This is a great salon with excellent qualified practitioners. I got the best haircut I've had in years with Ro. David James has a long time established reputation in the Bay Area, so happy to have this local salon nearby read more

David does great hair! I'm always very happy with how I look when I come out, and he's easy to talk with. What more could you want?

Honestly finding a good hairstylist isn't that easy.. I am so grateful to Angie for ,,,, "getting emotional.." for fixing my really bad hair cut i got last year.. I have spent an entire year waiting for my hair to get long enough to get a new cut.. I literally put pressure on her..explaining how ugly I have felt and how I really needed a better cut..I was scared..lol.. A bad haircut can be somewhat lightly traumatizing..lol Angie listened to me, took in what I wanted..After showing her some hairstyles I liked she was honest and said what we could do..I love my haircut 1000 times better than it was...Thankyou so much! read more

Hands down the WORST hair coloring experience I have ever had. I went in initially for partial highlights and my hair was darker when i left than when I went in. I went back for a second time to brighten it up and hopefully get a few true highlights - which was clearly discussed with the colorist. This time, I left with my hairline being orange - truly baffling. I would never write a review normally for this type of thing, but its so bad and the grow out has been horrible, now with dark roots and orange around my face. At a loss for why and how this happened, but chose to not go back a 3rd time for fear of what would happen. read more

Look, I'm not really a believer. It had been over five years since my last professional hair service of any kind. That's pre-pandemic; I didn't just abandon the faith out of laziness, I didn't believe. But after five years of chopping haphazardly at my scraggly hair, ever less satisfactory itself, I decided it was time to test my lack of belief. Maybe a professional haircut could make a difference, after all? But I wanted the best... without pretention, pressure, or pity. I didn't actually imagine that I would find a superior haircut and a pleasant environment in the same place, though, and I resigned myself to the discomfort, which usually comes with visiting establishments of reputed style. ***organ music*** From the sign on the window, something to the tune of "wild ones, weirdos and widows welcome," a faint optimism burgeoned. There was no froof or fluff, except what I wanted in my hair. The music was good. I felt completely at ease and I told my story of hair abuse without shame. Most importantly, I got a great haircut (from Anastasia) which looked pretty much exactly like as I wanted. Honestly, my hair looked awesome as I emerged, and as I walked down the streets of Mill Valley for a lunch minutes later, I'm certain people were staring and snapping pictures. One woman actually did stop me to compliment my whole ensemble but I'm pretty sure it was the hair. read more

I came here after a recommendation from my friend, having not found a good hair salon after my stylist moved out of state. Angie did a wonderful job taming my long mane, all while making the small talk come easily. I like the laid back vibes of the salon, how clean it is, and that it didn't smell like toxic fumes. My last hairstylist had a certified green salon so I appreciated that a lot. Most importantly, the pricing matched the quality.... I've found my new go-to. read more

This kind family of 2 brothers also spent their day off Volunteering to cut homeless people's hair at the seeds of change in San Rafael. They are very kind. I was one of the Hairdresser's working alongside them in a different salon. If I remember them, they were very nice and talented and kind. read more

I got my haircut by Angie in 2021. It's taken a while to write this review, but the recent email promotion I got from them about SF Best Haircut reminded me of my experience. She did a nice job with the haircut, but then she weirdly overdid it with the blow drying. It was covid times so we were wearing masks and maybe she didn't smell it, but bits of my hair were definitely getting burnt, and when I left my hair just smelled like burned hair. Taking a shower helped a little bit but the burned smell still lingered a couple days. After the smell was gone, I was left with a nice haircut that I liked. I have enough hair that some ends getting burnt is no big deal, but it was just kind of weird. I'm sure it was a one off thing. Like I said in the end the haircut was well done. read more

Great place that I just found a few days ago when my son asked me to get him an appt. Beautiful shop & friendly staff. My son looks so handsome with the great haircut he just received from Angie! read more

Went back last week for my first cut with Angie and very happy with it - like my hair color, my cut is a work in progress and Angie explained what she could do this first round and what I could expect going forward. After one hit and miss with another salon I am confident I've found my new spot! read more

Such a cute salon and obsessed with my colorist, Natasha!! Ill admit I am picky when it comes to my blonde hair but she always goes above and beyond, listens to exactly what I want and makes sure Im 100% happy time and time again! I followed her from a salon in SF to David James Marin and wouldnt go to any other stylist. She is amazing and I would highly recommend Natasha for any of your color needs! read more

Angie is just awesome. I have grey hair and was a mess as had not been to a salon in ages. She was so sweet and caring and gave great advice and made me feel like a million bucks. No product pushing or anything I was not up for. Thanks Angie - I will be back. read more

I was looking for a new hairdresser and booked at David James due to all the positive reviews. I didn't request a particular stylist and was confirmed with Hillary. She listened carefully to my needs/challenges with thin, unhealthy hair and colored and cut my hair perfectly. It feels so healthy for the first time I years and I'm able to wear my hair down without it looking straggly. I'd thoroughly recommend Hillary and this salon as it has a great vibe and really care about making their clients happy. read more

I have struggled so much in the past to find a hair stylist that is passionate at what they do and can transform you into a new person. Meet Angie! The newest addition to David James, Angie is a fabulous hairdresser with an eye for detail. I brought in some pictures for inspiration and she worked with me to achieve what I wanted, and it came out better than I could have ever hoped for. She is patient, polite and knows exactly what she is doing. The salon itself is extremely clean and has a captivating ambiance. You can tell that the staff take their art seriously and are a pleasure to work with. I can't speak enough good things about Angie and the crew at David James, you must go check it out for yourself. read more

DAVID JAMES. - Curtain bangs by Angie - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

I'm so happy to have found David James and Angie for my haircuts from now on! The salon was friendly, a good location, and reasonably priced. Angie did a wonderful job with my shortish curly hair. The high quality of the cut makes my hair super low-maintenance which is what I was looking for. (Looks good with little time or effort!). And Angie is a delightful person on top of it. I hightly recommend this salon and Angie! read more

Went in to David James last week for a men's haircut. I don't know why I didn't notice this place sooner as I have lived in San Rafael for 12 years. It's tucked away on B street near 4th in downtown SR. When I came in I was greeted warmly by the one of the staff and invited to wait for my stylist who was finishing another customer. The decor is great. - the whole place feels inviting without being pretentious at all. Going in I knew I needed an overhaul as I hadn't had a decent haircut in a few months (pandemic hair!) Angie was my stylist and she was great. I ended up with a fantastic haircut that was exactly what I needed. She washed my hair and gave me a great cut. It as worth the money, especially after this year of bad haircuts. I would recommend this place for anyone who wants to get a great cut. The quality and the overall level of service was top notch. read more

This salon does not need another 5 star review but alas! Just had my 4th or 5th cut here, and this salon remains a gem. The stylists are friendly (genuinely so) especially David, the owner. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. And the haircuts are quality. I've had my hair cut by both Angie and Anastasia (Stassi, who's also based in the SF location a couple days a week). Both are fantastic. They listen to you and work with you to perfect the cut you want. Highly recommend. Parking is also convenient at the 3rd St garage. read more

Natasha was absolutely amazing. She really heard what my daughter and I wanted, explained what she would do to correct some issues and bring the color exactly where we hoped it would be. I'm so happy I found her and David (who has been really helpful and accommodating) to work with! read more

Love this salon! Natasha is my colorist and she is the absolute best. She takes the time to listen to what I want, but also explains the process it will take to get there. I have a lot of hair and she took her time and was super thorough - I never felt rushed or like she was trying to get to her next client. I always leave the chair feeling beautiful and like she really listened to what I want. If you're looking for an amazing colorist in the area, check out Natasha!! read more

I like to keep my color low maintenance, dying twice a year, and Natasha delivers every time! I have gone to her for years in SF and now happy to see her at David James. Highly recommend Natasha as a color expert! read more

I'm so pleased with the final result. I wasn't 100% happy with a cut I got in the San Rafael location. After I left my review, David wrote to me the day after. He refunded me and put me in contact with Ching, who is a GODSEND! She listens to what you want and makes it look even better. David followed up with me until he made sure I was completely happy. I couldn't be more thankful for the excellent customer service. It completely changed my perspective, and I highly recommend it. Thanks so much! read more

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Angie canceled on me in June and then again in November. The owner refused to take me after she flaked for the second time, too busy I guess. Too cool for the rest of us. read more

DO NOT GO HERE FOR COLOR UNLESS YOU WANT​ TO LOSE YOUR HAIR! I went to David James in San Rafael based on all the terrific 5-star​ reviews. There was some mix-up in scheduling but they did set up an appointment for me and I was there a bit early and Lia St. Pierre took me almost immediately. I made it clear to her that I had very fine hair and sensitive scalp and had to have a non-ammonia​, no alcohol​, peroxide-free​, organic color. I told her exactly what my previous colorist had used and how long she processed the color on my roots before putting a glaze on my hair. She said, "sure." and headed into the color closet to mix up the formula. Lia proceeded to slather a dark, thick concoction on my roots. She was​ very thorough and we​ were chatting. After applying color​ to my roots, she applied it in thick, gloppy batches to the rest of my hair. I commented that I was unaccustomed​ to this, that it would damage my hair, color it too much, over process it, etc. She said, "No." Within 3-4 days, clumps of hair the size of hockey​ pucks fell out each time I washed my hair. I tried to stretch the times between shampoos, but my pillow would be covered with hair, the vacuum head would clog with my hair, and my brush would reflect what a nightmare my decision to switch salons was. Still, I wanted to believe that with the reputation David James had built for himself, he and Lia St. Pierre could turn around this mess. I kept my next appointment, which was for a cut and color. I said straight off how much hair I had loss, showed Lia (in front of David) how thin my ponytail was compared to the previous time, asked precisely​ what she had used (she didn't answer​), and stated that if the salon had no oil-based​, hydrogen-peroxide​-free​, ammonia-free​ color, then please just cut my hair. Lia went back into the closet for a long time, came out, grabbed her phone, came out a while later with a bowl that looked as if it contained sweet and sour sauce (I have brown hair and hate red peeking through​), and said, "Okay, I checked and this doesn't have hydrogen peroxide. Look how pretty it is." Fast forward two days and more hair fell out. I tried DMing Lia--no response​, again -- no response. I DMed the salon and several days later I got a message from Lia saying that she had problems checking the messages. I left voicemails on the San Rafael​ store voice mail and received a DM from Lia saying that the SF receptionist had picked them up but didn't take the message down. By this time, I had lost roughly 50% of my hair, had huge bald spots on both sides of my head as well as the crown and back. I made an appointment with my dermatologist​ but needed the ingredients in the two different colors Lia had used. She finally, after days and days of stalling and leaving unhelpful messages, sent a link that was also unhelpful. I was able to find the information doing my own research. She sounded sorry​ but offered nothing. David James, for all his, "Welcome to my salon," was nowhere​​ in this whole mess. I've had to buy a hair topper, use a steroid gell, and still my dermatologist doesn't know whether my hair will grow back or if the damage to the follicle​ and cuticle​​l is so severe I'll have permanent bald spots and extremely thin hair (meaning I will need hair toppers) for life. I am sending a letter to David James to see if he would like to step up for the damage his employee or agent​ did to my scalp and hair. I just want to be reimbursed for the time and money I am out having to see my dermatologist, go to the pharmacy, and buy a hair topper. If he is willing to act responsibly and reasonably, I will immediately​ update this review. read more

In 35 years of my life I can say this was my best haircut. Angie went above and beyond. For the first time ever I felt truly listened to on what I wanted and she surpassed what I had hoped for my haircut. I didn't know a haircut could make me feel so confident but thanks to Angie I can't wait to show of my new haircut this weekend. I sent my husband a picture and he immediately called to tell me it was the best cut I've ever had and to say he loved it. I even got a call from my mother in law saying my husband told her about it. Thank you again Angie for such an amazing cut!!! read more

It's always a risk to try a new stylist but after reading such great reviews of this salon, I went for it and so happy I did!! I booked an appointment with Arianna. I liked what I read about her clients being very pleased by her abilities to work with fine, curly hair (which I have) and that she was talented in creating a new style by truly listening to one's desires. She absolutely lived up to all the hype and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new do, even these following days which is always a good tell. Not only is she a very skilled stylist, her nature is so sweet and lovely, you can feel the care she gives to her clients. I knew right away I was in good hands. Thanks Arianna for giving me the boost I need after all these months in quarantine! read more

DAVID JAMES. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

I've been a client of David of David James since its inception. His styling skills and personal demeanor are unparalleled. He has a very easy-going demeanor and is excellent at connecting with people, I believe most of his clients feel more like his friend than a client. He is a generous man and while I won't discuss it here I know he has personally and quietly helped many in the local community The salon itself is a little oasis in the heart of San Rafael. While it has a clean, modern aesthetic, there is a little bit of that Cheers vibe where he and all his coworkers are happy to know your name. The Highest of Recommendations! read more

The reason you see all five-star reviews here is because Dave is a true artist. He's like a portrait painter who makes his subjects look better, only in this case, his art is you in real life. You'll be amazed how good he can make you look. My experience has always been like this: I go in looking like I just got back from a trek and come out looking like a star. Whether you don't have much hair (at least on your head, it's still growing out of your chin and ears and eyebrows), or if your head looks like a chia pet, Dave can look at you, visualize how you SHOULD look, and make you look that way (beard, mustache, eyebrows, ears and all). Dave has exquisite attention to detail--and a friendly manner--he can talk to anybody about anything--and know what he's talking about! If you have a lot of hair--Dave can make it look like you just stepped out of a Pantene commercial. If you don't have a lot of hair, Dave can make you look like you're ready for a GQ photo shoot. His new salon is elegant yet comfortable (big leather sofa), and parking's easy, either on the street or in the lot a block away at 5th and C. If you have any hair, you need Dave. Simple as that. Trust me on this. read more

This review is a bit overdue...but I had a wonderful experience at this salon in early June! I had a really terrible experience with my last haircut at another salon, so I appreciated how patient Arianna was when I explained how I wanted my hair to be cut with the length and style. The salon also had a nice vibe, and all the stylists were warm and conversational. Definitely planning to come back here in the future! read more

I am so thankful I found this place and Angie! I've been keeping my hair long for ages and I wanted to try a bob cut for the first time. I was so nervous and worried that I might regret it but Angie did such an awesome job transforming my look and making me feel like a new woman. Her hands did magic to my hair and made me fall in love with having a short hair. I'm definitely keeping this look and will be coming back :) read more

DAVID JAMES. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

I was really scared to go and cut my hair again, because the last place I went to totally messed it up. This salon is professional & they took great care of me! They could help aligning my hair back to one length and making it look good again! Very very happy, this is my new favorite place. The owner is super friendly & fun to talk to! read more

DAVID JAMES. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

Friendly, professional, clean, comfortable, great listeners & talkers , accomodating, timely; David James studio in San Rafael will get your hair to behave and look fabulous. Full disclosure, i am one of those people who doesn't like to make getting my hair presentable a daily chore. I haven't colored my hair since high school and i never blow dry, straighten or use "product" other than leave in conditioner. My hair is thick and most hair appointments have to be booked for 2 or more hours. Ok now thats out of the way. So first off can i say how awesome it is to be able to book my appointment online, get the calendar item by email and get the reminder the day before. I arrived a little bit early & Kailey took me right away. Super friendly, sat me down, asked me what i wanted, told me how she was going to proceed, washed my hair, and got to cutting, blow drying and then cutting again. Great conversation and less than 1 hour we were done. I have to say that is, to date, a world record on my hair. And as an added bonus this amazing hair cut only cost $60 plus an awesome tip. Pretty unbelievable. This experience is due to change my hair maintenance habits. I will be coming back to get my free bang touch up and my next hair cut. read more

DAVID JAMES. - Store front - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

Moved to the Bay Area over 6 months ago and I've been looking for a good stylist and have had to go back to Miami or Monterey to my old stylists. After finding David James on yelp I know I found the right person. He took my overgrown mane and made my hair look amazing, once again (it's been a while). With only a few minutes of looking at my hair and asking me what I wanted, he cut exactly the amount i asked him to and made a huge improvement on all the styles I wanted. In not vain, but damn I look good now, thanks to David James. he's very convenient since he works out of San Rafael and San Francisco throughout the week. He's got a super cool studio and is very personable and smart conversations while you get style. And he's affordable. read more

I found David James after my prior barber moved away. I love this salon! I didn't realize until I sat down to this review...I'm actually quite picky when it comes to salons! Having moved several times over the years, it's been hard to find that perfect blend of great style/quality, relaxed feel, lovely people, upscale yet an inclusive, down to earth, and fun vibe. These guys run the best shop in Marin, hands down. At this point I've had my haircut by every single person in there (I'm not the best at scheduling ahead), and I've NEVER been disappointed. So you want a great haircut...CHECK. Cool people? CHECK. Feel welcome? CHECK. Good value. CHECK! I started getting my kids haircuts here too, and they totally love it (they go to Arianna). It's just nice to know that this part of my life is taken care of, and it's an enjoyable experience every time. I chat with some of the other clients too sometimes, and everyone generally seems to enjoy it and have a great experience. No pressure to chat but just part of the warm vibe. It's weird to feel so positive about a salon, but why not make this element of your life better! I love it and you will too. The high ratings are NOT an accident. They've earned their place at the top of the salon ratings in Marin. read more

Angie is incredible. First, when I walked in I was warmly greeted. Having not been in the salon before, or a salon in over a year, I explained how nervous I was and picky about getting my hair done. With just a small amount of detail but very specific to my needs, Angie knew exactly what I meant and got started right away. For the first time ever (with a new stylist) I felt completely at ease and was terribly chatty---not paying the least bit of attention to anything that was happening to my hair---also because she was so enjoyable to talk to. The next thing I knew the hour had flown by and my hair was completely transformed into exactly what I was hoping for! Even weeks later, the short cut I had just got better and better--- which I didn't think was possible because it was so perfect to begin with. HIGHLY recommend this European trained expert stylist! read more

I love how soft my hair came out and how great the color is! I've already washed it 5 times and it's still super soft. Love it!

If I cry after visiting a hair salon it's either because there was a large disconnect between what I thought I asked for and what I received, the hairdresser treated my hair like a wild creature that had to be tamed with force, or because the salon served wine, and well, one thing led to another and I was sobbing about that time in 6th grade when ....never mind. In this case, I cried because so many people complimented my haircut by the intensely present hair artist Rocky, who listens deeply and has creativity orbiting around his talented being. High recommendations and thanks. read more

I was looking for a new stylist to cut my curly hair and came across reviews for Arianna at David James. I decided to give it a go and boy am I glad I did! Arianna was wonderful! She was patient with me while I explained what I was looking for and had a lot of great suggestions and ideas. While cutting and styling my hair, she gave me lots of good tips and tricks to keep my curls nourished, (relatively) frizz-free, and different ways to style my new cut. I highly recommend Arianna if you have curly hair - she's very knowledgeable (Deva Cut technique) and really easy to talk to. read more

I am not sure if I would return to this hair salon. To start with, the chairs are really uncomfortable, and really hurt my back to sit in for the hour-long cut. The stylist who cut my hair was really friendly, but I don't think she did a good job of delivering on what I asked for. I was really clear with what I wanted (a layered, V-shaped cut with side bangs) and even showed her a picture. The cut I got was much more subtle than what I asked for, with very blunt edges. At the end, she had the blow drier on really hot, and burned the top of my head. She didn't ask me for feedback at any point during the cut, including at the very end before sending me off. On top of that, she let me leave the salon with pulverized bangs. It was genuinely awful, choppy, and uneven, forming a parabola shape. I had to go back the next day to have it fixed by David. I think he did a great job, but at the end of the day, the only way he could fix it was by shortening them, so I have to accept looking like a 3-year-old boy for a few weeks. David seemed much more familiar with Asian hair, but isn't accepting new clients according to their online booking system. Since I wouldn't return to the stylist who originally did my hair, I can't say I'd recommend this place. read more

David is a wonderful person and talented hair stylist. I have been working with him for several years, and as a person with very little, and very thin hair, I really appreciate his sensitivity to my situation. When he is cutting your hair, he is totally focused on your. read more

Rocky gave me a most excellent cut yesterday at the Marin salon. He not only understood what I wanted, but gave me some additional feedback on how to enhance the cut I wanted. The salon itself is beautiful and the staff are passionate about their craft. The aesthetically pleasing and relaxed atmosphere makes you feel comfortable, and the products they use left my hair smelling divine! read more