Kay is very talented! She has cut my hair many times and I always leave feeling glamorous great. I highly recommend her!

I had been cutting my own very long hair for years and years and finally decided it was time to get a real haircut again! My search for someone who could style long hair led me to Kay. I love her private salon space and my new shorter but still below the shoulders layered cut. I just let it air dry and it looks great. Thank you, Kay! read more

I had my first haircut and style with Kay and she is hands down the best stylist I've been to. She listened to what I wanted and then, gave me her opinion. I loved that because I have thin, frizzy hair and for so long I have felt like it is hopeless to believe that I could do something with my hair that made me feel good. I had not had a good haircut for so long, that I didn't feel like it was possible. Kay changed that! Mia from #colorbymia referred me to Kay and now I understand why. Kay is an artist (as is Mia). The cut that Kay gave me is so easy to style and she gave me layers for body that did not leave the see through ends which often accompany thin hair. I don't know how she accomplished that but she did! I think it is magic! Kay is also just a wonderful human being and you can sense it the moment you meet her. As I said to Mia, between Mia and Kay, I have found my forever dynamic duo supersheros to keep my hair looking fabulous! read more

Kay Joyce (of Kay Does Hair) is more than just an excellent hair dresser. She's an artist, master craftswoman, and just super chill and interesting. My friend, Mary, recommended her to me. And now I recommend all of you ladies to her. Kay gave us both amazing hair cuts that are super functional and easy to maintain (as in, I wash-and-go 99% of the time... no styling, no blow dry, no product). So, she not only gave me a great hair cut (that my boyfriend loves)... She also made my life easier because my new hair style requires little effort to maintain. She asked wonderful questions, which made a quick consultation really efficient. She considered my daily schedule and routine, my hair type, bone structure, personal taste, etc. Then, she washed and conditioned my hair... and proceeded to give me the best long-layered look I could ever want. And she made it all seem so effortless. Kay Joyce knows hair, and her years of experience as a professional hair dresser really show in every part of her work. Plus, her studio is tucked back, away from the street, and cozily nestled upstairs. With the beautiful maple tree tops just outside her windows, it felt as if we were in a Zen tree house. Without my asking, she spent extra time drying my hair with a roller brush, and styling it with a curling iron... All the while, engaging in pleasant, fun, and interesting conversation AND educating me about hair products and styling tips. AND - get this... Kay gave me such a great, functional hairstyle, that my hair looks great even if I just wash and go (which is what I do 99% of the time). Seriously. I can wash and condition my hair, brush it, and leave the house without blowing it dry, curling it, or putting any product in it... and it still looks good. And I have fine hair that tended to frizz. She made THAT work. And look good. The combination of Kay's excellent work, her chill and easy conversation, her cozy studio, and her incredible generosity with her time... I could go on and on... My boyfriend tells me how much he loves my new hair style every single day. Ladies, do yourselves a favor and visit Kay Joyce, of Kay Does Hair. I have already booked my next appointment. She says that I need not get another cut for 3-4 months. See? Only an honest, ethical, talented, experienced, and truly professional hair artiste could give a person such an amazing haircut that it need not be revisited for 3 to 4 months. Thank you, Kay! And thank you, Mary, for recommending Kay to me. read more

See all

Love Kay! I was going to a very trendy salon and felt like my hairdresser was so busy being cool and trendy that she wasn't really paying a lot of attention to what I was saying. Frustrated, I was perusing Living Social and saw a deal for color with Kay. It turned out to be such a blessing! She is really great. I like having a more mature hairdresser who understands and cares about what I want to look like. She is very talented as well. I have to say that when I came to her for a "single process" hair color, I had at least four different colors on my hair at the time. I thought "Whomever gets me as a client is going to have quite the challenge", but Kay was able to rise to the occasion, and in grand style. My hair now looks marvelous and it is finally growing out, as I have been wanting to do for some time. Other hairdressers just sort ignored this and always wanted to do a cut no matter what. She was encouraged me and actually helped me grow out my hair and my color is now gorgeous! I also love her little shop. It is sweet, quiet, and artsy. She has a nice array of tea selections and always offers fresh water and/or tea. Kay is not only multi-talented, she is efficient, professional, fun, and her prices are reasonable. Go Kay!!!!! read more

I have seen Kay twice for a style/cut and once for a keratin process. I'm very happy with the results. I also feel very comfortable at Kay's studio during Covid. It's just the two of you, she keeps the space super clean between customers and will take your temperature to start. Highly recommend. read more

Balayage & Cut: This is my first visit with Kay and I absolutely love the results. She really delivered on exactly what I asked for. I should have taken a before picture. I was a mess when I walked in and she cleaned me right up. read more

See all

I've seen Kay for a few years now. She was born to be a hairdresser. She got her start as a teenager in the UK, and she is very skilled. She gives you a style that works for you and your hair. I've always been happy with her work on the day of the cut and as it grows out. She has a relaxing space and takes her time. I highly recommend her. read more

Ok, it's more than 2 year since I first met Kay and it's time for this update. If there were 10 stars I would give them! She listens, she advises, she executes flawlessly. If you want beautiful hair, Kay is the answer. read more

Cut and Balayage : Kay is my first styling since i moved to california... i am the type of super picky to find stylist for my hair but i really super satisfied for what Kay did... for all the ladies, go to Kay, she know what she did and i glad i can find her read more

Thinking about transitioning out of coloring and into a sleek, healthy natural gray? I recommend Kay for a keratin treatment (a referral by Color by Mia). I was very impressed by the result of a shiny, healthy and natural yet polished look. To start, Kay spends time understanding your needs, lifestyle and hair care goals in order to recommend the best keratin treatment for your hair. The location is also excellent, an oasis on Piedmont. read more

As all my friends know I'm a huge fan of Groupon... it is a bit of a weakness. So it was only a matter of time until I tried a haircut. Wow was that a mistake! I read all the glowing reviews on Yelp before I purchased the Groupon, but now that I've been to Kay I have lost faith in Yelp. I should have been clued into the fact that almost all of the people that have reviewed Kay have not reviewed any other place - a little hard to believe. I digress... In short, I went to Kay through a Groupon and she proceeded to give me the worst haircut I've ever - which is pretty difficult to do because I have the easiest hair and cut ever. Before the cut I explained how I wear my hair (straight and tucked behind my ears - pretty basic). I again explained how I like to wear my hair in the middle of the cut. So when she parted my hair down the middle and started chopping I told her that I thought that kind of cut would make my hair lopsided. She then argued with me (whatever happened to the customer is always rights) and then pleaded with me to trust her (big mistake). After the uneven all over cut she proceeded to give me "light layers" or what it really turned out to be a fringy mullet (not what I wanted). I was near tears when she finally showed me the final product and now more than 6 month later (and 3 cuts) I am still trying to cover up the bad haircut. Needless to say I would never go back to Kay and I would never recommend her to anybody. As a new client if you are considering going to Kay... you should also question that while many of her so called reviewers have been going to her for 10 years, why then if she has a good healthy business of repeat customers would she need to do 2 Groupons 4 months apart... kind of suspect if you ask me. read more

Recently, my friends were lamenting that they don't have regular hair stylists. They simply hop from one Bloomspot deal to the next Gilt City coupon. I was exactly the same way until I bought a Bloomspot for highlights from Kay. My experience with her in the salon was great. Kay is charming and funny and easy to talk to. But it wasn't until I saw a photo of my new highlights that I realized, "Wow, Kay is really good." So now I get my hair done by Kay. And here are all of the things I like about her: 1. I wait a really long time before getting a haircut or color, because I am cheap and lazy. But Kay doesn't make a big deal or give me a guilt trip about it. You know, like the dentist does. 2. Her San Francisco space is right across the street from Ross Dress for Less, and on Kay's awesome advice, I popped in there and found a dress for $9. Bonus. 3. Kay has a lovely British accent and I always wanted a British friend. 4. I am not really very uptight about my hair. I've had bad haircuts before. It's not the end of the world. But I just totally trust Kay with my hair. She gets it, she's cool, she doesn't do mom hair. I don't need to bring in 492 photos of celebrity hair. 5. Kay is wonderfully warm and friendly while still maintaining her professionalism. I just scrolled down and was shocked to find a negative review. That's just not possible. Kay is sweet and sane and perfectly lovely. Plus, she makes my hair look good. read more

As a student, nice haircuts these days seem like a luxury so I was extremely excited to find a groupon for Kay. I live in Marin so I set up an appointment with her in Mill Valley. The salon was clean and there was a lot of natural light. I'm always a little nervous when someone new cuts my hair, but Kay made me feel at ease right away with her good natured personality. She asked me a lot of questions to get a sense of what haircut I wanted and went to work. I was so happy with the result. I wanted to wait a little while before I wrote a review because sometimes you leave the salon with a fabulous hair-do and then try as you might the next day, you can't get it took good. Well, it's been a week and I'm still pleased with my haircut. I would recommend Kay to everyone :O) read more

This review is for Kay's Piedmont location, its long time coming because she has been doing my hair for years ( almost 10 to be exact). When I first came to her,my hair was falling out,it was dry,brittle and over processed..It took about a year of Kay's experience, expertise and talent to bring some life to it AND I've never looked back..She is so knowledgeable about color and will definitely give her opinion on what will work best,listen to her you will not regret. My hair never looked so healthy and thick...Thank you Kay... read more

Kay Does Hair - Went blond for the summer!!!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

A lovely experience, and a very elegant precision haircut! Great stylist in a wonderful, private, safe studio space. :)

I'm a new client of Kay's, referred by a friend who has notoriously difficult hair to cut (extremely curly, dense) and color. I've gone twice now and am very happy. She tweaked my color, which was getting bleach-y (admittedly at my request to my old hairdresser to go blonder and blonder as I am getting older and older!!) and gave me a great cut that suits my ridiculous global lifestyle (which makes even taking a shower in the morning difficult w/early morning meetings). It's wash and wear now, and also looks great straight, when I have the time to do it. The color is brilliant. Very natural but still *hot* and blonde...:) I know some of the other reviews thought she was "uppity" or whatever, but honestly they just must not be used to other cultures. She is sweet as pie and very easy to chat with. Really enjoyed my time in the chair - and will be going back! (now....about breaking up w/my old stylist ... that's another situation!) read more

My new favorite hair-cutter, KAY! She is amazing at what she does. She listened to what I wanted and gave me exactly that, except better! So happy with the results. And... Kay is a sweetheart and has a great personality. Next time I need a haircut, guess where I'm going? :) To see Kay! read more

Kay is an amazing stylist. I'm growing my hair out after several years of very short cuts, and she gave me an excellent cut that lasted for several months. Previously, I've had to get hair cuts every couple of weeks because my hair (as does everyone else's probably) grows differently all over my head, but with Kay, she seemed to "get" my hair and it's quirkiness, and cut it so that I could still style it nicely even after three months. I highly recommend Kay. read more

I bought a Bloomspot coupon for the keratin express treatment with Kay. The regular Coppola Keratin treatment left my hair feeling heavy, so I was curious to try this lighter product. I set up my appointment with Kay via email, and a few weeks later I had my appointment with her at Frange Blue in SF. Kay was personable and friendly without being in my face the whole time. The process took about an hour and a half, and man, was my hair straight when I left! But upon first wash, I was thankful that I still had my curls, only less frizzy and way prettier. I'm looking forward to a follow-up visit with Kay next month. read more

Absolutely fabulous! When I left the salon 2 people on the street turned to me and said " what a great hair cut!". That certainly made me feel good....then my spouse said wow fashionable looks great. I mean this is what you like a hair style to do! I am walking around with a big smile! read more

UNCOMFORTABLE: i didn't use my Groupon with kay because i found her snotty british attitude a turn-off. i wasted my money and can say i'm bothered about it as she sounded like a right cow the 2-3 times i had to speak with her. perhaps it was a bad day(s!), but it's upsetting as a paying customer to be treated so rudely. i got the impression she doesn't like discounting her prices to attract new customers - she should rethink using Groupon! Bad form, Kay. read more

I NEVER write reviews UNLESS I feel I've had exceptionally bad or exceptionally good service. Well, Kay is better than good, she's The Best. I've lived in Marin, San Francisco & Honolulu counties. All 3 areas have GREAT hairdressers and over the years, I'd found just the right gal to color my very resistant grays (with highlights) and keep me looking coiffed and polished. Once I found someone who fit the bill, I would stay with her. When I moved to Oakland, I resorted to Super Cuts after going to several stylists that a. really didn't do what I wanted them to do, b. never gave me the same cut/color twice or c. wasn't worth the $. Why pay good money for something you're not happy with? I ended up coloring my own hair too out of sheer necessity. Well, one day, I finally got fed up with looking so tattered, I thought I'd try my luck on Living Social. I knew I'd have my work cut out for me as I am 1/2 Japanese and my hair tends to be courser than most. I also have always gone for a heavy highlight to cover my abundant and resistant grays. Finding someone to work with MY hair type was going to be a chore but I think I was going to a function and I NEEDED to have a decent head of hair! I found Kay and since then (about a year and a half), my hair has NEVER looked better (well, to be honest, maybe 20 years ago when I had lots of hair, it looked comparable). One thing I LOVE about going to Kay is consistency. My hair looks great EVERY TIME I walk out of her adorable salon. I NEVER have to worry about whether my hair will look as good as the last time because it does. People now ALWAYS comment on how nice my hair looks. Also, I don't spent hours at Kay's. She know's exactly what to do (she has my color on file) and she does her job, and you're outta there. I mean, IF you want to spend a nice leisurely time, have a cup of tea and chit chat, you can, but most of us have other things to do than to sit in a chair for longer than we have to. Kay has also started giving me Keratin treatments this year. I would have never invested the money in it (they're not cheap), but I've learned to listen to Kay as she really is a PROFESSIONAL and knows best. Let me tell you, I've saved HUNDREDS of hours NOT having to fuss with my hair while getting ready for work/the day. I tell Kay, "now I know how all the celebrities never have bad hair days...they get these treatments which makes their hair look gorgeous, easy to style (almost don't have to do anything) and ALWAYS looking perfect when they're getting photographed!!!!". Kay is a mature, hip, smart and a VERY talented hairdresser. She studied in London and has that edgy-ness to her. She is sweet as the day is long. She is an artist. Give her a try...I promise, your search will end with Kay. read more

Another fabulous cut by Kay today! We also played around with the curling iron and created some fabulous waves. Now I'm waiting for G. to get home so we can take my hair out for a happy hour. read more

Drop-dead hair and a lovely way to spend an afternoon? Check, and check. I've worked with a number of strong stylists in the Bay Area but Kay, hands-down, is far and away the best. She has an uncanny ability to take my pain-in-the-neck hair (cowlick, widow's peak, S-wave, fine yet frizzy -- you get the picture!) and turn it into near perfection. She's put up with my changing moods and handled requests for long layers, angled bob, blunt shoulder-length, bangs, no bangs with aplomb. I've done the keratin smoothing treatment with her several times and am always amazed how long it lasts and how soft and frizz-free my hair gets, but without the stick-straight side effect of the old school defrizz treatments. Have never done color with her (I'm cheap -- my colorist is Revlon!) but unlike other salons, she doesn't give me attitude about my at-home efforts. In fact, she's gone out of her way to suggest shampoos and styling tricks to make the color last longer and keep my hair healthy. It's a testament to Kay's insane cutting skills that I actually went 6 months between haircuts recently -- and it still looked great when I finally got into the chair! My current cut is a super-cute graduated bob with long layers, and she made sure I can wear it several different ways and still be able to pull it into a ponytail. As always, I'm thrilled. I tell her she's a magician with the scissors. And aside from skill, she's a lovely human being. She's warm, friendly, and a great conversationalist (but she also respects your silence if you stick your nose in a book or magazine if you're feeling introverted). Her studio space on Piedmont is darling; it always feels like a mini spa vacation when I'm there. Overall, I can't recommend Kay highly enough. read more

Yes, I still only trust Kay with my cut. Her new digs in both Piedmont and Sf are awesome--kinda like my hair. I have naturally wavy curly hair and can only get in the salon 2x a year.....She's always right on target with my hair, so worth the $$. Get in there! read more

Love her!! She does such a fabulous job! I get an express keratin and a hair cut from her every few months- and let me tell you guys she is amazing. Delivers every single time, super cute little salon, and wonderful personality. Can't go wrong. read more

Kay is not only an amazing hair stylist, she also listens attentively to her clients wants and translates them to your hair. She's warm and funny and her cozy salon is calm and comfortable. You have to go see Kay, she's the best! read more

Kay Joyce is fabulous. Originally trained in London and cut at DiPietro Todd for many years before breaking out on her own. Great haircuts that can go the distance and grow in beautifully, so if you get caught out between appointments you won't be a total mess. Kay has excellent ideas and sound advice, but will absolutely listen to you and give you what you want - it's all about you. Charming London accent is icing on the cake. She cuts in a small private salon off of Union Square most of the time - but is now cutting a few days a month in Rockridge/Oakland - yeah!!! read more

I just recently visited Kay, as a new client, and I loved it! She knew exactly what I wanted as far as color and style. She did a fantastic job with my blonde highlights and I would recommend her to all! I plan on visiting her again :) read more

In just a few words I was able to explain to Kay how I wanted my hair cut and she really got it immediately and proceeded to give me a terrific cut. Also, on the color I went with her recommendation and am very pleased. She's a real professional. read more

Kay has cut my hair since 1996 -- almost 15 years! Kay has terrific skills as a stylist and a colorist and is a real professional. She is also a great listener! I have never left Kay disappointed because she did something different from what I asked her to do. At the same time, she is great at recommending styles and improvements. She's also extremely fun to be around. I couldn't recommend her highly enough read more

Last month I went to Kay Joyce at her new location at 660 Market Street. It's her best location by far. The salon which she shares with one other person is bright and happy with lots of light from huge windows that face Market Street. Kay is a master with scissors. Her cuts are the best - I know because people always stop me in the street and ask me who did my hair! read more

I went to Kay for a cut and highlights for the first time last month and was thrilled with the results. I can honestly say I have never received so many compliments on a hair cut in my life (and I have visited my share of salons)! The other nice thing about Kay is that she only has one customer at a time so there are no other customers to distract her attention. Finally she is a delightful person and pleasure to spend an hour or two with. read more

Kay has made my wispy fine hair fuller than I thought possible and easier to manage than I can remember. The cut always looks good even after a couple of months. Her recommendations have complemented my hair, face and lifestyle. She's my hairs not so well kept secret. Kay has my top recommendation. read more

I have been going to Kay for 8 years or so. I have long hair and she was the first hairdresser to put in long layers which I absolutely love. This fall I had Kay cut bangs and let me tell you I can't keep track of how many compliments I have got on my hair. Not only is Kay talented with the scissors but she is the sweetest person to be around. I look forward to seeing her every 2 months or so just so we can catch up. I'm so glad a friend introduced us years ago. I just saw Kay today and she did a fabulous job with my new bangs once again! Thanks! read more

Had a haircut with her a couple of months ago and thinking about scheduling another one soon. Yes, she is pricey but she is really good (would give 5 stars if it was a bit more affordable). She did some miracle work with my long, flat, thin hair... Highly recommend! (and answering to someone here on Yelp, I'm a real person, I live in San Francisco, and I've reviewed a handful of other places not just Kay). read more

Went for a cut & color at her piedmont ave location. Kay was wonderful. Lovely, easy going personality. Great consult. Gave me best long layered cut ever! Blew my hair out in nice sexy waves..exactly as I had hoped for. Glamour girl hair : ) Would absolutely go see Kay again. read more

Kay has been cutting my hair for over 10 years. I have nothing but good things to say about her. Her work is outstanding, and she is also a very nice person. For anyone who wants their hair cut or styled, I highly recommend Kay. read more

Let me start by saying this should be a 10. Kay is on fire, literally. I have been a long time customer and every once in a while I stray....only because business has taken me somewhere or I can't get in immediately. Ugh, never again. My Mom came for a visit a few weeks ago and was so disappointed in my color, she basically told me not to waste my time or money anywhere else. Kay is the one and only with scissors and color. I'm coming home Kay! read more