My recent cut with her took an unexpected turn. I noticed it looked different from the photos and significantly shorter so I got nervous, I was calm but I did express my thoughts... "It's shorter than the photos and I don't feel very good about it." She decided to stop and told me she wasn't comfortable cutting my hair anymore, since "you're clearly uncomfortable," and "the trust has been broken," Which I mean, I was... She suddenly offered to refer me out and said she'd reach out in a couple of days, and didn't charge me, but not paying hadn't even occurred to me... she rushed me out so she could do her "cleansing ritual" for the "negative energy" or something since she had 7 more clients after me... which she kept saying over and over. I asked if we could dry it or add some product or do the finishing touches and she said no... so I just awkwardly left with very wet hair. I just moved here and was really looking forward to developing a long term relationship with a stylist. I think gender affirming hair can take some trial and error and working with a stylist over time can help find "the" haircut. Feedback after each cut, taking in the knowledge from the stylist/learning from them, coming back every few months, etc. it's a journey. I was nervous and dissatisfied, but breathing and calm since I know this. The cut itself is fine, it's not exactly what I asked for but I mean... her skills at cutting hair are evident. My first haircut with her was a 10/10... To me it was more the reaction and shock and being rushed out and now I have a much shorter haircut (that I didn't ask for) that could use some touch ups, and that I don't know how to style, since normally I air dry my hair with some basic product which we talked about. The plan was that I would still be able to put it up and now I have basically a pixie... it's been a very upsetting and confusing experience... and it's hair and it'll grow out and I think it'll look more like my reference photos in a few months and with some small adjustments... I just wish she had responded differently and we could have continued working together. I'm not angry or posting this to be a "Karen," just thought it would be appropriate to share since this has really hurt me and been an emotional roller coaster, I felt a lot of distress that day and am still feeling distress and anxiety over the experience. Other stylists have confirmed that my concerns were logical, that the cut is in the same family but missed the mark and is definitely significantly shorter... and that the response was odd, we could have talked about ways to style it, product, addressed my concerns, made a plan for next time, anything... read more

Not only was the cut great, but Joey was one of the most approachable stylists I've ever met. I'm new to long hair (let alone long curly hair) and Joey made hair care as simple as it could probably be! As a Covid cautious person, I also appreciate her space (which is an open garage with windows on the other side) and her willingness to mask. Other than being completely outside, it's probably the safest haircut you could get. Also being queer, having someone ask what my pronouns are is comforting. Thanks, Joey! read more

Let's be clear on a couple of points you made Joey. There is nothing I did on my end as your client to create the situation of a botched haircut and color and chemical burn. You are the professional, it was your job to do the assessment and decided to take me as a client that day, despite having reservations about the time it would take to provide services professionally and safely. Instead of rescheduling or treating me respectfully, you rushed through the appointment and caused real damage to my hair, scalp, and more. As your client, I was not responsible for your time management or scheduling. Saying your client is to blame for the damage you did is incredibly unprofessional and it is GASLIGHTING. I trusted you and instead of taking accountability in person or even on this page for the damage you caused, you have chosen, in turn, to blame the injured party. And to take information I told you in confidence in your chair and air it publicly. While also getting the facts wrong. It is no one's business to know my health concerns or status. I told you that in confidence. I had one hairdressser in the last year and a half. Although we had stylistic differences, she was an excellent hairdresser who valued safety. I had absolutely no damage from this stylist and my hair and scalp were healthy when I came into your salon. The last time I was with her was in August, three months before I saw you. I told you about why I moved on from a few hairdressers over the course of 10 years because I hoped it would help you be more sensitive to me as a new stylist, not to use this information against me, at your convenience. You knew well before I wrote my original review that I had chemical burn because of the email I sent you which you read and responded to. I expressed I had chemical sensitivities to you prior to our appointment and while it's impressive you know about skin testing this option was never offered to me. read more

Joey Stevenson - My platinum dyed hair with a grey section. Damaged so badly my hair resists styling and will no longer curl. - Hair Stylists Near Me

Joey gave me the best haircut and the best salon experience I've ever had. Seriously. She was so communicative right from the first contact. She took time to understand exactly what I was hoping for and what had gone poorly in the past- even down to asking if I wanted my experience to be more quiet or more chatty. She completely understood my hair and all its quirks and gave me a cut that works so well for me. I've truly never left an appointment feeling as cute. Highly highly recommend Joey Stevenson- especially if you have waves or curls! read more

As a lifelong long-haired curly girl, I loved my curls but didn't know how to wear them in a way that felt like me, so just threw them in a bun forever. Finally in my 30s I went for a short queer cut at a different stylist, which immediately felt better but still wasn't exactly what I wanted - the problem was I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted! After trial and error with several other stylists, I finally found Joey who has been amazing at helping me figure out the look I want and make it happen. She listens to my very vague descriptions of likes, dislikes, and vibes, and turns that into concrete explanations of how different techniques and strategies will affect my hair and the look overall. And her knowledge of different queer styles and references makes it a fun comfortable environment. Every time I leave even more happy than the previous cut! Thank you! read more

Joey was so fantastic! My hair looks great, and they really spent time figuring out what I wanted and what would be best for my hair. I would have stayed all day just to keep chatting! read more

Sooo happy I found Joey!! Second time I go to her for hair color and let me tell you she does not disappoints. Love the vibe! Such a friendly person. read more

Joey does such a great job with my curls! She really listened to what I asked for and was able to translate my non-stylist speak into just what I was looking for. The tiny salon is so cute and cozy, with a lovely gentle breeze. Joey sends a survey before your appointment so you can customize the experience to be just right for you in the 1-chair space. Joey's website and survey do a great job of providing information and accomodations, including proactively sharing the max weight the chair can support. If you want a cozy, custom cut (especially if you have curls), go see Joey! read more

I have been to Joey for several years with fabulous results until recently. Joey is a talented artist and gave me my first asymmetrical haircut, a look I have grown to love. My recent experience was for a cut and color for $300+tip. Love the cut, which btw is not Ouidad. Not enough time was built into a consult for someone that does color infrequently. I was told I had to leave as her next appointment had arrived, and I left with a sense of incompletion of the results. My hair looks overbleached, and parts of it look gray - I am paying for an aged look. She redid parts of it which I see as a mistake, without properly reviewing the outcome. Part of the issue is inadequate light in the space, which is challenging to see. Right after, Joey sent me a breakup email siting "price point and experience." The experience part feels aligned as I have felt a shift in things since the pandemic. As a small biz owner, I respect the ability to charge your worth, but the pressure of getting an upsold cut and the tip has been uncomfortable. For this cut/color, I paid prior to the completion of the job. A few thoughts about the price point and experience. Like others have mentioned in their reviews, I felt pressured to buy into an upsell on my last visit in 2021-- it was an Ouidad haircut. I had always been happy with my regular cut; it just felt like an upsell with no difference in results. The salon is cute, nicely done open-air garage studio, but can be cold (open garage door) and, at times, with the owner going in/out, leaving another door open. The chair isn't the best fit for shorter people. The water temperature is either too hot or cold while leaning into the deep sink from the uncomfy chair. Too many emails + text messages (with non-working links) to confirm appt. I understand the need for confirmation, as there are flaky people, but the barrage of messages is overkill. I enjoyed my time with Joey, and it feels sad to leave on this note. While she took responsibility for the disconnect, it is apparent that her biz shift leans toward automation over connection - it is time to move on. read more

Best haircut I've ever gotten!! I felt super comfortable and got exactly what I wanted, I also realized my hair was way curlier than I realized. Thanks so much!! read more

Joey Stevenson - Hair Stylists Near Me

Talented stylist and color artist. Lovely personality. Clean space. 10/10 would return! HAIR: I did a cut and color with Joey and walked out super happy! She gave me an insightful consultation while also taking time to learn about my life and hair care routine. She considered my schedule, lifestyle, and preferences and together we landed on a great cut and color. COVID SAFETY & CLEANLINESS: Wow. She's so thorough and clean. Masked the entire time. Had me wash my hands upon arrival--all while having a tidy and welcoming space. CONVERSATION: I loved my time in Joey's chair! I also loved that Joey has a questionnaire before you come to the appointment asking if you prefer a chiller/quieter vibe or if you're open to chat. She respects your boundaries and just wants you to have a good time. It makes me so happy to have found a queer hairstylist who works hard to be accommodating, welcoming, and kind. She affirmed me, respected me, and made me laugh! See you soon Joey! read more

I came to Joey with box dyed hair that I stripped and toned myself. And on top of that, I haven't had a trim in 6+ months. Bottom line: my hair was mess. I have anxiety and I was nervous about my appointment because I knew that I really did serious damage to my hair and in the past I've been scolded and shamed for playing with my hair. But Joey was understanding and compassionate; she made it clear that she was there to help. Joey was honest with me about the state of my hair and corrected my hair accordingly. I felt like Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries after the makeover scene. I might have been a mess when I entered the salon, but I left looking like a princess. Additionally!! The salon is so adorable and Joey offers treats, beverages and other comforts that made the experience very enjoyable. I look forward to my next appointment in likeeeeeeeee 6 months read more

Yesterday was my first time going to Joey and I am so glad I found her! I've been wanting a queer haircut and I've never been sure how to ask for one but Joey's consultation form made everything straight forward and easy. At the appointment, Joey was friendly and accommodating and the haircut turned out so great. I recommended Joey and I can't wait to come back. read more

I didn't know what curly truly looked like until I sat in Joey's chair. I knew that I had a wave with maybe some light curl, but after coming in for a Quidad certified curly haircut. I came away with more luscious curls and texture than I could have ever imagined. Friends have even asked if it was something more than just a haircut to achieve my new style. Nope, just a proper cut, and product. Caring for this newness has been effortless. It's wash, run product (2 total) through my hair, and let it air dry. I can't remember the last time I needed to grab a styling tool. Easy breezy. Speaking of product. Joey carries a couple of sublime lines, Hair story, and Cult + King. These products genuinely represent clean beauty and sustainable packaging. The packing for Cult + King is gorgeous. They smell fantastic and ACTUALLY DO WHAT THEY SAY THEY WILL DO. Joey not only talked me through how to use it but had me apply some myself, so I knew exactly how she achieved my look. I also need to rave about her space. Joey has designed and curated a unique, welcoming, and aesthetically beautiful micro-studio. While also taking every precaution during these times to keep her clients safe. Between the open-air flow, filters, and fans. She also has protocols that are clearly set in place for each client to follow. There is plenty of free street parking right in front of her studio. Finally, there is the queen herself, Joey! Other than being immensely talented. She is such a warm and lovely human. I love that she listens to what you are looking for, helps you find the right style for your hair type/face frame, and genuinely wants to get to know you. She has fostered a place where you can feel safe and be yourself. Between her website (STUNNING) and Instagram feed, you get to know her and what she is about before even stepping foot in her studio. While she books out quite a way, I can only suggest that you be ok with it because the results are worth it. Plus, keep an eye out on her Instagram page for last-minute openings because they do happen, and she's good about posting them. read more

I've never gotten so many compliments with one change in my life. What's interesting is that people aren't saying "I love your haircut" as they have when I've had a sleek bob. They're saying "wow, you look gorgeous" or "your hair looks amazing", which reflects to me that Joey's magic is that she can enhance whatever you already have in a way that brings out your best assets instead of your haircut walking into the room in front of you. I have 2a/2b hair that has a bunch of different curl patterns. She was able to work with all of them to give me a hair that no longer looks like a crazy mop. You can see before and after in the pics. read more

Joey Stevenson - Hair Stylists Near Me

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When I found Joey's hair salon, I knew I'd hit the jackpot! I never thought I'd be so lucky to find a queer hair stylist who specializes in curly hair and is dedicated to safety too. I'd been trying to make a change to my hair for a while but I didn't know exactly what I wanted. I'd gone to other stylists with some vague ideas and they weren't able to help, but Joey worked with me, made suggestions, and I ended up with the best haircut I've ever had! On top of that, Joey is an awesome, kind and authentic person. read more

Got my dream haircut from Joey!!! She is not only a wonderful and attentive stylist, but a truly lovely person. Her studio is super cute and has great ambiance -- genuinely the best haircut experience I've ever had. As a queer person with curly hair, I rarely leave haircuts comfortable or happy with my hair, but that could not be further from the truth with Joey. Will 100%%%% be back!! read more

Joey helped me when my hair was a complete mess after some health stuff. She helped get me on the right track and I'm excited to have her be my stylist as my hair grows back. Her studio is inviting. Best part is that she makes you feel comfortable through the whole experience, even when you have to cut inches off. Thanks for everything! read more

I have been seeing Joey for a year and a half now, and I'm so happy with her craft and service. She sees my gender expression and helped me transition from a hard femme mullet with undercut to a softer (but still edgy :)) shag over time and without any awkward cuts along the way. I appreciate her COVID protocols, that she asks what kind of vibes I want for my salon experience, that she's down to use my fragrance-free products if I bring them along and that she's so wholeheartedly here for making the queers sparkle and glow. read more

I needed several days to adjust to my new haircut and my curls. And after 3-4 washing I started seeing even and nice curly hair:) read more

Joey Stevenson - Hair Stylists Near Me

Joey is an incredible stylist, especially for people with curls. Not only does my hair look great every time, she is a joy to talk to. A queer mom herself, she is easy to connect with and genuinely seems to enjoy her job. I started seeing Joey all the way back in 2004 and through numerous moves lost touch for a bit. I tried desperately to find someone else but there was no one who could create the magic that Joey could. I was ecstatic to hear she had made the move to Oakland and now I have her back. Curls or not, she'll give you a great cut and style and make you feel super at ease in her chair. She's amazing! read more

Joey Stevenson - Gorgeous color and curls! - Hair Stylists Near Me

Highly recommend!! Joey is amazing!! Joey gave me an amazing gender affirming haircut, that helped me be comfortable to come out as non-binary and change my name. So thank you soooo much!! Hands down best queer haircut in Oakland! read more

Joey Stevenson - Hair Stylists Near Me

I feel so lucky that I found Joey!! I have never gotten more compliments on a haircut. The booking experience was really easy. Plus she's super genuine and kind!! I can't wait to go back read more

Joey is absolutely incredible! She made me feel such at ease and was so knowledgeable about curly hair. My curls--and cut!-- have never looked better. I will most definitely be going back to her. Plus, her salon is super cute. I also appreciated her attention to inclusion and accessibility of all individuals. I was blown away. read more

I started seeing Joey in 2016 after admiring a friends hair for years and finally asking her where she got her hair done. Joey is attentive, professional and I leave every session feeling good and looking fabulous. She listens to what I am concerned about and helps me when I time and time again ask her for tips on technique. I've come to count Joey as friend/therapist/hair Goddess. I have a loved one who recently came out as trans and I said to her - I need to take you to Joey. This was about more than a haircut and I knew that Joey would treat my family member- who had never had a womans hair cut - delicately and with care and love. It was through Joey that I finally- FINALLY (in a very low key, low pressure way)- embraced my curly hair and learned to feel good about it. I moved out of the area but am still within a 1.5 hr drive and intend to keep seeing Joey. Hair is too important to trust in the care of randos! read more

Joey was late to our appointment AT HER OWN HOUSE. She needed to end the appointment without fully drying my hair. She felt rushed at the end (due to there being a client waiting for her) and she said I have a lot of hair which is why she took longer. She was condescending and when I asked her for hair advice, she told me it was based on personal opinion but I wanted her to let me know how to look good?? One of the things she was condescending about was my interpretation of curtain bangs. She correcting me twice about what curtain bangs were. Im not a professional, why would I know? Funny enough, on her social media, THE SAME DAY she posted a picture with the caption "this is long curtain bangs." Coincidence? I mentioned that I have had bad experiences with other stylists. I thought this experience would be different due to her promotion of inclusivity online but this was not true. DONT COME HERE. HER WEBSITE AND SHE WILL FOOL YOU!!! read more

TLDR: I LOVE Joey's haircuts and HIGHLY recommend her!! I have medium/long wavy hair and had been on a multi-year journey to find a hairstylist who knew what to do with it -- I was used to stylists simply straightening my hair, then cutting it, without paying attention to the curl pattern. That all changed with Joey! A friend had emphatically referred her to me, citing her as a curly hair EXPERT who truly invests in each client. I booked an appointment immediately and have been a REPEAT CUSTOMER ever since. Joey is clearly a master of her profession. As soon as I entered her salon, she identified my hair type, curl/wave pattern, and gave me the space to talk about what I was looking for. Unlike in any prior salons I've visited, she really made me feel heard and like we were in no rush to figure out the perfect haircut plan for me. I also loved that she actually taught me how to style my hair on my own at the end of the haircut, and guided me through some great products. The haircuts I've gotten at Joey's last for months without losing their shape and style-- I could let it grow out for 5 months, but I know I'll be back sooner than that, since I love going to Joey's!! read more

Joey is actual magic!!! I first heard of her curly skills when a fellow fine art model showed up to a meeting with the most gorgeous shag, & when I sang her haircut's praises, she pointed me to Joey. Alas, I am often overly determined to be DIY about my hair, so I kept chopping and bleaching my own waves, to mixed results. After things on my head got a little more wacky than charmingly quirky, I decided it was time to bring in a professional, & searched "best queer hair Bay Area", & the internet insisted I go to Joey- I'm SO grateful I did! Joey has brought out my natural curls more than I though possible, chopped me to an adorable asymmetrical pixie thing when I wanted an exciting change, bleached my brown to the perfect rose gold, & has just generally been a total hair whisperer every time I've seen her! And, no matter the state of my DIY hair when I decided to come in, she always finds something kind to say in praise of my (sometimes ill advised) home hair attempts! And a last note in this gushing review: my mom, who has gorgeous & often unruly waves, & who has a lot of trouble finding folks who can cut her hair the way she wants, now goes to Joey, & consistently adores the way her hair turns out! You read more

I got a great haircut from Joey! She was professional and friendly and was really collaborative about planning the haircut. I will definitely be going back and recommend this place to anyone looking for a good haircut. For reference I have short curly hair and was looking for a queer vibes haircut! read more

Like other reviewers, I found Joey by googling "queer haircut Bay Area" and OMG I am thrilled! Joey was fantastic-- very intentional and thoughtful about everything: her business, COVID safety, her booking process, the products she sells, her talents/years of experience and who is best served by her work and vice versa. I went in for a big chop and Joey was great about looking at all the random haircut photos I'd saved to my phone, taking it all in, and coalescing it into a haircut that I am so happy with. (And! She sent a cute handwritten thank you card in the mail a couple days after my appointment!) Five stars, can't wait to go back! read more

Joey has a fantastic setup! I came to her after a prior stylist abandoned covid protections, and I was thrilled to see how thoroughly and considerately Joey has arranged her salon. She definitely cares about her clients' well-being! Her onboarding process was also very thorough and she took a lot of care to find out what I was looking for. The time in her chair flew by as we chatted and she did my long cut, and I left feeling very satisfied. The next step will be to see how this grows out, as I'm a real low-maintenance hair person.... read more

I cannot rave enough about Joey! She is AMAZING! I have a giant head and lots of unmanageable curly hair (top is flat/straight, bottom is full of ringlets). I had one cut with her around my birthday became a huge fan. When we decided to get married in Tahoe two months later, I went back to get my hair primed for the big day. She did the OUIDAD cut for me and showed me how to utilize all the products I needed to ensure as much curl action as possible on my big day. Tahoe is crazy dry air and historically flattened/straightened my curls so I was a little nervous as to what we could make happen. She did a fantastic cut that boosted my curls exponentially and walked me through how to prep and prime. Day of, I used all her tips and it turned out so great, I can't even believe it. Would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for a great, reasonably priced, cut or color. read more

I've never missed a haircut more than from Joey. One of my hardest losses in leaving the Bay Area! I have short thick coarse hair that I like short and cute and queer and malleable. Joey hooks me up. read more

Joey is so great! She has great instincts and is also a clear communicator. She's such a skilled stylist and also a fun collaborator in coming up with hair adventures. I'm so happy to have found a stylist I trust! read more

Joey is such an adept hair wizard. I came in seeking a massive transformation from long, long hair that had not been cut since before the pandemic, to a somewhat obscure, gender affirming shortcut that I described as "shtetl boi". I wanted a cut that felt both butch/ masc and very Jewish and (though she is not Jewish), Joey worked such magic and made it happen! it was such a collaborate process of looking at photos together, and adjusting and readjusting as the cut came in to form. I felt amazing walking out, and friends who did not know the look I was going for immediately recognized me for the identity/gender I was trying to embody. I have felt so transformed by Joey's magic. amazing amazing Amazing! read more

Joey has given me beautiful haircuts for years! I have never found a hair stylist other than her who I went to over and over -- I just moved out the area and think she is truly irreplaceable. She styles my hair emphasizing the little bit of curl I've got, and she really brings it out. Has always been careful to leave on the length / not cut too much if I've requested it. I went through a major facial surgery during my time seeing her, and her haircuts (and also the fact that she's a really kind and welcoming spirit) were one of the only things that made me feel beautiful then. Also I stopped dying my hair after YEARS of doing so, and she gave me the best transitional hair coloring. It was one of those "I didn't know hair could be like this" kind of moments. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment with this skillful, creative, and lovely-hearted stylist!! read more

12 minutes ago Today is my second appointment with Joey Stevenson, she's so great. Both times she talked to me to really make sure she understood exactly what I wanted. I've been getting my hair cut and highlighted for years, but I've never had a stylist who cares this much to understand exactly what I want and then delivers it with such precision. She is the best colorist I've ever had!!! I will only go to her now! She also goes above and beyond to make sure I'm comfortable the whole time. She delivers at a celebrity salon level, without the snobbiness or attitude you get with a lot of elite stylists. I highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I didn't know my hair could be coaxed into waves verging on curls! I can't believe this can be done with no product and just air-drying my hair! I am not particularly vain but I can't stop looking at my amazing hair in the mirror. My time with Joey was relaxing and pleasant--a nice break from the usual chaos. Lots of air circulation with windows open, masks, etc. made everything feel especially Covid-safe. Sign up for the waiting list if you are in a hurry--if you are flexible, you will be able to get an appointment sooner than a month and a half out. Seriously, though, Joey is worth the wait. Thank you, Joey! read more

Got to see Joey for the first time and I'm so thrilled I found them. Joey's salon is a post-pandemic dream -- thoroughly sanitized, breezy and outdoorsy, quiet, and one-on-one. The salon space is wheelchair accessible, no steps, and low-fragrance (any fragrances are all natural botanicals!) No chemical smells which generally make me feel sick. All this was thrilling but wow the haircut was also GREAT! I got exactly what I wanted, and Joey was trained and ready for all the different cool cuts and colors and styles! We went with a razor cut, it looks SO GOOD, and I'm truly so grateful I found Joey!! read more

Joey gives the BEST haircuts, and is such a nice person to boot! It's also a bonus that her one-person home salon is lovely, welcoming, and safe as heck for germophobes. I will always go to Joey for haircuts and fun chats! read more