I'm not one to hand out Yelp stars as though they're Halloween candies. Kelsey Kratzer is wonderful. Both with color and cuts. I'm a challenging case in both areas---color and cut. My shoulder length hair is curly. Even worse---I was inspired to give myself a quarantine trim with a pair of kitchen shears. Okay---several trims. A woman's gotta do what she's gotta do. I came to Kelsey looking like a beat up orphan. Worse---I've been forced to color my own hair while in lockdown. Then (for more excitement) managed to trip on crabgrass and break my own nose. Kelsey managed to color my hair while I wore my mask---without damaging (bleaching) my mask and without making me feel claustrophobic. I'd seen photos of beautiful color work she'd done for other clients but was secretly concerned about her cutting/repairing my homemade hair cuts---because her own hair is straight and she's young. Straight hair or not---Kelsey gave me a beautiful cut. The color correction (roots and highlights) is also lovely. I feel a good ten years fresher and am startled, in a good way, each time I glance into a mirror. read more

So, my stylist, Shari, is at this salon after doing a little Texas stint, and trying out some Solana Beach Salons in the past few years. I have followed her arround, and OMG it has been worth it. Bristle is kind of tucked away in the heart of Encinitas, but very east to find, thanks to their directions/pictures! I am so glad the salon actually called me to tell me that Shari has joined them, and to call them soon to get in. Shari is extremely professional, down to earth, fun to talk with, and most of all, does a great hair job!!! I have long brunette/dark hair (Indian) and she knows my hair in and out. You CANNOT say that about alot of stylist with Brunette hair, trust me!! She has gorgeous blond hair herself, so I can tell you she knows Blond/brown/dark. She got out the grays, and put some highlights in the hair. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, and can't believe I did my own coloring for a year while waiting for her to come back from Texas!! You will love her work, and keep coming back, I swear!! read more

I had to write an update for this place. Over the past few months since this salon opened, it has really come into its own. The jewelry selection is wonderful and fairly priced, the atmosphere is excellent, and the decorations are just beautiful. As always, Claire remains the best esthetician that anyone could ever hope for. Her waxing services and facials continue to be amazing, and I am so lucky to be one of her clients. I just sent my mom there for a facial for her birthday as a gift, and she was so thrilled with the amazing service that Claire provided. Also, I just saw Caitlin for a haircut and highlight job and was absolutely blown away! She knew exactly what I wanted and was able to fix a poor job that another stylist had done on my hair. I was really impressed with her work and am so happy to have hair that I like again! Overall, Bristle Salon is a team of friendly professionals who know what they're doing. I love this place! read more

This review is for Marilyn and her waxing skills. She was by far, the BEST waxer I've had and while, I've only really had three other experiences both recent & past, I would HIGHLY recommend her. Granted, the girls at the front could be a bit friendlier but they weren't bad. They offered me a drink upon arrival and they just told me to have a seat but Marilyn was great! I had bought a groupon for a sugar wax and she said she was a perfectionist and you know what, she was super effective, super comfortable to work with and she got the job done as best as possible. I would be absolutely be back. Not only did she take her time, walk me through Some recommended after steps- she was just great overall. I will be back :) Plus the shop is super cute too. They sell jewelry and hair products, of course. read more

I was a customer at Salon Radius and when I read it had closed, I figured I would try Bristle given the positive reviews here. My experience was exactly as the rating notes "I've experienced better." Suzi was my stylist and she fine, my hair cut was fine, nothing outstanding and nothing special. For the cost ($60) I would have liked a bit more suggestion wise and treatment as a customer. I have experienced far better at Salon Radius and other salons. What irked me a tad was not only did the salon open late (it says it opens at 9:00 am, which was not the case) but Suzi was late. I appreciated her being apologetic but I would question the professionalism. For a second I wondered if I was on "Tabatha's salon takeover" or something. I do not plan to return. read more

I had been going to my hairstylist Megan for years and she is the best but finally had to stop going to her after she switched to this salon. Over the year, they have messed up my appointments on a number of occasions. (Booking me twice in the same week; canceling an appointment and forgetting to write in the new date; etc) I am not sure why they have an answering machine if they don't listen to the messages or relay them to their stylists. I now go to East of Bali and have been told that they have other clients that left Bristles due to the same issues. read more

I've been a client of the owner for more than 5 years and have received nothing less than top-notch professional service. Kristen's stylist skills are impeccable. I've gone to her for cut, color and special occasion hair and have never been disappointed. The new salon is in a very convenient location along El Camino Real, easy to find, easy to park. It is clean and neat. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and the front desk staff always super helpful and courteous. I love the selection of jewelry, hair trinkets, scarves, and other accessories, too. They have other services for both men and women such as skin care, waxing, Brazilian blow-outs, and more. I have found the prices to be more than fair...high-quality results without costing an arm & a leg. I have referred at least 3 people over the years and all 3 are still clients to this day. The goods are that good. read more

I've lived in San Diego for almost a year but haven't found a salon (this was my third one) that has been worth becoming a repeat customer. Especially with how expensive salons are out here. Today I had a cut and partial highlights with Susi and I loved my experience. Enough to finally find the salon that I will be a regular customer at. Susi was friendly and easy to talk to. She did a great job at my cut and gave me the subtle highlights I was looking for. When I got home, my boyfriend was estactic with the way my hair looked. The salon was cute with misc products (head band, necklaces, earrings, hair product, etc) to purchase and the prices are very resonable. I'm very happy to finally find "my salon" and hairstylist out here and the best part is Bristle is 10 minutes away from my house. read more

Bristle was exactly what I needed in a haircut experience. I was in the market for a haircut early on a Wednesday and have been told by my wife to no longer do business with Supercuts and their ilk. I found Bristle through an online search (they were the closest salon to the Starbucks I was in). I remembered that my wife had been there once for a facial, so I figured I would earn points by following her lead so I called. BTW, prior to calling, I looked at the Yelp reviews, but they contained little germane information for me (a guy). I was told that Caitlin could take me immediately, so I armed with my Venti bold and the resulting coffee breath, I headed to get my first haircut in almost 6 months. While the interior was "cute" (if not a bit austere), it was not a completely estrogen soaked environment. I was comfortable to walk in without feeling out of my element. There was only one other stylist and customer there at that hour, and I was greeted immediately greeted by the owner and introduced to Caitlin. She is amiable, responsive and intuitive. I really didn't know what I wanted done with my hair, so she offered some suggestions, and I agreed. My hair looks great. I now look much more professional, and my wife will be happy! The cut cost $30. Thanks to Caitlin and Bristle for being there for me! read more

Bristle Salon is an all around great experience!! The service is great, and the salon is adorable. I get my hair done by Caitlin, whom I actually followed there- and she is AMAZING. She is the master of color and all things hair related!! I won't go to anyone else, and as Bristle is a great salon on its own- they are very very lucky to have Caitlin!!! read more

Great friendly salon! I flew in for a quick visit and wanted a Brazilian blowout! Googled and found this place. They were able to get me in last minute with Olivia. She did an awes job and was super nice! If I'm back In the area I'll def be back again!!! Thanks! Love the doo! read more

Megan is amazing!! She has been my hair stylist for years and now that I live out of state I only get my hair done once a year.... when I fly to California to see Megan! I tell her how I want my hair cut and colored and she executes it fabulously. Not only is she talented, she is a sweetheart!! Highly recommend everyone to see her!! read more

Marilyn is really nice and takes good care of her clients. I bought a groupon for 3 Brazilian sugarings, but without the groupon she only charges 40$ which is super cheap!! She even gives student discounts! She also makes the process easy to manage! It barely hurts. She told me she was a perfectionist and she proved that! I've gone to 5 or so other places to get waxed and Marilyn is by far the best I've ever had. And it was sugaring which is a plus!! I would love to come back!! Not only is she very good at her job, she's also a sweetheart. Someone definitely worth going to!! read more

My regular guy went and got himself into a bad auto accident. So I called here and got an appointment within the hour. Helen cut my hair, she did a very good job (my wife says it looks better than my guy has been doing for the last 30 years). So now I'm stuck. My regular guy is back to work, so loyalty will probably win but not without some regret on my behalf. And they gave me a $10 discount without me even asking! read more

I bought a package of 3 facials from Groupon. The first 2 experiences were fine. I had to reschedule my 3rd appointment due to work, and was told that they are wrapping up Groupon appointments by the end of May. When I first asked about when I needed to schedule all the 3 facials by, they said that as long as I scheduled the first one before the expiration date I would be OK. Apparently sometime before then and now, it's changed. Plus, their availability all of the sudden is extremely limited. I don't know how to fit it into my schedule anymore. I wonder if they purposely do that so that people with these packages can't use their last appointment. Not cool. I actually really enjoyed my first experience there if you see my review from Dec 2012. I am pretty disappointed with this place now and would not recommend it to others. read more

Sheri has been cutting my hair for about two years now and I love her! Together we've done everything from dyeing my hair blue to just refreshing my layers. I leave with happier and healthier hair everytime. She's also great with making time in her busy schedule and is really dedicated to making sure I'm happy with my hair. Can't recommend her enough and even converted my mom! read more

The Esthetician, Claire, is AMAZING. I went to Bristle after buying a Groupon for a Microdermabrasion/facial. Money.Well.Spent. She cleansed, scrubbed, did extractions, a mask, and the microdermabrasion. She took her time and I loved every minute. I believe (if I remember her telling me, correctly) she uses all organic products that not only work, but smell amazing. Claire was super friendly so extremely knowledgeable. She gave me advice on my skin regimen (that I might add has been working extremely well since the 3 weeks ago that I saw Claire!) and I left the salon with glowing skin. Prior to my facial Claire also asked if I wanted an eyebrow wax, she trimmed, waxed and shaped my brows only for an extra $20 and it was so worth it. My eyebrows never had better shape and she took the time to tell me where to tweeze and the shape she was going for in order to help me keep them up at home. To be honest, Bristle is completely out of the way (about 40 minutes) from where I live, but I will be doing the drive again just to get a facial and eyebrow wax by Claire. read more

Dearest Claire and Ladies of Bristle Salon, Thanks to each of you for contributing your services toward the generous gift basket that was featured in a successful fundraiser in honor of Aaron Loy at the 3rd Corner restaurant in Encinitas. Aaron has recently begun to use prosthesis and is taking his initial steps toward mobility and returning back to school at UC Santa Barbara. We are so grateful that we know through Claire, Bristle Salon, is entrenched in the Encinitas community and provides support to many fundraising efforts. Aaron Loy is an amazing Encinitas native and so deserving of all our support. From personal experience, I have recently tried both a facial from Claire and a hair trim from Caitlin and was so happy that Bristle is right around the corner. Everyone was so pleasant and accommodating. We felt confident that anyone who received your gift basket was in for a real treat! Lucky Them!! Thank you again for supporting Aaron Loy. Debralee Loke & Lisa Kofler read more

Megan has been doing my hair for the last 6 years and I would not trust anyone else! She listens to what you want and knows exactly what my impossible hair (super thick and frizzy) needs to look good. The only bummer is that they don't have a receptionist anymore because that puts more on the stylists to handle customer service for walk-ins. I can imagine that makes it challenging to build a customer base. However, that doesn't reflect poorly on the stylists' talents! read more

Bristle Salon - Megan did my cut and color (red ombré). I did my own styling. - Hair Salons Near Me - Encinitas, California

This is a review for the facial service my sister and I had done with Claire last week. I found bristle through a Groupon deal, and wasn't sure what to expect since I've had some bad Groupon experiences in the past. Claire's service was above and beyond what I could have hoped for. I had a facial and brow wax done, and both were pampering and totally luxurious. The products she used smelled divine, and the service lasted a full 45 minutes. My skin is glowy days later, and my sister and I already want to make plans to go back again soon. read more

I have been scarred from my last experience with a haircut about two years ago and never ever went to get a haircut again. No kidding. I had a lady who used to cut my hair perfectly but somehow got herself fired and since then, I've been on a hunt to find a replacement. All my experiences have been horrid and after researching on yelp, I finally gathered up the courage to try again. And yelp, you come through for me once again! It was easy to book an appointment and they even had same day appointment (but it was on a Wednesday after all). I had waist length hair, of course, from two years of never seeing a pair of scissors ever again. Sheri was the one who cut my hair and listened to my sob story of haircuts. She paid attention well while I told her what I want and asked questions to make sure we're on the same page. She was very attentive, friendly, and made me feel at ease. She also offered me something to drink just as I sat down which I thought was nice since it was blistering hot outside. A very pleasant experience! She even suggested hairstylists and makeup artists for my wedding next year. She did an excellent job on my hair, blow dried it, and even straightened it for me since I usually do. I was so impressed that when she turned me around to look at the back of my hair, I gushed about how gorgeous it was. All for $55 plus tips. I thought it was going to be much more. I would definitely come back to her if I wasn't moving out from Encinitas. But for now, I'm definitely loving my new awesome haircut! It was a nice, clean, trendy salon. Parking space was cramped but it wasn't too difficult to find a spot. It was just a really tight fit for an SUV. When I came in, they had a chihuahua pup of about 4 months old. I loved watching the pup run around and amuse herself. It must be a nice place to work if you are able to bring your new pup with you to work! read more

I love seeing Claire for my facials each month! She is so good at what she does. She is thorough, a perfectionist, really wanting her clients to love the treatment as well as the results. The treatment room is relaxing & stylishly decorated. The table is cozy. I appreciate that her skincare products are on the natural side, high quality products without all the crazy chemicals. I leave feeling beautiful, even without my makeup on ;) That means a lot! read more

Book your appointments with Kelsey Kratzer. I have really thick long hair that is difficult to style. She lifted the weight off the ends with a textured cut. (and kept the length that I wanted) Gave me soft curls that I could run my hands through ALL DAY. She makes your hair look just like the photos you see on pinterest. Usually my hair looks good until the next time I wash it (then it gets frizzy) but after washing it for the first time after kelsey cut it, it looks salon styled because she texturized the ends. i'm sure any stylist has done this but she does a very detailed job and I'm very happy with her work. read more

I have been seeing Ellen as my hairstylist for almost a year now. This girl is TRULY TALENTED. She's young, personable and makes her job seem effortless. Everyone is hesitant to switch up their usual stylist, but no need to worry! She is great at what she does and I would send even the pickiest person to her. She makes ALL of her clients feel special and I have never seen anyone not completely happy with her work. Bristle Salon is one of Encinitas' gems. Everyone who works there has a smile on their face and is happy to help you. As soon as you walk in the door you feel relaxed. There's no sense of judgement or negative vibes. Check out their boutique area of cute and trendy accessories too! read more

Let me start off by saying I've been getting traditional Brazilian waxes for five years. But I had a friend recommend sugaring, so I bought a Groupon for 3 sugaring sessions with Marilyn. I've only had one session, but it was fantastic! The pain level is slightly less, but what I love most is that I'm not red and irritated afterwards. Marilyn also does a great job of making sure I know how to take care of my skin and she clearly knows what she is doing. Highly recommended! read more

CAITLIN Is a miracle worker! Let me give you some background. I am absolutely anal about my hair and I trust very few people with my cut and color. My hair has been black, red, blonde, and most recently ombre. My hair has been processed up the ying yang because I love to fallow trends and change my look often. After receiving a god awful highlight job (i walked out of a high end salon in la jolla with trailer trash platinum skunk strips in the roots of my ombre hair) I needed to find someone to fix it and fast because i didn't have the time or money to drive back down to la jolla and I couldn't live in a hat for a week. After reading the reviews on yelp i booked an appointment with Catilin and could not be happier with my hair now. You can imagine my hair is difficult to work with and color because it has been colored SO many times. I went in with a seriously challenging starting point because there was so much bleach at the ends of my hair and, thanks to the previous stylist, in the roots as well. My hair was a mess. I was over the ombre look and i was definitely over the blonde highlights so I asked to be dark brown. I brought in a picture of a deep chocolate brown and Caitlin nailed it! My hair color looks even better then the picture I brought in! My hair color is a beautiful, rich, and shiny chocolate brown with slight deep red undertone. I'm pretty sure it is the most fabulous and delicious shade of brown in the world. I was so impressed by Caitlin's professionalism and absolutely blow away by her skill as a colorist! Her attention to detail and flawless execution will definitely keep me coming back! I should also mention I received a (much needed due to super dead ends) perfect touch up haircut. I haven't left a salon this happy with my hair in a long time. I went from hating my hair to loving it ALL THANKS TO CAITLIN!! read more

I can't comment on everyone in this salon, just the hairdresser I went to named Letty. I can unequivocally say this was the absolute worst salon experience I ever had. She is rude, dismissive, condescending, not interested or caring about what you want. She did a beyond terrible job on my hair. I asked for some highlights. I left with very dark hair. I called her back and she angrily told me to come back in. I did. She put just a few highlights in and let me go with water dripping down my back!! I looked terrible, felt terrible and paid a good chunk of change. This is appalling customer care. I have never been treated worse in a salon experience. Since, I have found a wonderful salon where I am treated with respect and my hair looks fabulous. read more

This place moved in next to my work a few years back, and I decided that it would be nice to have a decent stylist nearby. I'm pretty easy - just a cut, but my hair is funny. Kinda straight, but waves in all the wrong places. It's really easy for me to end up with bits that stick out. Since I didn't have a preference they scheduled me for my first appointment based on availability and I was lucky enough to meet Sheri. She is absolutely fabulous! I have gone to her with photos, drawings, even vague descriptions and she's always given me a cut that gets rave reviews. On top of that, she is warm, funny and always friendly. The salon itself is clean, and the other gals there a really nice. You feel comfortable and welcome there. The girl at the front desk is sweet and always accommodating. While I see Sheri, I know a few of the other people at my work see some of the other stylists, and they are always happy with their work, too. I strongly recommend both Sheri and Bristle Salon! read more

I needed to find a local salon and I'm glad I found Bristle. It doesn't hurt that I live down the street from it. I didn't even realize at first that the person cutting my hair was the owner. Kristen is awesome. She always gives me great input on what to do and my haircut always comes out great. I have now been back there many times and will continue to go there. The place is clean, priced reasonably, and the people are all really nice. I highly recommend for people to check it out, especially if you live nearby. read more

I have been going to Bristle Salon for almost a year now and I wouldn't go anywhere else! Sheri is my hairstylist and she is the absolute best!! She is super fun, warm and cheerful as well as a highlighting genius. Claire is my esthetician, she is also the best i've found. My skin is super sensitive and its never been better. I love these ladies!!! read more

I got a Brazilian sugar wax by Marylin and it was amazing! I've been getting waxed about 7 years and this was the least painful. She was very nice and had some nice music and scented candles. I was shocked at how fast it was. She said she was a perfectionist and she was right! She got every single little hair! I will deff be back to see her. read more

Olivia Flynn is on Fire! She is the best hairstylist I have ever been to! I saw a lady at a salon in Downtown San Diego and she completely butchered my hair. I thought it was irreversible. I purchased a CROWDCRAVE deal for Olivia Flynn of Bristle Salon and I went in the very next day to see if she could fix it. I explained my situation, even though it was pretty obvious how unhappy I was with just one look at my hair. She told me not to worry and that she would handle everything. I looked into the mirror after she was finished and was COMPLETELY AMAZED at how great my hair looked. Not only did Olivia fix my hideous hair, but she was hilarious and so much fun to converse with. She is the best and I recommend her 100% to everyone. read more

Quant little salon in a quiet location. I go the Caitlin for color, cut and styling. She is amazing! She follows up on all the latest hair trends and actually listens to what your wants and concerns are. I always bring in a picture of a model or star whose hair I admire and she does my hair just the same. She took me from brown to blonde gradually and my hair is still really healthy. My hair is about waist length so it takes a little while, but she is the reason I have been able to keep my hair at the length I want it. THANK YOU CAITLIN! read more

I have been meaning to write a review for awhile and I feel like I can say with even more conviction that I absolutely adore Claire for waxing and facials! I have very sensitive skin to the point that most brow waxes result in a rash or breakouts that can last for days. Not only does Claire consistently give me a fantastic brow shape, I never break out after she waxes me. I've also found after one of her facials that I leave with glowing, deep cleaned skin and I LOVE it. I feel so grateful to have found her via groupon and that her prices are reasonable even without the deal discount. I highly recommend her! read more

Sheri is fantastic! I've been looking for someone who is great with color after too many failed attempts with other hair stylists in the area. I had been highlighting my hair blonde for years and finally decided to go darker, and I'm so glad I found Sheri via yelp. She added in lots of lowlights of the perfect shade of brown, with very fine blonde pieces blended throughout so it looks really natural. I would definitely recommend her! read more

I have tried almost every salon in Encinitas , and then I found Megan . She just moved from HS Salon to Bristol Salon, and I love the new location. Megan has taken me from blond to red , back to blond. She is very talented and I highly recommend her. She is very well priced and cares more about the "outcome" then the money. She has a client for life....Vickie Steele read more

By far the worst salon experience I have ever had. The negative experience began almost as soon as I entered the salon. When I walked into the salon, two stylists looked right at me, did not say a word and kept styling their clients hair. There was no one sitting at the front desk to greet me and I just stood at the front of the salon until a stylist finally asked if they could help me. After I met my stylist,I asked her for her opinion about a good hair cut for my hair type, but she did not really seem to have any suggestions. As I was sitting in the stylist chair, another employee standing next to me started screaming, "Oh my god that is nasty!" Then another employee said "ewww that is so gross." Then an employee said, "There are bugs in that box of hair extensions." I could not believe all this was happening. After all this I was hoping that my hair cut and style would be good, however I guess I was being too optimistic. After my stylist applied my hair color, she decided she wanted to eat dinner. Apparently her co-worker ate her dinner and there was a slight disagreement about that. When my color was done, my stylist cut my hair and blew it out. My hair was so greasy, smelt like a man, and was super flat. It had no volume or bounce, and the smell was nauseating. After I left the salon I had to go home and wash and style it myself. Very disappointed. read more

Seriously amazing!!! Marilyn did my Brazilian sugaring. She was so nice and patient. I was really squeamish and she was very polite about it. She made me feel totally comfortable. Her space was clean. The process was quick. It looks great!!! I would definitely recommend. read more

I love this place and I love my hair dresser Olivia. Everyone is so nice and makes you feel at home. I have been going to my hair dresser for about 8 years. I have very curly hair and I had a hard time finding someone who could straighten my hair the way I wanted it. She blow dries and straightens and I love it. I have gone to some upscale salons and paid A LOT to do the same and they don't even come close to her. She does my color, cuts, and Brazilian blow outs and not once have I had a reason to complain. read more

Caitlin at Bristle has been cutting my hair for nearly a year. When I first went there on my wife's recommendation I was not totally sold on the idea since I felt it might be too female oriented. What I found was a very pleasant and welcoming environment. Caitlin is very good - we found a style of cut and frequency of appointments that works. The price is a good value for the quality of the work and the nice environment. read more