Freelance Salon

This place is great! I got my extensions done by Diane for the first time recently and only wish I found her sooner. She mentioned different types of extensions I could get, it was nice to have a few options to choose from (I got the ITIPS). I been wearing extensions for 2 years and never got as many compliments like Im getting now. Great location and easy to find parking. Highly recommend! Thanks Diane!

I have had LONG hair all of my life (past my lower back!) and after reading lots of reviews, Valerie was finally the stylist I chose to give me a brand new hairstyle. I am thrilled with my new haircut and color and am so glad that I went with my instincts to choose Valerie! I was quite open minded about cutting it super short but she convinced me to have fun with different lengths and instead gave me a shoulder length style with the prettiest layered look. I hadn’t considered this length before but apparently Valerie has a really great eye cause it looks great on me.
What I appreciated most about her was that she took the time to give me tips on how to style it and different things I could do with my new length. I also love the job she did on my color. She chose the perfect shade and it looks spectacular! She’s the bomb! :-)

It took me years to find this salon. I am so glad my friend referred me. When you find the stylist and salon that makes your hair look better than it ever has, you don’t want to go anywhere else especially when they’re always willing to work with a budget. I highly recommend.

I’ve been coming to Freelance for about sixteen months. That’s about sixteen haircuts. And, I’ve never been disappointed. In fact, I’ve been super happy each time. It is always difficult (I think) starting with a new stylist. Valerie made me feel welcome immediately. She listens to my concerns, she offers excellent suggestions, and she is super talented.
The salon has a great vibe, everyone there is friendly and welcoming. Also, they have a great selection of salon products for purchase. Another plus is the scheduling program they use. I sync it with my Mind/​Body Connect app and the appointment shows up there with float/​yoga, etc classes on the calendar.
I highly recommend Freelance and specifically Valerie. Thank you for a great experience!

My overall experience with the salon was awesome, but Diane is the star! I just moved to San Diego and desperately needed a haircut before starting my new job. When I first tried to schedule and appointment she had no availability before, however she told me she would text me to let me know if she had any openings pop up and she ended up being able to get me in that afternoon. When I got to the salon, which is very trendy, the receptionist gave me a tour and got me changed into a robe. I only had to wait a minute or two before Diane was ready. We had a quick consultation as to what I wanted (Note: I have no picture reference) and then she shampooed me. She not only gave me a great massage during the shampoo, but also a shoulder massage when I got back to her chair. She was super friendly and bubbly, never a moment of awkward conversation and she had lots of great tips for me since I just moved to the area! When she finished the cut, it was EXACTLY how I wanted it, and I normally leave haircuts dissatisfied and in tears. I am so happy with my new hair and will be going back to Diane as long as I live here!

I’ve been with my stylist Valerie for 17 yrs, and at Freelance for the last several years. Together we have evolved my style over the years and now having her do color, which I discovered that I love, and she rocks at it. I love my Valerie! I love Freelance Salon! I look forward to my cut and color day every time. Valerie knows just what to do with my curly locks. I recently went to a shorter style and all I had to do was show her a photo and she nailed it. I get compliments all the time! And, the receptionist, owners, and other stylists at Freelance are always friendly and accommodating. Shout out to Diane, whom I also love (she does my brows), and Erica who did my makeup for my wedding, awesome. Just really top notch people all around.

Freelance Salon is a busy area, a little town called Hillcrest, however, every time I have an appointment with Amanda N. I feel like I am at a spa and I can leave all the stress and worries outside. Every time I am greeted by the friendly receptionist and then immediately following is Amanda. We discuss our hair agenda at her chair, always with a smile and great suggestions. While she gets everything ready, I am offered yummy coffee (other beverages available). The whole process is wonderful starting with my color, wash, head/​neck massage, cut and style. Great price for magnificent service. I highly recommend Amanda for your next hair adventure.
Parking is street parking, you can use the meter right in front of the salon $ 2.50 for 2 hours or find free parking nearby.

Another great haircut from Amanda at Freelance. The cut is so good that I can wash my hair, go to bed with it a little damp and wake up in the morning with it looking great. Amanda accommodates my schedule every time, never pushes product and remembers all my preferences. And the wash/​scalp massage is worth going in for by itself! I’ve moved out of the area and still come back to Amanda/​Freelance every time.

Hello Unilocalers,
If you do not read anything else I have typed, just remember that it is all about BRITTANY! In the event that they have more than one Brittany, ask for the Brittany from the midWEST! :)
I have spent a lot of money in upscale salons only to leave less than enthusiastic about my haircut. Last week I decided to go out last minute and realized I needed a haircut. I booked my appointment with Freelance Salon, because they were the only salon open late enough to accommodate me. Over the phone I asked how much the cut would be and I was told $ 32.00. Only $ 32.00 for a haircut? That was red flag number ONE for me that this was not a good idea. Next, I was told that Brittany, a Junior Stylist, would be taking care of me. Red flag number TWO! I asked if there was a senior stylist available, and I was told that they were either booked or off for the night. Then, I get to the salon and the ceiling was completely ripped out… they actually had no ceiling. Red flag number THREE!
Reluctantly, I walked in to look around, and a very kind young woman asked if I needed help. I explained that I was there to see Brittany for a haircut. The woman extended her arm, confidently made eye contact and, with a firm handshake, introduced herself as Brittany. I instantly felt more at ease. She offered me coffee, water, or tea. I chose water which she brought out in an actual glass (no paper cups at Freelance Salon). Also, I later learned that the ceiling was missing, because they are finishing up an interior remodel. I am now realizing that the salon itself is top drawer, but what about the haircut?
My haircut was by far the best cut I have ever had, and I am not exaggerating. Do not be fooled by her temporary «Junior Stylist» status. Brittany can work a head of hair like a BOSS. Even though I was her last client and the salon was closing, she did not rush the process. In fact, she went above and beyond what I would have expected. First, she cut my hair wet and then blew it dry to make sure I liked the cut. She asked if it was what I was going for– normally, I would have some sort of feedback as to an adjustment that needed to be made, but she knocked it out of the park! For $ 32.00 I thought we were done. I just got an incredible haircut, so I was not expecting anything else. But Brittany was not done with me.
She guided me over to the shampoo chair where she washed and conditioned my hair as well as, wait for it, gave me the best scalp massage of my LIFE. Afterward, we went back to the styling chair where she styled my hair for a night out in San Diego. Before I left she even gave me a bag containing free samples of hair products.
Brittany’s personality and professional cutting, massage, and styling skills made this experience a 10 out of 10. I will be scheduling trips to San Diego around the times that I need a haircut; that is how good she is. Ask for Brittany from the midWEST! She is brilliant!
Sincerely,
Jack B.

Every Time I come into the salon I am greeted with such beautiful smiles from EVERY single stylist!!! I love the vibes and the people in here!!!
Amanda is awesome at what she does!!! Come in to see her!!! So quick and efficient with blowouts it’s amazing. By the way… I LOVE my undercut!!! I will NEVER not come back to Freelance… Well I lied, if Amanda leaves I gotta follow her, haha… LOVE THE FREELANCE family

I walked in with my friend to get a blowout with no appointment. We were accommodated shortly after. My stylist introduced herself to me and was very polite and nice. She then asked me what I came in for and I told her a simple blowout with some waves. She then walked me over to wash my hair and concluded the wash with a nice scalp massage.
This is where it began going downhill. She begins to dry my hair and let’s me know she’s drying it first to get the moisture out. After about 10 minutes she continues drying it and uses a paddle /​wet brush to straighten the top of my hair.
I wanted to say something, but I figured she knew what she was doing.
20 minutes later she starts using a round brush and starts to blow dry the rest of my hair without parting my hair into sections, nothing. I noticed she didn’t dry it from the root to bottom just half way to the bottom, I immediately knew my hair would be frizzy since it would not be fully dry.
After she was done I asked for a mirror to look at the back and of course I see it’s not straight. It’s wavy because of the technique she used, which is not even a technique. I pointed it out and she agreed she sees what I’m talking about. So she goes over the section again. I still see it and she goes over the section a second time. Finally, it seems to have gone away, but I was so disappointed in the end result. What should have taken half hour took over an hour. And my hair didn’t look professionally done.
I have to give her props for really going above and beyond in trying to please the customer, but if she would have stuck to the regular blow drying technique from the beginning this could have been avoided.
Only reason I came to get my hair done was because I was on vacation and didn’t feel like doing it myself. Lesson learned.
Side note: my friend who was getting a blow out too didn’t even get a blowout! Her stylist dried her hair and used a curling iron on her to give her waves and curls. I mean she asked for a blowout, how come she didn’t get one? We were both so displeased we went home and re did our own hair. A big waste of time and money.

I had a great experience with Brittany Mckay yesterday at the salon. She understood exactly what I was looking for and paid close attention to every detail. I had a haircut and color. Totally recommend the salon and of course Brittany.

Beyond business and money, Diane is really PASSIONATE about hair. She really listens to what you want and caters to it. Her hair/​head massage when she washes your hair is the best! I would just pay for a head massage if I could!!! When I go in the salon it’s like talking to a friend plus they’re all just really friendly. I just really enjoyed my time at freelance!
I came in with really bad ombré that was grown out and an eye sore. Diane cut and colored and was able to take out the ombré and give me an nice brown with keeping some hidden blonde highlights for dimension. I honestly love it and my hair has been feeling amazing! Go to DIANE!

I absolutely love this salon. I had been living in San Diego for nearly 5 years and was constantly bouncing around to different salons trying to find what I wanted. That was until I found DIANE, she is the best. Such an awesome personality and completely open to whichever new ideas you have for your hair. I would completely recommend Diane, and although I have never had any of the other stylists they all seemed pretty great. ENJOY! :)

This review is way overdue! I have been coming here for years and everyone at Freelance is great. Especially Diane. She has been doing my hair for years and is the only person who knows exactly what to do for me. The color and cut is perfect every time! I’ve recommended her to all of my friends and even strangers on the street who have commented on how beautiful my hair is. Thank you Diane!

I’m a dude with little to no knowledge of hair-​care and cutting. What I do know is that for some reason I have very difficult hair to cut. My hair is fine, so it takes a very skilled hand to cut into my hair without leaving «off-​looking» lines.
I’ve been going to Abby exclusively for over 2 years now. She knows exactly how I like my cut, and she takes care of me in a timely fashion.

Abby helped repair my hair disaster several weeks ago (bad haircut which I then tried to remedy by myself!), I just saw her again yesterday. I got compliments on my haircut and it had been a long time since that happened.
My hair can be difficult — it’s curly, color processed, fine, with high hairline and a headful of cowlicks! She gave me a cut that actually decent if I just let it go natural, and that’s the true test of a good haircut, that it can withstand non styling without making you look like a mop head.
Plus she is such a nice person, so sympathetic, kind, and down to earth.
Update: I’m still seeing her for my hair cuts and I drive 22 miles to see her!

Us Asian girls know how hard it is to find a hair stylist that won’t chop all of our hair off and get the brassiness out of our hair when trying to go light.
Diane is a pro at getting the color right. Her head and neck massage while getting shampooed is the icing on the cake !
I drive down from L.A. to see her and it’s worth every road rage incident along the way.
The salon is modern and clean, staff is nice, and Diane is the utmost in fun and professional. Tell her JoJo sent ya

I love freelance salon! Diane is my stylist and she is basically the wonder woman of hair color. She had created a beautiful dark brown to blonde ombré for me which I loved, but a few months later I decided I wanted to go for a lighter strawberry blonde. Diane took me from the ombré to the exact light red that I wanted in one sitting, and my hair still felt soft and healthy afterwards! the color they use at freelance is top notch and I’ve never had color last as long as it does after my freelance dye jobs (and I’ve been dying my hair for over ten years at manyyyy different salons!!) Diane is the sweetest chick and I love catching up with her during my appointments. She always finds time to fit me in, even for last minute bang trims, and treats me like a true friend! I highly recommend both Diane and all the lovely ladies at freelance salon! (:

Amanda Nelson is an AMAZING !! She is the best hair dresser that has worked magic on my hair. She is the first to give me what I wanted and doing it in steps to make sure my hair continues to look healthy and fabulous. I am been getting on stop compliments and Amanda is very knowledgeable and professional!!! I look forward to my future appointments.
Service from all the ladies and men are great. Everyone always has smiles and in kind and nice. Cute, busy little shop and I’am sure whoever you have the pleasure of working on you will come out confident and happy with the services you receive.