I can't say enough positive things about this place. It is extremely easy to book an appointment, you can often schedule an appointment week of. Candy is just a gem. She cuts my hair perfectly every time, the layers always flatter my face and she does a great job and trimming without overthinning my hair. I've been to more boujee expensive salons in the marina, and have been disappointed each time by the hair cut. Elite salon is soothing to visit and Candy is a lovely. I haven't booked with the male stylist yet but he seems very knowledgeable and kind as well. 10/10!! read more

Candy always provides a great haircut and offers as much or as little conversation you want during a visit! She has given me suggestions for cuts that fit my lifestyle and is so friendly. I love living in the neighborhood and will continue to go to Elite when I am need of a trim! read more

Candy is great - friendly & polite! I've been coming here for several years to get my hair cut and colored (balayage). The salon is clean and comfortable, and I always look forward to going. It's easy to book appointments online, and prices are very fair / lower vs other SF options. read more

This is a great salon. The stylists are both very talented. Their service is professional. I've been going here since well before the pandemic and have never had a bad haircut. Ruben does a great job and I've recommended him and Candy to many of my friends and acquaintances. No one has ever been disappointed. read more

Candy was kind, accommodating and a professional for my hair cut. She knew exactly what type of cut would flatter my face shape and recommended styling methods. I also love how she knew how to deal with my thick, corse Asian hair. First hairstylist in the Bay Area and I'm so glad I got to have her! read more

Candy is just awesome. This review is a long time coming... I found Elite Salon about three years ago after a series of disappointments and Candy hooked me up. I've got a lot of thick hair that seems to screw up other stylists. I even used to bring in pictures of Ronaldo (soccer) and she gladly accepted the challenge. Having moved to the East Bay, I've tried some new stylists and have been let down. So now, I drag my ass back to the city and Elite Salon's Candy King. (She's also real nice and doesn't even mention it when she fixes up a cut someone else screwed up.... and I know she knows). read more

Elite Salon - Layered and lightened. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

I found this place on Yelp. Scheduled an appointment for a blow out. I was five minutes late and Ruben called. I can tell he was a stickler for time. But I got a lot of compliments on my hair. I honestly thought my ends were too dried but it still looked good. read more

Elite Salon - He fixed it but it's sooooo frizzy on the ends. I had to get home and put oil on it. - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is my favorite salon in SF. I am from nyc so I have somewhat high standards in the beauty dept :) The space is causal clean and comfortable. The hospitality incredible - you really get a focused personalized experience. I get blond highlights and blow outs here and love they way it comes out. Highly recommend! read more

Candy is fantastic! I had long hair for about 6 years and came here (after much apprehension) to cut it short again. Candy was very considerate and helped me decide on a length I was comfortable with. She left it a little longer than I wanted because it was such a big change and said that I could come back and she could take a little more off if I wanted. I ended up wanting to cut a little more off, so I went back the next day and Candy cut my hair again for FREE. She was so patient and understanding. I will definitely be going back to Candy for my next haircuts! read more

Candy is great. I've been coming to Elite Salon for 10 years. Pro tip: if you're not heading home after your haircut ask her to rinse your hair. read more

Ruben is great, highly recommended! Does what you ask him to do when you have a defined view, will recommend things and be creative when you don't. Highly recommended read more

Candy is the best! I'm so glad I walked in here randomly one day! Her cuts are always perfect, she does exactly what you ask for. My hair grows out healthy and the cut never looks old. My mom has colored (highlights & color) with her before and also loved her. The price is unbeatable for the quality of her work ($50 for a cut!) My boyfriend even comes here now! I love to try out crazy hair trends and Candy is always willing and able to execute them! Love her. So glad her salon is only 4 doors down from my house! read more

Elite Salon - Candy is the best! She always cuts my hair exactly like I ask her to! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been going to Elite Salon ever since I found them on Yelp. Candy gets stellar reviews for a good reason--she fucking rocks! She gave me a mild keratin treatment (for much cheaper than you'll find at most places) and it lasted for well over 6 months. No more frizz, no more blow drying, no more spending obscene amounts of money on product. Candy also does great cuts. She knows exactly what I want and makes great suggestions. If you want a professional cut and style for a reasonable price AND stylists that are friendly and generally terrific, then go with Candy and her employees at Elite Salon. Look at the ratings. You won't be disappointed. read more

I don't like to give negative reviews, but my hair is severely damaged after getting highlights here. My hair gets all matted when I wet it prior to shampooing - I can't even run my fingers through my hair. My hair is dry, brittle and breaking. Plus the color just didn't come out the way I wanted. After giving them three chances to get the color right, I've decided to go elsewhere. I gave them two stars because they do give good haircuts and the prices are reasonable. read more

Full disclaimer: I've known Ruben for over a decade, and he's a close family friend. Why this should only add to your confidence: Ruben has been cutting my mom's hair for that entire decade (and mine in high school) despite my family's many, many relocations, and I'm THRILLED that he's in San Francisco so I can finally have my hair the way I want it to be! When I was a little punk, he kept my mohawk tight and colorful, and then he nursed my hair through the most awkward growing pains ever. I completely trust that he will never let me walk out with less than a great cut, and I never have to worry about fixing stray or missed sections after I get home. Yay! Welcome to SF, fabulous hair (and you too, Ruben)! ;) read more

Elite Salon - Freshly cut by Ruben! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

FINALLY. Since moving to SF two years ago, I've been looking for a place to get my hair cut (just simple, medium to long layers). All I wanted was to get my hair cut 2-3 times a year and not have to do anything in between other than wash it. I tried a bunch of salons near Japantown and while my hair looked great styled when I left their salon, not so much without the styling and/or it grew out funny. Candy was great about asking exactly what you wanted and checking in with you during the process. Will update this review in a few months after my hair grows out but so far I love it and think I've finally found my go-to place. Candy was incredibly friendly and I enjoyed talking with her but she also has a good selection of magazines if you just want to chill. Pricing is very, very reasonable. Also love that you can book online and pay with CC. Salon is small, cute and very clean. read more

First time as a client. Great, great haircut from Candy. She listened carefully to my requests and with her expertise I have one of the best cuts ever. Thanks, Candy. I will return. Kate Lane read more

Just went to Elite Salon for the firs time based on Yelp reviews. Booked an appointment with Ruben and he was so great. He listened to what I wanted to do with my hair, and I also asked for suggestions. We came up with a perfect plan for my style and he executed it wonderfully. We selected my color together and I'm so happy with the results! We had great conversation throughout my time there. Overall was a very enjoyable, intimate experience. Will definitely be going back for my next color/cut! read more

I would avoid doing the Japanese Hair Straightening treatment here. The results are terrible! My hair is not straight, especially the roots stayed very curly, and my hair became so dry so that can barley brush it. It looks burnt! I'm giving 2 stars instead of one only because Candy offered to try fixing it. But I would not go there again because I'm afraid the products she uses are not good, and would ruin my hair even more. read more

Elite Salon - After The Japanese Hair Straightening- definitely not straight! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I chose this place based on the Yelp reviews, and could not be happier with my experience! Candy is really talented, professional, efficient, and pleasant. She gave me a great hair cut, checked in frequently about the style and length, and was lovely to talk to. I definitely recommend it! read more

Unbelievable!!!! I am so in love with my hair cut. Almost all 5 star yelp reviews I was surprised it was only $50 to have my hair washed, cut, layered, and dried and styled.. Hands down the best hair cut I have had in 12 years since the amazing Irish lady I loved as a teeny bopper in the Marina retired and was gone back to Ireland :-(. Quick, efficient, talented... So sweet.. Really listened to what I wanted.. AWESOME.. ' And hands down an amazing new hair-do.. The BF loves it.. As do I.. Perfect layers, exactly the amount I want cut off, feels fantastic... Oh and they let my pup Maddie run around the salon sniffing lol read more

I have never before felt so uncomfortable in a hair salon. The unease ruined the entire experience which normally would be relaxing. I looked for high starred salons when choosing a new place closer to home than my old favorite (located on the Peninsula) and came across Elite. Didn't realize the majority of those five star reviews are from people with only a few reviews on their accounts - looks a bit scammy to me now. Anyway, the wash was fine. The cut seemed okay. Once she started styling, if you can even call it that, it was disaster. She tried braiding it, scrunching it, applying more and more product. What are you doing!?! It was sloppy, frizzy, and an outright mess. I could have done a better braid myself. My hair didn't look finished yet she was done. She never offered me a mirror to even show me the cut. Really?! My hair smelled highly flammable and I was totally freaked out. Who knows who Candy is, the woman didn't tell me her name. How everyone else knows and seems to be such a fan is beyond me. $60 for an hour of discomfort? I'll take my money elsewhere next time. read more

What will it take to get a decent haircut in San Francisco? I booked an appointment with Ruben about two weeks in advance. I'm not looking for a complicated haircut, just an inch or so off and some cleanup. At $60 dollars, the price is still a little high, but at least more justifiable than what most salons are asking for. When I arrived at my appointment, Ruben seemed to have no idea that he had someone scheduled. He was in the middle of another haircut, and immediately thought I must be there for Candy. Considering that I got multiple reminders texted and emailed to me, I would expect that my stylist should also be aware that I'm coming in. He didn't show any enthusiasm, and then tried to pawn my appointment off onto Candy. She was equally unfriendly toward me and turned it down so she could go on a break. After waiting uncomfortably for a few minutes, I decided to not go through with my appointment. I just didn't feel good about spending my money in a place where none of the stylists seemed welcoming, especially to a new customer. read more

It is always a challenge finding a new place to get a haircut. I think we have all experienced the ups and downs. Elite Salon is a must try if you are in the Cow Hollow/Marina area and are looking for a new place to get your hair done. Like many other reviews, I get my haircut done by Candy, the owner of the shop. This is my new regular spot, and from the first time I ever got my haircut here I left satisfied. I used to get a buzz cut (3 on the side and 8 on the top). When I came here Candy told me she only uses scissors. I was hesitant at first because everyone knows, the usage of scissors on a guy's head could be deadly. Anyway, I said why not, and let her have free will. Turned out better than I expected! Honestly, I have ridiculous expectations for haircuts, so it's kind of a big deal that I am even taking the time to review this place. Moreover, I am giving it 5 stars! Definitely check this place out! read more

Love, love, love my haircut. I have been searching for someone in SF that can properly cut and asymmetrical bob on Asian hair. I can pick out any imperfection because my hair is so straight. Candy is super sweet as well:) read more

I first found Candy (the owner of the salon) on yelp over a year ago. My entire life i had been going to a chain hair cut place and every hair cut consisted of me giving directions followed by the waiting game for my hair to grow out until I looked handsome again. I sat in Candy's chair and when she asked what I wanted, I told her that i was open to anything; she was the expert and do as she pleases. She told me that I would look better with medium length hair then proceeded to do things to my hair that I've never seen done. Her clippers were moving every which way, there was no buzzing, and there was pleasant conversation. I have since referred two of my buddies who only see her now. Highly recommend her. Thank you Candy read more

I have naturally dark blonde hair but like to add in some blonde highlights to keep it looking bright. I've had some bad experiences where stylists have tried to add color to my hair and made it look brassy, unnatural or orange. I was thrilled to finally find Candy who does precise work for a great price and made my highlights look so natural, even as they grew out it looked like my own hair. She's so sweet and friendly, and I love that her shop is right around the corner! read more

I never wrote a review on Yelp but Elite salon definitely made me write something, finally! I moved to the block 3 months ago and was desperately looking for a new salon. After the careful review on Yelp, I decided to try Elite Salon. As always, Yelp review was totally right! Candy does a beautiful cut professionally and quickly. Also, she consults the style and find you the best look for you. She is an experienced, up-to-date and professional hair dresser! I also took my boyfriend to Candy and he is really satisfied! We both went back twice each and I think now I have my regular salon. Thanks, Candy! read more

Candy is awesome! The first haircut I did with her about eight months ago, I cut off about 6 inches. Don't know what made me decide to do that, but for some reason I trusted her from the beginning - turns out it was one of my favorite haircuts and I've been keeping it short ever since! Candy listens to what you want. She's nice and friendly, and gives a great scalp massage during the wash. At $50, this might be one of the best deals in the city. Would highly recommend her (make sure you do request her when you call the salon. Her co-worker cut my hair once and I was not happy with it at all). read more

Best place I've found in a long time. I'm a dude with thick hair and alot of it. Most people butcher it. This was an amazing haircut at a great price, and I loved how CLEAN the place is too. Hopefully she maintains the same quality/pricing long-term as at this rate she'll get very popular quick(place is pretty new). read more

Both my boyfriend and I get our haircuts from Candy at Elite Salon. Prior to discovering Elite Salon, my boyfriend had been making the trek down to Fellow Barber in the Mission and it was always an ordeal requiring an entire afternoon. Now we call in the morning, and Candy is usually able to squeeze us in sometime that afternoon--the first time she even stayed open later just to accommodate us! I also have straight bangs that require frequent trims (much more maintenance than the rest of my hair), and Candy is always happy to give me a quick bang trim after my boyfriend's haircut on days I don't do a full haircut without charging me a penny! We both definitely plan to continue getting our haircuts here. read more

I have lived in the neighborhood about a year and love this salon. I tried several other salons in SOMA and other parts of town and even used to wait to have my hair cut until I was back visiting North Carolina. No more! As i said Elite Salon is great. I haven't had to make my appointments too far in advance and the stylists really listen carefully to what I want done. Today after a cut and blow dry, I asked Candy to add more layers. She did so happily and took quite a bit of extra time to give me exactly what I wanted. My hair is very thick and straight so any unevenness or poor blending really shows. I have never had any of these issues at this salon. I also enjoy that they take time to wash my hair and massage my scalp... Not like other salons where they rush and leave product in your hair. Thank you! I'll be back!! read more

Candy is wonderful! My boyfriend and I both go to her, which I know sounds weird - but she knows how to do it all! I finally trusted her to do my blonde highlights, and I have been really pleased with how they have looked every time. She is also super accommodating, and her prices are very reasonable. I also love the fact that I am not sitting in the chair for 3 hours to get a cut and color - a hair appointment no longer takes up half my Saturday. I am so glad that Candy moved to the neighborhood! read more

Elite is a great place to go! I moved to the city from Orange County and hated leaving my stylist behind. I was terrified of having to find a new one (my hair is a bright red that can only be achieved with a special recipe of products, none of which are bleach). I found this little place right up the street from my home and met the owner, Candy. She is so sweet! She was completely willing to pick up the products needed for my color and has kept them in stock for me since. She always pays great attention to your wants and needs and is happy to offer the right kind of advice for your hair type. T he salon itself is tiny, but SUPER clean, and really comfortable to be in. Love the staff, love the service, love it all! read more

I'm a third culture kid from Hong Kong. All I need is someone who knows how to cut my hair in a humbly stylish way. Candy's got it right, and more. Oh, and she speaks Cantonese and isn't located in Richmond. Jackpot! read more

My roommate tipped me off on this spot. Previously I had been getting haircuts from my hair stylist in LA. Candy is awesome. Super friendly, gave an amazing haircut, and the price is really reasonable. Highly recommend her. She also sold me the most awesome hair product I've used which was from Japan at a super fair price. I'll definitely be heading back. Wish I could give an additional star for her shop being a block from my house ;) read more

I can't say enough good things about Candy, and Elite Salon. I'm from LA, the land of great, affordable salons- particularly the small, unpretentious ones that don't require an appointment 3-weeks out. I missed my old salons back home so I looked everywhere for one in SF until I stopped my search at Elite. Candy is a ultra-talented, detail-oriented, and personable stylist. With her, I know I'll be in good hands each time I'm there, and I'm paying for an artist rather than some pretentious brand name. She epitomizes what I love about SF: Extreme talent and quality haircuts at Mom and Pop service and prices. Elite is a real gem, just don't tell too many people about it so I can still do walk-ins. read more

I rarely get my hair done, so when I decide to go in I GO IN. Fully. Ruben takes the time to use his artists' eye to match coloring and your look perfectly. I just said "I want it to pop, and my hair falls flat because it's so fine". Boom. Problem(s) solved and I've never felt so alive. The man has talents. read more

This is the holy grail of hidden gems. I've been in to see Candy twice now, once for a cut and then an all over color. Both times she listened to exactly what I asked for, expanded upon it with suggestions and I walked out extremely happy. The best part is you don't have to put a down payment on her services, she is extremely reasonable price wise. I mean this is not your fancy shmancy salon, but if you want an extremely knowledgeable, not to mention really sweet lady to take your Kesha and make it into Beyoncé - go here now. read more

Candy is the best! I have been getting my hair cut by her for two years now and I'm so glad I found her. The salon is an adorable little place right off Polk street, very easy to get to. They have two chairs, plenty of magazines, and typically can get an appointment within two weeks! Evening appointments go fast but you can book online as well! I have long brunette hair and we've done a few different things since I first started seeing her! She always checks with me, gives her idea and I've always been happy with the results! I've also gotten highlights from her as well that I loved for the summer! Thanks Candy! Go see her if your in need of a new cut! read more