Studio D

Don Gonzalez is a hair god! I am VERY picky when it comes to my hair. I have been going all the way to the LA area to see a previous stylist for 6 years, but Don came highly recommended. I had a zillion expectations, and no real goal for my hair other than «fix it». He was patient, listening to my rambling list of goals, and created the best cut I have ever had! It’s so easy to style, good with my face shape, and I get compliments everywhere! Bonus: he gives a great head massage, is sweet and fun, and the salon is gorgeous.

Studio D is great! I received the best haircut and styling I’ve ever received in my life from Willie Lizardo. He knew exactly what I wanted and even challenged me to go a bit shorter, which I entrusted him with and am glad I did.
Willie is the greatest, and I can’t wait for my next appointment, whenever that is!

Rita and Daniel are my hairdo dream team. They come at a price, but I’ve always been happy with the results of their deep knowledge and experience.
My hair is long and naturally mousy blonde. Rita has taken me from rich brown to bright blonde and everywhere in between. She is always excited to try something new and the results are always fabulous (check out the picture i’ve posted of the blonde). Daniel always finds a way to make long, straight hair interesting, fresh and sexy.
Go see the dream team — you won’t be disappointed.

I am so sorry to write a bad review. But this is what happened to be a terrible hair experience on a customer service and technical standpoint. I’m still cleaning up after 2 visits to another stylist.
I ordered the Bloomspot Balyage for Jessi Kiyomi hair services and had them tendered second week of January.
When I arrived for my 5pm appointment, another client arrived at at 4:45 (in my appointment slot 5:00) getting to get her hair fixed from her botched cut. Things happen, I’m understanding — however after the client left, she verbally bashed her right after she walked out the door! I had to sit and listen to her vent about the woman I just saw being perfectly cordial and really nice considering she had to make a second trip. It’s not professional and put me in a weird spot to have to agree with her, even though I didn’t. A customer is always right to me, and hair is so expensive, you should ask for the best.
My service should have taken 2 hours, and took 3 ½ hours. She works very slow. During this entire time, she told me things about her father possibly being gay (oversharing), over sweeping statements on an entire country (discrimination), and about her poor body image (self-​esteem). I did not sit passively, rather told her I’m tired and don’t feel like talking, wishing this whole experience would be over soon so I can run out the door. I was exhausted from a long night prior, and just wanted to be relaxing in the chair reading my kindle. I kept pulling it out and reading it, and she’d start talking. «I’m really tired» I’d repeat and try and read — she’d quiet down for a bit before starting to chat about «How she’s chatty and some people like that.?» What? Are you offended at the fact that I don’t want to be your best friend or therapist right now?
Toward the end of my hair coloring, a gentlemen came in who was awaiting a beard trim. She started to rush though the final stages of my coloring, which happened to be the pieces near my face. Which are the ones you want to look really nice, since that’s what everyone sees. Right there, I can actually see where she applied the color too heavily in certain places and it’s splotchy/​streaky! After he was done with his trim, she sat in the lobby just chatting it up with him for what seemed like forever. I should have been sitting under a heat source, because the color never finished developing properly.
ALL OVER — the color goes from yellow (brassy) to blond. It’s actually mostly yellow, and I’m all washed out. The color is terrible and I’m so upset. I was very clear at the start of the session — I look bad in warm reddish colors, and it makes me look well, ruddy because of the skin I have. Platinum isn’t great either and makes me look funky. I look good in neutral/​beige colors.
Last but not least, the cut is poorly executed. Parts of it hang heavily, and it’s uneven where I part my hair. Hair is supposed to move nicely and not have a big thick chunk. I can’t even believe it! I have mostly attended the Cinta Aveda teaching salon, where the students have less than a year under their belt. This «professional» really did a number on my hair.
I tried to be cool about it, and reschedule with her. A toner and focus applying the bleach on the botched places would remedy it. However I’ve called her twice and I’ve been unable to schedule with her. I had no idea that she only works twice a week, and I’m not willing to miss work to get an early appointment. It’s not fair to me to miss out on pay, because she’s the one who screwed up, royally. I’m also dreading sitting in her chair as her personal therapist. I should get paid for it, not the other way around.
I’ve gone to another salon to fix this color and crappy haircut. It’s taken two processes and it’s almost back to normal. I’m not sure I’d even go back to her if someone paid me to. On the brightside, Bloomspot was amazing and gave me a store credit for what happened. Even though, I’ve paid MORE having it fixed elsewhere.
BUYER BEWARE.

Daniel is the BEST! He is truly an artist and cuts hair in such a way that it looks amazing not just when you leave the salon but for many weeks after. I have been going to him for over a decade, following him from salon to salon. Studio D is a fantastic spot, it is flooded with light and is right off of Union Square. I have thick hair that is very fine and I don’t like to spend more than a few minutes on it before leaving the house. Daniel works with the natural curves in my hair to give layers movement making my styling effortless. He has a keen eye for what will work best with your facial features and can create any look you are interested in having. He is a joy to spend time with and makes getting your haircut feel like an escape and an exhale.

Monica Epps is magic with color! I have been following her from salon to salon in San Fran for the past 7 years. If you are looking for natural brilliance, Monica, is your hair angel. Studio D is an amazing space with light and soothing positive energy.

I am a professional exec and I need to look my best pretty much all the time. Daniel’s talents are second to none. I cannot recommend him enough.

I just recently had THE RED CARPET TREATMENT at Studio D with Daniel Freeman! I had the Keratin Treatment/​Conditioning treatment and my hair several days later feels like silk! I believe this will last a few weeks and it is especially great after having my hair hi-​lighted by Monica! She always does a great job and I leave there with my hair looking natural just the way I like it! The grey is gone – ! My whole family goes to Daniel and my twins-​boys age 13 always love their chats with Daniel and staff! It is a friendly place and they are very attentive to your needs! Daniel listens and cuts hair the way one suggests; but I always let him use his expertise and I leave there feeling like a new woman! Give it a try and you will be happy – change is always good-​and you will not be disappointed! Best! Sheila OK

I have been to Daniel Freeman three times now since finally acknowledging I can’t keep scheduling haircuts around trips to NYC (where I lived until 1.5 years ago). I couldn’t be happier with the results. Each cut has turned out beautifully and continues to grow out well and hold the style well after I leave the salon.
My hair philosophy is simple. I don’t color my hear (I’m 35 but don’t have a lot of gray yet) and I don’t use expensive products… BUT I invest in a good cut. Daniel is highly worth it!

Do you believe in magic? I certainly do after Daniel Freeman worked his magical talents with Brazilian Keratin Straightening Treatment. It’s 4 days now and for the first time in my life, I’m out in the famous San Francisco fog sans hat. My hair is finally fabulous! No frizzies growing by the hour! My office colleagues were in awe this morn when they saw the difference and I’m just wondering why I waited all my life to do this? Oh well, great things are worth waiting for:)

The first time I heard of Daniel was from a friend who had amazingly long Asian hair that was perfectly layered. I was very happy with my haircut even though I have never paid this much for an hair cut before (~$ 120 tip included). I lost contact with him for a while after he left Red Chair but was happy to rediscover him on Unilocal.He also did my wedding hair which looked great and I trusted him so much I didn’t even do a test run. He is the only hairstylist I have had in SF that made me feel incredible when I walk out of his salon.

He’s just great! Daniel has been my stylist for many, many years. Every time I walk away from the salon, I love my hair. I have long straight hair which is a wash and go style (low maintenance!). Daniel’s cuts are done so well that when my hair grows long, the haircut still looks great and I can still appreciate his work 3 – 4 months after my last visit. I simply get a lot of compliments on my hair especially when my hair is freshly washed, and often times friends ask if I had another hair cut. He’s totally two thumbs up and is highly recommended. Plus, Daniel is super mellow and fun to visit with. He is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but worth every dollar.
Also, Daniel’s current location in Union Square is easily accessible by BART, as well as all the other public transportation which stops in downtown SF.

I found Daniel on Unilocal and have to give a 5 star shout out because he really is the best. He works magic and it’s refreshing to come out of his chair. I drive all the way from the south bay just to see him.
Added bonus: Book online, salon is quiet, friendly, and is in a great location.

If you are looking for a great stylist and a really great cut, look no farther! Daniel has been cutting my hair for about 2 ½ years now. I followed him from Red Chair Salon to his new location in Union Square at Barry Brimmell. Daniel is a fantastic stylist ! He takes into consideration how I manage my hair from day to day (I run most days of the week and wear ponytails more than I should). I have long layers and my cut lasts about 8 weeks with the style looking as good as it did when I left the salon. I am always so happy when I blow it out and the layers are still bouncy and fresh 2 months after a cut. I feel like I have super model hair. The new location is great. The products are all natural as Eric C. mentioned in his review and they smell wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about Daniel. Give him a try!

I moved to SF about 3.5 years ago and I’ve probably been to 5 – 10 different hair stylists. I initially read about Daniel in Allure magazine and decided after being disappointed with all my other hair-​cuts, that I would try him out. And I’m so glad I did– he seriously is the best hair stylist I have ever been to, in SF, and elsewhere. He really knows what styles will work best for your hair and he’s also very conscientious about how you will style it after you leave the salon. My husband now goes to Daniel as well and is willing to pay the price for an awesome hair cut. Every friend of mine who I’ve sent has also been very pleased with his work. I would recommend Daniel to anyone who wanted a great hair-​cut.

I am extremely pleased how my hair looks professional, trendy, and easy to manage. Daniel Freeman has so much experience that you can read some of his old reviews on Unilocal when he worked at Red Chair Salon. He has now moved to an amazing location in the City. The 16^th floor view over Union Square are breathtaking and relaxing. I was there on a sunny Saturday and it was my first time with Daniel after he left the other Salon. His new salon is quaint and personable, with 6 chairs, small waiting area, and clean white walls. Starting with analyzing how my head is shaped and how my natural hair line ends, Daniel really thinks how to make your hair look great. I’ve had many experiences at different hair salons, like everyone, and always wondered why my fiancée was so picky about her stylists. I figured this out when I went to Daniel where it’s hair art rather than a barbershop. Now I don’t have to put a bunch of product in my hair because the cut determines how my hair looks. Styling with a little product makes it look ever better! I have thick Asian hair that if not cut correctly, like how it was my whole life, can become an Asian Fro; thick and unruly. The location is easy to go with your significant other because you can go shopping/​hang out at Union Square while the other is getting their cut.
My fiancée had the appointment right after mine and it worked out perfectly. No waiting, no hassles, no problems. Perfect! Oh and the products they use there are all natural. I’m not a hippie or anything but I do like the idea of not putting chemicals in me. I think the hair products are Rene Furterer Paris. Now we’ll see if my fiancée will write a review and let you Unilocalers know how she liked her experience.
All in all, I had a great experience and would recommend Daniel for his services to anyone. Professional and experienced. He’s goooood. No, he’s grrrrreat. Great men’s hair cuts and I’m sure my fiancée will say great woman’s cuts too.