I have been coming to Head Designs for haircuts and color (full head and highlights) for years, and I've had consistently positive experiences. Sheila is so knowledgeable about all textures of hair. She brings a high quality, high level of expertise to hairstyling. I feel awesome walking out of the shop each time. Also there is a great assortment of hair products available for purchase - I'm a huge fan! Thanks Head Designs! read more

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I've worn my hair natural for most of my life and have straightened my hair about 4 times. I've grown accustomed to doing my own hair but sometimes it's nice to just sit back and have someone work some magic you know? Unfortunately, finding a salon that offers more for natural hair than just straightening it was so difficult I almost gave up. My mom directed me to Head Designs. Not only does she style it and cut it without having to perm it, but she also provides tips to better care for your hair. For me, the most important aspect was the fact that she completely disproves the belief that caring for kinky hair is a burden. It's something to be celebrated and loved and you can feel the passion through her work. I recommend to all naturalistas and folks who enjoy a nice conversation. read more

Head Designs Salon - Volume Cut and Consultation - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I don't want my review to be inflammatory but I hope it can act as an opportunity for improvement at Head Designs. I'll start off with the positives, Sheila is definitely very knowledgeable about natural hair and does her best to educate you as well. She has a comfortable space and great products. With regard to my experience, I've been to Head Designs twice after experiencing traction alopecia with my edges and learning that for healthier hair, I would have to refrain from overstyling. I went to Head Designs because of the mostly positive reviews, knowing I would need someone to help me on my journey to growing my hair back. My first appointment I was prepared to get a cut and walk out with shorter hair. The next two months, I focused hard on co-washing and caring for my hair properly, most of which I learned from YouTube. And I was happy to see it grow significantly in that time. I informed Sheila that I was just looking for a trim and had some minor concerns about my hair growing uneven. But given that it had only been two months since my last appointment, I didn't see any worry for drastic changes. While she was 'trimming' my hair, I noticed she was taking off sizeable chunks. I have 4c hair and know that cutting off even a little can have a drastic impact on the length of hair because it is coily. I gave her the benefit of the doubt but as soon as I walked home and really looked in the mirror I realized just how much she had cut off. I even asked her before I left if I had split ends and she said no. I got confirmation from my partner when he pointed out my hair was much shorter than he expected for a trim. I know to some it may seem insignificant given that hair can grow back, but when I take into account my first cut with her, wherein I lost about 2 inches, and my last, I notice that she consistently cut my hair at the same length despite it's health and what was being requested at the time. I went from shoulder-length hair both times, back to nape-length. I can't even put my hair in a ponytail now, something I was proud to have achieved before my visit with her. Of course, I'm really emotional and distraught about the setback but I'm also dedicated to getting my hair back to where it was (for the 3rd time). I think Head Designs can improve in a few ways to prevent an experience like mine: - Keep a log of notes on repeat clients so that she is aware of what their goals are and what they experienced in their last session (some hairstylists rely on memory but Sheila didn't recognize me when I walked in). The consultation I had did a good job of making me feel confident that she knows what my goals are for my hair and would help me achieve that. But I didn't really see that follow-through in my 2nd appointment. And if you aren't willing to keep notes on your clients, just ask them! What did we do last time? How did you like it? What were your hair goals then? Have your goals changed? - Check in with clients before cutting, don't assume you know best. This is an error a lot of stylists seem to make. While you may be an expert on hair, that doesn't mean you know what your clients like or prefer and they have to live with the consequences. Always check in before doing something permanent, especially if you don't remember them. - Refrain from discussing politics unless a client brings it up. We live in pretty tumultuous times and I'm sure there are others like me who don't want to bring politics into our hair appointments as well, even if we agree. read more

During wedding planning I saw only a few East Bay salons even offering curly bridal packages and then they were all booked up -- I was STRESSED! But then I found Sheila. I scheduled a consultation so she could go over the inspiration photos I had and then get familiar with my hair to see what was possible. She opened up early for me on wedding day and did an amazing job on an updo that stayed put all night and then some. I even just went back for a haircut recently because she was so great and had much better prices than other curly salons around. Run don't walk to Shelia for your hair cuts and bridal styles! read more

Head Designs Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Sheila is amazing! I can always rely on her to cut and style my hair, so I leave feeling great! I highly recommend her for folks who have curly or wavy hair. read more

Head Designs Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I met Shiela on a fluke, complimented her hair (which was cut very low), and she gave me her card. I was so excited to try the "Best Natural Hair" stylist in Oakland after having been chemical-free for about 10 years. My experience in her chair left me TRAUMATIZED and HUMILIATED. I was the only person in the salon as dark-complexioned as Shiela, and the only one who she announced as having "4C" hair. While she did sit me under a nice-smelling hair steamer, which seemed novel enough, she also made it very clear that "she didn't have time" to spend on my hair's texture. She let me know that her other clients were waiting, and she spoke to me very rudely and dismissively when it came to actually trimming and styling my hair. Admittedly, I did have some heat damage, which is why I wanted a great natural stylist to trim and shape my hair. When I expressed discomfort with a big chop, Sheila literally ran her fingers up and down my hair shaft with scissors in-hand, and rushed me with, "Just tell me where you want me to cut!" She loudly complained about the soft, coily texture of my hair, and in the next breath lavished praises over her other clients with straighter hair. Shiela blowdried my hair, admonished me for taking up so much time, and left me in her chair with my hair standing on-end for what seemed like forever, while she tended to her other clients. Demoralized and totally embarrassed, I started to cry quietly, hoping no one saw. An older white woman came over to me quietly and tried to comfort me by telling me that she thought my hair looked nice (not realizing that it wasn't styled or even combed!) Eventually, Shiela made her way back over to me and told me that she was not going to finish my hair, and that my appointment was over. I looked as if I had stuck my finger in a socket, and she turned around and walked away, saying that I didn't have to pay I felt that I was treated in a disgusting manner, being the only "little black girl" in a salon full of non-black and biracial women. The experience truly made me consider abandoning my decision to keep my hair natural, given that the "Best Natural Hair Stylist" in Oakland had just hair-shamed me. I will NEVER forget how Shiela Head made me feel. It's been about 5 years now, and I still get angry at the thought of any other beautiful Black woman having encountered such pitiful, self-loathing, discouragement on what should be a journey of self-love. read more

Went in for color trim . Had to pay for Consultation first . Clear instructions of color I wanted to achieve and I DID NOT want hair cut off . . Left with yellow color hair and all my hair cut off . Purchase previously used products from the sytlist. Stylist, teacher, doesn't listen to clients needs and wants . Does what they want at your expense. $308 Wouldn't recommend. read more

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Sheila Head is phenomenal! She listens attentively and asks great clarifying questions to ensure that my needs and desired outcomes are achieved. She has created a salon space that feels serene and uplifting, and maintains protocols to ensure that "public health" safety. I really appreciate that she does more than deliver an amazing cut/style, but also has the expertise to asses the overall health of your hair and scalp! Each time I receive services from Sheila - whether executing a cut that accentuates my best features and reflects my personal esthetic, or scalp rejuvenation (STEAMING is amazing!) or applying custom hair coloring, I leave feeling replenished body and spirit! Thanks Sheila! read more

Oh, oh Sheila! With you is where I got to be!!! (Ready For The World, anyone??) There are so many wonderful things I have to say about Sheila and Head Designs, my god. I'm getting kind of notorious for writing incredibly long reviews (TL;DR? scroll to the bottom), so here I go: I'm from L.A. and in all my 24 years of life I had never found a hair stylist that worked with natural hair (well, I found one on yelp. ONE. WITH A 3 MONTH WAITING LIST). Needless to say, the times I DID go to salons, the stylists were always so tormented by my hair and never really did have nice things to say about it (ex: "Wow... your hair is so thick... too thick *huge sigh*", "I'm so tired! You've got so much hair, I've never dealt with this before", "WOW, I need a break". Speaking of breaks, once I left a stylist so worn out she had to close her shop for the day after she was done with me :l) I've been in the Bay Area almost 8 months now and one day, after reaching the brink of annoyance with my little bush (I did a BC last June and since then, it had grown into a round, little, topiary-looking bush), I googled natural hair stylists in the bay and lo and behold! CurlyNikki popped up and along with other places, Head Designs was mentioned. Now, I'm INCREDIBLY picky about my hair and who gets to work with it (after all my awful experiences I ended up just 'doing' my own hair ever since I returned to natural hair). I did my research and when it all boiled down, what REALLY made me take the leap of faith with Head Designs was the fact that Sheila requires a consultation for first time clients and anyone who wants drastic changes............ My mind went: WHAT!?!?!? SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY WANTS TO SEE THE STATE OF MY HAIR TO MAKE SURE ALL THINGS GO SMOOTHLY?!?! INSTEAD OF AUTOMATICALLY SAYING, "Oh yeah sure we can do anything you want!!!" ?!?!?!?!?, THEN RUINING MY HAIR COMPLETELY?! I was sold. I paid for my consultation online and spoke with Debrena (WHO IS SO SWEET!!) to make my appointment :) When the day of my consultation arrived, seriously guys, you do NOT know how excited I was when Sheila started saying natural hair terms (I nearly cried when she started talking about curl patterns. Seriously, once before I had to school a hair stylist on what I meant by 3b/3c curls were and what a curl pattern was :l no me gusta). So! I told Sheila what I wanted done. The conversation went something like this: Me: I want something completely new! I want it kind of tapered to get rid of my round shape, and I want to lighten it! Almost blonde! Sheila: Why? Me: ...because I want to look completely different? Sheila: You know, you don't have to do something that drastic to have a fresh new look. So no no no, you're not going blonde, but here's what I'm going to do! Then she went on and played around with my hair a little bit, studying my facial features and what would work best for me. It was the first time a stylist had told me "I LOVE YOUR HAIR! I just want your hair!!!". *internal waterworks went off*. She also recommended new hair products (by Joico!) for my hair's dryness. I picked up the complete line and MAN MY HAIR WAS INCREDIBLE AFTER THE FIRST WASH!!! I'm not going to lie, the naturalista in me was like "Joico??? Shampoo?? QUARTER SIZE AMOUNTS?!" But my god my hair was like new after that wash, let me tell you! Sheila has an amazing eye for what will look good on you. She really did take into account what my facial features were and what would look best on me to accentuate all my best assets. (PS? Im SO glad I did NOT go blonde after all). Sheila was super excited to work with my hair, telling me about the vision she had for it. Now, I dont know about anyone else, but when someone tells me they have an artistic vision, I'm going to let them go with it and do whatever they want. They're the professional and the artist, not me. So a week later, I went back to get my hair done and let Sheila work her magic (picture posted). (Sidenote: NEVER in my LIFE have I had my hair dyed and had it feel and look BETTER than before it was dyed *swoon*) Sheila, I can't thank you enough. You deserve all goodness that comes your way, Ms. Madam CJ Walker Hair Stylist of the Year award holder! Thank you again for everything, you've got another loyal customer. And as long as you're in business, no one else will be touching my hair!! **TL;DR? If want someone who knows what they're doing with your hair (AND THAT MEANS ANY KIND OF HAIR), go to Sheila at Head Designs. ** read more

Head Designs Salon - Sheila was right, I didn't have to go blonde to feel like a new person. The lighter brown and highlights are working MAGIC! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I can not tell you how happy I am with my new hair cut from Sheila.. I live in Seattle but would definitely wait to go Oakland to get a hair cut from her again. Finally !! after years of unfortunate hair cuts , I got an curly hair cut from a hair designer who really knows/understands all types of curly hairs and loves her profession. I can use my hair with or without hair products and that was really important for me. She educated me about my curls, and how to use certain oils on my scalp, which is totally new to me. Her studio is clean and very artistic. You would definitely enjoy and get lots of benefit from your session with her. read more

I was new to the area and found Shiela at Head Designs and it was such a gift! She's such a professional and knows how to make you look and feel great. Amazing with curls. Her hair tea is my favorite and one batch lasted me a couple months! Sheila makes you feel comfortable, her covid procedures made me feel safe, and the shop is really cute and cozy. 1000% recommend! read more

My vanity has caused me a lifetime of anxiety when having my hair cut. As a result, when I find a stylist that pleases me, I stay for years and years. I'm now seventy-one years old, and since I was fifteen, I've had exactly five of the finest in Southern and Northern California. Nobody has been more pleasing, at least to me, than Sheila. I once convinced a television producer in Hollywood to hire my brother to write an episode of his one hour show. I told him if he was unhappy with the results, I'd reimberse him for whatever monies he paid for the script. I wish I could do the same here in terms of cuts, perms, color, whatever. Let me just say do it... you won't be sorry. Steve Kurzfeld\ Screen and Television Writer/Producer read more

Miss Sheila is so knowledgeable about natural black hair. Definitely be prepared to spend a little extra time at your first appointment, but it is well worth it. Miss Sheila did an herbal tea steam treatment on my hair and soaked my ends in tea. Then she did a really nice cut. I actually do like that she cuts hair wet, only because once you've done the deep conditioning, she can see what really needs to be cut. Miss Sheila knows how to cut natural curls and gave good hair tips like tuck your ends, try not to sleep on your curls at night (put them up). Also great products like the Nairobi wash and the Deva Curl Melt Into Moisture. When it comes to your hair journey, you really have to trust the process. Miss Sheila is the person to help you do that. read more

Head Designs Salon - After, so moisturized and cute - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I was looking for a hair salon that was open and available to cut and style my hair during the pandemic. The hair salons had just started opening back opening up, so I looked online and found Hair Designs. I read through the reviews and decided to make an appointment and give her a try. When I arrived, she was so friendly and welcoming. She had me sit and fill out a form regarding my hair while she sterilized the area where she was going to be washing and doing my hair. She was very professional and had a face mask on the entire time. She also provided me with a better face mask to wear while she was washing my hair. Sheila is very knowledgeable regarding different hair types. She quickly was able to tell me my hair type. I suffer from CCC Alopecia so for the past two years, I have been wearing my hair natural in a two strand twist style and untwist and go. I was a little nervous that she would be too rough on my scalp when washing and conditioning. However, that was not the case she was so gentle with my hair and scalp. My hair needed a good trim because I had been trimming my own hair for the past two years. She did a phenomenal job cutting my hair. She used some products in my hair that really defined my curls and didn't dry out my hair. She also showed me how to apply the products to wear a wash and go. I ended up purchasing some of her products and she even blessed me with a free scalp massager to massage my scalp while I'm at home to help stimulate my hair follicles. I would definitely recommend getting your hair cared for by Sheila. read more

I got my first haircut by Sheila and my hair loved her! She brought back to life my natural curls. I love her technique and value her experience. read more

Sheila did my "medium" chop back in 2015 and while I haven't been back in some time, I was always pleased with her services. I was hesitant to go shorter but knew it needed to happen, and she did a great job at retaining what length she could and styling it so that I didn't immediately regret my decision, ha. I love that she does scalp and hair treatments with herbs and if it weren't for the distance, I would be a more regular client. read more

Absolutely loved the service. The appointment was on time, there was attention to detail, and most importantly I got the results that I was looking for. I certainly plan on coming back for my future hair needs. read more

After doing tons of research and then finally saying F-it...I got my first cut back in August, I LOVE IT!!! I still get compliments to this day. Sheila knows what's she's doing when she has the scissors in her hands. I give her that. I'm just still taken aback with my last services done. Trim & highlights. Considering the time and amount I paid, I shouldn't be feeling this way. My issue are the highlights, that weren't highlighted at all. Yeah I knew this when I left but after being there for almost 3 hrs, I was done. But again, the amount paid, I had to say something. I emailed my concerns, and she offered to correct the problem, and did, kinda. But I was over it at this point. Had I not reached out about my concerns, would she have contacted me, considering she had seen me out and about and "didn't see" any highlights either!? You know good customer service. Makes me wonder..... read more

I've always had long hair and for the past few months I've been thinking about going through with the big chop. I found Head Designs and made an appointment for a consultation. During the consultation Sheila gave me lots of ideas to think about before actually chopping off all my hair. I was grateful for this conversation because I feel that many salons would just cut without really taking the time to get to know you or what you're hoping to get out of a new style. A week later I was in Sheilas chair. I must admit that I was nervous but confident in her skills. She's been in the business for a while and shared that Head Designs is 31 years old. An hour or so later, I was washed, conditioned, cut, and dried. I was totally amazed at my cut and I'm in LOVE with it. I will definitely go back to Sheila when I want a touch up or when I'm looking to change my style again. read more

Head Designs Salon - From long to short; I LOVE it! Thanks Sheila! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I made a great decision going to see Sheila after 2 years of not having a professional touch my natural kinky hair. She took her time getting to know my hair and what my ultimate goal was. I got a trim which really gave my hair a nice shape and my hair feels so soft and hydrated with the deep conditioning treatment and herbal tea rinse. Do I recommend Sheila? Of course! She is really professional and understands the art and science of hair after 37 years in the business. read more

I recently decided to wear my hair naturally curly and found Head Designs through a blog search for stylists who know how to handle naturally curly hair. My stylist, Sheila Head, is very knowledgeable with natural hair and and told me how to do my hair on my own. She cut my hair to give me shape and did my hair color. Sheila started out with a consultation and we chatted a bit about what I currently do with my hair; most stylists don't take the time to do that. It was comforting knowing that she knew what she was doing. My only complaint is that I went in for my appointment at 4:30 and I didn't leave until 9pm (4 out of 5 stars). Despite the amount of time spent there, I plan to go back. read more

I wanted to find a salon that could work with my thick, curly, wavy Blasian hair. I ended up finding Head Designs since I was already heading up to Oakland for Memorial Day weekend. Walk in and find a very small, but welcoming & relaxed place. Sheila spent a good amount of time on a thorough consultation which I really appreciated. I felt like all relevant questions about what I was looking for were asked and listened to. In the past 2 years I stopped straightening my hair, but for me it was too big and unmanageable. It took more time than I was willing to spend to make it look the way I wanted. Sheila suggested I get a texturizer to keep the curly look I wanted, but also make it more defined and less frizzy. She also gave me a trim. Overall I was very happy with the way my hair turned out. My only complaint is she did show up late and it was pretty pricey, however can't deny my hair looks good! I'll be back in 3-4 months for a touch-up! read more

My My My Sheila. What a diamond in the rough. Going to you today for my big chop was scary and frightening enough. Once I step foot in the salon and et Sheila I was so relaxed and willing to let her have it cutting off my permed ends. Sheila was very attentive to what I wanted as well as DIDN'T want. Thirty minutes or so later I now had a (twa-teenie weenie afro). Sheila did a great job. It's going to get some getting used to. Drastic change but was in good hands. Sheila I will forever be a client of yours. read more

I totally love this hair salon! I needed a haircut in the worst way! Ms. Sheila tamed my tresses. If you have an "awkward" hair texture, come here! Ms. Sheila will take care of you! read more

Yesterday I got a haircut at a place my coworker recommended. I left with an awful cut, 6 inches too short and all one length, not a single layer. I spent the night crying and resolved to have it fixed ASAP. Lesa did a fantastic job working with what she had (since the length was already gone), fixing the mess, and making my hair bareable. Don't get me wrong, I am still crying about my hair, but it actually does look pretty good. It is just a huge [unintentional] change that is going to take some getting used to. She also relaxed my super curly hair and did a fantastic job. She was super nice throughout the entire 3 hours i was there. I will be going back for all my cuts. read more

I stopped getting relaxers over 5 years ago. For 2 years, I was bouncing between different stylists trying to find someone who can not only manage my natural hair but can cover up my grays without damaging my hair. Then I found Head Designs through the Mixed Chicks site. I first started seeing Lesa. But when she left, I started seeing the owner Sheila without skipping a beat. I consistently get great touch ups on my color and beautiful highlights or lowlights depending on the season. My hair has never been healthier when I wear it straight nor has my curls bounced so much when I wear it naturally. Head Designs have great packages and they will customize them to fit your haircare needs. I pay one price about every other month at a discount for 2 color touch ups, 2 straightenings and 1 haircut. It's more pricier than other shops but in my opinion well worth the money. read more

It's been a few months since I've been here, but had to write this. In December, went in for a trim and expected that at most I would get two inches cut off bc it'd been a while since I'd had my hair cut professionally and wanted things to be more even. Still I specified i didn't want too much cut off. My hair was about armpit length. I heatlessly stretched my hair and expected a blow dryer to be used before cutting, but she said to trust her that she didn't need to blowout my hair to see all needed to go. She used some oil or shea butter concoction all over and used a fine tooth comb to pull down and give it a cut. Worst decision. Not only did she end up cutting off 3-4 inches off all around my head (my ends barely scraping my shoulders) but it WASN'T EVEN EVEN ON BOTH SIDES. I was devastated and so frustrated. I didn't even realize it until I went home. I'm still dealing with the aftermath of this and was so frustrated with the drastically uneven parts I ended up chopping those sections myself. This pretty much solidified that I don't ever need to see another hairstylist again! They don't listen to the customer. Still waiting for my original length to come back... read more

I've been meaning to write this review forever. Sheila cut my hair for the second time a month or so ago but seeing my hair in the mirror just now reminded me of how good her work is! I like to keep my hair in a rounded Afro, and what I love about Sheila is that she doesn't just cut your hair to look good in that one moment. She's skilled enough that my hair maintains a really even and good looking shape even months after getting it trimmed. I was nervous to try out a new hair stylist due to several bad experiences in the past, but I don't regret taking the leap of faith and going to Sheila one bit. If you're nervous about finding a new stylist, I definitely recommend giving her a try! read more

Went to Sheila's salon last Saturday and definitely don't regret it! I don't know what the other reviews are talking about b/c as far as I'm concerned I had an appointment at 10:30am, got there at 10:15 and the team was there ready for me!... Anyway, very friendly staff who made me comfortable right away, got my relaxing tea tree oil shampoo by Ms. Lily and then sat in the chair for (drumroll)... my BIG CHOP!!! ... talk about being apprehensive!... But Sheila did a FANTASTIC job with my curly hair; she was very knowledgeable about hair texture and maintenance and even showed me a couple styles I could rock with my now-really-short hair :) I would recommend to anyone who is a little bit confused about their natural hair and needs some guidance!! I'm very picky with who's taking care of my hair and for the longest it's always been me or my momma (only people I would actually trust lol), but all I have to say about Head Designs is "Great people, great experience"! read more

I really wanted to like this place. To start, I have type 4 natural coily hair. I've been natural for 2 years and I have fallen in love with my coily the texture. I came to Sheila because my hair had become extremely dry and was hoping to restore its natural texture. I came in for a consultation hoping get a deep conditioning treatment. First red flag, Sheila felt my hair and said it didn't feel dry (it clearly was given that my natural coils were almost non existent. Sheila also insisted that I needed a trim and a "shape". I let Sheila know that I loved my shape and didn't want to change it. I had gotten an amazing heart shaped devacut 3 months back and didn't want to change it. Sheila continued to insist that it needed to be trimmed and assured me that she wouldn't take off too much. Fast forward to the day of service....I have to say her deep conditioning was amazing and really brought my hair back to life....she should have stopped there. Now for the cut.....first of all she "trimmed" my hair wet. Most naturally curlies who wear their natural coils (not stretched) know not to cut your hair wet because when it dries the curls shrink....so you run the risk of cutting too much or getting a choppy cut....I got both! Bye, bye heart shaped devacut! For those who don't know a heart shaped cut is when your hair is long at the top and short in the back, creating a beautiful heart shape as it grows out. Sheila promptly chopped the top of my hair off and left the back.....now what was the shortest part of my hair is now the longest.....and not even in a good shape.... super choppy in the back and the top is so short it sticks straight up. Her cut has set me back a good 6 months in my natural hair journey. Let's just say I will be wearing clip in extensions until my hair grows out enough to be reshaped/fixed There is so much more I can say about this experience, but I'll leave it right there. read more

I have searched near and far for someone who can give me a good hair cut. I don't even have that much hair. That's why it's such a shame I've had to endure bad cut after bad cut. But, with natural hair, sometimes it's like that. This disastrous past has left me traumatized when it comes to hair salons. But I waltzed into Head Designs last week and not only are Sheila and Lisa the most lovely spirits, they handled me with kid gloves, made sure that I was comfortable every step along they way. Lisa's warm presence and experience made me trust her right away. I wasn't afraid to ask questions and she certainly wasn't threatened by the questions I asked. I ended up with exactly what I wanted...a nice trim with no plugs taken out and the total understanding that as I grow my hair out, I will not have to look any further than Head Designs. read more

I have been going to Shelia about 2 years plus. My hair is gray I am wearing it natural kinky and so loving it. I get compliments everywhere I go and have gotten auditions in Los Angeles because of the hairstyle Shelia has given in my headshots. Thank you, Shelia you rock. read more

I will start by saying that it has taken me a long time to decide to write this review. I really kinda felt bad but every day I look at my hair and it's just a reminder of what a horrible haircut Sheila gave me. It makes me want to cry. It absolutely by far the worse hair cut I have ever gotten in my life. I have gone to Sheila twice which is one too many times. In January of this year, I had long curly hair down to the middle of my back. I decided for my birthday I wanted to do something completely different, cut my hair short. I had been thinking about this for a while and did a lot of research on stylist in Oakland & SF. I was pleased when I read Sheila's reviews and decided to take a leap of faith on her. The 1st haircut she gave me was great. I ranted and raved about her to everyone. I even posted on her FB pages about the great experience. Now fast forward to May of this year, my hair had grown out and it didn't have the same look. My partner wanted to get a haircut and I convinced her to go to Sheila. I again praised her work and told her she could trust her. She set up appointments for both of us on a Saturday back-to-back. We spent almost 4 hours in her salon that Saturday and we both walked out of there hating out haircuts. Sheila was running late and was overbooked that day. My partner was very adamant that she did not want bangs on any kind. Unfortunately, that was exactly what Sheila gave her. BANGS! Sheila told my partner that she listen to her clients and make sure she gives them what they want. This was not the case for my partner. Her haircut was supposed to be asymmetrical: where one side is longer than the other, but her hair was completely uneven and it wasn't done right. When she styled it you can see the line of the cut was uneven. My partner even went back a couple of days later to have Sheila try and fix her hair but it was worse. Sheila was completely condescending to my partner which made her very upset and she just left. Needless to say, my partner will never step foot in that salon again. When it was my turn I told her I just want a trim, same style as last time. Sheila said oh yeah the side look heavy so I will just lighten them up for you. I said ok Sheila I trust you. I just need a trim. She began cutting and before I knew she had cut off all my hair...all of it! She only stopped because she needed to do a consultation! Really...in the middle of my cut?!? That's when I saw myself in the mirror, I must have had a horrified look on my face. My partner immediately come over to me and said what is she doing? She just cut your hair hella short! When she returned I confronted her and said this haircut looks like a boys haircut. She said to me that she can't help how a haircut makes me feel. I told her this is not what I wanted. I simply wanted a trim. I told her this hair cut reminded me of one I got in the 7th grade and I hated it. She then said well I can't control what memories come up for you. By this time I am pissed, she did not even say she was sorry. She just kept justifying her actions and negating how I was feeling. I was so angry I just wanted to leave. By this time she was trying to save face and she wanted me to stay so she can dry my hair. I never blow dry my hair or sit under a dry so there was no point to this. But my partner convinced me to so I could see how it would look when it dry. OMG, it got even worse! After that seeing that I just wanted to cry. Are you kidding me! My hair was a big puff ball and I had bangs...BANGS with curly hair! WTH! $160 later and 2 bad haircuts, we left...shocked, depressed and angry! What the hella just happened to us! The most ironic part was that a customer from the day before had come back to get a refund because she too felt like she got a short boy cut and her husband did not like it. Maybe we should have taken this as a sign. Why write this review now? It has been 2 long and embarrassing months of growing my hair out, and it still looks awful. I look like I have a curly hair mullet with bangs!!! My hair is long in the back, cut in layers on top and have bangs in the front UGH!! I keep thinking it will look better when it grows...but no...not the case at all. Now I have to find a stylist who can fix my hair but I need to wait a little longer until it grows more so I don't ended with the same disaster I have now. If you have ever gotten a bad haircut, you know the pain I am going through. Trusting someone with your hair is a big deal and if they take your trust for granted and think that they can multi-task but can't, don't listen to you or don't hear you on what you want, give you a lecture because they think their right and then blame you for the bad haircut...is most definitely NOT a place to go or a place to back to and give them your hard earn money. This was absolutely my worse experience ever in a salon! I would never go there again...EVER!!! read more

Best hair cut and color I've ever gotten! Totally worth the spurge to have a pro cut your hair!

My stepdaughter is biracial and has the super curly hair. She is 13 now and straightened it on her own all year. It was so damaged!!!!! I found Sheila on Yelp and bc she had such great reviews I decided to give her a call. Everything from the beginning to end was awesome. She's such a sweet lady! She consulted with her and tried to figure out what her hair goals were. She then proceeded to give her a deep conditioning treatment and sat her under a steamer for a while. Once she washed her hair, it was like a miracle, all her curls were back! I was very impressed by the natural tea she steeped and pored into her hair. Talk about a total spa experience. My stepdaughter felt so well taken care of and pampered. The hair cut itself took a while but I was very happy she gave her an awesome shape. A shape we hadn't seen for years! I was hoping she would love her curly hair and she does!! Can't thank Sheila enough. Her cuts are $70 and steam treatment is $30. Looking forward to November for our next appt. read more

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Ms. Sheila is amazing. I was initially going to her shop for my consultation however I had already made my decision that I was ready for my BC. When I arrived, she asked me to fill out a confidentiality form that ask me questions about myself, my hair journey, and what things I value during my hair experience (for example, the amount of time I spend in a shop, the type of music played, etc.). After filling out the form, she met with me for my consultation. She felt through my hair and talked about how healthy it was despite what I thought. She asked me what products I was using and why I wanted to cut my hair. I brought her pictures of what I was interested in and she asked me to point out the differences between the styles I picked. She asked me to tell her what I liked about one more than the other. She really made me think about the hairstyles I picked. After having that discussion, I told her that if she had time right now, I was ready to go through with it. She looked at her schedule and said I can do it. Before even touching my hair she told me what type of conditioning I needed, how long it will take to complete my style and how much it would cost. Throughout my haircut, she talked to me and told me what she was doing. Not once did I feel out of the loop or unconfident in her abilities. As a college student, I appreciated her telling me how much I would be paying and most importantly I appreciated her walking me through the tough process of cutting my hair. She did a beautiful job on my hair. As a plus, Ms. Sheila is very tech savvy. She sends you an online receipt and even an online survey to get feedback on your experience. She was very grateful that I decided to choose her as my stylist and I was very grateful that she did my hair justice. read more

Head Designs Salon - November 7, 2014 Big Chop at Head Designs - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

If you have curly hair and consistently have been getting bad cuts from supposed "curly hair specialists" ditch the zeroes and run to your new hero!! Sheila! She will rekindle the romance with your curl and have you walking out of the salon whispering sweet nothings about your new do. Sheila's the bomb! read more

When I unraveled the twist, it didn't look good at all. I loved the customer service and knowledge about hair, but I have achieved much better twist out results following people on YouTube :( read more

I decided to trust other reviews and went to get a cut with Sheila today. The best haircut I have ever had! Sheila really knows her stuff. Like she says, cutting hair is about geometry and about listening to your needs. She takes into account your entire being to give you a cut that enhances your natural beauty! I didn't have to say much, she knew the style I needed from the mintue I walked through the door. She used a product that she created on my hair that is amazing: my hair looks shinny and feels so soft. Thanks so much Sheila, you are the best! See you in 8 weeks! read more

Graduate school and several years of traveling internationally hadn't done my hair any favors. I hadn't had a cut beyond 'take it all off' in years and was searching for someone who could do something creative (but manageable). Sheila Head, the owner of Head Designs) is incredibly knowledgeable about black hair and styling. Her staff boasts a locktician, braiding genius and colorist (including Sheila who is inspired in mixing colors that suit a person perfectly - myself included). Most importantly Sheila has more than twenty years experience cutting natural hair. She talks about the movement of the hair, the fall, the desired thickness, your activity level and of course the time it will take to maintain the style she creates. And then there's the styling and braiding - creative and unique! Lila can create a style unique to you, which means you aren't likely to see someone else walking around with the same braid pattern. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you get the sense you've arrived in a true 'salon' Tea, coffee and cocktails (upon occasion) abound and in the summertime I sat on the patio to chat with Sheila as I waited for my color to set. Another fun fact - she often has beauty events in her salon! Another reason to check her and the folks at Head Salon out! read more