Wow Great hair cut. I went from long hair to short. Adrian did a great edgy short cut. Beautiful salon. read more

I had an amazing experience with Adrian - he is so attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable! I would 100% come back and recommend it to anyone looking for their go-to salon. read more

I've been coming to Adrian for over a year now, and honestly, I can't imagine trusting anyone else with my hair. From the very first appointment, he made me feel completely at ease by taking the time to listen to what I wanted and explaining what would realistically work best for my hair type and lifestyle. He never rushes through a consultation and always walks me through the entire process, whether it's a simple trim or a full color refresh. Adrian truly knows his craft. His attention to detail and ability to customize a cut or color to suit your features is what keeps me coming back. Every time I leave his chair, my hair looks fresh, healthy, and exactly how I pictured it -- sometimes even better. I also really appreciate how he makes product and styling recommendations without being pushy about it. And can we talk about the salon itself? It's such a gorgeous, relaxing space with modern, minimalist decor and tons of lush plants everywhere. It doesn't feel like your typical crowded salon; it's more like hanging out at a friend's beautifully designed home. On top of all that, I genuinely look forward to our conversations. Adrian is warm, funny, and so easy to talk to -- it makes the entire appointment feel like a mini therapy session. I always leave in a better mood than when I arrived. If you're looking for a stylist who combines talent, professionalism, and genuine kindness, Adrian is your guy. I can't recommend him highly enough! read more

I keep coming back to Adrian cause he always listens and explains what will work well on my hair and what is the process of why he is doing it. He knows exactly what he is doing so that's why I keep coming back for haircut and hair color. Definitely love our conversations as well. Highly recommend Adrian if you want 5 star service :) and his salon with all the plants and modern furniture !!! read more

Wanted to get a cut with short notice at a place with gender neutral pricing, and Adrian very kindly squeezed me in after I got on the waitlist. Got a lot of attention, and really felt like I got a cut by someone who not just takes pride in their work but also cares about the person who's going to go around wearing it. Not to mention nice, explains things and makes sure you have a good time! There's nothing for it, Ae Salon takes the top spot for me now. read more

Had my first hair cut by Adrian today. What a nice guy! Gave me a great cut and got rid of all my unhealthy hair while giving my hair a healthy new look without chopping it too short. I am returning next week for the color and see what magic he can perform on my hair. Adrian's very well-mannered and I like the fact that he did not make negative remarks about my hair. Trust me. I have heard it from other hair stylists in the past. I know my hair is not the best quality so no need to rub it in. I think Adrian is from now on the only hair stylist I will go to. read more

I was dreading getting my hair cut. I don't like how I look and have always kind of struggled with my thinning, fine hair. My longtime hair stylist became disabled a few months back and my hair looked horrible. I had to do something. I saw how Adrian does precision cuts and specializes in fine hair - made an appointment and my goodness - -my hair look simply wonderful. The change is magical. It looks and feels so healthy, and the cut is gorgeous. I can't believe it's my hair! Not only that, this man is really nice - and easy going.. and talented.. Going back for a color very soon - -. I am so glad that I have met Adrian and plan on being a longtime customer. Wish this site had 100 stars. I would give him 100 stars. read more

What a beautiful and peaceful place. Definitely a perfect place to spend after a golf game.

My whole family goes to see Adrian for precision cuts! Us gals who need color are always thrilled with the results. You feel like family with Adrian and time flies during service. He makes us comfortable and very safe. He always has advice in the latest science and uses top notch products which we now buy from his online store. It's the whole package with Adrian and that explains our 7 years of loyalty. Cheers to decades more! read more

Had my first appointment for cut and color with Adrian yesterday and I am floored by how great my hair turned out. I came in with a grown out uneven covid at-home haircut (like, a terrible shelf cut into my hair lol) and he worked some magic to give it beautiful shape. I also brought in some photos for the color I wanted and he nailed it. It looks so natural and still feels really healthy and soft. At each step he explained the options and gave input when asked, using his expertise to deliver exactly what I wanted (even when I didn't know the words to describe exactly what I was going for). I already booked my next appointment and I'm absolutely thrilled to have found a hairstylist who is kind, fun to talk to, and of course, helps me look my best. read more

Adrian Elwell - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Adrian is a gem. He takes his time and makes sure your hair is perfect. Amazing for highlights. I wouldn't go anywhere else. I'm on a budget but going to Adrian is the one thing I will splurge on! read more

Adrian is color-incredible! I was lucky enough to find him about 1.5 yrs ago & eagerly keep coming back. The very first time I went in, I described what I thought I was looking for when Adrian says: "Let me tell you what I thought as I saw you from across the room". How awesome is that?! Someone who has a vision! Style & color combinations I never dreamed possible! I trusted his creativity & it paid off in a major way...I felt sassy, flirty, and that people would hate me b/c I was beautiful...TONS of compliments about how great my hair looked. I will also confirm others' statements that Adrian does spend time w/ his clients & I see that as a definite plus. If he's running late --- I think, "so what", b/c I know he's going to be providing the same dedication & attention to me & my needs & it's totally worth a few minutes wait --- have a coffee or a glass of wine & relax. This is not a assembly line - it's a salon & things take time. The place is fun & laid back, lots of people chatting, laughing & no rushing - so know that when you go in & be prepared to join the flow. Adrian will take the time he needs to talk w/ you so that he can understand you as a person, find out what kind of person you are, how adventurous you are willing to be w/ your hair color & make sure you are comfortable w/ the direction you have discussed before getting out any materials. The best thing is that he'll take your original ideas & build on them to develop something you never would have thought of & it looks absolutely fantastic. I have never been disappointed & you won't be either! read more

Adrian is my hair doctor, and I'm not talking about a doctor who keeps you waiting for an hour and then gives you a rushed 15 minutes. I remember the first time I went to see him a year ago when he spent a good 20-30 minutes talking to me and trying to match my hair color perfectly (blonde hair dyed red). Long story short, I've been coming back ever since and I never feel rushed through like I'm on a hair care assembly line. When I first started going to see him and said I liked my hair styled in loose curls he was honest that he didn't do a lot of curls for clients but he would be happy to. To be clear, I think his clients just don't usually request that sort of thing, so it wasn't due to lack of skill, just lack of use. Since then he has really done his research about curling and they keep coming out better and better. Adrian primarily uses the Davines hair care line, although he also uses some René Furterer products as well. He DEFINITELY does his research on the products in his own spare time and can name off the benefits and drawbacks of each product to get the right one in your hands and on your hair. He has even followed up with me via email to see if I'm liking the product, and if I don't he works to make a better recommendation for me. To put a cherry on top, Adrian has never kept me waiting for more than 15 minutes, and always texts me if he is running a little late. I love this open communication and really appreciate that he works hard to be on time. I know another client is appreciating his dedication to them so I just can't fault him for being a few minutes late. In short, Adrian is awesome and I will follow him anywhere! read more

Having had highlights for almost 20 years, I was in desperate need for a change; a drastic one. English language fails in terms of hair color and shades, and I believe that's why there is Pinterest. After going through thousands of pictures for inspiration, I know exactly what i wanted. A white/platinum blonde with a hint of ash. Now comes the hard part! Finding the colorist who is talented and courageous enough to take my already damaged hair 4-5 shades lighter without frying it AND giving me exactly the tone I want in the first attempt. Sounds like Mission Impossible- Blonde Protocol :) And here is where Adrian comes. Adrian is a color maestro , a super hero. Just like the rest of the world, I found him through Yelp reviews, I have exchanged four emails, with countless pictures of what I want and do not want before our consultation appointment. Adrian was patient and responded to every email. Adrian is a perfectionist and understands what the client wants precisely; When he met me, he explained "It might take more than one go to get the yellow dye out," . "It might take more than one day," Sure enough our first appointment took close to 4 hours. Starting from a process to strip the yellow out of my hair to a Vitamin C rinse to neutralize the bleach, followed by a toner. End result: FABULOUS hair color; first attempt Since then I have booked appointments with 4 to 5 week intervals for touch ups and re-toning. Every time, I had a great experience with Adrian. He never rushes and he explains every step of the process so you know what to expect. I am now a loyal client of Adrian and recommend him highly. read more

Adrian was amazing! I've had literally the same hairstyle since forever and never really had the courage to change it. Finally decided to take the leap and let Adrian does his job and IT. IS. AWESOMEEEE!!! I can't stress enough how much I love my new haircut. Immediately took photo for my parents and family back home (Singapore & Indonesia) to see, and they're full of praises! Needless to say Adrian will be my goto hairdresser everytime I'm in SF. Not to mention my cousins are DYING with jealousy and can't wait to actually come here! Service was GREAT! I sent in a request through Adrian's website's contact form at Friday 3am, asking if he's able to see me on Friday 12pm onwards (I have a party over the weekend). He replied me at 8am with an available timeslot. Omg excellent customer service! He serves tea, paid attention to how I want my hair to be cut. I've never had a better hairdressing experience hahaha And don't forget the view of Union Square from the Penthouse! Amazing! I spent my day afterwards shopping in Union Sq feeling so so awesome witg my new haircut. Thank you so so much Adrian! Looking forward to the next appointment! =) read more

All of these five start reviews are founded; Adrian is a seriously talented stylist. I found Adrian on Yelp about three years ago when I was searching for a colorist who uses Schwarzkopf color. After just one appointment I became an Adrian devotee. His color skills are excellent. Until recently I had been getting my hair cut at a salon closer to home. After having one botched cut at that salon, I asked Adrian to cut my hair. He took the time to really listen to what I wanted in a cut by asking me thoughtful questions. He talked me through the possibilities, and I didn't feel rushed in the process. It was apparent he cared about delivering the best cut possible, and the result was exactly the haircut I wanted! Never again will I visit another stylist - Adrian's my go-to for color AND now cut. read more

Adrian cut and colored my hair the other day and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I wanted a very specific look and color, he listened really carefully and provided thoughtful and professional ideas of how to achieve it. I have had so many compliments over the last two days! I will definitely be sticking with Adrian as my hairdresser from now on. read more

Adrian is the best! That is the one word description of a most talented artist & professional who provides an outstanding experience each time. He takes years off your face, and makes you handsome or beautiful as if you were clay. I have been coming here for 11 years.. Haven't found anyone better! read more

Adrian Elwell - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

Adrian is a fantastic colorist, and I can't believe I haven't written him a review already -- I've been going to him for probably two years now, and it's been perfect every time. A very long time ago I'd found myself in an a pretty untenable situation; I had a colorist whose work I loved... and she was in New York at Sally Hershberger. I'd tried three salons in SF with a different disaster each time, and I found myself actually booking flights to New York to get my hair touched up. It turns out that the reason my red dye was coming out so wrong in SF is that I was hooked on a particular shade, and not all brands of professional hair dye have the same range of options, especially in reds. The brand they used in New York (Schwarzkopf) was hard to find in San Francisco. I went looking for Schwarzkopf, and found Adrian, and have been going to him ever since. He's an expert who gets great results (the perfect red, every time) and he's a kind, genuine and altogether lovely human being to chat with each visit. He's gone above and beyond for me on a couple of occasions to do a last minute appointment or extra service and I am so grateful. He's very technical -- he can tell you how this color or that will combine, and the reasons why, and beyond the technicalities of hair dye, he's also one of the most tech-savvy stylists I've ever met. He's set up his website to have online appointment booking, which is an absolute godsend -- it's so nice to remember at 9pm that you need to make a hair appointment, and two minutes later have it confirmed and entered in your calendar. Highly recommended. read more

I was in between hair stylists, looking for someone who was a fit for me, someone I trusted to become "my" hair stylist. I went on Adrian's website I saw that his approach would fit my lifestyle & had the hair philosophy I was looking for. He does amazing cuts that really are wash & wear but look just as good if you use a hair dryer & some product. For the first color session he asked questions, had examples, & really listened to me. He gave me exactly what I wanted. And the color really lasted! Now I just sit in his chair while he makes suggestions & let him do his thing. He gets my hair, he gets my lifestyle & has delivered great cuts & color every time. The salon he works in is very convenient to downtown, bright, & funky in that good San Francisco way. The receptionist is extremely nice & helpful. Adrian also has an on-line system that makes is really easy to book appointments but he will take your calls as well. His website is also a wealth of information that really helps give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your hair. I can't recommend him enough. read more

This was an excellent experience. I had never been to see Adrian before and I was looking for a true professional and found it. Adrian took the time to talk about my expectations, asked about my hair and looked at pictures of what I wanted. The cut was the best that I've had in a very long time. I have short, thin hair - he made it look as good as ever. Also was willing to consult with me about coloring in the future. Really enjoyed the whole experience and will be back. The salon itself is lovely as well. read more

Adrian is absolutely amazing. I didn't have a hair stylist I trusted in the Bay Area (I have a lot of hair and not every stylist knows how to cut/color my hair without thinning it). Not only did he make me feel comfortable and walked me through every step he was doing, he did a fantastic job with it. He truly creates magic with your hair and has definitely found himself a regular. If you're trying to figure out where to go, trust me go to Adrian. read more

My first time going to Adrian and I was kind of unsure of what I wanted. I had a picture to go off of but the picture had very light pastels and my hair is very dark. I was open to any suggestions and what Adrian created works perfectly! Bold colors that when curled or braided together create the oil-slick effect I wanted and it's ombré into the bottom half of my hair so it's not too crazy. Thank you Adrian for your amazing work! read more

Exceptional is an understatement. If you want to be 100% sure that you'll get EXACTLY what you want (in my case the red head style I've tried to get for years), Adrian is your guy. This is simply the best hair style experience I've ever had. I am from Paris therefore extremely picky and demanding when it comes to my hair and Adrian got me the BEST color and the best hair style I've ever had both in the US and in Paris. He is a great listener (which is critical for that job and very hard to find) and perfectly nailed down what I wanted despite my struggle to exactly describe my dream color. He is incredibly patient and will take the time it needs to make you happy. And God knows it was not easy to find the perfect red for me (Adrian is a specialist of red). Cherry on the cake, he is very nice, warm and attentive. The price is more than reasonable especially considering the result and the time he spends on you! I trusted him several times and thanks to him, I have finally found my best style. I won't ever go anywhere. read more

I found Adrian on Yelp about as I was searching for a stylist who was good with curly hair. I have a long bob, that can be very wavy, curly. I was not expecting to have so many compliments on what a great cut I have. It works so much better, and I spend less time styling it now that the cut is so much better. Adrian really takes the time to get to know you, what works for you and specifically what you want. He is very thorough, and thoughtful about his cuts. He also does my color, and I started with him there but then gradually moved over to having him do both. I prefer going to one person for both. It's very hard to find a stylist who is good at color and cuts, I have only met one in my lifetime and Adrian excels at both. I'll stick with Adrian, as I'm really happy with my hair now. read more

I've been entrusting my 'do to Adrian for about six years and can't imagine going anywhere else. The few times I ventured elsewhere, I came running back. He has a sincere, low-key manner that puts one at ease, he listens carefully and is precise and talented. If you're looking for a change, Adrian will create a flattering style. He goes the extra mile to ensure his clients are happy. I've never regretted sitting in his chair. It's a relaxing experience with great results every time. read more

I am new to the city and desperately needed a cut & colour, and turned to yelp for assistance. after reading reviews i picked Adrian. Adrian was flexible with scheduling and friendly when i met him. His opinions of my hair and what was needed were spot on (if not received reluctantly at first, but i am like most girls!) i got a cut and highlights, and i love it! Adrian was a bold stylist and not only gave me a cut/colour i like, he made my hairstyle better - fixing some issues from previous stylists. read more

I recently visited Adrian at Au Top for a Keratin treatment. He made me instantly feel at ease and gave me the opportunity to ask questions before he began. He was very informative and knowledgeable about the treatment, which was reassuring. The treatment went as I had expected, and I was deeply impressed by Adrian's attention to detail. After completion of the treatment, he also offered me a complimentary fringe/bangs trim, which was really great. My mother and sister have also visited Adrian, and all are delighted with their hair thanks to him. The praises just keep on coming. Thank you, again! read more

You NEED Adrian, seriously. He can color your hair funky style and everyone will marvel at how healthy the blue or the ombre or the red looks on you. Or make your hair the same gorgeous shiny dapple of highlights you had in 3rd grade, and that one will look NATURAL! Seriously, he's never seen my daughter who is nine, but we have the same shade.:) He's great at suggesting new shades and looks. He's real about whether you need just highlights or highlights and color. I beg for the demi-color for the base because I don't like the roots and he obliges happily. His hair cuts are just amazing. I got a sweet bob for several months 2 years ago and people are still talking to me about it. At the same time I tried keriatase treatment and it solved my frizz problem for about 18 months. My blowdrys are amazing and last for several days with a bit of dry shampoo. The best is Adrian's personality. You can talk or not. He knows all the latest films. He's patient and attentive. The shop is LOvELY and elegant without being fussy. You deserve a nice afternoon downtown in a great place with a very skillful and caring hairdresser. read more

Hairdressers are like good friends. You choose them carefully because they can make or break you and with a good cut or color. Every woman knows the confidence a good stye can give and the agony that can be suffered with a bad one. Years ago my sister lost most of hair due to pneumonia and when her once straight hair grew back it grew back with a curl. To some this would have been a dream come true, but not to my sister who lost most of her self confidence. Years later she began to investigate the famed Brazilian Blowouts that celebrities were having. If you suffer from hair with frizz or a wave that requires constant hair straightening it probably won't have escaped your notice that most of the big Hollywood stars are having this straightening treatment. However what you might not be aware of is the dangerous chemicals that are released during the drying process and not all salons are being honest about the risks associated with the process. The healthier option is known as Keratin Complex. However no one in our family had heard about, until my mother was having her hair colored with Adrian. Adrian is someone you can trust absolutely with the safety of your hair, scalp and health. We found him through a search for a colorist for my mother (please see previous review) and while in the salon she started to discuss my sister's desire for straight hair and the Brazilian Blowout. Adrian was incredibly well informed of the dangers of this technique and educated her on the risks associated as well as the alternative, the Keratin Complex treatment. For those of you who aren't aware of the risks of formaldehyde here are the key points as listed by the National Cancer Institute. The procedure itself was free of hassle and the time spent waiting for the lotion to work it's magic flew past due to the variety of reading material and a glass of wonderfully chilled wine. When he flat ironed it I immediately began to see the difference as my hair was dead straight and incredibly shiny. I wanted to tell others about Adrian as I was so impressed by the service he provided and his manner as a stylist. I would not hesitate to recommend Adrian to anyone for their hair needs. He really is exceptional and in a city full of hairdressers someone you can trust with all your hair needs. read more

If I could give Adrian 10 stars, I would. I found Adrian through Yelp, as I was looking for a colorist in San Francisco who used Olaplex (amazing product that protects your hair from damage when using bleach) since my hair was fried from a previous highlighting session. I read the rave reviews and I was sold! Adrian works out of a gorgeous penthouse salon overlooking Union Square. It's perfect for feeling super pampered. Everyone else that works at the salon is really friendly, as well. Adrian has done my hair several times now and I'm never disappointed! He has taken me from brassy and dried out to healthy and gorgeously highlighted. I had been wanting my hair balayaged for years and finally had Adrian do it. I absolutely love the results and have received countless compliments. In addition to being so detail oriented and analytical, Adrian is also THE nicest person! He is really accommodating with appointments and just so very sweet. I am loyally an Adrian Elwell client! read more

I am a bratty, snobby, elitist when it comes to getting my hair cut. I want it done my way and I want it to be different from what anyone else has. I always get this from Adrian. He always takes the time to sit with me and consult before cutting my hair. I always walk out with a great hair cut that gets lots of comments. read more

I have lived in NYC, London, Sydney and now SF....and Adrian is THE BEST! I recently moved to SF and was lucky enough to find Adrian. He took so much time with me for my first hair cut....asked a lot of questions...I mean really very much wanted to understand my hair and exactly what my expectations were. I was so impressed with his true interest and patience in learning about me as a client. Then the hair cut! Well that was great! He really understands hair and can give you a cut that is the best for your face. I am now on my second hair cut from Adrian and it just keeps getting better. Adrian is THE BEST! read more

Adrian did a great job! Highly recommend him for his alacrity, efficiency and excellent styling sense. Thanks, Adrian! You're a gem!

Adrian is, hands down, the best hair stylist I have ever had. Many stylists are talented at cutting hair. Many are creative colourists. Adrian is both, and more. He has a highly intelligent sense of how to design a haircut to flatter face shape and hair type. He is a genius with short cuts - they always fall perfectly, even when I'm too lazy to blow dry. He somehow makes my baby fine, thin hair look full and bouncy. And he keeps up on the trends, particularly in Europe, keeping his clients in mind when he sees something that might work for them. Adrian is equally skilled with colour. He introduced me to Elumen which dyes my hair a vibrant copper that magically never fades. His highlighting work is always subtle and sophisticated, giving the hair a shimmery, three dimensional appearance. I constantly receive compliments on my hair colour. I recently moved overseas and am heartbroken to lose Adrian, though I will certainly be seeing him every time I come home for a visit! read more

Adrian is a true artist! He has grea attention to detail, listens really well and does an outstanding color job. Highly highly recommend Adrian! read more

Adrien has taken my hair from mushy and brassy on my first visit to healthy and beautiful. He's the first stylist I've ever really trusted and been loyal too. He really cares about making his clients happy and giving them the hair they really want for the long run. So happy I found him! read more

Adrian is honestly amazing. He took so much time with my hair and was really knowledgeable and honest about what would work and what wouldn't. I have crazy thick wavy hair that gets extremely frizzy if it isn't cut right. I've been burned by a lot of hair salons that could never get what I wanted. Adrian worked his magic and I've never been happier with a haircut. Can't recommend him enough, and my cut was worth every dollar. read more

Adrian performed a personal blow out service on my crazy mane a few weeks ago. My hair is quite fine and I will admit my ends looked quite damaged after the treatment. I should have had Adrian work his magic on my ends but I opted to go elsewhere for a trim. I did not realize what Adrian was suggesting when he subtly inquired about my regular hair care. I am hoping in a few months I can visit Adrian again for my first professional haircut in 31 years. Also his portfolio for hair color is unbelievable, when I do chose to color my hair he will be the only person I trust to do so. read more

I'm a male client of Adrian's and have followed him around several different locations over the years. No one has ever cut my hair better. I never have to worry about the result. He's a virtuoso: exceptionally talented, hard working and approaches his work with great care and attention to detail. The space is wonderful as well: bright, cheery and unpretentious. read more