before leaving the shop. read more

Sheila is amazing!! My cousin recommended her and I have been going to her for about a year now. She is all about the health of your hair, and is very honest about what she can do for you, and when she makes a promise she definitely delivers. I recently colored my hair and I went very dramatic. It came out exactly like i envisioned and I love it!! I definitely recommend her!! read more

It would be my first relaxer in my life and Sheila Head made the process worry-free. The hair/ holistic salon is spacious and naturally lit. It is beautifully decorated and very relaxing as well. I use a motorized wheelchair for mobility and the salon is wheelchair accessible which is a big plus since many places aren't. The staff is super friendly and Sheila Head is a joy to have style my hair. I am never sitting around for my appointments and get out quickly. Sheila styles all hair types and I highly recommend Head Designs especially for people who disabled and looking for a shop that cares and is committed to great hair care. read more

I found Sheila on Yelp. After reading numerous positive reviews, I decided to browse her website. The website was very informative, offering information about her work, the consultation process, and many photos. I became much more excited after exploring the website. I was very impressed by the organization of the online appointment booking system. It is easy to navigate and has the option to view, schedule, or cancel an appointment. I immediately booked a consultation and deep condition online. Upon arriving to the shop for my appointment, I received a warm welcome from Sheila. The ambiance of the shop was very relaxing. There was soft music playing and the shop is bright and clean. During my consultation I was asked about how I wear my hair on a daily basis, my hair goals, and the current hair products that I'm using in my hair. She provided information about my hair type and explained the process of how she does the deep condition treatments. She also provided information about how she could shape my hair at my next appointment. Although I did not go for a haircut, I became so excited while we were talking, so I asked if she could cut my hair. She was very hesitant to agree to cutting my hair because she said that she wanted to give me exactly what I came for. I really appreciated her response because it showed me that she wanted me to be satisfied with my experience. However, she did agree to cut my hair later in my appointment after I assured her that I was ready to cut my hair. My overall experience was amazing! My hair came out extremely soft after the steam treatment and deep condition. I must admit that I felt a little nervous while my hair was getting cut, but Sheila ensured I was comfortable. She told me everything she was doing while she cut each section of my hair, which also helped me to relax. I absolutely love my haircut! I wasn't able to fully appreciate the shape until the next day when I took out the Nubian knots that she gave me, but I truly love my hair. read more

I am a 2nd generation customer of Sheila. Sheila has been doing my mother's hair and my aunt's hair for many years....she now does my hair and everyone comments on my cut and color. She keeps the best products and keeps your hair healthy no matter what stage your in. I have a perm and am not ready to switch to natural hair.....no one would every know. My mother switched from processed hair to natural and she loves it ....and so does everyone else!!!! She is pretty pricey....but as my grandmother always says....YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. read more

Came in to get dreads and ended up with a shampoo and 6 months of hair growth, cut off, which also cost me $75. I was refered to the shop, only to be told afterwards that the owner was a little scissor happy. Nice lady and all but, I would never refer them to anyone wanting dread work done. Plus, I won't ever go back. You see, I'm 60 yrs old and it takes me a longer time for hair growth. So this experence was especially problematic read more

I have natural hair aka no relaxer in my hair. I decided to get some blonde highlights and cut. I've been to other salons and in comparison this is the best haircut I have ever recieved on my natural hair. Sheila makes her own colors and is an excellent colorist allowing you to wear any color you want with the right shade. She works with all types of hair textures from curly to straight. If you are looking for a good cut , color or any other chemical application she is the one to go to. The hair cut is 60 dollars but it is worth it. read more

This is my second time coming to Head Designs and it's my go to place in Oakland for getting my natural hair done. The salon is clean, comfortable, and the staff is extremely welcoming. After getting sick and losing a lot of my hair, Sheila gave me a stylish cut that completely restored my confidence. She took into consideration my needs, and came up with a short, natural cut that I absolutely adore, but wouldn't have thought of on my own. I love it and have gotten so many compliments already! The truth is, from my experience you can end up waiting for a bit, because each customer really does get the utmost attention. But the staff and the clientele are so cool I don't mind just spending some extra time there. My advice is to book an appointment for when you have some extra time, and you'll be sure to come out with a style you're in love with. read more

I am a long time client of Head Designs, and I agree with many of the positive comments I read here. In addition to keeping my hair healthy and looking sharp, I want to mention a couple of other great experiences at the salon. I recently decided to transition my hair to its natural color (i.e., stop coloring and embrace the gray), and Sheila was a partner in helping with the transition. Each haircut took me closer to my goal, but also kept me looking good in the meantime. She really had a plan and a vision to get me through it. And now that the transition is complete, I love my new look and Sheila's haircuts enhance my natural gray highlights. I also want to mention a wonderful product that I picked up at Head Designs--the Wish Towel. It's a microfiber towel that's perfect for curly hair. I'm not sure how or why it works, but my curls have never looked better. I highly recommend it! read more

I have had the opportunity to receive quality massage from Niki at Head Designs. She is professional, caring, and qualified to provide many different types of massage techniques. Niki will build a routine designed specifically for you and your bodies needs. On a scale of 1 - 10..she is a 10+! read more

I haven't been to a salon in over three years, due to a horrible past experience, and I just found a permanent one (thanks, yelp!). These ladies our so kind and Lesa, the gal that did my hair, was very informative. After over 20 years of trying to figure out how to tame these curls, she finally gave me sound advice and even showed me how. The atmoshpere here is beautiful- sounds, art, people- and has a welcoming familiarity. They also hold neighborhood events there, which is commendable. It's nice to know that they are a business that strives to be a part of the community. read more

this is the place to be pampered. Sheila takes excellent care of you. Every time I leave I get compliments on my hair cut. She offeres massage and facials...the last time Ihad a facial there...I felt fantastic. And she offeres stimulus packets to save money.... read more

Not only did I get a terrible haircut, but the way Sheila treated me throughout the process was bizarre and unacceptable. I had been looking for a new stylist who knows what to do with curly natural hair, and after reading the positive reviews and and seeing a woman with a great cut from Sheila, I scheduled an appointment. Things started out ok as we talked about what I wanted, but they quickly went from bad to worse when she got started. I wasn't thrilled with Sheila's method - a lot of yanking, pulling and snapping while she combed out my semi-damp hair (and scolded me to keep my head still). My hair is fine/delicate and tightly coiled, and when I realized how short she cut it on one side, I expressed concern because I knew how much my curls would shrink once they were wet (I typically wash and go). Everything went downhill from there. Sheila was instantly defensive, and instead of us having a conversation about what was happening on my head, she spent the rest of the the time "educating" me while she hacked up my hair. My hair was a MESS. It took 2 visits to another stylist to shape it into something wearable, and nearly a month of deep conditioning treatments before my hair started to recover from the damage Sheila had done. I emailed her to let her know how upset I was with the experience, and she said she would grant a refund, as I'd requested. She didn't say how or when it would be issued (and didn't respond to an email asking about it), so I stopped by the shop one day when I was in the area to check on the status of it. Big mistake. Sheila assumed that I came to the shop to try to intimidate her (?!?!?) and took my visit as a opportunity to be combative with me. Instead of considering the possibility that she didn't do a good job (she seems to think she can do no wrong), she chose to blame me for the awful experience, saying that she's been doing this for 37 years and doesn't have to defend a haircut (I never did get that refund). It's shocking just how rude, condescending and unprofessional she was. I've never written a Yelp review before, but the cut was beyond bad and Sheila's behavior was truly disturbing. I'm sure that all of us natural/curly girls have less than fabulous haircuts at one point or another, but this is honestly the WORST salon experience I've ever had. read more

If you are a naturally curly girl, I would NOT suggest going to this salon. Based on the many 4 and 5 star (obviously written by the owner) reviews on Yelp, I trekked to Oakland for a new cut and color and was so hype the whole way there. I got a wash, cut and cinnamon brown highlights (which I'm still looking for-see pics). The owner Sheila did my hair and she is very nice and a great conversationalist, but my hair looked ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. She charged me $200 for a ratchet, retched mess. I was so embarrassed on my train ride home that I stopped in Walgreens to buy a scrunchy for my hair. It took 3 weeks to get my hair back conditioned so that it looked decent again after all the hot blow drying, comb dragging and comb snapping she did- sheer curl abuse! My hair was a dry, shrunken, puffy, crunchy, drab, unshapely, old fashioned, ugly mess when I left there. I took a pic as soon as I got home and then I took another pic 3 weeks in after LOTS of deep conditioning and TLC. You be the judge: She actually charged $200 for this when she should have deeply discounted the price based on this bad final result (pic #1)!!! Pic #2 is my hair after I deep conditioned for 3 weeks (what my hair normally looks like). If you're looking to make a generous donation to a for-profit business, be embarrassed on the way home and get some damage done to your hair, then by all means, check 'em out! read more

Head Designs Salon - Pic #1 - As soon as I got home from getting my hair done at Head Designs. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I had a good experience with the cut. The was knowledgeable and knew what she was doing. I give 3 stars because I had to wait over an hour to get in the chair. When mentioned this she said that because I'm a first time client she didn't know what I wanted done, even though I had spoke with her on the phone and given her detailed description of my hair and the cut I wanted. Even though I felt my time was not respected, I'll probably go back since there are very few stylists in East Bay who know how to cut natural hair. read more

I went for a haircut after taking down my dreds. Sheila is a good hair cutter but I was there for 3 hours. She did the all too typical thing of having 3 clients going at the same time. Arrived at 4, left at 7! Although I liked her, I won't return. read more

Shelia has been trimming my natural hair for 2 years now and she is phenomenal. After she Shampoo's and Conditions my hair she would proceed to trim it while its still wet. That's right ladies, you do not have to have your hair straightned to receive a trim (with me being Afo-American many stylist feel more comfortable flat ironing my hair first then proceeding to trimming the hair--but not Shelia). I have about three hair textures but very thick, its close to a tightly curly pattern and she shapes my hair perfectly. She will teach and educate you on your hair while styling and I just love that. The salon has a very positive vibe and Debrena is soooooo friendly and professional. She is currently 8 hours from me and I dare not let anyone else trim this hair, So I drive up to the salon every 4 month for a Shampoo, Trim and Style. So if your looking for someone who is professional, knows their craft, gives it to you straight while I "educate", positive speaking, competent but experienced, multi dimensional stylist....then Shelia Head is the stylist for you. read more

If you are looking for a spot that uses quality products, good service, values your time and offers a good environment this is your spot. I had an appointment at Head Designs two weeks ago with Lisa, and I have to say that I have found a stylist that I can trust my hair with. I have a short-rihannesque haircut with a relaxer and unfortunately at times when I have had other stylist style my hair there was no noticeable difference in my hair, this was not the case with Lisa. After Lisa styled my hair I received several compliments on my hair style and not only that, the style held up for over a week-withstanding my tossing and turning in the bed and gym workouts. I now understand and appreciate the difference in quality work. I'm thankful to have stumbled upon Head Designs. I highly recommend them. read more

I first went to see Sheila, the owner of Head Designs, on a friend's recommendation. I've been there twice now and love her great, precise cuts and exuberant personality. The first day I went was Halloween weekend, and she was all dressed up and served me witch's brew. She explained to me how she's able to "cut" waves into people's hair, and she was able to do it with mine. I've always had slightly wavy hair, but you could never tell because it was hidden underneath layers of thick hair. But now all I have to do is wash my hair and blow dry it to bring out the natural waves. Both times, she took her time with everything from the shampoo and rinse to just talking with me, which made for a very relaxing experience. For that very same reason though, you should make sure you give yourself a full hour for the cut, because you're not going to rush her. read more

I am sooo picky about my hair. I love Shiela, she took my main and made it rock! She has a lot of experience and it show.

Thank you - Sheila Head! I found her salon online and was drawn in by the great music that plays while you browse the site. And there is similar excellent music playing at the salon. I was so pleased that Sheila took time to listen to my concerns and ideas for a cutting style. She explained the other services available under the same roof, but was not pushy or insistent. And I do look forward to returning to get nails and brows done. She was very patient and I really appreciate her skills and high standards. I have natural and curly hair and she knew how to cut it. And the price is just right. We had conversations about numerous subjects and all this with the beautiful setting made for a truly positive experience. read more

Dear Shelia Head....Thank you for the wonderful hair cut...I look beautiful and as always you are by far one of the best Head designers in the Bay Area.....you could do Hollywood heads...Thanks for doing "us"....it's been 25 years of wonder...thank you so much..Lea Centauri....Head Designs highly recommended...! read more

I am so happy with Sheila Head and Head Designs that I signed up with Yelp just so that I could write this review. I had been wearing my hair natural for about 7 years when I discovered Head Designs. Prior to that, I styled and trimmed my own hair because I couldn't find anyone to work with my natural texture without straightening it first. I wore my hair primarily in twists and wanted to wear it freestyle as well but it had become too shapeless and unruly to do so. I also thought that I wanted to color the gray. Sheila spent time discussing my options with me after listening to my concerns and answering my questions. LISTENING is the key word. Based on our conversation, I decided that coloring did not fit my lifestyle. She cut my hair into the perfect shape for me so that I could wear my hair freestyle without twisting or doing anything to it first. The shape was so contemporary and fit me perfectly. This past weekend I took my mother who was visiting from Pennsylvania to see Sheila. My mother had been wearing a jheri curl for almost 30 years. She had tried a few times to go natural but with no luck and no support from her hairstylist. She had a wonderful experience at Head Designs and she looks fabulous. She says she feels free. As Sheila says, if the shape is right, you don't have to worry about texture. Sheila knows how to cut your hair into the perfect shape so that you have very low maintenenance. I treated my daughter to a haircut at Head Designs a couple years ago and she said it was the best cut she's ever had. Now she only lets Sheila cut her hair. Head Designs now has a loctician, Gracie who is also knowledgeable and very nice as well. The best thing about Head Designs is the atmosphere. It's calming but at the same time very upbeat. It's a positive environment that I really enjoy. read more

Sheila is simply great! I cut my own hair for over 15 years because I no longer trusted the hair salons I visited. It seems that every time I got a cut or trim the first thing I did was to run home with my wet head and start correcting what had been done. Apparently, it's not the norm for many salons to dry curly hair before sending their clients home. I also got tired of hair designers trying to convince me that I needed to color my hair as the gray became more prominent or that I should straighten it. I do not like to fuss with my hair and prefer to be natural. Finally, I gave up and started doing my hair myself but now I'm tired of doing it and so in my search for a "Sheila" I started asking other women with nicely styled curly hair where they went. Fortunately, I met a woman who told me about naturallycurly.com and that's where I found Sheila and Head Designs. Although she is over 25 miles from my home I am not complaining because after three visits I've not been disappointed. I'm getting older now and can't decide what I should do with my hair these days but everytime I've expressed what I 'think' I want Sheila does it and makes it all so easy...no fuss...no surprises...and no corrections. All for a great price. What a find. I have gotten many compliments since going to Head Designs and I tell everyone about Sheila. She is knowledgeable about my type of hair and can recommend products according to my needs. She also works with all types of hair and I seen her give wonderful styles to other customers. Because of many bad experiences I developed a real negative attitude about salons over the years but Sheila and Head Designs have busted them all. Her shop a very pleasant, well designed and creative environment and I don't have to wait for hours to get serviced. I'm really glad that I did not give up my search for a good hair cut. Check it out! read more