Notorious For Hair

I asked for a brown to blonde bayalage fade and what I ended up with was cheap looking highlights. My stylist didn’t tell me until she was drying my hair that I couldn’t go that light in one sitting, whether or not that’s true, she should have told me that when I showed her the picture, not at the very end. And she goes on to say that I could come back in 2 weeks and she will just charge me for highlights to lighten it up more. No thanks, I don’t think I will be throwing more money their way. My hair looks nothing like the photo, it’s as if she didn’t even look at it. If she didn’t know how to do it, she shouldn’t have attempted it.

Mel at Notorious has made my hair look better than I ever thought possible. She really knows her stuff. I have been going to her for a while now and I have learned to listen to her advice because she is always right.

Kiana did my hair over the weekend and hooked up my color and my cut! She did a great job! I love it!

Love love love this salon! Jennifer & Courtney do a fabulous job w my blond highlights & blending in some low lights to keep my roots from coming back too soon– but I’m still the blonde I want to be! Amazing atmosphere in the salon– everyone is so fun & friendly! There’s always a fun conversation to join in & a lot of laughter!!! I love going to get my «hair did» — it’s a nice little oasis from real life.

I just love the atmosphere and friendly feel that I get here. They have been here over 25 years, so you know they are reliable.
The hair… Jennifer is magic. No matter how disastrous my hair is when I go in, it’s super tight when I walk out. What’s better than that?
I will be back again and again!

I came to try out Kiana at Notorious for hair since a few coworkers referred me. I am really picky because I have been growing my hair out for years and was really afraid to get it cut. I wanted layers and yet for my hair to still be long and Kiana did an amazing job. She really listened and understood what I wanted and I am very happy with her work. I will definitely be coming back !

A salesperson for this salon approached me while I was shopping at Target. I was caught off guard by the solicitation, especially inside an unaffiliated store, while I was minding my own business. The salesperson tried to sell me a discount salon package and wanted cash or my credit card right there in a random Target aisle. I was definitely not comfortable with that, and reported it to Target security just to be on the safe side. You never know who’s a scam artist these days.
The deal he offered seemed like a good price, and the other reviews certainly make this place sound good. Nevertheless, the questionable marketing tactics make me wary of their business practice. Sorry, guys. You can’t just go up to random people and ask for their credit card info. Not cool, and I won’t be going here.

I absolutely love this salon — relaxing atmosphere, excellent service, reasonable prices. I’ve known Julie for almost 20 years now and she’s awesome.

I have been going to this salon for over 15 years. They use Aveda products which are very gentle. I have thin hair that takes color fast and I have always had an amazing turn out. Janine is the best! She can do any cut I bring to her and is a color specialist! I have had my hair done by other hair stylists (Melanie and Jennifer) at Notorious as well and have had ONLY the best of service. Thank you Notorious!

Notorious for hair has been in business for 24 years and I KNOW WHY! All of the ladies are very friendly, talented and great! As a regular client of Jennifer Congernaum, I know how she goes above and beyond for her clients. Give this salon a try and you will not be disappointed!

Courtney is the BEST stylist you could want. Great cut and color, cooperative, and makes me look much younger and better than anyone else I have tried in San Diego!
She does a super hair wash and massage, will make recommendations for product that is good for your hair type, has a relaxed calm demeanor, and sincerely cares about how you look when she is finished. It may be a small thing to you but the shampoo sinks at Notorious are kind to my neck and do not get my shirt wet. Parking is easy at the side or back of the building. This is a place for you to try!

I’d like to commend this salon on being the first ever salon to singlehandedly ruin my hair and make it almost completely break/​fall out. Even worse is the owner clearly reads these but only chooses to apparently comment on those that are not necessarily legitimate, yet no apologies to anyone who seems to have the same issue I had.
Three months later: WORST hair experience ever. It’s almost totally fallen/​broken off/​out. To be further explained…
During my time in SD, I have been to several salons — even if just on a whim and as a one-​time customer. There is/​was Magnolia Salon, Dearringer, Robert Cromeans, etc. Never once, even if I just had a one-​time appt, did I have as horrible as an experience, as I had and continue to have (to be explained) from here. If I could go in a way back machine and go somewhere else, I would.
I strayed from my longtime salon, Indigo, in hillcrest due to price and boy do I regret it. A friend recommended this place and raved about it, so she clearly gets something different than I did though she gets both cut and color. I’ve had hair issues over the years due to — health issues as it is — hair loss/​resting phase/​telogen effluvium, thyroid, etc., esp moreso recently due to my doc putting me on an ayurvedic diet and it’s falling out faster than it can grow back in as I get healthy. So, to be fair to the salon, I have special hair needs. BUT, one thing that excited me about this salon is they apparently help cancer patients with hair loss — so I figured, surely they could help me!
Back to my experience, I warned the hair dresser about this issue as I didn’t want too much cut (seems to be losing more on the left side) but did need color — just highlights. When I told her about the loss, she looked puzzled which kind of worried me… (my thought process: uh, doesn’t the salon work with hair loss customers?) So, she mentioned that highlights are apparently harsher on hair as opposed to full color. Either way, I let her know my usual stylist does highlights and it’s usually great and I have no problems — In fact, it generally makes the hair itself plumper and my hair looks fuller. I will note, she was nice… at first. However, towards the end of our appt, as soon as her her next customer came in, she started to get rushed and didn’t want to style my hair. I asked her if she could cut more of my bangs and asked if I could quickly find a pic of myself on my phone and she gave her customer a look and then rudely said, ok, only if it’s quick, my next customer is here. Uhhhhhh, I watch the hair salon show on Bravo and if Tabitha saw this she would cringe. Since when is it the customer’s fault that the hairdresser took too long??? Well, that’s not the worst part…
Cut to a week or two later, I noticed that my hair became a funky texture — SUPER dry and brittle and then started falling out a ton more than usual. Then, as I started to look at the lost hair thinking it’s just my diet or hormones again, I realized it’s not just falling out at the root (with the bulb, etc), which is what I’m used to… it’s actually BREAKING off. The blond parts that she highlighted totally dried out and is now breaking and falling out. Literally, BREAKING. I have never had this issue when I have gone to Indigo. I don’t know what product this salon uses but even in its fragile state, my hair never broke. I know that Indigo uses Loreal which I have generally loved. I also know my stylist preps my hair before she puts color on — just so this does not happen. This salon, no idea on their brands (maybe Aveda), but now realize it’s clearly horrible and harsh. Then, to keep thinking back how she warned me that highlights are harsh — well, because it’s a horrible product! Needless to say, I’m so disappointed and have lost most of my hair so it’s now turning into a pixie. Apparently you get what you pay for — yes, Indigo can be pricey but this cheaper experience cost me most of my hair. I’d rather just shell out more money and walk out with a quality cut and color. I’ve always had rave reviews when I have left Indigo after getting my hair done. I regret cheating for cheapness.
Can’t say the same about this place. I know everyone’s hair is different, etc. but if you have special hair needs, I don’t recommend. I have always had special hair needs but it has never broken off this bad. I now have to get a boy hair cut and i’m scared to death to even color it again so I basically perpetually always have bad hair days.

I chose Notorious for my wedding hair and makeup because of its proximity to my wedding site. Coming from out of town, I had never been there before and couldn’t do a trial before the wedding. Luckily for me, everything turned out great!
Kiana and Nilah did makeup and hair for me and my bridesmaids. They listened to what each person was asking and then created a beautifully styled look. Our hair and makeup held up for a long day/​night of pictures and looked great even at the end of the day. They were both so nice and professional, and the price was reasonable. I can’t say enough how happy I was with their service. I was glad they were a part of my wedding day preparations, and the results were lovely.

Melanie is super friendly and gives positively beautiful cuts and style. I’ve seen her for years and even after moving I make the drive to see her.

I wouldn’t trust my hair to anyone else.
No one does me like Jennifer Congernaum!
Not only do you get an hour of beauty and pampering, you are blessed with the witty banter of one sassy, successful local comedienne, and she finishes the job with a shampoo scalp massage that will leave you purring.
I am always thrilled with my highlights and lowlights and color, though I suspect I am being undercharged for SO many foils on long wavy locks coming out to less than $ 60 before tip. And for the appointments when I need a perfect, flattering cut with all that color? Less than $ 100 total before tip!
Not sure if a color or style will work for you? Jennifer will be absolutely honest with you about working with the hair you have, she can help you start conservatively before going wild with a big change, and she will do just about anything to ensure your bliss.
Go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve it!

I have gone here for years! I switch up my hair color frequently and my stylist always listens to my needs and achieves exactly what I want! I have never left unsatisfied. Lately I’ve been getting a long layered cut and highlights– turns out beautifully every time. Before that, I had a blonde ombré that turned out perfectly. I remember frequently getting compliments and even had a hair stylist from another salon come up to me and ask about it, saying it was one of the best she’s seen! Way to make a girl feel special!
The salon is clean and inviting. Relaxing environment with hard wood floors and neutral painted walls. I am always warmly welcomed when I walk in. The receptionist is very friendly and always offers me something to drink– try their Aveda tea! It’s an Aveda concept salon so they sell Aveda products and the stylists are all knowledgable about Aveda and can answer any questions about your hair and what will work best for you. They also have a parking lot and there is always street parking right in front. Always a pleasant experience!

I love this salon! I drive down all the way from O.C. I get my hair cut and colored and I’m always happy with Julie, the owner, who always makes me feel special! Parking is easy, other girls in shop are friendly and the Customer service is great too!

This place is awesome, they have never let me down and the staff is so sweet. Its also hard to find a good salon in San Diego with plenty of parking. Makes it so much easier and less stressful to know that I’ll have a close place to park and won’t have to search for a spot. Thanks Notorious! You rock!

Love, Love, Love this place! I have been going here for many years and I have always loved the way my hair looked. I recently got it cut short and was very nervous but Julie made me feel very comfortable and I love the way it turned out. I have gotten so many compliments on my new do :-) The staff is very friendly and accommodating. There is tons of parking in their lot and on the street. I am a lifer!

Considering how many awards Notorious has I am shocked at the Unilocal reviews! I have gotten my hair done quite a few times and have had more then a wonderful experience. The same crew has been there for years and they are like a little family, so the salon brings a nice warm vibe with a hot mug filled with the best Aveda tea! Did I mention they only use Aveda products! I told my stylist Jennifer how I am tender headed and she used a wet brush on me v.s. ripping through it with a regular brush! If your looking for a one time deal this isn’t the place to go. But if your looking for a great Salon for consistency I recommend Notorious!