This is my 2ND time here and feeling 100! I have brought both my Daughters for various things (shampoo, straightening, trims, etc) This place is very professional and the stylists are all excellent in every way! They always seem to be able to accommodate my needs as well as stick to what they can! Best part is my Daughters have left feeling confident and smiling and look forward to the next trip! read more

Charged $100 more than quoted for my daughter's hair. This should have been communicated prior to the job being done. The hair itself was done nice but too expensive and not upfront. read more

Toi Butler is an amazing hair designer. The consummate professional! In fact her entire team is on point.

Had a hair disaster after the 6 days of rain out here but thankfully Angela helped me with it and fixed my issue completely thank you!!! read more

Upscale Hair Gallery - Me after her retwist and a nice lil fade - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Clean and professional environment. Large customer base. Friendly atmosphere. Easy to reach location. Several types of services offered.

As always, another great hair style masterpiece by Courtney! Always fabulous The photos of my daughter's hair are stunning, natural, and perfectly done by Courtney at Upscale Hair Gallery in San Diego. read more

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All time best salon, service is amazing, stylists are top tier! The music is always and I'm always offered a refreshment

Pros: This salon has great customer service. Each time I called the stylists were helpful. Cons: I experienced horrible heat damage And hair loss! I've been growing my natural hair out for approximately six years now and I went to upscale salon to get my hair flat ironed for graduation. The stylist I worked with claimed she had worked with natural hair for over 20 year but for some reasons, when I washed my hair, I saw handful of my curls fall out of my scalp. I'm convinced the stylist used the wrong tools on my hair. She was more concerned about getting my hair "straight" than she was concerned about maintaining the hair on my head. Don't get me wrong, my hair style turned out BEAUTIFUL but the amount of heat damage and hair loss is unacceptable. The ONLY reason I'm leaving a review is because I've tried calling courtney back multiple time and she never responded to my calls or messages. Will I be returning? probably not. read more

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I wish I had read all the reviews before I booked with Courtney. Like the previous customer I think her name is Alexandria (not sure) my hair started falling out especially in the back. It was so upsetting as I had taken time to grow my hair free of chemicals and heat. I would not recommend anyone to book with Courtney. On the othe hand the Salon has a good vibe and it is clean. read more

Love love love Toi! My daughter is mixed, and I struggle with her hair now that she is older and those curlz are so curly... Toi was very helpful with providing products, and instructions how to manage day to day, I cannot thank her enough and I'll definitely be taking my daughter back... read more

Upscale is simply the best and BILLY is OUTSTANDING. He is professional, knowledgeable, prompt and very personable. The SALON is clean, beautifully decorated and conveniently located. Above all BILLY gives you the STAR treatment and rejuvenated my hair BEAUTIFULLY. BRAVO read more

I was really happy with my first 2 visits here, but upon making my 3rd appt I couldn't get in touch with my stylist after I made the appt. There was inconsistent contact and that is completely unacceptable. Yes she does great work but it's bad for business to not get back to your clients in a timely manner. read more

Upscale Hair Gallery - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I thought long and hard before deciding to update my review, but I believe an update is necessary. I paid three visits to Courtney in an effort to repair a previously botched color job. Initially, I was happy with the base color; although, the issue of my "halo" was not corrected, even with several applications of toner. My hair was still several shades of blonde, and I wasn't too pleased with the halo that wasn't corrected. I was told that it was something that would be corrected over time. Because I liked Courtney, I trusted that this would be the case. After my third visit, the front of my hair suffered from severe breakage. In fact, it was so short that I could not even rock a bang to balance out the breakage. There was already some damage, but after the third visit it became significantly worse. I contacted Courtney via text message to set up an appointment. At that time, I also inquired with Courtney as to why in her opinion the breakage had occurred. There was complete silence. To this day, Courtney has never responded to my inquiry and concern. That was my que to once again begin my search for a hair care specialist that truly cares about healthly hair and is responsive to his/!her client. It's sad, but unfortunately I will no longer return to this salon. If you know a bomb stylist who is an expert with hair color and natural tresses, please let me know! read more

If you are looking for a 'professional black salon, this is NOT the place. I tried this place despite the negative review, and I regret it. I was greeted my a kind receptionist who let my stylist (Ray) know that I had arrived. After 20 minutes of waiting, I believe the owner asked if I had been helped. I let her know that Ray knew I was waiting, but had not yet spoken to me. After another 20 minutes I grabbed my purse to walk out and the owner grabbed Ray who finally took me to her booth. Interestingly, the other stylists were talking about the fact that there were negative reviews about them on Yelp. They laughed at the women who complained about having to wait 50 minutes at her first appointment, and one of the stylists actually commented "What do you expect, this is a black hair salon. You better expect to wait." And all four stylists (with clients in their chairs) proceeded to laugh out loud. I knew I was never coming back, but the relaxer was already on my scalp...I was stuck. Ray did a wonderful job with the shampoo and scalp rub/massage- it felt really good. However, my main complaint is that she told me that my hair looked dry. After having being washed and completely dried she suggested that I need a deep condition. Then once blowdryed she suggested a trim for $15. I declined and she proceeded to style my hair with no products at all. My hair turned out okay. I went home and used my own products for it to finally have a 'polished and styled' look. My finacee actually commented that it was not worth the money. But my hair came out straight, and so far hasn't fallen out. I left my previous stylist looking for a salon for 'professional black women.' If I'm going to have to wait 50 minutes for an appointment, only to recieve bare bones service...I will just stay with my previous stylist and spare myself the milage and gas. read more

So this place has a nice look and a professional setting, etc. The main stylists may be good, but let me tell you not all the stylists are created equal. I went to Juanita for a relaxer and a cut. This woman does not know how to cut or style. AND she didn't rinse my relaxer out properly. I got my hair cut in Chicago awhile ago and I loved it, but it grew out. You could still see the A-cut shape, so all she had to do was follow it. She completely butchered my hair. It was an ugly cut, my hair had no body when I left, and it felt stiff and didn't move. Also she kept stopping to turn around to talk to the other stylists. Here's a tip: When the other stylists are staring at you with a blank face, that means they know your hair is getting f*** up. I have heard good things about the other stylists, but Juanita is so inept at doing hair I'm afraid I can't go back. read more

Received a good hairstyle but the stylist was not the friendliest and her prices were too high for what she did and I'm not a frugal person. She also did not provide a breakdown of the prices before or after the service or even introduce herself as this was my first time coming to her and to the salon. Sorry that I don't remember her name.... that's how unremarkable she made my experience. Don't think I'll go back mainly because of her attitude. I like to spend my money where I feel appreciated. read more

If you have ethnic hair, this is the place to go in the San Diego area. When I first moved to town, I pulled the first african american woman with great hair aside to ask where she got her hair done. She sent me to Marilyn, and I've also been in the chair of Shan. These woman and men can do ANY thing with hair, make it grow, weave it (for caucaisans too!) perms, nautural styles. The salon is big, and busy on Saturday mornings, however, there is always room for a walk in. Typical of a black hair salon, the conversations are hilarious, the people are kind, and you get a good laugh, while getting the best hair in town. read more

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL! I went into the shop with my daughter, who was getting a consultation from William. My first impression of the shop and its stylist was "PROFESSIONALS" the shop is clean well arranged and decorations are classy all the styles look uniformed in their own unique way. So far the shop was living up to the array of rave reviews, I had gotten over the years, from strangers whose hair was so fabulous I had to ask where they had, had it done. Now back to William, after my daughter's consultation I was so impressed by his knowledge and forthrightness that I asked a few questions for myself. My daughter made her appointment for the following week. Apprehensive because of years of poor service, lack of professionalism, and hair salon drama I wasn't thrilled about jumping right into yet another shop. But by the time we had gotten back to Chula Vista I was convinced I would give him a try too. I called William back, asked a few more questions which he happily answered, and booked an appointment. A week later my daughter had her natural hair highlighted and cut, it was fabulously healthy with natural shine and lots of body. I was really impressed that William had her extra thick tresses bouncing and behaving like freshly relaxed hair. During my telephone inquest (LOL) William supplied a contact for high quality hair out of ATL, at my request. So on the following day, gorgeous hair in tow I arrived to be made over! Parking was a mess (which is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars so allot time for parking), nonetheless William promptly greeted and consulted me and got me started with a equally professional braider. Since I had chosen to wash and condition my own hair, at the completion of the braiding I was done in a flash, hair ombred, dried, cut, and styled to my liking; and I was on my way........ Oh, and if you were wondering. I was not his only client at that time. Yes he worked his magic on two other customers in between time (rather than leaving any of us sitting somewhere drying up like a raisin), and we were all in and out of the shop looking runway fierce!!!! Having said all that after more than 20 years in San Diego, I have finally found a shop I can call home and a stylist who has it all together. Now I'm praying I'll be able to get an appointment after this. THANK YOU WILLIAM, xoxoxox read more

Always professional. They greet you the minute you walk through the door. I leave there feeling pampered and relaxed. Kortney always does such wonderful work on my fine hair. She offers suggestions and creates styles that keep my look refreshed. She is very reliable and timely. I look forward to getting my hair done. The music is always smooth and the friendly atmosphere keeps me smiling. read more

I've been searching for a good hairdresser in San Diego for awhile now and then I found Qiana. Wow. She is amazing and such a doll. My hair looks and feels amazing! She is so sweet and welcoming & even her shampoo feels great!!!! I will absolutely be back. Also the price is amazing for the results I got! Thank you Qiana!! read more

I have been an Upscale Hair Gallery customer since May '14. I felt it was necessary to complete a few appointments before giving an assessment of my experience. In the four months I've been under Kortney's care, my hair has been transformed. She has taken me from a tired 1980's "curl" to a short, sassy textured hair style that I love! I have received many compliments in the past few months. The salon's clientele and services are diverse. The prices are comparable to my previous salon, so I would say they are reasonable. They accept debit and credit cards, which is extremely convenient. The atmosphere is lively and the salon is well maintained. There is even a cute little clothing and accessory boutique inside of the salon. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Upscale Hair Gallery. I look forward to being a customer for many years to come. read more

To everyone who had an unpleasant experience here, I suggest you give them another try! I had my hair colored, trimmed, and pressed/flat ironed by Q and she did an amazing job! She was professional, on time, and made my hair beautiful! The other stylist in the shop were very nice and funny. They had me laughing the entire time and I felt so comfortable and welcomed in the shop! I will definitely be back and will be recommending this shop and Q to everyone! read more

Upscale Hair Gallery - Ombré, flat iron, and trim on my natural hair by Q - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

8/8/15 I booked with Angela for a full sew-in and a relaxer touch up on the halo leave out portion only. She started washing my hair and FORGOT that we were going to do the relaxer on the leave out; I forgot as well so it's both our fault. I said it was okay, I can just return at a later time to have the leave out taken care of because she already started shampooing so obviously it was wayyy too late to add the relaxer. Angela insisted that she could rinse my hair out and it was not too late to add the relaxer. I again said that it was okay, nevermind, and again, she said she knows what she is doing and insisted. Against my better judgement and common sense (I mean, she is the "professional"), I allowed her to stop shampooing, gently partially dry my hair, and add the relaxer to the halo. OMG this was the absolute WORST thing I could have ever done in my life to my hair. Almost instantly, my scalp was burning, as I knew it would. Another stylist even came over, made a face, and asked Angela what was she doing, Angela just responded that everything was fine. Finally after what seemed like 100 years later, she rinsed the relaxer out and of course, I had the WORST scalp burns altroughout my halo area. I mean, it was legit bleeding! The weave itself came out beautiful but it absolutely was not worth the scalp burns and damage that took almost a year to heal... and I didn't even get a discount for the pain, suffering, and damage. I should have walked out immediately but the things we wish we should've done after the fact (plus I don't like confrontation)...!!! I recently just created a yelp page otherwise I obviously would have written this review much sooner; please know that I remember this tortured event as if it were yesterday so the time it took to write this doesn't lessen the review or experience. read more

Upscale Hair Gallery - Relaxer scalp burn, front and center - thanks a lot Angela. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

When you go...book with William Calhoun! I walked in several months ago and the service and hair care I received has been stellar! In and out...never had a long wait for flat iron like some salons. My style last a long time, even though I am not the best at wrapping at night and all that... My edges are growing back out too... (Total user error! I damaged them for the long length of time between shops with gel). He did not sell me a dream when I said I wanted to feather my front..."like Farrah Fawcett" :) William gave good advice: stop using gel if possible, wrap my head even if I am wearing a pony tail and oil if I do so I don't sleep on dried out hair. He showed me some product but did not hard sell or position as miracle cure... By the summer I should have my wish. I am a customer who had a great experience and hope to be a life long client. read more

I have been going here for a while and I can say that Upscale Hair Gallery is my hair's home. I love it here. The decor and ambiance is unbelievable and I always leave feeling refreshed. I am always greeted with a smile and I love the fact that they have refreshments in the waiting area. If I am waiting, I love to go browse the boutique in the front of the salon. Everything is so cute and for reasonable prices. I have left with plenty of great deals. I feel comfortable going to any of the stylists, they are all very talented and nice. I watch as they work with other clients and I have to say that I have never seen anyone leave less than happy, including myself. I have been to places where I just feel dirty after I leave, and let me tell you, this is NOT one of those places. Everything is kept so neat and clean. They have many products to choose from for sale. Nairobi, KeraCare, Mixed Chicks, and Design Essentials, just to name a few. All very high quality products for a very good price. I love this salon and I tell all my friends about it! read more

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First off- let's establish that I love my curls, but I also like to go straight every great while. As such, after a very bad experience with a crappy salon in SD, I felt so protective of my hair that I avoided anyone with scissors for 5 years, submitting to only the tiniest of trims. So, I decided to take the plunge already, as the focus recently has been less on the curls and more on the crazy of my crazy curls. I needed a stylist to shape my hair and release it's full potential. I urge any curly haired girl who has given up on her hair to visit Upscale and I highly recommend 'Q'. She greeted me as soon as I walked through the door, (which hardly EVER happens in an African American salon). She was super patient with me, asked a lot of questions and explained her plan, and made sure I was okay with it. After giving my hair a trim and conditioning treatment, she have me something more valuable: an actual lesson in styling my own hair.She is fun and friendly while you are in her chair, plus she told me a lot about my hair and how to manage it for myself on a daily basis. That was so helpful! My hair looks better than ever, and I definitely plan to go back! The products are excellent and the staff is really friendly. 5 stars! read more

Rude service. We had an appointment, still had to wait 30 minutes. We were patient and understanding when the owner asked if he had been helped yet. Brought my 13 year old granddaughter here for hair straightening, a total of three different stylists worked on her hair, they kept handing her off (she has very kinky hair, understandably she isn't the easiest to work on, but we are easy to work with and don't complain). We were committed to complete the straightening and haircut once she had the products on. Hair came out fine, but this was the worst service I've ever had in any establishment in all my years! My granddaughter and I look nothing alike (in terms of skin color,) and I hate to even imagine that played a role, but I have no other explanation for why they would treat us with such disregard. :( read more

I called in because my earlier place called and cancelled my appointment with them. She told me to come right in and I did. Qiana was a life saver and she really brought life to my hair. I wish I would've come to earlier, but I will make sure that I refer all of my friends to her. She is awesome and my hair loves her too! read more

This salon is a great, calm place to get your hair needs met. When I first started coming, I was in need of a stylist on Christmas Eve of all days. I phoned and Courtney took me in right away. It's been several months later and I'm still a repeat customer. read more

I don't even know where to begin! Let me start off by saying THANK YOU YELPERS for helping me find this place! After reading the reviews I said why not give it a try and plus it was right in my neighborhood! ( wish I knew this earlier) this place is great. Very professional staff, extremely clean salon, and their services are the best! Since then I've referred my sisters and friends to the salon. I've been in SD for five years and never found a salon that I absolutely love. read more

Just walked out after being ignored for 30+ minutes. My daughter had an appointment with Angela and we waited, and waited, and waited. We asked another stylist if Angela was there and she went back to get her. After another 10 minutes of being ignored we left. read more

I love this hair salon!!! Being in the military and always moving it's hard to find a black salon, Wow this place is awesome! !!! Courtney did my hair and a couple others while I was thier. She really took care of asking what I want and giving much more than I expected. What ever your needs black ladies they have a salon that can and will fill every need!!! Thank you Courtney! !!! read more

Finding Ms Q at Upscale was one of the greatest finds since moving to San Diego. She has never disappointed! She specializes in all hair types. The environment is welcoming, fun and professional! I highly recommend Ms Q at Upscale. read more

Very happy with this salon, the atmosphere is wonderful and best of all the stylist are nice & respectful towards the clients and each other. Kourtney cut my hair and did an AWESOME job! If you want your hair cut short or just styled, kourtney is the lady to do it! All the other stylist clients left out with nice hair as well :-) I am definitely going back!!! read more

I want to thank Toi for taking special care of my mother in law yesterday. She came home with the most gorgeous short hair cut and color (Polynesian thick, coarse texture hair- it's hard for us to find stylists who can help us manage our hair too!) and good tips on how to care for her hair with the right pillow case, where to find it and what to think about with her hair color going forward. I will go to Toi myself based on her results and the experience that was shared with me especially if I decide to go super short again. read more

I have been to this salon twice since the beginning of the year. There are not that many African American hair salons in the area, so I decided to write a review because I know it can be difficult for "us" when we move to new areas. First, the receptionists or the stylist at the front is always courteous. The salon is clean and relatively quiet. There is usually infused water to meet you at the waiting area, which in the warm San Diego weather is always welcomed. All the clients that I saw while I was there, seemed to be happy with their hair. On my first visit I believe I saw Angela. I was definitely pleased with the way my relaxer turned out. On my second visit I booked Angela, but she couldn't make it, so Brittany did my hair. She did a really good job with my relaxer. I also know of one family who all visit one of the male stylists, not sure his name and they have been going to Upscale for years and actually recommended the salon in general to me. This is MY PERSONAL experience about the times I have visited and my experience as it to relates to the stylists I have worked with and the services I have received. I have never received color services and/or hair extensions so I can not speak to the negative reviews about those types of services. Lastly, on another note, I love the fact that these stylists can often get you in and out. There is not a lot of time spent waiting around. I was actually on Yelp looking for the phone number as I plan to schedule an appointment for the near future. If my experience changes I will be sure to update. read more

I was going to make an appointment at this salon (I have never been before), but I had a few questions first...naturally. The girl who answered the phone was very rude she seemed distracted and that it was a bother to answer my questions about a relaxer and style. I was very deterred from even going to the salon. Would they be that rude to me in person? Did they even care about my hair needs and desires? I'm very picky about who I let do my hair and I plan, once I find a stylist, to go to them for a long time (years) exclusively and have my kids go to them...so finding the right person and salon is VERY important to me. I was quite disappointed by this experience and will be calling other salons now. read more

Every time I visit this salon my experience is great! The entire staff is friendly, pricing is fair and my wait is never long!

I've been calling since 9am and been getting the busy tone since then. Can't make it to my appointment at all and been trying to let my stylist know. Idk how other people are able to get ahold of these people but I sure can't. If no calls are coming in wouldn't you think to check to see if everything is working ? read more

I have been going to Upscale Hair Gallery for a year now, and could not be happier. I moved back to San Diego and had no clue where to get my hair done and I am so happy I found this salon. Taron does my hair and she is flexible and creative. My short 'do would not be the same if it weren't for her. I constantly get compliments, so the salon is worth the 25 minute drive from my house! read more