Updating an already very long review but keeping my OG post below. Cassie reached out to apologize about our interaction and also refunded me for the service - which I appreciate - more so because of the humility and courage it takes to apologize, since it was never about the refund. OG post: I'm actually very sad to write this review because sanctuary salon and Cassie have always been my go to when it comes to getting a decent haircut or color in the city. And while Cassie is an incredible and talented stylist and I've always loved her work (5/5 to her for that) - this review is about how she handles customer service as a salon owner and also about the apprentice program. How she speaks to customers is unbelievably condescending and rude and why after leaving the salon in tears I will no longer be coming back here. To back up - Cassie posted about her needing a model for her apprentice program on her instagram for grey coverage. I put my hand up and her apprentice, Danielle, messaged me directly. She booked me for an appointment - I received no confirmation or communication about price or time taken, but I figured it was just grey coverage (I do it myself at home and it takes 10 mins) and it's part of a learning program so it couldn't be too bad. I get to the salon, she makes me sign a waiver "no refunds for this apprentice program" - I figured okay... still just gray coverage and it's just paperwork. So I sign it. The apprentice stylist has a mentor the whole time she's working with me. When she applies the color, she tells me the process is 4 hours and $100?!!! Which I didn't know on either count before. But it's too late to do anything at this point so I'm like fine? And the apprentice has a mentor who she keeps asking questions to so it seems like she can figure it out and keep it going 4 hours later, after a mediocre blow out, I see that maybe 5/500 grays covered. I'm confused - how could this be messed up? When I ask the mentor - she's confused too. The apprentice stylist basically shrugs and says "grays can be resistant." Mentor calls Cassie in. Cassie enters the conversation - basically starts with boilerplate "it's an apprentice program you signed the contract this is all we can do for you, guess it didn't work out this time". When I ask her what she thinks of the work - she asks the apprentice what she did. On hearing her plan (applying permanent color only on 1 inch of the root and then toning the rest of the black below) her feedback is basically "no that's not right, you should've done more permanent color and double processed it". So I finally realize what happened - the apprentice did the wrong thing - which is totally fine cause she's learning and this is what the appointment was about. What shocked me was that her mentor didn't know any better either and approved her plan with no feedback to fix it. I then tell Cassie that what's done is done for today, but for future feedback for paying clients, apprentice program or not, that maybe she should listen to her apprentice's plan earlier and provide her expert feedback before they start executing. She turns around and says "I don't need your feedback, I've been doing this a long time". Then she begins to berate me and says "you're not a good fit for the apprentice program" and basically blames, shames and belittles me for not being happy that I spent 4 hours and $100 for basically nothing?! I honestly wanted to cry - but instead decided to have a reasonable conversation with Cassie to let her know that feedback is a gift and she can choose to take it or leave it. She makes it clear she's "too busy handling a renovation on the 2nd floor and it's not her job to supervise the apprentices or the new mentors on the floor." I realized it was pointless to continue on - so I paid the $100, cried and left. I wanted to share this experience despite being conflicted about it because of how talented Cassie is as a stylist. But as a stylist and salon owner, you provide service to people - but this is obviously not something sanctuary is able to do. A little kindness in this situation would've gone a long way but that was not the path chosen. read more

I haven't gotten my hair cut in over 5 years now and part of the reason for that had to do with not being able to find a stylist that had examples of work that were styles that I liked and identified with. I found Mia on social media (TikTok) and after a couple of months I chose to book an appointment through the salon's online booking system. I booked for the following day, and my appointment was approved by the night before! As far as hair styling pricing goes, this salon's prices are really hard to beat! $100 cut and $100 color?! That's amazing. Onto the actual salon (and I'll finish with the experience). This place is SO incredibly charming and charismatic inside. The decor is not only gorgeous but also intentional! There's a fully stocked waiting room which I actually used and felt comfortable in, not something that's typical for me! That waiting room had tea, coffee, still and sparking water! A ton of awesome cups that looked like they were hand picked for the space (the details do matter). The bathroom was incredibly with wallpaper enthusiastically showing off many bird species. There was a coat closet for both hanging coats but also for choosing whichever salon robe you liked best! The salon space itself was full of natural light and thus perfect for the service it's used for! To the experience: Mia was absolutely AMAZING. I cannot find the adequate words to describe how at ease she made me feel as someone with severe anxiety. She asked questions and listened to my stream-of-consciousness ideas about the haircut until we decided on a game plan, and then she got to work! She did EXACTLY what I asked for, a cut to give me face-framing layers and some layers in the back to lighten my very long hair's load on my scalp. I already adore my new hair but honestly, the experience Mia provided was so noteworthy that, I have to gush! She had questions lined up to fill that often awkward silence during haircuts and I so appreciated that. She also gave me totally solid advice on what to do in the future with potential coloring sessions. I'm really grateful to have found Mia on TikTok, because if I hadn't, my hair would've been the same tonight as it was yesterday! Mia you ROCK, and I will be back. read more

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I had my first hair cut with Alie last week and I'm so happy to have found my new go-to stylist! I didn't have any inspiration pictures I just knew I wanted a clean up and a cut that was easy to manage but still cute- and she absolutely killed it! Alie was also super sweet, easy to talk to, and made sure I was comfortable the whole time- even checking to make sure I didn't have any sensitivities or reactions to products prior to getting started. Highly recommend Alie to anyone looking for a hairstylist! read more

Absolutely loved by haircut experience with Marah! She was super lovely and gave me an amazing layered haircut with curtain bangs. I wasn't even surprised to hear that she loves doing long layered cuts given how great my haircut ended up! Overall, Sanctuary has such a wonderful vibe and I'd 100% recommend seeing Marah! I'll definitely be back! read more

Cassie is excellent! She's really good at figuring out what you want and tuning it into a haircut that both fits you, and looks great. It's obvious that she knows the craft extremely well, and I appreciate the little tidbits of hair care I picked up from her. Highly recommend Cassie! read more

It's my first time here, salon is very nice and welcome you from the first step. I had an appointment for a haircut with Alina ( my friend recommended her). She is very kind, attentive and professional. Alina made me feel so comfortable in her chair. This acknowledges her ability to create a positive and relaxed salon experience. She explained everything so clearly and gave me helpful tips. I am very satisfied with my haircut. I like my new hairdresser and Sanctuary Salon! Thank you! read more

It looks like a fellow ornithologist put all their love and soul into this salon: so many birds are part of interior decor, the vibe is great and there is so much color everywhere! I got a haircut by Alina, the whole experience was great. And the haircut is cute! read more

I had a pre-consultation session and then a 5 hour appointment for a Cut and Custom Hair Color with Alie 6 weeks ago. I have long almost waist-length south asian black wavy hair and came in wanting to do a balayage, warm look. Alie is just amazing - from the pre-consultation onward, she was attentive, asked questions and really listened to my opinions / thoughts while giving expert advice that got me the exact look I was going for. The cut was a simple layered look (maybe 2 layers with face framing pieces) where she made sure not to take off too much length (which is a major plus - I have had many cuts at other places through the years where too much was taken off). The color was a beautiful custom shade, and Alie did a great job! Afterwards she did a blow dry and curled my hair with a curling iron - so professional looking and I felt so glamorous. I waited about 6 weeks to post this review because I wanted to see how the color would progress / lighten. I'm happy to say it still looks really good (maybe even better?) and I am so happy with Alie and the confidence boost she's given me with the great cut and color job. I will definitely be going back to her for all my hair needs! Thank you so much Alie! read more

Wonderful salon, so cute and clean, very friendly staff, had snacks and water and tea available and a coat closet for your jackets. I got a haircut by Alina and she was so sweet and kind and loved how my hair turned out read more

I love this salon! The owner and staff are really focused on education and growth all around! You are in good hands here! Book with Lauren Backer read more

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I love seeing Cassie for my regular haircut and color appointments. I moved here from Miami a couple years ago and we've been slowly fading my Miami blonde back to my natural light auburn color. My hair always looks amazing when I walk out the door from a visit with her, and it's easy for me to style and maintain when I get home. Cassie is experienced, kind, fun, and an overall gem of a human who has created a safe, inclusive salon. It's a pleasure spending time with her in her space (shoutout to the Audubon-themed bathroom). Cassie is my #1 recommendation for hair salon/cut/color here in the Bay Area. read more

I've seen Cassie a few times, she is wonderful. Kind, empathetic and willing to listen and help! She always provides the best service with minimal damage. The salon is beautiful and the staff is warm and friendly. If you're seeking a new stylist, I would 10/10 recommend. I have seen haircuts by Cassie, Mia and color by Liz look absolutely AMAZING! read more

Marella cut my bangs and fixed the layers in my hair and she did such an amazing job!! i love them thank u

I have been going to Cassie since 2017!!! She cut me a cute lob while I was still in school. She gave me a professional brown balayage when I first passed the bar and became a baby lawyer. Then she helped me go blonde during the pandemic. Now I'm a mom and shes given me easy to maintain cuts that are just long enough to keep tied up! My hair is constantly tied up, so she gives me the perfect bangs and whispys so I don't look like a founding father. She's taken care of me and my hair at every stage of my life! I can't thank her enough for making me feel amazing every time I'm in her chair. It's also been amazing to see her take a leap of faith and open her own salon. It is everything she's about in one place. She's done more than open a salon, she's gone beyond and done the mental and emotional labor to create a space that can really support hair artists. It's never easy doing something different and going against the grain. I'm so proud of her!! Come get a cut/color with Cassie, come work with Cassie. You won't regret it. I'm about to see her again next Friday! read more

Sanctuary Salon - Blonde balayage by Cassie - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

I never write reviews however I got my first haircut at Sanctuary Salon with Ari this week, and they did a FANTASTIC job!!! The salon itself is very cute and cozy, not overly bright like you stepped into the inside of a lamp, and had a very welcoming feeling. I just moved across the country to SF from NYC last July and have desperately been in search of a good salon ever since. I used to manage hair salons in NYC so I had my Go-To Stylists for almost 10 years and if you've ever moved you know losing your stylist is hard because they know every little thing about your hair. Since being in SF I had been going to barber shop near me, but I am a salon boy and needed to get back in a stylist chair lol. From the moment I entered the salon Ari was kind and welcoming, and really took the time to sit with me while I explained my hair to them. As I've gotten older my hair has become a bit of an insecurity for me because it is thinning and starting to shed. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I felt like Ari really listened to everything I had to say about my hair whether it be the issues I was having or the kind of haircut I was hoping to get. Throughout the whole haircut they walked me thru what they were doing, asked if I wanted any adjustments/if I liked what I saw and they were also just extremely pleasant and friendly to have conversation with. They listened to everything I wanted and delivered it perfectly which makes me fully trust them with my hair. I absoultly love my haircut so much, and it's probably one of my favorite haircuts I have gotten in awhile. I am so happy I found my new salon and Ari, and can't wait to come back. If you're looking for a new salon, don't think twice about coming here you will be very well taken care of read more

everybody pls go and book with Mia right now. probably one of the most talented and friendly hairstylists I've ever met. i walked in super nervous and right as i sat in her chair i felt like she's been my friend for 5 years. not only did she save my hair, she transformed it and i got a good yap session out of it too. the whole salon is a complete vibe and every employee in there is super friendly. Mia did her big one !! thank you again girl, i will definitely be coming back read more

Sanctuary Salon - before ‍ - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ana was an absolute doll. This was my first time getting a curly cut and it was stunning! I got lowlights done as well and they really blended beautifully with the blonde I had gotten done previously. Cassie's salon is so calming and beautifully laid out. They had snacks and drinks for clients and everyone was smiling. At no point was I pitched products to purchase at the end and got to really just stop and relax for a few hours. Can't thank Ana enough and can't wait to go back :) read more

Hair cut by Liz! Liz offers hair cuts and color services. Available Wednesday thru Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm. Right in the heart of Union Square. read more

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This is a loooooong overdue review! Cassie is my 'all STAR mixologist'! Our relationship go back to the good 'ol Atelier Emmanuel days. Now, I cannot be more proud of her in opening such an inclusive salon and have to come to the realization that I have to share such a coveted secret. I can confidently say that Cassie is a true artist. She just doesn't just cut and color hair; she transforms it. Hense, she is my 'mixologist'. What sets her apart is her unique ability to explain the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final reveal. She breaks down the science behind color theory, the nuances of different techniques, and the personalized approach she takes for each client. It's like having a front-row seat to a hair makeover masterclass! But it's not just her technical skills that impress. Cassie is also incredibly patient and attentive. She genuinely listens to your concerns, preferences, and hair goals, and then crafts a customized plan to achieve them. I *NEVER* hesitant to let Cassie have full reign how what she thinks works best for my face, coloring, style, etc. I've taken some pretty big leaps, and I've never been disappointed. She's truly a master of her craft, and I'm so grateful to have found her! You won't be disappointed! read more

Shane is a color wizard and has been doing my gray color blending for years. He is thoughtful and professional and uses gentle products that don't damage my hair. It looks beautiful and natural every time. Highly recommend. read more

I've followed the owner of Sanctuary, Cassie, from two prior salons to this new Sanctuary she has built. She has created such a warm space above the hustle and bustle of FiDi, and of the team members I've met, the team is phenomenal--always with a smile on their face. They are thoughtful about what the personal needs of your hair are and who to pair you with at the salon. I also love how straightforward their philosophy around pricing is--I never have to worry "Have I tipped enough?" because services are priced under the assumption you will not tip. Each trip to the salon has a fun surprise--during the big heatwave during our summer of 2024, I arrived to the offer of a freezer pop. The hospitality is the best. If you're looking for a new salon, this is the spot! read more

I went with Alie for a haircut and calico hair dye appointments. She did a great job with my curls. I definitely recommend going to Alie or anyone in this team read more

Cassie is the best hair stylist I've ever had. She's been cutting my hair for years, and has a real knack for figuring out difficult hair types and finding out a style that makes a person feel their most authentic self. As a non-binary queer person, I have always felt seen with Cassie. I've always been impressed by Cassie's passion for teaching new stylists- she has often had young stylists shadowing her and has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things hair. I'm so excited for her to teach and support more stylists at Sanctuary! read more

I've been looking for a hairdresser who will make my hair inspirations come to life and I found it with Liz! I had a few inches of split ends causing my hair to look thin so I was worried that there won't be much hair to work with knowing that I wanted layers. But Liz was able to ease my worries, gave me amazing layers, cute curtain bangs and a healthy hair without chopping off too much! She also taught me how to style my bangs as I was concerned I won't be able to style it as good as she does. Overall, I had a great experience here! Liz made sure to give clear instructions to the building, not that it's hard to find at all. Liz and Cassie were very welcoming and friendly. I'm so excited to come back next month! read more

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Cass gave me the coolest haircut ever, and walked me through the process and made sure I was comfortable the whole time. Best salon experience i've ever had, and great conversation 10/5 stars. read more

Cassie is a wonderful hair stylist, and always seems to know exactly what I want. I've never been happier with my hair. I have an allergy to lavender, which is is many hair products, and she is very careful to avoid using products that contain lavender. She also persuaded me to stop coloring my hair (which obviously doesn't earn her more) The new space is lovely. Highly recommend. read more

I love Sanctuary Salon, Liz T. and Cassie! 1st off the salon itself is perfectly named...feels 100% like a sanctuary. From the soothing, welcoming vibe, to the gorgeous silk kimonos you get to choose from and wear while being pampered! I knew Liz from another salon where she did a great job on highlighting my hair, so I was excited to see she'd moved to Sanctuary which is closer to me. Plus I've followed Cassie for years and know she is the cream of the hair expert crop! As I was about to get rotator cuff surgery I wanted to get my hair cut so it would be easier to manage one handed. Liz did an amazing job, keeping my length while cutting off the dead ends! Now it looks and feels so much healthier. Thank you! read more

Sanctuary Salon - Thank you for the great haircut Liz! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cassie is a professional hairstylist. I've know her for a few years and she always listen, communicate and she's probably one of the best for hair cut in SF (and I've visited most "top hair salons" here.) She's someone that I will come back to knowing I won't have a bad experience. read more

I was recommended a little over a year ago to Cassie when I was looking for a less traditional, shaggy/mullet haircut and from the start I felt assured and confident she was able to 1. Cut it perfectly and 2. Understand what I was looking for. I always had more traditional haircuts and I didn't even have layers when I met her but she was able to capture exactly what I wanted to look and feel like. She's also very kind and funny so my time in her chair feels like a hangout with a friend. I go to her for all haircuts now! This is my recent haircut. I love love it! read more

Sanctuary Salon - Before haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My hairdresser Ana, who I have been with for years moved to this hair salon and I of course followed her. She is really well at listening about my ideas and tells me how to get there as well as give me her professional opinion which I very much appreciate. The vibe of this salon is so calm and cool. I definitely recommend coming here. She is also really good at working with curly hair ! read more

I've been getting my haircuts from Ana Cristina for a while now. She's always been super helpful in helping me find a way to express with my hair and always seems to find a way to surprise me. Can't wait for the next time I need a haircut to be back! read more

I highly recommend Sanctuary Salon! It is adorably decorated inside and easily accessible in FiDi. Cassie is a hair genius. Every time I walk out after an appointment with her I am so excited and love my hair. read more

I started going to Cassie to get my super curly hair cut and styled about two years ago and it was the best decision I ever made! Not only is she the most talented hair stylist I've ever gone to, but she's just the coolest, most awesome person. I always look forward to getting my hair done by her and am so excited to see what this salon evolves into. read more