I get my hair cut by Alex and my color done by Carmen. I'm originally from France where people have to go through extensive training and in my 30 years in San Francisco, I was never able to find the level I was expecting and moved from one salon to another every 3 years. Until 2021 when I started going to this salon. Carmen is just incredible with finding the right color for you. And Alex is truly the best at giving you a haircut that matches your expectations and your hair texture. He listens and starts cutting your hair dry, washes it and perfects the cut before blow drying your hair. He's a perfectionist and you can tell he went to a top school. It's a truly French experience! You always walk out with what you expected and the experience is consistent. This is really hard to find so I would rate this salon as the gem of San Francisco! read more

Carmen is the best - she heard my ideas and what so great at adapting. She got the hair color tone absolutely right, and even suggested some low lights to get some movement in my hair. Already booked my next appointment with her. read more

The Color Design Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Loved working with Carmen! Super sweet person as well as a true professional. Really attentive and does excellent work!

Carmen is truly gifted! She knows her stuff and does it perfectly! She always knows what's best and she's always right! I've been seeing Carmen for over 20 yrs. and I hope for 20 more!! read more

Carmen is the best of the best! Perfectionist! Just check out my before and after pics from my first appointment. She color corrected my hair my first appointment. She is straightforward and very informative about the process. Today was my second appointment and I'm still so happy with my hair. Looking forward to going back in the future. read more

The Color Design Salon - After color correction by Carmen - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I have been a loyal client of Carmen's for over a decade. That is because she is simply the best at what she does; color, in my case. She nails highlights like no other, which I have been getting maybe 2-3x per year. As low maintenance as possible, which she can appreciate, too. Not only do I love what she does for my hair, I enjoy seeing her because she is just a really good human being. She's always accommodating, caring, and goes the extra mile because that's who she is. She visited my home to do my hair when I was too ill to go to the salon. She even FaceTimed with me and my partner during the Pandemic to help me properly apply product! Basically, I am screwed if either Carmen or I move out of state! read more

Amazing experience!! Thank you, Tinee!! I just moved to San Francisco and wanted to give my hair a boost. Based on the Yelp reviews, I made an appointment with Tinee. She totally understood what I was looking for. She gave me beautiful rich chocolate cherry low light and a little additional blond highlight to give depth to my hair. The result was beyond my expectation. Tinee is sweet & talented. The price is also very reasonable. Highly recommend! read more

The Color Design Salon - Highlights & lowlights gave great depth to the hair. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I have been coming to Carmen for several years. She always does magic with my hair that my relatives from San Jose would ask where I got my hair done and wished that they lived in San Francisco. My natural hair color is black, for my wedding, she gave me a chestnut base with lighter highlights. It looks beautiful and natural and completely changes my look. So many people came up to me during the wedding to complement my hair! She is also just a sweetheart and a fantastic conversationalist. She is always a positive influence and an optimist. Truly love her as a person. I always look forward to my appointment not only because of the physical transformation that's about to happen, but also of the anticipation of catching up with someone who is incredibly personable, radiant, and warm from the inside. read more

Can't live without Carmen and team. Where to start? She's an expert highly trained colorist and gives them top advice. I've been going for over twenty years and trust her for everything from managing grey to styling. She hires the best, kind, talented people. It's always a pleasure to walk into this world. And she loves animals supports several shelters. During COVID Carmen worked her tail off delivering custom mixed solutions for clients to do at home. I'm in love always will be, read more

I usually try not to write reviews based off of my first appointment since I think it takes a few visits to really get the gist of what the quality of service is. However, Carmen is truly a master colorist and is amazing at what she does (I've been to this salon twice so far). See the before picture below after 2 visits at a different salon, it was how my brown toner faded. Yuck! Besides the brassy & orange-y color, I had an even worse bob I was trying to grow out. Needless to say, I walked around hating my hair for a good 8 months. I did some research on Yelp and decided to take the plunge and book an appointment at The Color Design Salon...and I'm SO GLAD I did! I walked out in the ashiest blonde color I've ever been in my entire life and I loved it. Here's the kicker: this was only after one visit! :) I teach pilates on the weekends and come into contact with a lot of clients, they all noticed the difference and also told me they loved the results as well. I've even sent 2 ladies to Color Design as well. Honestly, I'm not sure why it's so hard to find someone who can tone and color ashy colors, but you can trust Carmen. Can't wait to be back! :) tldr; Carmen is awesome. Book an appointment if you want beautiful hair! read more

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I only let Nicolette Cabe cut my hair. She did a great job before my wedding. Highly recommended. In the photo: hair cut by Nicolette Cabe Styled by: Shawna Jarnagin aka Girl with a Curlingiron read more

The Color Design Salon - Cut by Nicolette Cabe, styled by Shawna Jarnagin aka Girl with a Curlingiron - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

I can't even express how thankful I am to Carmen. She has shown me so much love and has always provided me with the most amazing hair. She always makes sure that I am comfortable, always does the most to keep my hair healthy, and best of all keep my hair beautiful! read more

The Color Design Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I called the Color Design Salon for help after my teen daughter had a horrible experience at another salon. Carmen, after hearing the desperation in my voice, told us to come in that day after her last client, and she would stay late to help us. I was blown away by her generosity and kindness. On top of that, she is so knowledgable about coloring hair. She came up with a great quick fix to the problem, literally saving the day, and she also helped my daughter plan next steps so she can get the color and hair design she is aiming for. I am so grateful for Carmen and the Color Design Salon! read more

I have been with Carmen a little over a year and I have to say I wish I found her sooner! She is fabulous at color and highlights. I have brunette hair (with some grays) and she has an amazing ability to make my hair look so natural. Her space is also extremely clean and has everything you need to be comfortable. I even love the eyeglass protectors she gave me while I was reading. Thank you Carmen for your amazing services and I highly recommend her for all of your coloring needs. read more

I went to Color design salon for a hair color. My colorist ''Tinee'' did an awesome job on my hair, it's beyond my expectation. I love her. She's the best! Will definitely go back there to do some crazy colors on my hair. read more

The Color Design Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

I highly recommend booking with Alex. I heard about him from the friend of a friend, and I'm happy to have relied on the power of word of mouth. I appreciate the time and attention he spends on my haircut and he does a fantastic job of taking my vague suggestions for how I want my hair styled and making it look very good! read more

Can't get enough of my beautiful hair. Will return back to this place again and again. Thanks to this amazing hairstylist, Tinee! read more

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Carmen once again has done an awesome job on my hair.. It's been a while since I've been up in SF to see her, in fact last time was at the old Grant salon.. New place looks great as always very clean. Staff is very friendly and of course I'm always satisfied with Carmen's work.. read more

Everyone is so nice and this place is not too packed like every other salon I've been in Downtown. I got a cut and color with Tinee she's very good and she'll give you a suggestion for your hairstyle she's a pro! My hair is so thick and I don't like my thick hair she can make it like a game changing! read more

The Color Design Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Loved this place the few times I went, but the gal I was seeing, went elsewhere and now to make an appt, they are trying to charge prices through the roof and with a lot if back and forth unneccesary communication. They won't just make an appt. Wasn't impressed the kast time I tried to get in and was made to feel I wasn't worthy of their services. Was super bummed. Too many other salons to choose from to avoid feeling "privileged," to sit in their chair. read more

Carmen and her team rock it! Love the space and how relaxing it is to be there while getting the hair done by the talented team.

I'm so happy to have found this salon to get my new hairdo change that I've been waiting for! I've had my hair long for a couple years for my wedding and I have been awaiting to get my drastic cut! I am so glad to have Nicolette help me! It was my first time here at the salon and really pleased with the whole experience. Nicolette is very kind and I totally trusted her to help me decide on my cut and style. She gave me lots of input to help me figure out how short, what is best for my daily look and also have it long enough to tie up for my workouts. I am so happy with the end product of my haircut! I can't wait to go back in a few months for a shorter cut!!! All the staff were so courteous and friendly and were there to greet and assist me when I first walked in. The salon is beautiful! It is very modern, clean and tidy. I loved the warm greetings and getting a black robe to put on to cover my clothes during the wash and cut. I love trying new products, and definitely enjoyed the products that she used during my wash and style. And if you need any quality product, it is sold at a very reasonable price. Can't wait to go back! read more

The Color Design Salon - I love my final cut and style by Nicolette! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I go to Nicolette. She is amazing. She can cut short hair which means she can cut any hair. #justsayin read more

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The best hair colorist is Yosh protégé Carmen Lara! She'll give your hair a natural and healthy sheen. Add an thoughtfully expert cut from Alex, a relaxing perfect mani/pedi from Anh, and not only will you look and feel younger, everyone around you will shower you with compliments. read more

Met Lulu today who after we exchanged pleasantries basically (in so many words) asked me what my long term hair goal was, so that we could be sure to do something today which supported that direction. How awesome is that? She spent a great deal of time perfectly applying color, and sharing her ideas as well as hearing mine. It was a great hair day for me, and totally unexpected. I thought I might have a great experience because of all the awesome reviews and I did! Nothing other than 5 stars for the entire process from scheduling to saying bye. They carry Pureology products here, and not just one or two options but several for all hair types. They also had cute little touch-up kits so in case I can't make it back in time I can still hide my greys :-) I will definitely be back and I can totally see why this is such a high rated salon. read more

I came here in October 2015 & Nicolette gave me the best cut I've ever received. Thanks again girl I love it & will be returning shortly :)!

I have gone to many salons and got my hair colored and cut by many hairstylists. Tinee by far is one of the best. She can do it all - color, cut, and highlight. She is a natural talent when it comes to hair. I always get so many compliments after my appointment with Tinee. She knows how to make my dull frizzy hair look so healthy and natural. I also want to add that I appreciate that she is always on time and has the best disposition. read more

The Color Design Salon - You would not know that my hair is naturally frizzy and dry! Tinee works magic. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've been a client of Carmen Lara for two decades. She is a master colorist! Her color is spectacular, month after month, year after year. The Salon is comfortable (mimosa, please!), the staff friendly, and easily accessible by public transportation or metered street parking on Saturdays. read more

Carmen has been working her magic on my hair for years. She's by far the best colorist I've ever had (I consistently get compliments on the color from other stylists). She keeps my hair looking fresh and natural, plus she's a really warm, wonderful person and has gone out of her way to fit me in last minute. Everyone at the salon is exceptionally nice and friendly. Highly recommend! read more

I've been coming to Carmen for many years. I've known her since the time I was working at the salon myself. And since that time I know who is the best colorist in SF. So I drive to get my color and cut at the salon from San Jose. She does beautiful highlights and blonds, very natural brunettes with caramel highlights. I personally get my short hair bleached and toned in 2 different shades. Nobody ever did it better than her. She is very attentive to details, and very welcoming. I highly recommend her. Alex is a great stylist there. read more

Man, I hear you Jacky P. I also fell victim to the abudance of five star reviews, and feel like I really missed out on something great. Like I was the only person in the bathroom when George Clooney walked into the bar and bought everyone a round of drinks. First, let me give credit where credit is due: Alex gave me an amazing haircut. It looks good blow-dried, air-dried, first thing in the morning, on humid days, after a 20 hour flight to Bangkok - you get the idea. He was professional, but also so friendly that I almost wanted to ask him if he wanted to hang out sometimes. Then I realized my own creepiness and backed down. But what I really came to the Color Design Salon for (emphasis on the COLOR) is highlights. I've never gotten highlights before, and maybe I shouldn't have said that to my colorist because an hour and twenty minutes later, my hair looked EXACTLY THE SAME but $220 more expensive. I mean really, no kidding - I came home and my husband said: "Oh, what, you didn't go?" Maybe I should have come with a picture, or a Venn diagram or I don't know what, but when I said I wanted blond highlights, I was really expecting to see something, you know, blond. Instead, hand to God, I did not see any difference whatsoever, and not a single person since (it's been weeks) said anything even remotely related to: "Oh, is your hair lighter?" It's all very Emperor's new clothes, if you get what I'm saying. I have been speculating for weeks what would make an otherwise very reputable salon give me non-existent highlights, and the only thing I can come up with is the colorist heard "first time highlights" and didn't want to have a mental breakdown first thing on a Saturday morning and went on about her business with a very light hand. But I've had better highlights with Sun-In, people, and I say that without the slightest trace of hyperbole. Also, major attitude from the front desk guy. Dude, I just dropped a quarter of a thousand dollars for what was essentially a fancy and complicated shampoo - allow me to leave your salon with some dignity intact. What, is my checkout interfering with your Facebook status update process? Kids these days. read more

I had my hair cut by Claudia on the recommendation of a friend -- and Claudia was FANTASTIC! She: 1. took the time to listen to my crazy list of things I wanted from my haircut; 2. took the time to talk to me about what was possible (amazingly, everything I asked for was do-able!); 3. took the time to teach me how to work with my newly curly hair (she cut 14+ inches off; with my shorter hair it's much curlier than ever before); 4. made sure I was 100% happy with my haircut at several stages during the actual cut. 5. was very personable and easy to talk to. The cost of the haircut was ~ $70 + tip. Credit cards accepted for the cost of the cut; cash or check only for the tip. I would go back to Claudia in a heartbeat! You should go too. read more

Victor is THE BEST blond color artist in all of San Francisco! After bouncing from place to place for a bit I went to him on a friend's recommendation. Her hair was beautiful and I watched him tranform her from a chestnut brown to blond beauty and back again and decided that he was the one to try. No more trying, or crying about results! Victor is my guy from now on! My hair is dishwatery light and thick but very fine. He creates a beautiful base and highlights on that. The maintenance is great as I only need highlights every other time I break the base :-) This equals more money in my pocket and lots of saved time. Try him, you'll like him I promise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I personally had a terrible experience with Tiffany. When she applied the formula all over my scalp, I told her that it hurts (I've done coloring many times and I never had any trouble). She said it gets better in 5-10min. but it got worse! My eyes started feeling sore and my scalp was burning with so much pain (it's been 4hours and it still hurts). She finally takes me to wash..but she made my shirt soaked wet. I didn't think she knew what she was doing. What I hated about the experience with her is how she handled the situation. After I sat back on the chair, I was in so much pain and at this point, I wasn't sure if I trusted her to keep doing my hair. Yet I didn't want to walk out with a half-done hair either. Instead of trying to calm me down and trying to address the issue, she started blaming the fact that I didn't wash my hair this morning (it's usually recommended not to wash before coloring), and she kept asking me what I wanted her to do, whether she should keep doing my hair or not. Maybe a little sympathy for the pain she caused would've been much appreciated and some patience would have made it a little better. Then she walked away without telling me where she was going, and came back later with some other stylist to tell me everything will be okay and i should trust her. blah blah blah I had no choice but to have her finish what she started very reluctantly. Guess what, she never checked back with me again.... :( NEVER EVER going back here. I had to leave at least one more star for Alex. Thanks for the haircut!! read more

Carmen is the best colorist in this town and maybe this country. I've been seeing her for 10+ years after seeing many other professionals that would inevitably turn my hair red even though that's not what I wanted. Carmen is a pro and will get you the result you want. She's also the nicest person and only employs the best people to work on her salon, so you can't go wrong with any of them. Carmen is one of my favorite people in the world and I can't wait for SF to allow them to re-open so I can have gorgeous hair again! read more

Carmen is the best colorist in San Francisco possibly in all of California. There is a reason that Allure Magazine named her the Best Colorist in SF. And Carmen is humble, sweet and dedicated to her craft and clients. She never gives a client less than 100%. She is a shiny star in San Francisco beauty. She's been coloring my hair for hmm...nearly 5 years maybe more. Her salon kicks ass. It is welcoming and not pretentious. I have never left the salon without being thoroughly happy with my color and experience. I love The Color Design Salon so much that I forced my nephew to drive nearly 500 miles to get his haircut by Claudia because Claudia knows how to cut curly hair. She is the master. After the cut my nephew was beyond happy that he made the drive. Poor nephew, after years of receiving butchered haircuts by stylists who claimed to be pros at cutting curly hair we finally found Claudia through Carmen. My nephew was so happy with his haircut that he told me he will ONLY get it cut from now on by Claudia. He could not stop smiling as we left the salon. I must admit his hair looked good. She handled his cowlick like the expert she is and she dealt with precision the changes in directions that his curls make. My nephew was beyond happy to not have badly cut hair anymore. Moreover his mother saw his new haircut and cried. Finally some had mastered his hair and cut it properly so that everyone could see how handsome her son is and not how bad his hair had been cut. This salon is worth traveling any distance to go to. The staff and the owner, Carmen, are beyond incredible. read more

I found this place on Yelp and the reviews are absolutely correct! They've only been open since May but have this great patron following since the stylists & colorists are exceptional and have trained & worked together at Yost. I was able to get an appointment with Victor for a Saturday afternoon. He was able to cover my brassy washed-out highlights and instantly made me 10 years older (I was getting carded for R-rated movies!) He was also great at giving me instructions on how to maintain the color until my next appointment (which was booked before I left the salon.) I'm so very appreciative of all the great reviews from my fellow Yelpers since now I have finally found a great colorist! read more

Paco Rivera cut my hair at Color Design Salon in the SF city center. He gave me a Boss hair style. Thanks Paco! read more

The Color Design Salon - My new hair style. The kids at work love it! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had been looking for a year for a colorist and hair stylist in the city, my old one having moved away. I had Carmen and Claudia recommended to me, and I am absolutely thrilled with both of them. Carmen, the colorist, is quite possibly the only colorist who's ever listened to me and been on the same page immediately without needing to impose her "vision" over mine. We agreed on what to do, and that's what she did. There was a last minute change which didn't phase her a bit. Two months later I am still getting compliments on my hair! Claudia was likewise a good listener and helped me arrive at a style that would be a transition from very long to very short hair. She gave me a gorgeous cut and six weeks on it is growing out beautifully, just as a good cut should. The atmosphere is friendly and no one has any attitude, such a refreshing change from most Union Square/FiDi salons. Plus they offered me champagne to sip while I had my hair cut, which is never a bad thing! I highly recommend both Carmen and Claudia. read more

I have gone to Color Studio my hair for over 2 years now and I have to say that the owner Carmen, is one of the best colorists I have gone too. I am pretty fussy and know what I want and Carmen has always done a wonderful job with my hair color. She is creative, intuitive, thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable and has a great way of working with her clients. Carmen as a person is also one on the nicest people I know. Her salon is very easy to be in. Everyone is very attentive and has a positive attitude. They go out of their way to make you comfortable. I'd also have just started seeing Alex in the salon to cut my hair and he is the best. Extremely conscientious, has a way with style and cutting. My hair really looks great and my friends have made the most positive comments on how great my hair looks. If your looking to try out a new salon this is the right place to go. read more