‍ My Go-To Salon for Amazing Hair & Top-Notch Products! ‍ I just have to share my love for Tempest Salon, this place is truly a gem in our neighborhood! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warmth, professionalism, and a relaxing vibe that makes every visit feel like self-care at its finest. The stylists here are absolute masters at their craft, whether you're looking for a fresh cut, stunning color, or the perfect blowout. They take the time to listen, personalize your experience, and leave your hair looking and feeling its absolute best. And let's talk about their product selection--I'm obsessed! They carry some of my all-time favorite hair products, so I always leave with my hair looking salon-perfect and the best recommendations to maintain it at home. If you're searching for a salon that truly delivers on talent, quality, and an amazing experience, Tempest Salon is it! Highly recommend checking them out. Located at: 1560 Fourth Street, San Rafael CA 94901 Must-Try Service: Cut and Blow Out with Courtney Cole ‍ Fav Product Purchase: OWAY Sculpting Mist Who else loves this place? Let's show them some love! read more

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Had a great haircut yesterday with Annie! Loved that she really listened to what I wanted and just delivered! I've already had a few compliments so far. Had a fun conversation with her and I was so grateful I finally learned to pronounce the brand Davines correctly (It's DA-Vee-ness)because of Annie :D She gave a nice hair blowout, styled it effortlessly (from my view) and was very gentle to my hair. I would recommend Annie if you are looking to get a hair cut! The salon is quite spacious and carries Davines and Oway (natural and organic hair products). Annie used a bunch of Davines products on my hair and my hair feels really soft, shiny and smells great! I bought a small tube of Oway hair conditioner to try. The friendly receptionist was super helpful and helped me find the product I was looking for. I paid $85 plus tax (wash, cut & style).Totally worth it. I've overpaid for bad haircuts in the city (SF & NYC) before so this is quite reasonable for me My only complaint is probably the dust on the products and the tables, especially by the front where the water jar is. However, Annie's station was clean & had less dust and I was so grateful! read more

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Summer is fabulous! A real "hair" perfectionist!!!! Highly recommend this salon in downtown san rafael read more

Cool salon. Really cool, in fact. The kind of upscale-modern-artsy vibe here is one I've come to appreciate back home in SoCal and it was nice to find it again up here. I... I just can't bring myself to give this place a better review given the haircut I got. I came in for a cut, not a trim. It came with the promise that if I didn't like it, I could go back and get further work done within a week, but that begs the question: if you don't like the original haircut, why would you trust that same person to make it better? I did ask, twice, for the stylist to do something more on parts I felt were really untouched, but all in all the difference before and after was negligible. Some split ends were cleaned up and my layers were a bit more even. I wasn't expecting a radical change, but it seemed like no change at all - like my hair was barely touched. It was really shaggy to begin with, so I was disappointed to find after a wash that the blowout was really the only big change. read more

Tempest salon is the best. Ryan is amazing at making blond highlights look seemlessly natural and haircuts that give life and movement to straight hair. She is also AMAZING at updos. She did my hair -and hubby's - for my wedding and several special events (pics included). From intricate braids, 20s updos, to romantic curling regal styles, she nails it all. The salon is relaxing, quiet, clean and has easy parking. read more

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I wanted to do something outrageous for my 30th birthday, especially after battling leukemia and living with a bald head last winter. My hair is finally long enough to play around with, so I decided upon color paneling and an undercut shave design with Ryan. There's a seating area where you can relax, have tea, pet the dogs (!!!), knit, or read. My friend tagged along with me so it was nice to have an area where she could be comfortable. Ultimately, we did a section of hair with "galaxy" or "peacock" colors in the front and a chevron shaved design in the back. It was a fun and relaxing time overall. Everyone compliments my hair now! read more

Tempest Salon - Chevron undercut shave - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Ryan is STELLAR! Came to Ryan for a bridal trial visit and loved her work and personality. Despite my vague descriptions and two pictures from Pinterest, she nailed it! Keep in mind I am Asian with medium thick/slippery hair and have lots of flyaway that just won't stay most of the time. Super affordable trial visit too. Decided to book Ryan for my wedding day and because her prices for the day-of were so great, told my bridesmaids I'd pay for half if they got theirs done too (5 out of 6 counted themselves in). My now-cousin-in-law does professional makeup and offered to do all our makeup for our wedding present so Pin-Up was nice enough to let us do makeup at the same time (as long as we were respectful of the space/other clients). The other stylist who I think is the owner, was also doing other clients' hair so it wasn't closed off for us but it was totally fine and we're a laid back group. They let us bring snacks/breakfast stuff and let us drink all the tea we wanted. Since there were so many of us, another gal helped prep/curl while Ryan did the up-do's. Each up-do was so unique and special that even my most frugal bridesmaid who didn't originally want an up-do decided to get her hair done after all. Lastly, my hair was so perfect! It held (most important on your special day) and looked amazing in photos!!! She's also super responsive and sweet. Highly recommend Ryan for updo's and would work with her again in a heartbeat!!! read more

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Love Ryan! She is so skilled at translating what I want in a cut/color style into a fantastic result. read more

Tempest Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

Have you ever been to a place where you wanted to do a legit running high-five with every stylist in the spot?! Tempest is one of those places...and it's not the beer or wine you get as you wait either - it's how genuinely awesome everyone is - not to mention the service, the quality of the products they use, the beautiful surrounds... you name it! I travel from Oakland - an hour away - just to be at this salon. It's not just the best in San Rafael - it's THE BEST in the Bay Area. I go to Ryan because she's amazing in all the ways you imagine a top-notch stylist to be. However, every stylist there is great. As I've sat and processed for several hours over the years I've watched people jump out of their joy with glee when Katy was done cutting their hair & I've heard personal accounts from several of Vanessa's clients when they come in for treatments. Quick Reference Guide to What You can Expect at Tempest: * Creative Coloring & Your usual highlights, low-lights... you name it! * Stylish and Trendy Cuts * Classic Cuts (like the Rachel!) ;-) * DOG FRIENDLY!! * You're treated like family * You're treated like royalty * You come out with the best cut and the most fun day imagined * BEST SALON EVER read more

My first appointment with Ryan was actually just a consultation to get some input on how to improve the cut and color I had received from a stylist at a different salon. During that consultation, Ryan was able to do a few adjustments in a quick "dry cut," and I left feeling much better about the style. We soon followed up with an appointment to help improve the color, and the rest was history. Ever since then, I haven't considered going elsewhere. I have since had highlights, toning, and a full hair cut from Ryan, and am impressed every single time. I have frizzy, curly hair that doesn't get enough love from me due to my attention being taken by work and kids, so I really appreciate how much Ryan has improved the style, color, and ease of my hair. Forget about how cool the people are that work here and how awesome the environment is (which makes me look forward to every visit). Ryan is extremely talented, and after just a handful of appointments, I have come to trust her implicitly with my hair, and always leave feeling good about the result. I also love the products that Ryan uses, and that they are almost exclusively organic (with a few exceptions). read more

Ryan is the only person I trust w my beard. No one has come close. I had been doing it myself for years, as I was never really satisfied with any barber I brought it too. But the I went to Ryan, she just really dialed it in! I'll never go to anyone else! read more

Tempest Salon - Beard post trim, lovin it! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

This salon has such a great vibe. Ryan is a superb stylist; after I decided I'd had enough of my super long mousey brown straight hair, she hooked me up with an adorable mid length bob with copper highlights. I get compliments ALL damn day! I'm looking forward to the next time I come in to play with different color options. Thanks Ryan and Emily and all the Tempest fam! read more

Tempest Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

Ryan is AMAZING....like seriously, I would give the woman all the stars in the sky if Yelp! had that option. I have kind of interesting hair. It's not quite curly but not quite just wavy either. It's not really thick hair, but it kind of acts like thick hair (won't take a curl for anything and takes up a lot of space). But it also acts like thin hair, easily falling flat with dirt, quick to accumulate & show grease and lacking volume at the roots. A great haircut can make a WORLD of difference with my hair. But anything less than GREAT, might as well be a bad haircut for my weird hair. So I either get dream hair that people seem to envy, or hair I have to hide in messy top knots and lack luster ponytails. When I first came to Ryan, it had been over a year since my last cut, after a string of not great cuts.... so a year of hair hiding. She listened to my concerns and even played with my hair for a minute or two just to feel it and get a sense of how my hair lives. I then showed her some Pinterest inspiration which ranged from long asymmetrical bobs, to long layers... I was conflicted. I had hair down to my booty and knew it was just way too long. After seeing my inspiration, Ryan asked all the right questions: how active am I, how involved do I like to get in doing my hair, what is my most regular hair routine, how do I like to style my hair for going out, etc. Ryan put a lot of attention into our consultation before making her recommendation. Which ended up leading me away from the look a I was really wanting, but would actually fit my lifestyle much better. Which meant not having to do more work with my hair than I usually like to while also not losing the ability to do the things I DO like to do with my hair when I take the time. Let me be clear, Ryan would have given me either cut I preferred, she never pushed me in one direction or the other. What she did in our consultation, was give me the valuable information I needed to make the choice that best suited me. And she did a splendid job. Fabulous, outstanding, exceptional. She cut over a foot of hair off and still left me enough for my beloved braids & top knots. She brought the body in my hair back to life with perfect layers. And gave me a cut so good that I could get out of bed, shake my fingers through my hair, smooth out my bangs and go. Even though I no longer live anywhere near the Bay, she is still my hair lady and I try to get in with her whenever I am in the area and due for a cut. She also did my hair for my wedding as well as my mother's.... which I will write a separate review for once I get my wedding pictures back.... but for now let me just say, she not only did lovely work with our hair. She was also a jewel to have around on my day and she intuitively knew things I needed, that I hadn't realized I needed myself (like a quite minute completely alone). Above all her skill and talent, is a truly marvelous person. She manages to be both warm and sensitive while also quite matter of fact and direct. All qualities I greatly respect, which many people have difficulty balancing, though she mingles them quite well. The salon is a stylish mix of modern luxe meets vintage funk. It's open and spacious and inviting. Tempest has a very hip atmosphere without the hipster snobbery. And it's located in a very cute little pocket of neighborhood just off of downtown San Rafael. This place is really all you could wish for in a salon. Great stylists at a place that ups your "cool quotient" ..... Seriously, all the stars in the sky- not just 5!!! read more

Tempest Salon - Immediately after leaving the salon sleek & smooth - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Ryan is so creative and consistently gives me wonderful color and a great cut. I found her a couple of years ago after my long time stylist seems to lose interest and was just going thru the motions. Ryan is always wanting to make sure that I'm happy with my cut and color. She's kind of magical with the coloring and I couldn't be happier after all this time read more

I had my hair cut by Ryan McCann at Tempest Salon. I absolutely loved what she did with my hair. I had long hair (almost to my waist) and she cut a TON of hair and still managed to keep the length to mid back. The resulting layers gave my hair more body and flow, made it look very healthy and shiny, and decreased the weight of my hair - which helped alleviate head pain. Ryan is extremely nice and her shop is very clean and trendy looking (I felt like I was in a NYC salon). Another positive is her price. I paid $75.00 (not including tip), which is less than what I have paid at other salons in Marin and SF. I made sure to book my next appointment before I left, as Ryan's calendar fills up pretty quickly. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. More on Ryan (the best hairstylist in the world) and Becky (the coolest Boutique owner on the planet). But I wanted to share my review on their Aesthetician, Vanessa Ruiz (she has her own Yelp page: http://www.yelp.com/biz/vanessa-ruiz-san-rafael) Wax and facial today = heaven. OK ladies. Let's face it. If you're reading a review about someone who waxes, you're looking for the least painful option. Right? And the cleanest. And the quickest (see painless). Add some good humor and great customer service and you've got Vanessa. Quick side note: you can find Vanessa at PinUp Emporium, a quirky and cool totally hip environment that makes you just wanna hang out with a cup of Chai and chat! Seriously, if you haven't been here for SOMETHING: hair styling, art opening, great skincare products, nice gifty type stuff, facial or waxing..then you're missing one of the coolest places in Marin. OK, back to the wax. Vanessa can crack a joke and make you feel totally comfortable while she's got hot wax on your vajayjay. I'm not joking. I have no idea how I can feel so totally relaxed while I'm butt naked and going through first world torture. She just has that way about her. And before you know it... WHAM! You're done! Your legs are silky smooth and hydrated with some yummy smelling organic stuff that dropped from the heavens. But let's not stop there... Facial heaven. Seriously. No seriously. The room is quiet. Vanessa turns down the lights. Relaxing music. Yummy smells. And then she full on massages your face. I feel like my skin is jumping for joy! Massage, exfoliate, massage, warm towel, massage, clean towel, massage, cleanse, massage...you get the idea. I'm not sure if Vanessa knows her anatomy, but a facial means face. She does that whole massage and cleansing ritual on your neck and shoulders, too! And your head! Dude, seriously. The woman doesn't know her anatomy and I'm not about to clue her in! And when she's done you don't look all red like someone's been slapping you for a half hour (yes..you know...the way you look after YOUR facial if you're not seeing Vanessa). In fact, when she's done, you feel like a Goddess. Like I said, wax and facial today = heaven. read more

Ryan is wonderful. I have fine/thin hair and (like many people) had given myself some pretty bad haircuts throughout the pandemic. She patiently listened to me describe what I wanted and what I liked/disliked, and she gave me a fantastic cut. I love how my hair turned out, and I felt like Ryan understood how to work with my hair better than anyone I've gone to in the past. Her prices are also super reasonable. read more

Ryan and Katie from Tempest Salon were the Dream Team hair stylists at my October wedding! My hair is fine and thin and doesn't hold curls well at all, but Ryan perfectly executed a beautiful bridal hairdo complete with curls and real flowers in my hair (provided by my florist). The hairdo came out even better than what I had imagined. It lasted all night and looks great in all my photos. Ryan also helped make my mom and my husband's mom look absolutely stunning with their hairstyles. We all were getting compliments all night long. Ryan and Katie were very punctual (they got to the venue even before I did!) and had my entire bridal party laughing and in good spirits the entire time we got ready. I also go to Ryan for my regular haircuts, and she always does a wonderful job. HIGHLY recommend! read more

Tempest Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Amazing staff, complimentary drinks and fun place. Vanessa does amazing cosmetology work and facials & waxing!

First of all, my haircuts from Becky are fantastic. Never a complaint. But there is so much more at the Pin Up Hair Emporium than a haircut. There is nobody that cares more about being a part of a community than Becky. I'm fortunate to have her cut my hair and live in my neighborhood. But her passion for local arts, organic products and small businesses is admirable. Each haircut I leave looking great and feeling inspired. Thanks Becky. read more

I have been here on 4 occasions. The first two times were with Ryan. She was nice and she gave me a nice little trim. My 2nd appointment with her was to dye my hair red. After a week, the color faded out of my hair unbelievably quick, so I called Ryan up and she asked me to come back in to dye it again. As a customer, I really appreciated that. Some salons would just flush you down the toilet. About 2 years later, I came back here because I wanted to chop my hair and do an A-line. KATY was new at the time, and she did an AWESOME JOB. Holy crap! If you want an A-line.. ask for KATY. My hair stayed volumized, bouncy, and sexy for MONTHS! They way she cut the and her little tips and tricks to keep it styled were awesome. I've never been complimented so much over a haircut. She knew how to contour the cut compliment my face shape (which is round). Another 2 years later, I came back to do another A-line because mine completely grew out, and was scheduled with Trung. And no offense to Trung, it was a lovely haircut, but i missed Katy... I was in a hurry to get this haircut because we were going on vacation the next day, so I agreed to have the new guy do it since he was the only one available, but I should have waited for Katy. She's fabulous. Also, when she saw me in there with Trung, she recognized me, which is also something I really appreciate as a customer. My 5 stars goes to Katy!!! read more

Found Becky on Yelp about two years ago when she had her bungalow. I love her spirit, energy, and also all of my haircuts! I was so glad to see her get this store front downtown, and you have to go in, just to check out the space. She has filled it with local artwork, vintage finds, you name it. As for the hair- my baby-fine hair has never looked better or felt more healthy. She uses non-toxic dyes and i always get plenty of compliments wherever I go. I can wholeheartedly say that when I go I just tell her to "do whatever you want" and I am never disappointed. Going to Becky is an experience and a treat. read more

Ryan is amazing. I love going to Pin Up to have my hair cut. In fact, I've never had my own hairdresser before, and I just realized that now I DO! But let's talk about my wedding: I almost had a panic attack a few months ago when I realized that my wedding date was set but my hair-plan was not. Ryan cuts my hair fabulously and she knows how heavy and unruly it can be, so I needed her on the team. Luckily, she was free. My wedding hair looked fabulous, and the photos prove it. One more thing, Ryan was wonderful to be with on the morning of my wedding. She is so calm and professional -- I was so grateful for her easy-going way and the confidence of her skills on the big day. Getting ready for a wedding is exciting, but it can be intense. One wrong move or weird moment can really tip you over the edge. Ryan was like an anchor, professionally keeping all my friends and relatives steady. I felt beautiful and calm. Thank you Ryan! Kate read more

I stumbled upon the beauty of Becky on yelp and called her, desperate in my need to shear off my John Cougar circa 1980 looking hair. By divine intervention, Becky had same day availability. Now, I'm very picky. And when I mean picky, I mean, "read my mind in what I want because the words to describe what hair style I want aren't coming to mind" kind of picky. But Becky immediately calmed me upon introduction and allowed a patient and kind space in her home salon for me to stumble and bumble on what I didn't want. She actually spoke to me like a person and not like an opportunity to cut hair like most salons encourage. She knew exactly what was best for my features, my personality, etc. She's just an amazing hair stylist. And most importantly, she's just an amazing person. She inspired me to be conscious of the products that I use. Most products that contain cancer causing ingredients are the things that we use in the morning. Becky inspired me to research and seek alternative beauty and personal care products. (And with that said, she inspired me to actually follow up on my dermatology appointment in regards to several moles that I had.) Becky also donates her time and effort to "Shear Love", a service for those whom are undergoing chemotherapy. I appreciate someone who appreciates what they do for work and in life. Becky is more than a hair stylist and it shows. You may leave there with the best hair cut/style of your life but in reality, you leave there with a different perspective on everything and a little pep in your step. Good people are hard to find and trust me when I say that this woman is a gem! read more

Booked an appoint with Ryan just 6 weeks after a hair grafting procedure. While I still have months to wait before it all grows back in, I was reassured by Ryan's professionalism, easy manner and her experience with another client who had a similar procedure. In very short order I got a great cut and a working strategy for what to do as the grafts grow in. I couldn't be happier! Brava, Ryan! read more

Becky is an outstanding stylist and colorist. Not only do I love every "do" I have gotten but my hair has never been healthier because Becky knows how to color and when to color. Becky a great person to know - she's warm, humorous and talented. And wait until you see all the great treasures in the store too! read more

The only hair salon I have fallen in love with since leaving New York seven years ago! Becky is awesome, bighearted, and talented, and she knows everything about the products she uses on your hair and carries in her shop. She listens to what you want and delivers, but -- if you are like me and prefer to let the experts do their job -- she's also not afraid to make creative suggestions that you will fall in love with when executed. Not to mention you can find fabulous gifts from local artists for your friends and loved ones (and you, too) in the shop. This place shows that, yes, it is quite possible to love the planet and your health AND be fabulous. read more

Ryan at Tempest is amazing! I've been seeing her for over a year for blonde highlights and haircuts. I appreciate her no-drama and genuine attitude. Her salon is uniquely decorated and shows off her artistic talents. read more

Becky rocks. Best hair style I've ever had. I didn't think it was possible. And she taught me how to style it. Changed my hair story from a dark tragedy to a comedy of errors! Also the boutique is very hip and full of great locally created original stuff. read more

Can't say enough about how amazing Katy at Pin Up is. Besides being one of the coolest chicks ever, she is a true professional and artist of her craft. After having a couple horrid experiences with hair stylists, I took my daughter to Katy, who listened to and respected my daughter's wishes and concerns. We've both been back several times and come away thrilled. For my daughters 8th grade graduation, Katy (and Ryan)!! did a BEAUTIFUL waterfall braid and curls. You girls are the best!!!! read more

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Had a great hair cut by Ryan about a month ago. She is very good with layering and really seems to know how to handle all sorts of hair types. I have fine hair and she cut my hair in a way that now it has more body and volume...pretty skillful. The salon is super cute BTW, lots of vintage pin up posters and accessories, very warm and inviting place...yet full of glam. I can't wait to go back for my next visit. read more

Pin-Up Emporium has a relaxing atmosphere, and an ideal location on 4th street. Paid parking in a nearby lot and on the main street, with lots of free parking around the corner. Ryann McCann, my hairstylist, is the very best. She does an excellent job and is knowledgeable on modern fashion trends. She's professional, friendly, with a great sense of humor! read more

Pin Up Hair Emporium and Unique Boutique is a gem in the heart of the West End Village of San Rafael's Fourth Street. This is the first chemically conscious salon that I have ever come across. There are natural products for skin and hair, and the hair dye has low or no ammonia. The boutique in front is super cute too. It houses locally made crafts and cool vintage items. My hair is always beautiful when Becky cuts and styles it. She makes sure to give you a cut that you can easily style at home, with minimal effort. She also gives you tips on how to take care of your scalp and hair at home. There's plenty of events going on at Pin Up too, Becky is very community oriented and loves to promote anything re-used, re-purposed, natural, and local. Love Pin Up, and the community it thrives in. xo read more

Wonderful spot. Came out here after reading yelp reviews for an updo for a wedding. The salon is a lot of fun and Ryan was absolutely amazing - attentive and creative. My hair was absolutely gorgeous and I got compliments all night read more

I seriously can not say enough great things about my experience at Tempest with Ryan!! I am someone who struggles to explain what I envision for my hair and I often end up with less than satisfactory haircuts as a result of that. I tend to avoid getting my hair cut as long as possible because I get nervous about it! No more! I'm already looking forward to my next salon visit. Tempest is a very cool space with excellent vibes. I left with the exact cut I had envisioned in my head and Ryan is truly the best. Give Tempest a whirl, you will not regret it (and you'll leave looking SO pretty!). read more

This is such a groovy place and the ladies who work here are super nice and super professional. Awesome decor, great hospitality, and inspired artistry. read more

Ryan always does such a great job with my hair. She listens to what I want and executes. I trusted her to take 12 inches off my hair today! And it looks great :). Highly recommend. read more

Becky takes great care of my hair. My hair color (I am completely gray) is always natural and long lasting AND she uses the most non toxic hair dyes and products she can find. My hair is also curly, and her deep conditioning leaves it soft and her expert cutting has given me a hair style and I love and can manage on my own. The boutique is full of fun products, many of which are locally made by Bay Area artists. I highly recommend her, and if she is unavailable, you will be in good hands with Ryan. read more

I love this place and am so happy to find a new hair salon. It is such a neat place and Katie gave me the best cut and color I have ever had!!! Bye bye gray hair and hello to my natural color again. Katie gave me so many great layers to my long hair that now it has so much body and is easy to do. I definitely recommend this place- the little doggies are so sweet too.... read more

This is the best salon in Marin. Why? Ryan and all of the stylists are top notch. They listen to clients. The vibe is welcoming and creative. Their products are world class. I'm not exaggerating. read more