The Lab A Salon — Local services in San Diego

I unfortunately have to take away a few stars because the Lab A Salon has now lost me as a customer. I will keep my original review, however my main issue is with the hair stylist Alex, who was the one who cancelled on me the day of an appointment last time, and once again, did it to me yesterday.

I wanted to have Alex give me a hair cut because she has great reviews. Yet I never even had the chance to meet her because twice, she would cancel on me a few hours before claiming she was “very sick.” This time I wanted a new hair cut before New Year’s Eve and she once again screwed me over. The front desk conveniently said they had no other hair cuts available that day but would try to schedule me later in the week. I shouldn’t have had this happen to me twice. I find Alex to be very unprofessional, and she and the lab have now lost me as a customer. If you want someone reliable, I do not recommend Alex. I will not be returning to this hair salon. If they wanted to retain a customer they should seriously have considered offering me a large discount considering Alex did this to me twice.

Original review is below.

It was my first time at A Lab Salon. My original hair stylist cancelled just a few hours before which made it seem like something came up vs her just being sick, but they fortunately matched me with another friendly stylist named Kelle. She listened to what I wanted and styled my hair well. I just came in to get a hair cut, nothing fancy, no dying. With tip I paid $150, which is the most I’ve ever paid for a haircut and is why I docked a star.

I also told her I was unemployed and recently got a job again, so obviously the $125 without tip seemed a pit astronomical to me when the website says $95+. I was thinking AT MOST I’d pay $110. And because I believe people deserve to be tipped for a job well done, I tipped her 20%. I’m bummed because I liked the experience, but $150 for just a haircut on medium (not long) hair with no dye and some layers is just ridiculous in my opinion. I’ll debate coming back in the future, but would like them to consider their...

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...

I absolutely love coming to The Lab A Salon! From the moment I walk in, everyone is so welcoming and friendly, which always makes the experience even better.

My stylist, Catalina, has truly been my go-to girl since day one. She has such an amazing eye and always understands exactly what I want, but even more importantly, she knows what my hair actually needs. I really appreciate how she takes the time to listen, offer her professional advice, and make sure that I leave happy every single visit. Whether it’s just a simple cut and style or something more involved, she always nails it.

One of the main reasons I’ve stayed with Catalina for years is her Brazilian blowouts. I’ve been getting them with her consistently, and she’s absolutely incredible at them. I naturally have wavy, frizzy hair, and she transforms it into the smoothest, shiniest, most manageable version of itself every single time. The difference is night and day — my hair not only looks amazing when I leave the salon, but it also stays healthy and easy to style at home.

What I love most is that I can always trust Catalina’s expertise. She never rushes, she’s so detail-oriented, and you can tell she truly cares about her clients and their hair. I honestly can’t imagine going to anyone else for my Brazilians or even just a haircut. Every time I sit in her chair, I know I’m in...