I'm four months postpartum and have recently started experiencing postpartum hair loss. James worked absolute magic on my hair. He knew exactly how to cut and style it to disguise the thinning, and I left feeling so much more confident. Beyond his incredible talent, James is genuinely one of the funniest, most positive people you'll meet. From the moment you walk into his salon, he welcomes you with open arms, and you leave feeling even better than when you arrived. I've been to some of the top salons in San Francisco, and James is, by far, the best hairstylist I've ever seen. He's meticulous, incredibly skilled, and you can truly tell he loves what he does. I rarely leave reviews, and I'm extremely picky about my hair. I'm the type of person who goes home, checks every angle in the mirror, makes sure every piece falls perfectly, and notices if the length is even slightly off. James absolutely nailed it. If you're looking for a hairstylist who is talented, thoughtful, and genuinely cares about his clients, go see James. He'll make you look amazing and he'll probably make your day a whole lot better, read more

James gave me one of the best haircuts I've had in a long time. I waited about a month to write this review because I wanted to see how the cut would grow out--and I'm still in love with my bob. I hadn't had a haircut in almost a year, so my hair definitely needed some help. James took the time to look at my hair, shared what he noticed, and gave me his recommendations before getting started. I came in with an idea of what I wanted, but somehow the final cut was even better than what I had envisioned. A month later, it still looks so good. I barely have to style it and it naturally feels voluminous, bouncy, and healthy. To me, that's the sign of a really great haircut. And beyond being incredibly talented, James is just such a joyful person to be around. I honestly don't think I've ever laughed that much with someone I had just met. He made the whole hour fly by. Also I loved his studio, it's located inside of Solas Salons and his studio was just elegantly decorated and designed. So happy I found James at Studio Van Le. Definitely recommend him, and I'll absolutely be back! read more

james is such an inspiration! not just IG or Tiktok inspo, but he knows exactly what he's doing with your hair! his passion and skills are unmatched. i am so glad i found a hair expert and stylist like James. he is knowledgeable, very detailed, and caring towards your hair goals and hair journey. when i first came to him, see the photo (before and after collage) my hair was in a terrible condition, no life, no bounce, no vibe.. PERIOD. but after seeing james after 2 visits, (photo on right) he literally helped me with home care tips and gave my hair the treatment it deserves!! i cant believe how much change my hair has, all because of his work! the solo photo below, you can see how my hair is just enjoying and thriving from "studio van le" 's work. my hair feels the healthiest! no more guessing what will work for me :) now that i'm getting the right support for my hair needs. soooooo, thank you so much, James!! i highly recommend him and his work. you will never be disappointed! read more

Studio Van Le - my hair being at it's best now! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Redwood City, California

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I am so happy that I met James and had my haircut with him. It's difficult for me to find a good hairdresser who is familiar with thick Asian hair and he was perfect. It was so quick and easy to get an appointment with him. I came quite stressed from work and he was so welcoming. The whole experience feels like a relaxing spa day. I enjoy hearing his expertise and he gives great advice about my hair and normal hair care routine. The haircut was great and just what I wanted. Highly recommended !!! read more

I got the Wash & Wear Cut, and it was my first time ever getting a haircut truly tailored to my natural texture -- and my first time seeing James at Studio Van Le. The studio and ambiance was immaculate; with a very comfortable wash bowl set up. I've never consistently gone to one hairstylist because every stylist I saw before cut my hair with the assumption that it was straight. That often left me with a "jellyfish" shape, obvious shelving from poorly placed layers, and a cut that never felt cohesive. I'm now embracing my natural texture for the first time, and James gave me the knowledge, tools, and confidence I needed to begin that journey in a way that also fits realistically into my daily life. James made me feel incredibly comfortable, which is not easy for me because of the trauma and anxiety I've developed from past haircuts. Our focus was on rehabilitating my hair and creating a better foundation moving forward. The moment the haircut was finished, I felt my confidence come back. It honestly felt like so many of the negative emotions I had attached to my jelly fish hair were finally released. James gave me the confidence to feel fully like myself again, and that is priceless. He has genuinely changed the way I feel, think about, and take care of my hair. I will absolutely be back, and I honestly don't see myself going to anyone else. I truly cannot put into words how grateful I am to have found him. ( p.s. I am bad at taking pictures and the photos do not do his cut justice) read more

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I've been getting my hair cut by James for about two years, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I've had my share of disappointing haircuts in the past, but that hasn't happened once since I started seeing him. James is incredibly talented and always takes the time to listen to exactly what you're looking for, making sure you leave with a style you love! Good-bye to crusty-dusty hair! Beyond his skills, James is genuinely so kind, personable, and has a great sense of humor. He creates a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere that makes every appointment enjoyable. It's hard not to laugh and smile in his chair! I highly recommend James to anyone looking for a stylist they can truly trust! read more

James has been my hair guru for many years. I trust him with my hair 100% and it's not easy - many hairdressers didn't want to take up the challenge of coloring and taking care of a ginger. I appreciate his great humor, always good mood and very professional way in which he treats your hair. I always look forward to my time with James, and highly recommend him to anyone seeking skillful and yet creative hair professional. read more

I had an amazing experience with James! I came in for a big chop (I had long hair down to my butt) and he executed my vision perfectly. His space is also clean, beautiful, and relaxing. I definitely will be returning. read more

Studio Van Le - Bob haircut by James - Hair Stylists Near Me - Redwood City, California

I visited James at his beautiful new studio and the experience was bar none wonderful. The space felt luxurious and thoughtfully decorated and getting a haircut felt like an elevated experience. James is not only a truly fantastic and gifted hairstylist who can truly transform hair, he deeply cares about his clients, gives good energy and is a joy to spend time with, My hair not only felt lighter, I felt lighter too. I really felt taken care of. I've always looked forward to my appointments with James and moreso now in his lovely new space. Highly recommend! read more

I don't often do reviews and it takes a lot of conviction before I do put one out! That said, my girls and I have seen James for several years and his passion remains unrelenting for great quality, style and care for our tresses. James not only enjoys cutting and styling but also genuinely engages with his clients. He has educated us and significantly encouraged us to care for our long locks. I can see why he has so many loyal clients. We also see the difference of what routine maintenance and a great cut can do for us. Our hair stories can vary but he knew the what, why and how's to care for it all: Mine: mid length, coarse, with waves/loose curls throughout. Older daughter: very thick and coarse hair, with oily scalp and light waves Younger daughter: thin, very very straight dry hair With such variations, James knew how to care and manage it all. Couldn't thank him enough for always giving us such great care! We will be lifelong clients! read more

Studio Van Le - Hair Stylists Near Me - Redwood City, California

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James is a phenomenal hairdresser! He always asks questions and for feedback. He's very detail-oriented and knowledgeable. In addition, he's super friendly, funny, and personable. I always look forward to my visits with James. read more

James is the best! He has so much joy and so much knowledge. His skills and attention to detail are exceptional. I've never been able to get a haircut where I also get to learn about my hair and how to take care of it between haircuts and that's what James does! He knows right away what's going on with my hair and what will improve it. If you are looking for care, joy, and the best haircut...go see James! read more

James has been cutting my hair for years and always does a fantastic job. His studio has a cozy and cool vibe, and he makes you feel comfortable being yourself. He also gives great advice for hair care so the hair experience goes beyond the appointment. Highly recommend! read more

James is my go to when I'm looking for quality cut. On top of that he's just genuinely friendly with a great vibe, so the whole appointment feels relaxed rather than transactional. I've found my go-to stylist and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommend if you're looking for someone who's both skilled and easy to sit with for a couple hours. read more

Before meeting James, I depended on Brazilian blowouts to control my frizz and straighten my hair. James encouraged me to move away from those harsh treatments and introduced a nourishing regimen that transformed my hair. Now my curls are smooth, shiny, and naturally healthy -- no damage, just effortless control. James is a true professional. He completely revitalized my hair, and the difference has been so noticeable that even strangers have complimented it. Every visit feels special -- he prepares my station thoughtfully and creates a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. Most importantly, his expertise speaks for itself. If you're looking for a stylist who knows hair inside and out and truly cares about his customers, James is the one. read more

James is an absolutely amazing hair stylist and the only person I trust with my hair. No more dragging out the time between haircuts to a year (...or two) because I know there is a high probability I won't like my haircut and I will have to grow it out before taking the plunge with another stylist only to repeat the trauma cycle again (...and again). Although I moved to East Bay a few years ago, I still make the trek to see James because I know that every single time I am going to love the result. James takes the time to listen to what you're looking for in a haircut, discuss your lifestyle factors (how much time you want to spend on your hair, how often you're washing, how you typically style it), and look at your hair texture, density, and wave pattern before recommending a style. Before coming to James I was flat-ironing my hair to manage the texture and frizz. Since James, I've stopped using heat entirely on my hair and am able to wear my hair wavy with minimal styling work on my part. James also takes the time to explain what he's doing, recommend how to care for your hair and styling techniques and products/tools to use at home. Not only is he amazing with hair but he's also such a genuinely caring and positive person and I always look forward to sitting in his chair and having a great chat. read more

Before I met James I was flying back to LA twice a year for a haircut (I lived in LA before moving to the Bay Area). I tried a spot in the city, I tried a spot in the South Bay -- everywhere else was ok, but not great. So glad I met James, he's a true professional. Was super impressed with his approach to understand my lifestyle so he could prof opinion -- how often do I wear my hair up, wash freq, scalp health. Super talented and also super nice. Highly recommend. read more

Full disclosure, I've been shaving my head since 1998 and the last haircut I ever got was by Supercuts when there were only three style choices: A, B, or C (I chose B). So what do I know about hair styles and stylists - virtually nothing. I can't give a opinion on what James knows or doesn't know but what I can say is this: I went there with my angsty teen. When James asked him what he wanted, my kid mumbled out a few words followed with sparse hand gestures around his head. James would have none of that. Within a few minutes, James had completely disarmed my kid with jokes and questions. The two of them focused on pictures in my kid's phone of his favorite influencers. James was absolutely engaged and between arguing over opinions on singers and hair, he asked many pertinent questions around exactly what my boy wanted. It was 25 minutes before James even picked up a pair of scissors and by that time my son was completely relaxed and engaged in the process. Was the finished product an astonishing work of art? I have no idea. Remember, I'm the guy who was satisfied with style B at Supercuts. What I do know is that my son was ecstatic over the results and I noticed him looking at himself in every mirror we passed for the next three days. If you are looking for someone who clearly loves what he does and takes your desires seriously, putting his heart and care into manifesting your follicle dreams, then James V Does That read more

Not what I expected and pretty expensive for the haircut I got. Good vibe and friendly service though, very fancy salon. Edit to the Business Owners Messages: I had a walk-in to Salon Republic and got a haircut done. And walked out not very happy with the final product. read more

James did an amazing job and was so easy to get along with. This was my first time getting a perm, so he took the time to examine my hair and broke down the process so I am informed as a client and know what to expect. James is passionate about what he does, and it really shows in his work. He will also take the time to explain any aftercare needed for your hair. His studio is comfortable and clean. Really recommend! read more

James gives wonderful haircuts. He is efficient in his use of time, and he is skilled, clean, organized, and reasonably priced. When I first met him three years ago, I had extremely damaged and frizzy hair and did not know how to take care of it. He has helped me develop a home care routine that has helped my hair grow smooth and shiny. I'm grateful I found him. Appointments with James include more than just a hair tune-up: yes, I feel prettier afterwards, but I also feel more motivated and empowered in whatever my tasks may be. Chats in the chair provide friendly support and connection via an unexpected venue. James even gives little treats and tea to make visits even more enjoyable! I highly recommend him! read more

I can't say enough good things about James! I've been going to him for a few years, and I'm so happy to have found him...he's the only person I fully trust with my hair! He takes the time to understand what I'm looking for and always teaches me little tips and tricks to keep my hair looking fabulous between visits. I leave every appointment feeling absolutely amazing. I always look forward to my appointments with James! read more

I had just moved to the area, was searching for a hairstylist, and this was my first time meeting JAMES. After my first appointment, my search is over. I LOVE the care and attention he put into my haircut. My hair is super healthy now and I love the cut. JAMES cares deeply about hair and scalp wellness, so I was able to take home a few tips that I will incorporate regularly into my routine. I highly recommend going to see JAMES, he is a fabulous time. read more

I had the BEST experience here with James! I haven't had a hair cut in years so I was a bit nervous coming in, but he made me feel so comfortable. I told him that I have been wanting to take better care of my hair and was unsure where to start. James is so knowledgeable in haircare; he talked me through the whole process, gave me recommendations, and was very thorough! He is so sweet and professional. I am extremely happy with the end result. Loved my experience from beginning to end! I'll definitely be coming back!! Highly recommend!! read more