I moved here from the east coast 7 years ago. I have very difficult hair--frizzy/curly--that really acts up in our coastal environment. When I got here, it took me a year to find this salon. I found it through my former boss who has been coming to the owner, Lisa DeStefano, for 15 years. Now I've been coming to her once a month for the past 6 years, and I can't say enough good things about her and the salon--this from a picky, east coast transplant with frizzy hair. Our monthly routine is color, cut, and blowout, with an occasional straightening. She really transforms my hair, and that is why I keep going back. She is an expert with when it comes to hair, and she really listens to what I want. She has dialed in my color perfectly. Other than professional expertise, DeStefano Salon has other strengths as well. It is in a convenient location with its own parking. The atmosphere inside the salon is friendly, clean, happy, and accommodating. I really like the wall fountain and the decor, and the lighting is just right. Lisa and the other stylists work to schedule at a time that is best for you. I cannot count the number of times I've had to reschedule because of work or family obligations, and I've always been accommodated in the most professional manner. Also, if you're looking for a salon that provides refreshments, there are always fresh treats available. It's a very inviting atmosphere, and I'll keep going back as long as they'll have me! read more

Being new to the Carlsbad area, I came upon a coupon in the local community advertising guide for DeStefano Salon's Susan Ward. Susan has a welcoming and warm personality and takes the time to listen to what the customer is looking to achieve. I have had my hair cut and highlighted numerous times over the past 4 months and can honestly say that she continuously meets or exceeds any expections I have for my hair color and style. I wear my hair short which requires a more precision cut and the highlighting she chose brightens as well as blends so naturally. I frequently get compliments and gladly pass along her information to others. Her pricing is very reasonalble compared with other area salon's where I have not always been happy with their services. If you are looking for a stylist that is among the best in the business, you need to look no further that DeStefano's Susan Ward! (after reading other reviews listed here, it appears that the tone, language and grammar used by the one AND only unhappy potential client, speaks volumes of the type of client/person one never wishes to have...) read more

WOW! Just read review by Christ D. I do not know what De Stefano Salon she went to. I've been going there for about a year now. If it were dirty, I would not continue going there and as for Susan Ward.....She is about the most "gentle" and polite hair dresser I have ever had and have had many as I am "over 55". The salon decor is not modern, I find it very calming. Too bad Christ D didn't stick around she might have liked it. About the wifi, don't know why a beauty salon should have it. Might be convenient, but not a necessity. If a person really needs to be connected might consider purchasing a mifi from Verizon, where I purchased my husbands for him. He can log on to the internet where ever. I am very pleased with the cuts and color I get from Susan. Plan to continue going to that shop and have Susan care for my hair. If I need change time for an appointment Susan has always accommodated me courteously. read more

I have been going to Susan Ward for a few years now and she is a fabulous hairdresser! She takes her time to make sure you get exactly what you ask for and provides a very pleasant atmosphere with nice conversation and bottled water if you wish. Her services range from highlights to cuts to styling, and she always does an excellent job. Having read all of the other reviews here for Susan it saddens me that her rating shows as a 3 1/2, because if you actually tabulate all of the 17 reviews, her true score is a 4.83, which is near perfect! For all of the Yelp readers, be careful to read all of the reviews before making a decision based solely on the star rating, as it can be very deceptive. As for Susan, I highly recommend her to everyone I know. She truly is one of Carlsbad's small business gems. Thanks Susan! You are outstanding! read more

I love Susan Ward and am very sad that two people had a bad review of her. I have been going to Susan for almost 15 years, she has been the most professional, honest, caring stylist that I have ever gone to. She is one the best colorist out there, she is excellent with her styling ability. I think that sometimes people read others wrong. I have used yelp for a very long time and find it to have errors on it's reporting. Yelp seems to only put the bad reviews on their sight and either remove the good statements or puts the bad first. Which I have found on Destefano Salon and Susan Ward. I have written favorable reviews and they have been removed or not posted. Very Sad! My name is Ina B. read more

I moved to the San Diego area in 2005. I have been getting my hair colored and cut by Susan Ward since then! She is an amazing colorist and stylist and I have followed her every where and currently at Destefano Salon. I always leave feeling fantastic! The color and cut is always perfect. She has helped me evolve a little bit with the latest techniques and colors and helps me through the changes. Also my husband has his hair cut by her and loves it. His hair is curly, and she balances the cut so its short but has his curls still there. You can fully trust you will get the best results with her expertise and care!!! read more

I just got my hair cut with susan Ward. It was the best hair cut I have ever had. I wear my hair very short and it looks great. I have had alot of people come and say wow where did you get your hair cut at and who cut it. I really love this salon. Everyone at the salon are very cheerful and great. They have a very updated salon. There is a bar area that has wonderful snacks on it, a water feature, great coffee and other beverage. I like the fact that there is not a receptionist, that would increase the cost of my hair cut. If you are looking for a wonderful salon, you must make appointment with Susan Ward. read more

Susan Ward has been cutting and highlighting my hair for years. I first found her through a friend whose haircut I loved. When I asked her who her stylist was she steered me to Susan, and I've never left. When you find a stylist who listens to what you want, discusses options with you and is an absolute genius when it comes to color you stick with them!! Over the years I've referred many a friend to Susan and they have all loved her, as a person, as well as for the haircuts/color she has given them. If you want your hair to look its best, see Susan! read more

Kristen is savvy, fun, incredibly talented and gets my hair right every time! I love this salon because it is kind and professional without being at all pretentious! The products in the retail are always well organized and what I need is always in-stock! I regularly use Kristen to give me an amazing look for a night on the town. She also makes sure I have the latest cuts and color keeping me looking my best... But better yet... She keeps me up to date with the best styles. Wonderful place! I can't recommend this salon highly enough! read more

I have been going to this salon for 2yrs. Susan has been the 1st person I have found who understands short hair. I have been to many big name salons from Ca. to New York and she gets short hair. Susan has always been professional , on time and accommodating. Her prices are VERY reasonable for a cut and color. This is a Neighborhood salon, so if your looking for a glizty no talent salon this is not it. Susan cares about her customers and that you look and feel great when sh is done. read more

This is a great very relaxing salon. Susan Ward has done my hair for over 2 years now and she is wonderful. She does a great job and her prices are very reasonable. She is a professional and is up to date and current with her work , she is a very kind person too. As for the salon, it is a relaxing atmosphere where wine, coffee , tea or snacks are always offered to the client. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

I usually don't give reviews online but Susan Ward deserves it! I've been looking for a hair stylist forever and nobody did an even okay job. Then, I finally found Susan and I don't go anywhere else for two years now! She is great. She is caring and sweet and very professional. I had to do a head shot last month and it looked wonderful! Thank you!!! read more

My daughter and my husband and myself get our hair done by Susan Ward. We love the results, the salon is darling, and all the staff are friendly and professional.I'm very picky when it comes to my hair and feel so fortunate to have found De Stefano's Salon and Susan Ward as our stylist. read more

I knew from the first time Susan did my hair five-years ago...that I would not be going anywhere else! She does such a great job! My haircuts are always perfect and the color looks so natural. She is super accommodating, has reasonable prices and she is as sweet as can be. read more

Just had a great haircut from Susan Ward. This salon is clean, well run, has coffee and snacks and is so easy to get to off of the 5. Her prices are very reasonable too. A friend of mine recommended her and I'm glad I went. read more

I have been having Susan cut to color my hair for two years now. She's very personable the prices were reasonable and I love the outcome. The salon is clean and down-to-earth. read more