Great experience here and think I have found my salon here in San Diego! I found this place after asking chatGPT for the best place in San Diego for highlights/coloring. I called James the owner and he was very responsive. He recommended his wife, Pamela, to me and that worked out really nicely. He was quite booked up and I wanted to get in earlier and open to a new stylist. She did such a nice job on color and cut and listened to everything I wanted. I was quite impressed with her skill. She also pampered me a bit and styled it and gave me so much education on how to keep curls in after doing my hair and also how to lock in moisture and also sharing about opening and closing the cuticle and how to keep hair healthy. I really had a great experience here and supporting local, so I will definitely be back to get my hair color and cuts here. Thank you Tokyo Blonde!! Pamela immediately made me feel at home and such a warm and thoughtful person. She's also a pretty amazing colorist and explained every step to me and made me feel very part of the process. She was also kind enough to go out and feed my meter, and also made sure I had something to drink. read more

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Love this salon! Pamela is incredible! So happy with my hair! If you have curly hair she is so helpful in managing your curls. I highly recommend this salon! It has a great vibe. read more

This establishment was recommended due to quality of service and professionalism of staff. Traveled 45 minutes in the rain through heavy traffic to get here from north county. Note that I was also informed services would be pricey. Prior to booking appointment, consulted with owner/hairdresser via text messages. Needed highlights for over- processed, color damaged, long hair with unwanted greys. My expectations were high, and owner/hairdresser James delivered. He informed me prior to scheduling my 3-hour appt that my hair treatment would require two separate appt process. James, who is by the way a very soft spoken and modest worker, was very gentle and careful with every strand on my head. This is the very first time I had hair color applied that didn't burn my hair - or my skin for that matter. Hair cut and color for just the front part of my hair was under $300 (yes, pricey but worth it). I'm returning in two weeks to complete the back part of my head. I will post a pic upon completion. read more

Tokyo Blonde - Right side area of salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Amazing and highly skilled colorist, who also gave me a perfect cut a d some great tips for my hair care. I'll be back!

Thank you Taylor for my beautiful new look!!! Baby soft hairs I need a gallon of that shampoo/conditioner ASAP read more

Tokyo Blonde - Beautiful Women's Haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Excellent hair stylist. Passionately intelligent in trimming, styling and communicating with clients. I have been to several hair stylist around San Diego, Del Mar and San Diego. James is exceptionally good in hair styling. read more

James has been doing my hair for about 4 years now, and he is great. He really enjoys what he does while doing amazing work, and maintaining and clean salon. He takes his time and makes sure he is giving you the look you want. I have had had long hair forever and James was able to keep it beautiful and fresh. I get balayage highlights and it always turns out how I want. My last visit I decided to cut my hair short and it looks and feels great and the color is a nice natural blonde. It was exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend James and his salon!! read more

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Wonderful experience! Had my hair done by Pamela yesterday besides from being very kind, she was a wealth of knowledge! She took time to listen to me and what it was I wanted done to my hair. She then explained everything she was going to do... once my color and cut was done, she taught ME how to style it. In all my years of going to a salon, I have never been taught how to achieve my desired look from home. It was such a treat! Today I used the tips she taught me, and voila! My hair came out great, by me! I am more than satisfied. Pamela went above and beyond! The salon itself was also immaculate and beautiful. I highly recommend it! I will definitely be going back to see Pamela on a regular basis read more

I have been coming to James for over a decade. He has always listened carefully to my current needs, whether it be for color, a new style or highlights. He has consistently offered solid advice and provided quality results every time. The best part is when he cuts my hair, it is cut so well that i dont have to work to style it-it just falls in place. Plus, I get compliments all of the time on my hair color, too. I highly recommend James! read more

Me: Hi, I just walked by and was wondering if I could get my hair cut today. He: Let me see, we're all booked right now, perhaps on Friday? Here's our card. Granted, this was the day before Thanksgiving, and I was drinking down at Wine Steals. I felt like he felt bad that they couldn't cut my hair...dang did it look that ratty? LOL! I had parked in front and the sign said "Walk-Ins welcome!" So I thought what the heck, but alas, I would just have to go to Thanksgiving dinner with my shaggy hair. However, I called Friday afternoon and they could take me at 3. He: You came back! Well, why wouldn't I, you were very nice when I walked in, and that really makes a difference, at least to me. My stylist was Amber and she asked what I wanted and I told her, "You can do whatever you want, it just needs to be short." I do this all the time when I'm at a new salon. It's just much more fun and allows the stylist to be creative. I mean, I hate reading those reviews where the client comes in with a picture and wants their hair to look just like "Jenifer Aniston's"...seriously, only Jenifer's can look like Jenifer's...LOL! What I really liked was that Amber took her time to cut my hair, and it was great watching an artist at work. Came to find out she graduated from the Paul Mitchell school downtown, so I had to tell her my PM story of how I wanted to save money and have a student cut my hair, not knowing it takes a long time, and I ended up getting a parking ticket...so my $15 cut cost me $90. I couldn't help but laugh about that. Amber did a fantastic job! I feel 10 lbs. lighter and even one of the clients leaving said I looked great....dang, did I look that ratty coming in? LOL! I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the market for a new salon. If you park across the street, you don't have to pay the meters in front. read more

This was my first time doing any kind of professional coloring to my hair. James was super nice explaining everything because I was completely clueless. He walked me through the whole thing and made sure it was exactly what I wanted. Not only do I LOVE how my hair came out, I really enjoyed chatting with him! He made me feel so comfortable and even made sure I felt safe walking to my car because it was dark when I left. A big thank you, James!! read more

Tokyo Blonde - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Fantastic experience with Pamela, one of the owners -- she understands hair better than almost any stylist I've ever known, including how to cut it for *your* specific hair type, head shape, any cowlicks, etc. She's super knowledgeable and shows you helpful things you can do at home that are easy and intuitive for your specific hair type. They also have a great product line, and Paul Mitchell continues to not conduct animal testing which is a huge plus for me. This is my go-to place for hair now! read more

I won a gift certificate to this salon in an auction. I arrived late, forgot my g/c and my wallet. They said they would still cut my hair and I could bring it by later... They then asked where I parked. When I said at an unpaid meter she ran to her desk, grabbed a role of quarters and said "Take these - it's a $50 ticket." She spent :90 on my hair and was just as good at conversation as cutting my hair. Amazing job. They just built a life-long customer and I hope to bring them even more business as they're a small shop. read more

Rachel rocked the color...just what I wanted! James and Rachel were both great fun and really paid attention to detail. So patient about taking the time to get things right! We'll keep on going back! Pay them a visit! read more

Tokyo Blonde - Rachel rocked the color for me!! You should really check these folks out!! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Very new to this site, so i hope im doing this right anyways TERRALYNN!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy awesome! i walked in and she was busy, but she had a cool style so i waited but she got to me quickly and was just as cool as she looked she gave me a shampoo, but it was anything close to 'just' a shampoo. She used this minty stuff, and massaged my haed and neck, i almost passed out and then she gave me a great haircut, she was quick too. It didnt take her forever or stall like alot of people do. she really knew what she was doing and then she styled my hair with this creamy stuff and showed me how to do like 3 different styles with my hair so pretty much TERRALYNN is F'n amazing this is one of my first reviews, i think i made it kind of long, but it was worth it...haha later peeps read more

Tokyo Blonde is the most welcoming salon. The staff makes you feel comfortable immediately. James and Pamela, the owners, and Sloane are just the best! It is in the trendy neighborhood of Hillcrest but it is not pretentious at all. It is also in a section of Hillcrest that has street parking that is readily available, especially on the other side of University which isn't metered. Sloane is such a gifted colorist! She is especially good at color correction. She really takes the time to understand your goals or issues, discuss options, make suggestions and do whatever it takes to transform your hair. I had been unhappy with my color for some time, feeling it was too dark and made me look washed out. I had never thought that highlights could be so natural looking until I had Sloane do my hair. She also gives a great cut! I have had my hair done in Boston, New York, LA, DC, Portland and San Francisco. I have never been as happy and I have never gotten more compliments on my hair than after Sloane worked her magic. Aside from Sloane's technical capabilities she is so warm, easy to talk to and has such a great personality. Her prices are also very reasonable. I love what Sloane does with my hair and the experience at Tokyo Blonde so much that I commute from Portland to San Diego to have it done. It is totally worth it and it is also a great excuse for a sunny SoCal getaway! read more

Tokyo Blonde - Sloane works her magic! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I've gone back about 5 times since my first experience in June. My girl Sloane moved out of state :( However, the whole place is staffed with talented hair designers, so I was well taken care of. Everyone in the place is super friendly and personable, including the owner. With good people like that, it makes me feel extra good about supporting this local business. read more

Totally a great place. Amber did the prettiest color on me I've ever had. She's a dye magician. Super happy with the results and can't wait to book her again! read more

Tokyo Blonde - Color by Amber! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Rachel is the best! I made the mistake of dying my naturally light brown/dark blonde hair a 6VR at a different salon- for those of you who aren't familiar this is like a dark maroon. It was great for awhile, but like any other blonde, once the weather warmed up I wanted to lighten up again. This proved to be a mess. I had 2 sessions with another stylist (different salon still) to try and bring it back down, but they were unsuccessful. Finally I went to see Rachel with my half fried, brassy mess of a head of hair and she worked her magic. It took a solid 3-4 hours, but she got all of the brassiness out and lightened me a few shades without damaging my hair further. She was so patient and knowledgeable of her products and let me know what was happening every step of the way. She trimmed off most of the fry without taking too much length, which I was is grateful for! I'll never trust anyone else with my hair! read more

Great experience! New to San Diego and Amber got my highlights and lowlights just how I like them! Everyone there is very friendly and helpful, will definitely go back. read more

Tokyo Blonde - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Alright, here goes my first review... I have thin straight Asian hair that i really don't fix up much. I prefer to leave it short, simple and natural looking. Been to several different salons since moving to SD 6 months ago, but nothing ever really enticed me to return. Well...I think I found my go to salon here. The staff is welcoming and genuine. The haircut and overall experience (conversation, awesome scalp massage, razor blade lining) is totally worth the money. Its an added bonus that I live literally a block away. I totally recommend Amber Nielson for men's haircut. She listens, studies your hair, takes her time, and overall pleasant personality. The only con I can think of is that they close at 5:30pm on weekdays, so I will only be able to go on Saturdays due to my 9-5 job. Oh well, just have to work around it. read more

Was in dire need of a haircut/color before my last minute trip to Palm Springs. Called the day of and although they were having a hard time getting me in, they did it anyways. Not to mention, this was coming off a 9 day straight work week for me!! The staff here is always so generous, fun, and extremely welcoming! Wanted to give my hairstylist (Cecili) a special thanks for squeezing me in last minute. Although I was her last client she did not make me feel unwanted and took extra care of me and what I wanted. The overwhelming great compliments I've been given about my hair just says it all!! Thank you so much Tokyo Blonde for going above and beyond. I will definitely recommend this salon and the amazing Cecili in the future. read more

Tokyo Blonde - 8 inches off, long bob, caramel balayage - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Rachel is the BEST!! She has a fabulous attention to detail and I am so happy with my cut!

I came to Tokyo Blonde looking to get my grown out mohawk fixed up and styled into something new. My last hair salon experience was horrible and my dresser did not listen to what I wanted, and basically did her own thing. My experience with Annemarie at Tokyo Blonde was the total opposite. Annemarie took the time and care to really listen to me about how I like my hair to be cut and what kinds of styles I like. I asked for and edgy haircut with textured ends and she delivered exactly what I wanted with the overall shape of the cut, and especially with the texture I wanted. She did not rush the job and made sure the texture was just how I liked it. She really has a great eye for shaping the cut to the shape of your face while still giving you what you want. I was worried my hair would be hard to work with because I came in with a grown out mohawk, so it was kind in kind of an awkward shape, but Annemarie had absolutely no problems working with it and gave me a cut & style that made me feel really confident about my appearance. I even booked her to style my hair for my upcoming wedding. When she was done with the cut she told me how to style my hair as she was doing it so that I could do it myself at home. I am really bad with hair so I'm very grateful she took the time to explain the styling methods for me. I highly, highly recommend Tokyo Blond and especially Annemarie. The salon has a great, friendly environment and everyone who works there was approachable - no snobbery to be found here. The price for the cut was also amazing, I was expecting to pay twice as much based on past experiences with hair salons in Hillcrest. I will definitely be returning when I need a touch up or a new cut. read more

It's a lovely salon. I've been here twice. Once for bleaching correction and the other for dye. Both times I got fabulous results by Cecily. She no longer works here but I highly recommend her to anybody. She's got the magical touch for hair that'll leave you in awe Instagram: cecilystylesme read more

Tokyo Blonde - P U R P L E hurr, it turned out better than I expected :0 - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Five stars not only for the expertise here, but also the honesty. I'm in the process of growing out my gray (eek!), as well as trying to repair the damage from previous dye jobs. James was a wealth of knowledge, and completely up front about what was possible, and what was not. Unlike other places I've been, there were no empty promises. He clearly had respect for the craft, and skill that I imagine one gets only from years of experience. I will definitely be back when it's time for a touch up. read more

I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco, I left my stylist!!! Annmarie listened to my laundry list of requirements and made it happen! I left with an elegant and edgy short hair do. Finally San Diego!! Best haircut in 4 years. Scalp massage was a super plus. Tokyo Blonde's cutting prices are super duper reasonable for a precision, high style cut and it's literally right off the freeway. Well worth the trip from Mira Mesa. read more

If your looking for a sexy haircut in hillcrest check this place out Tokyo Blonde is the bees knees!! I had a great experience and will be coming back as soon as my hair grows :) my hair looks great THANKS ALISHA !! read more

I really needed a blow dry for a couple holiday parties. I called and made an appointment with Amber, she was great! I was really satisfied and thought it was a good price since it was happy hour I guess. I was so happy with it that I came back for another blow dry for another holiday party! Went back to Amber again. This time is was confusing.. She asked if I want a curl style - I thought a curl at the end with the blow dryer... But it was too late she started to curl my hair. Then I wanted a little braid to change up the style. I liked it but at the end she charged me 45$. She said it wasn't happy hour but it was 4pm and when I went home I looked on the website and it was in fact happy hour so basically I got overcharged. It wasn't worth calling them about it so that's why I'm writing this review. Make sure they charge you appropriately! Was very disappointing... read more

im a platinum blonde and james is the only one i ever met who can get my blonde on point love love my hair color and him and his wife are friendly and super sweet love this place so much if you are looking for blonde color this is where to go read more

First time here. They took me as a walk in at 930am. Kiera Jon was my stylist. She is in every way the best. She was friendly, entertaining, and great at hair. She continued to provide neat tips to get my hair to look the way I wanted it even after I left. Yayyy can't wait to come back to her soon now that I've officially found my San Diego stylist read more

I still love this place however AMBER my most favorite stylist I have ever had has taken an opportunity at a different salon in Mission Valley. For anyone wanting to follow her and still get their hair done by her, her official last day at Tokyo was July 15th and she is now up and running at SFW- Salon for Women. I should have posted this months ago but we all know how that goes. Anyway, I freaking L.O.V.E. this salon!!! They saved me back in August and were able to squeeze me in last minute before a big trip, even though my hair was radically damaged. All the ladies in the salon are lovely but my girl Amber is by far the most amazing. I've never had someone so knowlegable and driven in their field care so much about my hair as well as me. She's taken me from dark to light and long to short, does exactly what I want yet keeps me in line when I try to go a little too far over the edge. She's the best! The owner James and his wife are so sweet and you can tell they consider their business an extension of their family, their employees are so happy. I even ran out leaving for the airport once without my products I purchased and they called me and kept them safe for me until I was back in town. They just seriously rock! read more

Great service and professionalism. Amber did my hair and she took such great care of me. Made me feel really comfortable. Will recommend to my friends. read more

Sloan is awesome! Had an appointment with a different stylist who didn't show up!! Sloan got me in at the same time as my original appointment without an issue. She was apologetic and so sweet. Gave me a great cut and blow dry. I left feeling so good. I should mention that I have extremely thick, curly, unruly hair that comes go about the small of my back. And she made it soft, flowy, and manageable. It was a blessing in disguise that the other girl never showed. Found my new permanent hair stylist!! read more

Tokyo Blonde - Sloan's magic - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I finally found a stylist I like here in San Diego! Amber did a great job on my highlights and cut!

I have been going to James, the owner of Tokyo Blonde for over 20 years! The color , my golden blonde, is perfect! I am am stopped daily and complimented on my color! I highly recommend James! read more

I must say that I'm very impressed with the vivid green & nicely lit atmosphere! I go to Amber in particular, because she rocks! She tends to massage the shampoo & it feels sooo nice! I started actually getting my hair done on a healthy hair basis due to encouragement & it's paid off! I'm very happy with my hair style and I know it's getting done to great satisfaction. Overall, the experience of the whole salon was positively wonderful. You can tell that all the coworkers get along too, which I find an impressive element. GO HERE! The prices are fair as well, or my hair wouldn't as nice as it continues to be. read more

I have been here 3 times and always great service, staff and products. They listen to your needs and it's always with a smile. They make you feel at home. Love this salon! read more

Tokyo blonde hair salon isnt just for females. Annmarie does an outstanding male hair cut. Being in the military I am in need of a good fade about twice a month and Annmarie does not disappoint and the price is reasonable and worth it compared to going to the ship barber or dreaded NEX. My new and last hair stylist. read more

I am so happy I found Tokyo Blonde! Amber has become my favorite stylist of all time. She is so friendly and courteous as well as incredible at getting my hair to look great! She listens to what I want and always has good advice on styling and caring for my hair. Everyone here is wonderful, from greeting you at the door and offering a cup of coffee to leaving with a great new hairdo! read more