Radar Salon — Local services in San Diego

I've been hopping around salons each year since I haven't quite found my favorite spot, but Radar may be the one I go back to from now on! I stumbled upon Radar on Yelp, and after reading a few reviews I decided to book an appointment. I wasn't sure who to choose as my stylist since it was my first time, so I looked on their Instagram and saw a few of their stylists' pages. Most people dabble in highlights or dyed hair, but I was just looking for a nice long layer cut. I ended up picking Tawny as I noticed she was just starting out and wanted to give some love to newcomers. Let's just say I was definitely happy with my choice!

PARKING - Small lot but not many active businesses, so parking is easy!

SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - There was a slight hiccup in booking, and I ended up being pushed back 30 minutes. They gave me a call 2 hours before my original appointment time, which isn't necessarily the biggest leeway of time, but luckily I had a slow work day and could flex my schedule. When I arrived, they offered water/tea/coffee, and had some candy jars in the waiting area. Really nice salon, tall ceilings, super brightly lit. Everything looked clean and upkept. I felt a sense of camaraderie amongst the stylists as they spoke with one another and with their respective clients, which always makes the experience a little more inviting.

EXPERIENCE - Although Tawny was held up with another client, she made sure to give me the rundown of what her plan was, which I appreciated given it was my first time and I didn't know what to expect. Her assistant washed and blew dry my hair to get me ready for my cut, and even though my shirt did get wet from the wash, I was still in good spirits given Tawny's friendly attitude. Once she was ready to cut my hair, she made sure to ask me how I felt about the length and what she was doing each step of the way. I really appreciated this because I'm super attached to my hair, and in previous experiences I ended up with WAY shorter hair than I expected. Tawny took the time to slowly trim my hair to a length I was happy with. She's honestly a ball of sunshine and the conversations we had made me feel like I was just talking to a new friend.

OVERALL - Radar is definitely a big contender for my forever salon! Although Tawny is new, she definitely knows what she's doing in terms of her skill and also customer service. If you're unsure about what to do or if you're scarred from previous haircuts, you won't have to worry about anything with Tawny - you'll be in...

I recently moved to San Diego from Denver and was in desperate need of a haircut and highlights. After so many bad experiences over the years of colorists highlighting my hair but it coming out splotchy or orange or brassy, I'm always reluctant to try someone new. I did a Google search and found that Radar had a ton of great reviews, especially for their 'blonding.' I called to book an appointment and spoke with Madison, who was super nice and patient, and she advised me to look at their Instagram to help me decide which stylist I'd like to see. After a few minutes, I knew Amber was my girl.

They initially couldn't book me until July (I called in early May) because she is so in demand, but they put me on her cancelation list and I was able to be seen after a couple weeks of waiting. Amber is incredibly sweet, easy to talk to, and you can tell she knows her stuff. While the entire process was a little bit long for me- 5 hours for some considerable roots, ends needs lightening, then the toning and haircut and styling- I knew it would be worth it. And it was! I don't think my hair has ever looked better. My husband let it a "wow" when he saw me and kept complimenting how beautiful I looked.

My only other hang up was the price. I was very lucky in Denver to have been paying a crazy reasonably price of about $250 for color/cut/style after seeing the same girl for about 5 years. I knew coming into Radar that I would be paying a lot more than I'm used to, and I did, but it was worth it. And I don't get my hair colored often so I think I can make this stretch for a while and get my money's worth.

All in all, Amber is without question the best stylist for blonde hair that I've seen in about 20 years of getting my hair...

I am a fairly new client at Radar Salon, but Kris (IG @queenkris_) is the woman that keeps me coming back! She was recommended by an old friend who I know has very similar hair to mine (long, thick, and natural jet black hair). I was skeptical since I live in OC and the drive, along with my hair appointment, tends to be an all day venture, but I'm glad I took the chance to see Kris!

My first appointment was about 6 months ago and my hair was over processed with lightener and heat lamps over the years from previous stylists. Kris and her awesome assistant, Heather (IG @stopdropandchopit), took their time to listen to what I wanted and explain their process, but also gave recommendations for long-term hair care from washing, conditioning, brushing, and drying correctly to ensure my hair was well cared for. I got the full head highlight and cut. My hair always takes longer than stylists expect since it is so thick and full, but Kris and Heather took great care of me (and my hair) with a positive and upbeat attitude the whole appointment.

I returned to Kris a couple weeks ago and I did not come with any inspo pics because I not only loved what she did last time, but I was torn if I wanted to try something different a year ahead of my wedding. Kris talked me through my options and again did an amazing job. She also gave me full recommendations for products and I can already tell the difference it is making in the health of my hair.

My entire experience at Radar Salon has been nothing but the best. The other hair stylists all seem like they have great vibes as well which makes it very welcoming. I highly recommend you see Kris and see the amazing difference she makes...