LOVE Julie!! Everyone complimented on my hair after I went to see Julie. The cut, color, it was so great and really enjoyed conversation with Julie. Can't wait to go back there again. read more

I'm writing a second review for Julie, who took care of my air and makeup for my wedding day. Julie also did the hair and makeup for my two bridesmaids. She truly brough out the best in our features and made us look so beautiful. Julie gave me lavender/silver roots and a blushy pinkish blonde throughout. We did a trial run for the makeup about four days before the wedding to make sure everything was just right. On the big day, julie arrived with plenty of time, bringing her tools and humor with her, to do the makeup and give us those old-Hollywood/Lana Del Rey curls that look good on just about anybody. Thank you, Julie, for such amazing work! :D read more

Julie is a genius. She's dyed my hair natural brown with lovely highlights, to patterns, to beautiful blue and green and violet mermaid hair, and everything in between. She's cut it into just about as many styles too. My hair always looks it's best when I step out of her salon. Thank you Julie for all your hard work, I really appreciate you!! read more

After my long time hair stylist moved away, I was on the hunt for someone new and I found her. I am really happy with the cut and color I had here. Julie could not be any nicer and she did a great job on my hair. I am looking forward to many years of beautiful hair at Sakura Studio! read more

I was just referring a friend who just moved up to the Bay to Julie for her amazing color skills and I realized. If I am out referring people to Julie in person I should give her props on here too. What I love about Julie is she does all types and styles of hair well. She is amazing with color. If you want a sexy and natural look or go a little more edgy with some color and a fun cut, she gets what you want and you will have fun while she does it. I have to say one of the best colorist I have ever witnessed. She knows color and cuts and travels prides her self in her skills. Oh and what's better is Julie's vibe is fun, mellow and real. She has done hair for my friends wedding as well and it was gorgeous!!!! I have had my hair done by Julie since 2004. I now live farther away and wish she was closer. Can't say enough!!!! read more

This morning I woke up and did my usual routine. Went to the bathroom and did a double take at how sleek my hair still looks! Wow. Normally, I'd cringe, because my hair usually resembles a cross between a frizzy mess on a good day and a bad afro wig on a bad day, but not anymore. The cut I got from Nicole (a friendly and very talented stylist!) the other day is absolutely awesome. I can run my fingers through my hair and it no longer feels wrong. It's manageable, lays just right and I've already received tons of compliments. What more do I need? Just in time for the holidays, too. The salon's atmosphere is fun. Bright with lots of windows and you can really see the charm of the Piedmont neighborhood. As for the salon itself, I wasn't expecting a one person only accommodation! I really love it and it sure beats waiting in a chain mega salon with gross flourescents and frenetic anonymity. No assembly lines here. You feel really catered to at Sakura and I'm thrilled to have found a new stylist since moving to the Bay Area. It's a little drive for me from the Peninsula, but you know what? It's worth it! read more

I can't believe I'm just now writing a review for Julie - I've been seeing her for over a decade (at least) following her from Montclair to SF and, Oakland! I have curly hair and it's very difficult to find someone that can cut curly hair well (and understands what a TRIM is) Julie is great and, once I found her, have traveled to get my hair done by her no matter where I was living (Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Jose, etc). On top of the great cut, I trust Julie's suggestions and input when I want to switch it up and get some color in these locks. She's the best and always has great energy; I always look forward to my appointments! read more

Hands down the best haircut and styling I've had in the last 10 years. Julie's warm reception, and the beautiful space she has organized at Sakura Studio, set the tone for an amazing experience. The haircut made my week. Great angles. She knows her geometry, which I discovered in talking with her, is vital to her work. I'm so impressed I am returning tomorrow to get some coloring done, something I haven't trusted in a stylist in over a decade. She really knew how to cut a man's hair, something really special and rare in my experience. Would recommend her to anyone, but especially to guys looking to get a classic but contemporary look. I almost don't want to post this for fear yelp hipsters all over the bay area will flock to her. I don't pretend my recommendation matters that much, however, and even if that does happen, she deserves the extra business! read more

Ditto on all Julie's reviews! I have been a client for over 15 years and shudder to think what I would look like without her talented hands and creative genius I am a brand new yelp user and had to make Sakura my first review. Thank you Julile and please never retire read more

Julie is a master of hair! She is absolutely brilliant. Her salon is easy to get to and is a private studio. No distractions. Julie is amazing when it comes to color and styling. She is a perfect for those people who are looking for something new and different but haven't decided what it is! I always feel so beautiful after a session with Julie. For that reason I try to see her at least once a month. read more

This is the cutest little salon I've ever ever seen. It makes you feel like a rock-star very private and exclusive. Julie is the greatest and my friend raves about the shampoo she sells. read more

I've been with Julie for many years, through various salon changes, and I love getting my hair done at her own charming salon, Sakura Studio. She is a top-notch cutter, colorist, and stylist, and I love the way my hair feels and shines after a visit with her. She gives personalized, professional services with a friendly and caring touch. Plus, she uses Davines products, a high-end Italian line that doesn't contain ammonia. My hair even smells great after getting colored! I once tried an Aveda concept salon and they gave me a dreadful dye job. I went running back to Julie. I now drive all the way up from San Jose to see her and have referred several happy clients to her. I can't recommend Julie and Sakura Studio highly enough! read more

I travel here from San Francisco.....that says it all. Julie is a magician with colour and uses the highest quality ingredients and has the best conversational skills. I always feel inspired after sitting in her chair~ read more

Julie is super talented, friendly, and listens to you. She will hear your cry for hair that you love and deliver it to you. I always look forward to visiting her cozy salon in the adorable Piedmont neighborhood and I consistently leave feeling like a million bucks. I have a LOT of hair, but the strands are fine. Some parts are straight, some wavy. Julie gave me the chic, layered long bob I'd been lusting after. A gal at work even told me she was going to copy my hairstyle - and then did (mine looks better though) :) Julie also gave me a great tutorial on a few hair tricks while I begrudgingly let my hair grow out for my wedding. Always above and beyond -- true to Julie's style. read more

I'm not sure why I haven't written a review here yet... since Julie is one of my most favorite people in the WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD! I came upon Sakura Studio by recommendation of a former colleague of Julie's that I was seeing, but who was moving out of the area. I started getting my super thick, long, crazy hair done by Julie about 8 years ago. She always has great ideas and takes the time needed to get everything done right. I've had all kinds of crazy cuts and colors done over the years, and she's always been so creative and accommodating... whether I'm feeling adventurous or boring that day! Julie is the greatest. Truly. Love love love. read more

I can't say enough good things about Nicole. She's been cutting and coloring my hair, as well as giving me great (solicited) advice about style and color for 4 years now. I followed her to Sakura from her previous salon in SF (which I live 2 blocks away from) because I couldn't bear to lose her. Now I'm very fussy about my hair and have been in tears numerous times in the past with other stylists over misunderstandings in what I wanted. But not with Nicole. She does an amazing job with my super stubborn 50% gray hair (I'm in my mid 30s). The other half is a dark brown and she manages to get me a gorgeous even strawberry blonde that gets compliments wherever I go. I also adore her modern styles, both for short hair, and as I'm growing out to a shoulder length. She encourages (but never pressures) me to try new cuts which I always love and has added some bright pops of color (I loved the bright fuschia she added to the end of my hair) when I was in the mood to switch things up. Nicole also does a great job with my partner's short thick stubborn hair, following the natural lines of her hair and giving her a style that's easy to care for but looks styled and smart. read more

Tonight was my first time at Sakura Studio and I felt like Julie was an old friend. She was so nice and personable, not to mention giving me exactly what I wanted with my hair. I told her to surprise me and I was completely satisfied with my new style. read more

I looked for a hairstylist for years who understood what I was asking for. Not a couple years, more like 15 years. Julie is the first person I've found who gets it. She takes the risks that I like, and the color is always perfect. I'm devoted. read more

I am so delighted to have found Julie, who is Sakura Studio. I was paying a lot of money to a very fancy salon in SF and what do you know? My hair didn't look so hot. The first thing she said to me was "let's get your hair healthy, that's the most important thing." Now, I have a great cut, great color and very healthy hair. Yahoo. The line of products she sells(Davines) is terrific. And, what's more, Julie is just a sweetheart and a delight to work with. Thank you, Julie. I wish you much success. You deserve it. read more

I come all the way from San Francisco to this peaceful, exclusive-feeling "hold the attitude" salon for top notch hair care and styling. I agree with the reviewer who said the salon makes you feel like a "super star." And now onto the most important part..the stylist! Nicole is amazing. She is an absolute pro on color. I'm a naturally ashen blonde and she helps brighten my locks without making them look artificial. Some might say, well, duh, but trust me, this is no easy task (I've paid good money at other places to come out looking like a reality tv show character streaked to the max or with a color resembling a chicken's bottom feathers). She's like a little scientist, mixing her colors, applying, monitoring and voila! Outcome: Mousiness gone, skin alight, not too drastic for when the roots start growing in. As for the cut, she takes stock of my daily wear habits and desire to "wear my hair down more" and works with both scenarios . Finally, as if that weren't enough, she is the only stylist I've ever been to who makes my hair look absolutely fabulous at the end and not like I'm on my way to Sears for a portrait. She uses a diffuser, some scrunching techniques and some cream to create some wave to my otherwise straight hair and fringes out my swoop of bangs for a darling look. I skip away happily and looking cute from Sakura and in the mood for a sundae on Sunday at nearby Fentons. What a treasure of a salon on the charming and nostalgic Piedmont Avenue. read more

I have been going to see julie for 10 years - I love what she does for me and I always get compliments on my hair - in fact I moved to LA last year and I make special trips up to Oakland to have her do my hair! She is a genius! read more

I wouldn't let anyone but Julie touch my hair. :) I've been with Julie for years! She's warm, welcoming, talented, and a wonderful person. I always get compliments on my color even months after I've had any work done. read more

I found this salon using yelp and am so happy with my hair cut. Julie is a great stylist. She really talked through what I wanted to do with my hair before starting, and had an opinion. I like when stylists have an opinion, if I had asked for a cut that would not have looked good she would have let me know. The cut I got gave my hair a lot more body, and what girls dose not want that. The studio she has is cute and clean with great natural light. It was a great salon experience. read more