I only care about my hair every couple years when I see the bottom looking like a haggard millennial witch's besom, so I didn't know where to go to treat myself since it's been quite a minute. Fortunately, I have low maintenance straight hair that doesn't get exposed to heat or extravagant styling. I literally wash, condition, apply smoothing serum as it dries, then I call it a day. I used to go to Hyde Edward, but they dropped the ball with my appts a couple times and my go-to girl skipped town so I never returned. Fast forward to me getting the scoop from the alt baddies at work and I hear of the Lab A. I looked at their IG and saw colorful promising things so I booked immediately. I like how the price ranges are upfront and also how they provide a stylist match quiz, because how would I ever know who's who and who's good at what? After finding my match, I drove on up and easily found FREE parking in the neighborhood. If you know your way around, you don't need to park in any garages or pay a meter. Just get your doomscrolling butt walking, it's only a block or two. Anyway, the place is clean and cute! I was a little intimidated at first because I haven't entered a salon in a while but the staff was pleasant and straightforward. Just like most salons worthy of an investment, they offer complimentary beverages during your service. It was only around midmorning for my appointment, otherwise I would've had wine instead of still water but I plan on coming back for a little season transition styling so woo hoo! read more

I got a haircut about two months ago, and I really loved my stylist and the overall experience. However, it was recently brought to my attention that my haircut is very uneven. I called to ask if it could be fixed, but I was told it would not be complimentary because of how much time has passed since the original appointment. I completely understand policies, but as a college student, haircuts are a luxury for me, so this is really disappointing. I was hoping there might be some flexibility or a way to make this right. read more

The Lab A Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I was looking for a stylist who does wet sets and just for fun I filled in the form on The Labs website to get matched with a stylist. I wasn't really expecting a match, but I was pleasantly surprised to be matched with Kat. I initially had a consultation with her then the following week went to get the wet set. She was so friendly and bubbly that I felt like I had known her for years. She did an amazing job on my hair, and I was so happy with the results. I can't wait to go back and see her again. read more

The Lab A Salon - Before the wet set - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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i wanted an emo haircut but instead gave me micro bangs(i wanted fringed bangs) and did did what I ask I'm very disappointed with my haircut and angered do to them not even doing what I ask now I have to stick with this ugly haircut. the vide was cool n all but the haircut stylist is not it. I HATE my hair. I am not come here again. read more

Went here at random because I needed a bang trim and live very close. I assumed any stylist could tackle a bang trim and since my salon is much further away, I called The Lab A. I got an appointment quickly and they said it'd be no problem. Once there, I showed photos of both Dakota Johnson's bangs and my own bangs (after my last cut) and expressed that I just wanted a trim to look the same as they were before - which is not at all what I got. I left with microbangs in the center of my forehead and an overall uneven awful haircut on my bangs. While cutting, the stylist asked ME if the center of my bangs should be shorter than the rest of the rest and I said I'm not sure? Just like the photo. I don't know how bangs are cut and now so badly wish I said no, I don't think that sounds right! I didn't call to complain or get them fixed because unless they could grow my bangs back an inch or two, I didn't want another pair of scissors near me. It's been two months and I've debated leaving this review or not, but my hair still hasn't recovered and I'm just embarrassed to go out looking like this. read more

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I had an amazing experience with Kelle - she did highlights and and razor shag cut that I love. She is truly an artist. Absolutely worth the drive from Oceanside. I enjoyed my time with her, the space and would highly recommend her! read more

Lorin is great, it's hard to find a place to get an actual haircut as a man without going to a barbershop where everyone does a skin fade. Knowledgeable, attentive, heard what I wanted and executed. Not much else to say. Went in mid day during the week shop was quiet low music kinda vibe which is exactly what I wanted. I'll be back! read more

Amber gave me the best haircut of my life! (Two actually. One during the pandemic, and this one) I was going to my high-school reunion, and brought pictures of the shag I was looking for, that included stars, models, and even Speed Racer. Sort of Ashton Kutcher meets Japanese badboy. Explained it was not a cut to grow in to, but something that looked great today. I expressed my preferences to tuck my hair behind the ears, the 'poof' that happens on the sides of my head when dry, and even my insecurity about hiding my thinning crown. All things were heard and taken into consideration. She is quite a good conversationalist, but when the shampoo happened I had to stop. I don't know if it's message therapy, or awakening some charka point, but I was unable to speak. Just Wow! The cut happened a while back, but was searching on Yelp from Pacific Beach, and felt it was a crime that The Lab and Amber did not show up, even on the the fifth page. I rarely review, but felt it important to promote this business. Maybe "Pacific Beach" in quotes will help in the rankings. read more

Although, no one wrote me personally or Reached out about my Experience, here. ... I'm, However, going to Leave a Neutral Rating because I did get a Text message inviting me back. And, the Energy was Good and it was a Nice gesture. However, due to the delayed response, 1 month or so Later.... I did question the Sincerity of it. . And, I Hoped my Empathy is not being taken advantaged of.... But, I also Know it's a Big deal to do that Especially, in the Alternative world. And, so I do Acknowledge that. Although, it wasn't ok how I was Treated. . . I Understand why it Happened. And, I'm going to Leave it Neutral for now. And, I wish you Guys the Best. read more

I'm new to the area and had my 1st haircut at The Lab and Taylor did a fantastic job on very short, precision haircut! Thank you again Taylor!! read more

Such great service and experience! Sandra did my hair exactly how I wanted it and even taught me how to style it properly. She was very professional and helpful. I'm not used to doing my hair but her tips and tricks were easy to follow. This may be my new favorite salon! read more

I had a grate experience very friendly people Xonea gave me exactly what I was asking for especially since I have shorter hair

I came here and saw one of the stylist and she completely destroyed my hair. she had absolutely no idea what she was doing. Go anywhere BUT here. Negative stars. -pulled hair -did color corrector when wasn't needed -was more worried about making more money that day than having a returning customer. -considering I called and that's who they recommended to do blonde. the whole place should be shut down. read more

Incredible salon. Responsible booking. I tried to book online and wrote a description of what I needed. The salon took the time to match me with the best master stylist for my needs. Sandra Ulloa is NOT TO BE MISSED. The PhD of Hair! She's so smart and teaches the customer how to get the best out of their cut. Cannot recommend enough. read more

The Lab A Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Editing to add: I was NOT quoted the price before hand and can recite the conversation with the receptionist. Price was not given just a time and told to confirm appointment within the hour otherwise appointment would be cancelled. I did not receive a confirmation text as I was told and had to call back and give my card over the phone to confirm appointment and was not given a price then either. I also included a pic of my outgrowth as well, the amount of hair I had touched up which on the website states "root touchups start at $80" which is all the color I received. Let's add in a whole section in the front that was supposed to be black was missed. Pic below. I'm not even sure what happened and I am currently waiting to hear back from the owner or manager. Went in for a root touchup (.5-1.0 inch of growth) on blocked color hair (blonde halo and black block on top of my head, natural brunette the rest around) and was charged $430!!!! I got the exact same service a month ago and paid $150. That included undercut trim, bleaching of the blonde halo with about 15 foils, overall trim with layers touched up and face framing/bangs. Literally the exact same service but with two foils (she used to cover my black and keep the bleach off of it which over processed the rest of my blonde when she originally said she would do a lightening wash NOT put bleach on it) and no trim on my layers. Was told my the receptionist "block coloring starts at 300" first of all it was a root touchup not a full block coloring. And "haircut starts at $75" she didn't even trim all of my hair. A few snips off the very back, my bangs and my undercut which she said "come back anytime and I'll do your undercut and bangs for $15" I expected a little more than my regular salon but more than $100 more than I've paid for a full platinum balayage with my hair to my waist is absolutely ridiculous. read more

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I asked for a change, and I couldn't have asked for a better master to provide me that change! Kat heard my interests, and was so lovely to talk to... not too much & Just an all-around quality presence to be around! read more

One of the best Salons in San Diego! Ask for Sandra, if she is not there everyone else is also great.

I got my hair cut by sandra BAD CHOICE I asked for LONG LAYERS she gave me a shag like her I tried telling her I didn't want a shag she did not listen please save your hair and go somewhere else if you to leave disappointed read more

LOVE CHLOE. she's overall just really talented!!!! would definitely recommend if you want a cute alt cut she's the best

I had a wonderful experience. I hadn't cut my hair in years, and Dom gave me an amazing haircut. Perfect for my hair type and texture. I brought a few examples of haircuts i like. She gave me a great head massages during the wash before cutting. The vibe of the salon was relaxing even though they were busy. read more

I had an appointment with Chloe for an all over dye and haircut. She was awesome at communicating every step of the way and really knew what she was doing. This was my first time getting my hair done in a professional salon and it was a wonderful experience! The interior was very nice and well kept, I was also offered beverages during my appointment which was really nice. I would highly recommend this place! read more

I asked for a subtle, soft balayage and I got exactly what I wanted. Lauren Akers did a fantastic job and was extremely friendly! read more

The Lab A Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Izzy KILLED this cut. I came in with a half assed vision about my mullet. I told her I wanted layers on top and an inch of the back and the rest was up to her. Somehow she PERFECTLY captured the vision in my head. + TINSEL, making my little kid dreams come true. 100% going to her for everything now. Super Super fun appointment and immediately suggested her to all my queer friends! read more

The Lab A Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Wow Sandra did such an incredible job. This is probably the best haircut I've ever gotten. It may actually be the first haircut I've actually loved ever. I posted some before and after pictures here. I already had pretty short hair so I wasn't expecting much of a change. But she dry cut these layers and cheekbone framing bangs without taking off any length and took out a bunch of dead weight. I love the way she cut it to enhance my natural texture and wave pattern. She's incredibly talented and I would highly recommend her to anyone. Especially anyone with textured hair! read more

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Sandra really devastated me today. I showed her a video of what I wanted my hair to look like and SPECIFICALLY SAID I LIKE HOW THE BACK OF MY HAIR LOOKED IN A HAT. She removed so much of my hair, I no longer have my curly locks that took months to grow out. I hate the way my hair looks and more importantly, I hate the way I look. I can't look at myself in the mirror without feeling dread. Knowing I have at least 2-4 months (conservative estimate) of hair grown to get back where I was is an awful feeling. I have used her in the past and will no longer go back. I can't wear a hat without looking ridiculous. Absolutely devastated. If I wanted to spend $110 to butcher my hair, I would've just rented a weed wacker at Home Depot for cheaper. read more

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Emily is incredible. Not only is she funny, sweet, cool, and incredibly stylish, she's also an amazing stylist. I've been seeing her for several years she's taken me through just about every color of the rainbow and she always makes my hair beautiful I always receive so many compliments. She not only listens to everything that I want done she executes it perfectly while keeping the integrity of my hair. Most recently I went from red to blonde a daunting task for any stylist but my hair is now fully blonde and still totally soft and healthy. read more

Since I've been going to Dom for my hair coloring services I've had nothing short of an amazing experience. She is always on time. She dedicates that blocked off period to only working with me rather than hopping between multiple clients. I dye hair vibrant red, which requires bleaching first. She pays close attention throughout each step Keeping my hair feeling and looking healthy. On top of that, when I enter I'm greeted with a coffee. The location is great as well. Overall I'm beyond happy with the services and treatment I receive and strongly recommend seeing Dom! read more

I went here and the girl who did my hair completely damaged my hair she didn't know what she's doing. Shouldn't even be open in my opinon.

Did not ask how much it would to do Low lights. I have very little hair and I am 85 years old had appt with Kelly and she also cut my hair. I had no idea that my charge was $325.00. I was in shock and told the receptionist I was overwhelmed with the cost. Came home and I called and spoke to her and she said she charges $100.00 an hour. I was speechless and I said what she did was a very simple ordinary job on my hair and that in my whole life I never had to pay so much money. No manicurist And do not do perms. I will never go there again. It is not Beverly Hills for sure only a simple 5 min blow job on my hair. Do ask regarding price. I do not know if others charge that much. I told her she lost a new customer and will not recommend the salon or Kelly. read more

Came to the lab for the first time i made an appointment with micheal Joseph and I couldn't be happier seriously the perfect blonde hes so nice and was overall one of the best experiences getting my hair done definitely will be back read more

The Lab A Salon - Blonde dreams - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Wow! So.. I saw Michael first back in March for an AMAZING hair transformation - and HE DID IT AGAIN today!! Michael will be my stylist of choice hands down for all my future hair needs. On top of his exceptional attention to detail and professional skill - he is great to chat with, and I really enjoyed the full experience. I left the salon feeling confident and beautiful. Everyone deserves to feel this way! read more

The Lab A Salon - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I recently had one of the best haircuts of my life with Noelani. With my curly hair, I've experienced some rough cuts in the past, but this time was different. Noelani was so kind and attentive, taking the time to listen to what I wanted and incorporating my references into the style. We had a consultation beforehand where we discussed everything, and Noelani explained each step and why it would work well with my hair. The best part is that I feel confident I can recreate the look I left with at home! read more

Michael is the BEST! I love my color and the cut is super cute! Someone approached me at the store after leaving the salon and asked who does my hair! I've had so many compliments- thanks Michael! read more

Been here 3 times, once during covid and the other 2 were pre covid times. I always had a great experience here and loved what they do to my hair. The first two times, Amber dyed my hair to a rose-violet color and also trimmed my hair a bit. I really loved the way my hair came out and loved how Amber checked in a couple days later to see if I was still happy with my hair. During covid times, Andi saved my hair haha of course I had my hair cut by my husband at home, only to see my hair all slanted and had to cut all my hair off. This is the first time having my hair this short and I absolutely love what Andi has done with my hair. Overall, I enjoyed talking with both Amber and Andi and loved what they've done with my hair. I would recommend anyone to get their hair cut and/or dyed by them. read more

The Lab A Salon - Rosey violet dye by Amber - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Got some super cute haircut from Amber today. I knew what I wanted and came in with pictures. She gave me a spot on haircut. Her technique was flawless. She clearly knows hair and is very helpful and reallt listens. Glad I found the hairstylist I vibe width. read more

Age is the best hairstylist in the city. You can trust her completely with any style or color you want. She really listens to her clients and always goes above and beyond what you'd expect. Age is a special person who runs her own business, helps other great stylists, and truly excels at what she does. The second you walk into her salon, you know you're in a safe space, and you will walk out of there feeling more confident than you ever have before. Trust me. read more

So glad I was able to get an appointment when the salons reopened this week! I was in rough shape and needed a haircut about 5 months ago. Erica is a miracle worker who gave me the fantastic upgrade I desperately needed. Plus they are doing everything they can to stay safe during covid (temp checks, masks, lots of hand washing) so I felt comfortable being here. Ask for ERICA! You won't be disappointed. read more

The Lab A Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I don't usually leave reviews but I was really disappointed with my experience here. I made an appointment for 1:00 PM on a Sunday and selected any stylist because it was my first time trying this salon, so I didn't have preference. On Sunday morning I got a text to confirm and then I drove 30 minutes from my home in north county to arrive exactly at 1:00 PM. When I walked in the person at the front was surprised to see me and told me that the stylist they assigned to me called out sick... I told them okay that doesn't matter to me because I don't have a preference of who cuts my hair. They said all they could do was have me wait an hour and then MAYBE they could squeeze me in with someone else. Keep in mind this place is empty!! What kind of business doesn't call to let people know their appointment is canceled or at least find a replacement when you have HOURS to do so? So unprofessional and complete waste of my time. Which sucks because I was really excited as a first time customer. I even requested to have a manager call me and they never did. Probably won't be back :( read more

I have been going to Emily at The Lab for years and have left feeling absolutely gorgeous every single time. I ask for the quintessential California surfer-girl blonde, and she delivers. She has a fine tuned ability to listen and incorporate my requests with her professional expertise. She is truly a blonde specialist and I would recommend her to anyone who asks. read more

My favorite haircut ever!!! Gabby is the best, would highly recommend booking with her.