Cancel

Open app

Search

Carla Malia

4.8 (19 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

By appointment only

Services - Carla Malia

Blowout

Haircut

Hair styling

Carla Malia Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Carla Malia

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Carla and her team made my wedding day glamorous, fun, and incredibly memorable. Finding hair and make up was the hardest part of my wedding planning. I'm quite picky with what I want and after a few trials with other vendors (which is time consuming and incredibly expensive), I decided to reach out to Carla based on a recommendation from a friend. Carla's work speaks for itself - she's a true professional and perfectionist. She respected my requests for what (I thought) I wanted while sharing suggestions for how to take things to the next level. On the day of, Carla was early with her team and an absolute joy to work with. My bridesmaids were strikingly gorgeous, and I felt so confident and happy with how my hair and make up looked. Thank you so much Carla, Daniel, and Breanne for making my day so special!!

Silly yet professional! Such a good experience!

I have been coming to they lovely Carla since I moved to San Francisco two years ago. She works magic every time! Not only does she do amazing things with color and styling but she is always eager to offer me tips on how to keep my hair looking excellent and healthy for as long as possible. Plus the salon is ultra clean and gives off an adorable boho chic vibe, I love it!

Before and after. Notice the amount of hair in my palm after washing.
kristi a.

It has taken me more than 6 months to write this... mostly because I didn't want my extreme emotions to drive this review. But since it has now been quite some time since Carla RUINED my hair, I think now is as good a time as any to write it. Carla Malia was recommended to me by a friend in the spring of 2016 for my regular blonde highlights and cut. When I first visited Aida salon, I told Carla that I had been trying to turn my brassy blonde hair into a silver platinum for months. Carla, being the confident stylist that she is, told me that this was something that could be done in one session (red flag). I left the salon with beautiful (albeit, yellowish) platinum hair (which she proudly posted pictures of on her Instagram). After two months had passed, it was time for a touch up. I scheduled an appointment with Carla to do a root "shadow" touch up. This time, when I left the salon my roots were orange, and I was really unhappy with the lack of "blending" that was promised. Carla assured me she could fix it and we scheduled an appointment the next day to do a full root touch up. I arrived to my appointment and quickly realized Carla had squeezed me in at the same time as another person, leaving me with about half (or less) of her attention. Carla proceeded to touch up my roots and let them sit for the allotted time. She then went on to work on another client's hair while I processed. After quite some time, Carla abruptly stopped in the middle of her other appointment to shampoo me. This seemed odd to me, who stops in the middle of a cut to shampoo another client? Anyway, after shampooing, she left me for what felt like a lifetime with a few "treatments" on my head. Once she finished with her client, she then put me in her chair for a blow dry. I definitely noticed an extreme amount of hair flying through the air as I was being styled, and Carla mentioned once how she "hated damaging her clients' hair". I brushed this off as maybe a comment towards the damage normal bleaching does to the hair.... Fast forward three days later, I am packing boxes to move across the country when I notice a large patch of hair that had broken at about half an inch from my scalp. Was my hair all going to break off?! I immediately envisioned myself having to shave my head due to extreme breakage. I quickly texted Carla to see what could be done. She assured me that after a few treatments, this breakage would stop. Well, it didn't. Every time I washed my hair (which was rare, considering the extreme hair loss every time it got wet), I had gobs and gobs of hair break off. GOBS!!!! I began to have enormous patches of 1/2 inch long hair all over my head. I was devastated. I CRIED MY EYES OUT FOR DAYS. At this point, I had moved away from San Francisco and Carla had refunded my money as well as sent me a "care package" of hair products to help repair my (beyond repair) hair. She also assured me that until my hair was back to normal, she would pay for any hair cuts, treatments, color or extensions that were needed. I texted her daily asking about what to expect, "am I going to have to shave my head?", " is the breakage going to continue to every strand of my hair?". I needed some sort of answers to prepare myself for what was coming. Carla had NO answers for me. My hair continued to break off, and I continued to purchase hats and scarves to cover my devastating hair loss. I finally made the decision to cut all of my hair off (to about 3/4 of an inch where the breakage started), and color it back to its natural light brown. This all cost me about $150 that I did not want to spend, and was NOT paid for my Carla. She has conveniently dropped off the face of the earth since realizing that my hair was beyond repair. I have since spent hundreds of dollars on cuts, treatments and vitamins to make me feel somewhat normal again, all on my own dime. The worst part is, every stylist that I have shared my story with told me over and over again, "there is NO WAY this woman didn't know what was going to happen to your hair before you left the salon that day. She should have told you, and prepared you." I was never prepared for what was going to happen to me. Nor did I ever feel like Carla took responsibility for what happened (even though she has conveniently deleted any photos of me on her Instagram). To lose almost ALL of your hair (NOT by choice) is completely devastating. I have had my pixie cut for almost 6 months now and still do not feel like myself. While friends and family are encouraging and tell me that the short hair suits me, I can't quite embrace a look that I never intended to have. I've always been the girl with the beautiful long blonde hair, not the short pixie. I do not feel like myself, I do not feel attractive, and I do not feel like I was given the common courtesy that I deserved from Carla. I have a LONG and expensive road of hair growth ahead of me, without any support from the person that completely ruined my hair.

Sweet hair love

See all

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Anjelica B.
145
54
226

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chanel R.
212
29
8

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Naomi D.
820
12
11

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rebecca T.
121
34
14

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nate M.
1211
30
4

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dmitriy G.
37
123
28

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Carla Malia

Review Highlights - Carla Malia

And her communication and integrity to time is on point - which is a major logistical factor.

Mentioned in 3 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Hair Stylists 14,582 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

camellia hair salon - Long layers and natural highlights by Yuki

camellia hair salon

4.8(12 reviews)
2.2 kmLower Pacific Heights, Japantown

Update as of 3/27/25: I came in for my scheduled appointment with my hairstylist, and…read moreunfortunately, the strong chemical smell in the salon was overwhelming. It was difficult to stay comfortable during the visit. While I appreciate the work of my stylist, the air quality in the salon made the OVERALL EXPERIENCE UNPLEASANT. I hope the salon considers installing proper ventilation for the SAFETY of all clients. ***** This review is to WARN you about the air quality and excessive smell of PERM CHEMICALS at this place. During my recent three-hour service, I was subjected to strong chemical fumes, likely from the numerous perm services being performed. These fumes from perm services caused significant irritation to my eyes and nose, not to mention a headache. The excessive chemical fumes and lack of proper ventilation are alarming!

This was my first time at Camellia Hair Salon and I enjoyed the experience and service immensely!…read moreThey normally take appointments but I got lucky with a walk-in on a Saturday. Mai was my stylist and she was super sweet and wonderful to chat with. I got a normal haircut and showed her a few reference photos, consulted with her about what I was looking for in style and the finished look was spot on to my liking! She was meticulous and unhurried throughout the process, paying great attention to detail while cutting. I definitely will be coming back for future haircuts and color treatments with her!!

Photos
camellia hair salon - A haircut and color by Yuki

A haircut and color by Yuki

camellia hair salon
camellia hair salon - Hair

See all

Hair

David James - Beautiful blended color by Devon.

David James

4.8(294 reviews)
2.6 kmAlamo Square, Hayes Valley
$$

Nielle is the best!! I'm so glad I found her, I would follow her around the Bay Area. She keeps my…read morehair looking fresh and healthy after it went through a major thinning process. A shoulder cut can quickly look crazy on me (mullet alert) but she was able to perfectly layer my hair with some face framing bangs to come out perfectly balanced. Also she's the easiest person to talk to, makes your appointment feel so relaxing and peaceful like you're catching up with a long time girlfriend - she is theeee best!!

I've been going to Nielle for over a decade and from the jump she really listened to what I wanted…read more I originally came to her after a botched balayage I got in the Philippines, and she completely fixed it. From there, we did an 10 hour transformation going blonde and honestly, that appointment bonded us for life. I've never trusted anyone else since, she's basically my hairstylist and therapist hehe Her balayage is SOOOOO good. It always looks natural, grows out beautifully, and lasts forever without getting brassy. I'm pretty low-maintenance, and somehow my hair still looks put together months later because of her work. Her haircuts are also super clean, and she's actually the one who got me into curtain byayangs and I've stuck with them ever since. What I appreciate most is how much she cares about doing things the right way. When I decided to go back to my natural color, she didn't rush it or take shortcuts. She slowly transitioned me over time and kept my hair healthy through every stage. I live in Los Angeles now and will literally fly home just to see her, that's how good she is! After 11 years, she's more than just my hairstylist, she's someone I trust completely. Highly recommend!

Photos
David James - Cut by Sabrina.

Cut by Sabrina.

David James - Bleach and tone transformation by Devon.

Bleach and tone transformation by Devon.

David James - Bleach + tone and buzzcut on Devon, by Devon.

See all

Bleach + tone and buzzcut on Devon, by Devon.

The Lane - A snap of the fresh cut & balayage!!

The Lane

4.9(67 reviews)
2.4 kmLower Pacific Heights

Whoa! Story time children! I had the most amazing French…read morehair expert/ coiffure who treated my hair like luxurious royalty. My whole family had to be clients. Yes. Even the boyfriend forgot about his $35 special for Charles. Charles, bequeathed to us by the hair Gxds! He was my constant. The star for which my hair fate was tethered. How could they be so cruel as to take him back to France! A wide divide had been created. How would I ever find the golden scissors that my hair had come to expect? It took time. Years. I kept showing stylists how my hair was cut during its happiest moments with Charles. An A line bob with scissor texture only achieved by an expert was what I described. But no one got it. I tried several places. Even my step mom's hair stylist! (Yes. It got that bad!). No one would take on the challenge. Until Lacey. Lacey the hair coiffure. My hair relaxed knowing that it was in good hands. In with the scissors she went, I sighed. I remembered this feeling, this shape. Mama was back babies! Yes! Nailed it! 5 stars! 1million stars! I'm secretly hoping that people don't find this review because I want my hair time with those hands! Seriously. Dissatisfied with your stylist? Want a fresh revamp for '26 come to the Lane. Open, refreshing, and professional. Great care taken by staff. Overall a huge win in my book.

I generally have hair apathy but The Lane makes me want to care again…read more I had a color with Stevie and my hair looks amazing. The color was very natural and I am so happy with it. I really loved Stevie. She was so kind and fun to talk to. She made getting my hair colored, fun. After my color, I had a haircut with Lacey. Even as she was working, cutting off about 5 inches, I knew I was going to love it. By the time she was done, I was in love with my hair again. I got long layers and am so happy about it. What I appreciated the most is that Lacey was diligent about asking how I live. Knowing that I exercise daily, she made sure I would be able to put my hair in a pony tail. I got a lot of compliments from my family about my new hair and I will definitely be back to see these lovely ladies. Thank you both for making my hair look amazing and making me feel welcome.

Photos
The Lane - Before The Lane transformation from Angelica & Lindsey

Before The Lane transformation from Angelica & Lindsey

The Lane
The Lane - Pink balayage

See all

Pink balayage

Arty - Mako did such a beautiful job for my wedding

Arty

4.2(394 reviews)
1.9 kmJapantown, Lower Pacific Heights
$$$

I don't live in SF anymore, but I make the 1 hour trip just to go to this studio every time I need…read moremy hair done. I love Romi and I will continue going here to see her!! Compared to the other studios I've been to, they are the most consistent, honest, and detailed. I have never walked out of this studio unhappy with how my hair looked, even if it deviated a bit from what I originally wanted. In the most recent time I went, I was absolutely blown away with how my hair turned out! So much that I think I will continue asking for this color for years to come, maybe until my hair can't handle it anymore lol I've been going to Romi for a few years for color and haircuts and I deeply appreciate how much attention to detail she has. In my case, she had noted down the colors that I've had before and uses that as a point of reference for my session. This is so helpful, especially since I don't remember what I asked for months prior. Since I liked my most recent color so much, I can walk into the studio with full confidence that I can ask for the exact same thing again because she has it noted down somewhere. Thank you Romi!!

I have a very thin, damaged hair and always feel embarrassed to go to a hair salon. That's why I've…read morebeen only gone to get a haircut once a year when I go back to Japan. Then a good friend of mine who has been going to Arty for a while now recommended me to try them. So I went in today for the first time and had an amazing experience. Yumiko san was very professional, warm and kind. She took her time to cut, fix my hair problems and styled it nicely. Place is super clean and relaxing. Thank you so much, Yumiko san for your wonderful service. I'm definitely coming back.

Photos
Arty - Exactly 1 year after the digital perm. Yumiko's cut and perm make this hairstyle look good at any length.

Exactly 1 year after the digital perm. Yumiko's cut and perm make this hairstyle look good at any length.

Arty - Yumiko gave me this perfect haircut and perm to make my first trip to Turkey beyond perfection. Thank you!

Yumiko gave me this perfect haircut and perm to make my first trip to Turkey beyond perfection. Thank you!

Arty

See all

Carla Malia - hairstylists - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...