Nice Cuts

Family-owned & operated

Consultations available

Kiyoko is fantastic! I absolutely love her tiny little salon in the middle of Japan Center, right…read morewhere all the action is happening! She is incredibly meticulous and detailed with her haircuts, wonderfully gentle and careful with washing, and amazing with hair color. You can tell she takes so much pride in her work and pays attention to every little detail. My hair is very difficult to cut because of years of processing, but she worked her magic. This is hands down the best haircut I've had in years! If you're looking for someone who is skilled, thoughtful, and truly cares about the quality of her work, I highly recommend Kiyoko.

I drove 2.5 hours to come here for a haircut and showed the hairstylist pictures of both the front…read moreand back of the hairstyle I wanted. She told me she could do it, but unfortunately, it became clear during the haircut that she did not know how to achieve the style. She cut my hair short and then tried to use a hairdryer and comb to make it look like the pictures, but it did not work. I showed her the reference photos again and asked if she could get help from someone else. She asked a colleague, who showed her how to cut the style, but she still seemed unsure how to do it. Eventually, the owner had to step in and finish the haircut for me. For a long-hair haircut that cost about $100 total ($85 for the haircut plus a $15 tip), I was very disappointed with the experience. At this price point, I expected the stylist to be able to achieve the hairstyle she had confirmed she could do, or to be upfront from the beginning if it was outside her expertise. Unfortunately, based on my experience, it was not worth the price or time.

2.4 mi•Union Square, Financial District

Ombré with cherry red!

Curly Hair Color & Hair Cut at nepenji San Francisco, Tokyo .

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Feeling to be short cut! Nepenji San Francisco.

Hector Estrada

4.8(455 reviews)

Hector Estrada; hairdresser EXTRAORDINAIRE: color, cut and…read moreshaping. I was a medium brunette. A few years later, Hector said, ""I'm going to make you a blonde, because, You have a good personality." Now, every 6weeks, I'm a little bit blonder and a lot happier. I'm constantly complimented, "Who does your hair?" Hector has transformed my life. Getting an appointment is challenging, as he's booked two months out, but, his Assistant Michael, is amazing and will work you in as soon as humanly possible. I promise.

I've been in SF for 8 years trying to find a hairstylist I actually trust, and I finally found…read moreHector. I went in not really knowing what I wanted, just vibing with some general ideas. Hector totally got it and did an amazing job. The thing that impressed me most is I wanted highlights without bleaching my hair, and he made it happen. Every other place said I had to bleach it. The salon is super clean, bright, and has a great vibe. Everyone there is really kind and helpful. Yeah, I had to wait for an appointment and send pics beforehand, but it was 100% worth it. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a great stylist!

1.6 mi•Japantown, Lower Pacific Heights

After shot!

Balayage and cut by Hector

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Style by Akela

Kaori Hair Salon

4.8(73 reviews)

•$$$

I think the choice of barber is a very personal choice - you want to find a really good one that…read moreunderstands what you want out of a haircut, and also has to be able to construct that haircut on a bi-monthly cadence. For me, I found Kaori through Yelp. She is best reached through text, and she is responsive. The first time I showed her the haircut I was going for, she was able to understand immediately, and she was also able to work around my difficult hair (read: male pattern baldness). I have been going to Kaori for a year now and I plan to continue going!

Kaori was great! Very kind, fun to talk to, and skillful with my hair. Would come again for sure.read more

0.6 mi•Lower Haight, Hayes Valley

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Taylor Monroe

4.3(1.3k reviews)

So happy I found Benji! I'd been professionally covering my grays every 3-4 weeks, fighting that…read moreharsh demarcation line as my hair got darker and darker. From the moment I sat in his chair, he made me feel completely at ease -- personable, attentive, and so easy to talk to, like catching up with an old friend. He took the time to consult with me, listen closely to my concerns, and develop a thoughtful plan to begin lightening my base and gray blending journey -- keeping the integrity of my hair a priority every step of the way. He's incredibly talented and knowledgeable when it comes to color, using modern techniques to create a natural, seamless blend with no harsh lines -- just soft, pretty color that'll grow out beautifully. A total perfectionist, he made sure I was thoroughly happy with the result before I left the chair. The whole experience felt effortless, and I haven't loved my hair like this in so long. Benji is the only person I'll trust with my color from now on -- so grateful to have found him!

As a 58 yr old woman it's nice to be noticed. Thanks to Benji I get compliments on my hair ALL the…read moretime! We've been on quite the hair journey since 2021, playing with a variety of shades of red. I've been loving being a redhead. I am 95% grey, which I have found is not easy to achieve perfect coverage. Benji's got me! I appreciate his excellent communication skills. He listens intently and asks a lot of clarifying questions to be sure that we're on the same page. He exceeds my expectations and I feel genuinely cared for in his hands. He's a sweetheart and so fun and easy to chat with during my services.

Done by Benji (instagram: wooneats)

Honey blonde Balayage by Emu

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Full Balayage by Benji Pow

Project XO Salon

4.8(69 reviews)

1.6 mi•SoMa

Thank you, Hung, for an amazing makeover! I have not had a real haircut in a few years, and hung…read morewas able to completely cut and tone my long/thick hair in under two hours. I highly recommend him- he is professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and his salon space is beautiful.

Casual and very relaxing once you enter through the door. Professional, creative, honest stylist…read more Newest addition is Georgie- what a beautiful pup. Highly recommend Hung for a hair cut and color, 100%

1.6 mi•Japantown, Lower Pacific Heights

Rich brown balayage

Elli with her gorgeoushair.

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Hung and little Georgie

Arty

4.2(397 reviews)

•$$$

Yumiko was great! She is very nice, professional, and informative. I got a layered cut and a…read moredigital perm. She warned me that my straight, fine, virgin hair will have difficulty holding a curl after day 1, but it ALWAYS came back after a wash. The curls started to loosen at about mo 4, and lasted about 6mos. I went back for another digital perm 1yr later, and I'm going back for a third today!

I've been going to Arty for years now, and I feel as if the quality of service has declined. I went…read morein for a full highlight and haircut and I felt like it was being rushed and I didn't even get what I had asked the stylist for despite being very specific about my style. The highlights were done very well as well as the haircut, but neither were what I asked for/was expecting based on pictures and verbal requests. The haircut was rushed and I had to ask a few times for adjustments. I understand that sometimes hair takes a long time, but with the amount I paid for the session I would like for time and care to be taken to heed my requests. Unfortunately I will be searching for a new salon after this last session.

Exactly 1 year after the digital perm. Yumiko's cut and perm make this hairstyle look good at any length.

Yumiko gave me this perfect haircut and perm to make my first trip to Turkey beyond perfection. Thank you!

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KaYea Hair & Make-Up

4.8(246 reviews)

3.0 mi•Parkside

I've been coming for more than a year for to get my hair cut and consistently love my hair every…read moretime. It's effortless - I go in and have great hair coming out! One note is that he requires a deposit in advance via Zelle to make an appointment - that sketched me out the first time, but I'm glad I went for it. It's just a minor inconvenience to get on his busy schedule that's well worth it!

My favorite hair stylist! Lee is great at giving you the haircut you want in a way that suits you…read moreand is always fun to talk to. It takes me a while to travel here, but always worth it. The atmosphere is nice and the salon is clean and bright inside. Highly recommended checking him out!

Sexy Curl Perms(?) lasted for 2+ months

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Steel & Lacquer

4.7(292 reviews)

1.3 mi•SoMa

•$$$

Returning to The Bay after a four year hiatus, I desperately needed styling. Today I reunited with…read moremy longtime stylist, Cloe Washington. I wanted a Wolf cut, but not a mullet or a tight fade. Cloe did me right with a nice scissor fade, keeping it long on top. Trust!

Been looking for a new hair spot since I moved to the city and I'm so happy I found steel + lacquer…read moreon tiktok. Chrystal is so sweet, did such a thorough consultation, and very precisely gave me exactly what I wanted. She pampered me the entire time, was very helpful with all my hair questions, and will definitely be my new go to girl. Vibes were great all around and am feeling so refreshed after my visit.

I was so happy with my hair cut and beard trim!

Hair by Chrystal

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Hair by Marie

Hong Kong Mona Hair Studio

4.8(152 reviews)

2.5 mi•Inner Richmond

My new go-to place for haircuts! I have long, thick hair and my haircut was about $30 - not…read moreincluding wash & style. Usually other places charge me double and cut more than I want. I love that it's so affordable and not too far from my workplace. Mona always cuts it at the perfect length that I say, and never more than I ask. I always leave happy with the results. Highly recommend! CASH ONLY & metered parking. Highly recommend booking an appt via phone.

WOW! I got a $25 haircut here and it took less than 30 minutes. This did not include wash and style…read morebut I was okay with that! Mona was super sweet and has been cutting hair for 20+ years. I made an appointment via the phone about a week ago. CASH ONLY!! Will definitely be returning back here.

0.9 mi•Alamo Square, Hayes Valley

Hours

Haircut

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The after - some light layers and curtain bangs

David James

4.8(293 reviews)

Nielle is the best!! I'm so glad I found her, I would follow her around the Bay Area. She keeps my…read morehair looking fresh and healthy after it went through a major thinning process. A shoulder cut can quickly look crazy on me (mullet alert) but she was able to perfectly layer my hair with some face framing bangs to come out perfectly balanced. Also she's the easiest person to talk to, makes your appointment feel so relaxing and peaceful like you're catching up with a long time girlfriend - she is theeee best!!

I've been going to Nielle for over a decade and from the jump she really listened to what I wanted…read more I originally came to her after a botched balayage I got in the Philippines, and she completely fixed it. From there, we did an 10 hour transformation going blonde and honestly, that appointment bonded us for life. I've never trusted anyone else since, she's basically my hairstylist and therapist hehe Her balayage is SOOOOO good. It always looks natural, grows out beautifully, and lasts forever without getting brassy. I'm pretty low-maintenance, and somehow my hair still looks put together months later because of her work. Her haircuts are also super clean, and she's actually the one who got me into curtain byayangs and I've stuck with them ever since. What I appreciate most is how much she cares about doing things the right way. When I decided to go back to my natural color, she didn't rush it or take shortcuts. She slowly transitioned me over time and kept my hair healthy through every stage. I live in Los Angeles now and will literally fly home just to see her, that's how good she is! After 11 years, she's more than just my hairstylist, she's someone I trust completely. Highly recommend!

Cut by Sabrina.

Bleach and tone transformation by Devon.

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Bleach + tone and buzzcut on Devon, by Devon.

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19 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ying M.

16 years ago

Hey SF P. Finally, thanks for bringing it up the problem with Nice Cuts in Castro. I also recently relocated to San Francisco. Several friends of mine recommended to Lisa Hairs Cut for Lisa and Nice Cuts for Julie. The price for both places are incredibily cheap in compared with East Coast. But, it is not the price that I finally kept returning back to Nice Cuts. It's Julie. But, I always got a chill when I made the appointment. My first time arrived at the Nice Cuts, I was greeted by someone who stopped cutting someone else's hair to attend me. The wash chairs were the most uncomfortable I have ever sat in. My neck was killing me during the whole wash. Then, I saw Julie reached up to those "pinkish" towels or small rags that I would only ever use to dust my furniture. I was horrified!!! After she dried my hair, I got up and looked around....all those rags were pinkish probably due to some dye. But, Julie was very nice and kept engaging me. Then, she seated me down and I saw those "your described purple aprins". But, I kept looking around and people enjoyed their haircuts. I could not stop laughing when I read your comment. I also recalled all those eyes from the customers probably signaling me, "Welcome to Nasty Cuts": Yes - the atmosphere is not good but I always have good compliments from my colleagues and boss. Certainly, the look has been helping me to get laid ;-) Thanks for being honest! read more

Nonito S.

16 years ago

I have been going to Julie for 8 years now. Previously, I had walked in Nice Cuts but Julie was on her day off. With my insufficient knowledge of the skills and experience each hairdresser had, I decided to just pick one at random. After a couple of weeks, I went back to Nice Cuts and decided to try out another hairdresser for a change, Julie. Now don't give me wrong, the first hairdresser was not bad but Julie was just on a whole other level. What a difference. Julie does a phenomenal job cutting hair. My bf and I get so excited everytime it's time for my monthly haircut. We both know in the latter i'm going to look HOT! I've reccommended a handful of friends to Julie, and they are completely satisfied! I'm so glad I met her, feeling more confident with my new look everytime I walk out the door. read more

Michael F.

19 years ago

I love Nice cuts. The reason made me dislike are the last two haircuts, cutting by " Lisa and Leah " First is Lisa then Leah. I've been going there for so many yrs. Unfortunary, they both gave me a strange haircut. I look so weird. My friends were laughting at me. I feel so sad. First is Lisa then Leah . I am not happy with my haircuts. I DON'T WANT them to cut my hair no more Fucking Bitch. Specially Lisa, her altitute is so terrible. I told her I want my way, not her way cuz it is my hair NOT HER Hair. She just buzzed it. She was so mad yelling at me in front of the whole salon. What the BAD altitute, BAD services to the clients. Not profesional at all. Hope the owner of the salon pay attention to the business. I will continue to go there cuz I love other stylists. read more

matt s.

16 years ago

OK, this place gets flack from a lot of folks, but the truth is that it serves its purpose, and does MOST of the time do a great, if not terrific, job for guys with short hair that need frequent cuts. I'd only go to Betty or if she not around then Leah. Betty has a better technique and knows hair textures, or how hair responses to different cuts more than anyone else. I've been "white walled" before by others there and even my hubby continues to get his hair cut by a woman there that is so inconsistent that it actually frightens me each time he goes......it's comical now....I place odds on his haircut each time. The odds are not good. out of every five haircuts three maybe four are simply too rushed, crop jobs. period. won't name names, but it's not BETTY OR LEAH. read more

Erika S.

12 years ago

I have been coming here for years. Last time the old lady with glasses cut my hair. She was so rush to get another clients while she was cutting my hair, her head kept looking clients came in to the salon. Every time when the door open. I said to her, it is not even. She yelled back at me. DO YOU WANT TO CUT LIKE A MAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!! with an angry face! So rude!! I am a woman with long hair. How in the world she wanted to buzz cut it and kick me out right away? She is so desperate for money. She didn't care how your hair look. Be careful. Don't be a victim. I was so sad. I have to go to another salon to fix it and pay again. I won't come to her any more. NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Maria G.

18 years ago

Ask for Leah!!! She is the absolute best hairdresser I hav ever had in my life!!! She is super fast and gets the job done perfectly just the way I like it every single time!!! I don't mind spending much money on my hair but if i find a place like nice cuts that not only has good prices but a good stylist like Leah I would definiteyl have to check it out! PROS: Leah Leah Leah, no need of appt CONS: None read more

Matthew A.

19 years ago

I have not gone anywere ealse for a hair cut once i tryed nice cuts. Leah is the best. After my frist visit she rembered how to do my hair without me having to say a word. She does the job right and is hella good at it. Best to make an appointment with her thou. She has alot of clients! Would recomend this place to anyone! read more

chris N.

16 years ago

For ten years I have been searching for a hairdresser that suits my style. Finally I have found her. Simply said. she has been the best so far. All I can say is , request Julie. read more

tejesh m.

20 years ago

great place for a reasonably priced hair cut. if you've got no-nonsense hair, this is the place to go.

Ernie R.

7 months ago

Danny is wonderful!!! Danny where did you go???? I love this place I have been going for many years.

Liam B.

9 years ago

Seriously, don't get your hair cut here unless you're okay with wearing a hat for 6 weeks.

Holly M.

12 years ago

my son cut his hair here and they did it very fast. Good customer service.

Jay H.

12 years ago

best place and very affordable. ;-) ask for Betty she's the best. !!

Rachel G.

17 years ago

In and out in 15 minutes with a great $16 cut! Good stuff.

j m.

16 years ago

update - JULIE is definitely the way to go ;-)

Kevin T.

18 years ago

Leah is my girl. every 2 weeks.

Alejandro G.

16 years ago

Woohoo! As good as it gets!

Bruce K.

15 years ago

Leah is FABULOUS!!!!!!!

shaun l.

Elite 7

100

279

21 years ago

Bao kicks ass!

Nice Cuts - hair - Updated September 2026

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Excellent! Men's haircut was perfect. Very friendly and great skill. Will be going back.read more

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I was in the Mission district on a Friday AM with my wife, hanging around while she was getting her…read morehair cut and colored etc at her fancy shmancy salon and I was encouraged to "get my haircut" while we were down in SF from our new digs along the wilds of the Sonoma coast (where there are few barbers and service options in general). I looked up and found Connie at Special Haircut so I headed over and I'm damn glad I did. Small clean shop, solo barber and she has been doing this for many decades. Really nice lady and she did a solid job for a very fair price ! Kind chatter and a few laughs included. I found my new barber in S.F. I'll be back for another haircut for sure ! Solid work Connie !! Thank you for being here and for the fair pricing ($25 plus tip cash only).

Connie is amazing and honestly underpriced. She cuts all hair lengths, does a solid fade and even…read moretrendier cuts like a wolf cut. She basically guided me through growing out my hair over the last year and helped me get it to a style I'm really enjoying. Also she's super nice and a good conversation. Would recommend her everytime

U-niq Cuts

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It takes a lot for me to write a Yelp review. A business has to truly impress me, and Sammy at…read moreU-niq Cuts absolutely did. Over the past several years, finding a barber/stylist in this area has been frustrating. I've dealt with last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and people trying to convince me to get haircuts I wasn't comfortable with--even though it's my hair. It got to the point where I wondered if I'd ever find someone I could trust. I decided to give U-niq Cuts a try, and I'm so glad I did. I reached out through Yelp on a Friday, and within five minutes they responded and were able to schedule me for a Sunday morning appointment. From the moment I met Sammy, I could tell he genuinely cared about his clients. He was warm, friendly, and took the time to ask what I was looking for and what challenges I'd had with my hair. Even better, he already had thoughtful solutions. What impressed me the most was his approach. Instead of making changes without asking, Sammy explained what he recommended, asked for my input, and eased me into each step to make sure I was happy before moving forward. That level of communication, professionalism, and respect built trust immediately. The finished haircut exceeded my expectations. I left feeling confident, and for the first time in years, I felt like my search for the right barber was finally over. Before I even left, I booked my next appointment. If you're looking for someone who is talented, patient, listens to what you want, and genuinely cares about making sure you leave happy, I can't recommend Sammy at U-niq Cuts enough.

Hacene is a great barber that respects and definitely pays attention to detail of what you're…read morelooking for in a haircut. I recommend his shop

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I don't write reviews often. However, this work was done so well it needed all the praise. I have…read morethick Latin hair that most hairdressers find trouble working with, but Maria did such an amazing job. I was left with my mouth open. She not only is so extremely sweet, but she also asked me what I wanted and did exactly that! The price was very fair for the work she did. I would definitely go again!! This place feels like home, highly recommend.

This place is great! After many failures finding a place in the Mission that gives a good men's cut…read moreat a decent price, I finally found it at Victor's with Maria. She is thorough, detailed, kind, and does a fantastic job. Highly recommend!

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I had a root color and hilights done with Lucy…read more I was walking by and asked about root color, she said $60 and then as we talked I got encouragement to do hilights. For o my $40 more. She also gave me a simple thinning cut in the house. I paid Lucy cash. Was a pleasant experience and will be back. She speaks Cantonese and English.

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Best shampoo I've ever had! Like a head massage!! Then a precision cut, I'm very happy with!! Mai…read moreis a one-gorl-show, with her assistant shampooing! My little niece looooooved her trim, also! We'll be back!!

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I've been here several times with good results. Today I walked in and it was empty of customers…read morewith only this Asian guy staring at me like I had 2 heads. I asked, " Hey, is one of the ladies here?". He replied, "yah..". Then nothing but more staring. I felt uncomfortable and asked if she was available for a haircut, and the guy said. " YEAH, WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?!?". I decided to just leave as the guy was being a jerk for no reason. I'm sure I can find somewhere less creepy.

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