This is a great value. Super professional haircut in a wonderful setting from an expert stylist.

If you want your hair to be cut perfectly, John is the guy! I've been a longtime client. I have not found anyone who cuts hair better than John. I travel over an hour each way to get my haircut by John. He has a small in home shop in Potrero Hill. If you live in the vicinity, you are lucky and can save yourself a drive to SF. If you drive, parking is easy in the neighborhood. I find it easy to Uber. I get many compliments on my haircuts. Even by other hairstylists who ask who cut my hair. They comment on the perfect precision and layers. If great haircuts are important to you at a reasonable cost, John Panelli hair is the place to go. read more

Five stars . I've been getting my hair cut with John for many years now! I have never been more satisfied! He is clearly a very talented hairstylist and works with precision and care. John is very personable and cool. You can't go wrong with him! read more

i've been going to john for 25 years. he's a perfectionist like me and so i greatly appreciate his attention to detail. he listens snd does exactly what i'm asking for. i have tried other stylists but nothing comes close. i can't recommend him enough. read more

John really listens to his clients, takes direction well, and produces excellent, perfect haircuts, which maintain their shape as they grow. He is a true artist, a complete professional, a hair phenom. There is no better cut in the city! Additionally, his salon is very stylish, he is always on time, is flexible when scheduling issues arise, and is super responsive. read more

Went to John twice. First time didn't love it. I really wanted to and he seemed like he what he knew what he was doing, and had such good reviews (from a small amount of people on here but still). Went back to see if he could take direction and correct the things I didn't love about the initial haircut. Showed him multiple examples of the cut I wanted which just required a small tweak or two. I stressed I like FULL HAIR with volume. Instead he randomly gave me all over short layers and styled it as flat as possible. He beveled the ends so I have zero volume. It's exactly what I did not want. The layers are not flattering and will take a while to grow out. Not what I asked for at all. This may be the only cut he knows how to do or maybe he just doesn't know how to listen to clients. Did he even look at the photos I showed him? It's a mystery as to why he would do this. Bottom line is I would not recommend this stylist to anyone, at any time. read more

Although I haven't been to his salon in a long while now, I am crazy about John and his haircuts. I have followed him from Oxenrose to Pitch to Mercer Street. His home-based salon is gorgeous and elegant, and he reigns over the space like a benevolent king. John is the kind of stylist who has a bold vision and does what he wants. He does his best work when I just give him my head and say "go for it" -- whenever I gave him a picture or asked him to copy some other style I'd seen, he does it just fine, but the cut doesn't suit me. That's not a criticism of HIM, it's an observation that I don't know my head as well as I ought to! read more

You know those haircuts that just keep looking better and better as they grow?? John gives those haircuts! He perfectly balances listening to your preferences and providing advice on what he thinks will look good. The fact that he's super cool is just a bonus! I look forward to getting my hair cut here for a long time to come. read more

Best Hair Stylist in San Francisco! I've been following John and he's been cutting my hair since the early 90s.

One of my very good friends had been going to John for a while, and I noticed that his look had really changed for the better. The subject of hair came up on a camping trip, and it turned out he'd just sent his girlfriend to John and she was also raving about him! The three of us all have naturally curly hair, and I thought if he did such a great job with their hair, that I should try him. I went to Johns studio yesterday, and it is the most hip, zen, cool space I've even had my hair cut in. It's in the back of a historic house with the door opening to his very well designed garden space. I could have sat there all day looking at the space, but inside the studio is one sink and one chair. You don't have to listen to other stylists and clients yakking away. The leather and chrome barbershop chair that you never see in actual salons...just movie salons, was the centerpiece of the space.The attention is totally focused on YOU. John loves talking to clients and finding out about their lives and hair stories. My hair story was pretty bad. I had extra long shaggy hair, with a whole corona layer broken off from highlights gone bad, and then grown out raggedly. He blended the heck out of my two totally different layers (like 8 inches different or more!) and I left with full, thick blended hair. He did have to cut a lot in some spots, but magically, I didn't leave feeling like i'd lost a ton of length. The price was very reasonable and I was totally happy with the experience. I'll never go anywhere else and i'm sending all my friends. read more

John Panelli gave me best haircut that I've had since my last stylist left San Francisco two years ago. This feat was all the more impressive given that he did this while engaging in a wide-ranging discussion on topics personal, philosophical, and political. read more

John really takes his time and does a great job. Getting my hair cut usually makes me really anxious (I would seriously rather go to the dentist) but John's no BS attitude and his skills put me at ease. read more

I have been going to John for my haircut about a year or so. I can't find anyone better who does a great job at a reasonable rate. I have gotten $100+ haircut in the past but it was not any better. I also referred my friend who is extremely picky and he is going to John ever since. read more

I'm not sure if the person who wrote the review below went to the same guy I've been going to for 5 years, but based on the other review they wrote, I'm going to just dismiss it as one of "those" reviews.... Johns been cutting my curly difficult weird hair perfectly for years, I won't see anyone else. He's excellent, takes great pride in his abilities, and deserves the accolades written by everyone else here. If you can get on his schedule, go see him. There's a reason his calendar is full. read more

John has been cutting my hair for about six years and I can't imagine going to anyone else. After growing my hair for the last two years with only a few cuts in all that time, today I arrived for my appointment and told John I like my hair this length but could use a more flattering cut. He made some suggestions and showed me what he would do. As usual he took his time and cut my hair with precision and style...and then I drove home happy, hoping for red lights so I could check out my hair in the rearview mirror. Besides being the most skillful and attentive hair stylist I've had, John is a cool guy with excellent taste. His studio is classy, spotless, and comfortable and I know that every time I go there I'm going to be pleased with the results. I've never left with a cut I didn't love, even though half the time I walk in without knowing what I want. read more

I still love getting my hair cut from John. He really listens, asks questions to clarify, and always follows through with an awesome haircut. He is precise with his cuts and even better is that my hair grows out looking awesome too. I find that he gives me the exact cut I want (no surprises) although I have also asked for something different, and he always comes up with a flattering cut, too. If you have difficult hair (like mine), thick and kind of wavy, he knows exactly how to thin it and style it to look great! read more

I've been going to John for somewhere around 10 years (I haven't been counting). Prior to John having his own private salon, I first went to him at Oxenrose, then to Mercer Street, and Pitch, and so on. It has been worth it. I trust his vision and his hands that much. I've never been disappointed. I really enjoy his demeanor...he can be talkative, but if you're in a low-key mood, he can match that. No pressure either way! It's just enjoyable and casual. His in-home salon is perfectly and stylishly decked-out. I feel very comfortable there, and really prefer not to have to deal with the din of other stylists or patrons, as in a salon setting. If you don't know what you want, he can offer an informed and current opinion on what would work well for you. OR, the few times I've felt strongly about a look I wanted (completely with photo in hand), he jumped on board and matched my wishes (with his own inspiration and touch thrown in). Oh, and he has great tunes, and musical taste to add to the vibe. I have no reservations in recommending him. read more

My hair was in a sad state after a razor cut from an un-named source, I disguised it by pulling it back in a big fuzzy pony tail for nearly 3 months, until a friend suggested I see John for a cut. Well, thank god i did! He spent some time with me to discuss what I liked and didn't like about my hair. Not many stylist spend even a quarter of time that John did to talk about what he was going to do. His studio is neat, modern, cool and relaxing. John cut my hair with such precision and focus. I walked outta there with a fabulously chic style which I adore! I highly recommend John as he is an amazing stylist with mad skills! read more

Love my new haircut! John takes the time to listen and suggests a new style that works with my lifestyle and my face. It's my first visit but he is not afraid to cut my hair short - I walked away with a 16-inch pony tail to donate. Another thing I really like about John is that he does what he loves and it really shows in his work. He doesn't have sales quota to meet and doesn't push for extra services that I don't need. Having lost track of my previous stylist through several moves, I am glad to find someone working from his own place. read more

I know I am shooting myself in the foot by writing this- obviously the more positive reviews John gets, the less likely it is that I will be able to call him up only a week or so in advance and get an appointment! *That said*, I wanted to post a rave review for him as he is definitely super talented ~ I moved to NYC three years ago and found that I would still schedule a cut with him when I was back in the Bay Area. And even though he's been cutting my hair for five years now, he still makes sure to ask how much I want off, the way I want it styled, etc., all courtesies stylists normally reserve for first time clients and which I greatly appreciate. Because, as a few of you other lucky people out there know, long fine curly hair is a #($& to deal with...luckily I have John to help me keep it under control. read more

Freaking awesome everything! Small, intimate and CLEAN which is so nice and unbelievably comfortable! John the owner/stylist was charming and did a great job! Will write full review later. read more

sheesh.. enuff of the trips to LA just to get a decent haircut.. I've found The One! I've tried tons of places here Yosh, Cowboys & Angels, Elevation, Oxenrose just to name a few plus one, and they without fail gave me haircuts that seriously aged me. John is amazing w/ a pair of scissors and really takes his time w/ your hair and listens to what you want. Plus -- his studio is in a zen-like lush environment if u can imagine it, and he plays cool music. There ain't nothing I don't like about him, 'cept after writing this I'm going to regret it since it's already hard to get appts :( read more

THE most masterful haircut EVER - thank you John. I went to him this afternoon for the first time after reading the other yelp reviews. My hair was the grown out version (long) of what had once been buzzed a year and a half ago - no real style at all, just a random grow-out. John was very patient as I showed pictures of what I want (and even pictures of what I don't want) and he masterfully cut my hair into an AWESOME style in less time than it took to talk about it. Found my new hairdresser - thanks again John ! read more

Really fantastic! I'm one of those very difficult to please people with my hair and am often disappointed. But I've finally found a great regular stylist in SF. John was able to make good suggestions with very little/vague direction from me and do exactly what my hair needed. He is flexible, attentive, precise and really knows what he is doing. He is also just very pleasant to hang out with. read more

John is the frickin Rembrandt of cuts. Seriously, glance at the other reviews; every one is 5 star and glowing. I'm a guy with curly hair. Before John, I didn't realize a good haircut should last for two or three months. People would use thinning shears and even clippers on my hair and they had my ignorant a$$ back in three weeks ready to pony up more dough and thanking them for their shoddy work. I hated my hair, thought I was cursed, would resort to a close buzz...now I go three months between cuts and list my hair as one of my more attractive features. Go to John read more

I went to John for a cut a little while ago (my first time) and had a good experience. He's skilled with the scissors and I love his little salon setup. It's got a modern, artistic feel with a small chandelier and some of his own artwork. Anyways, he made my hair look great! read more

I went to John on referral from a friend who went to him once at Oxenrose, and could not forget how perfect her hair was. Luckily we found him again through yelp. It was the best haircut I've ever experienced, I felt as if every single hair on my head was taken into consideration. I have had the same Cyndi Lauper inspired hair style for the past 3 1/2 years, and the shape had just went to hell, from going to hair stylist to hair stylist. He asked me what I didn't like about my hair, and repaired it beyond belief. I felt like calling him the next morning just to thank him. For as long as I live in San Francisco I will never let anyone else touch my hair. read more

John is amazing! I was referred by a friend who has tough hair to cut. I had my hair cut by John yesterday, and feel that for the first time ever I have found someone that actually understands my hair. He instinctively knew the areas it would get bushy when it grew out, and had good suggestions for a style. I didn't really know what I wanted, just knew what I didn't want. I have already received tons of compliments on the haircut. His salon at his house is great - super clean, well designed, quiet, and so easy - just park right in front and walk in! read more

First, I have to say I'm extremely particular about my hair. I've been more stressed out before by the thought of getting a new haircut than going to the dentist---until I went to John. I've also been to plenty of overpriced stylists that were nothing special. Every one of them acted like they were so much better than they were, but JOHN IS TRULY ABOVE THEM ALL. He is a FANTASTIC STYLIST, a total professional, and he deserves the world to know it. John is easy-going, down-to-earth, confident, patient, really listens to what you like and relates to people well. I could literally sit there in silence, and he'd be okay with it (meaning he won't force you to talk the boring hair salon talk), but I really enjoy talking to him anyway. John is like a friend cutting your hair, but he knows exactly what he's doing, so you can really be honest and up-front. Feeling comfortable is so important to me. John is a perfectionist. He treats every hair like it's your only one. I leave his cozy, zen-like private salon feeling ready to go out and show my hair to the world. The way my haircut falls naturally is total perfection. It holds its shape so well I have gone three months before another cut, and I don't have to struggle every morning to style it. Also great, his price is completely reasonable. He also doesn't push any products on you, in fact, he told me the beauty salon store where he bought his brush (after I asked him). He's the best hair stylist I've ever been to, and I've been going to him for two years now. I first found out about him through a friend at work that loved the cut he gave her. Then I read a rave review about him in the February 2006 issue of Allure magazine. From the first time he cut my hair I knew how much better his cuts are. He is amazing with scissors and you can tell he has a vision in mind and knows how to create it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND John Panelli...make an appointment, and you'll be hooked. read more

John Panelli is by far The Best Hair Designer I have ever gone to! I have been going to him for about three years, I started when I lived in Marin and drove to the City to see him at Pitch. I have since moved to Southern Ca. and fly up about every other month for a haircut. He is a perfectionist, cares about what he does and is very creative. The lengthy rant by M.I. says more about her than it does about John, the only part that I believe is that she is unhappy. She should cut her own hair. John is outstanding, I highly recommend him. read more

John Panelli is simply the best stylist I've ever had, and I'm picky. I have probably already raved about him on Yelp many years ago but it's time to update my review. I followed John from Oxenrose, to Pitch, to Mercer Street, and now to his own salon. Can you imagine? Yes he's that good. I have also told many of my friends at work about him because I get compliments on my hair. My husband now even goes to him! I like him because he cuts hair so well, has an artistic eye, is himself an artist outside of cutting hair, and has a beautiful design sense - these things matter in a stylist. He is a perfectionist when it comes to cutting hair, which I appreciate. I highly recommend him. His salon on Potrero Hill allows for good streetside parking, too. read more

Can you be in love with a hair stylist? You can if it is John Panelli and he cuts your hair better than anyone else ever has. I have followed John from several salons including Pitch, Mercer Street and Oxenrose- he is that good. John is now working out of his own private studio in Potrero Hill- a very cute modern space that is very cozy yet upscale. He cuts amazing layers with artful precision. My hair is wavy and I blow dry it straight every morning. I had to wear it short or all one length for years as no one could cut layers that worked with my hair. Now I have long beautiful texturized layers that lay perfectly and frame my face. John doesn't do color though but he is so good you won't mind having to go elsewhere for your color (for color I recommend Denise at Kookla). Besides, you want to go to someone who is really good at one thing not sort of good at multiple things especially if you're a perfectionist like me! read more

John continues to Amaze ~ awesome & skillful technique, personable, fun & a great sense of humor to boot. Yes, I live in the East Bay, Yes, I trek to the city for John & his years of expertise & professionalism. It's great to have someone you can really trust to always make you look & feel great!! If there were 10 stars, it still wouldn't be enough!! Simply the Best: John Panelli!! read more

He's simply the best. If you want the highest quality cut without any product promotions, look no further. John is a hair God. I'm serious. read more

John's been cutting my hair for almost 2 years now and there's no way I'd ever let anyone else get their scissors near me. Since moving to SF from NYC I've gone to dozens of top stylists only to be disappointed, end up with haircuts that look good that day but are unmanageable the next, don't grow out well, and are just plain expensive and unflattering. John's haircuts are the complete opposite. They lay perfectly. are easy to style, always make me feel my sexiest & feminine, never overdone and "foofy", but instead natural, elegant, sophisticated and hip. The best part about haircuts by John, are by far the haircut itself, but there's also the added bonuses that he's cool & has an ultra stylish hidden sanctuary space. He has a great sense of interior design & has created an environment that makes you feel like an A-list celebrity in the know. read more

I too followed John Panelli from Oxenrose to Mercer Street to Pitch to his own salon. I'm finicky about how my hair is cut, and he's finicky about cutting hair well. He's the best. He's an artist. Imagine my surprise as I was flipping through a magazine and I found John Panelli listed as one of the best stylists in Allure magazine. But I shouldn't have been surprised -- you can't keep a great stylist secret in this town. read more

my husband & i have been going to john for four years now & even though we've moved to seattle--we STILL get our cuts by John when we're in town. he's that fab. we've followed him from mercer to pitch to his private studio--his cuts are precise & flattering. i've gone from a pixie cut (with difficult asian hair) to longer layers--nothing seems to stump his expertise. the biggest compliment i can prob give john is that i can literally go months--this last time close to a year--and my hair still holds a style...yes, it looks grown-out a bit, but the layers hold & my hair doesn't look frumpy--that's how amazing his cuts are. i used to have a theory that you need to change your stylist every 2 years bc cuts become stale, but i've found this rule doesn't hold with john. we've truly come to appreciate his low-key approach, his meticulous studio & total bonus: he's from philly, we're from philly...nuff said. read more

i have been getting my haircut by john for the past year now. i was very loyal to my previous salon (7 years) but heard great things about upside your head. i decided to give it a go and have been getting my haircut by john ever since. i have thick, big, curly hair- it is not easy to tame let alone cut. john listened to me and then acted with precision. not only does john give a great cut but as my hair grows the shape holds and gets better and better. i no longer have to get my haircut as often as i once did. in addition to the great cut, i love the personal service and the one on one atmosphere. it's john with his scissors and me in his chair, instead of feeling like i am going through the salon mill as just another client. groovy tunes, great atmosphere and professional service-no need to seek further. simply, john is awesome. read more