I'm sticking with Maggie as my stylist. This was my second time there with her. She does a great job, doesn't overcharge and is just the sweetest person. I love when they offer me something to drink and are attentive to my needs. She offered me a comb to scratch my head knowing the hair color makes your scalp itchy! They offer other services besides hair services like nails and even massage! I haven't tried those but may in the future. The place is clean and has drinks and snacks for sale. It is bright and cheery and is always busy, which is a good sign! The location is great as well because it is right off the 8 freeway in La Mesa. As far as I am concerned, this place meets all my needs in terms of a hair salon! read more

Elaina Simeona is one of the estheticians at Shear illusions and she's amazing. Got my eyebrows laminated and waxed and I turned out perfect. read more

Shear Illusions - Brows before. - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

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As always, my facial with Shelby last week left my skin glowing. She uses Eminence products which are amazing (I've actually purchased a few things to use at home) and I love the "me" time spent being pampered. Thanks Shelby! Will be back. read more

I just started going to Margarita, she revamped my hair and gave me a awesome A-line hair cut( not everyone can do A-line cuts btw) that i love!! My sister recommended her to me and my sister has been going to her for more than 5 years I'm going back to get more of a natural blonde ombre , I have bleach blonde hair and I'm over this look I've had for 5 years! I'm so excited , and I'll be posting a pic when I go next week ! read more

Shear Illusions - Margarita's work is the best can't wait to change up my blonde with her next week ! - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

So back in 2008 my friend referred me to AMY (: She's simply DA BEST!!! I have been going to Amy for years and man oh man...recently moved and how I miss her! Fortunately for me...I come visit "home" once or twice a year...and always come running back! She listens, she asks questions, she pays attention, and she follows through. She's amazing! Definitely worth quite a penny, but worth every single one! She's super sweet, and always got a smile on her face. I have been coming here for 6 years...not one complaint. Staff is super nice, very respectful, and they got free coffee (; soda $1..vitamin water $1.50...snacks $1...baskets and baskets of magazines...comfy couches in the waiting area. Restrooms are super clean!!! Hope this review helped!!! read more

New to the area, needed a new hairstylist. Yelp recommend Shear Illusions! .. so I called. Wonderful service, wonderful people. The vibe is comfortable and inviting. Coffee and tea bar! I got assigned to Dalia, and she rocked! Love my new hair cut and highlight. I feel beautiful, thanks Dalia read more

Shear Illusions - Drab to fab. Layers, highlights and redlights. By Dalia :) - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

Lisa is my stylist and I absolutely LOVE what she does with my hair! When I don't know what I want with my hair she does and gets it exactly right every time! I've never been disappointed and would 100% recommend her to anyone AND EVERYONE! read more

Shear Illusions - Hilights - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

Shelby is amazing! I went to her to get a spray tan for my upcoming trip and I look like amazing! I walked in looking like Caspers sister and I now look like a GOLDEN GODDESS!! She is so professional and really up holds the standards of sanitation and safety, especially during these unprecedented times! I will definitely be going back for her other services! read more

This review is a little late but better late than never. I had my hair highlighted and cut on December 29, 2017 by Margo. She is such a sweetheart and really knows what she is doing. I love my hair. I have not been this happy with my hair in years. Thank you Margo! read more

Shear Illusions - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

The Greatest Hair Designer EVER (color too) works here: PORTIA ~ First time I went she had me. I mean I've been around and No one I mean no one can do my hair the way I Want!! UNTIL NOW! She didn't cut to much which I hate and she actually did the color EXACTLY as I asked. I will never ever go anywhere else. I used to hate to get my hair cut, not anymore, I can't wait to go back. She listened to what I asked her to do. Again rare... Just like her! read more

WOW! I just had the best waxing by Shelby G at Sheer Illusions! If you are looking for a great esthetician she is your girl!!! High quality, very talented!! I can't wait to go back! read more

Went to Darla, the massage therapist, and it was the best massage I've ever had- hands down. I've had many massages in the past and it was one of a kind. Worked out some knots, very professional, very kind woman, great personality. Going to come here anytime I need a massage. Had a gift card I used and I'm hooked. Highly highly highly recommend. read more

So, a while ago, I used a Groupon to come here and see Portia. I would strongly recommend to a) not use a groupon and b) try somewhere else. The haircut was really not good, even for a Groupon and I should have paid normal price to go somewhere else to get a normal haircut. Afterall, what haircut place makes you fill out a form asking you for every personal bit of information about yourself? She seemed to pressure me into coming back too. Even after telling me that I did not take good care of my hair and telling me only what was done to it after the fact. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS EXPERIENCE. Will NOT be back. read more

The girls at the front desk are complete idiots. I knew this salon moved, so I called for the new address and the dumb shit up front gave me the old address! When I reminded her that this was a new address and the salon she works at had moved, she said "oh yeah." and she had to place me on hold to find out what the address was. Not only that, I had called a week prior to my appointment to make sure I was still scheduled. I was. For 7pm. Well, today I get a reminder call telling me its at 5pm! WTF? The girl at the desk says "oops, sorry." Appointment cancelled. Taking my business elsewhere. This review has nothing to do with the stylists themselves, but if your representation up front can't do their job, that shows enough about your salon, and I want no part of it. read more

My family and I have been going here for over the past 20 years and have always had a pleasant experience. Originally we would see the owner, Rita but as work schedules have made it harder to schedule with her my sister and I started to see Rhonda who had more availability. I am naturally a brunette but decided I wanted to go blonde for summer. I wanted to do a blonde balayage. Rhonda explained that it would be a process and that it would take more than one session to reach the results I was hoping for with the color and the dimension. In our first session I ended up with neon bleached hair. I called Rhonda and she had me come in so she could add more toner, saying that my hair had lightened much more than she had expected it too. My hair looked better but after a few days it was really brassy colored so I was relieved when she called me and said that she wanted me to come in, that she'd been thinking about my hair and she wasn't happy with the way it had turned out. I went back in and had my hair toned once more. Over the next week and a half my hair was completely brassy even purchasing and using the purple shampoo that Rhonda suggested; it just looked horrible. I contacted Rhonda to see if she could fix the brassiness but was told that there would be a charge and that, " As I mentioned when we started your going lighter process, that it would take time to get it to the place you would love it. It's normal after three weeks to need toning. Like what we did on your last visit." One of the problems was that it hadn't even been three weeks since she had last toned my hair. The brassiness had returned within the first week. Unhappy that I would be charged again, when my hair wasn't even close to looking good and after multiple people told me how bad my hair looked and that Rhonda should fix it I decided to go to another salon and see if there was anything they could do. I went to Hot Seat Salon in El Cajon and saw Jannae. I was told that my hair was over toned and that it would not get rid of brassiness. Not only was she able to get rid of the brassiness but she achieved the results I was hoping for in one session. I finally had a balayage look. Not only did it take one session but it was half of what I was charged for one session with Rhonda. Because of the way Rhonda handled things, I was never told the total cost from start to finish, was never told how many sessions it would take to complete the look I was wanting, and my hair never even looked close to the pictures I showed her. I won't be going back and will continue to go to Hot Seat Salon. Unfortunately because of this, Shear illusions just lost three customers because of poor customer service. Shear Illusions is still a nice salon and Rita is very sweet with wonderful customer service. Unlike with Rhonda who had an attitude when I wasn't happy with my hair. If you see Rita, you will be happy. read more

Shear Illusions - On the left side is my before picture w/how my hair was after 3 sessions with Rhonda. On the right side is after 1 session w/Hot seat Salon. - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

5th time here and Maggie is always giving me the hair I want... Clean and friendly. Haven't tried the other services here but everybody leaves happy. read more

Meant to write this FOREVER ago- and completely forgot until I was reminded I need to book another appointment! I lost my stylist, and saw a Groupon for a hair cut with Portia and I went for it. I had a completely open mind to what the experience would be like- and she did NOT disappoint at all. Professional and VERY helpful, taking the time to give me SO many tips and tricks to style. No one has ever spent that much time and effort in working with me to make sure I was comfortable styling my hair once I left the chair. The 5 stars are for Portia- all other stylists in the salon may be as incredible, but I merely don't have the experience (and now- I won't need to- I found my stylist!!!!!) read more

This receptionist is awesome, she knows and remembers the clients and is obviously good at her job. My first facial with Renie wasn't very impressive. I was 15 minutes early and she was 15 minutes late... so that was frustrating. There was a ton of "down time" where masks were drying on my face, and I was just laying on a table for long periods of time. With other facials, the esthetician finds something to do.. like massage your scalp or shoulders in the time it takes a mask to dry. I bought 3 facials, so when I went in for my second one, my hopes weren't too high. The second one was actually significantly better- I think the total time I was just laying there was more like 7-10 minutes.. much shorter. Also know that one of the masks she uses burns. Bad. And it's on there for a long time. Just a heads up, in case you like relaxing facials. read more

I've been a client of the owner (Rita) for over 25+ years, and I always end up coming back to her because no one else goes the extra mile like Rita does. (The only reason I went else where is because I live in Alpine, and thought that I might find someone as good as Rita in my area........ but I never ever did). I love the new salon and all the services it has to offer! read more

Portia keeps my hairstyle looking fabulous!! Over 1 year ago I needed to find a Hair Stylist I could have a relationship with, I believe your hair is an accessory and having that person that can give you fabulous style, even when you don't know what you want, is a gift. So, off I went with my Groupon. I read all the bad reviews but I still went, you could say I was desperate to find MY Hair Stylist and this was the 5th Groupon plus I like to form my own opinions. Think of how many movies you love and think should have been Oscar worthy which were murdered with bad reviews. I didn't want to pay full price on someone I didn't have a relationship with and it was worth the wait. Portia is very intuitive and if you have been wearing the same 80's hairstyle for the past 10-15 years then please don't go to Portia, you're wasting your time and money. You will be better off going to one of the other local places and paying $17 for a haircut. The saran wrap method she uses is not a cheap alternative, many salons in L.A. use it and it's been around for a long time. My hair is the healthiest it's ever been since I've started going with Portia and I always get full highlights. Thank you Portia for making me feel beautiful and out of the ordinary. See you soon!! read more

Shear Illusions - Loving my last hairstyle!! Thank you Portia!! - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

Rhonda B. Did it again! I wanted to go short and she gave me exactly the cut I wanted. She listens, takes her time, and works her magic! I've been going to her for a couple of years now and I'm so glad I found her. Thanks again Rhonda... You Rock! read more

Shear Illusions - Rhonda on the right... - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Elaina Owens!!!! She's truly the best of the best! I am so picky when it comes to my eyebrows but she always knows what I want and how to make my eyebrows look absolutely PERFECT. Elaina Owens is my go to girl for everything! Trust me you will not regret going to her! read more

I got my haircut with kelly. About a year ago I had a pixie cut, and it has grown out to look like a mullet. I told her that i wanted it to be all even around bob, and it came out great!!!! I will definitely come here ago for other survives. I just booked this appointment at last minute yesterday too, and they are la mesa's best salon awarded. I had my 1 month old with me for this appointment and no problems, i could hold and feed him throughout the appointment . I am very pleased!! read more

Shear Illusions - Bob cut - Skin Care Near Me - La Mesa, California

LOVE Michelle White's shellac manicures! They last the full two weeks- the only reason to get them touched up is because they grow out! No chips! read more

I've been going to Portia for over 15 years now and she is awesome. She listens to what you want and I'm always satisfied with my hair when I leave the salon. This is the best salon she has worked at. There is amazing people that work here I get my nails done by Madonna! My family all go to Portia for their hair, Also all my friends I have referred refuse to go anywhere else now! They are all satisfied with their hair by Portia! Madonna does incredible nails, I do a mixture of acrylics and Gels depending on what mood I'm in. Her Acrylics would last me at least 3 weeks and her gels would last at least 2 weeks. She is fun to talk to while getting your nails done and is professional. I would definitely recommend her to friends and family. In fact, a couple of my friends and family already have standing appointments with her! read more

Colleen is the greatest. She LISTENS to what you want, DOES what you want, and I always come away feeling and looking my best. The other people who work there are awesome. I have been there many times over the years and see great hair, nails, and makeup going out the door! Also, it is fun and everyone is gracious, kind, and they ENJOY their work and customers. If you're looking for "hair home," this is IT!!!! read more

I saw a woman at my job with the most amazing eyelashes. She referred me to Renie Gossack at Shear illusions. I had never had them done before and I must say, I am beyond pleased! I absolutely love them. Renie is professional, takes her time and her skills are impeccable. You can't even tell they're fake unless you know what to look for. I will be going back to her! read more

Rhonda is absolutely AMAZING! I highly recommend her. I put my hair thru so much and she helps keep it healthy. She does a wonderful natural blonde that has dimension and the grow out looks natural. I have also gotten extensions with Rhonda and she places them so they are extremely easy to hide and no one can tell! You will not be disappointed if you give Rhonda a chance! read more

Renie Gossack is the best esthetician ever!! I have tried different people in the past but I will never go to anyone other than Renie again. She gives the best facials with organic products from Hungary. My skin texture has improved so much since I started going to her. My brows look amazing! I never have any issues after a waxing session. Thank you Renie for helping me look my best! read more

I went to this Salon on a groupon. I was told one of two stylists were honoring the groupon so I went with Portia. Though she took the time to explain the dos and don'ts, she did a horrible job on the highlight. Did not listen at all to what I wanted and asked for and caused a lot of bleeding of color throughout my hair. She uses clear plastic wrap instead of foil or hard plastic, to save money, but it is not stable, it slides causing the bleeding. She does not stop prior to the root either, so she stains the scalp and skin, which is not what should be done on a highlight and if trying to cover as much, she should use a stain protector, as merely washing it or using wipes does not work and it is embarrassing walking out that way. She also does not use a towel or protector around the collar of the cape and that is totally against health standards. What if someone has a contagious skin disease or the shingles? I will never go back!!!! A hint to the salon owner: Though it seems all these stylists are booth renters, you might still need to set and ensure some standards for your own good. read more

My wife and I have been going to Shear Illusions for 25 plus years. Our stylist, Teri, cuts, colors and styles our hair while we enjoy talking and keeping current. She also does permanent makeup. I look forward to seeing Teri and having my hair styled for my best appearance. My wife also has her nails done by Sharon and pedicures by Breasha. All three are highly recommended. We are so pleased with them and Shear Illusions. They always offer a coffee or tea. It a pleasure to go! Thanks Shear Illusions, Teri, Sharon and Breasha. read more

I followed my hairstylist, Portia, here from her previous salon. The service is still impeccable but now it's in a much more spacious area, the lighting is wonderful, and it's just an overall pleasant experience. It's a lttle hard to find (at least for me), but if you know where the Journeys Community Church is in La Mesa, it's in the same plaza. Cheers! read more

Holly did a wonderful job with my cut and balayage! I have naturally dark brown hair and she gave me caramel highlights. She even suggested adding a few face framing foils. Her sweet personality made the entire experience that much more enjoyable. Bonus - she is very reasonably priced. Recommend! read more

Let me start by saying that I am very picky with who I let do my eyebrows. With that said, Elaina Owen will forever be my eyebrow girl. She's the best and truly listens to what I want. She's so kind, polite, professional and genuine. I feel like I'm talking to a friend I've known forever when I'm there. The room has relaxing spa music playing as well which is awesome. I recommend Elaina 100%! **Also, it's very easy to get an appointment, I can usually get in the very next day. read more

This review is regarding Elaina Owen. I got a Facial and some waxing done by Elaina and was impressed by her professionalism when I asked a million questions about the products she was using on me. She was very easy to talk to and made it clear she knows her stuff. Elaina made me feel relaxed and comfortable the whole time. I will definitely be going back to her read more

I came here with a Spa Finder gift card, and kinda fell in love with Breasha. She specializes in shellac nail art. My nails always look perfect and everyone who works at the salon is absolutely wonderful! read more

The owners are nice ...why I went to the salon. I'm one of those guys, that would never go into a salon, because I grew up understanding that they were for girls, but I had back trouble. I went to Shear Illusions and was referred to Darla, for my massage, she seemed nice enough, but there was an edge to her, almost a noticeable attempt to smile and be friendly. Maybe she had a hard day/was tired or something, so I forgot about it We got into Darla's massage room, and she told me to go ahead and get ready and she would be back. I have had massages mostly from Asian massage places, because they're much cheaper, $40-$45/hour, but this was $75.00/hour. I wanted 2 hrs, my back is so bad. 2 hours/$120.00, about 2 times what I usually pay. I figured since Darla got the Silver Award in La Mesa, it was probably worth it. When Darla left the room, I looked around, she didn't tell me what to do, "get ready", and there was only a massage table, and no towel or sheet or anything, for me to cover up with. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, what she expected me to do, which she did not explain before she left the room. This was awkward, since I knew I had to take my clothes off. What was I supposed to do after that. I looked around and saw some folded sheets on a side table, so I grabbed one, covered myself with it, before she came back in. Darla walked in, and said...No, you have to get under the sheets on the massage table. I said, I didn't know what to do, except cover myself with this sheet. She was quite direct about it, like I did something wrong. She never told me, and it was my first time here. Every massage I have ever had, they drape a towel over you, to cover you, and move the towel around. She was making me feel like I did something wrong. Not a very good start. This was all much different than any massage I had received for 25 years. I was now under the covers, wondering how she was going to massage, with the sheet completely over me, from top to bottom. She started massaging, THROUGH the sheet, not moving the sheet at all. How can you massage through a sheet? Don't you usually put lotion or oil or something on your skin? Do the massage directly on the skin, without a sheet between your body and her hands? Small talk started, and most of her talk was about a guy that she dated, and what he did wrong, that made her not like him, and how she let him know. I need to know about her dating life??? Then she told me she was looking for a place to move to, since she was forced to move. Why is she telling me all of this? She moved the sheet a little and massaged in contact with my back. Now she wasn't sliding the sheet up and down on my skin anymore. I went to pay her $120, and gave her $200. She said she didn't have change and stood there staring at me. I asked if she could get change from someone, and she said no. I guess she thought I was going to give her an $80 tip! I asked her if she could put credit towards a next massage, so she did, $30, and gave me $20 cash, so I ended up tipping her $40! I did not want to schedule another massage, if she was going to pressure me for a huge tip! I talked to the owner about it, and next massage I gave her $20 tip and stopped scheduling apts with her. Very uncomfortable situation! Then there was Tiffany... Too hyper it seemed, like an act, I hope. She did a great job, initially. Many comments to me about how fat her husband is, and how she has cut him off from intimate times...why are you telling a guy this? Did not solve the area I specified, so I had to go back, and paid again, and gave her Christmas gifts, to be nice. Weeks for her to respond for an apt Texted Merry Christmas...No response...rude Made a real point about cancellation fee, never cancelled. Both ladies talking garbage about their men, really bothered me, another guy! Is this what girls do in salons all day, talk bad about guys and intimate details of their lives? Maybe that is why guys haven't traditionally gone into salons? I didn't appreciate the less than professional demeanor of either, when it came to beating up the men in their lives. I told Tiffany, if you don't like him, divorce him...which she answered...He's a good guy. Whatever! If you bash him to others about being fat, that is NOT FAIR to him, or anyone else you are telling it to! Gossip Farm it seems, is what salons are all about, having been my first time in one. Nothing right about that, and extremely unprofessional, especially to a newcomer! The one star is about these two, not Rita or Dan, but these girls do reflect poorly on the salon. Maybe everyone that works in a salon does this stuff, and being a guy, I wouldn't know that...but there is Nothing right about abusing people in your life, to customers. Plain & Simple read more

I have been going to Rita the owner of Shear Illusions for over 10 years now. The salon is very clean and run very efficiently. The salon is always busy so you need to make an appointment but they are very accommodating. They also have an esthetician and massage rooms. They also do nails.My daughter got her makeup and hair done there for her wedding and she looked beautiful. They do great coloring. My youngest daughter wanted her hair done in a violet ombré. It turned out great! I would recommend this salon to anyone. read more

Portia is awesome! I used her on a groupon deal, and she did a fantastic job. She wants to make sure you're totally satisfied before walking out, unlike many of my other salon experiences. She gives helpful tips and is extremely knowledgeable in her profession. Overall, a really nice, clean, friendly salon. Highly recommend. Only salon I've ever given 5 stars! read more

After a phone call to the salon owner Portia has had a change of heart. She refunded my money and stated she would like the opportunity to make things right so that I am happy with my new hair style. read more